22 Handicrafts HANDICRAFTS
Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn’t hurt the untroubled spirit, either.
- Elizabeth Zimmerman
74424 WOODCARVING: Book I Basic Techniques by Ian Norbury
Here is a book readers will want to keep by their workbench while they learn an engrossing and rewarding craft that will last them a lifetime. Written by a leading author, exponent and teacher of woodcarving, it shows how to approach the craft in an
uncomplicated and straightforward way. Each of the 17 easy-to-carve projects has been carefully chosen to introduce new techniques, and build up experience and confidence. They are small, useful and fun to make, and most can be completed in a few days or over a weekend. You do not have to buy expensive wood. You can use ‘found’ wood such as off-cuts, or seasoned fruit wood from the garden. There is useful information about gouges and other tools such as knives and files, and the techniques of relief carving, knife work, carving in the round and working with burrs and rasps. When you get a look at the fun Fish Platter, the Forest Trees Mirror, the Dragon Clothes Hanger and the Dolphin Shelf Bracket you will want to start in on this new skill straight away! 86 softback pages 28cm x 21.5cm with more than 250 photographs and detailed drawings, coloured photographs of the finished projects, suggested examples of further work and the wood species that are best for carving.
£12 NOW £6.50
74091 COMPLETE BOOK OF PATCHWORK QUILTING AND APPLIQUÉ by Linda Seward
First published over 20 years ago and now thoroughly revised and updated, this new edition celebrates the public’s demand for craft books. Popularly known as ‘the quilter’s
bible’, it is the most comprehensive reference work to the techniques of patchwork, quilting and appliqué, covering every process and answering every technical question. There are more than 1,000 easy-to-follow step-by-step illustrations. In the introduction, the basics are explained, with templates, machine stitches, details of fabric, equipment needed, cutting, hand sewing, machine sewing, pressing and finishing techniques. Readers will also find instructions on how to make many different styles of quilts, as well as other projects including clothing. Our favourites are the Sashiko, attractive quilted jackets, originally made by Japanese wives, but equally useful for westerners. 184 softback pages 26cm x 25.5cm in green, black and white, with colour plates and a colour key. £16.99 NOW £5
74273 KNITTING GOES LARGE: 20 Designs to Flatter
Your Figure by Sharon Brant These are gorgeous pieces of knitware to flatter the fuller figure from size 16 upwards, from size 38- 48 inch bust. They are easy-to- wear knits including cardigans, jackets, sweaters, tunics and tops plus scarves, stoles and bags which
will appeal to knitters for all seasons. We love the cabled swing shoulder bag, the twisted rib cardigan and the fine lacy peplum jacket, all very flattering swing jacket designs and lacy tunics to a more traditional Fair Isle sweater, one of the many designs by Wendy Baker. Beautifully photographed in colour and with full instructions, charts and diagrams. The patterns come in six sizes starting from size 16, 20 great designs in total for varying figure types. 136 very large pages in softback.
$24.95 NOW £6.50
74402 NEEDLECRAFT: Skills, Techniques, 65 Practical Projects
by Lucinda Ganderton This must be the most comprehensive book ever for readers who are longing to learn the basic techniques of embroidery, needlepoint, appliqué, knitting, crochet, dyeing, fabric-stripping,
cross stitch, machine embroidery, or smocking, or how to deal with ribbons, bows, tassels, pompoms, beads, sequins and buttons. It provides crystal clear, step-by- step photos, details of tools and materials and explanations of each craft, covering even the most elementary stages to ensure complete confidence and success. As well as being a guide to skills, the volume provides a delightful collection of practical projects with which to use your new-found expertise. These cover a range of decorative and useful items from samplers, curtains and cushion covers to mobiles, hair slides, baby gifts and jewel boxes. Inspirational examples from both traditional and contemporary needleworkers are also featured throughout. 256 softback pages 22cm x 17cm, plus space for your own notes, with 1,000 close-up photographs in colour, templates, list of suppliers, glossary and conversion tables. ONLY £4.50
72458 KNIT SOCKS! by Betsy Lee McCarthy A big sturdy hardback in the shape of a sock. Here are 15 cool patterns for toasty feet in a special import. Rock ‘n’ ribbed, fireside stripes, lace socks, low-roll sporty, a soft luxurious Shadow Box sock, a sock with words
knitted in, chequered textures and classic, cuffed anklets with contrasting trim and toes. 144pp. £10.99 NOW £2.50
72974 DESIGNING CELTIC
ORNAMENT by David Balade More than 200 of the designs can be reproduced for use. Individual chapters examine the major patterns of their ornamentation: spirals, interlace, labyrinths, beasts and the many modifications they underwent
throughout the ages. There are also step-by-step instructions on how to create 20 of the most iconic motifs. 241 pages 22cm by 22cm, 400 colour illus. £9.95 NOW £3.50
73254 CLASSIC QUILTS: Contemporary Style by Reiko Washizawa
Learn how to piece 14 traditional star patterns and how to create more than 45 different quilt projects. Whether you hand-piece and hand-quilt, like the author, or use your machine, the projects are broken down into detailed visual instructions. Would you like to create a larger quilt? Or maybe share the piecing experience with fellow quilters in a round robin? Maybe you would prefer to create a mini-quilt, or even a tote bag. 191 pages 25cm x 21cm, colour photos. $27.99 NOW £6
73525 FIGURES IN WATERCOLOUR by Carole Massey
The book tackles specific areas of figure work in turn, introducing the basics of anatomy and proportion, focussing for example on colour mixing for flesh tones, studying heads and hands, providing helpful hints on tackling movement, demystifying the process with clear, step-by-step demonstrations. Large softback, 48pp. £6.99 NOW £3
73252 ANATOMY AND FIGURE DRAWING ARTIST’S HANDBOOK
edited by Viv Foster
Illustrated throughout with beautiful drawings that will inspire readers to take up their pencils, this comprehensive guide instructs would-be artists in a very wide range of techniques and materials. There is an extensive section on
drawing materials and equipment, including charcoal, pastels and chalk, and hand- or machine-made and speciality papers. In the chapter on anatomy, readers will find detailed diagrams of skeletons, the muscular system and male and female figures in different poses, with special tips on drawing both the nude and the clothed figure. Students are guided into working with a combination of finely focused observation and a logical and technical approach, including the method of ‘gridding’. 224 tough, ring-bound pages in colour and b/ w with glossary, 20 x 16cm. $18.99 NOW £6
73603 MEMORIES OF A LIFETIME: Borders
and Frames: Book and CD by Paige Hill This series provides paper and fabric crafters with a wealth of copyright-free decorative art that you can download from the enclosed CD, photocopy, or just use the perforated pages as they are. Here are pretty floral garlands, hearts, scrollwork and other sophisticated, inspiring designs. A sweet baby page, a memories notebook, a memory box, a flower thank-you card or a decorative handkerchief for a gift. 57 pages 28cm x 21.5cm in dazzling colour. FREE CD containing hundreds of high-quality images. £11.99 NOW £4
73794 READER’S DIGEST ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME
MANUAL by Reader’s Digest The first task is to survey your home room by room assessing energy efficiency in all its aspects, for instance central heating in the living areas and ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom. The book’s “10 Ways to Conserve Energy” reveal that leaving appliances on
standby can represent as much as 10% of a home’s energy consumption. Radiators should be assessed not only for whether they are performing badly as a result of sediment but also for their distribution round the circuit. Instructions are given for updating an obsolete programmer, replacing an immersion heater and other key skills. DIY double glazing and loft insulation are covered step-by-step, including lagging a loft-hatch door, and there are substantial sections on water-related installations such as taps, toilets, and guttering. 128pp, spiral-bound, colour illus and step-by-step diagrams. £9.99 NOW £4.50
71553 CREATIVE FASHION DRAWING by Noel Chapman and Judith Cheek In addition to providing step-by-step tuition, the book showcases an exciting range of work by fashion designers and illustrators like Patrick Morgan, Bruce Robbins, Neil Greer and Paul Wearing. How to draw bags for men and women, shoes, technical or specification flaps using CAD, getting the details right like stitching and knitwear details, looking at luxury, hardwearing fabrics, animal prints, fur and brocade and on keeping and using a sketchbook. 160 huge pages in softback, colour and line art. £12.99 NOW £2.75
71768 PERFECT CURTAINS: Smart Solutions,
Fabulous Fabrics and Inspiring Designs by Stephanie Hoppen
More than 200 stylish ideas, showing you how to decorate with an expert’s eye. From crisp naturals to romantic sheers and from stone-washed velvets in jewel tones to rustic ginghams and stripes, not to mention wools, you can easily design curtains that are special to you. But that is not all. Here are the basics of fitting and layering curtains, measuring windows, estimating fabric quantities and choosing poles and finials. 192 pages 24cm x 29cm. Colour. $35 NOW £3
72067 SOAPBOX BIBLE: How to Build Your
Own Soapbox, Buggy or Go-Cart by Julian Bridgewater and Glyn Bridgewater Remember soapbox carts or go-carts? The thrill of going way too fast down a hill on a wood and pramwheeled contrivance with no brakes? Reclaiming materials and simple woodworking and metalworking techniques, detailed diagrams and step-by-step instructions for ten dream-machine projects including an Off-Roader, Three- Wheeler, Dragster, Streamlined Racer, Pedal-Powered Cart, Wind-Powered Cart, Petrol-Engined Cart and even an Electric-Powered Cart. Plus trick steering and brakes. Colour photos, 160pp. $16.95 NOW £3.50
72318 MY MASTERPIECE: Japanese Gilded
Panel Kit by The Metropolitan Museum of Art The 12 page colour booklet gives you all the instructions you need to make and frame a gilded panel based on a Japanese folding screen. Simply tuck your completed masterpiece into the pocket inside this box and hang your work on the wall for everyone to admire. The pack includes one card stock panel with pre-printed design, two sheets of gold foil, one wooden burnishing tool, paint in four colours, one paint brush and one disposable paper palette. £9.99 NOW £3.50
72437 CHAMELEON QUILTS: Versatile Looks
Using Traditional Patterns by Margrit Hall The easy instructions are aimed at beginners and experts alike, and there are 19 unique projects, from quilts and tablecloths to place mats and pillows, with 33 reusable templates. See the lovely Wine in the Pines multi- coloured tablecloth, tasteful shopping tote bags and more. From block construction to borders and from tools and patterns to quilt assembly, here is all the advice you need to transform your home into a bright and comfortable sanctuary. 126 paperback pages, 21cm x 27.5cm, 200 step-by-step attractive photos in colour, diagrams, reusable templates. £15.99 NOW £4
72439 CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING by Pauline Cherrett
With just a few brush strokes you can depict the spirit of whatever you are painting, just enough to make it recognisable and convey its character. There is a variety of styles - Ghongi is often called outline or contour painting, while Xieyi is a freestyle or more ‘spiritual’ form. Grouped by animals like the snake, fish and reptiles, fish with lotus, insects, large birds, fruit, Bougainvillea, the Meilin orchid and other flowers and leaves. 160pp in large softback, colour photos. £6.99 NOW £3
72445 COMPLETE PHOTO GUIDE TO CREATIVE PAINTING
by Paul Guhin and Geri Greenman You could start with soft pastel, or oil pastel, and progress to opaque water mediums such as tempera and gouache, or plunge straight in with oils, acrylic paint or transparent watercolour. Whatever you decide, the authors will provide guides to brushes, tools and other materials, the techniques you will have to master and the special effects that you will be able to achieve with that particular medium. There are even suggested budget boosters. 224 pages 21cm x 27.5cm, 700 large dazzling colour photos. £16.99 NOW £4.50
72461 PAINTING YOUR GARDEN by Lesley Hollands
John Singer Sargent, Bonnard, Monet, Helen Allingham, Adrian Berg, Patrick Heron, Ivon Hitchens and Matisse are just a few of the painters whose work is worth exploring in this context. This beautiful book uses a step- by-step approach dealing with more intimate aspects of a garden and covers a range of approaches to painting in oils and watercolour. Plus adding figures, birds and animals, vegetables, fruits, sheds and even tools. 160pp in huge softback, wonderful colour photos. £16.99 NOW £5
72476 SILK FLOWERS FOR EVERY SEASON by Diane D. Flowers
There is no need for expensive vases or special tools to make these 34 creative projects and designs. Diane shows you how to turn foam and paper into unique containers using floral adhesive and hot glue, and how to use flea-market finds like tea cups, wicker baskets, troughs and jugs to create small arrangements you can group or scatter throughout a room. We love the beautiful wreath and garland of autumn leaves, summertime bright colours mixing tulips with azaleas and roses. Step-by-step colour photos. Softback, 128pp. $19.99 NOW £3
72484 TWINKLE’S TOWN AND COUNTRY KNITS by Wenlan Chia
Knitters are whisked to picturesque locations such as the California Coast and the farms of New England to enjoy 30 chic, classic designs from Wenlan Chia, as featured in Vogue. There is a sky blue sweater with feather edging openwork, a long coral and pink skirt with wavy stripes, a Copenhagen hooded dress, a Monterey jazz sweater with v-neckline and broad ribs, a printmaker’s pullover with simultaneously worked raglan shaping and key Twinkle tailoring tricks and a beautiful delicate vintage feel to the spiralling Middlebury scarf among them. Full instructions, templates, shaping and neck tables, stitch patterns, sizing. Colour. 160 pages. £22.99 NOW £4
72759 DIY PLUMBING AND HEATING edited by Jo Bourne et al
Well-bound 2012 edition of the Reader’s Digest DIY Plumbing and Heating. 100 pages of the book are given over to the maintenance and repair jobs that are within the scope of the homeowner and include draining down a heating system, repairing a burst pipe, repairing a faulty cistern, dealing with an airlock, replacing a bidet, basin or WC pan, plumbing in a washing machine or dishwasher, balancing a radiator circuit, replacing a radiator valve, changing a central heating pump and preventing a winter freeze-up. Over 40 of the most common jobs altogether. Colour photos, diagrams. 128pp.
£9.99 NOW £5
73772 CONSERVATORIES: A Complete Guide by Julian Owen
A conservatory need not be at ground level, and some of the most attractive examples are built on the roof of a ground-floor extension. Detailed planning is essential and this book has advice on choosing an affordable architect, contracting with builders, applying for permissions and negotiating with your neighbours. Plumbing and electricals are covered in detail, and diagrams in cross-section demonstrate the
difference between pile and beam or concrete raft foundations, and the choice between different materials for the floor. There are checklists, tips, sample forms, colour photos and diagrams. 175pp.
£16.99 NOW £5
72486 VINTAGE BABY KNITS: More than 40 Heirloom Patterns from the 1920s to the 1950s by Kristen Rengren
For years, the author has collected vintage pattern booklets and has now updated them for modern knitters and their babies. We are sure that knitters will revel in these delightful projects, from Rupert the Lion, Elmer the Elephant and Horace the Horse to the striped socks, the nursing shawl and the attractive christening gown. 160 pages, 25cm x 22cm, colour photos, diagrams, lists of resources, tools, abbreviations and special techniques. £14.99 NOW £5
72757 READER’S DIGEST COMPLETE GUIDE TO SEWING published
by Reader’s Digest Subtitled ‘Step-By-Step Techniques for Making Clothes and Home Accessories’. First published in 1978, Reader’s
Digest Complete Guide to Sewing has become the standard stitch-and-seam reference book for both beginners and seasoned sewers. This updated edition is packed with time-saving hints and tips. With it, you will learn how to select the right equipment, choose the perfect fabric and use the correct technique for every project. You will soon find out how to finish every garment or home accessory with elegant touches that reflect your personal style, and be inspired by 20 brand- new Simplicity patterns. 384 pages 26cm x 23.5cm, colour photos and diagrams. £19.99 NOW £5
72620 MADE AT HOME: A Guide to Simple Sewing by Lisa Stickley
With thorough instruction, templates and fabulous designs, the 30 original projects designed by Lisa Stickley include aprons, a shoe bag, laundry bag, bed spread, suit carrier, appliqué pillow, hot water bottle cover, indoor and outdoor cushions, winter curtains, ottoman cover, Roman shade, seat cushion, shopping bag, egg cozy, table runner, napkins and more. Button holes, applying a zip, seams and much more. 144pp in huge softback. $22.99 NOW £3
72629 QUICK COLOURFUL QUILTS FOR
BEAUTIFUL BEDS by Rosemary Wilkinson Brighten up your bed with one of 14 stunning, warm and wonderful quilts for double, queen and kingsize beds. There are traditional designs with modern fabrics, each with four alternative colour schemes, quick and easy techniques, methods explained and helpful diagrams with full instructions for beginners. With notes on cutting, stitching, adding borders and assembling the blocks throughout. Favourites include Irish Romance and Prairie Plaid, Tangerine Sunburst and City Slicker. Colour photos, 112pp, large softback. $24.95 NOW £5
72725 MAKE ME I’M
YOURS...CUSHIONS by Alice Butcher, Ginny Farquhar et al The book is divided into three sections - Sofa So Good, Gorgeous Gifts and So to Bed. Every one of the 17 projects has simple step-by-step instructions and a complete list of all the items needed, techniques and templates and what to look for when shopping for fabric. The addition of a button, bead or charm embellishment can provide the perfect finishing touch and make your project truly unique. Details on seed beads, buttons, sequins and more. Colour photos, 124pp. £9.99 NOW £3
72739 SCRAP QUILT SENSATION by Katharine Gerrier
Here is a collection of designs, many of them open to individual interpretation, so that your quilts will be unique and not just copies, and many with a contemporary twist on the traditional patterns. The full range of skill levels is covered, from very simple quilts using squares to more complex pieces, all with full step-by-step instructions. Fabric notes accompanying each quilt offer advice on colour and material choices. Templates, can be cut from paper using the measurements given with each pattern. 121 paperback pages 28cm x 21.5cm with photos in colour, list of resources. £15.99 NOW £5.50
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72740 SEWING ANSWER BOOK by Barbara Weiland Talbert
How do I use my body measurements to choose a pattern? When should I use a French seam and how do I make one? How do I finish the facing around a zip on the inside of a garment? This is a wonderfully detailed handbook to solve all your problems and answer all your questions about stitch lengths, hand sewing and speciality needles, using multi sized patterns, thread tension, preshrinking fabrics, zigzag options, waistline pockets and sleeves and masses more. 431pp. £9.99 NOW £3.50
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