Crafting / DIY

10 Secrets of the LaidBack Knitters speaks to all levels of knitters who want to enhance and expand their knitting experience in joyful and substantive ways. With humor and insight, authors Vicki Stiefel and Lisa Souza illustrate how to become a laidback knitter--one who enjoys the process as much as the product. Join in and be inspired by the mix of people, patterns, and places in their knitting world; follow the steps they took; and discover the secrets that set them along this path. 10 Secrets contains a wealth of other valuable and fun information including profiles, websites and other resources the authors can't live without, information on fibers, spinning, and crochet, and much more!

Additionally, an amazing collection of twenty-seven patterns--complete with instructions and charts--fills the book with elegant shawls, chic sweaters, and colorful scarves from a spectrum of designers, all beautifully photographed in full-color.

This is a book that gives knitters permission to relax and have fun; to see that knitting can be as much about process as about the finished product, and know that the stitches they knit can express the inner joy they feel. The exciting patterns--aimed at knitters from beginners to experienced--complement the books exuberant purpose and style.

Each stitch is rated for difficulty and is laid out with a decorative stitched sample and clear instructions.

Everything is coming up roses with this delightful collection of flowers to knit and crochet. The perfect way to use up scraps of yarn or practice using novelty yarns, you can use them to decorate clothing, hats, bags and belts, embellish home accessories, or make a beautiful bouquet as an unusual display piece.
Choose from simple spiral roses, pretty poppies, elaborate layered blooms, and fabulous felted flowers. The flowers are beautifully arranged on the pages, with stitched leaves and embroidered stems, and are cross referenced to a separate section featuring clear pattern instructions and information on yarn requirements.
You will also find plenty of inspiration for embellishing your finished flowers with beads, buttons, sequins, and embroidery, plus ideas for using them in a range of fun ways, from unusual jewellery to decorating gift-wrapped packages.

A collection of 100 knitting charts and patterns for designs based on decorative tiles.

Decorative tiles have long been a source of inspiration for designers and artists due to their often intricate patterns and colours. This collection of knitting patterns and charts includes 100 designs inspired by decorative ceramic tiles from around the world.

Choose from brightly coloured colourwork designs to simple textured motifs that evoke everything from Victorian floor tiles to the intricate and brightly coloured designs of ancient temples and palaces.

Using a variety of different colourwork knitting techniques such as stranded knitting, mosaic knitting, and intarsia, as well as textured and lace knitting techniques and special stitches, a number of talented knitting designers have developed their own interpretations for you to create with yarn.

All of the tiles are made using Metropolis, a 4 ply yarn by Scheepjes but you can supplement it with any 4ply yarn that meets the gauge (tension) recommendations. These knitted tile patterns are the perfect stash buster projects as they only use small amounts of yarn and they're a great way to try out different knitting techniques on a small scale.

The tiles are constructed using a number of different knitting techniques including working in rows, modular knitting and centre out knitting so there are lots of different methods to try. All the knitting stitches and techniques you will need to make the motifs are included in the techniques section along with helpful step-by-step artworks and instructions.

In addition to the motif patterns there are instructions for five knitting projects to show how specific tiles can be used to make blankets, pillow cases, a needlecase and a knitted bag. Or why not mix and match your favourite designs to create your own blankets or throws? This unique collection of 100 exciting designs will continue to inspire and delight knitters of all abilities.

**REVISED & EXPANDED EDITION AVAILABLE -- THE BIG BOOK OF HOMEMADE PRODUCTS FOR YOUR SKIN, HEALTH & HOME**


Go Green in Every Part of Your Life with These Easy, All-Natural Herbal Products

Kick toxic, synthetic skin care products and cleaners out the door and bring the healing joy of nature into your life with the simple, versatile projects in 101 Easy Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health & Home. In this incredible resource, Jan Berry teaches you the basics of making your own skin care and hair care products, health remedies and household cleaners--then how to customize them into truly unique and personalized items! You'll learn how to make:

- Honey, Rose & Oat Face Cleanser
- Cool Mint Body Wash
- Basic Calendula Lotion
- Floral Salt Foot Scrub Bars
- Basil & Lime Lip Balm
- Lavender Oatmeal Soap
- Violet Flower Sore Throat Syrup
- Thyme Counter Cleaner
- Lavender Laundry Detergent
- And so much more!

All of the projects are easy to make and use commonly found herbs, flowers, oils and other natural ingredients. No fancy equipment or previous experience required! If you don't have a certain ingredient on hand, Jan provides tips on how to substitute and what works best. Going green has never been easier or more affordable. With this book, you can use local, natural ingredients to make something beautiful, effective and good for you and your family.

Expand your herbal product collection with these other books in Jan Berry's bestselling series:
- Simple & Natural Soapmaking
- Easy Homemade Melt & Pour Soaps

This gorgeous little knitting book by popular author Val Pierce, contains 20 irresistibly cute bears for knitters of all abilities. All of the projects are accompanied by a clear, easy-to-follow pattern and fun photography. There's also a page of basic techniques at the start of the book, including making up, stuffing and some simple surface stitching. These delightful, characterful bears come with easy-to make outfits, and projects range from a firefighter bear, an astronaut, a judo bear, biker, waitress and policeman!

A new edition of the popular stitch book by internationally renowned needlecraft and textile designer, Jan Eaton.

In this collection, create beautiful fabrics with variegated zigzags of colour and pretty ridged effects, perfect for afghans, throws, baby blankets and even wall hangings. This easy to use book features 200 colourful ripple stitch patterns to knit and crochet using a range of techniques, from traditional Shetland lace stitches to modern textured pattern.

Each stitch features a detailed photograph, clear instructions and suggested colour variations; Jan's book also includes guidance on planning projects, choosing yarn, making and combining swatches, and finishing edges, along with an easy-to-follow refresher course on knitting and crochet basics. There is even the addition of five beautiful projects inside for you to knit and crochet, allowing you to see the myriad creations that can be made with the stitch patterns.

With so much inspiration to help you in one handy guide book, prepare to while away hours knitting and crocheting your dream designs with this essential and invaluable directory that's perfect for new and familiar needlecrafters everywhere.

A new edition of the popular stitch book for designing baby blankets, by internationally renowned needlecraft and textile designer Jan Eaton.

Wrap up your baby in the ultimate comfort blanket: a blanket stitch by you. This is the biggest ever collection of knitting- and crochet-stitch patterns specially designed for making cosy crib covers, beautiful heirloom shawls and supersoft blankets and afghans for your little one or to give as thoughtful presents for your friends and family.

200 stitch patterns are featured inside, offering mix-and-match block designs and a selection of pretty trims, each accompanied by a detailed swatch photograph and easy-to-follow instructions. Experiment with colour and texture and choose from bobbles, cables, lacy picot patterns, ripples and blocks featuring hearts, teddies and flowers. Designs are rated according to degree of skill required, and all stitches and techniques are clearly explained - making this book perfect for absolute beginners and experienced knitters and crocheters alike.