Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book SynopsisAppliqué lovers, you’ll want to make all 12 of these endearing blocks featuring robins, cardinals, orioles, and other feathered friends from the back yard. Designed in the lively Piece O’ Cake style by Linda Jenkins and Becky Goldsmith, these blocks are bursting with fresh colors and are easy enough to be fun for stitchers of all levels. Pattern pack includes a 16-page instruction booklet and full-size patterns for 12 blocks, plus appliqué borders, that make a 52” x 65” quilt and instructions for a 4 block 39'' x 39'' quilt. Or mix and match your favorite blocks to perk up quilts, pillows, tote bags, or apparel.Trade ReviewThis pack is an instruction booklet and full-size pattern for a quilt measuring 52" x 65". The theme is Backyard Birds and it consists of 12 block patterns with applique borders. Alternatively, you could use the blocks independently for bags, pillows or clothes. The patterns are all printed to scale.The instruction booklet is in colour with photographs and full diagrams to illustrate each step and assembly. here are further instructions for preparing backgrounds for applique, making the templates and a positioning overlay. Everything you would need to fully construct this quilt is covered in the instructions. Workshop on the Web, September 2014Table of ContentsGeneral Instructions Needle-turn Applique Techniques Finishing Techniques Project Instructions Backyard Birds Early Birds About the Authors Resources

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Book SynopsisA refreshingly new approach to free-motion stitching allows you to make something beautiful while improving your free-motion quilting skills. You'll learn the basics, pick a project, and start stitching. Includes a handy troubleshooting guide.Trade ReviewReady, set, sew! Learn the basics, gather your supplies, pick a project, and start stitching. With a refreshingly new approach to free-motion stitching, this book encourages you to make something beautiful while improving your free-motion quilting skills. You'll find 24 projects and quilts that are light on assembly so you can spend most of your time stitching. A handy troubleshooting guide ensures success every step of the way. Down Under Quilts Magazine, 11/1/13 Christine's easy-to-assemble projects are the perfect way to practice beginning quilting skills while making gifts and accessories for friends and family. After learning how to set up your machine for quilting and gathering the basic tools and notions necessary, simple instructions will show you how to try out the stitching designs provided. These designs work well with the given projects such as various bags, placemats and wall hangings. Machine Quilting Unlimited, November/December 2013 I love the small projects included in the book that incorporate free-motion work. What a brilliant path to practicing stitching skills. Learning to free-motion quilt can be slow going if you're waiting to be good enough before tackling a large project. Doing mindless practice quilt sandwiches gets boring! My favorite thing about Christina's book is her approach to getting us to practice: Small Stitched Projects! Simple construction and good design make the projects perfect for practice. It includes all of the technical know-how needed combined with a game plan for how to get practice time in with something to show at the end of a session. With such limited time to create and sew it's a brilliant approach! 11/4/13 First Steps to Free-Motion Quilting is filled with tips and tricks and all kinds of great information. And to top that off, there's a ton of crazy, great projects to make! happyzombie.com, 11/4/13 This is a totally great beginner's book. At the start, Christina lays out exactly what you need to get started. She walks you through cleaning your sewing machine, and explains about darning presser feet and extension tables and quilting gloves. She also explains the best kinds of thread for free-motion quilting. Turns out, it's not a huge investment to get started on this craft. The next section is all basic techniques for FMQ. This section is beautifully documented, with well-lit, well-staged photos and lots of them. ...And then there are many pages of sample designs to get you inspired to quilt. I'm so impressed with the instructional quality of this book. I'm having trouble articulating this well, but I feel like, as a beginner, this book gives me just enough instruction to get started without overwhelming me. Craftypod.com, 11/18/13 I have to say, I've reviewed lots of free-motion quilting books. Of all the ones I have seen, I rank this one in the top two. The thing I like so much about this one is that it walks you through the stitches and free-motion quilting, and then the author offers some great fun and practical projects that will allow readers to practice those very stitches. Most of the projects are small and are great confidence builders. Can you believe that are 24 projects packed into the book?? Jo's Country Junction, 2/3/14 Ease into the wonderful world of free-motion quilting with a kind and informative teacher who guides you every step of the way. Cameli shows you how to achieve the best results for many popular quilting motifs, in addition to giving 24 projects to help you master the techniques. Even seasoned quilters will enjoy the variety and ingenuity of the creative projects. Quilters Newsletter, February/March 2014 This book not only offers tips and techniques, but grounds you in the basics. Once you're ready to go, try one of 24 projects to help you hone this new skill. Stitch, 6/1/14Table of ContentsContents [Chapter title] Introduction Necessities Basics Tips and Techniques Designs Small Stitched Projects Wiggle Bottom Cushion Reverse Stitched Table Runner Fishbowl Purse Botanical Placemats Loopy Bucket Gift Bags Pebble Pillow Little Bowls Zigzag Potholders Wood Grain Zipper Bag Messenger Bag Good Advice Wallhanging Simple Quilts Strip Sampler Big Square Fireworks Leaves Second Star to the Right Quilt as You Go Embellished Projects Kitchen Towels Scissor Skirt Spiral Pillowcases Adrenaline Molecule Shirt Branchy Scarf Stitched Cards Sewing and Quilt Construction Techniques Troubleshooting About the Author Resources

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Book SynopsisHow many of you are held back by fear of colour? Introduce yourself to Joen Wolfrom’s classic guide to creating with color, and watch your colour confidence blossom. Colour Play, second edition is completely updated to make it easier than ever to bring a design to life with well-chosen colours. Joen covers it all, from colour scheme basics to how to use nature’s tricks to create an illusion of depth, reflections, shadows, or highlights. Learn the emotional meanings of colours, their physical effects on people, and much more—all richly illustrated with photos of nature and of beautiful quilts. Trade ReviewDecember 2014 Color Play was originally published in 2000 and this edition has been updated and expanded to include over 100 new quilt photos. This book is a comprehensive study of the colour wheel, starting with a look at pure colour, tints, shades and tones. Examples of quilts which demonstrate each area are accompanied by descriptions of how colour is used and why it is effective. What follows on from that is an exploration of colour plans, from monochromatic, complementary, analogous and split-complementary, with more in between and beyond. Values of colour are explained, as are the descriptions of selected colours and how they make us feel, where they are on the colour wheel and where in the book you can find more information about them. The grand finale is a study of 24 colours in great detail showing different colour schemes that work together with diagrams of quilt blocks to demonstrate. This is a fantastic book which benefits from the update because the wealth of new quilts works so well in its favour. The author relates her observations about colour to quilt schemes, what effects particular colours have on the way they are perceived and how to build up your use of colour by creating a personal ‘Colour Plan’. To have such an extensive array of colours that are explored in such detail is a great way of getting to grips with starting to create colour schemes for work. This is a great book for all textile artists and anyone who feels unable to get to grips with how colours work together. * Workshop On The Web *Table of ContentsContents [chapter title] Dedication Acknowledgments Gallery Chapter 1: Color-A Powerful Tool Chapter 2: Nature's Intuitive Color Sense-5 Plans to Love Chapter 3: Value-Color's Best Friend Chapter 4: Color-The Secret Life of a Color Gallery Chapter 5: Colors Galore-An Up-close View of 24 Glorious Colors Gallery Chapter 6: Captivating Illusions Bibliography Index About the Author

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Book SynopsisSavor the richness and beauty of wool appliqué—its texture, depth, color, and design. Well-known, award-winning folk artist Rebekah L. Smith will ignite your passion for Americana home decor with her simple and elegant designs. Hand stitch 14 folk-art projects, each with full-size patterns and step-by-step instructions. Appliqué pillows, bed toppers, and table runners from woven wools, felted wools, and wool felt—upcycling at its finest! Staying true to early decorative arts, the antique color palette and natureinspired designs translate seamlessly to many modern living spaces.Trade ReviewI recently received three ebooks to review on wool felt applique, which makes me wonder if it is coming back with vengeance. I figured I better get on the band wagon and review at least one of them. I particularly liked the 14 updated traditional projects in Rebekah's book, which included bed covers, wall hangings and table runners. Her designs are very appealing. There is something in this book for everyone, from beginner to seasoned stitcher. Rebekah has also included instructions on finding and repurposing wool, which is very helpful. The Canadian Quilter, Autumn 2015Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Welcome to Wool Find, Felt, Dye 2. Snipping and Stitching 3. Rug: Shades of Earth 4. Purse: Her Lady's Pocket 5. Pillows: Creatures of Habit Cat Rabbit Blackbird 6. Bag: Birds Out of the Bag 7. Table topper: Where the Heart Is 8. Sewing caddy: For Needles and Thread 9. Quilt: Wooly Window 10. Sewing Caddy Book: Wooly Bindings 11. Table Rug: Flowers at the Table 12. Chair bag: Housing for Papers 13. Table Rug: Tulip Harmony 14. Wallhanging: A Patriot's Rug

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Book SynopsisBecome a skilled foundation piecer with New York Beauty blocks and arcs of Flying Geese that amaze. Carl Hentsch simplifies a technique loved by many with his straightforward approach to curved piecing and simple machine appliqué. Stitch your way through 31 architectural block patterns, ideal for advanced beginners and intermediate quilters. Then it's time to practice on 10 full-size quilts and 27 bonus pillow projects with lively colour combinations to provide movement and drama. In a personal forward, fabric designer Tula Pink discusses how she met Carl and came to collaborate with him on the colour choices for his quilts. 'Tula has contributed to this book and has waved her multi-coloured fairy dust throughout, but all the patterns belong to Carl and there are plenty of them. The coming together of these two talented collaborators is a yin-yang moment in itself.' Popular Patchwork Jun 2017Trade ReviewCarl Hentsch and Tula Pink have their very own mutual appreciation society. They met several years ago in a New York Fabric store where her first question to him on seeing his stunning quilt tops was ‘Who are you?’ (in the same incredulous, slack-jawed way that you might ask David Blaine after seeing one of his magic tricks). They are now firm friends; she admiring his patterns for their architectural and complex beauty and he admiring Tula’s flair for fabric and colour. Tula has contributed to this book and has waved her multicoloured fairy dust throughout, but all the patterns belong to Carl and there are plenty of them. He’s done that very clever thing of taking one technique and almost deconstructing it; putting the pieces back together in a whole host of new and exciting ways. The building blocks are reassuringly familiar and consist mainly of pieced and plain arcs and fans but the layouts with their overlapping circles, oversized elements and sinuous organic flow are something special. All the designs are variations of the New York Beauty block and you’ll need to be comfortable with foundation piecing and curved piecing. Anyone new to these techniques can read through The Basics at the front of the book. Each quilt pattern comes with an accompanying cushion pattern based on the same design; useful if you want to try out the techniques on a smaller scale project. The Twin Dragons quilt is based on the legend of Yin and Yang and is a free-flowing design shot through with purposeful Flying Geese to emphasise movement and direction. The coming together of these two talented collaborators is a yin-yang moment in itself. * Popular Patchwork *Table of ContentsA Note from Tula Introduction The Basics Choosing Fabrics & Thread Making the Blocks Cutting Pieces for the Blocks Foundation Piecing Curved Piecing Appliqued Center Circles Finishing Techniques Finishing the Quilt Finishing the Pillows Projects Bonus! A quilt project and a pillow project for each! Floating Orbs Pandemonium Twin Dragons Rust Crazy Tula Seeing Spots Foxhole Sorbet Papyrus Wedding Cake Appendix Block Index Foundation Patterns Circle, Background, and Arc Patterns About the Author

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Book SynopsisFill your home with small works of art that embody the simple life. Start with 16 useful handmade gifts in the popular Zakka design style, then add adorable motifs pulled from everyday life. 35 charming designs are printed on iron-on transfer paper–have fun sketching them with bits of fabric and free-motion stitching. Customize a variety of bags, a fabric basket, a makeup roll, coasters, and more. You can even use images pulled from a photograph, a rubberstamp, or a child’s drawing.Trade ReviewAdorn fabric projects with machine or hand embroidered drawings and add a personal touch to all kinds of items with this book. There are sixteen projects and thirty-five different zakka style sketches on transfer paper plus plenty of ideas for producing your own. This is a great way of using up scraps of fabric too as many are incorporated into designs and best of all you don’t need much to get started. You don’t need to draw either when you have exhausted the transfers; rubber stamps, tracings, doodles and more can be utilised in this fun, modern style of embroidery. The book begins with the basic techniques, which are quite varied depending on how you want to approach your work. There are several methods of transferring designs, how to set up a sewing machine or what to use if you want to do it by hand and how to use fabric scraps. This book is the work of two friends and each has their own tips and methods which enhance the whole, showing that this is a style of embroidery that is very open to your own interpretation. The projects follow, each with a list of what you need, cutting guide, instructions with some photographs and a larger picture of the finished item. This is not a book for total sewing beginners but any improver level stitcher can join in the fun. Practice makes perfect when stitching small pictures with a sewing machine but there is not a lot of sewing knowledge required and there are also instructions on how to do it by hand if you prefer. Projects are grouped in themes and there are mats and coasters for the table, various bags, items for the sewing box, art to hang on the wall and “everyday” items such as a pencil case and a place to store brushes. Motifs include tea and coffee pots, sewing and crafting items, words, houses, hot air balloon and a family group traced from a photo. This is a fun book that encourages the reader to have a go and is an ideal way of making individual and personal gifts. * myshelf.com *I love this book! It's such fun and so informative that not only will you be making the things in this book you'll be using the techniques for your own projects. Each of the projects are so charming, beautiful and useful. They are designs that will make you smile. The book takes you all through the basic techniques so even if you haven't sewn using a sewing machine before you will be able to follow the instructions to complete the projects. The instruction are clear, easy to follow and there are clear photos to support you through the process. There are good hints and tips throughout the book that will support you in the making process. They make things a lot more understandable. The projects are fun, interesting and practical at the same time. All the designs are supplied in the book so that you can create the projects yourself. You can also use them to create your own projects. I have so many favorite projects in this book. They would make brilliant gifts as well as items for yourself. I love the fact that you can make everything and bring the cute and beautiful designs throughout your house. The theme run throughout. You can also add your own touches to match your own decor. I love this book. The projects are such fun and the book supports you in making all of the projects. Review and images http://www.crochetaddictuk.com/2016/09/sew-illustrated-stash-books-book-review.html * Crochet Addict UK *Subtitled '35 Charming Fabric and Thread Designs', this book is what the title says - a work of charming projects to sew. There are 16 zakka style projects for the home, using free-motion quilting and raw edge applique. 35 drawings are printed onto iron-on transfer paper for you to use. This will inspire you to make your own doodles and designs too. Have fun making handmade gifts for friends and family and for yourself too. You'll find basic techniques, design transfer, sewing info, design tips and then the projects, which are divided into table, crafter, every day, occasion and home. The coasters, table mats, pincushions, baskets, bags and more are all lovely. The stitching is very neat and there is a wonderful mix of floral and plain fabrics. For everyone who loves handmade. * YarnsandFabrics.co.uk *September 2016 This book is a fantastic introduction to the art of sewing illustration. Usng a combination of free-motion stitching and raw edge applique it is a fun and versatile technique that you can use to enhance and embellish many types of sewing projects. Learn how to transfer and sew any of the 35 adorable sketches, printed on iron-on transfer paper, or branch out and try sewing your own doodles (or a child's). There are 16 small projects to make all in the popular zakka design style, including bags, pincushions and a sewing kit. * Sewing World *Table of ContentsIntroduction Basic Techniques Transferring a Design to Fabric Sewing Illustration Preparing the Fabric for Sewing Thread Sewing Machine Setup Thread-Only Designs Designs with Fabric Accents Putting It Together Hand Embroidery Design Tips from Minki 80/20 Rule Rule of Thirds Fabric Selection Embellishments Projects for the Table Coasters Tea Mat Dessert Mat Projects for the Crafter Pincushion/Ornament Needle Case Notions Basket Projects for Everyday Pencil Case Fabric Envelope Makeup Brush Case Bags for Every Occasion Long-handled Bag Drawstring Bag House Zipper Pouch Art for Your Home Words to Live By Hoop Art Vignette Family Picture About the Authors Resources

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Book SynopsisEnjoy the tranquillity of slow stitching for luxurious seams and lavish embellishments. This step-by-step visual guide to 149 embroidery stitches, motifs, and extras uses simple colour theory for spectacular results! Robust colour charts take the guesswork out of choosing thread, buttons, and trims. Stitch classic seam treatments and stunning standalone designs as you go beyond the basics to learn what embroidery can do for you. 'One for the keeper shelf.' www.myshelf.comTrade ReviewThis is an unusual and rather charming book. It describes itself as a Visual Resource of Colour& Design. It takes readers through the basics of fabrics, stabilizers and embellishments, all colourfully depicted with well-illustrated examples. Colour theory is covered with the inclusion of a colour board of fabric, threads and beads explaining hues, tints, shades and values. Design and construction are also covered - the book has a ‘vintage’ feel and this is very evident in this section. Design basics are well explained but bigger pics would have been better here – as in other parts of the book – although larger versions are shown elsewhere. A very good idea is the Colourful Creations section where an embroidery is shown together with a chart showing the components and colours. Many techniques are explained and there is a huge section on stitches and how to form them. This book has an old-fashioned approach to colour and stitch that works well although I think that rather too much has been crammed into it to do justice to the delightful work. * Workshop on the web *March 17 For a traditional approach of slow stitching to create luxurious seams and lavish embellishments, look no further. This title is a spectacular encyclopedia of embroidery, sharing valuable techniques passed down through the generations from mother to daughter. A highlight is the visual guide section , with labelled smaples of all 149 stitches and where to find instructions - you'll wonder how you ever worked without it. Buy this book to learn what embroidery can do for you! * Sew *The photograph on the front of this book definitely possesses the “wow” factor, and invites the reader to delve into a colorful world of enjoyable stitching pleasure. Perhaps a better name for it could be “The Crazy Patchwork Book” as this is what the book is mostly about; using the 149 stitches and ideas to decorate scraps of fabric sewn together. This is not exactly a primer, as there are no step-by-step projects in here but that is not the aim of the book. Instead you are given the tools to create your own masterpiece, by which I mean stitch diagrams, lots of examples and information about how the finished pieces have been made. The book starts off with a handy chart showing all the stitches arranged in groups. These include not only the usual freestyle stitches but also ribbon embroidery, using beads and buttons plus various ways off adding decorated trims. The instructions for these are all at the back, shown as photographs and drawn diagrams. There is a short section on what materials and tools you need, some basic color theory, help on choosing a palette and how to lay out a rough sketch of what you are going to do. Following on are chapters on getting started and ideas on how to use the stitches, plan a simple project and more. All this is illustrated with a wealth of finished examples, and the rest of the book follows suit with lots of ideas on design, color and form. Total beginners might find it all a bit daunting but this is more a book aimed at the improver and up; the stitcher who wants more than transfers and tracings and enjoys a freer look at the hobby. I found it stimulating to see and read about the various pieces and was keen to learn a few more stitches and get started. This is a great way of using up oddments of fabric, yarn, embellishments and even found objects to make something new and exciting. One for the keeper shelf. * myshelf.com *A superb reference of 149 embroidery stitches for all types of surface decoration. This comprehensive guide includes materials, colour, design, creations, applications, the reference stitch guide, basics and resources. It is a visual guide to stitch. It is illustrated throughout with numerous examples of fine embroidery that show what can be achieved. I love the white on white piece. The stitch guide has clear illustrations showing how to make each stitch. Colourful, practical and inspiring. * YarnsandFabrics.co.uk *Table of ContentsVisual Guide 1. A Stitch Beyond Time 2. All The Right Stuff 3. Color Theory 101 4. Designing A Project 5. Flying Needles 6. Colorful Creations 7. Embroider, Embellish And Explore 8. Embroidery and Embellishment Stitch Reference Guide 9. The Basics 10. Resources 11. About the Author

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Book SynopsisAre you ready to become a sewing craftinista? Beat boredom with 14 new and updated sewing projects you can make yourself! Start with a few beginner-friendly projects to help you learn your machine, like handmade cards and cool accessories, and work your way up to fun challenges like a fabric notebook cover and drawstring backpack. Along the way, you’ll play games to help you practice so you can ace your next sewing project. Pretty soon, your parent, grandparent, big sis, or best friend will be coming to you for sewing advice!Trade ReviewHere is a book that makes learning to use a sewing machine great fun even for the youngest child. With plenty of games and activities to help them get to grips with even the more complex tasks fast this book is a sure-fire winner – no wonder this is the second edition! I wish this book had been around when I learned to sew. It is filled with colorful child-friendly activities making ordinary things like identifying sewing machine parts, sewing around complex shapes, safety rules and more fun. There are lots of projects too from making greetings cards and Christmas tree decorations to wallets, appliqué motifs, bags, and a soft toy burger! A panel of young stitchers aged 7-17 have suggested and tested out everything so you can be sure that it hasn’t just been dreamed up by experienced adults. Techniques covered include sewing on paper as well as fabric, working with patterns, using fusible web and freezer paper, pressing, filling and looking after the machine. I particularly like the way the book has been laid out, with good-sized print, colorful diagrams and some amusing cartoons as well as puzzles, check lists and photographs of finished items. Laid out in this way everything looks fun and do-able, not too daunting and has a purpose once made up. Another point in the book’s favor is that the items to make are not “girly”. This is a book a boy can enjoy using too with monsters, an owl, peace sign, Christmas shapes and more all being very unisex. A winner all round! * myshelf.com *Table of ContentsI'm bored. What can I do?" A Note to Helper Stars About This Book Let's Go! Discover Stitching Mouse Pivots Climb the Peaks and Ride the Waves Patti's Puzzle Your Machine Place the Parts Safety First! Stitch Along Tangled Threads Word Search Thread the Machine Building Blocks Sewing Basket Dot-to-Dot Stitching Paper-Backed Fusible Web Crossword Puzzle Driver's Training Paper Shapes Wildcards Create a Card Custom Envelopes Machine T.L.C. Soft Shape Heart Soft Shape Peace Sign Button-Up Owl How Did You Do? Crazy Cords Possibilities Pocket Super Sewer's Secret Code Mix and Match Monster Cover-Ups Up With Letters Fish N' Stitch Backpack Sewing Sillies Don't Let UP Bag It Burger Bites Word Search Treasure Pouch Fred's Thread Answers to Puzzles

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Book SynopsisNow with easier-to-read lines and finer markings for accurate measuring, this ruler is perfect to use with Sara Nephew and Marci Baker's Not Your Grandmother's Log Cabin.

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Book SynopsisBuild stylish and functional furniture from salvaged materials. This innovative guide presents dozens of strategies for upcycling scrap cardboard, metal, plastic, or wood into dependable shelving units, sturdy tables, and fun lamps. With directions for 35 easy and inexpensive projects that include a Cardboard Cantilever Chair, a License Plate Bowl, a Conduit Coatrack, and much more, you’ll be inspired to start filling your home with unique high-style furniture that makes sense for both your wallet and the environment.

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Book SynopsisOriginally developed for parachute suspension lines during World War II, durable lightweight paracord has even been used by Space Shuttle astronauts to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. You can weave and braid this versatile cord in an array of fashion colours to create attractive and useful accessories. Parachute Cord Craft ties everything together, with 22 clever projects and step-by-step instructions for making fashionable bracelets and necklaces, belts, lanyards, dog collars, key fobs and more. Discover the knots you need to know, get practical advice on tools and materials, learn the right way to melt and fuse the cut ends of your cord, and experiment with jewellery findings.Table of ContentsIntroduction Adjustable Dog Collar Dog Lead Crossed Square Knot Belt Wavy Choker Adjustable Bracelet Zipper Whistle Bracelet Duo-Twist Bracelet Loopy Loop Bracelet Replacement Watchband Zigzag Key Fob Chunky Round Crown Key Fob Camera Strap Basic Lanyard Yoga Mat Harness Decorative Flip Flops

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Book SynopsisCome enjoy the art of pastel painting with beloved workshop instructor Maggie Price. In this step-by-step guide, she teaches you everything you need to know to make the most of this accessible art form. From selecting the right materials to learning the fundamentals of composition, Maggie starts with the basics and progresses to 21 complete pastel demonstrations that detail specific painting techniques and effects. You'll learn how to: Create depth and movement with color Paint using a range of strokes Blend colors to create luminous skies, reflections and more Underpaint to achieve brilliant light and deep shadows Mix pastels with watercolor and gouache to create fluid effects Create new compositions from photographs In addition to step-by-step guidance, you'll be inspired by the work of ten nationally renowned pastel artists. Their contributions to this book illustrate the limitless possibilities of pastel painting and offer additional insight for working with this versatile medium. Maggie also includes dozens of helpful sidebars to help you save time, avoid mistakes and work more efficiently. With its blend of visual instruction, thorough guidance and breathtaking artwork, this is the only guide you need to experience the joy and satisfaction of painting with pastels.

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Book SynopsisParent's Guide to Children's Media Award Winner“This is the best how-to-knit book for kids I’ve seen in a long time.” —Knitty In fifteen easy projects, from bouncy bean bags to a rolled-edge sweater, author and knitting expert Melanie Falick teaches kids of all ages how to knit. Through step-by-step instructions and candy-colored illustrations, beginners learn the fundamentals: knitting tools, finger-knitting, and basic stitches such as knit, purl, mattress, overcast, embroidery, and stockinette. Kids Knitting emphasizes fun in every step of the learning process. Sunny paintings by Kristin Nicholas illustrate the individual steps of each technique. Bright boxes of blues, greens, and reds explain everything from button-sewing to tassel-tying. Charming photographs by Chris Hartlove feature finished projects modeled by the creators themselves--all kids who knit.Best of all, kids get to keep and use whatever they make: bookmarks, backpacks, bracelets, even their own set of customized knitting needles, topped with acorn caps or polka dot balls.

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Book SynopsisJust in time to satisfy the kids of all ages who received Rubik's Cubes as holiday gifts, here is the book to ensure that the gift won?t go unused (or unsolved). Puzzle Masters Jerry Slocum, David Singmaster, Dieter Gebhardt, Wei-Hwa Huang, and Geert Hellings, share their expertise on the greatest puzzle ever created. Not only does The Cube provide dozens of strategies for competitive cubing?including speedcubing?it also shows you how to solve every kind of cube that exists: the 'Mini Cube' 2x2x2; the 'Classic' 3x3x3; the 'Rubik's Revenge' 4x4x4; the 'Professor's Cube' 5x5x5; and the largest cubes available, the 'V-Cube 6' 6x6x6 and the 'V-Cube 7' 7x7x7. The book even includes modular instructions for cubes of any potential size! All solutions are fully illustrated with all-new, easy-to-follow instructions created specially for this book. This unique book also includes a fascinating history of the Rubik's Cube?from its invention in 1974 by Ern? Rubik to the '80s craze to its resurgence today, including dozens of rare photographs of vintage cubes, ephemera, and more! Packed with color photos from Jerry Slocum's extensive and unique collection of mechanical puzzles, The Cube is a must-have companion to the ultimate brainteaser.

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Book SynopsisWith The Ultimate Collection of Crochet Edgings as a guide, crocheters can take their creativity to new heights! Written in a clear, easy-to-follow style, and filled with beautiful, full-colour photographs, this book is sure to become an indispensable reference guide and a treasured volume in the creative crocheter's library. Crocheters are offered a multitude of designs to choose from in the eight chapters. In addition to the incredible selection of edgings, each chapter also contains an additional project, from an amazing knit-look dishcloth to a fabulous lace coat and more!Trade ReviewA collection of edgings, including many different types, split into groups such as lace, fringe, points, floral and so on. Each section has a pattern. All in all you will find over 140 edgings. I like the medallions, the ribs are interesting, there are even bunny faces and beaded edgings. However I think the reason you should buy this book is for the coat or long cardi on the front cover. I love it and the book has full pattern instructions. This book is for any level from beginner upwards. At the back there is a very basic guide to crochet. The instructions look easy to follow and the photos are clear. * Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *This book is designed to be for any level of crocheterso you can find the perfect finish for your projects.The book inspires you to take your projects to the next level and make the finishing as important as the making.This is the kind of book you will turn to time and time again. There are some many different types of finishes:Lace, Floral, Ribs, Beads, Ruffles, Sculpture, Fringe, Points, and other original designs. Straight away the book breaks into different amazing edges. The patterns are in written format and are clear and easy to understand. Where there are new techniques used there are diagrams for you to follow. I love the fact that there are so many different styles that go with any personality and any type of project. Within the edging patterns there are also patterns for projects that use some of the edgings in the book. There is the most amazing lacy lavender coat. The coat really shows off the difference an edging can make to a project. Then there is a nature's garden pullover. I love the butterflies the are around the edges of the pullover. The knit-look dishcloth is practical yet beautiful. I'll be making these as presents for Christmas. The there is a beaded wrap that shows off what you can do with beads and crochet.The spike stitch afghan is amazing. The use of the different stitches and edge make the most beautiful afghan. Then it's onto the fringes and a beautiful scarf which really does show off what you can do with a fringe. The twisted stitch rope purse really does show off the points edges. It's such fun and very practical. It's a nice small size that will still fit in all the essentials. The pretty in pink baby blanket is so cute and uses the ruffles to make the most beautiful baby blanket. With so many edges - 140+ this is one book that you will use time and again.It really is super girlie and super fun. * Crochet Addict UK *

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Book SynopsisAn Authoritative, Comprehensive Guide for Contemporary Figurative Artists At a time when renewed interest in figurative art is surging throughout the art world, author Robert Zeller presents The Figurative Artist’s Handbook - the first comprehensive guide to figure drawing and painting to appear in decades. Illustrated with Zeller’s own exquisite drawings and paintings as well as works by nearly 100 historical and contemporary figurative art masters, the handbook is also a treasure trove of the finest figurative art of the past and the present day. Included are Michelangelo, Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Peter Paul Rubens, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Gustav Klimt, Edward Hopper, Andrew Loomis, Andrew Wyeth, Lucian Freud, Odd Nerdrum, Eric Fischl, Bo Bartlett, Steven Assael, John Currin, and many others. Original and thoroughly modern in his approach, Zeller brings together three figure-drawing methods long thought to be at odds, synthesizing these seemingly incompatible techniques to achieve a cohesive and complete understanding of the human figure. Although all three methods underlie contemporary fine-arts practice and education, no artist’s handbook has ever combined them before. - The Study of Gesture (Disegno): Rooted in the Italian Mannerist style of the 16th and 17th centuries, the gestural method emphasizes life, rhythm, and movement in the human body. - The Structural Approach: A mainstay of 20th- and 21st-century art instruction, this method applies an architectural perspective to the body, using a block conception for anatomically sound, solid figures. - The Atelier Method: Based on the training provided by 18th- and 19th-century art academies, the atelier approach creates sensual, smooth renderings based on meticulous study of the figure’s surface morphology in light and shadow. Covering all the basics as well as many advanced techniques, The Figurative Artist’s Handbook is aimed at both students and experienced artists. A practical, how-to guide, it provides in-depth step-by-step instruction and - rare among figure-drawing books - features sections on composition, portraiture, and painting. Chapters on creativity and on using a sketchbook help readers hone their artistic vision and evolve ideas from the initial inspiration to the fully developed work. Also included is an extensive section highlighting the great movements in figurative art throughout history - from ancient Egypt and Greece to the present.Trade Review"Rob Zeller’s debut book on drawing and painting the human figure promises to be one of the most definitive on the subject in decades. Classical, as well as contemporary in scope, it contains images, how-to diagrams, and information about figurative art movements of the past, in addition to profiles of some of the greatest practitioners working today.... The book concludes with a section on artists' painting processes, featuring examples of Zeller’s own work, along with some of the best of his peers, who collectively usher the figurative tradition forward into a new era." - David Molesky, Juxtapoz "Robert Zeller’s book is a welcome reminder of the ongoing importance of figurative art, and the many masterful figurative artists working today. It is at once a comprehensive, practical guide to the construction of the human body - male or female, standing or reclining, viewed from the front or the back, self-absorbed or expressively gesturing - down to the last anatomical and aesthetic detail, and an informative, incisive, critical account of the history of figurative art, a sort of grand tour of the seemingly infinite variety of modes of representation of the figure. Beginning with the treatment of the figure in ancient Egypt and ending with its treatment in the 21st century, Zeller makes it stunningly clear that the representation of the figure, in whatever stylistic mode, is the bedrock of visual art. The book has encyclopedic breadth and analytic depth, and is beautifully illustrated with drawings and paintings, all presenting the body in one or another of many possible positions and situations, all suggesting that we need the mirror of art to insightfully attune to our own bodies." - Donald Kuspit, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Art History and Philosophy, State University of New York at Stony Brook "The Figurative Artist’s Handbook... is a very beautiful book to look through, so it may be challenging for those who use it as a handbook to let it get dirty and dog-eared, just like the previous generation did with their [Andrew] Loomis books. But used as intended - both for reference and for inspiration - it will achieve its purpose. As its gorgeous plates tell us, there is a rising group of figurative artists who know the importance of learning “the rules” before they break them, which is precisely the opportunity this book intends to offer its most ambitious readers." - John Seed, Hyperallergic “The book brings together three figure-drawing methods - the study of gesture, the structural approach and the atelier method - and synthesizes them to help the artist understand the human figure. Zeller also includes chapters on creativity and on using a sketchbook to take ideas from initial inspiration to a fully developed work… appreciated the book's surprises, including spreads that include not only the finished figurative painting but the preparatory sketches as well.” - Professional Artist

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Book SynopsisThis colorful flower arranging book features instructions and designs from one of the world's greatest living masters.Asian flower arranging originated in ancient China where it then spread to Japan, Korea and beyond. As influenced by the philosophy of "harmony between man and nature," Chinese flower arrangement advocates for nature to represent life, emphasizes composition to display vividness, and focuses on connotation to exhibit artistic concepts. Gradually, these become the characteristics of Chinese flower arrangement—the beauty of nature and composition which are entirely different from the beauty of western decorative styles. This book records the origin and development of Chinese flower arrangement. Besides the principle of composition, techniques of modeling, and configuration of flowers and materials, you will also discover the methods of production and ten actual flower arrangement projects. You can either follow the lessons step by step or capture the ideas and be inspired to develop your own flower arrangement artwork.Trade Review"The Art of Chinese Flower Arrangement is a well-organized and beautifully illustrated book." —Washington Gardener magazine

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Book SynopsisThis inspiring sketchbook is part of the new 20 Ways series from Quarry Books, designed to offer artists, designers, and doodlers a fun and sophisticated collection of illustration fun. Each spread features 20 inspiring illustrated examples of a single item, such as a tree, tulip, shell, owl, peacock feather, mushroom, cloud, or berry.-with blank space for you to draw your take on "20 Ways to Draw a Tree." This is not a step-by-step technique book--rather, the stylized flowers, trees, leaves, and clouds are simplified, modernized, and reduced to the most basic elements, showing you how simple abstract shapes and forms meld to create the building blocks of any item that you want to draw. Each of the 20 interpretations provides a different, interesting approach to drawing a single item, providing loads of inspiration for your own drawing. Presented in the author's uniquely creative style, this engaging and motivational practice book provides a new take on the world of sketching, doodling, and designing. Get out your favorite drawing tool, and remember, there are not just 20 Ways to Draw a Tree!

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Book SynopsisA refreshing source of ideas to help you explore all aspects of maps, this book encourages you to travel through the exciting world of cartography. It features 52 fun and creative map-related activities set into weekly artistic exercises. Travel through the exciting world of cartography with Map Lab. This fun and creative book features 52 map-related activities set into weekly exercises, beginning with legends and lines, moving through types and styles, and then creating personalized maps that allow you to journey to new worlds. Authors Jill K. Berry and Linden McNeilly guide readers through useful concepts while exploring colorful, eye-catching graphics. The labs can be used as singular projects or to build up to a year of hands-on creative experiences. Map Lab is the perfect book for map lovers, creative/DIY-inspired, designers. Artists of all ages and experience levels can use this book to explore enjoyable and engaging exercises. Everyone loves maps. And what's not to love? They are beautiful and fascinating, they teach you things, they show you where you are, places you long to go, and places you dare to imagine.

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Book SynopsisCreated by one of Japan's most popular artists, this book provides detailed and complete instruction for illustrating fun and appealing characters and elements that celebrate life. The author's special and distinct style is simple, appealing, happy, and cute and offers artists, crafters, and art enthusiasts-with and without experience-the instruction and inspiration to draw in the Japanese character style. This book is for artists and crafters of all skill levels that want to bring their own illustration to their work. It offers both entertaining and fun drawing instruction and techniques along with inspiring and sweet unique style characters and elements.

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Book SynopsisCreated by one of Japan's most popular artists, this book provides detailed and complete instruction for illustrating fun and appealing characters and elements that celebrate life. The author's special and distinct style is simple, appealing, happy, and cute and offers artists, crafters, and art enthusiasts-with and without experience-the instruction and inspiration to draw in the Japanese character style. This book is for artists and crafters of all skill levels that want to bring their own illustration to their work. It offers both entertaining and fun drawing instruction and techniques along with inspiring and sweet unique style characters and elements.

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Book SynopsisChallenge yourself at home with word and number puzzlesThis supremely challenging cryptic collection contains 50 jumbo-sized puzzles, conceived to really challenge your word skills.Selected by The Times'' Crossword Editor, Richard Browne, this original collection will challenge even the most experienced crossword buff.The ultimate and only jumbo cryptic crosswords available, these puzzles will allow you to give the grey matter a real workout. With unique grids of 23 x 23 squares (in comparison to the standard 15 x 15 grid), they require serious word power and cryptic puzzling skill.Put your linguistic prowess to the test with these quality puzzles from the Times' crossword writers.

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Book SynopsisThe 'ShipCraft' series provides in-depth information about building and modifying model kits of famous warship types. Lavishly illustrated, each book takes the modeller through a brief history of the subject class, highlighting differences between sisterships and changes in their appearance over their careers. This includes paint schemes and camouflage, featuring colour profiles and highly-detailed line drawings and scale plans. The modelling section reviews the strengths and weaknesses of available kits, lists commercial accessory sets for super-detailing of the ships, and provides hints on modifying and improving the basic kit. This is followed by an extensive photographic survey of selected high-quality models in a variety of scales, and the book concludes with a section on research references - books, monographs, large-scale plans and relevant websites. This volume is devoted to the famous ships of Admiral Hipper's First Scouting Group. Slower but more robust than their British equivalents, German battlecruisers enjoyed a reputation for absorbing punishment, and although Lutzow was sunk at Jutland, Seydlitz and the rest of the Scouting Group survived heavy damage.This book concentrates on the seven completed ships but coverage extends to the 'proto-battlecruiser' Blucher and the ships building or designed by the end of the war.

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Book SynopsisBoats and coastal scenery have always inspired artists. This book celebrates that inspiration and explains many aspects of painting the coast, from creeks and tidal rivers to bustling beach scenes, boats and harbours, with a strong emphasis on capturing light, mood and atmosphere. Using watercolour, oil and pastel, it looks in detail at the painting process and encourages both novice and experienced artists alike to venture forth to capture the drama and beauty of the coast and sea.

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Book SynopsisDrawing and Painting Insects is a beautiful and inspiring guide. Whatever your experience, whether new to the subject or a seasoned entomologist, this book will help you capture the beauty of insects by helping you understand their structure and appreciate their behaviour, movement, colour and habitat.

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Book SynopsisFrom the internationally bestselling creator of Wreck This Journal...wan·der verb  ˈwän-dər to walk/explore/amble in an unplanned or aimless way with a complete openness to the unknown  Several years ago when Keri Smith, bestselling author of Wreck This Journal, discovered cryptic handwritten notations in a worn copy of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, her interest was piqued. Little did she know at the time that those simple markings would become the basis of a years-long, life-changing exploration into a mysterious group known only as The Wander Society, as well as the subject of this book.Within these pages, you’ll find the results of Smith’s research: A guide to the Wander Society, a secretive group that holds up the act of wandering, or unplanned exploring, as a way of life. You’ll learn about the group’s myst

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Book SynopsisWatercolour offers great potential for expression. Its fluidity, full colour range, generous spread and variety of marks can portray a likeness, a response, a feeling - even the notions of time and speed. This book is a practical guide to watercolour painting and more. It explains the importance of colour, tone, shape, texture andscale through exercises and shared techniques. But it also encourages the artist to express sensations and ideas in watercolour - and by exploring the joy of the medium, to develop handling skills, confidence and a unique painting 'voice'.

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Book SynopsisCraft Bookbinding introduces some of the numerous binding styles that can be achieved with little or no experience, from simple structures that can be made with folded paper to the classic case binding. Techniques for handling paper and glue are explained in detail, along with a range of different methods of sewing and a variety of cases to be used as covers. There are various ideas for how the different binding styles can be lettered. Lavishly illustrated with photographs and diagrams, clear instructions describe the bindings, which can be adapted to bind books that are uniquely yours.

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Book SynopsisA new practical guide to dividing (indexing) in the workshop. Whether new to the process or looking to enhance your skills, this book will introduce you to a range of dividing methods and explains how to achieve the best results both with and without specialist dividing tools. With step-by-step instructions and photography throughout, this new book explains dividing with the 'coordinate method' and using the lathe; dividing with gears and dividing plates; using the dividing head, the rotary table and the spin indexer; electronic dividing methods and finally a range of case studies to show application of practical techniques.

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Book SynopsisAcrylics are a versatile and exciting medium, but how can you get the most from these paints? This book shows you how. With step-by-step examples, it explains the core brush skills for a beginner. For those with more experience, it introduces a range of techniques so you can learn, for example, how to blend your colours, use transparent washes to create tones, and paint multiple layers of thick and thin textures to give your work subtlety. The paints are so forgiving that there are no rules, just opportunities to have fun and experiment with their great potential. There are eleven classic paint techniques featured. With Ian's clear instruction, this book guides you through the principles of handling the paint, which can be applied to any style of painting, however loose, expressive or abstract it may be.

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Book SynopsisThe definitive cricket quiz book with 2000 quality questions on all aspects of the game.

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Book SynopsisA Racing Ready Reckoner One of the most comprehensive and useful ready reckoners ever published and, with a simple guide to settling bets which explains the short cuts and systems used by the professional bet settler, there is no bet that a Gentleman should not be able to calculate himself. This handy guide covers: � The settlement of all standard bets such as Singles, Doubles, Trebles, Accumulators, forecasts and much more � Details on how to calculate the newer and more esoteric bets � Short cuts to settling your bets � Chart which shows odds as a percentage � Achieving Value for Money � How to make a 'book' � Tic Tac 'sign language' chart of all the major prices - know what the bookies are 'saying' � Full glossary of bets and betting terms

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Book SynopsisIf you want to learn how to conform to confound, raze hopes, succeed your successor, order absence in the absence of order, win by losing and think contrapositively, look no further. Here you can unlock the secrets of Plato's void, Wittgenstein's investigations, Schopenhauer's intelligence test, Voltaire's big bet, Russell's slip of the pen and lobster logic. Among your discoveries will be why the egg came before the chicken, what the dishwasher missed and just what it was that made Descartes disappear. Experience the unbearable lightness of logical conclusions in Professor Sorensen's intriguing cabinet of riddles, problems, paradoxes, puzzles and the anomalies of human utterance. As you accompany him on investigations into the mysteries of truth, falsehood, reason and delusion, prepare to be surprised, enlightened, mystified and, above all, entertained.Trade ReviewA dizzying, surprising and amusing compendium of fascinating and odd examples of logic. * The Lady *

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Book SynopsisThe spirit of 'country' can be evoked in many ways, but is an enduring and much-loved home style.This beautiful collection offers the reader practical knowledge and inspirational ideas to create their own very personal sense of country, wherever they live.The first section, Country Decorating, illustrates how you can create restful decorative effects around your home.The second section, Country Crafts and Flowers, uses materials and themes from nature for a variety of decorations and arrangements created from fresh and dried flowers, and the final section, Country Cooking, is a collection of 50 seasonal recipes for mouthwatering country fare.

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Book SynopsisWhether you play in person, or online, this is a must for bridge lovers around the worldThis is an important, and in some ways revolutionary, book. The point count method of hand evaluation was first proposed in 1914 and popularized in 1934 by Milton Work. The Banzai Method advanced by David Jackson and Ron Klinger improves on Milton Work by reassessing the relative values of the honour cards but also adds a further dimension to accurate hand evaluation by including the tens and is of crucial importance when assessing balanced hands. According to Eric Kokish, an internationally respected American authority, who has contributed the Foreword, the many example deals are an eye-opener. When you finish this book, it is unlikely that you are going to look at your hand the same way as you have in the past.

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Book SynopsisThe Caro-Kann Defence remains a very popular option for Black at all levels of chess. It has always enjoyed a solid reputation, but if anything its popularity has increased in recent years with the realization that the Caro-Kann can also be employed with the intention of reaching sharp dynamic positions, rich in possibilities for both sides and with a guarantee of genuine counterplay for Black. In this book, International Master Jovanka Houska presents the reader with a complete Caro-Kann repertoire, which is based primarily on her own repertoire she has used with success over many years at international level. Houska provides a comprehensive update on her popular 2007 book Play the Caro-Kann and focuses on key new developments since then. She offers solutions against all of White's main options and efficient methods to deal with tricky sidelines. She examines important tactical and strategic plans for both sides and deals with key move order issues. This book tells you everything you need to know about playing the Caro-Kann. *An complete repertoire to 1 e4 *Packed with new ideas and analysis *Written by a Caro-Kann expertTrade ReviewOn Play the Caro-Kann (9781857444346): "If someone wants to learn to play this opening, this book will be a very good tool." Carsten Hansen (ChessCafe.com) "I would recommend it to anyone including myself!" S. Evan Kreider (Chessville.com) "Houska writes clearly and effectively and is especially good at explaining thematic ideas." John Donaldson

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Book SynopsisShow off your best animal-tracking skills in this brilliant matching game. The task is to match 25 tracks to their animal owners. Has an elephant just crossed your path or was it an echidna? Can you track down a coyote, make out the trail of a peacock and recognise the paw print of a panda? Beat your opponents by making as many matches as you can!

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Book SynopsisThis is the perfect book for any Brit planning to host a pub quiz with their family and friends, either at home or in the pub! The British public love pubs, and the British public love trivia. Put them together and what have you got? A superb quiz book that's brimming with questions and answers about a massively wide variety of subjects. From classic topics like football and geography, to more contemporary quiz subjects, like social media and Sam Smith, this book truly has something for everyone. It also contains all you will need for setting your own pub quizzes, or for brushing up on your general knowledge before you try your next competition. Table of Contents0

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