Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book SynopsisGlen Scouller’s paintings are full of vibrant colour and light. In Colour and Line in Watercolour – his first book – he explains how he achieves these effects. He combines traditional watercolour techniques with adding pen and ink, pastels and crayons to create paintings brimming with colour and spontaneity. Using step-by-step demonstration paintings, Scouller shows how he builds up his paintings, working first in watercolour and adding other media to create his original style. He gives advice on his methods and techniques and encourages the reader to experiment with mixed media. He believes that keeping a sketchbook is very important, especially when travelling and shares tips on how to start and use one. There are also sections on painting outdoors and in the studio. The subjects covered are boats and boatyards, landscapes, still life, animals and figures and portraits. Colour and Line in Watercolour encourages all watercolourists, whatever their level, to experiment with the medium and produce exciting and challenging work of their own by adding line in various mixed media to their watercolours.

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Book SynopsisA compact book containing 30 postcards of illustrations that feature in Millie Marotta's Wild Savannah. Explore the savannah and you will find the crocodile and kangaroo, oryx and ostrich, dazzling zebras and leaping gazelles, all beautifully presented and ready to personalise with a touch of colour. These postcards – that can easily be removed from the book – can be sent just as they are to friends and family, coloured in or even framed and hung on walls. These bite-sized cards of beauty can be used for a range of things but will delight anyone who receives one.

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Book SynopsisSo why do Waldorf dolls have few facial features? What is it about dolls that captures the imagination of children and adults around the world? This book answers these questions and highlights the power of dolls used for therapeutic purposes, recognising that soft dolls aren't just for children.From the simplest rag doll to curly-haired characters, this book gives straight-forward instructions, a guide to buying your materials and upcycling materials you already own. A lovingly hand-made doll makes the perfect present and these dolls are easy to make and will be much loved for generations.Large and small, knitted and sewn, beautiful dolls for making at homeFull step-by-step instructions with clear drawings and templatesDetailed directions to make 9 character dolls and their accessoriesBasic body part intructions enable you to create your own charactersCreate charming dolls' house doll family plus their clothes and accessoriesCreate clothes, bags, baby carrier and even pets for your dollsSimple and easy to achieve sewing for beginners

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Book SynopsisSlow down and let your imagination take root as you explore a new world of flowers and gardens and bring them to life with color! Artist Sarah Simon, of @themintgardener, weaves a beautiful floral theme through the pages using her favorite illustrated character, Florence the "Plant Lady." Follow along as the Plant Lady guides you on a creative journey to savor the sweet moments of nature. Wander from scenes of a book nook filled with plants to a hiking trail in the Pacific Northwest and explore gardens filled with everything from sunflowers to artichokes. If you love flowers, plants, and pausing to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world, then you'll enjoy getting creative with The Plant Lady! The Plant Lady features: - Over 80 illustrated pages featuring beautiful blooms, bouquets, plants, leaves, and more - Images printed on thick, premium quality paper--ideal for all kinds of coloring tools - Perforated, removable pages--frame your art after you've finished coloring! - A beautiful cover that will look perfect on your bookshelf or coffee table

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Book SynopsisStunning Quilts That Are Snap to Stitch. Throughout Kim Diehls 20-year career, thousands of quiltershave fallen in love with her beautiful quilts and books.In her latest collection, Kim focuses exclusively on patchwork, forthose who love her style but dont have the time or inclination toadd applique touches. Sixteen easy-to-piece projects rangefrom bed quilts with supersized blocks to charming must-makeminis. Play with simple Snowball and Churn Dash blocks or tryshowy stars and zigzags. Choose from wall quilts, table toppers,bedroom ensembles, and even a mini sampler quilt, all in Kimssought-after style.Simple Patchwork

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Book SynopsisGrow a glass garden and beautify any space with the exquisite decorative items you've created. George W. Shannon and Pat Torlen, two master teachers and artists, offer an array of glorious patterns for stained glass flowers, butterflies, birds, birdfeeders, planters, lanterns and mobiles. Using dozens of close-up photos, they teach all the basics of both copper foil and lead came construction, from materials and tools to how-to techniques.

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Book SynopsisKeep your mind sharp and have fun with over 60 completely new word puzzles for quilters and sewists, including crossword puzzles, word searches, Criss Crosses, and more! Great for guilds, classes, shop hops, and more. Give your favourite quilter or sewist the gift of entertainment with an activity book made just for them.Trade ReviewIf you are a keen quilter who also loves doing puzzles this should hit the spot. There are over sixty large print puzzles in this good sized book all with a quilting theme. Printed on smooth bright white paper and heavy enough to fall open and stay put, this is a user friendly book with very visible black print, although not all of it is large. Much is the same size you see in any other magazine sized puzzle book, but on better paper and blacker type. There are seven different types of puzzles in here, all of the word variety. You won’t find any of the more recent Japanese type such as sudoku or han-jie, but instead plenty of logic problems, kris kross, crosswords, word searches and three other types. If you don’t know how to solve any of these there are instructions at the front, and for checking answers (or when stuck) all solutions can be found at the back. Some quilting knowledge is required to solve several types of puzzles such as crosswords and anagrams, and puzzles are graded according to difficulty with the easiest at the front. The paper is better quality than that found in the average puzzle magazine or book, making it easier to erase mistakes and not be left with a hole. I am a puzzle addict who is always looking for something new and I enjoyed the quilting theme, paper quality and a new type of puzzle (to me anyway) that combines a crossword with a word search. Of course you can buy a cheap puzzle book for a lot less than $10 but not if you want themed puzzles or good quality paper. It would make an ideal gift if you can bear to part with it! -- Rachel A Hyde * myshelf.com *

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Book SynopsisBrighten up your home and your wardrobe with this fabulously colourful, creative craft. Simple granny squares and shapes are quick to make and offer a wealth of design potential. These small, crocheted designs can be made in a huge variety of patterns and colour ways that become the building blocks for an array of projects. Beginners to crochet need not worry - granny squares are quick, easy and amazingly versatile. All the crochet stitches and techniques are presented in a clear and easy-to-follow style. Projects are easy enough for beginners but intermediate and advanced crocheters will also be inspired by these strikingly original designs. Projects include: Decorative Stool Cover, Cotton Summer Slippers, Vintage-look Beret, Daisy Top, Giant Floor Cushion, Heart Bunting.

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Book SynopsisRapid Chess Improvement is the ideal book for serious adult players who want to improve. It describes a study plan which came about thanks to a re-evaluation of standard chess teaching and includes several unique components aimed at improving deficiencies in the play of adult players. This book is the only one of its kind for the simple reason that it has been written by an author who hugely improved his own rating over a 12 month period by following his own advice. He therefore fully understands the challenges faced by enthusiastic players who are relatively new to the game. This is in sharp contrast to most books aimed at this level which are usually written by very strong players who have long forgotten what it feels like to be starting out in the game.

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Book SynopsisThe Classical Dutch is an ambitious and underrated defence to queen's pawn openings. With his first few moves Black creates an asymmetrical pawn structure which unbalances the position from a very early stage, allowing both white and black players to fight for the initiative. Now, for the first time in recent history, International Master Jan Pinski delves into the secrets of the Classical Dutch, studying both the positional motives and tactical nuances for both sides. He deals with the theoretical main lines as well as the crafty side variations, updating the reader on all the new important wrinkles. *Written by an openings expert *Up-to-date coverage of a dynamic opening *Full explanations on all the crucial tactical and positional themes

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Book SynopsisIt's no secret why the London System is such a popular opening, especially at club level. White's development plan is very easy to learn, and it can be employed against virtually any defence. What's more, depending on mood, style or opponent, White can choose either to attack directly or to instigate a more positional strategy. Many players admit they hate facing the London System, which is surely another good reason to play it! In this book, Cyrus Lakdawala presents a reliable repertoire for White with the London System. Using illustrative games and drawing upon his vast experience in the opening, Lakdawala reveals all his secrets and explains in detail the typical plans and tactics for both sides. This book tells you everything you need to know about the London System. *A repertoire for White with the London System *Covers both the main lines and tricky sidelines *Includes game summaries with key points to remember

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Book SynopsisThis book fills an enormous void in chess literature. There are a countless number of players who are very happy to defend the black side of the Queen's Gambit or play the Nimzo-Indian, Queen's Indian, Bogo-Indian, or Benoni. However, more often than not they have been forced to muddle their way through a whole variety of annoying sidelines White has at his or her disposal, including the dreaded Trompowsky, the tricky Blackmar-Diemer Gambit and the tiresome Colle Variation. Now finally, help is at hand! In this unique book John Cox reveals everything Black players need to know about all of White's offbeat tries, presenting Black with no-nonsense answers to every white option. Readers will be fully armed to deal with anything that White can throw at them. In fact, they will have all the White players running back to the main lines!

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Book SynopsisThe Pirc is an ambitious counter-attacking response to White's most popular opening move, 1 e4. James Vigus provides an up-to-date appraisal of the Pirc and its many variations. Using illustrative games, he examines the traditional main lines, the fashionable alternatives and the tricky sidelines, while outlining the typical tactical and positional ideas for both White and Black. A study of this book will allow the reader to begin playing the Pirc with confidence in his or her own games. *Essential coverage of a dynamic opening *Written by a Pirc expert *Ideal for club and tournament playersTrade ReviewTHE PIRC IN BLACK and WHITE is, without any doubt, the best book on the Pirc ever written. It's up to date, filled with original analysis by the author, offers interesting move orders that avoid some problem lines, and gives a very useful summary at the end of every chapter. I said it earlier and I'll say it again: this is a MUST BUY if you play the Pirc, or if you open with 1.e4. An outstanding piece of work! Jeremy Silman

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Book SynopsisThe English is a sophisticated opening which is very popular at all levels of chess: from up-and-coming players to World Champions such as Garry Kasparov and Vladimir Kramnik. It has many attractions, including flexibility and diversity: White can play either aggressively or quietly, and positions are rich in both strategy and tactics.In Play the English, Craig Pritchett provides an active repertoire for White, offering answers to Black's key defences both in the main lines and sidelines. Drawing upon his wealth of experience in this opening from both sides of the board, Pritchett highlights the positional and tactical ideas for White and Black, and the subtle move-order nuances so important in the modern game. This book contains all you need to know to play the English with confidence in your own games.Trade Review"'excellent coverage and lucid explanations' Sean Marsh, reviewing Craig Pritchett's Starting Out: Sicilian Scheveningen in Cleveland Chess 'An excellent introduction into the world of the Scheveningen' John Elburg, reviewing Craig Pritchett's Starting Out: Sicilian Scheveningen in Chess Book Reviews"

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Book SynopsisThis is a new series which provides an ideal platform to study chess openings. By continually challenging the reader to answer probing questions throughout the book, Move by Move greatly encourages the learning and practising of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of opening knowledge. Carefully selected questions and answers are designed to keep you actively involved, and allow you to monitor your progress as you learn. This is an excellent way to study any chess opening and at the same time improve your general skills and knowledge. In this book, Grandmaster John Emms examines his favourite Sicilian variation, the Taimanov, which is one of Black's most reliable answers to 1 e4. He shares his experience and knowledge grown from over 15 years playing the opening at grandmaster level, and offers answers to the all the key questions. *Essential guidance and training in the Sicilian Taimanov *Written by a renowned Sicilian Taimanov expert *Utilizes an ideal approach to opening studyTrade ReviewIf I were a player considering the Sicilian Defense and picked up John Emms' book, The Sicilian Taimanov, I'd start playing it the next day. - Chess Life I enjoy Emms' style in this book. There is a combination of a positive attitude towards the Taimanov and a confident voice behind the moves. This makes playing the line seem like a very pleasant possibility. I recommend this book to anyone thinking about going into a Sicilian full time, but doesn't want to be burdened with lots of heavy theory. - NM Bill McGeary

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Book SynopsisA complete guide to the stitches, techniques and finishing touches that every knitter needs to know. Whether you are just learning to knit, or you are seldom separated from your needles and yarn, there will always be times when you need instruction – or just a reminder – on a particular technique or stitch, and even the most experienced knitter may not know all the tips and wrinkles included here. Knitting Know-How has step-by-step instructions accompanied by clear colour artworks, showing you how to do everything from basic knit and purl stitches, to increasing and decreasing, lace patterns, intarsia, and Fair Isle. If you want to know how to get started, everything from casting on and working out your tension to blocking your finished make is covered. For more experienced knitters, useful tips on making buttonholes, picking up stitches and stranding yarns in colour work will all help you achieve a perfect finish to your makes.

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Book SynopsisGet Up & Gouache shows you how to bring the vibrant and versatile medium of gouache to life. Get stuck in to 20 step-by-step projects that show you how to layer, blend and bloom in order to create beautiful and lively paintings ideal for prints, cards, gifts or simply the pleasure of painting.Packed with tips, tricks and techniques, Get Up & Gouache is ideal for beginners as well as providing inspiration for intermediate-level artists. Learn how to paint people and places and discover your own visual language. Find inspiration through projects on painting friends and family, flowers and nature and even your favourite furry friends.

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Book SynopsisModel engineers have been making models of internal combustion engines since the invention of the real thing, but it has always been surrounded by a mystique, and a perceived difficulty that has put many people off. This book sets out to show that any competent model engineer can make a working model petrol engine, and that there is nothing more difficult than would be encountered in the construction of an average steam engine. A comprehensive guide to building model internal combustion engines. Often perceived as a difficult craft by many people, this guide will be welcomed by beginners and experienced model engineers alike. Fully illustrated with 176 black & white and 20 colour photographs. Malcolm Stride has been building model engines since his teenage days and is a well-known contributor to Model Engineer magazine.

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Book SynopsisA tabletop miniatures game of intense starship combat between fleets of powerful cruisers, sleek destroyers, and agile fighters.A Billion Suns is a wargame of interstellar combat that puts you in command of fleets of powerful starships, from squadrons of agile, but fragile, fighters, to hulking and powerful capital ships. Choose your vessels from pre-existing classes then customize them to create your own sub-classes, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and armament, from accurate torpedoes to devastating macro-cannon. Using simple dice pool mechanics, you must carefully manage your resources and seize the opportunities that come your way in order to lead your fleet to victory and assert your dominance over the stars.

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Book SynopsisThe little book of the Cotswolds

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Book SynopsisThe essential guide to raku techniques, covering clay types, glazes, kilns, firing methods and reduction processes. Over the last thirty years interest in the raku pottery technique has grown hugely – the excitement, immediacy and unpredictability of the raku process catching and firing the imagination of professional and amateur potters alike. Despite its association with amateur pottery classes, when practised at a higher level, it is an unforgiving, demanding medium which tests pots and potters to the limit. The famous Japanese potter Hamada said that he wanted to wait until the end of his life before making raku pots as it was the most difficult and important technique to master. A growing number of potters have turned to this medium however, as a serious expression of their work, finding new (or perhaps old) and varied techniques to explore, and thriving on the opportunities provided by the raku process to transform accidents and mistakes into new techniques or innovative pieces. This new edition of Raku has new text and is beautifully illustrated in full colour throughout with an almost totally new selection of images from the work of the many highly-regarded raku potters featured. As in the previous edition, an important focus of the book is the exploration of the work, inspiration and influences of some sixty-five artists. The gallery of artists featured has been greatly updated and expanded to reflect new techniques by established raku potters and also the work of more recent converts to the medium. New entries include Toshio Ohi, Maika Korfmacher, Yasuo Terada, Marvin Sweet, John Wheeldon, Maila Klementinnen, Ashraf and Sue Hanna and Justin Novak to name but a few. This also remains a highly practical book for the practicing potter, providing a fresh and comprehensive overview of raku techniques, covering clay types, glazes, kilns, firing methods and reduction processes. It also provides recipes for clays and glazes used by the potters featured. A history of raku is also included following its inception in Japan at the end of the 16th century to its introduction to the West by Bernard Leach up until the present day. Those exciting early years are vividly brought to life with anecdotes from David Leach. Raku provides all the essential practical information you need to start raku firing. It is also a great source of inspiration for potters and of delight for those interested in contemporary ceramics.Table of ContentsForeword by David Leach Acknowledgements Preface 1. Raku – It’s Meaning and History 2. Materials and Techniques Contemporary Approaches 3. Form and Vessel 4. Glaze and Surface Treatment 5. Colour and Decoration 6. Figurative Responses to Raku 7. A Sculptural Approach A Sculptural Approach – Ceremonial Pieces 8. Clay, Smoke and Sawdust 9. Large Scale/Installation Work Conclusion Clay and Slip Recipes Raku Glaze Recipes Materials – UK/US Equivalents Temperature Conversion Bibliography Suppliers and Manufacturers Index

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Book SynopsisAward-winning Steven Strogatz, one of the foremost popularisers of maths, has written a witty and fascinating account of maths' most compelling ideas and how, so often, they are an integral part of everyday life.Maths is everywhere, often where we don't even realise. Award-winning professor Steven Strogatz acts as our guide as he takes us on a tour of numbers that - unbeknownst to the unitiated - connect pop culture, literature, art, philosophy, current affairs, business and even every day life. In The Joy of X, Strogatz explains the great ideas of maths - from negative numbers to calculus, fat tails to infinity - with clarity, wit and insight. He is the maths teacher you never had and this book is perfect for the smart and curious, the expert and the beginner.Trade ReviewThe format works brilliantly because The Joy of X's bite-size chapters can be read, chewed over and digested independently... Strogatz exhibits a journalistic eye for startling facts and memorable illustrations... the perfect maths lesson: lucid, illuminating and short * Daily Telegraph *For those who feel insecure with symbols and formulae, the books is delightfully wordy... [it] offer[s] gloriously simple proof of Pythagoras' Theorem * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisEasy to start, simple to learn, and fun to do, punch needle is relaxing as it is gratifying! With just a few affordable tools, materials, and Beginner's Guide to Punch Needle Projects, anyone can enjoy the art of punch needle. Featuring 25 step-by-step colorful and fun projects for lively home decor, pillows, gift tags, toys, and so much more, this book will teach you all of the essential techniques as you create a collection of playful punch needle masterpieces! Author Juliette Michelet is an embroiderer, crafter, punch needle artist, and contributor for Marie Claire Idees, making her a leading voice to introduce you to this approachable and exciting hobby!

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Book SynopsisModel railway baseboards are like the foundations of a house, and failure to build a rigid baseboard that has no movement will inevitably lead to problems. Accordingly, this invaluable, well-illustrated book is essential reading for all those who wish to be guided through the potential pitfalls of making a baseboard and who require practical information about the different kinds of boards and how to construct them properly. Describes in detail how to build several different types of baseboards from the simple box frame, through the monocoque flat board, the drop board and insulation board, to multi-level boards and the helix. With the less adept modeller in mind, the author also explains how to make a baseboard with only a drill, a screwdriver and glue.

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Book SynopsisThe nude has inspired artists for centuries and continues to inspire us today. Alongside a historical study of the nude in painting, this book introduces oil paint and gives advice on techniques when using this challenging and rewarding medium. Capturing the beauty of form and the delicate colours of the figure, it celebrates the powerful images that examine human relationships, personality and psychology. Some of the topics included in this book are instructions on materials, the colour palette and stretching your own canvas; the practicalities of working with a model in the studio; colour-mixing exercises that explore colour relationships and temperature, and finally step-by-step examples that demonstrate the progression of a painting.

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Book SynopsisDreaming and relaxing, with Claude Monet's Impressionist designs, this beautiful new book will give you many hours of pleasure, and calm. Printed on high quality paper, there are 45 classic illustrations for you to colour, with suggestions too on how to start the colouring. This book will give you many hours of pleasure and calm, taking you on an enjoyable journey where the satisfaction of creating stunning artworks is mixed with rediscovering the joy of colouring. You can use a wide variety of pens: from gel and pencil, to pigment and crayons, from ballpoint and rollerball to highlighters, although it’s best to avoid the heavy felt pens. Each page is perforated near the spine of the book, so you can tear out and frame or simply place your wonderful creation on the walls of your home, perhaps even send them as a gift to your loved ones. Bring the Ink to life!

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Book SynopsisRelive the childhood excitement of a travelling circus arriving in town with this beautifully stitched celebration of traditional performers and their awe-inspiring acts. Packed full of nostalgic motifs and projects influenced by circuses of the past, you won't be able to resist getting into the carnival mood and picking your favorite member of the troupe to stitch. The extensive collection of bright, playful motifs makes a handy resource for any embroidery enthusiast to dip into. With spreads made up of template outlines on one side and the finished stitched items opposite, it couldn't be easier!. They cover every imaginable spectacle that might be seen at a circus of yesteryear. From daring acrobats, tumblers and tightrope walkers to incredible performing animals - you'll be transported straight back to this exciting world from another era. Also included are the tents, signs and caravans that make up the circus infrastructure along with decorative borders, banners and lettering. Projects include: strongmen, acrobats, tumblers, clowns, elephants, train, dancers, musicians, ringmasters, banners, flags, tents, ticket office, signs, big cats and many more...

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Book SynopsisThis lavish book covers the full range of commercial techniques for the florist. It introduces basic terms and equipment, advises on conditioning and care of fresh materials, and explains the elements and principles of design. Examining various celebrations and occasions, it demonstrates classic and contemporary designs with step-by-step instructions and over 600 full-colour photographs.

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Book SynopsisFrom dandelions and violets to mushrooms and autumn leaves, this collection of embroidery motifs is inspired by nature walks.Inspired by the wonder and beauty of the natural world, the embroidery motifs offered here evoke wildflower meadows and woodland walks. With lifelike yet whimsical plants and flowers, as well as mushrooms, leaves, trees, and birds, the flora and fauna presented here offer a delightful and beautiful range of motifs drawn from nature.Featuring beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and detailed diagrams, this book will be an inspiring guide for those new to embroidery and a fresh and unique offering for those experienced with needle and thread.

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Book SynopsisJoyful Mending shows you how to repair and improve old items of clothing by turning tears and flaws into beautiful features.Simply by applying a few easy sewing, darning, felting, or crocheting techniques, as well as some sashiko and other favorite embroidery stitches, you can repair your favorite pieces in a transformative way.Along with her own philosophy of mindfullness and Wabi-Sabi mending, author Noriko Misumi teaches you how to: Repair any kind of fabric that is torn, ripped or stained—whether knitted or woven Work with damaged flat or curved surfaces to make them aesthetically pleasing again Create repairs that blend in, as well as bold or whimsical visible repairs Darn your handmade or expensive gloves, sweaters and socks to make them look great again The joy to be found in working with your hands and the personal artistry you discover within yourself lie at the heart of this book. While nothing lasts forever, there's pleasure, as well as purpose, in appreciating age and imperfection. Joyful Mending allows you to surround yourself with the things that truly give you joy, whether they were given to you by a loved one, picked up in your travels or simply have a special place in your heart.Trade Review"…a resource as practical as it is whimsical… Misumi visually guides readers through visible and invisible mending techniques that bring new life to well-loved materials…Anyone wishing to preserve and repair their favorite clothes will find plenty of ideas and useful techniques here"-- Library Journal "Starred Review""…It's perfect for those of us seeking practical and creative ways to reduce our environmental footprint…If you have an interest in this sort of thing, get a copy of the book to see the numerous examples of clothing restoration. It is inspiring. Your repairs can be as subtle or creative as you like, and it's so satisfying to keep that beloved jean jacket going."-- Empress of Dirt blog"…Filled with practical mending techniques, both visible and invisible, Noriko approaches every mending project as an opportunity for creative expression…this book has the classic minimalist 'zakka' aesthetic that we've all come to love about Japanese craft books. Overall, Joyful Mending is a lovely read. It's full of practical instructions and lots of creative ideas to approach your next mending project with a touch of whimsy." -- My Poppet Makes blog

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Book SynopsisLeather expert Nigel Armitage presents an easy-to-follow guide to the skills and techniques required to make high-quality leather belts.

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Book SynopsisUsing only scissors and paper learn to make incredible 3-D globe scenes!

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Book SynopsisA weaving classic is back in a revised and updated edition!

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Book SynopsisEasy Bargello is a collection of 25 homeware and gift projects to make which revive the traditional needle point technique of Bargello. Bargello is an easy craft to master as it comprises just one simple straight stitch. Striking patterns form by repeating the stitch in different colours and arrangements. It is not only methodical and mindful but creative too as, once the basics are understood, the reader will be able to design their own patterns. The book features a short history of this traditional technique, followed by an exploration of the different fabrics and materials used and explains everything a beginner needs to get started on their first project. Projects range from beginner and intermediate through to advanced levels. Each pattern features step-by-step instructions and modern life-style photography beautifully illustrates the construction of each piece. This is an ideal collection to utilise a crafter’s thread stash and experiment with different colour combinations. Projects include: hoop, purse, wall hanging, greeting’s card, pillow, plastic canvas plant pot cover. 25 stash-busting Bargello homeware and gift projects Revival of a treasured, traditional needlepoint technique Suitable for all levels from beginner through to advanced Author is a recognised global expert on embroidery Trade ReviewBargello is a traditional Italian style of embroidery worked in wool over straight stitches. Rosemary Drysdale’s new book introduces the craft with an overview of the types of canvas, needles and wool thread you’ll need. She then explains the essential techniques, with easy-to-follow guides to the stitches that create the striking zigzag effect. * Knitting magazine *This new collection of 25 projects uses the traditional needle point technique of Bargello. Master a simple straight stitch to create stunning designs using different colour combinations and patterns. The book features a history of Bargello and tips on the best fabrics and materials to use, so beginners can try this. Projects include a hoop, purse, wall hanging, greeting’s card, pillow and plastic canvas plant pot cover. * Cross Stitcher magazine *Table of ContentsAbout Bargello History Tools + Materials Interlocking Canvas Plastic Canvas Tapestry Wool Other Threads Needles Scissors Tape Frames Colour + Patterns Traditional Stitches Modern Inspiration Choosing Colours Getting Started Threading the Needle Counting Squares Following Charts Foundation Row Second Row Following Rows Finishing the Perimeter Projects Hoop Purse Eyeglass case Small pin cushion Large pin cushion Coin purse Card wallet Kitchen hand towel Bathroom hand towel Graphic pillow/cushion Kilim pillow Needle case Scissor case Wall hanging 2 x Door hangers Greeting’s card 2 x Sachets Framed piece of Bargello Phone case Four way Bargello in hoop

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Book SynopsisSustainability meets DIY in this instructive guide to garment embroidery from designer and fiber artist Alexandra Stratkotter. Combining comprehensive instruction with photography and illustrations, The Embroidered Closet guides novice and experienced stitchers through the process of adorning and upcycling garments. Now more than ever, we are all pitching in to help the planet: This book offers a fun and satisfying avenue to do just that by refreshing the wardrobe you have and making your clothes seem new again.The Embroidered Closet presents the inexpensive craft of embroidery and uses it to show readers just how fun embellishing your own clothing can be. Expect to learn not just about tools, techniques, stitches, and project designs, but also how to pick fabrics that work best for you and your wardrobe, how to source and thrift your clothing, and how to mend and prevent wear and tear. Stratkotter will inspire you to expand your opti

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Book SynopsisDogs can be a pleasure to draw, whether they are dignified, elegant, cute or scruffy. Suzie Hodges shows you how to capture the character of a great selection of popular dog breeds. This delightful introduction to drawing dogs completely demystifies the drawing process. It shows how images can be built up easily, from initial geometric shapes right through to the finished animals. Susie Hodges includes a good selection of popular breeds and she uses a helpful two colour method that clearly shows every line and curve of the step-by-step pictures. Even absolute beginners will find themselves creating great drawings when they use this book and there is much to inspire more experienced artists too. An invaluable guide for anyone interested in this subject.Trade ReviewNov 09 Another one from the popular How to Draw range, this time Susie shows us in a series of simple steps how to create a selection of different breeds in a variety of lively poses. She uses a simple method of geometric shapes joined together by lines to show us how easy it is to draw these, in a step by step format from the initial couple of circles to the finished portrait. The beauty of this book is that like all the How to Draw series it's so simple to follow each step. The first step is drawn in an ochre colour and subsequent steps in a purple, with the last step changing back to ochre. Its incredibly easy for even a very beginner to create great drawings following Susie's simple instructions. If you've ever wanted to draw dogs but been put off by the problems of keeping proportions in perspective, this book is the one you want, it demystifies all those problems and shows you just how simple drawing dogs is by following a few key instructions. * JeannieZelos.com *Nov 09 They say that a dog is man's best friend, and they remain hugely popular pets as well as working animals. Here is a book that shows you how to draw these lively and diverse creatures so you can sketch pictures for your friends and family of their cherished pets. As with the other titles in the How To Draw series words are kept to a minimum, and confined to a brief introduction and list of the breeds depicted. Each page is given over to a dog, taking you from simple shapes through to adding details, culminating in a finished pencil sketch and a watercolor painting. Each new detail of the staged project is drawn in pink pencil, with the parts from the earlier steps in blue for extra clarity, a truly good idea in my opinion. The breeds range from several of the perennially popular terriers, through to other well-loved breeds such as the Alsatian, rottweiler, great dane, Labrador, retriever, collie and more. There is a variety of poses too, from standing to eager attention to lying on the ground, mostly looking up out of the picture right at you, another nice touch. There are bigger books on this sort of thing, but for a simple, direct approach and a stocking filler price (£4.99/$9.95) this is ideal. * Myshelf.com *Table of Contents A popular subject Simple techniques show how to create great drawings 28 dogs in different poses

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Book SynopsisThe most complete guide ever to taking up poker and winningComprehensive and easy to follow, The Mammoth Book of Poker enables even those new to the game to begin and win at home, in casinos, in tournaments and online. Written by leading card games author Paul Mendelson, and packed with top tips, this invaluable new guide helps you understand your chances, appreciate the percentages, and master the odds that your hand improves.All aspects of poker are covered, including:Online pokerTexas Hold 'Em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, Hi/Lo Split and all other variantsNo-Limit/LimitKiller online playCasino playAdvanced strategies Tournament play and listingsWith over 500 pages, The Mammoth Book of Poker gives all you need to know to get started and win from the outset.

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Book SynopsisThe Georgian and Regency period was a time of extremes in clothing, from the heights of the extravagant and decorative headdresses to the widths of the panniers. These garments were supported by a wide range of padding, boning, frills and flounces to create shape and texture. This essential book will guide you through the exciting fashions of the time. Suitable for experts and novices alike, it is filled with practical projects ranging from grand gowns to dainty bonnets, all presented with clarity and insight. There are ten detailed patterns, dating from 1710 to 1820 with five suggested variations to show how the patterns can be adapted; eight patterns for contemporary undergarments and seven patterns for accessories. Step-by-step instructions and photographs show how to construct the patterns and lavish photographs illustrate the finished designs.

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Book SynopsisRibbon embroidery is a simple, beautiful and versatile technique that dates back to the seventeenth century. This book brings it up to date with fresh instruction on floral classics, as well as stunning contemporary designs. With over 400 colour step-by-step photographs to guide the reader through each stitch, Ribbonwork Embroidery demonstrates the speed and simplicity of ribbonwork, and explains how it can be combined with other techniques to add detail and depth to a piece of embroidery.

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Book SynopsisBursting with mazes, puzzles and colouring activities, join Woody, Mike, Elastigirl and others in this activity book you can use every day of the year!

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Book SynopsisAdd sass to your quilt labels and gift tags! Featuring 100+ snarky designs you can stitch, colour, or paint, these customizable iron-ons give your handmade treasure the label it deserves.

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