In the lastest episode of MHL's Shelf Help podcast, Gerry Deyermond (assistant head of circulation), Vicki Murphy (executive secretary), and Stephanie Smith (cataloging & reference librarian) discuss MHL's new craft space, the upcoming return of Vicki & Gerry's craft programs for adults, and some of Gerry & Vicki's favorite craft books that you can borrow from the library. You can reach Vicki & Gerry with craft-related questions at crafts@mhl.org; while their new craft area is not in a publicly accessible part of the library, you can check out some photos below. They also contribute to MHL's Pinterest boards, so you can check there for more craft ideas.
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50 Fat Quarter Toys : Easy Toy Sewing Patterns from Your Fabric Stash
by Ame Verso A celebration of handmade toys, featuring fabulous stuffed animals, handmade baby gifts, Christmas makes, and more--all made using fat quarter cuts of fabric. This fun collection features beautiful photography, step-by-step diagrams and templates for over 50 handmade toys. All the toys are made using simple sewing techniques alongside patchwork, applique, and embroidery. |
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Simply living well : a guide to creating a natural, low-waste home
by Julia Watkins Through rituals, recipes, and DIY projects, the author, in this timely and motivational guide, shows us how we can live simply and sustainably at home. Also available as an e-book in Overdrive/Libby via partner network Boston Public Library. |
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Knitted nursery rhymes : recreate the traditional tales with knitted toys
by Sarah Keen Provides instructions on knitting nursery rhyme character figurines, from Little Boy Blue and Humpty Dumpty to Little Miss Muffet and the cat with a fiddle. |
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101 Ways to Craft Through Quarantine : Quick & Easy Projects to Stitch, Sew, Knit, Bead & Fold
by David & Charles Keep calm and craft! Want to try your hand at making gorgeous homemade goodies in lockdown? This fun collection of quick-and-easy projects includes sewing, embroidery, quilting, appliqué, knitting, crochet, papercraft, beading, and cake decorating. |
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Prepared to dye : dyeing techniques for fiber artists
by Gene Shepherd How to dye wool without chemicals? How to dye wool with acid dyes? Essential for all wool fiber artists, especially those working in rug hooking, wool applique, or quilting with wool. Learn how to marbleize, spot dye, and marry colors to make exquisite wool. Features a DVD with Gene Shepherd demonstrating his methods and techniques. |
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Fun with family photos : crafts, keepsakes, gifts
by Jennifer Barry Sisters-in-law Jennifer and Leslie Barry present creative and sophisticated ideas for paperworks (cards, announcements, invitations, albums), frameworks (jewelry, magnets, frames, mats), and homeworks (ornaments, place cards, desk accessories). Archival family photos, digital images, point-and-shoot snapshots, and even those wacky strips from carnival photo booths can become beautiful works of art to use, display, and send as gifts. Featuring step-by-step instructions and full-color photos of each finished project, this book offers an array of inventive ideas for honoring your special family memories. |
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A knot a day : 365 knot challenges for all abilities
by Nic Compton This beautifully-produced compendium gives you a knot challenge for every day of the year. With hundreds to choose from, all color-coded by use, you can work through the book from start to finish, gradually building on your knowledge as you go, or alternatively dipping in and out for your daily knotting fix. |
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Home-Made Vintage : Over 40 Quick and Easy Sewing Projects
by Christina Strutt If you long to give your rooms a vintage air and country-cottage appeal, you will love the retro floral prints and timeless designs that you'll find in this guide to creating handmade, easy elegance in your home. In this step-by-step guide perfect for beginners, Christina Strutt shows readers how to make a wealth of projects for the kitchen and bathroom, conservatory and bedroom, and for giving as gifts as well. Reusing old fabrics and accessories in new ways allows the vintage and modern to mingle beautifully, and also saves money and time. |
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Fresh quilting : fearless color, design, & inspiration
by Malka Dubrawsky Fresh Quilting presents 21 brilliant designs featuring quilt artist Malka Dubrawsky's intoxicating colors and unexpected palettes. You'll learn to create beautiful and lively pieces for you and your home--from modern quilts and fun pillows to flirty bags and scarves. In addition to clear directions and step-by-step illustrations for machine-sewn patchwork and quilted projects, Fresh Quilting includes a detailed section of techniques from basic piecing, cutting, and measuring methods to more advanced techniques such as inserting zippers into pillow backs and using bias binding to finish a quilt. |
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30-minute earrings : 60 quick & creative projects for jewelers
by Marthe Le Van Showcases 60 modern projects that can be created in half an hour, demonstrating how to craft fashion rings using materials ranging from gold and silver to pink pearls and repurposed items, in a guide that includes contributions by such top artists as Joanna Gollberg, Sara Westermark, and Boris Bally. |
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Sewing Face Masks, Scrub Caps, Arm Slings, and More : Practical Projects for Comfort and Care
by Angie Herbertson Anyone can learn how to create these thoughtful projects with a purpose, which can be easily made and then gifted or donated to those who need them most! This book features 14 easy and intentional sewing projects that range in difficulty and are thoughtful, practical, and important. From face masks and scrub caps to a wheelchair caddy, arm sling, fidget blanket, adult bib, lap quilt, tab blankie, and so much more, you'll not only learn how to sew and develop your skills, you'll create handmade items and crucial accessories that make a difference! |
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The art of paint pouring : swipe, swirl & spin
by Amanda VanEver Learn even more paint pouring techniques with The Art of Paint Pouring: Swipe, Swirl & Spin! In The Art of Paint Pouring, you learned the basics of creating fluid art, from the essential tools and materials to the most popular techniques. Now with The Art of Paint Pouring: Swipe, Swirl & Spin, you can build on your existing knowledge of paint pouring by learning many new techniques and variations on your favorites to create your own art. VanEver's first book (The Art of Paint Pouring) is available as an e-book in Hoopla. |