Knitting in Tuscany by Nicky Epstein
Knit One, Purl Two?
If you'd like to learn how to knit or crochet but find yourself getting lost looking at diagrams why not check out a demonstration video in the Information Library? The Information Library's nonfiction dvd collection has plenty of dvds to help you learn about a craft.
DVDs go out for three days at a time and may be renewed one time online, by phone or in person.
Handmade Home
Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures by Amanda Soule (745.5 Sou) is a treasure trove of useful and unique crafts for the eco-conscious crafter. What makes it even more sweet is that you can hold on to articles of clothing with sentimental value and give them a second life.
Handmade Home also offers many craft ideas to enjoy and share with kids.
Two New Magazines Added to Collection!
Hey, crafters & sewers - two new magazines have been added to the collection.
Sew Beautiful - offers nifty ideas for beginner and advanced sewers. Some of the projects in the current edition:
- 62 fabulous ideas for autumn sewing
- seven creative was to use vintage hankies
- back to school style from oliver + S
- how to sew a victorian corset cover
Ready Made - explores different craft ideas for the home and everyday living. It also has features on artists and crafters, something fans of Mary Engbreit's Home Companion - which is no longer in print - will enjoy. In the current edition:
- 12 projects for your garden, cocktail hour, and more
- crazy good homemad pickles
- fashion refresh: 6 wardrobe makeovers
- summer vacation in a prefab palace
Nordic Walking
Sewing 101 & More
DK's The Sewing Book is excellently photographed and detailed with information for the beginning seamstress to the advanced tailor. You will be inspired to try your hand at a new project or take up that simple repair you've been putting off.
For the more crafty creator, try Stitched in Time by Alicia Paulson. Stitched in Time offers ideas to turn memories into beautifully stitched creations.
If you have a more playful side, check out Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet and Simple Projects to Sew and Embellish by Jenny Ryan or Stray Sock Sewing: Making One-of-a-Kind Creatures from Socks by Daniel.
And, if you have a dog with personality who doesn't mind getting dressed up try Canine Couture: 25 Projects - Fashion and Lifestyle Accessories for Designer Dogs by Lily Shahravesh.
Kids will like Made by Me by Jane Bull.
If you've always wanted to try embroidery but have been a little intimidated, try Doodle Stitching: Fresh and Fun Embroidery for Beginners by Aimee Ray.
Felted Projects...Fast and Cheap!
Felted crafts seem to be everywhere now. Charming and luxurious...but how do they do it? Felt It! Stitch It! Fabulous! by Katheryn Tidwell Bieber will help the novice crafter with a small budget make felted crafts fast.
You'll learn how to turn thrift-store finds into crafty treasures. A fun book with great ideas.
Carve out a new tradition
Try something new (not to mention easier) while decorating your pumpkins this year. Cut out your face shapes from craft foam and pin them to your pumpkin. You can add big wiggly eyes, use yarn for hair, get as creative as you want. No more breaking knives while cutting, scooping out the goo or cleaning up the mess.
Halloween Bat Decoration
Here is an easy craft you can make with your own two hands. Use craft foam or construction paper to create this bat. Trace your hands to make wings and cut them out. Draw a bat face and cut out that shape. Make a mouth from some white scrap, and add 2 wiggly eyes and a small pom-pom for the nose. To make it extra fun, glue the wings to a clothes pin and then the face to the wings. Now you can clip it anywhere in the house to spook your parents!
Writing Fiction
Many people, especially booklovers, often hold the notion that they have a novel inside of them but they just don't know how to get it out and onto paper. For those who would like to start down that path of putting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard), here is a suggested selection of books available at the Albert Lea Public Library:
How I Write: Secrets of a Best-selling Author by Janet Evanovich (808.3 Eva)
The Modern Library Writer's Workshop: A Guide to the Craft of Fiction by Stephen Koch (808.3 Koc)
Writing Fiction: An Introduction to the Craft by Garry Disher (808.3 Dis)
This Year You Write Your Novel by Walter Mosley (808.3 Mos)
Frank McCourt is credited with saying that it took him thirty years to write Angela's Ashes. So, don't get frustrated if your own progress doesn't make you feel like you're flying along.
Get Creative with your T-shirt!
Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-shirt- 646.404 Nic
Author: Megan Nicolay
This do it yourself guide has everything you need to know about the world's great T-shirt: how to cut it, sew it, deconstruct it, reconstruct it, and best of all, transform it. The T-shirt is the starting point; the end results range from a slightly modified top to a two piece bikini. Featuring 108 projects with more than one third no-sew, meaning anyone who can wield a pair of scissors can transform their wardrobe. The book starts with an introduction to design terms, tools, measurements, materials and stitches, making it accessible to even beginners. Check out this and many other idea books from your library!
Great Mother's Day Craft!
Hey Kids! Do you still need a gift for mom this Mother's Day? How about giving her a dozen roses? Sounds expensive, right? Well, if you make them for her out of tissue paper and pipe cleaner, it will be a easy, creative (and cheap) way to show mom how much she means to you. 
Here's what to do:
Cut various colored tissue paper into 6 inch circles
To make one flower use stack 8 sheets together
Push a finger into the center
Pinch the paper with your other hand on the opposite side
Squeeze the bottom of the paper tightly and twist the green pipe cleaner around the end
Carefully pull the layers apart to fluff up the flower
