Hobbies

Knitters will find specific techniques and instructions for felting their knitting in this detailed step-by-step introduction, including how to felt on purpose and not by mistake, techniques for both hand and machine felting, and choosing and testing yarns. They'll also learn whether knitting swatches is really necessary and how big to knit a piece before felting. Twenty-four detailed projects include stylish bags, totes, hats, and mittens; warm and fuzzy vests and slippers; and decorative pillows, placemats, and coasters. With a section on embellishing felting and felting on felt (needle felting), knitters will be inspired to create these beautiful projects for friends and family, from the baby's first felt hat to the furry slippers for cold winter nights.

You can easily form beads, candlesticks, figures, and art objects from just a rod of cold glass and a torch. Heat it, manipulate it a bit, and almost instantaneously beautiful and new shapes emerge from the fire. That's flameworking. Begin by melting a ball at different points of the rod; flatten the ball into a disc; and form other shapes like hearts, wings, butterflies, and the moon. Turn those designs into jewellery, hanging sculptures, and stirrers. Fuse glass to glass, make a candleholder, and try several methods for adding colour. The results are amazing! * Beginner's guide to craftworking with hot glass, plus advanced techniques and projects for the more experienced. * A top teacher of the craft explains how to do it all, providing exactly the same information and exercises she gives her beginner workshops. * Lavish illustrations capture the entire artistic process. Look into the different types of glass to choose from, and find out about safety and equipment (including a wide range of torches).