http://www.leisurearts.com/rss/catalog/new/store_id/1/ Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 Zend_Feed en_US http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://www.leisurearts.com/1-000-any-size-quilt-blocks.html Most quilters today have easy access to a computer and printer -- either their own or at an office supply or copy center. So it's simple to pop a CD into the computer and print a particular block pattern in just the right size for a project. This book not only gives patterns for 1,000 quilt blocks, but the accompanying CD offers each block in six different sizes from 4" to 15". This gives the quilter immense flexibility. The blocks are organized by styles such as Four-Patch or Nine-Patch, and all blocks are shown in full color. There are choices for the beginner as well as more challenging ones for advanced quilters. This big treasury of blocks is a must-have book for every quilter’s library.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/easier-than-ever-scrapbooking-treasury.html Time is precious--that's why scrapbookers need ideas for beautiful layouts they can create in under an hour. Experts from Creating Keepsakes magazine share time-saving strategies to help scrapbookers create faster and better. This big book is packed with the layouts scrapbookers crave most: basic two-page layouts with multiphoto designs. Chapter 1, "Pages from the Pantry (Just the Basics)," provides incredible layouts that can be scraplifted (used to inspire new scrapbook designs) using basic supplies and photos. Later chapters offer layouts that show scrapbookers how using just 1 to 3 additional tools or supplies can add flavor and personality to their pages. This banquet of inspiration is designed to whet the appetites of scrapbookers and stimulate their creative juices.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/party-ensembles.html Do-it-yourself party ensembles are the latest trend in paper crafting, and the editors of Paper Crafts magazine have compiled 288 pages of design inspiration in this unique new book. With more than 1,000 individual pieces in 140 different party ensembles, the ideas for every holiday and theme are truly endless. From birthdays, Christmas, and Halloween to summer picnics, movie nights, and wine tastings, every gathering can become one that is personal and customized. Along with beautifully styled full-color photos and detailed instructions, each section includes party planning tips and ideas for making the most out of ensemble designs. This book is the must-have resource for paper crafters everywhere! Supplemental CD includes patterns and supply lists.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/urban-edge.html Inspired by the lifestyle of the urban dweller, this crochet fashion collection from award-winning designer Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby is vibrant, versatile, and exciting. Shannon presents 13 garments that are as energizing to crochet as they are to wear. Showcasing yarns in light and medium weights, the designs include Bangkok Jacket, Dublin Cables Dress, Rio Sleeveless Hoodie, St. Tropez Butterfly Sleeve Top, Buenos Aires Maxi Vest, Amsterdam Vest, Helsinki Sweater, Seattle Cross Front Vest, Los Angeles Jacket, Taos Poncho, Milan Cowl Neck Top, Paris Wrap (a multifunctional skirt or dress), and NYC Dress. Most patterns are for sizes Small to 3X and Easy to Experienced skill levels. Tutorials help explain foundations and finishing techniques.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/teach-yourself-to-make-biscornu.html Quick, cute, and fun to do, Bobbie Watts's beautiful biscornu can teach the embroiderer a whole range of needlecraft skills. This amazing little eight-sided pillow gets its name from a French word meaning "quirky." It can be used as a pincushion, ornament, scissor fob, sachet, or just about anything you can think to do with a tiny cushion. A basic biscornu is composed of two fabric squares that are stacked, with the top square askew, and then sewn together. Step-by-step instructions, photographs, and charts will guide you through the variety of embroidery techniques and embellishments that Bobbie used for her 9 designs: Renaissance, Bright Gem, Orange Gem, Rosebuds, Green Garden, Blue Pearls, Stripes of Pink, Crimson Flower, and Variegated Lattice. ]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/use-up-that-yarn.html Crochet is so relaxing! But if mountains of partial skeins and "someday" yarns are causing calamity in your closets, it can be difficult to decide what to make next. With Drew Emborsky's quick and easy stash busters, you can clean up the clutter! The Crochet Dude presents 13 practical projects that are fantastically fast at shrinking a stash. Set the table with crocheted coasters, a table runner, or decorative bowls. Use up that yarn to crochet a coffee cup sleeve or tea cozy. For outdoor wear, get toasty in a hat-and-scarf set. These speedy designs will get your yarn collection under control, restoring serenity to your crochet time--and your closets!]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/fresh-approach.html Everyone will love the realistic detail of this pair of beautiful cross stitch pieces, both featuring a rooster and hen. These Scotch Greys and White Dorkings are stitched on Tea-Dyed Irish Linen and custom framed. The vintage artwork was adapted for needlework by Mary Ellen Yanich.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/101-ornaments-for-christmas.html Trim your Christmas tree in cross-stitch charm! With 101 wonderful quick-and-easy ornaments to brighten your season, you’ll always have new ideas for spreading holiday cheer. And the nine finishing options shown will give you lots of ideas for fast and fun ways to show off your stitching. Instructions are included to tell you how Kooler Design Studio stitched and finished each of the designs, but we encourage you to mix and match the instructions to create a custom ornament that fits perfectly into your holiday decor!]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/special-bibs-for-special-babies-4460.html Personalized bibs celebrate the fact that all babies are special. Choose from 14 simple cross stitch designs by Ursula Michael and two different alphabets to personalize a bib for your baby. All stitched on prefinished bibs, the designs vary from lively fruit and veggies to cute bunnies and bears. 14 designs, all with space for adding a name: Fruit; Veggies; Hug Me (bears); Feed Me! (bear); I Love You (bunny); Bunny and Blanket; I Love Daddy (bunny, with optional versions for Mommy, Grandma, and Grandpa); Hungry; Eat Your Peas; Beach Bunnies; Peek-A-Boo (bunny); Heaven Sent (bear); Our Little Angel (bear); and Bear Friends. Each alphabet has upper- and lowercase letters.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/christmas-jar-toppers.html Fast and festive, these 14 quick-and-easy cross stitch jar lids will help you decorate containers for lots of holiday gifts. The collection includes a variety of themes and styles designed by Linda Gillum and Barbara Baatz of Kooler Design Studio. When stitched on 14-count fabric, there are designs for both regular and large-mouth canning jars. Fill the jars with anything from candy to tiny toys and other trinkets.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/fresh-picked.html Capture the freshness of hand-picked vegetables in this beautiful cross stitch collection featuring 8 realistic designs by Heather King. Simple backstitch borders make the designs look wonderful in frames. To use individually or as a coordinating set, the designs include carrots, tomatoes, corn, mushrooms, beets, asparagus, onions, and broccoli. Full-color charts include dimensions of the finished designs when using 14-, 16-, and 18-count fabric.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/cross-stitch-alphabets-for-baby.html Working with alphabets is all about creativity. You can choose what you want to say and then choose how it looks! With these 15 illustrated cross stitch alphabets by Linda Gillum of Kooler Design Studio, you can add sweet touches to the nursery, and the playful characters will help the alphabet come to life for a small child. Guidelines are included to help in the creative process, from choosing your design and charting it (with tips for spacing between letters and rows, arranging it, and fitting it to a specific stitching area) to stitching your design (figuring the size to cut your fabric and using the right number of floss strands). General cross stitch instructions include step-by-step diagrams for Cross Stitches, Quarter Stitches, Backstitch, and French Knots.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/the-lord-is-my-shepherd.html The eloquent words of Psalm 23 are beautifully presented in this cross stitch pastoral scene by Holly DeFount of Kooler Design Studio. A leafy vine fills the border around the peaceful depiction of sheep grazing along a stream. The 120 x 178 stitch-count design is worked over two fabric threads on 25-count Antique White Lugana fabric.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/top-notch-tissue-box-covers.html Look what you can make! This collection of tissue box covers in 7- and 10-mesh plastic canvas offers styles to fit any room or mood. Stitch a mix of fruits and vegetables for the kitchen. Spread Christmas cheer with a jolly Santa. Send a spinnaker sailing out to sea! You can create colorful pinwheels, bright bargello, 1940s flamingos--14 fanciful designs in all by Conn Baker Gibney. They're great for gifts or to use in your own home-sweet-home!]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/christmas-characters-in-plastic-canvas.html So merry! So festive! These 7 plastic canvas projects by MizFitz (the design team of John and Rose Fitzgerald) are the jolliest things you can stitch for Christmas. Make a Santa or reindeer tissue box cover. For the dining table, put Santa's entire sleigh on display. Fashion some very cute ornaments for the tree, or create a panel of Christmas personalities with one of the two character lineups. What a fun way to add more joy to the season!]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/plastic-canvas-kisses.html If you love your friends, give them a kiss! These playful pals are called kisses because their mouths can hold one small piece of candy, which makes each little animal (and clown and Santa) as sweet as a kiss! Designed by the imaginative Dick Martin, they're easy to stitch on 7-mesh plastic canvas with worsted weight yarn. Make them for magnets, gift toppers, party favors, stocking stuffers--or just for fun! 25 designs: Deer, Duck, Kitten, Squirrel, Skunk, Raccoon, Dog, Alligator, Clown, Parrot, Zebra, Lamb, Cow, Lion, Monkey, Red Dinosaur, Blue Dinosaur, Purple Cow, Bunny, Duck in Straw Hat, Pig, Bright Monkey, Speckled Dog, Reindeer, and Santa.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/friends-for-baby-in-plastic-canvas.html There's a new kid on the way! Surprise the mom-to-be with these bears, ducks, bunnies, and other cute characters from Dick Martin--all stitched on plastic canvas! You'll find an adorable set of shower favors and a clown bear basket that's perfect for your party centerpiece. For gifts, it's fun to make tissue box covers and little photo frames. There are even bear-themed items to brighten the nursery with a necessities box, switch plate cover, and wall decoration. It's time to get stitching for a special baby who's going to love seeing these 17 sweet creations.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/a-year-of-tissue-box-covers.html Twelve designs for tissue box covers let you change decor to greet each new month: January (snowflakes) by James R. Green; February (hearts) by Jimmy Morris; March (shamrocks); April (Easter eggs) by Barbara Breitwieser; May (rose) by Joan E. Ray; June (wedding pictures) by Paula Jacobson; July (sailboats) by Suzanne Richard; August (watermelon basket) by Alida Macor; September (duck); October (stacked jack-o'-lanterns) by Providence Deck; November (turkey) by Dick Martin; and December (festive beading) by Elaine Richardson.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/big-beak-birds-in-plastic-canvas.html No matter what the weather, these birds will hang around all year long! Each is stitched using worsted weight yarn on 7-mesh plastic canvas, and they can be used in so many ways. Perch them on tiny tree limbs, glue them atop wooden skewers or dowels to make plant pokes, or suspend them in the air with clear nylon line. Sheri Allsop Krohn's 8 designs include American Goldfinch, Blue Jay, Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Hummingbird, Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, and Red-Winged Blackbird.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/big-book-of-coasters.html These eye-catching coasters will keep you in stitches! From whimsical to elegant, the 43 designs in our 13 terrific plastic canvas coaster sets are so quick and easy to make that you can craft a set for every room--even the patio. You can add a decorative touch, reflect your personality, and protect your furniture--all at the same time! Beginning stitchers will love the full-color charts and simple-to-follow instructions, while those with more experience will appreciate the unique patterns. With such a wide variety of styles from which to choose, you’re sure to find coasters for everyone!]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/lovely-layettes.html That new baby will capture your heart in an instant! Why not knit a layette for that darling girl or boy, so you can lovingly wrap the wee one in softness and warmth? These four sets by Carole Prior each include a hat, booties, jacket, and pants made with light weight yarn. The garment patterns are sized for 6 months to 18 months. Each set is fun to knit, with its lovely texture taking shape before your eyes. So while you knit a soft layette to pamper that precious child, you can also pamper yourself with a little creativity!]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/cute-cozy-caps.html You can crochet the perfect hat for every child! From a flower-bedecked bowler to a tasseled stocking cap, these fun noggin-toppers from Lori Adams offer a variety of textures, colors, and themes. Ten playful styles will keep those wonderful kids as cozy as they are cute! Made with various weights of yarn, the designs include Knotted Hat, Basketweave Hat, Flowered Bowler, Flowery Hat, Beehive Hat, Ruffled Pillbox, Sunflower Hat, Stocking Cap, Topper, and a Squash Hat for a little pumpkin-head.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/precious-knit-blankies-for-baby.html So original, so adorable--blankets this warm and beautiful will be perfect for that special baby! Delight a new mom with a blanket of sweet sheep for her little lamb. Thrill a wee one with a deeply soft carriage throw that's delightful for tiny fingers to touch and pat. Jean Adel's fast and fabulous patterns to knit are designed to make the best use of medium weight, bulky, and super bulky yarns that are wonderfully fluffy, superbly plush-- even woven with pom-poms! These 16 small afghans are quick and easy to knit, and make truly precious gifts. Skill levels are Beginner to Easy-Plus.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/the-envelope-please.html These knit pillows with envelope-style flaps and decorative buttons are the 10 best ways to add a burst of color and texture to your home! Carolyn Pfeifer's cozy, modern cushions are also the odds-on favorites for thoughtful housewarming gifts. The body of each knitted envelope pillow is one piece, just sewn up the sides. All the flaps are Stockinette Stitch, and the knitter can change out the flaps for more style options. The designs are each written with instructions to fit 14" square, 16" square, or 12" x 16" rectangular purchased pillow forms. 10 pillows: Two Color Slip Stitch, Twisted Garter Stitch, Basketweave, Broken Rib Stitch, Star Stitch, Lace Ribbing, Zig Zag Angles, Tiny Mock Cables, Diagonal Texture Stripes, and Fisherman Rib.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/i-can-t-believe-i-m-fair-isle-knitting.html With this thorough guidebook from Sheila G. Joynes, you can easily learn Fair Isle knitting and gradually expand your skill level while making a colorful cowl and hats for the family. Everything you need to know about Fair Isle knitting is here. As a special feature, you can personalize the color keys, making it easy to use the yarn colors of your choice. To inspire you, we've shown two color versions each for five of the six fun projects: Garden Cowl, Columbia River Ear Flap Hat, Autumn Beanie, Little Sophia's Hat, and Ginger's Slouch Hat. The final and most advanced project is Cranberry Rose Hat. Just think how thrilling it will be to say, "I can't believe I'm Fair Isle Knitting!"]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/encyclopedia-of-crochet-revised.html This 240-page book is the complete, authoritative guide to the history, techniques, and patterns of crochet -- and now it's been updated to reflect what's popular in crochet today. Expanded information is given in some areas, and the skill-building projects have been refreshed with up-to-the-minute patterns. Materials and basic techniques are clearly illustrated. Twenty-nine unique projects are stunningly photographed, with thorough written instructions to guide even a novice. For those whose skills go beyond the basics, advanced techniques and projects will challenge and inspire. The pattern gallery explains how to read patterns and features 164 charts for traditional as well as brand new crochet patterns. A resource list, cross-referenced index, and bibliography round out the volume.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/encyclopedia-of-knitting-revised.html This 240-page book is the complete, authoritative guide to the history, techniques, and patterns of knitting -- and now it's been updated to reflect what's popular in knitting today. Expanded information is given in some areas, and the skill-building projects have been refreshed with up-to-the-minute patterns. Materials, basic techniques, symbols, and abbreviations are clearly written and illustrated to make learning to knit simple. Twenty-two unique projects are stunningly photographed, with thorough written instructions to guide even a novice. For those whose skills go beyond the basics, advanced techniques and projects will challenge and inspire. The pattern gallery features 150 charts for traditional as well as new knitting patterns. A resource list, cross-referenced index, and bibliography round out the volume.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000 http://www.leisurearts.com/i-can-t-believe-i-m-loom-knitting.html Have you discovered the hot tool that makes knitting easier than ever before--without knitting needles? It's a knitting loom (also known as a knitting wheel), and using one is as simple as wrapping yarn around the pegs and lifting the yarn loops with a pick-like tool. Clear photos and instructions make it a breeze to learn everything you need to know. The 18 projects in I Can't Believe I'm Loom Knitting include Beginner Knit Hat, Next-Step E-Wrap Knit Hat, Garter Stitch Brim Hat, Sampler Afghan, Corn on the Cob Hat & Scarf, Honeycomb Hat & Scarf, Felted Basketweave Tote, Hooded Vest, Lattice Pillow, Bejeweled Fingerless Gloves, Robin's Hood, Garter Wedges Baby Blanket, Ridged Lace Hat, Lace Wrap, Felted Candy Cane Stocking, and Panda Hat.

I Can't Believe I'm Loom Knitting (Leisure Arts #5250)]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:13:13 +0000