Craft Focus - December/January 2023/2024 (Issue 100)

79 BOOKS 500 NEEDLEPOINT PATTERNS By Anaîs Hervé £16.99 9781446310670 David and Charles Needlepoint, a centuries-old craft, has found itself back in the spotlight with a fresh and modern makeover. Welcome to an expansive compendium of needlepoint patterns, where alluring designs come to life with ease through the rhythmic dance of yarn on canvas. The main stitch used for these patterns is the Bargello stitch, a stitch that actually includes several variations such as flame stitch and Florentine stitch. This group of stitches use regular, straight stitches that repeat with a regular offset. Further patterns also use other stitches adapted to the canvas, which will allow you to diversify your techniques and obtain more complex designs. We say: Throughout the pages, you will discover simple needlepoint patterns that can be repeated ad infinitum, allowing you to cover any size canvas. Tapestry KNIT A BOX OF SOCKS By Julie Ann Lebouthillier £16.99 9781446312803 David and Charles Julie Anne Lebouthillier has created 24 incredible sock knitting patterns that are perfect for you to knit for yourself, friends and family to create the perfect box of socks. The patterns vary in difficulty from very beginner to more complex so there is lots of choice and plenty to appeal to experienced knitters as well as newbie sock knitters. There are patterns for socks using gradient yarn as well patterns for stranded colorwork designs, textured knits and even cabled designs so you can build your skills and expand your sock knitting know-how while you work your way through the designs, building your very own box of socks as you go. We say: The designs themselves are fun and original with a real range of different designs for every mood and occasion. Knitting CROSS STITCH OR DIE TRYIN’ By Kate Blandford £12.99 9789188369703 Dokument Press Cross Stitch or Die Tryin’ features 30 patterns that speak to all hip hop lovers who aren’t afraid to show their nerdier side. Crafty hip hop aficionados of all ages will be able to appreciate the patterns, many of which are beginner friendly and can be completed in a couple of hours. And don’t sweat the technique; experienced cross stitcher Kate Blandford gives you easy-to-follow instructions with information on what materials you will need and helpful tricks no matter what level you’re at. So grab your hoops and needles and show the world that you may have 99 problems but cross stitching ain’t one! We say: Why not make a homemade gift for a hip hop loving friend? Stitching up classics like Drop it Like it’s Hot, Mo Money Mo Problems or Sippin’ on Gin and Juice to adorn your kitchen wall is a no-brainer. Cross stitch THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO KNITTING By Lynne Rowe £12.99 9781800921672 Search Press In this complete course, knitting expert Lynne Rowe covers everything you need to get started: essential tools and materials, how to hold your needles, make your first stitches, fasten off and read a pattern. Clear step-by-step photographs and a handy fold-out flap with knitting abbreviations make it accessible for all, whether you are knitting your first stitches or revisiting the basics. Take small steps and familiarize yourself with the terminology and techniques to master the essentials of knitting in no time at all. Lynne combines helpful, friendly guidance with eight colourful modern projects, each one teaching and consolidating a new technique from increasing and decreasing to changing colour and joining seams. We say: Embark on your knitting journey and have fun creating your own knitted wearable accessories and home décor items with all things bright and woolly. Knitting

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