Craft Focus - April/May 2024 (Issue 102)

79 BOOKS KNITTING FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS By Amy Philip £14.99 9781800652132 CICO Books The arrival of a new baby is the perfect time to create a special handknitted piece that can be enjoyed and treasured for years to come. Here, you’ll find 35 contemporary designs that tap into current trends for timeless, unisex baby clothing in natural and organic fibres. As well as cosy garments such as cardigans and rompers, there are adorable accessories including booties and beanie hats, and even toys, bunting and cushions for a nursery. The designs are made up in natural, soft yarns that are both gentle on the skin and easy to care for, and the clothing patterns include different sizes from newborn up to age three. We say: A beautiful and functional collection of 35 knitting patterns for baby garments, accessories and nursery homewares, Knitting BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CYANOTYPE By Kim Tillyer £14.99 9781800920958 Search Press Crafters will learn how to apply a special light-sensitive solution to various surfaces and witness the transformative effect of sunlight or UV light, as their creations magically turn into vibrant blue works of art. What makes cyanotype particularly appealing is its versatility, as it provides a fun, accessible, and affordable means to transform ordinary objects into extraordinary blue-hued keepsakes. Whether you are a budding artist in search of a new creative outlet or an individual seeking to infuse your gifts with a mesmerizing blue hue, A Beginner’s Guide to Cyanotype will serve as your ultimate beginner-friendly guide. You are guided on how to use cyanotype printing on a variety of surfaces and unlock the potential of this enchanting artistic process. With Kim Tillyer’s expert instruction and inspiration, you will embark on a journey of artistic exploration, creating unique and captivating cyanotype masterpieces that reflect your individual style and vision. We say: Learn to use the cyanotype process on fabric, note cards, paper and so much more! Cyanotype THE ULTIMATE CROSS STITCH PET COLLECTION By Claire Crompton £16.99 9781446312872 David & Charles Cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, budgies, guinea pigs, goldfish, rats and ferrets are just a few of the popular animals featured in this parade of pets in cross stitch. Over 40 popular breeds of dog and cat alone give the stitcher plenty of choice, whether they want a detailed portrait or a nose-to-tail likeness. Additional themed alphabets, fitting sentiments and cute motifs reflect the humorous side of being a cat or dog lover. Other pets are also represented, from the tiniest mice and goldfish to wideeyed reptiles, mischievous ferrets and familiar farmyard friends. Advice is given on changing thread colour to match your subject, and gift and keepsake ideas suggest how to display your prized pet’s pictures. Stitch over 400 adorable animals and be inspired by endless ideas for gifts with this bumper collection of designs. We say: The ultimate collection of cross stitch designs for pet lovers! Cross stitch THE HANDMADE SPA: NATURAL SOAPS By Amélie Boué £9.99 9781800922105 Search Press Whether you’re a seasoned soap maker or a complete beginner, learn to create stunning and sustainable soaps to keep or to gift. Delve into the science behind soap making and gain a deep understanding of the chemistry involved; learn about the properties of different oils and additives and discover how to formulate recipes that result in 16 luxurious, skin-friendly soaps. This comprehensive guide, written by artisanal soap-maker, Amélie Boué, founder of the French soap company Savon en Bullant, is your ticket to creating gentle, eco-friendly soaps from the comfort of your own home. With Amélie’s expert guidance, you’ll gain confidence in experimenting with ingredients and creating blends that are explicitly tailored to your preferences. Ingredients include almond, peppermint, lavender, honey, beeswax even coffee; ensuring that bathtime becomes an olfactory treat! We say: Unleash your creativity and discover various techniques for swirling, layering and moulding soaps, allowing you to craft stunning designs that make each bar a work of art. Soap making

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