October 17, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
Simple stitches. Sewing : 25 projects for the new sewer by Cheryl Owen — When you're just starting out sewing, it can be difficult to come up with a project that's fully satisfying: many patterns are challenging and complicated, or if the pattern is simple, the resulting finished object looks simple, too. This book is full of projects that are perfect for a beginning sew-er and end up looking like they took a lot more know-how.
October 13, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
Scrap Therapy cut the scraps! : 7 steps to quilting your way through your stash by Joan Ford — Most quilters and sewing enthusiasts have a stash of fabric that continues to grow at a rate exceeding that at which it is used up. We also tend to save a lot of small pieces of fabric, thinking that we'll find a use for it someday - but does that day ever come? This book shows how to use up your stash, even those small pieces that don't seem quite big enough. It includes information about how to quilt and quilt patterns to use, and also has instructions for making projects like bags, sacks, table runners, and much more.
October 10, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
Energy-wise landscape design : a new approach for your home and garden by Sue Reed ; illustrations by Kate Dana — Once upon a time, curb appeal was the driving force behind most residential landscape design, but the down economy and our increased awareness of environmental factors has changed our motivation. Now we can use the landscape to help shade the house from sun and cool the air and ground around the house, reduce the chilling effect of wind in winter, use water efficiently, and utilize a variety of technologies to generate energy. Whether you're planning a new landscape or revamping an existing one, this book has a wealth of information, tips, and ideas.
October 6, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
The knitter's companion : expanded and updated! by Vicki Square — If you're looking for a guide to knitting that you can keep at hand and will cover any questions you might have while you're working or learning knitting, this is a great choice. Small enough to fit in your knitting bag, this spiral bound book provides instructions with illustrations to explain all the basics. It also includes a knitting needle gauge and ruler that you can use on the go, and there are two DVDs with instructions as well.
October 3, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
The edible front yard : the mow-less, grow-more plan for a beautiful, bountiful garden by Ivette Soler ; with photographs by Ann Summa — For most folks, space is at a premium, and so are our hard-earned dollars. To be able to take advantage of the front yard - an area that is usually just boring grass that doesn't get used for much - is a great way to save money and make the most of our property. And an edible front yard garden doesn't have to lack curb appeal! This book has an entire chapter devoted to that topic, as well as information throughout about how to keep your edible front yard aesthetically pleasing. This book has detailed information about all the issues and questions that could come along with an edible front yard.
September 29, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
The food lover's garden by Mark Diacono ; photography by Mark Diacono ; recipe photography by Laura Hynd ; recipe development by Debora Robertson — Did you know that you can eat daylilies and nasturtiums? Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed with produce from the garden but aren't sure how to prepare it? This book has a mix of growing information, tips and info about a variety of types of produce and recipes for how to use it all. Who wants to make some nasturtium risotto?
September 26, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
Terrarium craft : create 50 magical, miniature worlds by Amy Bryant Aiello & Kate Bryant ; photography by Kate Baldwin — Terrariums are simple to make but they can bring so much magic to a space. This book has fifty ideas for terrariums in four themes: forest, beach, desert, and fantasy. Making a terrarium can be as easy as following the instructions provided here, or taking inspiration and doing your own thing. It can be a fun family activity, or a meditational endeavor for a solo crafter.
September 22, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
The knitter's year : 52 make-in-a-week projects-- quick gifts and seasonal knits by Debbie Bliss ; photography by Penny Wincer — The projects in this book are categorized by season, and there are just enough of them that you can knit one a week throughout an entire year. They're also manageable projects that most knitters could expect to complete in a week or less. The items range from useful items like a pincushion and a pencil case to accents you can wear like a belt and a corsage. All the projects have a simple, refined style that can easily be embellished if desired.
September 19, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
The complete guide to greenhouses & garden projects : greenhouses, cold frames, compost bins, trellises, planting beds, potting benches & more by [created by the editors of Creative Publishing International in cooperation with Black & Decker] — Many gardeners, myself included, dream of having a backyard greenhouse, and this book shows you all you need to know to make it happen. From choosing the right type of greenhouse for your needs to choosing a location to the nitty gritty of building, heating, and irrigation, this book has it all. Also included are instructions for building a seed starter rack, a cold frame box, a raised bed, and several other projects.
September 15, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
Your farm in the city : an urban dweller's guide to growing food and raising livestock by Lisa Taylor, and the gardeners of Seattle Tilth — Whether you're building a raised bed in the back yard or undertaking a larger garden project, this book has great information about all the things you'll need to consider when gardening in the city (or suburbs). Since municipalities and homeowners associations often have rules that relate to outdoor structures and vegetation, it's important to plan ahead and this book can help you figure out what you'll need to do. It also provides great details on helping your soil be fertile, creative bed design for small or restricted spaces, working with pests that live in urban areas, and much more.