September 12, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
Quick Nordic knits : 50 socks, hats and mittens by Ann- Mari Nilsson — Here you'll find plenty of small projects to knit, all with a Nordic look. You'll also find a quick guide to wool, the natural fiber preferred for this style of knitting. These hats, socks, mittens, and gloves are so straightforward and quick to knit up, if you start now, you could have a whole wardrobe by the time it's cold enough to need them.
September 8, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
30-minute necklaces : 60 quick & creative projects for jewelers by Martha Le Van — If you're looking for instant gratification and DIY jewelry, it doesn't get much better than a new necklace in just thirty minutes. The sixty projects included here were created by a variety of designers, so everyone is sure to find something that suits their taste.
September 5, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
Growing a garden city : how farmers, first graders, counselors, troubled teens, foodies, a homeless shelter chef, single mothers, and more are transforming themselves and their neighborhoods through the intersection of local agriculture and community--and how you can, too by Jeremy N. Smith ; foreword by Bill McKibben ; photographs by Chad Harder and Sepp Jannotta — This book tells the true story of a small group of people created a community garden and in doing so created a whole new experience for themselves and many others. Not only is the story heartwarming and inspiring, the book itself is gorgeous, with full-color photos that bring the text to life.
September 1, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
The complete idiot's guide to heirloom vegetables by Chris McLaughlin — Are you just starting out growing or buying heirloom vegetables? This book has information on a huge number of heirloom varieties, as well as a guide to pollination and saving seeds. It also includes a basic overview of what an heirloom is and how to choose the best ones.
August 30, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
It is with greatly mixed emotions that we bid a fond farewell to our Children's, Tween & Teen Services Program Specialist, Kristen Kostielney. Kristen will be leaving us in September to take a position as a head start teacher with the Campagna Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Please join us in celebrating the nearly 21 years Kristen has spent with CPL and wishing her all the best with a farewell reception on Thursday, September 15 from 5:00-6:30PM in the Purple Room.
Kristen's departure opens up a position here at the library and we are currently accepting applications for the Children's, Tween & Teen Services Program Specialist position.
August 29, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
Modern top-down knitting : sweaters, dresses, skirts & accessories inspired by the technique of Barbara G. Walker by Kristina McGowan ; photographs by Gudrun Georges — Many knitters prefer to knit top-down. It often comes with benefits such as requiring less finishing, fewer pieces to handle, and the ease of being able to try on things like sweaters even when you've only made a little progress so far (just slip it over your head!). This book contains patterns for sweaters, dresses, hats, and even things that might not have a traditional "top," like wraps.
August 25, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
Big little felt universe : sew it, stuff it, squeeze it, fun! by Jeanette Lim — Felt is such an ideal medium for making cute things. It's soft, a little fuzzy around the edges, not terribly pricey, and it's really easy to work with. This book includes patterns and instructions to make an army of toys for your kids, or maybe just a cute object to have on your desk. From cake to fruit to burgers on the grill to a tool box full of tools, there are over 70 patterns included.
August 22, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
The week-by-week vegetable gardener's handbook by Ron Kujawski and Jennifer Kujawski — When you're growing vegetables in a variable climate like Michigan's, it can be hard to know exactly when things should be happening and what to plant when. This book outlines those timelines in detail for a variety of vegetables. It also includes many tips and bits of information that any veg gardener will find useful.
August 18, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
Knitting block by block by Nicky Epstein — It is amazing how many projects can be constructed by using blocks. In this book, renowned knitter and designer Nicky Epstein shows 150 different blocks you can use to create sweaters, afghans, bags, scarves, and a bunch of other items. She includes so many different techniques in these blocks that even experienced knitters may learn some new ones.
August 15, 2011 | Anne Heidemann
Understanding garden design : the complete handbook for aspiring designers by Vanessa Gardner Nagel — August may seem like an odd time to be designing a garden, but it's never the wrong time to plan and this book is all about planning. It includes instructions and information on overall design, working with the natural features of the landscape, irrigation, lighting, and much more. It also includes tips and suggestions for what to plant in what sorts of places in your garden for a pleasing overall effect.