Crafting Creatively

            Crochet One-Skein Wonders for Babies, edited by Judith Durant and Edie Eckman, presents 101 projects for infants and toddlers. Choose from hats and caps, socks and bootees, tops and bottoms, toys, blankets, and more; all with detailed instructions and color photos of the finished products. A glossary, list of abbreviations, symbol key, and index are provided.

            Crochet to Calm: Stitch and De-Stress with 18 Colorful Crochet Patterns is a collection of simple projects whose repetitive motion relaxes the crafter while creating beautiful and useful items for the home and for friends, family, and yourself. Instructions, color photos, and a how-to of basic crochet stitches are given.

            Easy Fair Isle Knitting: 26 Projects with a Modern Twist, is written by Martin Storey. The projects include scarves, hats, vests, and other clothing items, as well as pillows and blankets for the home. The patterns are a simpler version of Fair Isle knitting, with a maximum of two colors per knitted row, making it easier for the novice. Large color photos show the beauty of the items.

            Creative Leather Jewelry: 21 Stylish Projects that Make a Statement, is written by Christina Anton, a jewelry and accessories designer and business owner. Here she melds jewelry making with leather crafting, creating unique, modern earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The book begins with a chapter on tools, materials, and techniques; followed by project instructions accompanied by color photos. Templates for all projects also are given.