August 2008 Archive



New Release: Shibori Knits

posted on August 26, 2008

— Shawn

Win a Free Copy of Sweater Renewal

posted on August 15, 2008

UPDATE: Here are the winners! Please email your address to snicholls@randomhouse.com. Congratulations!

  • Nephele
  • TheSockKnitter
  • Gloria Smith
  • Alice
  • Monica Davis

Gather your old sweaters, start your washing machines, and sharpen your scissors …

With this guide to redesigning, recycling, and renewing your wool sweaters, you’ll transform knits that have been felted-intentionally or otherwise-into fun, colorful, and eco-conscious sweaters, bags, and accessories.

In Sweater Renewal, Sharon Franco Rothschild goes green in full color, showing you how to rescue your old woolen knits and give them renewed life as felted creations. With little or no knitting experience, you can refashion blankets, sweaters, scarves, or even hand-knitted pieces into vibrant clothing, accessories, and home decor. The only requirement is that they are made of wool.

The 25 colorful, cheerful projects in Sweater Renewal incorporate a diverse range of skills-including felting, applique, crochet, sewing, and embroidery-and range from Short, Sweet & Simple Projects using felted sweaters, such as a cell phone holder and a Fair Isle digital camera case, to Knitted, Felted & Fantastic Projects that you knit and then felt, such as a purse and a felted scarf. Most can be finished in less than a day, some in a few hours.

Now is the time to go through your attic, basement, and even your closets to look for old blankets and sweaters to create beautiful clothing and accessories.

The book arrives in stores August 19. But why wait? We’re giving away five FREE copies. Just leave a comment below and tell us your favorite article of clothing to knit for babies. We’ll pick five and announce the winners on the blog this Friday.

Good luck!

— Shawn

A Touch of Glass

posted on August 14, 2008

Beautiful, affordable, and infinitely versatile, glass beads provide limitless design possibilities. A Touch of Glass shows crafters how to capture the allure of glass bead jewelry that rivals the elegance and intricacy of pieces made with more precious materials.

The 50 projects featured here were created by Nancy Alden and her Beadworks design team based on their extensive knowledge of designs that have lasting appeal. Whether it’s a classic necklace or contemporary earrings made from carefully crafted lampwork, dichroic, seed, or pressed glass beads, A Touch of Glass truly has designs for everyone.

Browse inside the book below!

— Shawn

Forum Question

posted on August 3, 2008

It’s time for another forum question! Be sure to leave your comments below and check back to be a part of the conversation! We’ll pick three of the best comments and send the author an official Potter Craft tote bag!

Question: What’s the craziest thing you ever did to finish a last-minute gift on time?

— Shawn