The culture of craft

Step into the world of Anita Catita and prepare to be charmed by the array of beautiful toy patterns to sew. Choose from gorgeous dolls, including rag dolls, ballerinas, pirates, kokeshi and fairies, and adorable animals including cats, rabbits, ducks, reindeer, bears and sheep. All the toys are made using easy sewing techniques and full-size pattern pieces are included. We live in an age when technology has overtaken toys. Traditional cloth dolls have been replaced by crying, laughing and walking dolls. Although seemingly attractive, these toys limit creativity. Sewn toys with their simplicity and tenderness reverse this reality and stimulate children's emotional and creative development.

Crochet 15 iconic women who changed the world with this collection of amigurumi crochet patterns. Whether it's Greta, Amelia or Malala, this collection of crochet patterns celebrates 15 women who have made an impact on the global stage whether in politics, sport, medicine or education. Learn more about each of the characters featured in this collection and make unique gifts to inspire and delight all generations.

Dry glazes, also known as matte glazes, provide ceramic artists with an alternative to conventional glossy and transparent finishes. Potters such as Lucie Rie and Hans Coper frequently used matte and opaque coatings in their work. Contemporary sculptors employ dry glazes to add texture and depth to the surface of their pieces. Still, little information has been published on matte glaze techniques until now.

In Dry Glazes, artist and educator Jeremy Jernegan covers everything ceramicists need to know to create and manipulate a range of matte glazes, from satin to cratered. This compact yet complete guide contains more than 270 formulas and recipes for slips, sigillatas, vitreous englobes, oxides, and stains. Jernegan gives clear and thorough instruction on application and firing methods, including raku. He also explains safe and environmentally responsible ways to handle the chemicals involved. Dry Glazes not only contains step-by-step color photographs of test tiles and procedures; it features illustrations of works by contemporary makers who have used matte glazes to great effect.

With over one hundred illustrations and an in-depth treatment of techniques, materials, and creative approaches, Dry Glazes is a smart addition to any clay worker's library. It is a practical and inspirational resource for ceramics practitioners, instructors, and students who want to make or alter their own glazes.

Create unique i-cord words and shapes with this modern guide to French knitting!

French knitting, also sometimes called spool knitting or i-cord knitting, has been around for centuries. The technique traditionally involves knitting with a handheld 'dolly' or spool with four pins around the edge, to produce a narrow tube of knitting known as an i-cord. The technique involves wrapping the yarn around the pins and then lifting loops over to create the stitches. It's a simple craft that children can do but is a little slow to create the fabric, and many kids lose interest before a decent length of i-cord is produced. 

Luckily, technology has moved forward and now there is a hand-held mechanical mini knitting mill available that makes light work of knitting i-cords. Once the machine is threaded (with a grown-up's help) all you need to do is turn the handle and watch the magic happen as the i-cord emerges in seconds from the bottom of the mill! 

This fresh and modern book gives you all the tips you need to get your mechanical mini knitting mill up and running and then 40 fabulous ideas for projects – from gifts to clothing, accessories to home decor and more. No knitting mill? No problem! All the projects can be knitted in the traditional method too.

Children and adults alike will love the unique designs included, with step-by-step instructions and full-size templates. 

• Create cute wired shapes, from flowers and hearts to names and words. 
• Sew i-cords without wires onto clothing and bags for a unique, personalized look. 
• Make gorgeous décor for kids' bedrooms with wall hangings and dreamcatchers. 
• Give handmade gifts in the form of i-cord jewellery and hair accessories. 
• Have fun with pompoms, charms, beads, feathers and sequins to add some bling!

This beautiful book will get kids (and adults!) excited to try out a traditional craft in a brand new way and enjoy the making process – the perfect bonding activity to do with your kids! The 40 project ideas will spark further creativity – the possibilities for this craft are limited only by your imagination – and will foster a lifelong love of making. Mini knitting mill not included.