Book Review The Knitters Book of Wool

Photo's from Amazon

In The Knitter's Book of Wool, Clara Parkes thoughtfully explores what makes wool so dynamic - explaining how differences between breeds of sheep, components of the wool fibre, the classification and processing of wool and many other factors contribute to the finished yarn you hold in your hand. Finally, knitters have a way to intuitively grasp which wools should become scarves and which sweaters, which would make a killer handbag and which the perfect mitten. Over 20 patterns, each designed to showcase specific qualities of wool yarns, illustrate the cross-section of widely available and boutique yarns featured in the book.

In this complete guide to wool - the most popular yarn around - passionate wool expert Clara Parkes translates the vast world of sheep and their wool into the language and context of knitting.

What is wool? Clara starts with the fundamentals: what wool is made of, how it gets off the sheep, and how it is transformed from a jumbled mass of dirty fluff into a gorgeous yarn that so tempts us at our local yarn stores.

Who makes it? Parkes conducts an inspiring tour of sheep breeds from around the world - introducing us to the animals who give us their wool - and explains how to best knit with yarns made from their fibres.

Which yarn do I use? If only there were a way to read a skein to know how it would behave and what it wanted to become. Now there is! Parkes demystifies the generic (non-breed-specific) wool yarn you'll find at your local yarn shop, showing you how to best determine what every yarn longs to be.

What do I knit? Parkes went to some of the most creative and inquisitive design minds of the knitting world to provide more than 20 patterns that highlight the qualities of specific types of wool.

The Knitter's Book of Wool teaches you everything you need to know about wool - and its journey from pasture to pullover. The next time you pick up a skein, you won't have to wonder what to create with it. You'll just know.

Review

"Un. Real. There is no other way to describe...well, that's a lie because I'll come up with more. But my first impression of "The Knitter's Book of Yarn"? Un. Real. I open the hardcover to reveal a fibre family tree. Smitten. Smitten on the spot. This book is, without a doubt, everything you ever wanted to know not just about fibre but were afraid to ask....This is absolutely a MUST HAVE book, and I don't say that often."

--MelissaKnits, blog

Hardcover: 208 pages

Publisher: Potter Craft (7 Dec 2009)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 030735217X

ISBN-13: 978-0307352170

About the Author

Clara Parkes left her career in San Francisco's booming high-tech industry to pursue her love of knitting. She now lives on the coast of Maine in a farmhouse full of fleece, fibre, and yarn. Best-selling author of The Knitter's Book of Yarn, she is the publisher of the top-ten knitting website knittersreview.com and a frequent contributor to Interweave Knits and Twist Collective.

"Quite possibly the only writer you will ever read who can make a discussion of micron counts absolutely riveting." - Mary Mooney, The Oregonian

Over a decade ago, Clara Parkes abandoned San Francisco's high-tech hubbub to build a quieter creative life on the coast of Maine. Since then, she has become a trusted voice in the knitting community. "Clara Parkes is the MFK Fisher of knitting: unflinching, all-seeing, mysterious--and also kind," writes Ann Shayne and Kay Gardiner of Mason-Dixon Knitting. 

Named by Vogue Knitting as one of knitting's "New Wave" along with Debbie Stoller and Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, Parkes is also the publisher of KnittersReview.com, has appeared regularly on the PBS Television series "Knitting Daily TV," and is a frequent contributor to Twist Collective. 

In her spare time, Clara loves to putter in the kitchen and is a huge fan of butter.

                                                                                                                                         

Contents
Preface
Introduction

Chapter 1 
What is Wool?
Anatomy of a Fibre
Scaling the Surface
Into the Cortex
Medulla in the Middle

The Softness Myth
The Dance of Diameter and Softness

Creating with Crimp

Chapter 2 
From Pasture to Pullover - Turning Wool into Yarn
Skirting and Sorting
The Commercial Class System

Rub a Dub Dub Scouring Fleece
Spin City
Spinning Woollen
Spinning Worsted

The Charms of Colour
Wool 101
Quick Tips for Reading a Generic Wool Yarn

Chapter 3 
Meet the Breeds
Breed Categories

The Criteria
Fineness
Staple Length
Crimp
Luster
Suitable For
Felting Qualities

Fine Wools
California Variegated Mutant
Cormo
Merino
Polwarth
Rambouillet
Romeldale
Targhee

Medium Wool
California Red
Columbia
Corriedake
Finnish Landrance
Montadale
Tunis

Down and Down type Wools
Cheviot
Clun Forest
Dorset Down
Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset
Oxford
Ryeland
Shropshire
Southdown
Suffolk

Long Wools
Bluefaced Leicester
Border Leicester
Coopwold
Cotswold
Leicester Longwool
Lincoln
Perendale
Romney
Teeswater
Wensleydale

Dule Coated and Primitives
Icelandic
Jacob
Navajo Churro
Scottish Blackface
Sheltand

Chapter 4 
Plays Well with Others

Blending for Luster and Drape
Silk
Mohair and Alpaca
Cellious Fibres

Blending for Halo
Angora and Alpaca
Cashmere Qiviut and American Bison
Mohair

Blending for Warn Weather Comfort
Blending for Strength

Chapter 5 
Patterns

Hats, Hands and Feet
Hill Country Hat
Flicka Hat
Sweet Fern Mitts
Risti Mittens
Cabin Socks
Windjammer Socks
Reversing Leaves Socks

Sweaters and Tops
Bella Baby Ensemble
The Three Bears Pullover
Comfy Cardigan
Allegan Cardigan
Leafy Glen Shell

Scarves, Shawls and Stoles
Nara Scarf
Prairie Rose Lace Shawl
Falling Waters Shawl
Tibetan Clouds Beaded Stole
Lillia Hyrna Shawl

Home and Beyond
Frida Pillow
Reflecting Pools Bag

Resources
Washing Wool
Keeping Moths at Bay
Resources List
Processors
Recommended Reading
Abbreviations and Techniques
About the Designers
Acknowledgements
Glossary
CYCA Standard Yarn Weight System
Index

                                                                                                                                          

The Knitters Book of Wool is for anyone that loves spinning, knitting yarn/wool and fibre.

I managed to find some photo's of a couple of the knitting patterns in The Knitters Book of Wool from Ravelry 

Sweet Fern Mitts

Hill Country Hat

Cabin Socks

The book begins with the fundamentals of "What is wool?" 

 It then goes on to talk about the sheep breeds that provide their lovely fibre. This section the sheep breeds are groped into five high level categories on the basis of their shared backgrounds and or fibre characteristics. 

 This book will teach you how to identify and use the fibres in each category.

 The book then goes onto the many wool yarns that also have other fibres blended in, you will learn what fibres tend to be mixed with wool, what they add to the yarn and what other fibres will give you similar results. 

 The final part of the book is about playing with the different wools for yourself. There are some lovely knitting patterns that let you experience everything that wool has to offer. These patterns allow you to play with woollen and worsted spun yarns from fine wools all the way to longwools, primitive breeds and generic wool yarns alike. You will find knitting patterns for lace, colour work, ribbing and cables. THe knitting patterns include such as socks, scarves, hats and baby clothes, as well as sweaters, cardigans and shawls.

The Knitters Book of Wool should be in every knitting library! If you love spinning, knitting, love fibre, yarn/wool then you really do need to get this book and have it in your library!

The Knitters Book of Wool is available from Amazon

Book Review Lovely Knitted Lace

Photo's from Amazon

Lace knitting gets a fresh update that finally makes the craft accessible to all! From a Triangle Tulip Shawl and Floral Tunic to a Starry Nights Bolero, these stunning projects showcase rich textures and beautiful detail. Working with four basic shapes, Brooke Nico creates 16 gorgeous wearable plus two bonus variants. You can use needles and yarn of any size to knit these garments and each one features simple construction and elegant lines.

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: Lark (7 May 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 145470781X

ISBN-13: 978-1454707813

About the Author

Brooke Nico is the co-owner of Kirkwood Knittery, where she uses her eye for detail and fashion experience to keep her store ahead of trends in knitting. However, lace is where Brooke has really made her mark and her talent has been recognised by Vogue Knitting, Knitters and Debbie Bliss magazine. She has taught lace classes at VKLive, VKLive LA and several Stitches (XRX) events. Brooke lives in Kirkwood, MO.

                                                                                                                                         

Contents
Introduction
Getting Started

Chapter 1 

Triangles
Triangle Tulip Shawl
Flutter Shawl
Poppy Shawl
Floral Shawl

Chapter 2 
Rectangles
Japanese Leaf Scarf/Cables and Lace Stole
 Butterfly Stole
Posies Wrap
Starry Nights Bolero

Chapter 3 
Circles
Angel Shawl/Poinsettia Jacket
Travelling Vines Cape/Skirt
Orange Crush Beret
Camellia Dolman

Chapter 4 

Squares
Dahlia Shawl
Aster Shirt
Birch Jacket
Moondance Shrug

Motifs for Exploration
Knitting Abbreviations
Knitting Needle Size Chart
Yarn Weights
About the Author
Acknowledgements
Index

                                                                                                                                          

Lovely Knitted Lace should be in any knitters library.  The book has a wonderful collection of lace stitch knitting designs for women.  The introduction of the book talks about the basics of lace knitting, it also tells you that you do not always have to use tiny needles when it comes to knitting lace, you can knit lace designs with any yarn weight.
The book has a collection of lace knitting patterns, you will find not only shawls and stoles lace knitting patterns but you will also find lace knitting patterns for jumpers, jackets, beret, cowl, scarf, shrug, capelets.

Lovely Knitted Lace book uses yarn weights ranging from worsted to lace.  You will find that the garments are based on geometric shapes, circles, rectangles, triangles and squares. Each of the shapes include four patterns.
What I really love about this book is that it also gives you options to customize the patterns.  There are inset boxes and the pattern notes let you know how to make a flat piece of knitting into a jacket, how to add length and how to turn a stole into a scarf.  This book also shows you additional  motifs that you can include in the patterns to create even more wonderful designs.  I really love this knitting book the lace patterns are beautiful and an inspiration for any knitter.

Below are some photo's from Ravelry website of the lace knitting patterns

Angel Shawl

Aster Shirt

Butterfly Stole 

 Camellia Dolman

Camellia Dolman

Birch Jacket

Dahlia Shawl

Floral Tunic

Flutter Shawl

Orange Crush Beret

Poinsettia Jacket

Poppy Shawl

Posies Wrap

Starry Nights Bolero

Travelling Vines Cape/Skirt

Triangle Tulip Shawl

Japanese Leaf Scarf

Lovely Knitted Lace is available from Amazon

Book Review Crochet Red

Photo's from Amazon

Stitchers and knitters have had their chance, now crocheters also get the opportunity to contribute to the fight against women's heart disease! This third book in Laura Zander's successful Stitch Red series offers more than just stunning projects: it's an appeal to women to take charge of their heart health. Crochet Red features the designs of 30 celebrity crochet designers, plus profiles in which they share their experiences with heart disease and tips for staying healthy. Zander has partnered with The Heart Truth®, a public-awareness program sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, which will receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book. Designers Include: Edie Eckman, Robyn Chachula, Kristin Omdahl, Linda Permann, Melissa Leapman, Nicky Epstein, Deborah Newton and Jenny King. Crochet Red is part of Stitch Red, a campaign started by Jimmy Beans Wool founder Laura Zander and involving key players in the yarn and fabric industries.

Paperback: 144 pages

Publisher: Sixth&Spring (7 Jan 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1936096617

ISBN-13: 978-1936096619

About the Author

Laura Zander is the co-founder and co-owner of Jimmy Beans Wool (jimmybeanswool.com), which was named by Inc. magazine as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the US for four years (2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012) and is the first official yarn supplier to the US Olympic Snowboarding and Freeskiing teams for the 2014 Olympics. Zander was named one of ten national winners of Ernst & Young's Entrepreneurial Winning Women for 2011. She is also the author of Knit Red and Sew Red, which she conceived as part of her Stitch Red initiative to support The Heart Truth® Foundation to raise awareness and funds to fight heart disease.

                                                                                                                                         

Contents
A Message From the Heart Truth
Foreword by Deborah Norville
Foreword by Vanna White
Preface

Projects and Profiles

Heart Healthy Living
Get the Facts
Exercise Your Heart
Cook Red

Crochet Know How
Abbreviations and Helpful Information
Basic Stitches

Bonus Pattern:
 Heart Sachet

Yarn Resources
Index
Credits
Acknowledgements

                                                                                                                                          

Crochet Red is a lovely book, Jimmy Beans Wool founder Laura Zander is bringing her Stitch Red campaign to crochet, with Crochet Red: Crocheting for Women’s Heart Health, a collection of 31 patterns. A portion of the proceeds from this book are donated to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health to support The Heart Truth campaign.

After an introduction from Deborah Norville and Vanna White the  book is in 3 sections, the first section of the book is about projects and profiles, the second part of the book is about heart healthy living and the final third section is about crochet know how. The first section of this book has 31 projects such as women's tops, women's coats/jackets, cowls, scarves,bags, hats, blankets, wraps, pillow, mitts and sachet.  The patterns are written clearly and are very easy to follow with lovely photo's.  The second section of this book has information about heart health which includes self test, exercise recommendations, tips for staying motivated about a healthy lifestyle change and recipes.  The final and third section of this book has information about glossary of abbreviations, hook sizes, yarn weights and a US and UK abbreviation conversion chart.  This book also has lovely short photo tutorials of the basic crochet stitches.  The book ends with a bonus pattern.

I have posted some photo's of projects from Crochet Red book from Ravelry website.

Textured Jacket

Three–Button Mitts

Tunisian Shrug

Vortex Slouchy Hat

Gingham Afghan

This book is for both beginners and and the more experienced and is a wonderful book to have in your crochet library.

Crochet Red is available from Amazon

Book Review Polymer Clay Global Perspectives

Photo's from Amazon

In Polymer Clay Global Perspectives, polymer clay artist and founder of the blog Polymer Clay Daily, Cynthia Tinapple presents the work of more than 100 established and emerging polymer clay artists from around the world. Each chapter will focus on a specific category of polymer clay work, including colour, fashion, miniatures, sculpture, mixed media and caning, and will offer an in-depth profile of an influential artist, a step-by-step demonstration of his or her signature technique, and an inspiring overview gallery of related work by other artists.

Polymer artists are connected like never before. As the acclaimed curator of the popular blog PolymerClayDaily.com, Cynthia Tinapple brings together 115 diverse artists from around the world to showcase the work of this new international community. Polymer Clay Global Perspectives invites you to explore the trends and cutting-edge styles that are influencing the future of this medium. In this masterful collection, you'll find: 

· Tips to create meaningful art that reflects your personality and vision

· Behind-the-scenes profiles of 13 innovative artists in their studios

· Step-by-step projects by contributors who share their signature methods, such asmokume gane, extruded canes, and adapted glass-blowing techniques

· Galleries showcasing the best of the best polymer work in jewellery, miniatures, sculpture, and much more

With artists including Kim Korringa, Shay Aaron, and Fabiola Perez offering their expertise, you'll find endless inspiration to take your art to the next level. Begin your own journey through the new landscape of contemporary polymer. A world of possibilities awaits.

Paperback: 160 pages

Publisher: Potter Craft (7 Sep 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0823085902

ISBN-13: 978-0823085903

About the Author

Cynthia Tinapple is the founder of the blog Polymer Clay Daily, a showcase for polymer clay art and a portal for the polymer clay community. A lifetime member of the International Polymer Clay Guild, she lectures at national and international craft and polymer clay conferences and teaches classes online. She has worked as a polymer clay artist since the late 1980s, collaborating with her husband, woodworker Blair Davis, to embellish his turned bowls and other objects with polymer clay inlay designs.

                                                                                                                                         

Contents
Introduction
A History of Polymer
Polymer Clay in a Nutshell
Assessing Your Work

Chapter 1 
Fashion Forward
Eva Haskova The Eastern Bloc Prague Czech Republic
Project Colourful Ray Spiral Pendant
Fabiola Perez Ajates Speaking Without Words Madrid Spain
Project Floral Pendant

Chapter 2 
Mixed Media
Claire Maunsell Glass Roots Quebec Canada
Project Sunshine and Clouds Layered Pendant

Chapter 3 

Textures
Natalia Garcia Leaniz Transmitting Happiness Madrid Spain
Project Wobbling Mokume Bracelet
Genevieve Williamson Play is the Essence Pennsylvania United States
Project Variations on the Theme Earrings

Chapter 4 
Characters
Camille Young Video Game Inspired Art Arizona United States

Project Polymer Clay Illustration

Chapter 5 
Small Scale
Shay Aaron Food for Thought Tel Aviv Israel
Project Pizza Charm
Tejae Floyde Pocket Art Colorado United States
Project Simple Encased Heart

Chapter 6 
Large Scale
Gera Scott Chandler Shorelines British Columbia Canada
Project Inked Polymer Clay Still Life

Chapter 7
Beadworks
Wendy Moore Flourishing Broken Hill Australia and Birtamod Nepal
Project Tibetan Tube Necklace
Rebecca Watkins The Practical Impatient Artist Pennsylvania
Project Floral Scribed Beads

Chapter 8
Canes
Kim Korringa Chaos and Control
Project Fairy Wing Earrings

Polymer Masters
Resources
About the Author
Index

                                                                                                                                          

Polymer Clay Global Perspectives starts with the history of polymer clay medium.  Each chapter in the book shows you different ways polymer clay is used.
In this book you will find polymer clay artists share how they approach their work and  how to make one of their signature creations in a step by step instructions.  
This book is for both advanced users of polymer clay and  beginners, it is a great book for inspiration.  
This book has projects that you can follow with clear step by step instructions.  
Polymer Clay Global Perspectives is a great book to have in your polymer clay library for inspiration.

Polymer Clay Global Perspectives is available from Amazon

Book Review Masters Polymer Clay

Photo's from Amazon

Featuring the world's most dazzling and innovative work, this new entry in the Masters series focuses on the incredibly popular medium of polymer clay. Curator Rachel Carren has selected 40 artists who have their own distinctive style, exhibit fine workmanship and have a unique vision they communicate through polymer. Vessels, jewellery and sculptures of intricate design reflect a range of moods, from Kathleen Dustin's poetically expressive art to the luscious colours and forms created by Lindly Huanani.

Review

"Stunning! This book is an example of why the printed book should never go away. From cover to cover it is packed with amazing professional photos showcasing the work of world-renowned polymer clay artists. As someone who has worked in polymer clay for several years, I can appreciate the talent and hard work that goes into these incredibly detailed pieces of art, and this book brings it all to you. With just enough of (each) artist’s biography and bold beautiful colours of their pieces, this book is worth the price even if you have never worked with polymer clay." - Angeli Mangi, Chicago Metal Arts Guild blog, March 2012

Paperback: 330 pages

Publisher: Lark Crafts (March 1, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1600595847

ISBN-13: 978-1600595844

About the Authors

Curator Rachel Carren is one of the world's best-known polymer specialists. Her art is in the permanent collections of several American museums.

Ray Hemachandra is the Publishers Weekly 2012 Best Books-winning author of Showcase 500 Beaded Jewellery, which was also an Amazon Best Book of the Month in March 2013 and April 2013. He has served as team lead, business manager, and social media and marketing director for Lark Jewellery & Beading, a sub-imprint of Lark Books; a mind/body/spirit writer, interviewer, and blogger; a book, magazine, and newspaper editor; and an activist, advocate, and family trainer in the autism community. Originally from New York, he lives with his son in Asheville, North Carolina.

Connect with him on his website http://www.rayhemachandra.com, his Pinterest boards at http://pinterest.com/rayhemachandra, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/rayhemachandra.

Ray has interviewed and written many articles about teachers and authors in the mind/body/spirit category, including Eckhart Tolle, Dr. Wayne W Dyer, Louise Hay, Marianne Williamson, Byron Katie, Doreen Virtue, Sakyong Mipham, and Masaru Emoto, as well as many leading retailers, musicians, jewellers, beaders, quilters, and other artists.

His books as author or senior editor for Lark include The Penland Book of Glass; Beading with World Beads; Masters: Beadweaving and other Masters Series books, including Masters: Gold, Masters: Blown Glass, Masters: Polymer Clay, Masters: Earthenware, and Masters: Art Quilts, Volumes 1 and 2; and numerous books in the 500 Series, including Showcase 500 Beaded Jewellery, Showcase 500 Art Necklaces, 500 Judaica, 500 Art Quilts, 500 Vases, 500 Raku, and three furniture books in the series devoted to chairs, tables, and cabinets.

                                                                                                                                         

Contents
Introduction
The Artists
Kathleen Dustin
Jeffrey Lloyd Dever
Wendy Wallin Malinow
Debra De Wolff
Leslie Blackford
Chris Malone
Mary Filapek & Lou Ann Townsend
Rebecca Mazur
Diane Falkenhagen
Karin Noyes
David Forlano
Margaret Regan
Nan Roche
Cynthia Toops
Sonny King
Elise Winters
Gwen Gibson
Pier Voulkos
Ruth Anne Grove
Dan Cormier
Jo Ellen Trilling
Judy Kuskin
Sandra McCaw
Ronna Sarvas Weltman
Barbara Sperling
Tory Hughes
Ronnie Kirsch
Sarah Shriver
Jamey D Allen
Steven Ford
Jana Roberts Benzon
Maggie Maggio
Shellie Brooks
Lindly Haunani
Bonnie Bishoff & J M Syron
Anya Lewis
Jessica Fortner
Jacqueline Cherie
Melanie West
Michael Grove
About the Curator
Portrait Photographers
Acknowledgements
Artist Index
                                                                                                                                          

Masters Polymer Clay really is a beautiful book, this book will teach you the skills that you want to master in polymer clay, though it does not have any instructions.  This book will really inspire you to be creative with polymer clay, it is a beautiful book with amazing photo's showcasing the work of  40 world renowned polymer clay artists.  This book is a must have in any polymer clay library.  This book is full of projects such as jewellery, sculptures and vessels.  

Masters Polymer Clay is available from Amazon

Book Review The Complete Book of Polymer Clay

Photo's from Amazon

From pins and pendants to bracelets, buttons and embellishments, crafters of all ages are embracing the creativity that polymer clay inspires. This encyclopaedic book by renowned expert Lisa Pavelka includes the latest techniques, handy tips and trade secrets. Pavelka presents a sweeping overview of materials, how-to fundamentals and construction techniques. She also introduces six original projects with complete instructions showing readers how to make pendants, curio boxes, a necklace and a bracelet. Clear, concise and comprehensive, this is an essential addition to any crafters library, no matter his or her skill level. For even more inspiration, this indispensable reference features a gallery of 50 original projects by Pavelka and other talented polymer clay designers.

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: Taunton (7 April 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1600851282

ISBN-13: 978-1600851285

About the Author

An award-winning artist, Lisa Pavelka is recognized internationally as an authority on polymer clay. She has written three other books on the topic and regularly contributes columns and articles to Family Circle, Belle Armoire, and Polymer Café. She has appeared on The Carol Duvall Show, DIY’s Jewellery Making, and Beads, Baubles and Jewels on PBS. She teaches workshops, leads crafting cruises, conducts trade-show demonstrations, and holds seminars on crafting with polymer clay. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Award Winning Artist/Author Lisa Pavelka is frequently featured in print and on television. She is a regular columnist and contributing artist to numerous magazines including Family Circle, Polymer Café, Metal Clay Artist magazines and more. She has frequented programs on HGTV, PBS, DIY and Discovery Channel Networks. She has four books and two instructional DVDs to her credit. 

Lisa's artwork in the mediums of polymer clay, metal clay, and mixed-media jewellery design has won numerous awards. She has produced one of-a-kind works for The White House, Julia Roberts, Ben Stein, and many other notable collectors. Lisa is sought throughout the world as an instructor and speaker. Her signature line of crafting products and designer buttons are sold worldwide through JHB International. Lisa also serves as a design Ambassador for CRYSTALLIZED™- Swarovski Elements. See examples of Lisa's artwork, find out about her classes and more at: www.lisapavelka.com. You can find Lisa on Twitter and Facebook under "Lisa Pavelka."

                                                                                                                                         

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 
Polymer Clay Essentials

A brief History of the Medium
Types of Polymer Clay
Liquid Clay
Safety First
Work Surfaces
Clay Conditioning and Handling
Baking
Clay Storage
Colour Basics
Colour Recipes
Finishing

Chapter 2 

Tools and Accessories
Tools
Clay Forming
Adhesives
Cutting and Shaping Tools
Textures
Inclusions and Surface Treatments
Finishes

Chapter 3 
Skinner Blending
Basic Skinner Blending
Multiple Colour Skinner Blending
Creating Surface Sheets
Gradient Loaves
Ribbons

Chapter 4 
Millefiori Caning
Striped Jelly Roll Canes
Leaf Canes
Flower Canes
Gradient Heart Canes
Smoosh Canes
Junk Canes

Chapter 5 
Image Transfers
Waterslide Transfers
Custom Inkjet Transfers
Preprinted Waterslide Transfers
Stamps as Transfers
Liquid Clay Transfers
Toner Based Transfers
Colouring Toner Transfers
Deli Paper Transfers

Chapter 6 

Mokume Gane
Stamped Mokume Gane
Bladed Mokume Gane
Indented Mokume Gane
Folded Mokume Gane
Rolled Mokume Gane

Chapter 7
Mica Shift Effects
Mica Shift Surface and Border Treatments
Mica Shift Checker Board Cane
Embossed Mica Shifting
Mosaic Mica Shifting
Wood Grain Mica Shifting

Chapter 8
Leaf and Foiling Effects
Metal Leafing
Polymer Clay Foil
Applying Foil
Foil Textures and Dimensions
Foil Pattern Resists
The Pavelka Peel

Chapter 9
Faux Effects
Faux Opal
Faux Turquoise
Faux Raku
Faux Ivory
Faux Cinnabar
Faux Rust

Chapter 10
Stamping
Basic Sutton Slice Sheet
advanced Sutton Slice Concepts
Textile Effect
Faux Tapestry
Additional Embossed Clay Effects

Chapter 11
Assembly, Formation and Structure
Three Step Mosaics
Carving
Hollow Forms
Pillow Forms
Puff Forms
Nontwist Suspension Method for Hanging Puff Forms
Flowers
Ribbon Roses
Layered Roses
Cutter Boxes
Stencil Frames

Chapter 12
Surface Treatments
Marbling
Barber Pole Striping
Border Treatments
Stencil Gane
Silk Screening
Granulars

Chapter 13
Finishing Touches and Final Thoughts
Scrap Clay
Additional Thoughts on Molding
Leafing Pens
Suspending Clay
Tube Attachments
Fold Over Balls
Connecting Pieces to Jump Rings
Fancy or Coil Wrapped Loops

Chapter 14
Projects to Make
Suspended Crystal Pendent
Magic Mirror
Swirly Whirly Faux art glass Bracelet
Faux Dichroic Shield Pendent
Image Transfer Inro Amulet
Sutton Slice About Face Case

Chapter 15
Gallery of Polymer Clay Art
Troubleshooting for Polymer Clay
Glossary of Polymer Clay Terms
Resources Guide
Gallery Contributors
Index

                                                                                                                                          

The Complete Book of Polymer Clay has instructions for many techniques used in working with polymer clay. The instructions are well written and is easy to understand with lots of photo's.  This book will give you the foundation for successfully using this medium.  A great introduction to polymer clay and the many techniques that can be done with it.  It is jam packed with information and tells you about the history and the early usage, the types of clay that are available, colours, tools that you need for polymer clay and so much more!

This book is for both beginner and the more experienced in working with polymer clay and a must for any polymer clay library. 

The Complete Book of Polymer Clay is available from Amazon

Plying Yarn

Well now that I have discovered spinning my own yarn.....

I'm having a go at plying my yarn.....

I can not believe that I spun my own yarn and then.....

 I had a go at plying my yarn.....




Purple and pink colours are so beautiful.....

A small skein of plyed yarn.

I'm Spinning Yarn!

Remember me saying that I purchased a Luxury Spindle Kit from Louise's shop at Etsy Spin City UK, well I have been having lots of fun and I now have spun my first yarn!



Nobody warned me..... I didn't know that spinning could be so addictive!

This is my first attempt.....

I am so please with my first attempt in spinning my own yarn.....

I am so in Love with the colour.....

There is more.....

This is my second attempt spinning yarn on a drop spindle.....

 I spun the yarn and plyed it and put it into a small hank.....

Again the colour is gorgeous it is a dark brown/black.....

There is more spinning.....

This is my third attempt....

Cream merino fibre that I spun.....

So beautiful.....

After spinning this beautiful cream merino fibre into yarn.....

I plied it.....

Once I plied it, I put it into a small hank.....

I'm so pleased with my hank of merino yarn.....

My forth attempt at spinning yarn.....

From this to.....

Pink Merino fibre that I am spinning.....

Into pink merino yarn.....

The colour is beautiful.....