Craftside

How to nalbind from the book Knitting Around the World by Lela Nargi

Does it make you just giddy inside when you see something totally new and different? Well this nalbinding technique featured in the book Knitting Around the World: A Multistranded History of a Time-Honored Tradition isn't new, but it is to me and I think it looks so cool!

Click on these pages from Knitting Around the World: A Multistranded History of a Time-Honored Tradition to enlarge and read all about the history of nalbinding and how to do it.

If you like reading about all sorts of fibery goodness then I bet you will love:

Knitting Around the World:
A Multistranded History of a Time-Honored Tradition

by

Lela Nargi

Here is a full history of knitting around the globe, examining techniques and particular styles used worldwide—including England, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Iceland, Japan, Australia, Canada, United States, Peru, Bolivia, and more. Highlighted are 20 profiles of historically significant knitters who are using particular techniques today—plus 20 patterns that exemplify knitting traditions from around the world.

Lela Nargi is a knitter, author, and former journalist who lives in Brooklyn, New York. Her book Knitting Lessons: Tales from the Knitting Path documented her own adventures in learning to knit. Lela is also the editor of Knitting Memories: Reflections on the Knitter’s Life, published by Voyageur Press.

www.lelanargi.com

Crazy crafts—and a musical robot!—at Maker Faire New York

Surprise! I have a very special post to share with you today. Last weekend was Maker Faire New York. I didn't make the cross country journey but 2 of my fellow "Craft Scouts" did, Cathy and Lindsey, and today's post and all the cool photos she took is brought to you by Lindsey. Thanks Lindsey for sharing!

As a first-timer to Maker Faire, I can honestly say I was blown away by the sheer amount of creativity, ingenuity, and energy of the whole event. We at Craftside were beyond impressed with the amazing creations surrounding us at the New York Hall of Science, including an MIDI-controlled musical robot that left us both enthralled and just a little bit deaf!

There was also a wide array of fun transportation hitting the pavement, such as this pink fish bicycle (fishcycle?!) that brightened up the streets.

Yes, it was fun and fascinating to witness the crafty and technological spectacles of the show. But the best part of Maker Faire NY was meeting all our fellow crafters and trading tips, ideas, and favorite projects – including these huge knitting needles that Cathy used to knit rope into a square slingshot! (There are many more extraordinary knitting projects in the new book Astounding Knits - a favorite at the show!)

 

Here, a couple young crafters get cozy in our smiley-face chair.

Our Amineko kids also came along – here they are perched atop Esme, our lovely mannequin.

And of course, as this crafter realized, no trip to Maker Faire would be complete without trying on the World’s Ugliest Sweater. (Lots of people, though, pointed out that they'd "seen uglier sweaters," so maybe the World's Craziest Sweater would be more accurate!)

With gorgeous weather, incredible concepts, and a mass of wonderfully creative people, it was truly a spectacular show. Imagination abounded, and I’m already starting to count the days until the next Maker Faire! If you weren’t able to attend, we hope to see you next time. :)

How to paint a black cat silhouette from the book The Chinese Brush Painting Bible

Halloween is just a few short weeks away, and this tutorial on how to paint a black cat silhouette from the new book The Chinese Brush Painting Bible: Over 200 Motifs with Step by Step Illustrated Instructions is just the perfect painting project to kick your decorations into spook-tacular goodness! And since it's Wednesday, that means that you can get yourself in the running for your very own copy of The Chinese Brush Painting Bible: Over 200 Motifs with Step by Step Illustrated Instructions. Simply answer the question:

"What's your favorite thing to paint?"

by midnight September 28th, 2011 and you are in!

Just makes me want to paint a black cat on everything!

The Chinese Brush Painting Bible
Over 200 Motifs with Step by Step Illustrated Instructions

by

Jane Dwight

Chinese brush painting uses minimal strokes to describe the essence of a subject and capture its rhythm and grace.  This beautiful book contains 200 exquisite motifs to re-create, from flowers and fruits to wildlife and scenery.

Each motif includes an explanation of its symbolic meaning, a palette of colors, and step by step instructions in order, direction, and type of brushstrokes.

An introductory section explains all the tools, materials, and techniques required, from choosing brushes and paper to achieving perfect color mixtures and the correct consistency of ink.

Includes advice on composing and combining images to create perfectly balanced, harmonious paintings, and ideas for using and displaying your finished art.

How to stop a handsaw from binding from the book Manskills by Chris Peterson

I love when I get a new book and I run across a tip that I instantly use! Such is the case with Manskills
How to Avoid Embarrassing Yourself and Impress Everyone Else. I was reading all the great tips and techniques and lo and behold this one about how to stop a handsaw from binding came in handy this past weekend!

 

As you can see this awesome technique works with power saws as well. I had to cut this tree down because it just wouldn't stop with the white fly no matter what I tried (organic or chemical), and I believe it was being used by critters to gain access to my attic. So bah-bye to the tree.

Now I know this book is called Manskills but really it is packed with good info for all of us DIY ladies!

Manskills:
How to Avoid Embarrassing Yourself and Impress Everyone Else

by

Chris Peterson

Using a light but practical tone, Manskills covers everything a man needs to know in today's world. You'll find essential tips on home repair, car repair, electronics, cleaning, personal grooming, fine dining, traveling, etiquette, outdoor skills and the fine art of conversation. It's your comprehensive guide to impressing the masses!

Chris Peterson is a professional writer and editor based in Brooklyn, New York. An expert in home design, repair and renovation and an avid cook, he's the author of When Duct Tape Just Isn't Enough: Quick Fixes for Everyday Disasters, A Man's Whirled: Every Guy's Guide to Cooking with the Blender, and several other books.

 

Crafty Links to reviews, articles and projects to kick off the craftastic week

Check out this review of Fabric Art Workshop: Exploring Techniques & Materials for Fabric Artists and Quilters by Susan Stein by Paula Moliver in the Hartford, CT Knitting Examiner.

Over at the blog Fiber Arts Mixed Media Where Creating is Shared there is a review of Creative Paint Workshop for Mixed-Media Artists: Experimental Techniques for Composition, Layering, Texture, Imagery, and Encaustic by Ann Baldwin.

Now linkie goodness:

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Bead Vegan is an occasional post where Cindy the beadmaker posts some of her vegan recipes. This one is inspired by the flavors of India.

Craft Buds
It's all about sewing for little guys this week on Craft Buds, where we've interviewed the authors of the new book "Sewing for Boys" and gave one of their projects a test drive. Also check out the roundup of sewing apps for iPhone and Android users.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy shows how she made a cat tube using a knitting loom.

Cross Stitch at Craft Gossip
Connie's tracked down a favorite designer just in time for Halloween cuteness!

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
How to make an easy candle decoration in a jiffy.

Mixed Media Artist
Have you ever thought of visiting the automotive store to pick up collage supplies?

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
How to make a recycled book page pumpkin Halloween card.

About Family Crafts
Check out all of these wonderful craft products that help raise money for breast cancer awareness!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi falls in love with an illustrated 550 page children's novel.