Inspiration is all around us, but books are great for sparking off ideas and learning new techniques.
Bargain book-shops often sell craft books at very low prices.
Libraries are good places to start. Look in the arts/crafts/textiles sections. If you don't see anything you fancy, you can place a 'subject request' for books about, say, felt-making, or you can ask for a particular title. There may be a small fee for a reservation, but it's still much cheaper than buying!
Here are some titles for you to get going...
'The Crochet Workbook'
Sylvia Cosh & James Walters
Batsford;1989
ISBN: 0 7134 5915 8
Excellent photographs and diagrams, wonderful colours and textures. Discover the original scrumbles and explore free-form crochet! Visit the authors' website http://theoldchapel/nu for details of their other books, and to find out more about their work.
'Country Rag Crafts' 'A Sheep Off The Old Flock'
Sue Reeves
David & Charles;1996
ISBN: 0 7153 0290 6
Amongst other interesting ideas in this colourful book, you will find weaving, crocheting, knitting and plaiting fabric strips to make pictures, mats, rugs, wall-hangings and cushions. There are also ideas for beads, buttons, cards and other accessories.
Pat Ashforth & Steve Plummer
Assign Publications
ISBN: 0 9528573 0 8
Good fun for bed-time reading. This is a book of amusing cartoons and word-play about sheep!For more of their work visit Pat & Steve's 'Woolly-Thoughts' Website.http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/woolly_thoughts
'How To Make Felt' 'Wool'n Magic'
Anne Belgrave
Search Press
ISBN: 085532795 2
A good basic introduction to felt-making with some pictures of traditional pieces, clear instructions with lots of photos and a range of projects to make.
Jan Messent
Search Press LTD
Knitting, crochet and embroidery from a new angle.
