New Database for Crafters!!

To everyone in Indiana who likes crafts or DIY projects - Good News!!

INSPIRE has added new sections. One has instructions, plans, tips, videos, and ideas for every kind of household project from plumbing to building a shed. I think I saw plans for constructing your own house, if you are that ambitious. Our shelver asked about building a guitar and I found him information on what kind of finishing varnishes to use.

Now, on to the really good stuff! Crafters - Wow!

Sewing, knitting and crochet have topic areas with smaller individual sections including patterns, instructions, and videos. The sidebar had a list of ideas for St. Patrick's Day. Other choices for crafting include beading, paper crafts, Chinese knotting, braiding, model building, kid's crafts, home and garden, performing arts, and a section each for indoor and outdoor recreation.

Got a bored child? Check around in this database (free from your state and library) and you will transform that child into a busy and entertained one.

All you have to do is click on a few links:
1. Go to www.myjclibrary.org
2. Click on the long bar at the bottom of the home page - Online Resources
3. Look at the choices and find INSPIRE (lower right).
4. Near the top of the page, under the tab that says "Advanced Search", click on the link that says "Search by database".
5. A long list shows up. It is in alphabetical order. Go down to "Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center" or "Home Improvement Reference Center".
6. Once you get to that page you can find ideas and follow links to your heart's delight.

By the way - did you notice all of the other treasures of information contained in INSPIRE as you went by them to get to these two choices? When you have picked your craft or project, hit the back arrow a couple of times and look through all the information you can access when you need it.

Happy crafting,

Kathi

Keeping the Furries Warm

The weather this winter isn't fit for small dog or puppy. So today I will post a few patterns for doggie sweaters.



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L32354.html?noImages=0

Lion Brand Yarn has this one right on the front page today. I might leave the heart off of the sweater. But then again, in the temperatures we've had this winter, another layer might be a good idea after all.



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L32076.html?noImages=

This one is knit in self-striping yarn.


http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L32127.html?noImages=

And this one is knit in a "turtle" pattern.

Red Heart Yarn offers these choices - all free:


http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/holiday-dog-sweater



http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/dog-sweater-0

Just in case you love granny squares, here's one for your dog too:


http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/dogs-crochet-granny-square-sweater

I wonder why none of these dogs is sitting in a snowy yard. Just a thought.

Happy crafting,

Kathi Linz

Valentine Coasters

Maybe you're planning a Valentine party or you might have a sweetheart you would like to impress. Here's a crochet pattern from Red Heart for a quick and easy heart-shaped coaster to make your table cheery.



http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/valentine-heart-coaster

Make them in any color you wish. They'd make great party favors. And - just a thought - do you know anyone in the hospital or a nursing home who might enjoy one or two of these?

Happy crafting,

Kathi Linz

Two New Books

Knitters, we have a new book for you entitled Warm Mittens and Socks: Dozens of Playful Patterns and Skillful Stitches to Knit, Crochet, and Embroider by Eva Trotzig.



I glanced through the book and found something that will make almost anybody happy. Warm hands and feet sound pretty good this winter.

Crocheters, this one's just for you. Crochet Red: Crocheting for Women's Heart Health by Laura Zander has 30 patterns for sweaters, hats, cowls, jackets, and other assorted goodies. Each pattern is shown in red, but can be worked in the color of your choice.



You can currently find both of these books in the New Book section.

Happy crafting,

Kathi Linz