Getting Started series helps new crafters

The Getting Started book series from Interweave Press offers “Getting Started Crochet,” by Judith L. Swartz and “Getting Started Making Metal Jewelry” by Mark Lareau. These well-illustrated books introduce the novice to techniques and tools needed to learn a new craft.

Projects in “Getting Started Crochet” include pillows, a scarf, utility cases, bags, caps and fingerless gloves. The book is aimed at a younger generation of crocheters, but most of designs in the book are timeless and will appeal to crochet enthusiasts of any age.

Novelty yarn spices up the Glamour Girl Cosmetic Bag pattern, which is simply a square made of rows of single crochet, a basic stitch. Fold the piece in two, sew the sides, add a zipper, and there it is. I tried this pattern using fine rayon cord, and it worked up quickly and beautifully. I added beads to the zipper pull to give it a playful air.

Toy makers will be enchanted with the stuffed-cat pattern done in squares and rectangles that are folded, sewed and stuffed. This toy is a great way to practice basic stitches and to use bits of yarn left over from other projects, while creating a creature children of all ages will love.

The useful Urban Shopper Tote in linen and nylon yarn and the Farmers Market Bag in linen yarn are lightweight and easy projects to take along.

Especially charming is the Trim-a-Tank project, which allows the crocheter to personalize a purchased garment such as a cotton tank top with crocheted edging and flower motifs.

Each pattern in the book features a helpful “Need to Know” list, such as gauge, types of stitches and other skills needed to crochet the item successfully.

“Getting Started Crochet” will appeal to both beginners and experts.

Lareau’s book “Getting Started Making Metal Jewelry” aims to make the craft less intimidating for those who are new to it. The author points out that even though making metal jewelry requires the use of motorized tools with sharp edges, high heat and chemicals, most people already have traversed that intimidating territory if they have cooked, cleaned a clogged drain or operated a sewing machine.

Lareau introduces the science of working with metal and gives information about techniques for soldering and fusing metal. Projects in the book include a simple pendant and earrings, two simple rings and a fused chain.

Each project is outlined step by step and liberally illustrated with photographs. The chapters cover working with rivets, punch letter design and soldering stone settings to metal jewelry.

The book would make the perfect text for those taking a class in making metal jewelry.

Snippets

. Carol Horner, owner of Carol’s Country Yarns in Houlton, reports that the knitting trend in her area is socks. “New and old knitters are having fun with self-patterning yarns,” she said. She said socks are the steppingstone from knitting scarves to more advanced projects.

. Crafters, artisans, bakers and farmers interested in becoming vendors in the third annual downtown Bangor Summer Outdoor Market are invited to apply for space by calling 992-4234. Deadline for application and payment is June 1. Last year 30 vendors took part in the market.

Markets run 5-8 p.m. June 14, 21 and 28, July 5, 12, 19 and 26, and Aug. 2.

Cool Sounds concerts are held 7-8 p.m. in an adjacent space on the same day as the markets.

. The Bangor Area Sewing Guild will offer a class in glue stick applique 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Hampden Municipal Building. The cost is $10 for guild members, $15 for others. Call 941-8815 to register or for more information.

. Betsy Doherty of Brooklin, who organized the Scarves for Hearts project, reports that she has received so many red scarves that she has stopped counting. Many knitters and crocheters have donated scarves anonymously, and Doherty extends heartfelt thanks to those who donated scarves for the project. “I have been so touched by the notes and cards that have accompanied the scarves, and it is heartwarming to know how many people there are who truly care about others,” she said. Doherty is busy sewing “Hand made with love for WomenHeart” labels into each scarf before it is given to a woman dealing with heart disease.

. Things just got better for those who crochet. Interweave Press announced in December that its magazine Interweave Crochet will be published four times a year, beginning with the spring issue, instead of twice a year.

Call Ardeana Hamlin at 990-8153, or e-mail ahamlin@bangordailynews.net.