New Releases by Leisure Arts

Offers step-by-step instructions and advice that guide you through the basics of crochet, for both right-handed and left-handed beginners. This title presents such designs as: Dishcloth, Striped Scarf, Henrietta Hippo toy, Sweet Mary Janes and Manly Moccasins (baby booties), Textured V-Neck Pullover, Building Blocks Quilt, and Mountains Afghan.

Basic Bows Pocket Guide (Leisure Arts #56021) is a laminated foldout guide showing how to tie the most popular styles of bows. Photos and step-by-step instructions are given for the Easiest Bow Ever in two sizes, a Floral Bow, Stacked Tie Bow, Shoestring Tie Bow, Center Loop Bow, and creative combinations. There also is a guide explaining how to determine the amount of ribbon needed for any size bow, taking into account the finished diameter, the number of loops, the length of streamers, and additional length for gathering and trimming. The guide is 8.5 inches tall by 4.625 inches wide and folds out accordion-style with 12 panels of illustrated information. A 27-inch ruler and a ribbon width gauge are printed along the edges.

Call it a ripple, or a chevron, or a zig-zag, or a wave, Whatever you call it, it has peaks and valleys that add visual interest to the stitch, which is why it has become the most popular of all knitting stitch patterns. Rita Weiss brings you 50 of the most interesting and fun ripple stitches, which you can use to make afghans, belts, baby clothes, mittens and hats. Have fun with swatches; try different yarn textures until you find the combination that will work for your special project.

Celebrating Cookies, Book 2 -This second volume serves up satisfaction for cookie lovers with 75 more recipes for classic favorites, kidstuff, refined flavors, and holidays.

Embroidery Pocket Guide (Leisure Arts #56019) is the handiest reference guide for embroiders ever -- a laminated pocket-size encyclopedia of the most popular stitches and much more. Approximately 8.5 inches tall by 4.625 inches wide, the guide folds out accordion-style with information on supplies and stitching tips, plus illustrated stitch guides. Featured stitches are backstitches, blanket stitches, chain stitches, couching stitches, cross stitches, featherstitches, filling stitches, running stitches, satin stitches, and weaving stitches. A ruler is printed along the edge for convenience.

NaturallyCaron.com Spa yarn is a silky bamboo blend that you must touch to believe. It''s also washable, making it perfect for these darling designs for babies and toddlers. There are two blankets and a vest, as well as two colorful tops for girls. There''s also a handy bag for a busy mom. It has an easy-access flap closure and adjustable shoulder strap--just right for carrying Baby''s necessities. Sophisticated Babies & Toddlers (Leisure Arts #75347) presents 6 crochet designs using light weight yarn and requiring Easy to Intermediate skills: Flower Child Sweater in sizes 1-2-3-4 years; Cabled Baby Vest in sizes 9-12-18 months and 2-3 years; Hippie Girl Sweater in sizes 12-18 months and 2-4-5 years; Nap Time Baby Blanket; Sweet Dreams Baby Blanket (hexagonal); and Mom''s Bag.

If your customers love the look of traditional quilt patterns but want to decorate their homes in a more modern style, Tried and True, Renewed! will show them how yesterday''s quilt can look beautiful in today''s home. These 13 patterns can easily be incorporated into any decorating style. Quilters can choose from Broken Dishes, Churn Dash, Lone Star Log Cabin, Feathered Star, Wild Goose Chase, Burgoyne Surrounded, Triple Irish Chain, Bachelor''s Puzzle, Square Dance, Trip Around the World, Pineapple, Lemoyne Star, and Sawtooth. Full-color photos inspire the reader with beautiful, old-fashioned quilts displayed in contemporary settings.

Embroidery.

"Prayer shawls are the most heartfelt of gifts. They convey the knitter''s best wishes for the happiness and health of friends and family, as well as strangers in need. Eleven of the knitting industry''s most popular designers created these exclusive patterns. This handy book slips easily into a purse or workbag, so you can work on a prayer shawl wherever you go. With your love and prayers knitted into every stitch, your gift will become a cherished keepsake."

Prepared to please personal cravings, homemade candy is an irresistible reason to celebrate! Whether involving rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, refreshing mint, or other flavors and textures, the recipes in this collection reflect a variety of tastes to please candy lovers of all ages. There are traditional favorites such as Marble Fudge and Rocky Road Candy, kid-pleasing confections such as Peanut Patties and White Chocolate Chewies, sophisticated tastes such as Chocolate Rum Balls and Mocha-Nut Patties, classics such as Never-Fail Divinity and Pecan Logs, and special flavors for Christmas and other holidays. There is even a chapter of extra-easy recipes that can be ready in a wink!

Whether sweet or savory, creamy or crunchy, lovingly cooked treats from the kitchen are the most personal, satisfying gifts you can present! Here are 73 recipes for a festive variety of foods to give friends and family. There are snacks, cakes, pies, cookies, candy, nuts, sauces, drink mixes, and other foods. Recipes include Nutty Olive Spread, Brandied Date-Nut Balls, Veggie Roll-up Bread, Chocolate-Mint Cheesecake, Peachy Gingerbread, Graham Toffee Pie, Grand Marnier Baklava, Almond-Amaretto Turtles, Spicy Sweet Potato Chips, Volcano Pizza Pie, Creamy Potato Soup, Turkey and Dressing Casserole, Banana Split Sauce, Beer Mustard, Easy Mustard Pickles, Grilled Meat Seasoning, and other favorites.

How about redecorating your bedroom this weekend? Or maybe you''d like to add a fresh splash of color to your living room in just one evening? You''ll be amazed at how quickly you can crochet these pillows and afghans. That''s because super-bulky weight yarn and a large crochet hook make fast work of each design. The pillows can be completed in about 3 to 9 hours, while the lap-size afghans are ready to use in about 9 to 14 hours! Each big, beautiful home accent will warm and refresh your haven in a hurry, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy your new decor. The 9 projects are Windowpane Pillow & Afghan; Really Ripples Lap-Ghan; Fab Flowers, Flower Garden, and Octagon Afghans; and Peek-A-Boo, Dramatic Diamonds, and Brilliant Bolster Pillows.

Casual dressing has never looked so good! These light and lacy designs were crocheted using Caron Spa, a silky, multi-ply blend of bamboo and acrylic. The lustrous finish and superior drape of this exciting new yarn gives these four feminine fashions a dressy, go-everywhere flair. Crochet a lace cardigan or jacket, a pretty shell, or a breezy tunic to refresh your warm-weather wardrobe. Designs include Candi Dot Lace Shell, Casual Stripe Tunic, Spider Web Lace Cardigan, and Breezy Lace Jacket.

When fall brings cool, crisp weather, appetites return with gusto. Now''s the time for tasty snacks for munching at football games, family gatherings, and school parties! Here are 80 recipes for hearty snacks and treats for fall events and holidays. There are appetizers, snack mixes, tailgate party foods, breads, and others. Recipes include Peppy Pecans, Mocha Walnuts, Barbecued Peanuts, Pasta Trail Mix, Stadium Sandwich, Sweet Potato Corn Sticks, Chili Toppings, Green Tomato Relish, Energy Snack Mix, Smoky Cheese Bites, Orange Popcorn Balls, Cheesy Potato-Sausage Soup, Edible Bread Bowls for Irish Stew, Savory Chicken Pie, Pork ''N'' Bean Bread, and other favorites.

Whether you''re a beginner, ready to learn the basics, or an experienced beader, this title provides you with the information you need to know along with 102 designs to spark your creativity. It also includes information on beads and findings.

Yes, you can have the luxurious accessories and decor you crave! That''s because Exclusively You Mock Croc and Smooth Faux Leather panels and embellishments give you the ability to make super-chic creations at a fraction of decorator prices. Use them to highlight photo frames, boutique-style pillows, and wall decor. Fashion handy valet trays or a whimsical pair of goggle-eyed owls. Gift a friend with a stunning tote bag or photo album. Want to change things up? We''ve included exciting options for alternative materials and easy shortcuts. With Exclusively You, you get more than just great style--you also get the fun of creating each unique design!

Decadent desserts and distinctive coffees are perfect for sharing over deep conversations, but don''t be surprised if you want the whole pie for yourself! Here are 52 recipes for luscious treats like you crave at trendy coffee shops: cheesecakes, pies, pastries, creamy confections, and rich beverages. Recipes include Turtle Cheesecake, Baked Honey Fruit, Blueberry Tea Buns, Spiced Irish Coffee, Gingerbread Brownies, Triple Chip Cookies, Chocolate Splurge, Brandy Alexander Pie, Creamy Pumpkin Pie, Fudge Pound Cake, Mocha-Carrot Cake, Swan Cake, White Chocolate Profiteroles, Pots de Creme, Praline Coffee, Richest Chocolate Cake, Orange Marmalade Cake, Jam Cake Squares, Irish Cream Dessert, Caramel Mocha, and other favorites.

When you''re nuts about nuts, nothing else can take their place! These recipes are sure to satisfy, whether you''re craving salty or sweet. Here are 73 recipes for crunchy morsels of nutty goodness that will offer something for all tastes, featuring pecans, peanuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts, almonds, and more! Recipes include Chocolate-Pecan Tart, Curried Almond-Cheese Ball, Nutty Caramels, Brandied Fruit Cookies, Butter Pecan Brittle, Cherry-Nut Cakes, Chewy Pecan Squares, Bourbon-Pecan Cake, Banana-Nut Cream Tart, Cinnamon Snack Mix, Filbert Cookies, Hot Macadamia Dip, Mixed Nut Brittle, Pecan Logs, Raspberry-Nut Bars, Sugared Cranberry Trail Mix, Walnut Butter Cookies, Macadamia Cheese Puffs, Russian Rock Cookies, and other favorites.

Nothing compares to the warmth and welcome of a family gathering. Whether it''s an intimate gathering around the kitchen table or four-course holiday celebration, food can comfort, nourish, and delight. That''s why we''ve compiled 62 of our favorite recipes in this collection. Whatever the occasion, your family will enjoy feasting on our mouthwatering fare. The 6 featured gatherings, from casual to elegant, are Family Feast, Yuletide Reunion, Home for the Holidays, Dashing Through the Snow, Ski Lodge Supper, and Cozy Little Buffet. Recipes include Stuffed Holiday Ham, Ginger-Glazed Turkey, Seafood Crepes, Brie-Stuffed Chicken Breasts, Roasted Red Pepper Soup, Butternut Squash and Apple Puree, Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Elegant Cranberry Salad, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Banana-Nut Cream Tart, Deep Dish Berry Pie, Hot Fruited Tea, Christmas Sangria, and other favorites.

What could be more personal than presenting loved ones with their favorite foods, whether it''s to satisfy their sweet tooth or nourish their health! These 76 recipes are for candies, cookies, cakes, casseroles, soups, breads, jams, and other foods that make delicious gifts. Recipes include Amaretto-Cinnamon Nut Mix, Blueberry Sticky Buns, Caramel Fudge, Grape-Wine Jam, Jelly Bean Brittle, Maple Divinity, Nightcap Coffee Mix, Ring of Gold Apricot Cake, Rocky Road Tart, Rum-Raisin Balls, Salmon Pot Pie, Spaghetti Bread, Seventh Heaven Layered Salad, Chicken-Onion Soup, Black-Eyed Pea Soup, No-Fail Microwave Fudge, Sunshine Parfaits, Spicy Vegetable Salsa, Crunchy Cheese Ball, Pineapple Cake, Trail Mix, Trillionaire Candy, and other favorites.

From hearty pastries to meaty pies and fruity salads, you''ll find a wide array of tasty foods here to nourish your family. There are 85 recipes for delicious foods to start the day: entrees, side dishes, fruits, sweets, breads, and beverages. Recipes include Apple-Pear Skillet Cake, Baked Spiced Fruit, Broccoli-Ham Roll, Brunch Eggs, Cheesy Garden Casserole, Cheese Pockets, Chicken-Cucumber Salad, Chocolate-Sour Cream Coffee Cake, Chicken Puffs, Fruit Wreath with Sweet Cheese Dip, Italian Sausage Frittata, Hot Berry-Brandy Punch, Gingered Fruit Salad, Festive Rice Cups, Sausage Grits Pie, Rolled Herb Toasts, Peppered Ham, Peach-Apple Cobbler, Sugared Bacon, Wassail Punch, and other favorites.

Presents easy knitting and crocheting projects inspired by the novel''s characters.

This is the ultimate book for the eco-conscious crafter. Plastic, paper, glass, cans, clothing, and household throwaways easily transform from trash to treasure in the book''s six sections.

Gentle and satiny on Baby''s tender skin, Caron Simply Soft yarn makes wonderful blankets, sweaters, and accessories to crochet for little ones. Wrap your baby in fluffy afghans or create a lace-edged christening blanket for a beautiful keepsake. Infants will stay cozy in colorful booties and a whimsical cap, while older babies will be ready for cool-weather travel in a warm hoodie. Why not combine Simply Soft yarn with your love of crochet to make these sweet designs? You''ll keep a youngster warm and comfy this winter! 6 easy and intermediate projects for medium weight yarn: Striped Hoodie (size 12 months); Pinwheel Baby Blanket; Matching Hat and Baby Booties (size 6 months); Cloud Cover Baby Blanket; and Christening Blanket.

Dreamy-soft and so very stylish, this collection of five feminine shawls and a fashionable shrug will warm up your wardrobe! With six lovely designs from which to choose, you''ll have the just-right wrap ready to go at a moment''s notice. Crochet them in colors to complement your favorite outfits, and be sure to make one or two extra for a friend or family member. 6 easy and intermediate projects to crochet using bulky or medium weight yarn: Shell Shawl, Lacy Shawl, Motif Shawl, Striped Shawl, Broomstick Lace Shawl, and Shrug. Shawls and Wraps for All Occasions (Leisure Arts #75267)

Eco-Chic Decorating, 120+ ideas. Create amazing furniture, accessories, and gifts that cost only a little time and a few crafting supplies. No crafting experience required.

When it''s time to party, it''s time to munch and sip! Satisfy your guests'' cravings with this big assortment of appetizers and drinks. There are tasty bites, creamy dips, spicy teas, rich coffees, and more! The 75 recipes include Hot Seafood Dip, Ultimate Chili Dip, Marmalade Meatballs, Spicy Pecans, Raisin-Walnut Pinwheels, Feta Cheese Squares, Spinach Puffs, Vegetable Pate, Potato Coins, Apple-Cinnamon Cheese Ball, Mexican Quiches, Raspberry Wine, Southern Eggnog, Spirited Cider, Sunrise Mimosas, Honey-Rum Coffee, Cherry Cordial Fudge, Macadamia Nut Tarts, Sinless Brownies, and other favorites.

Baby gifts are always so much fun to make, and this collection of 12 crocheted baby afghans is sure to have the perfect match for your little one. Baby afghans make great shower gifts, too. Pick your favorite or work your way through the year; you''ll be prepared no matter when the next shower pops up. And you know that new mommy will love you for it! 12 wraps, from Easy to Experienced, using Light or Medium Weight yarn: Stripes for January; hearts and ribbons for February; flowers for March; rainbow squares for April; floral strips for May; patchwork for June; ripples for July; animals for August; an up-to-date granny for September; "X" kisses for October; tiered stitches for November; and shells for December.

Includes step-by-step illustrated instructions for knitting cables, twists, and bobbles, plus fourteen projects.