Craft Books for the Masses

If you've driven through our beloved city recently, you've probably seen the beautiful new building that is our public library. The central branch was recently renovated, and it's absolutely stunning! It's attached to the new Farmer's Market, and has become such a hotspot in our downtown core.

Want to know a few great things about the library? First - it's just a nice place to sit! You can grab a coffee from the market (try this!), find a seat and spend the day catching up on reading. It's cozy and comfortable and nice to look at!

Second - you can make new friends! Every time I go to the library, so many people say hello and ask me about what I'm reading. A lot of times it's really easy to find yourself in a great conversation with a complete stranger, talking about all the exciting new developments happening in the city. When I was there taking pictures, I had a nice conversation with a gentleman who just couldn't grasp the invention of digital cameras. He insisted that film was better. I don't know that I disagree...

Another great thing about the library (and the real reason I'm writing this post!) is the amazing selection of craft books they have. Have you ever thought 'Boy, I'd like to learn how to _____'? If so, you need to go to the library. Knitting? Crocheting? Calligraphy? Natural dyeing? How about sewing? Needlepoint?

Anna was even able to get books on how to decorate pysanky for our last Beehive project! They have such a great selection, and it's actually really inspiring to see all the possibilities in terms of projects you could try out.

(The Sewing Book by Alison Smith)

Just a few examples of what I pulled off the shelf when I was there most recently:

(The Natural Knitter by Barbara Albright)

(Glorious Inspirations by Kaffe Fassett and
Quilting, Patchwork and Applique by Caroline Crabtree and Christine Shaw)

(Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross)

Honestly - that is just the smallest taste of what you can find. You really need to get down there and check it out if you have the chance. We plan to do some book reviews on the Beehive blog, spotlighting some of our favorites. If you have something you want to recommend (see: 'mother of all craft how-to books' in this post)...please leave it in the comments!

Photos courtesy of Hollie and Meg