SMP Craft

Our new author Will Taylor (a.k.a Mr. Bazaar) runs the fantastic blog Bright Bazaar, which is a feast for the eyes. Will covers all things colorful and I guarantee you that you’ll get lost on his website scrolling through the loads of bold and beautiful color combinations.

Check out the charmingly adorable video above that Will made of himself running around London in a red sweater and bow tie, getting inspired by color, and typing his manuscript on a vintage yellow typewriter. It just makes you want to hop on a plane to London to stroll the streets with him while he dictates the colors you should paint every room in your house.

I know this announcement is way far in advance of the Fall 2014 pub date, but we’re so excited to be working on this new project with the great Mr. Bazaar that we can’t help but share his enthusiasm and let you all know about his wonderful blog and the exciting news about what’s sure to be a fantastic book!

Knitting with Icelandic Wool (click on cover to buy)
by Vedis Jonsdottir
$29.99 / $34.50 Can.
264 pages, paper over board

I don’t know about you, but when the temperature drops, all I want to do is wrap myself up in a cozy sweater and sit around and read or knit all day. At 264 pages and 70 patterns, Knitting with Icelandic Wool (out today!) is packed with inspiration for your next winter project. Complete step-by-step directions are paired with clear charts for color and lace knitting, so that these warm and wonderful creations knit up easily. There are sweaters aplenty featuring the traditional Icelandic yoke, plus patterns for dresses, cardigans, hats, socks, and scarves for men, women, and children. There’s even a sweater for your dog!

All the projects are made with Icelandic wool (aka Lopi), which is a 100% pure wool yarn that is lighter, warmer, and more water resistant than other yarns. How did the yarn get these special properties, you ask? Well, because the sheep native to Iceland have developed over time a coat that gives them as much protection as possible from the harsh northern climate. A brief history of the emergence of the Lopi sweater and the wool industry in Iceland is included in the book for you yarn enthusiasts that want to learn more about this area and fiber.

Check out some sample pages below and enjoy the free pattern for the Toppur hat featured in the book!

Happy New Year! There’s nothing like coming back to the office to be greeted by boxes full of our upcoming Winter 2013 books. Seeing all the bright colors and inspiring projects was a great way to kick off the new year! Don’t you just love getting your hands on a new book for the first time? I even have my own little ritual that I go through every time some new books come in. I know it sounds kind of silly, but if you love paper details as much as I do (and most crafters do), I’m sure you understand.

1. First, I get feel for the cover: running my fingers over any embossing or debossing, or feeling the linen texture on a spine. If there’s spot gloss, I always wave the book back and forth to catch a glimpse of the sheen of light reflecting off the cover.
2. I flip through every page of the book, taking in all the photos and “oohing” and “ahhing” as I go along.

It’s the perfect way to celebrate a job well done. Even though we’ve been working on a book for months (or sometimes even a year!) poring over the text, images, and overall design, the finished product never ceases to amaze me. “We did it!” is always the first thought that runs through my head.

I hope this sneak peek at our new books gets you as excited about them as we are. There are so many great knitting, crocheting, and cooking projects to take on, I don’t know where to begin! If you want more information for what we have in store for 2013, check out our new Craft Catalog below.

75 Floral Blocks to Crochet (click on cover to buy)
Beautiful Patterns to Mix and Match for Afghans, Throws, Baby Blankets, and More
by Betty Barnden
$21.99/$24.99 Can.
144 pages, trade paperback

Bring the beauty of the garden indoors with our upcoming book 75 Floral Blocks to Crochet by Betty Barnden. Due out September 18, 2012, we’re giving our blog readers an exclusive sneak-peek at some of the gorgeous floral block designs that are featured in the book.

Blocks of all shapes and sizes abound: squares, triangles, circles, diamonds, hexagons, and more—all containing beautiful, eye-catching floral themes. Pair traditional blanket squares decorated with petals and rosebud accents with colorful, three-dimensional blocks featuring flowers and leaves that pop, creating interesting textures and details. There’s something here to inspire every crochet fan and is perfect for crocheters on the go. The book also includes written patterns and color charts, a crochet refresher course of basic techniques, and a creative projects section.

View and enjoy our sneak preview below!