Sewing Edges & Corners

Mitsuki Hoshi

Ami Ami Dogs: Seriously Cute Crochet

The first in a series, Mitsuki Hoshi's crafty collection is packed with four-color photographs, patterns, and instructions on how to craft a tumbling litter of adorable canine Amigurumi--the wildly popular crocheted stuffed animals from Japan. The perfect go-to guide for every stripe of crochet artist, from the crafting commuter to the full-time hook-and-needler (and the perfect gift for anyone who could use an extra dose of over-the-top cuteness in their life), Hoshi's Ami Ami Dogs is sure to knit smiles and tail-wagging into the fabric of any home it joins.

Gustie L. Herrigel

Zen in the Art of Flower Arrangement: The Classic Account of the Meaning and Symbolism of the Japanese Art of Ikebana

Japanese masters have developed the techniques of ikebana over centuries and, while many different styles have evolved, they all share the same fundamental principles. The art embodies aesthetic considerations, knowledge of the natural forms of plants, and a profound understanding of the space around them. This book explains these principles by describing the lessons learned from master arranger Bokuyo Takeda and the underlying Zen symbolism in the art of ikebana. Readers will learn that training in ikebana is a process of achieving spiritual enlightenment and that the craft of arranging flowers is a form of meditation. These lessons provide a perfect escape from the stresses of everyday life and the incomparable satisfaction of creating beauty in the home.

Harold Payson

Build the New Instant Boats

Easily built boats for amateurs. Includes three stitch-and-glue designs-a technique that allows the plywood seams to be "taped" together with fiberglass and resin instead of metal fastenings-and three conventional designs built without a jig.