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Giveaway!

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Winners:
Debora S.
Heather M.
Terri M.

Meet the Author

Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

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Laura McFadden is an art director/craft writer/maker from Somerville, Massachusetts.

She has designed and written craft books including: Knitless, 50 Stash-Busting Projects; 1000 Handmade Greetings, 100 Ideas for Stationery, Cards, and Invitations, Simple and Stylish Projects Using Handmade and Digital Techniques; and The Artful Bride Wedding Series: Simple, Handmade Wedding Projects


Tell us a bit about the book?

Knitless is a compilation of yarn craft ideas for anyone who wants to use up their leftover skeins or scraps, or wants to get creative with without using knitting needles or crochet hooks. So put the needles away and try something new! With so many books on knitting and crocheting, this one redirects the modern-day crafter into a whole new area of fun with yarn.
Knitless contains projects that go from super-easy to more complex, but most were created with simplicity in mind. Some of the projects take a classic idea like a tissue box cover, but instead of making it out of plastic canvas like your grandmother might have made, modernize it with a natural-colored tissue box and a geometric pattern. The projects run the gamut from home accessories, wearable accessories, artwork made from yarn, and stationery and gift ideas. There is string art, crewel work, weaving, embroidery, rug hooking, wrapping, sewing, and lots of other techniques you will learn.
While I was creating the projects, the question to myself was, “Would I wear that? “Would I want that in my house, on my walls, table or floors?” “Would I be happy to give that to a friend as a present?” If the answer was, “no,” the idea was scrapped.
While this book contains over 50 projects with detailed instructions, we hope this book will be the springboard for your own creative ideas. Let’s go!


What was the inspiration behind it?

The idea was conceived by an agent, Holly Schmidt, at Hollan Publishing.


Which is your favourite project?

I'm quite fond of the Zip Your Fly Kindle cover and the upcycled coasters. I use both of them on a regular basis.


What is your craft space like?

My craft space is all over the house. I use the kitchen table for projects that need a level surface, or I love to sit in my mid-century modern chair to do any hand sewing, jewelry making, braiding, etc. And sometimes the project is on the floor if it's a chair or a table that gets reconfigured.


Have you always been creative?

I don't know if I can single myself out as being creative, because I believe everyone has creativity within. What separates the perceived creative person and the non-creative person is the sweat equity. In other words, how much work you want to put into getting better at it. I have been tinkering around with crafts for as long as I can remember.


When did you first start crafting?

Do mud pies count? The first real thing I made without any kind of kit, was a house for Malibu Barbie. It was a cardboard box lined with flowered "wallpaper". It was made with my mom's leftover contact paper which she frequently used to line shelves. I also crocheted tube dresses for Barbie.


Who are your crafty heroes?

The usual go-to-suspects. I love Martha Stewart because she has elevated crafts to a much higher status. I also love Debbie Bliss, as she has done the very same for knitting. There are some phenomenal Japanese crochet patterns out there. I also like a book called Sublime Stitching.


Where do you find inspiration?

I look everywhere, and sometimes nowhere. For one of the embroidered cards in my book, I found a wonderful pattern on a balustrade at a restaurant we frequent in Maine. Sometimes I go to the store, and I see a bunch of items which seem to spark an idea. I get a regular email from BlogLovin', I am a regular visitor to Pinterest, and Etsy can also inspire me.


What's next for you?

I am fascinated by laser cutting. I've made a bunch of designs for leather bracelets, belts, and a bass strap which I have been having cut at our local maker's shop. I am working on sewing handbags out of plastic woven placemats. I am teaching an embroidery workshop on French Knots. I have been yarn bombing stop signs, and working on a Vogue afghan. Oh yeah, and I continue my day job as a graphic designer.

Publisher's Description


Are you a knitter, crocheter, crafter, or none of the above?
This clever book gives yarn lovers�both knitters and non-knitters alike�50 fun ways to use their stashes without taking out their knitting needles. The projects are easy and simple, but with a modern aesthetic that manages to be both sophisticated and inviting.


Get your hot glue gun fired up, adhere some pompoms to an old office chair, and make the most ho-hum seat in your house into a cozy piece of pop art furniture. Or treat your neck to a stylish infinity scarf. All you need is some bulky yarn and the ability to braid.


This book will strike a chord with DIYers who love yarn but don’t always want to take the time and effort to knit something from it. Projects also include a Sputnik lamp shade, a welcome mat, friendship bracelets, and even a rehabbed woven lawn chair. Put away your needles and crochet hooks and create fabulous projects, from accessories to home goods and more!


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