Knit, Hook, and Spin: A Kid's Activity Guide to Fiber Arts and Crafts

by Laurie Carlson

Overview

Dive into the wonderful and creative world of fiber arts and crafts with this easy-to-follow activity book packed with over 70 projects across a variety of fiber arts including knitting, felting, knotting and braiding, spinning, weaving, crocheting, and dyeing. Clear instructions and illustrations guide you in creating these cute, useful crafts. Learn to: felt a handy bag, braid a small rug, weave a colorful tapestry, knit comfy slippers, crochet an eye-catching belt, make and use natural dyes, repurpose old clothing, and much more!

Along the way you'll learn fascinating fiber facts and history, such as how Viking ships' woolen sails were made, the history of rope bridges, how artists in Japan craft giant straw sculptures, and much more. Fun for younger kids to explore with a caregive or older kids to work through alone, Knit, Hook, and Spin belongs in any craft-loving kid's home or classroom. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613734001
Publisher:	Chicago Review Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	06/01/2016
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	268,278
Product dimensions:	11.00(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Laurie Carlson is the author of over 20 nonfiction books for children and adults, including Colonial Kids, More Than Moccasins, Westward Ho!, and others. She raises Shetland sheep and mohair goats on her small farm in Oregon, where she operates an artisanal yarn store. Carlson enjoys speaking to local groups about goats, sheep, and fiber arts. Visit her online at http://lauriecarlsoncrafts.wordpress.com. 

Editorial Reviews

03/28/2016
This collection of fiber arts projects introduces the basics of weaving, knitting, sewing, crochet, and other techniques, while providing an approachable history of these cloth-based crafts. The projects can be as simple as wrapping wool fiber around soap to create a “natural scrubber” and as involved as knitting a pair of slippers, perhaps using yarn dyed at home using spices, beet powder, or drink mixes. Augmented by b&w line illustrations, Carlson’s warm, straightforward writing clearly describes each project, along with supplemental historical details (“People began weaving thousands of years ago, using twigs as a loom”). Readers interested in exploring fiber crafts should find this to be an accessible entry point, with a broad range of methods to try. Ages 9–12. (June)

Publishers Weekly

"Readers interested in exploring fiber crafts should find this to be an accessible entry point, with a broad range of methods to try.” —Publishers Weekly


"From slippers to tote bags and from friendship bracelets to comfort dolls, there is something for almost anyone wanting to learn how to create from these very tactile sources. Tear up your T-shirts, unravel old sweaters, warm up your fingers, and create some handcrafted fun for yourself, for friends, and for those in need of small comforts." —Kirkus Reviews


"The whole design, with its clean layout and good-sized print invites children to pick it up..." —Booklist, starred review


"In this joyous exploration of fiber arts, students will learn how to felt, knot, spin, weave, knit, crochet, and dye a variety of textiles." —School Library Journal


"This is a great book for kids and adults, who want to learn to craft but aren't sure where to go." —Mom Read It


“Want to draw the kids in your life into fiber arts plus keep them busy all summer? Take a look at this book.” —Knitty

From the Publisher

05/01/2016
Gr 4–7—In this joyous exploration of fiber arts, students will learn how to felt, knot, spin, weave, knit, crochet, and dye a variety of textiles. Before the activities begin, different fibers (natural and synthetic) are defined and given a brief history—a valuable resource for even the most seasoned of crafters. Each section provides a comprehensive overview of practical skill-building projects and fun decorative ones. For instance, in the "Weaving" chapter, string art coasters introduce kids to crossing yarn strands so that they can later make tiny fork flowers. The highlight of this title is in the copious amounts of historical, technical, and pop culture information that appears in sidebars—ranging from the boycott of English cloth by Indian independence seekers to George Washington Carver's expertise on and love of textile arts. Social issues are also briefly covered with the mention of the use of crochet mats by charity and church organizations for the homeless (to keep bedding dry) and comfort dolls for abused or traumatized children. VERDICT The fiber projects in this book make for a perfect occasion for library "crafternoons" or at-home child and caregiver bonding.—Kathryn Diman, Bass Harbor Memorial Library, Bernard, ME

School Library Journal

2016-03-30
Nimble fingers can learn how to felt, spin, weave, knit, and crochet a wide variety of wearable and useful objects. Carlson, an author of many craft titles for children, has organized this how-to by type of material and provides step-by-step directions that are accompanied by line drawings. She provides some background information, a list of required materials, and specific steps to create the projects. Starting with felting and moving on to knotting and braiding, spinning, weaving, knitting, and crocheting, Carlson also includes pages on dying, recycling, and community activities. The materials that are required can be home-fashioned, such as using chopsticks to make knitting needles, as an alternative to purchasing them ready-made. She is careful to note when adult supervision is necessary, as in dying projects, and concludes with a note to adults about the many benefits of fabric and yarn crafts. From slippers to tote bags and from friendship bracelets to comfort dolls, there is something for almost anyone wanting to learn how to create from these very tactile sources. Tear up your T-shirts, unravel old sweaters, warm up your fingers, and create some handcrafted fun for yourself, for friends, and for those in need of small comforts. (note to adults) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews