The art of rug hooking, which consists of pulling dyed and cut wool fabric pieces through a backing, has typically been associated with New England, the South and Canada. Yet rugs from the American Midwest have contributed just as much to the development of the craft and its continuing popularity. The story of hooked rugs in the Midwest is a ragbag blending of romance, folklore, myth and common sense told through the colors of barns and sky, golden wheat, farm ponds, red clay, red brick, steel, glass and fountains. In this vividly illustrated history, Mary Collins Barile shakes out the dust from the Midwestern hooked rug with the vigor its unique blend of utility and imagination deserves.

"Describes the history of rug hooking in the Midwest, as well as its contemporary craft scene"--

Well-known primitive rug hookers Jenny Rupp and Lisa Yeago combine their expertise along with the talents of 22 others to bring you an exciting variety of hand-hooked projects. Now, with the introduction of Designs for Primitive Rug Hookers, brought to you by Rug Hooking magazine, these easy-to-follow projects become clear for the novice as well as the most experienced rug hooker. Free pattern line drawings and complete material lists are included for each project to help get you started. Projects range from pillows and mats to table runners, an eyeglass case, a tea cozy, belts, and more. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to hook these unique primitive rugs today.

Learn to make beautiful punch needle hooked rugs with veteran instructor Amy Oxford. A complete "how to" photo essay walks you through every stage of rug making. A question and answer section, interviews with professional punch needle rug hookers, and photographs of work from some of the field's most innovative and inspired craftspeople make this book a must for any textile lover.

• International juried exhibit of the year's best hand-hooked rugs • 77 beautiful hooked rugs • 59 close-up details • Includes both traditional and original rugs Each year, expert judges choose the best hand-hooked rugs from the many rugs entered into the annual juried competition known as Celebration. Now in its 23rd year, the competition showcases rugs from all over the US, Canada, and from around the world. Each winning rug is presented in a full-color spread that includes a photo of the rug, a close-up detail highlighting fine workmanship, and comments from the artist and the judges. Celebration is eagerly awaited each year and is overflowing with inspiration for all who are interested in fiber arts.

Since 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.

American folklife is steeped in world cultures, or invented as new culture, always evolving, yet often practiced as it was created many years or even centuries ago. This fascinating encyclopedia explores the rich and varied cultural traditions of folklife in America - from barn raisings to the Internet, tattoos, and Zydeco - through expressions that include ritual, custom, crafts, architecture, food, clothing, and art. Featuring more than 350 A-Z entries, "Encyclopedia of American Folklife" is wide-ranging and inclusive. Entries cover major cities and urban centers; new and established immigrant groups as well as native Americans; American territories, such as Guam and Samoa; major issues, such as education and intellectual property; and expressions of material culture, such as homes, dress, food, and crafts. This encyclopedia covers notable folklife areas as well as general regional categories. It addresses religious groups (reflecting diversity within groups such as the Amish and the Jews), age groups (both old age and youth gangs), and contemporary folk groups (skateboarders and psychobillies) - placing all of them in the vivid tapestry of folklife in America. In addition, this resource offers useful insights on folklife concepts through entries such as "community and group" and "tradition and culture." The set also features complete indexes in each volume, as well as a bibliography for further research.

CRAFT is the first project-based magazine dedicated to the renaissance that is occurring within the world of crafts. Celebrating the DIY spirit, CRAFT's goal is to unite, inspire, inform and entertain a growing community of highly imaginative people who are transforming traditional art and crafts with unconventional, unexpected and even renegade techniques, materials and tools; resourceful spirits who undertake amazing crafting projects in their homes and communities. Volume 01, the premier issue, features 23 projects with a twist! Make a programmable LED shirt, turn dud shoes into great knitted boots, felt an iPod cocoon, embroider a skateboard, and much more.