The new CRAFT is here! The new CRAFT is here!

Yaaaay – CRAFT 05 has just hit newsstands, and as usual, it rocks.

This issue focuses on paper. On the cover, you see John Boak’s take on recycled gift wrap, which is really innovative — “collage in the service of transient delight,” as he puts it.

But this project was the highlight of the issue for me — Susan’s Heirloom Quilt. I had the privilege of watching this baby grow and develop during the summer. And it was so fun watching Susan’s crafty mind bring together gocco, embroidery, photo transfers, buttons, and quilting. The result is stunning, and she’s provided an excellent step-by-step for how she did it.

CRAFT 05 also has two instructional articles that taught me a ton:

Amy O’Neill Houck’s “Crochet Caps a la Carte” explains exactly how a crocheted hat is constructed, and breaks the process of making down so beautifully, you can mix and match design elements with ease. I don’t think I’ll ever use a pattern to make hats again.

And Susie Bright’s “Lies, Damn Lies, and Pant-Making Statistics” does an awesome job of de-mystifying the process of making a pair of pants that actually fit. (It’s not a task for the beginner, but Susie presents so many great alternative resources to use while you build your skills.) (Also, a note here: if you follow Susie’s link, you may see explicit content.)

OOh! And I have a little piece in there, too! A profile of uber-beader Teresa Sullivan.

Anyway, I can’t recommend CRAFT highly enough. Get yourself a subscription for Christmas.