All New Homespun Handknit: 25 Small Projects to Knit with Handspun Yarn by Amy Clarke Moore

Knitting with handspun yarn is a treat, but it's also quite different from knitting with machine-spun yarn. It's not necessarily consistent in texture and thickness and it often surprises you as it knits up. The patterns offered here are perfectly suited to handspun and are, as the title says, small, which is also perfect as you often only have a limited amount of handspun in any given colorway.

Fairy Tale Knits: 32 Projects to Knit Happily Ever After by Alison Stewart-Guinee

Fairy tales are the source of so much pleasure, wonder, and imaginative play for children, and the patterns contained here are fanciful without sacrificing wearability. From the Snow Queen to Robin Hood to magic carpets, these projects explore classic fairy tale characters that are staples of playing dress-up. The garments are for the most part versatile enough for everyday wear as well, which will delight everyone who sees them.

Material Obsession: Modern Quilts with Traditional Roots by Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke
I haven't made a quilt yet myself but have always admired the technique and art of those made by others. As the weather turns colder I find myself ready to tackle a project that will, in the making, drape fabrics over my lap and keep my hands occupied while watching movies and enjoying the company of my family.

PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death, and God by Frank Warren

Frank Warren collects postcards sent in by people all over the world. These postcards contain secrets, admissions, proclamations and whatever other content the anonymous submitters wish to share. Warren then posts images of these cards on the PostSecret website and in this, his second book. Warren will be at the University of Michigan on December 4 to speak about this project and this book.

Did you see this morning's Today Show feature about using energy meters to suss out the energy vampires lurking in your home?

If those energy meters seem like a pricey investment, consider checking out one of the library's Kill-a-Watt meters free of charge.

There has been a lot of speculation about why honeybees have been disappearing, and now scientists have a new theory: it's because of us. Luckily there are many things you can do to help foster good environments for honeybees, such as planting a diverse garden with plants that are attractive to bees. And if you're looking for honey or info on how to raise your own bees, you can't get more local than Bobilin Honey from right here in Canton.

Kanzashi in Bloom: 20 Simple Fold-and-Sew Projects to Wear and Give
by Diane Gilleland

Kanzashi is a Japanese technique of folding and sewing fabric into beautiful shapes, like the flowers featured in this book. The flowers range in size from small enough to be used as earrings to some large enough to compose a bouquet or accent a wall hanging. This is a technique I'm anxious to practice.