Sewing in a straight line: quick & crafty projects you can make by simply sewing straight by Brett Bara — What could be easier than sewing in a straight line? This book is a great choice for a beginner, since each project teaches you how to do a handful of techniques, but none are so complicated as to be overwhelming. There are garments, blankets, accessories, household items, and more, so there's bound to be at least one project that appeals to you. Check out the author's website for more info and videos about some of the projects.

An Evening with Nicholas Delbanco at Nicola's Book Store (Ann Arbor) on Wednesday, February 15th at 7:00 PM. Enjoy an evening with Nicholas Delbanco for a discussion regarding his latest non-fiction book:

Lastingness: the art of old age by Nicholas Delbanco — one of America's most celebrated men of letters profiles great geniuses in the fields of visual art, literature, and music-Monet, Verdi, O'Keeffe, Yeats, among others — searching for the answers to why some artists' work diminishes with age, while others' reaches its peak.

Wendy knits lace: essential techniques and patterns for irresistible everyday lace by Wendy D. Johnson — Knitting lace doesn't have to be complicated. Even the most simple-to-learn lace knitting techniques can look extremely impressive, and a knitted lace accessory can bring a real flair to your wardrobe. There are projects for all skill levels here, and items ranging from scarves to shawls to sweaters to socks and more.

The knitting book by Frederica Patmore, Vikki Haffenden — This large book includes a wealth of information of value to beginning or experienced knitters. From tools, materials, and equipment to stitch patterns and techniques to actual projects for knitters of all skill levels, this book has it all. Bright, crisp photographs make it a treat to look at as well as being a useful resource.

Martha Stewart's handmade holiday crafts : 225 projects and year-round inspiration for everybody's favorite celebrations by from the editors of Martha Stewart Living — Every year is full of celebrations, and this book includes crafty projects you can make to help celebrate ten of the most commonly honored holidays. Many of these projects are also adaptable enough that you could use them for birthdays, anniversaries, and other get-togethers. Some are even possibilities for any time, like the embroidered cards and flowery notes.

Have you ever looked at your kids and wondered "What are we going to do today?" Starfish Family Services will present a workshop for parents, caregivers and daycare providers titled Making Playroom Materials from Everyday Items on January 5, 2012, 9:30-11:00 AM. Attendees will identify natural, real, recycled and scrap materials for your playroom. During the program you will also make playroom materials to take back to your setting. Childcare will be provided by licensed Starfish Family Services staff. Online registration begins on December 22, 2011.

Knitting in the details : charming designs to knit and embellish by Louisa Harding — There are a variety of techniques you can use to bring a little something extra to your knitting projects. This book covers embroidery, duplicate stitch, beading and a number of other such techniques. It's amazing what a difference a seemingly small effort can make.

The Star Wars craft book by Bonnie Burton — Star Wars fans, get ready! This book contains a Millennium Falcon-full of awesome crafty projects. Star Wars maven Bonnie Burton is back with instructions to make your own Wookiee sock puppet, AT-AT herb garden, R2-D2 crochet beanie, Jabba the Hutt body pillow, and a ton of other way cool projects. Many of the projects are easier than bulls-eying womp rats, while others may require you to use the force (or perhaps have a helping hand from a parent or Jedi).

Lacy knits : 20 delicate projects in soft, luxurious mohair-silk yarns by Alison Crowther-Smith ; photographs by John Heseltine — Knitting lace can seem intimidating, but it really doesn't have to be difficult. There are many lace stitches that are almost as simple as knitting a basic rib pattern. Lace knits feel so indulgent and can be a great way to spoil yourself or someone you care for. This book includes patterns for scarves, wraps, shrugs, and even pillows and corsages.

Closely knit : handmade gifts for the ones you love by Hannah Fettig — Are you looking for ideas for quick-to-make holiday gifts? There are a number of them in this book, as well as projects for speedier knitters or those whose gift-giving occasion is further in the future. Hats, scarves, bags, sweaters, and a few special unique items are included here.

Join other handcrafters for an evening of sharing and learning. All ages and stages are welcome at this informal gathering on Monday, March 12 at 7PM.

The fleece & fiber sourcebook : more than 200 fibers from animal to spun yarn by Deborah Robson & Carol Ekarius — Have you ever wondered about the differences between various kinds of yarn? How is Merino defined, and what are the different types? What are all the animals from which fiber can be collected? What exactly is Cheviot? This book explains all that and much more. Large photographs make the illustrations quite clear and the background information for each type of animal and fiber is detailed and of interest to all fiber enthusiasts.

Snail Mail for Seniors is a non-profit group set up to send greeting cards and children's drawings to senior citizens free of charge. They particularly aim for the senior that does not usually receive many visitors or mail. Come to the Purple Room on December 10 at any time between 1:00-4:00 PM and create a Holiday/Winter card to send to these oft-overlooked members of our community. All ages are welcome to participate. Supplies will be provided.

The perfect book for a book discussion is one that's not too easy, not too hard, that will hold the interest of a diverse group of readers and will also inspire a lively discussion. For additional book club resources check out CPL's Book Club in a Bag kits.

The true memoirs of Little K by Adrienne Sharp

The tiger's wife: a novel by Téa Obreht

On November 9, CPL hosted a Diwali Celebration program that featured traditional and contemporary Indian music, dance, food, and more — all centered around the festival of lights. If you couldn't make it that night, check out the video above and pictures below to get up to speed:

Sew up a home makeover : 50 simple sewing projects to transform your space by Lexie Barnes — This book not only contains a wide variety of sewing projects, it also includes important information on how to plan for a makeover. It's easy to get inspired but forget to think about the function of the space or to plan a realistic budget, and those items and more are covered here. Home makeover projects often involve not only your sewing kit, but items from your tool bench, and this book makes it easy to plan for those needs. Included are ideas for children's rooms at various ages, a craft room, as well as many a la carte projects.

Polish Mission hosts Detroit Vintage Jazz Concert Autumn Rhapsody on Friday November 18 from 5:30 to 10:00 PM at the Orchard Lake Schools Art Gallery. Singer Kira Frabotta and pianist Mike Jellick will perform a unique repertoire of jazz from the early 20th century setting the tone as Orchard Lake’s Art Gallery transforms into a 1930s jazz club for the evening. Food provided by Cadiuex Café and wine selections from Leelanau Cellars. Individual tickets are $50; a pair is $80. Suggested additional donation of $50. Tickets can be purchased by calling 248-682-1885 or online.

Thanksgiving is on November 24th this year. Have you made your crafts yet? If not, there is still plenty of time. Check out the Thanksgiving craft books we have here at the library for inspiration and direction. Have fun! Gobble, gobble!

60 quick baby knits : blankets, booties, sweaters & more in Cascade 220 Superwash — Handknit clothing and items make excellent baby gifts. This book is a compilation of dozens of patterns for making such items, in sizes from newborn to toddler. All of the patterns here will work well with the title yarn, or with any baby-friendly worsted/10ply yarn.

Sewing 101 : a workshop in a book by [editors of Creative Publishing, International] — Are you looking to learn how to sew, to refresh your skills, or to expand beyond the very basics? This book can help with all of these things. Many basic sewing books stick to instructions for working with cotton or fleece, but this one includes several projects and how-to tips for working with knits. It also features garments for adults in addition to the stand-by aprons, pillows, and placemats.