Why do we make things by hand? And why do we make them beautiful? Led by those questions, Melanie Falick went on a transformative, inspiring journey through the world of contemporary makers. Traveling across continents, she met quilters and potters, weavers and painters, metalsmiths, printmaker, woodworkers, and more, and uncovered truths that have been speaking to us for millennia yet feel urgently relevant today: We make in order to slow down. To connect with others. To express ideas and emotions, feel competent, create something tangible and long-lasting. And to feed the soul. With revealing portraits and gorgeous original photographs, Making a Life captures all the joy of making and the power it has to give our lives authenticity and meaning.

In fifteen easy projects, from bouncy bean bags to a rolled-edge sweater, author and knitting expert Melanie Falick teaches kids of all ages how to knit. Through step-by-step instructions and candy-colored illustrations, beginners learn the fundamentals: knitting tools, finger-knitting, and basic stitches such as knit, purl, mattress, overcast, embroidery, and stockinette.

"Kids Knitting" emphasizes fun in every step of the learning process. Sunny paintings by Kristin Nicholas illustrate the individual steps of each technique. Bright boxes of blues, greens, and reds explain everything from button-sewing to tassel-tying. Charming photographs by Chris Hartlove feature finished projects modeled by the creators themselves--all kids who knit.

Best of all, kids get to keep and use whatever they make: bookmarks, backpacks, bracelets, even their own set of customized knitting needles, topped with acorn caps or polka dot balls.

The World of Knitting Right at Your Fingertips

More than a how-to book, A Passion for Knitting goes beyond teaching the craft and introduces readers to the culture of knitting. In Part I, you'll find fully illustrated instructions for learning stitches and mastering technique, presented with unprecedented clarity. They're so simple that you really can learn without a teacher. With this book in hand -- and no prior experience -- you will be able to knit a gorgeous sweater, scarf, or throw.

Next, Part II welcomes new knitters to the worldwide knitting community, exploring the myriad benefits this popular craft has to offer. This section, unique among all other guides, invites readers to

Tap into the power of knitting as a means of reducing stress and expressing creativity

Meet the design "gurus" and other stars of the knitting world

Discover opportunities for fellowship and networking with other knitters in clubs, conventions, and unique cultural fiber tours to countries ranging from England to Peru

Use their knitting skills to meaningfully support charities

Learn about the fashion trends in knitting from Trisha Malcolm, editor in chief of Vogue Knitting