countrx crafts celebrates a way of living

that is uniquely.~mmrican. The making of crafts embraces both nostalgia and practicality/--in

a world of trendy st3~les and high-tech proliferation, it speaks of enduring family values. And

jusl as our ancestors found time for crafting after chores were done, so today we turn to

crafts in our leisure time as a way to express our creativily, our individuality, and our love of

family and friends.

Spring, summer, autumn or winter the seasons dictated both the lives and livelihoods of

our forebearers. Often the color, patterns, inspiralion and even the materials used in

countU crafting were taken from nature. The classic crafting techniques found in this book

reflect both countU swle and seasonality.

Ranging in difficulB- from clementaU to advanced, the craft projects include quilting,

embroideU, cross stitch, doll making, wood working, rug hooking and of course, knitting

and crocheting. Complete how-to s and patterns are provided for eveW project. We hope

this book becomes your gateway to bringing countW crafts into your home, and reaping the

"rewards of a shared sense of history, of following in the tradition of making things by hand.

Each time you craft something, you are creating a link from the present to the future, tior

your children and their children to treasure. Each craft you create is a unique expression of

you--your involvement, }()tar commitment, your love.