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Public Event

3D Printing Lab: Open Lab

Thursday June 1, 2017: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Downtown Library: Secret Lab
Grade 6 - Adult

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Public Event

3D Printing Lab: Open Lab

Saturday May 20, 2017: 10:00am to 11:30am
Downtown Library: Secret Lab
Grade 6 - Adult

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Public Event

3D Printing Lab: Open Lab

Thursday May 4, 2017: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Downtown Library: Secret Lab
Grade 6 - Adult

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Crafts

Lanyard Earbuds

Wednesday July 12, 2017: 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Pittsfield Branch: Program Room
Grade 6 - Adult

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Crafts

Fabric-Covered Flower Pots

Saturday June 24, 2017: 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Downtown Library: Secret Lab
Grade 6 - Adult

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Crafts

Caterpillar & Butterfly Magnets

Sunday June 11, 2017: 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room
Preschool - Grade 5

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Blog Post

Timeless Knits To Develop Your Skills

by mansii

If you are a knitter who knows the basics and is ready to up your skills, these books by two top knit-wear designers make color-work and sweater-making approachable--two processes that can intimidate crafters who have knit for years. Hannah Fettig and Hilary Grant have very different styles, but their patterns for hand-knitters produce garments that are timeless, chic, and have challenged me personally to not settle for making anything less than what I would be proud to wear in public.

Hilary Grant grew up and remains in Orkney off the north coast of Scotland. In Knitting from the North, her color work designs not only reflect Fair Isle traditions, but bring together the ancient northern influences of Icelandic, Scandinavian, and Nordic style as well. Her colors choices exhibit bright contrast and subtle nuance. The patterns that emerge out of the varying colors evoke Orkney's wild and wind-swept coast, complimented by gorgeous photographs of this stunning landscape. If you are new to color work, the patterns presented allow you to start small and gradually increase your skills. The first couple designs are worked in a single color, utilizing Scotland's Fisherman's Rib. Next, patterns use only two colors with simple repetition, graduating to several colors. More difficult designs incorporate effects such as twists, gradient coloring, and double-sided knitting. This array of cowls, mittens, and winter hats can be knit as a collection where each piece can mix and match with the others. Two headbands and a unique mock-turtleneck will stretch your creativity.

Hannah Fettig knits simple, elegant sweaters in neutral tones inspired by the gorgeous Maine coast she calls home. In Home & Away Fettig walks us through building simple cardigans and pullovers in flattering cuts. She includes multiple teaching inserts that explain topics such as raglan versus set-in sleeves, seaming versus seamless, creating button-holes, making sizing choices ect. Fettig provides all the tools to teach you what you are doing as you knit her sweater patterns so that you can make educated choices as you branch out in personalization. With careful attention to detail and easy to follow directions, her methodology inspires knitting confidence. I can see each of these pieces becoming signature items of my wardrobe. Keep a look out for other titles by this designer, she's one worth keeping track of.

If you would like a teaching aid before you jump into patterns, The Knitter's Book of Knowledge by Debbie Bliss is an easy to follow technique book to get you started. This book demonstrates how to knit with two colors, strand, seam, and any other need-to-know facts.

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Crafts

Flashy Flower Art

Saturday May 27, 2017: 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Westgate Branch: West Side Room
Grade K - 5

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Blog Post

Hygge-ing Away the Winter Blues

by mansii

Scandinavian style is known for its clean colors and edges, with high contrast. Think brilliant whites with striking red, softened by floral and wildlife designs with a geometric slant. What appears is a modern aesthetic that feels homey, while letting you breath peacefully in a room that lets in the light and is organized by useful objects that stand out by their artistic quality.
This external beauty can be an internal lifestyle as well. The Danes have designated this concept as "hygge" (pronounced hue-gah, rhyme with “cougar”) : setting apart simple pleasures as something very special, and cosying yourself away to enjoy them with good friends.
This is what winter is all about, and here are some books to help you feel the good vibes!

How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life
This book will give you a break down of all the delicious details and tips of taking things slow the Nordic way. Along with lots of warm, cardamom filled recipes, concepts such as enjoying kinship and nature, finding joy, self-care, and making lovely spaces enter these pages like a lick of ice-cream.

Scandinavian Gatherings: From Afternoon Fika to Midsummer Feast...
With a simple craft and some gorgeous and tasty food, Melisa Bahen elevates every day celebrations like tea time or brunch to something to wiggle your toes at and jump all in. I would check this book out just for the drool-worthy photographs.

The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living
Recommended by the New York Times, and authored by Copenhagen's think tank The Happiness Institute, this book also contains recipes and crafts, but stands out for its research-based look at this fast-spreading cultural phenomenon.

SO MUCH MORE can be found ON THIS LIST for endless inspiration in designing, gardening, cooking, baking, crafting, and music making to set apart your winter days as wonderfully memorable.

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Public Event

3D Printing Lab: Open Lab

Thursday March 30, 2017: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Downtown Library: Secret Lab
Grade 6 - Adult