DIY

There's always been a certain draw to doing things yourself, and when the economy tanks, DIY can be a money-saver, too! HCL has several new books that will help you take on various projects.
My friend's mother crochets, and every year about this time she gives me beautiful towels, cloth napkins, blankets and more with crocheted edges. Crochet Edgings and Trims by Kate Haxell promises to teach 150 different stitches that can be used to edge various items. With that many stitches, this book is sure to have something for every level of crochet aficionado.

Since we live in the state that coined a term, "Michigan basement," for unfinished under-the-house space, The Black and Decker Complete Guide to Finishing Basements is certainly appropriate. With many ideas for fixing common problems like moisture and lack of light, this book will help you tackle this large task. This book contains many photos to help you along.

Complete Leatherwork: Easy Techniques and Over 20 Great Projects by Katherine Pogson contains just what the name implies--detailed instructions on how to make a variety of projects using leather. Since it also includes information on basic tools and techniques, it should be useful for everyone, from beginners to pros.

It's nearly December, and with that will surely come snow, but it's never too early to think about spring and gardening. The Rock Garden Plant Primer: Easy Small Plants for Containers, Patios and the Open Garden by Christopher Grey-Wilson recommends easy-to-grow plants for a variety of garden situations. Whether you have a lot of space or only a tiny nook, you're sure to find some greenery that will please.

Something For All You Twilight Fans

The latest Twilight movie, New Moon, opens across the country at midnight tonight, and you can bet that teenagers and adults alike are excited. The Twilight books are a phenomenon, but what do you do when you've finished all four and have a craving for more supernatural romance? One option is Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. About a teenaged girl's lifelong fascination with a yellow-eyed wolf and the yellow-eyed boy who loves her, this story is very popular with people who like the Twilight series.

A Lucky Find

"Feelers" are people who dispose of all the furniture and junk in buildings after the owner has died, and they often find money hidden away (and get to keep it, as there are contracts and whatnot). This is a good book about a profession I knew nothing about. The protagonist's flowery style of speaking can be slightly disoncerting at first, but it allowed me an understanding of his character that I appreciated. And I had no idea how the story was going to end, which doesn't always happen when I'm reading. You could pair this book with Mop Men: Inside the World of Crime Scene Cleaners by Alan Emmins, a non-fiction book about another not-so-run-of-the-mill job.

A Recommendation from Joyce

Jane Stanton Hitchcock's latest, Mortal Friends, takes place in the upper echelons of Washington DC society. When the latest victim of the "Beltway Basher" shows up in a chic Georgetown neighborhood and a detective starts nosing around, Reven Lynch decides to find out what's going on. Joyce enjoyed all the curves in this mystery that People magazine called a "killer read."