Reddit mentions: The best crafts books for children

>but no one in my family wants to talk about the meaning of life, physics, or play video games. The stereotypical kid activities stuff boggles my mind how anyone remotely enjoys it or can tolerate it for longer than 5 min.

These are your interests. Has it occurred to you that maybe the things you find interesting are mind-bogglingly boring to them and they can't possibly understand why you like it? It doesn't sound like you're looking for mutual interests, it sounds like you want them to like what you like and that's it.

I like physics, too. But I don't expect that my 3yo daughter will want to sit down and read the Feynman Lectures with me.

If things like physics are so important to you, why don't you try to bring these topics down to their level? That's part of being a parent - show your kids what interests you but do it in a way that interests them too.

Geek Dad - Perhaps a book like that will help you find a way to positively engage with your kids. It could provide fun activities for you to do together. BTW, there are tons of books like this. Here's another example: Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction

You sound like spending time with your kids is a chore and obligation. What you need is a change in perspective. You have an amazing opportunity to show them how cool the world is and how fascinating these topics are, but you aren't willing to put in the work/effort to look at these things from the eyes of a kid.

And as the other commenters have said, look into getting some professional help. Don't just accept the situation as it is. Put some effort into it and work towards being less selfish. Your kids are only kids for so long and you're missing an opportunity that's right in front of you.

GREEN ME

Hi there! My daughter loves to help out in her grandfather's gardens and around the yard, as well as go exploring for treasures such as acorns, leaves, bark and feathers. She's almost five and I'd like to do more with her outside so she can learn about nature and the environment and how to have fun taking care of it. I put this book on my wishlist for her thinking it would have some fun outside activities we could do together.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1604692456/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I1SCL3R3NJDSTP&colid=2ZYMFBO382Z7P

Found this book, but I've never sewn for boys, so I can't say how good/ well liked or is.

Sewing for Boys: 24 Projects to Create a Handmade Wardrobe https://www.amazon.com/dp/0470949554/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xa4pDb7Y2AMY7

I would recommend the blog made every day. She sews for all her kids and has some good basic patterns and tutorials.

Congrats on your new boy!

The design is from Thomas Poulsom’s book Birds From Bricks. I enjoyed his Lego Ideas birds set a lot, so I got the book and tried this rockhopper penguin design first.


The build is definitely just for show—the feet fall off with the slightest provocation and the base detaches readily. The wing articulation is fun, and the head can pivot freely. I also had trouble with the head. The design shows some of the lightsaber blades/feathers floating in air behind the head, so I made some adjustments to the head. I like the overall look a lot though, and think it does a great job of capturing the penguin’s likeness.

Hi there! Bistitual here. In addition to the other comments here which have nailed it, there are two things to consider. The first reason may be tool-based: straight needles can leave unsightly seams if you don't mattress stitch well, circular needles only get so short lengthwise, & dpns can become finicky at such a small scale.

The second reason is that since knitting is essentially in two directions/dimensions (left & right, up & down) & crochet is in three (left & right, up & down, forward & back), three-dimensional items are easily built in crochet because you can change direction between all three with a bit of know-how anytime just by turning the piece.

If there is a particular crochet pattern in mind that you seek a knit version of, feel free to let us know--some of us love seeking stuff out! Also I or one of us here may be able to write up something similar for you in knit that exists in crochet. For a clever knit amigurumi book that I borrowed from the library recently with 100 palm-sized knitted projects, check out 100 Little Knitted Projects by Sarah Keen.

As a young kid in the 60s and 70s (off my damn lawn, you pesky kids!) my parents were both teachers and when they were out of school for the summer my older brother and I were also out for the summer, so we did a lot of camping. As educators they didn't have much money so my dad got really creative with some equipment. One thing he did was to make my brother and me some "survival kits". They were tupperware-like containers with some key supplies etc. And then in addition to that he made us all survival belts that were essentially the same thing as what you've got there. (They were simply white cord though.)

We never had to use them, but my brother and I secretly wanted to be in a situation where we "had to". We religiously read both the Boy Scout fieldbook (though neither of us was ever in the scouts), and perhaps just as avidly, The American Boy's Handy Book. So many useful things in there!

But the one thing I still remember perhaps more than any other about those days were the "survival kits" and the belts.

Thanks for the reminder! :)

I started crocheting around age 11 or 12 - someone taught me the very basics, but the vast majority was taught from books and I just ran with it. I think it's a great idea!

Check out classes at your local craft stores, too - I know I've seen before crochet classes on occasion before at Michaels.

I did a quick search for kids crochet on Amazon, and a book like this might be good, too?

Hi guys! Quick update for all those wanting the pattern. It's on page 108 of Crocheted sea creatures by Vanessa Mooncie.

Crocheted Sea Creatures: A Collection of Marine Mates to Make (Knitted)

Any further questions feel free to dm me & I'll pass them onto my mum as I have no clue how to crochet. Thanks for all the nice words, it's been nice seeing her smile at everyone.

"Kids Crochet" is the book that I taught my grown-up self how to crochet with... there're some pretty neat projects in there that would be handy for learning how to follow a pattern! They had it at my local library... Also, a few more rows, and a little bit bigger, you'd have yourself a fine water bottle holder! Keep up the good work!

http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Crochet-Projects-All-Ages/dp/1584794135

Let's see if I remember all the details...
The hippo was knitted with Red Heart Super Saver yarn I had sitting around from ages ago. The bear was knitted from Gala yarn I found at Big Lots. Both of them are from this book, which I found at the library: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/itty-bitty-toys.

It can also be bought on Amazon for $13. http://www.amazon.com/Itty-Bitty-Toys-Animals-Dolls-Playthings/dp/1579653766/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376490707&sr=8-1&keywords=itty+bitty+toys

The socks were both made with Knit Picks fingering/sock weight yarn in self striping varieties. Both pairs are made to fit an 18-24 month old tot.

The pink/purple socks are the "Raindrop Socks" pattern. When picking up slipped stitches, I accidentally twisted them, but I think I like that way better than what the pattern calls for. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/raindrop-socks

The blue/green socks are basic ribbed socks. Here's the pattern, but it's not very descriptive, so I would not recommend it as a pattern if it's your first attempt or are new to sock making. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/toddler-top-down-ribbed-socks

The dishcloths are all made from varieties of Lily Sugar n' Cream yarn. For the two simple ones, here's what I did.
I simply cast on 4 stitches, K2, YO, K to end of row. Repeat row until 50 stitches.
Switched colors, then...
K1, K2Tog, YO, K2Tog, K to end of row. Repeat until I was back to 4 stitches and cast off.
Here's the pattern for the Dalek one: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/exfoliate-dalek-cloth.

Edit: forgot some pattern details.

Here's a better look. I got the pattern from a book that's been pretty handy as my niece grows up. I made it in this Simply Soft Light Yarn. I had some issues in that the transition from the ribbed "cake" to the frosting made it more like a beret, and the yarn didn't like corners, though that might have been my own newness to DP knitting. Overall an adorable hat for my little bit.

if you're interested, this is the book I use :) Its very good imo!

Thanks :)

Crocheted Sea Creatures: A Collection of Marine Mates to Make (Knitted) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1861087578/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_YPWuybQPNA4V2

The pattern is in this book, which I highly recommend.

Two things:

1. Dollar bills generally suck as material for a first attempt. The paper is thick and can be difficult to crease if it's a well-worn bill. I'd start out using at least regular typing paper cut into a square, or preferably legit origami paper.
   
   
2. That model looks really difficult for a first attempt. You definitely shouldn't feel bad about having problems. Start off slow - get a book designed for beginners (I think I had this: http://www.amazon.com/Absolute-Beginners-Origami-Nick-Robinson/dp/0823000729/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1347652979&sr=8-9&keywords=origami), or look up any of the dozens of free patterns floating around on the internet. Making a bunch of easy stuff will help you become familiar with the types of folds and the mechanics of how folding works.
   
   Good luck, and don't give up!

Aww, thanks! I just make these for fun since I write origami books for work. I've done a pokemon one and recently a book of my dollar origami was released.

I just got this book for my DH. I know it'll be a long time before he can use it, but I think it'll be cute!

I am a fan of Geek Dad and his books. I also got the Popular Science Big Book of Hacks not too long ago so the little one and I can build some projects once the weather becomes less outdoor friendly.

I found this little book about hollowing out logs to make natural bird houses . Went wondering in the woods looking for interesting sticks etc to fancy it up a bit. Made several.

Edit: link

book

Now that drawing in this marvelous book finally makes sense!

http://www.amazon.com/Birds-Bricks-Amazing-Designs-Flight/dp/1631590790/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1459203363&sr=8-5&keywords=birds+lego+book

We just got it a few days ago-i's beautiful!

My cutest project yet! Pattern here, I believe its an extract from Vanessa Mooncie's Crocheted Sea Creatures.

Some different angles:
1
[2] (http://imgur.com/fydMSu2)

First Father's Day for the fiance!

There's a book I got my husband when he became a dad. It'll be a few years, but it's cute. Geek Dad: Awesomely Geeky Projects and Activities for Dads and Kids to Share https://www.amazon.com/dp/1592405525/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_rGXnzbQ2TC1Z0

I didn't know about vertical sundials until I picked up this book that my dad sent me at uni. for unknown reasons. Albert Waugh, Sundials: Their Theory and Construction (1973). I've always thought it would be cool to put a proper vertical sundial on the the back exterior wall of my house. My partner, however, is much less excited about this idea.

Activity doesn't just need to be about cardio.

My father got this when my son was born, it is awesome and keeps them both busy with activities, stuff to build and play.

http://www.amazon.com/Popular-Mechanics-The-Complete-Mechanic/dp/B00AZ8DC6Q/ref=pd_sim_b_3

edit for wrong link here is the correct book: http://www.amazon.com/The-Boy-Mechanic-Classic-Mechanics/dp/1588165094/ref=pd_rhf_cr_s_cp_2_62X3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0Y6724YA618SRZ1H62X3

Full Send? How about "Never Sent"? On the last drop I ordered this item and it still has yet to arrive... clearly I need this soon!

https://www.amazon.com/Melk-Christmas-Monkey-Character-Activities/dp/1500945706/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CU436I73AX8D&keywords=melk&qid=1573328596&sprefix=melk%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-1

Here are some other free sewing and craft books on Amazon...

11 Sewing Room Ideas: How to Organize Your Room 86 pages

Sewing for Baby: 11 Small Sewing Projects for Your Little One

May Martin's Sewing Bible e-short 1: Everything You Need to Get You Started 40 pages

Quilt pattern - Yo-Yo Flags


Fairytale Pincushion and Thread Catcher Sewing Pattern

Encyclopedia of Needlework by Thérèse de Dillmont
- the hardcover of this book sells for $23

Duct Tape Bags

Practical Duct Tape Projects

Pink Little Lady Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

Easy Quilt Patterns: 11 Applique Quilt Patterns + Quick Quilts

"Made by Dad" 67 Blueprints for Making Cool Stuff

https://www.amazon.com/Made-Dad-Blueprints-Making-Stuff/dp/0761171479/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?adgrpid=55437169829&gclid=CjwKCAiAws7uBRAkEiwAMlbZjk750XM49QOq-oKBS-7pC-t2m0konv6MpaL1_eVbIdSZvRjbvFpCLRoCQdgQAvD_BwE&hvadid=274680616449&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9028149&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t3&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1651284101971602896&hvtargid=kwd-354414182087&hydadcr=22658_10370167&keywords=made+by+dad+book&qid=1574227978&sr=8-2

Made by Dad: 67 Blueprints for Making Cool Stuff https://www.amazon.com/dp/0761171479

I don't know if you guys have seen this, but the creator of the Birds set also released a book with fifteen more birds instructions: http://www.amazon.com/Birds-Bricks-Amazing-Designs-Flight/dp/1631590790/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1464310465&sr=1-1&keywords=lego+birds

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1631590790/ref=pd_aw_sim_21_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=61WjYWfYX1L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL115_SR97%2C115_&refRID=16VMJM0ZNGVH9F8FBZ8B

Got these for my husband.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399162461/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592405525/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It’s in a book. Here’s a link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crocheted-Sea-Creatures-Collection-Knitted/dp/1861087578/ref=asc_df_1861087578/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310865071345&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7654914437076671948&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045912&hvtargid=pla-453817517928&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

Literally: The American Boy’s Handybook