Curated by novelist Julian Barnes, the celebrated cult diary explores the mysteries and complexities of family bonds

The 2024 Redstone Diary opens a window on that most enigmatic part of our everyday lives: the family. It has been an essential subject for artists, writers, singers, therapists and psychoanalysts. Tolstoy wrote: “All happy families resemble one another, but each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” But was he right? Perhaps Dodie Smith got closer to the truth when she wrote that the family was an octopus “from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor in our inmost hearts, ever quite wish to.” Together or alone, we cannot escape the family.
These bonds are explored in a marvelous array of texts selected by Julian Barnes, from writers including Willa Cather, Marcel Proust, Virginia Woolf and Philip Roth.
Images feature still captures from home movies; photographs of Depression-era group prayer; psychological tests; and artworks such as Paula Rego’s disturbing imagery of fatherhood, Frida Kahlo’s reimagining of her genealogy and John Lennon’s lyrics to his absent mother.

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23 knitting patterns for jumpers and cardigans to last a lifetime

Combining her love for the outdoors and knitting, Linka Neumann presents patterns for Scandi-style jumpers, cardigans and a headband that will keep you warm and dry, no matter how rough the weather is.

Drawing on traditional Norwegian knitting methods, these designs for thick, woolly knits are not only comfortable and cosy, but also represent an authenticity and style that has stood the test of time. Linka takes inspiration from nature and wildlife for her fresh yet timeless designs. From the Norwegian forests, snow-covered landscapes and fjords to reindeer, wolves and her beloved Husky dogs.

Many of the designs come with variations to suit all tastes, whether you prefer a jumper or a cardigan, a thick or thin garment, sewn-on arms or round yokes. The patterns include instructions for a range of sizes and for both female and male body shapes. There is also a pattern for making Linka’s signature Wilderness Sweater in children’s size.

The projects are showcased in a stunning Norwegian landscape that will make you yearn for the outdoors. And no matter how long or short your adventure, you will be cosy in your bespoke, home-knitted jumper. These knits chime with an eco-conscious, anti-fast fashion sentiment and will literally last you a lifetime of adventuring!

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From sailors’ swallows and Mexican skulls to prisoners’ barbed wire and intricate Maori patterns, tattoos have been used as a means of communication by cultures all over the world for thousands of years.

Through meticulous research, The Tattoo Dictionary uncovers the fascinating origins of the most popular symbols in tattoo history, revealing their hidden meanings and the long-forgotten stories behind them. This beautifully packaged book is an inspiring look at tattoo culture, and an indispensable guide to choosing your own tattoo.

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Discover more than 500 of the most innovative, influential, and enduring products from the last five centuries in this fully revised and expanded edition of Phaidon’s much-loved companion to the best of design

Take an extraordinary journey through objects from the last 500 years that have improved our environments and functionality, and shaped society and culture. With an image for each object featured and descriptive text including information about the product itself, its designer, manufacturer, and history,The Design Book includes iconic pieces by such masters as Le Corbusier, Philippe Starck, and the Eames, alongside classic objects such as the paper clip, the hurricane lantern, and the martini glass. This new edition also features 30 new products from the last 15 years, expertly selected and curated to reflect modern-day design breakthroughs.

Praise for the original edition:

“Phaidon seems to have pulled off the rare trick of creating something accessible and wide-ranging, but genuinely interesting and informative too.” – Design Week

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This is the only sewing reference you will ever need, with step-by-step photographs to show you how to sew absolutely everything!

Whether you are sewing clothes, making soft furnishings, or doing alterations, master every hand sewing and machine sewing technique with close-up photographs and clear instructions to demystify the trickiest techniques. Choose from 10 stylish projects to practise your skills. With in-depth coverage of tools, techniques, and fabric, this is the ultimate sewing bible for beginners and seasoned stitchers alike.

Fully illustrated and easy to use, this sewing book covers all the essential skills and techniques for successful hand and machine-sewing. It’s a must-have for beginners and expert stitchers alike.
Comprehensive step-by-step instructions cover everything from cutting out patterns to making sleeves and stitching hems. Accompanied by close-up photographs, clear instructions, and a glossary of sewing terminology to demystify even the trickiest technique. This book will help you advance from a sewing learner to a seasoned stitcher in no time.

Inside the pages of this sewing guide, you’ll find:

– Up-to-date techniques to help you master the art of sewing and develop your stitching skills.
– How to choose and use today’s sewing equipment, fabrics, and paper patterns.
– 10 new projects for stylish homeware and clothing.
– Step-by-step photographs and easy-to-follow instructions.

All the techniques and projects are graded by difficulty level, from the simple and straightforward to the more complex and challenging ones. There are 10 new, stylish projects to help you put into practice what you’ve learned. Explore in-depth descriptions on more than 100 tools, 250 techniques, and browse an updated visual directory of more than 50 fabrics. From basic sewing kits and cutting tools, to measuring tools and marking aids, this book will also help you get properly kitted out! Zoomed-in photographs of hand and machine tools show you the best equipment for the job and teaches you exactly how to use it.

We will guide you through every hand stitch, machine stitch, and sewing technique you’ll ever need. We’ve included the best way to seam and hem, and put in linings, fasteners, darts, pleats, and pockets, and how to create necklines, collars, and sleeves, so you can make your favourite bespoke outfits.
This is your complete guide to sewing absolutely everything, from altering clothes to home decor.

At DK, we believe in the power of discovery.

So why stop there? If you like The Sewing Book, why not try The Crochet Book and hone in on your creativity even more!

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