GIFT IDEA Detailed instructions in books will delight needleworkers

Everything from choosing materials to completing a project is outlined.
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
"The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Book of Needlecrafts" includes knitting, crochet, embroidery, needlepoint, quilting and more.
Here are a few book recommendations for your own wish list or for gift-giving. Try local stores first; order directly if necessary.
This one isn't new, but it offers a lot of gift for the money -- "The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Book of Needlecrafts" (Hearst Books, $19.95). You'll find step-by-step instructions for learning knitting, crochet, embroidery, needlepoint, quilting, smocking and rugmaking -- a smattering of various time-honored skills.
For each craft, the book describes supplies and how-to techniques. Full-color photos show over 60 projects, as a means of learning the skills.
"Knitting for the First Time" (Sterling/Chapelle, $19.95) offers everything you need to get started, from choosing yarns and needles to reading a stitch pattern. Projects introduce you to new techniques, progressing from simple to more challenging.
The question-and-answer format makes it easy to learn with such questions as "How do I change colors?" "How do I knit in the round?" "How do I decrease?" and more.
Making corrections
Correcting mistakes and professional finishing are also explained. You'll get a firm foundation in knitting with this book.
"Quick to Make -- Stylish Gifts to Craft in a Day" is a new book from Taunton Press at $14.95. It's a collection of 34 sophisticated craft projects from Threads magazines, all fashion and home accessories that can be put together quickly. This is a worthwhile paperback for creative home-sewers.
A gift book for quilters is "Celebrate the Tradition" (C & amp;T Publishing, $29.95) -- a 20th anniversary commemorative collection of quilt blocks and memorable stories.
It's very colorful, and informative, too, with favorite tips from quilting authorities. Find it at quilt shops, or order from www.ctpub.com or (800) 284-1114.