Subject Guide for Crafts and Hobbies

Each research guide provides internet links and resources selected by our reference staff:

• All-Gauge Model Railroading Page - A wealth of information for model railroad enthusiasts. Includes layouts, information, and links about model trains in all gauges.
• Antiques Roadshow - This companion site to the PBS television series features tour and broadcast schedules, a FAQ on attending the show and receiving an appraisal, background on featured appraisers, and "Your Stories" where fans of the show share their antiquing experiences.
• BHG.com: Better Homes and Gardens - Online presence for this home and family magazine. Focuses on "decorating, building and remodeling, crafts, entertaining, cooking, and gardening." Features in-depth articles.
• Coin Guide: Introduction to Collecting Coins - Site devoted to the buying and selling of U.S. coins. Includes history of many types of U.S. coins, with a bibliography of relevant works on collecting the various types.
• Digital Photography Review - This website features an extensive database of reviews of digital cameras and equipment, as well as news, forums, a glossary of terms, and more.
• Free Patterns - At FreePatterns.com, you'll find a wealth of free downloads for your crafting enjoyment. Whether your favorite craft is crochet, knitting, beading, cross-stitch, paper crafts, plastic canvas, quilting or sewing, we have free patterns for you! All you need to do is sign up for a free membership and start downloading all the free designs you like -- there's no limit. FreePatterns.com has a huge collection of free craft downloads.
• International List of Scale Model Related Web Sites - Currently featuring over 7800 links, this searchable web directory lists scale model clubs, manufacturers, review sites, magazine websites, and many more resources for the scale and RC modeler.
• Knitting Help - Grab your knitting needles and yarn, and learn a new knitting skill the easy way: by watching! Start by learning the knitting basics such as Long Tail cast-on and the knit and purl stitches. Those three techniques make up the vast majority of any knitting project, so pat yourself on the back. From there you'll probably want to learn a couple of increases and decreases, and check out our knitting tips page. When you're ready for even more excitement, delve into some advanced knitting techniques. If you get stuck along the way or just want to chat with other knitters, drop by our friendly online knitting forum.
• Martha Stewart - Lots of craft ideas and tips!
• National Postal Museum - Stamp Collecting - The Museum's web guide to the hobby of philately (stamp collecting) includes a good introduction to the hobby as well as links to resources for preserving collections.
• Scrapbooking.com - This online magazine contains a wealth of information for beginner and expert alike. The searchable site includes product and layout information and an archive of back issues.
• Vogue Knitting - This is a high fashion site for knitters. Here you'll find patterns and lots of how-to information.
• World Paper Money - A labor of love by collector Ron Wise. Over 20,000 high quality scans of banknotes (front and back for over 10,000 notes) from Mr. Wise's collection as well as donated images. Images are clear and well organized.