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Calligraphy Bible

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Calligraphy Bible by Maryanne Grebstein

Is an in-depth look at the ancient art of calligraphy. It covers everything from the basic, like how to hold the pen, all the way down to the origins of calligraphy. Containing  10 different alphabets, there is a writing style for everybody! Attention to detail is one of the contributing factors to why this is the perfect how-to for any beginning calligrapher. This guide is complete with Alphabet workbook, Design & Color, and Decorative Detail sections so nothing is left out.

In the alphabet workbook, you learn how to write 10 different letterforms in capitals and lowercase.  You learn what angle to hold the pen, the stroke order, and what it is used for. This section shows 8 different variations of each letterform. A few different alphabets in this book include Uncials, Gothic, Batarde, Italic, and many more! You also get 3 lines for practicing each letter.

In the Design & Color section, you choose what text you are going to work with and then  decide an effective layout and find the correct color for your project. You get examples of the projects you can use each alphabet in, to aid you in picking the writing style best suited for yourself. The next thing you learn in this section is the basics of page layout and margins. Calligraphy is not only used for writing, it is an art. The concern of this section is the visual impact of letter shapes, and it allows you to explore the visual dynamics of letter placing without reference to language content.

Decorative Detail combines abstract alphabetical designs with the language form. You learn how to turn your project into real art. This section offers instruction on how to embellish your texts. There are step-by-step instructions for designing and gilding illuminated letters. You find out different ways to complete your pieces with embellishments to letters such as flourishes and ornamental elements. Don’t what to just have a bland paper with some fancy writing on it? That’s ok, because you learn how to border your paper in this section.

Not only does this book cover absolutely everything you need to know about Calligraphy, it is also very well written. The language used is easy to understand, and the layout is very well placed. I would recommend Calligraphy Bible  to anyone wanting to learn Calligraphy, or anyone who just wants to create a unique project. This is an excellent book for anyone, beginners and advanced alike.

 (written by Gavin Shaw, my grandson who knows a whole lot more about Calligraphy than I do!)

Comments

  1. “Calligraphers make great pen friends!” That was my quote when I used to learn calligraphy many years ago.Hope you like it.

Have you read?

Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern – A Cozy Little Gift Project With Old-Fashioned Charm

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.