"One-Skein Wonders," a new knitting book from Storey Publishing, recently hit store shelves. The book features patterns contributed by yarn shops across the country, including several by Sarah Marie Fuchs of Bella Filati Luxury Yarns, located in Southern Pines.

More than 60 yarn shops across the country contributed the 101 patterns collected in "One-Skein Wonders," each using only a small amount of yarn to accomplish big results.

Each pattern features step-by-step instructions, a photo of the project, and the name of the yarn shop and designer who created it. The book is organized by yarn type, making it easy to navigate and find the perfect project for each individual skein. A convenient glossary provides detailed descriptions of the various stitches used throughout the book, and finished projects are displayed in a full-color photo section.

Knitting is currently enjoying renewed popularity. According to the Craft Yarn Council of America, the number of women knitters in the United States between the ages of 25 to 35 increased 150 percent between 2002 and 2004.

To give knitters a chance to experience the joys of one-skein knitting projects, Storey Publishing is sponsoring "One-Skein Wonder" parties at bookstores and yarn shops throughout the United States. Knitters can drop by, try out a pattern and leave just a few hours later with a finished project.

For more information on the book, visit www.oneskeinwonders.com.

Weatherford Honored

Carole Boston Weatherford, an associate professor of English at Fayetteville State University (FSU), won a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Award for "Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom," a children's book illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

Another of Weatherford's children's books, "Dear Mr. Rosenwald," was also up for an Image Award. That book recently won a Golden Kite Honor for picture book text from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Weatherford was born in Baltimore and earned a master's degree in publications design from the University of Baltimore and a master's in fine arts from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.

Since her first children's book, "Juneteenth Jamboree," debuted in 1995, she has received many literary honors. "The Sound that Jazz Makes" (2000) won the Carter G. Woodson Award from National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and a NAACP Image Award nomination. "Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins" (2005) and "Remember the Bridge: Poems of a People" (2002) each won the North Carolina Juvenile Literature Award. "Freedom on the Menu" was a finalist for the North Carolina Children's Book Award. And "Remember the Bridge" was short-listed among the NCSS Notables, International Reading Association Teachers' Choices and Voices of Youth Advocates Poetry Picks.

Tutor Training

The Moore County Literacy Council will hold tutor training in April and May.

"One out of five Moore County residents can't read this story," says a spokesman. "By volunteering to teach an adult to read and write, you can open a world of opportunity for some who might be otherwise limited. We'll provide the training, you set the time and place for the lessons."

Volunteer orientation, which is required, will be held Wednesday, April 18, from 1 to 2 p.m. Call 692-5954 to make a reservation.

Actual training takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, April 25, May 2, 9, and 16, at 575 South East Broad St. in Southern Pines. Beverages and snacks will be served. Donations will be accepted for materials.

"Register by the week prior to the session," says the spokesman.

Registrations may be made by calling 692-5954 or by e-mailing pammclc@nc.rr.com.

Presentation

At 7 p.m. Thursday, March 22, at the Museum of the Cape Fear in Fayetteville, Lt. Col. Wade Sokolosky, USA, co-author of "No Such Army since the Days of Julius Caesar," will discuss Gen. Sherman's Carolinas campaign, focusing on the Fayetteville Arsenal and the 2nd Battalion Local Defense Troops (Arsenal Battalion). This unit, under the command of Col. Frederick Childs, was a unique force of citizen soldiers, made up primarily of artisans, craftsmen and other arsenal employees.

The presentation will be followed by a book signing. There is no admission charge.

Call 910-486-1330.