The useful book

the long version

"A modern and energetically designed encyclopedia of DIY with everything you need to know to roll up your sleeves and cook it, build it, sew it, clean it, or repair it yourself. In other words, everything you would have learned from your shop and home ec teachers, if you had them. Features practical projects and how-tos, with step-by-step instructions and illustrations, relevant charts, sidebars, lists, and handy toolboxes. There's a kitchen crash course. Sewing 101. Housecare tips. Plus, in shop, the tools that everyone should have, and dozens of cool projects that teach fundamental techniques, from making a bookshelf to re-wiring a lamp"--