Now also available in 1.17.1

Currently works with the Crafting book, with JEI, and with Curios no problem. 

See 1.12.2 versions here

And 1.10.2 here

Also 1.8.9 is available

Legacy 1.7.10

No need for crafting tables, you now have a 3x3 crafting area right in your inventory. 

Works in SSP and SMP (install on both client and server, of course).   If you find a conflict with another mod, please let me know and I will look into it.  Designed of course for survival, of course.....   BUT  If you play in creative with this mod installed, then the 'pick block' button will do some weird things and mix up your hotbar.

Link to my original thread from Minecraft 1.4 / 1.5 : on minecraft forums