A Spoonful of Sugar

Make. Bake. Create.

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Crafts
    • Crochet
    • DIY
    • Embroidery/Cross stitch
    • Gift Wrapping
    • Knitting
    • Miscellaneous
    • Paper Crafts
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Australia Day
    • Back to School
    • Valentines Day
    • Easter
    • ANZAC Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bars & Slices
    • Bread & Pastries
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Confectionery
    • Cupcakes & Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Ice Cream
    • Jams/Preserves
    • Main Meals
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Quilting
    • Sewing & Quilting Patterns
  • Family
    • Back to School
    • Family Fun
    • Our Home
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Pattern Store
    • Etsy Store

{Book Reviews} 4 New Crafty Titles

December 10, 2012 By Spoonful of Sugar - 3 Comments

There are so many lovely creative titles that have been released recently. Here are some of our favourites!

Knitting Hats & Mittens from Around the World: 34 Heirloom Patterns in a Variety of Styles and Techniques by Kari Cornell (editor) is a lovely collection of hat, mitten, and glove patterns from around the globe. The book is divided into regions – Hats & Mittens of Scandinavia; Hats & Mittens of Europe; Hats & Mittens of the East; and Hats & Mittens of the West.The patterns are really stunning – using traditional designs from each region, and incorporating a range of knitting techniques and colours. All the projects are beautifully photographed and styled. The hard part is deciding on which pattern to work on first! This book would make a lovely gift for a knitter.

For more details and a peak at the lovely images, check out the google preview on Fishpond.

Book Details:
Publisher:     Voyageur Press
ISBN:          9780760340653
Format:       Hardcover, 142 pages
RRP:           $34.99

Available from Fishpond, Booktopia, and Can Do Books.

The Stitch Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to 225 Embroidery Stitches and Techniques by Kate Haxell is a lovely resource of 225 embroidery stitches and techniques. It includes comprehensive step-by-step illustrations of each stitch, plus additional project and embroidery stitches are available online.

The book has a helpful “Getting Started” section which guides you through everything you need to know about embroidery equipment, supplies, tracing designs, framing fabric and more. The stitches are divided into the following sections: Freestyle, Hardanger, Blackwork, Crewelwork, Goldwork, Pulled Thread, Canvaswork and Drawn Thread. Each chapter also includes a couple of projects that have been designed to help you practice the different stitches and techniques.

Whether you are new to embroidery, or simply want to increase your stitch repertoire or master new techniques, this is a terrific resource for your Craft Library. The projects are lovely and are a great way to develop new skills.

Book Details:
Publisher:       David and Charles
Format:         Paperback, 176 pages
ISBN:            9781446301661
RRP:             $34.99
Availbale from  Fishpond and Booktopia.

Felted Feathered Friends: Techniques and Projects for Needle-Felted Birds by Laurie Sharp contains techniques and projects for needle-felted birds. If you have ever wanted to learn needle felting techniques, this is a great resource. You will learn how to sculpt wool roving to make a whole flock of different birds. You need wool, a needle and foam pad to create 20 unique birds. The book has a helpful section demonstrating basic techniques. Birds include: dove, bluebird, flamingo, mallard duck, hummingbird and more. Each project includes a comprehensive step by step instructions and progress photographs (12-15 images guiding you through the process).

You can find a Google Preview of the book with more details over at Fishpond.

Book Details:
Publisher:     Creative Publishing International
Format:        Hardcover, 127 pages
ISBN:           9781589236943
RRP:            $24.99

Available from Fishpond, Booktopia, and Can Do Books.

Make It and Mend It by Clare Flynn, Hillary Bruffell, Clare O’Brien, and Anne Caborn inspires you to make more and use less in this creative guide to sustainable living. It contains over 30 ideas to make, bake, sew and grow. The book is divided into chapters that cover the seasons and major holidays. The book includes sections on Equipment and Supplies; Basic techniques; Supplies; and full sized Templates.

The book includes lots of clever, crafty. and thrifty ideas to make do and mend. Projects use techniques such as knitting, sewing, decoupage, gardening, DIY, and baking. All projects are well photographed and come with step by step instructions. This book is recommended for anyone who loves to dabble in a range of crafts and enjoys eco-friendly projects. Most of the projects would be suitable for beginner crafters and older children.

Book Details:
Publisher:         David & Charles
ISBN:              9781446302927
Format:           Hardcover, 160 pages
RRP:               $39.99

Make it and Mend It is available from Fishpond, and Booktopia.

Disclaimer: Please note that we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from distributors/publishers. We are affiliates of Fishpond.

Filed Under: Crafts, Uncategorized Tagged With: book review

« 15 Christmas Cookies
Christmas Place Cards »

Comments

  1. haggiz says

    December 11, 2012 at 2:50 am

    The make it and mend it book is on my christmas list! I have just posted a photo of the flourless chocolate cake I made from your recipe (not as pretty as yours but it tasted delicious!) thank you x

    Reply
  2. Ruby Jean says

    December 11, 2012 at 9:16 am

    These all look like great books.. But I am really wishing I knew how to Knit. Those Mittens and Hat look adorable and so very Wintery 🙂
    Angelina

    Reply
  3. Kate says

    December 11, 2012 at 10:22 pm

    Love the look of the hat and mitten one! Maybe it is because of the crazy weather we are having today!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Categories

Archives

PURCHASE PDF PATTERNS

We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

WEB STORE ETSY STORE

Instagram

Turning hair accessories into sewing magic ✨ If yo Turning hair accessories into sewing magic ✨ If you’ve ever struggled to find bright or narrow elastic cord for pouch closures, this little trick will save the day. Hair ties make the perfect elastic loop for the Mini Treat Pouch — sturdy, colourful, and so easy to sew in. It’s one of my favourite shortcuts for quick gifts and scrap‑friendly makes.Comment TREAT and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you 💌Pattern Details: Mini Treat Pouch - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#MiniTreatPouch #HairElasticHack #ScrapFriendlySewing #BeginnerSewingProjects #ASpoonfulOfSugarDesigns
Small enough to tuck in your tote, clever enough t Small enough to tuck in your tote, clever enough to hold all your essentials. The Travel Sewing Kit is beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, practical for everyday use, and makes a sweet little gift.Want the pattern? Comment TRAVEL and I’ll send you the link 💌Pattern: Travel Sewing Kit PDF — available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop (links in profile).Fabric: Tilda Cotton Beach. Thanks to @tilda_australia✂️ Travel Tip: Most airlines allow small scissors in carry‑on luggage. Mine have a 1‑inch blade and fit perfectly inside the kit. Always check your airline’s guidelines before flying, especially internationally.#travelsewingkit #scrapfriendlysewing #beginnerfriendlysewing #giftsewingideas #tildafabric
A calm look inside the Makers Caddy ✨This projec A calm look inside the Makers Caddy ✨This project is one of those satisfying makes that feels doable for any skill level, uses small cuts of fabric you already have on hand, and comes together quickly. The little details make it such a joy to sew — and it’s the kind of piece you’ll use every day or happily gift to another maker.Comment CADDY and I’ll send you the pattern link 💛Pattern Details: Makers Caddy PDF Sewing Pattern - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#makerscaddy #sewingprojectideas #sewingpatternlove #sewingroomorganisation #sewingcommunity
The Handy Drawstring Bag is one of my favourite qu The Handy Drawstring Bag is one of my favourite quick makes — simple, satisfying, and endlessly useful. It’s beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, and stitches up in no time, which makes it perfect for last‑minute gifts or organising all the little things in your sewing space.This sweet version is sewn in Plum Garden and Tea Towel Basics from Tilda, and the small‑scale prints shine beautifully in a project like this. I love the flat base, the smooth drawstring closure, and how easily it folds flat when not in use. With three sizes included, you can sew a whole coordinating set from just a handful of scraps.If you enjoy quick, giftable projects, this one is such a joy to make.Comment HANDY and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern: Handy Drawstring Bag (3 Sizes) — available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Fabric: Tilda Plum Garden and Tea Towel Basics. Thanks to @tilda_australia#handydrawstringbag #sewingcommunity #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpatterns #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
I designed the Makers Caddy because I wanted a pro I designed the Makers Caddy because I wanted a project that was as practical as it was pretty. Beginner friendly construction, quick to construct, and giftable.This version shows all my favourite details: structured shape, pockets, a wide base, and those little finishing touches like the leather patch and tag. It’s simple to sew, satisfying to use, and one of the most versatile organisers in my sewing room.Comment CADDY and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern: Makers Caddy — available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#makerscaddy #sewingcommunity #sewingpatterns #sewingroom #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
A little drawstring bag that always comes to the r A little drawstring bag that always comes to the rescue. This one stitches up quickly, uses small cuts of fabric, and is perfect for treats, tiny gifts, or organising your sewing space. It’s one of those patterns you’ll make again and again — simple, satisfying, and endlessly useful.Comment HANDY and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern: Handy Drawstring Bag (3 Sizes) — available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#handydrawstringbag #sewingcommunity #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpatterns #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Follow on Instagram

Featured Pattern

Travel Sewing Kit Pattern

Featured Tutorial

Retro Drawstring Bag

Featured Recipe

Lemon Pound Cake

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Popular Posts

  • Fabric Gift Pouch
  • Sewing and Quilting on a Budget
  • Sell What You Sew
  • Charm Square Fabric Tray
  • Triangle Pouch
  • Sewing with Liberty Fabric
  • Tutorial: Emergency Zippered Pouch

Copyright © 2026 Lisa. K. Cox - A Spoonful of Sugar