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{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

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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

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A quick, useful sew that always turns out sweet. T A quick, useful sew that always turns out sweet. The Handy Drawstring Pouch is one of my most‑loved patterns because it ticks all four pillars: useful, giftable, beginner‑friendly, and scrap‑friendly. Sew it in three sizes to suit anything from small notions to travel essentials.This one is made in Tilda Songbird and comes together fast with neat, satisfying steps. Perfect for gifts, organising, or weekend sewing.Comment HANDY and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you. 💗Pattern Details: Handy Drawstring Pouch ( available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop).Fabric: Tilda Songbird, with thanks from @tilda_australia#handydrawstringpouch #drawstringbag #tildafabric #sewingproject #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
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Mug rugs are one of the most satisfying projects t Mug rugs are one of the most satisfying projects to sew — quick to finish, perfect for scraps, and such a lovely way to build your skills in small, low‑pressure steps. Little details like trimming curves, pressing well, and choosing the right batting can make a big difference to how flat and polished your mug rugs look.Swipe through for simple, beginner‑friendly tips that help your seams stay smooth, your corners turn neatly, and your finish feel more professional. Save this for the next time you need a quick, satisfying project.If you’re ready for your next make, I have a collection of 30+ mug rug and coaster patterns in my store — you’ll find the links in my profile.#mugrug #mugrugpattern #beginnersewingproject #scrapbustingsewing #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
My most‑made gift? The Bakers Buddy Mitt.Here ar My most‑made gift? The Bakers Buddy Mitt.Here are 3 reasons it’s always on my sewing table:
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• A modern shape that looks beautiful in any stash fabricWant the pattern link? Comment BAKER and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.Perfect for gifting, scrap‑friendly, and such a satisfying make.Pattern details: Bakers Buddy Mitt (available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop).#quicksewingproject #beginnersewing #makersgonnamake #scrapbusting #giftideas
Why makers love this little pouch duo ✨The Hand Why makers love this little pouch duo ✨The Handy Drawstring Pouch + Mini Treat Pouch make such a sweet set — all beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, and perfect for using up your favourite fabric scraps. They’re lovely for gifting, organising, or adding a pop of colour to your sewing space.You’ll get both patterns in the bundle, and you’ll also save 25% — a thank you for choosing two of our most‑loved pouch designs.Which pouch would you sew first?Patterns linked in bio. Comment BAGDUO for the bundle link.Fabric: Tilda Songbird collection, kindly supported by @tilda_australia.#sewingcommunity #pouchmaker #beginnersewer #scrapfriendly #sewingpattern
The Scalloped Gift Bag is such a sweet little make The Scalloped Gift Bag is such a sweet little make — beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, and perfect for Easter or spring gifting. The colourful felt stars (or hearts!) are a lovely way to use your favourite felt scraps, and the scalloped edging adds that extra touch of charm.Comment SCALLOP for the pattern link.Pattern Details: Scalloped Gift Bag Pattern ( available in our Pattern Store & Etsy Shop)#scallopedgiftbag #sewingpattern #eastersewing #scrapfriendlysewing #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
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