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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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Ready to hop into some Easter sewing? I’ve gathere Ready to hop into some Easter sewing? I’ve gathered ten sweet and simple projects you can make this weekend — perfect for gifting, decorating, or using up those pretty spring scraps. From mugrugs and coasters to gift bags and bunting, there’s something here for every maker and every stash.Swipe through for a little Easter inspiration, and save this post so you can come back to it when you’re ready to sew.If you’d like the links to all my Easter and Spring patterns in one place, just comment EASTER and I’ll send them straight to you.#Eastersewingprojects #springsewingideas
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Drawstrings are such a small detail, but they make Drawstrings are such a small detail, but they make a big difference. The cord you choose can completely change the look and feel of your handmade bags — from soft and pretty to sturdy and structured.I love using Japanese cords for their beautiful colours and smooth finish, but you’ll also find great options at your local sewing, quilt, or craft store. I usually buy cords that are 2–4 mm thick (0.08 - 0.16 inches thick) and pick up 2–3 yards/metres at a time so I always have some on hand.Save this post for your next project, and comment DRAWSTRING for a link to some of my favourite drawstring patterns.#drawstringbag #sewingprojects #sewingcommunity #sewingtips #handmadebags
The Handy Drawstring Pouch continues to be one of The Handy Drawstring Pouch continues to be one of your absolute favourites — and it’s easy to see why. It’s beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, wonderfully scrap‑friendly, &  always turns into the sweetest giftable make. This pattern comes in three sizes — I’ve stitched the small and medium here in the beautiful Tilda Songbird collection.Comment HANDY for the pattern link. Handy Drawstring Pouch pattern is available in our pattern store.Fabric: Tilda Songbird with thanks to @tilda_australia#handydrawstringpouch #tildafabric #scrapfriendlysewing #beginnersewingproject #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
A tiny hack that makes this little pouch even swee A tiny hack that makes this little pouch even sweeter. I love using coloured hair elastics as a quick closure — they’re gentle on the fabric, easy to match to your project, and such a fun way to finish the Mini Treat Pouch. It’s a beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly make that comes together quickly and is perfect for gifting. Comment TREAT for a link to the pattern in our pattern store. Fabric: Songbird by Tilda.#scrapfriendlysewing #quicksewingproject #tildasongbird #handmadegiftidea #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Turning Songbird fabric into something sweet. This Turning Songbird fabric into something sweet. This Mini Drawstring Treat Pouch is beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, and the perfect little gift for someone who loves handmade touches. It’s a lovely way to use your favourite leftovers — and such a satisfying make from start to finish.Comment TREAT for a link to the pattern in our pattern store. Fabric: Songbird by Tilda. Thank you to @tilda_australia for the fabric support.#tildasongbird #scrapfriendlysewing #quicksewingproject #handmadegiftidea #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
The Handy Drawstring Pouch has been having a big m The Handy Drawstring Pouch has been having a big moment this week — and it’s no surprise why. Makers love a project that’s beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, quick to sew, and gift‑ready… and this little pouch ticks every box.From sewing rooms to travel bags to handmade gifts, it’s one of our most popular patterns ever, and I’ve loved seeing all the beautiful versions you’ve been stitching.Swipe through to see why makers keep coming back to this sweet, clever design — and why it’s the perfect weekend make if you’re looking for something fun and satisfying.The pattern is available in my Pattern Store and Etsy shop. Comment HANDY and I’ll send the link straight to you.The cover fabric is the newly released Tilda Songbird.#handydrawstringpouch #easypouchpattern
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