News Blog @ Wellington City Libraries

Satisfy your creative urge and experiment with new ideas and tips for making fabulous handmade gifts and home projects, without emptying your wallet! This month’s book selection offers you new techniques and step-by-step instructions how to do your own knitting, sewing and beading projects. Get creative and have fun!

Weekend handmade : more than 40 projects + ideas for inspired crafting / Kelly Wilkinson ; photographs by Thayer Allyson Gowdy.
“In Weekend Handmade, author Kelly Wilkinson encourages readers to celebrate the joy of crafting, both for the satisfaction of making something by hand, and because the finished items serve as reminders of time taken to slow down and create – no matter the day of the week. The book is organized into three sections: Make offers projects to wear or decorate with; Grow presents projects inspired by gardens, fields, and farmer’s markets; and Gather spotlights projects that enrich casual get-togethers. With clear, step-by-step instructions, every project in “Weekend Handmade” –from aprons, tablecloths, and marmalade to a memory box and a chandelier–can be completed in a few hours or over the course of a weekend.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Hop skip jump : 20 eco-friendly toys to sew / Fiona Dalton.
“This book shows us how to make 20 gorgeous soft toys using natural and repurposed materials. It’s so much more special to give a handmade gift than to purchase something mass-produced. Here you’ll find a raft of fun and easy-to-sew toys, including Arnold the penguin, Doris the sausage dog and Harriet the tortoise.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

75 fish, shells, coral & marine creatures to knit and crochet / Jessica Polka.
“There are many unusual creatures featured in this book. They are well done and very realistic looking. ‘The Deep’ ones, especially the Anglerfish, whose mouth could, just for fun, be used as a place to store a ring or bracelet. The Brine Shrimp, Zebra Dartfish, Blue Line Grouper, and Pufferfish are just some of the fishes that look fun to make. It’s nice to see some suggestions as what to do with these kinds of items. The last section shows 7 projects. They are: Sea Fig Corsage, Atoll Ceiling Mobile, Sea Shell Beach Hat, Seaweed Scarf, Shoal Necklace, Deep Sea Diorama (a favourite), and Coral Cushion. It’s nice to see some suggestions as what to do with these kinds of items. Perfect for people who love the sea, or live by water and would like to do some cute decorating, or for those who just want to create novel knitted or crocheted items.” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)

Knitted toy travels : 15 wild knitting projects from across the globe / Laura Long.
“Take a trip around the world with this adorable book and with Ed, of course. Ed is the explorer who goes for an adventurer and meets knitted animals along the way. And he’s got the cutest little knees!” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)

How tea cosies changed the world / Loani Prior.
“Be drawn into a world of creative passion with these vibrant designs. Loani’s outrageous imagination has produced 24 new designs that transform the conventional tea cosy into a knitted piece of art.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

The Venetian glass bead : 24 colorful jewelry projects / Kathy Fox.
“The Venetian Glass Bead by Kathy Fox is a themed project book. The projects are all built around those gorgeous little bits of glass art from Venice. This is part reference book and part project book. It is a treat for people who want to know a little more about Venetian glass and wonderful for beginning beaders who want to do trendy boutique style pieces. The introduction includes some history of Venice with gorgeous color photos, as well as information about how the beads are made using old traditional methods. There is also a short bibliography of suggested books for more in depth information. Then into the projects, which are well explained. The pieces use the bright colors and finishes of the beads as the focus. For the most part, they are trendy fashion pieces that would make wonderful gifts. Interspersed with the projects are more photographs of Venice with more information about the region.” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)

Desire to inspire : using creative passion to transform the world / Christine Mason Miller.
“Through interviews and samples of their work, Miller, a mixed-media artist and businesswoman, introduces readers to the artists who inspire her. The book’s design reflects Miller’s collage-y aesthetic, with plenty of full-color photographs, reproductions of artwork, and inspiring quotations. Each chapter features one aspect of inspiration and concludes with a variety of exercises intended to unlock readers’ creativity. VERDICT Crafty types who enjoy works by Sabrina Ward Harrison, SARK, or Julia Cameron will enjoy Miller’s take on the power of inspiration.” – (adapted from Library Journal summary)

Mend it better / Kristin M. Roach.
“Craft blogger Roach’s first book is an excellent addition to any sewer’s collection. Instead of presenting another plethora of patterns, she seeks to empower her readers by teaching the skills they’ll need to mend nearly any piece of clothing, from ripped buttonholes to torn hems. While there’s no substitute for learning in person, the publisher and author should be commended on creating a book with excellent, clear photographs that show, step by step, how to complete basic repairs. The chapter Stitch Smarts, which covers everything from the blind hem stitch to the little-known prick stitch, is particularly outstanding. Roach also presents a few patterns, most from other crafters, that provide inspiration towards more mending, less discarding of torn clothing. With the exception of the odd placement of two projects before instructions on the stitches required to make them, the book unfolds in an accessible manner; great layout (and lovely photos) provide eye candy. This is the rare sewing book that will be pulled off the shelf for reference again and again. Full color photos and illustrations, 13 patterns.” – (adapted from Publisher Weekly summary)

Homespun style / Selina Lake ; words by Joanna Simmons ; photography by Debi Treloar.
“If flat-pack furniture and expensive designer pieces aren’t really your thing, and you’d rather make your own cushion cover than buy it, then Homespun Style is for you. Showcasing inspiring homes around the world, the book reflects our growing passion for crafting, stitching and painting. These are homes packed with personality and interest, full of homemade pieces, restored junk-shop finds and one-off treasures. Interiors stylist Selina Lake and writer Joanna Simmons will show you how this homely, crafty look has been given a modern twist with vivid colours, tactile fabrics and bold combinations. The book begins with the Themes, from the basics of modern craft to making colour and pattern work. It also focuses on imaginative ways to recycle and reuse, from transforming furniture with a lick of paint to finding inspired new uses for everyday items. Next, Details looks at textiles, furniture and display, while the third section, Spaces, shows how the style works beautifully in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, children’s rooms, workrooms and even out of doors.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)