News Blog @ Wellington City Libraries

Take a look at this gorgeous collection of new craft books and get inspired with lots of ideas on how to kick-start your winter projects. Experience the contemporary culture of craft with vibrant knitting and crochet designs for yourself, family and home. Celebrate winter with the most amazing wraparounds and hats – they’ll certainly turn heads. Happy crafting!

Knit Noro accessories : 30 colorful little knits / [senior editor, Michelle Bredeson].
“How cool would it be to commission serious knitwear creators to design color bursts of accessories? The answer comes from the manufacturer of Noro, a high-end Japanese yarn brand known for its ever-fascinating combinations of hues. In this book, the follow-up to the first Knit Noro (2011) book, 30 accessories or smalls, consuming only a few skeins of expensive yarn dominate. Patterns and techniques are contemporary, whether brioche or entrelac, felted or cabled, as are the actual wearables. A shrug becomes kimono-like, and a dog’s sweater is made flexible with the addition of a drawstring. Color photographs mesmerize; instructions and charts, wherever necessary are crystal clear to experienced knitters. Unfortunately, this isn’t geared to beginners (unless a pro is nearby); these 30 projects demand the click-clack of well-honed needles.” – (adapted from Booklist summary)

Feminine knits : 22 timeless designs / Lene Holme Samsøe ; [translation, Carol Huebscher Rhoades].
“Fall in love with knitting all over again with this intriguing pattern collection that blends captivating designs with flattering, feminine silhouettes. Knitters will be eager to start and delighted to finish each project that includes skirts, jackets, tank tops, pullovers, and accessories. An excellent showcase of texture, lace, and unusual pattern construction, each project is inspired by current and vintage fashion and the mathematical aspect of design. Featuring projects for every season, skill level, time commitment, and occasion, each collection is full of elegant finishing and the kind of impeccable detail that makes transforms each piece into a classic. This manual, packed to the brim with timeless yet fashionable patterns, also features beautiful photographs that highlight the detail and feminine silhouettes of each finished piece.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

So pretty! crochet : inspiration and instructions for 24 stylish projects / Amy Palanjian ; stitch charts by Rae Ritchie.
“It’s easy for contemporary crafters to say, “This isn’t your grandma’s crafting,” but owing to changing trends, it may well be. This collection of crochet projects has that vibe: if your grandmother crocheted in the 1970s, you’re likely to have pieces similar to these. Palanjian (former deputy editor, ReadyMade magazine) collects projects that are pretty in a retro-hipster way and generally easy enough for beginners. VERDICT Some of the projects are stunning, especially the crocheted necklaces, but others are just odd-like the crocheted net-covered river rock, which supposedly helps us remember our connection to nature. Crocheters who enjoy vintage-inspired designs may appreciate this collection.” – (adapted from Library Journal summary)

Custom knits accessories : unleash your inner designer with improvisational techniques for hats, scarves, gloves, socks, and more / Wendy Bernard ; photographs by Joe Budd ; photostyling by Mark Auria.
“This is the third book in the Custom Knits series by acclaimed designer Wendy Bernard. While the first two books focused on techniques for customizing top-down sweaters, this one showcases the ever-popular quick-knits: hats, scarves, gloves, mitts, socks, and more. Each of Bernard’s 25 sassy-chic patterns offers specific ideas for customization, from switching out yarns to personalizing fit and style details and fun, glamorous photographs show off the finished pieces. Also included are formulas for knitting all types of accessories without a pattern, using a single body measurement as a starting point. In true Custom Knits style, Bernard encourages knitters to unleash their inner designer every step of the way.” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)

60 more quick baby knits : adorable projects for newborns to tots in 220 superwash sport from Cascade Yarns / [editorial director, Joy Aquilino].
“State of the art yarn, innovative styles, irresistible projects! This follow-up to 60 Quick Baby Knits gives budget-minded knitters 60 more inexpensive, time-saving ways to create fabulous baby fashions. Fans of the wildly popular “60 Knits” series are already into the lighter sportweight wool, exclusively from Cascade Yarns-and new readers will welcome its many advantages. Projects include the Paris Cardigan and Birdhouse Sweater from Pat Olski, Amy Barht’s Bunny Blanket, and Veronica Manno’s Smart Striped Vest.” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)

Babes in the wool : how to knit beautiful fashion dolls, clothes &; accessories / Fiona McDonald.
“This little gem is the best so far on the subject of knitted dolls. While most publications offer drab and unattractive patterns to knit the same old dolls again and again, this book takes the knitted doll subject to a whole new level. Fiona MacDonald’s babes truly are fashionistas! You can choose from 3 types of dolls to knit with 9 different examples offered in the book. Each one is with her own contemporary and fun wardrobe which you can mix and match as you please. As long as you can knit, purl, increase and decrease, you will be able to knit as many dolls as you like with accompanying garments such as bikinis, skirts, tops, sweaters, scarves, pants, slippers and ballet shoes, coats, hats and handbags.” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)

The best of knit along with Debbie Macomber : 44 classic designs for family, gifts, and home! / [Debbie Macomber].
“This collection of patterns drawn from the publisher’s popular “Knit Along with Debbie Macomber” series features a variety of adult and children’s garments and accessories, all inspired by characters and events in Macomber’s novels. Most of the projects require only basic knitting skills, but a few include simple lace, cable, or color-work techniques (directions are included). A brief stitch dictionary and a guide to knitting techniques round out the package. The beginner-friendly patterns and ties to Macomber’s popular novels will appeal to many knitters.” – (adapted from Library Journal summary)

Crochet garden : bunches of flowers, leaves, and other delights / Suzann Thompson.
“Crochet Garden contains more whimsical designs and 3-demensional flowers, leaves, butterflies and forms. There are designs of “full figure” irises, unlike any I’ve seen before, midi and maxi mums with bold, striking flowers that would be a standout in any project. The Perspective Daisy has multi-layers of petals, popping right out at you. The Van Wyk Rose is an unusual rose interpretation and a definite eye catcher. The Samarkand Sunflower is a crazy, ameba-like creation. The Poinsettia is another multi-layered sensation. Then there is an adorable Pinecone, Curlicue Sprays and numerous international designs to add to your garden. Suzann Thompson shows how to combine all your favourite flowers, leaves, butterflies, etc. into projects that have a fabulous “free-form” crochet look.” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)

400 Japanese motifs / Graham Leslie McCallum.
“This book contains 400 stunning hand-drawn Japanese motifs for creative re-use. It also provides inspiration and artwork for designers, crafters and artists of all kinds. The motifs includes animals, birds, flowers and plants patterns borders and much more.” – (adapted from Publisher’s description)

Stencil it : creative ways to decorate walls, floors, furniture and more / Helen Morris ; photographs and stencil designs by Michael Chippendale.
“This book offers date ideas for using the included stencils. It is full of tips and information for making the process as easy as possible. It is a brilliant idea to include ready to use stencils as you can get started immediately. Also the service you get if you need to order from The Stencil Library is very good and they are happy to send them abroad.” – (adapted from Amazon.co.uk summary)

Make your bed : quilted bed runners, pillows, and more to suit your style / Leslee Evans.
“Discover nine gorgeous sets of bed runners with coordinating projects such as pillows, shams, and embellished sheets. Specially designed to drape across the foot of the bed, each stunning bed runner offers a quick and beautiful way to decorate. Includes many two-sided designs for added versatility–change the look of a bedroom with the simple flip of a quilt. Offers a variety of sets to suit your mood: sassy, serene, playful, elegant, charming, and more. Inspires quilters to experiment with new ideas and techniques on smaller projects.” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)