Crafts Recent Picks

August 2009

The underlined title links will take you directly to our catalogue.
Some featured items are linked via a book cover to enable you to read more reviews.

Kimono as art, edited by Dale Gluckman.
"This lavishly illustrated book presents fifty-five masterworks by Japanese kimono artist Itchiku Kubota. His unique style - inspired by the fragile dyed silks of sixteenth -century Japan, and developed after twenty years of experimentation - combines stitch-resist, ink drawing, embroidery, metallic leaf and a complex layering of colours to create hauntingly beautiful landscapes with richly textured surfaces." (Book Jacket)

Massachusetts quilts, edited by Lynne Zacek Bassett.
"The definitive treasury of Massachusetts's historic quilts, and a tribute to the creative spirit of their makers." (Annotation Library Catalogue)

StrataVarious quilts, by Barbara Persing & Mary Hoover.
"Join the strip club! Just cut strips, join, slice, and sew to make quilt masterpieces
What's the secret to making an easy quilt masterpiece? Psst, here it is: Create strata, panels of fabric strips sewn together, and then use them to piece beautiful blocks. Even beginners will have no trouble cutting and sewing perfect blocks into striking designs, then adding borders, applique, and quilting for one-of-a-kind results…" (Annotation Library Catalogue)

Complete book of curtains, drapes & blinds, by Wendy Baker.
"From first-time homeowners to interior design students and studio professionals - when it comes to window dressings and coordinated accessories the "Complete Book of Curtains, Drapes and Blinds" will help you through bewildering choices in a simple and easy way… It is packed with all the information you require to create your window dressings." (Amazon)

Accidentally on purpose, by Kes Gray.
"This exuberantly illustrated book celebrates the sophistication, vivacity, and significance of improvisational African-American quilts, both as artistic achievements and as expressions of African-American traditions… Afro-traditional attitudes and methods are antithetical to the standard American quilt-making tradition in which great value is placed on precise measurement and exact pattern replication. Instead they bear a keen likeness to the improvisatory practices of the textile-makers of Kongo and West Africa, regions from which American slaves were taken." (Amazon)

Knitting socks with handpainted yarn, by Carol Sulcoski.
"Colourful sock yarns are little gems of the knitting universe, providing hours of knitting bliss that result in a luxurious hand-crafted item. …Knitters struggle with hand painted yarns "Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn" is designed to provide sock knitters with technical guidance so these wonderful yarns can be used to their best advantage, explaining the differences between various kinds of hand painted yarn and showing how to avoid undesirable effects." (Amazon)

Japanese inspired knits, Marianne Isager collection.
"Inspired by the seasonal festivals and traditions of Japan, this blend of traditional Scandinavian knitting with distinctive Japanese influences explores the beautiful design elements steeped in folk customs." (Annotation Library Catalogue)

Crazy patchwork, by Alice Wilhoit.

Perfect curtains, by Stephanie Hoppen.

More softies
"Following the huge success of Softies come More Softies, with lots of new quirky, cute and cuddly dolls for you to make at home." (Amazon)

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