Crafts Recent Picks
September 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.
New canvaswork , by Jill Carter.
"Classic canvaswork is undergoing a renaissance: inventive embroiderers have cultivated new and innovative ways to use it, both on its own and in conjunction with other popular styles of stitchery. The breathtaking results of these creative explorations are all laid out here, in a guide that serves as both a practical introduction to the form and a showcase for the best work being done today. Embroiderers will find inspiration from the clever twists on traditional techniques that can add sparkle and individuality to any piece. The ideas and instructions covered include everything from using modern-day fabrics (including sheers) to adding ribbon, doing machine stitching, and applying painted fusible webbing. " (Annotation, Library Catalogue)
Freeform crochet and beyond, by Renate Kirkpatrick.
"Most crochet books have you follow a pattern, make so-many stitches of such-and-such a kind, and arrive at a predictable result. In freeform (also known as scrumbling), it's anything goes: mix different stitches and yarns, trust your own creativity, and produce original works of amazing art! "Freeform Crochet and Beyond" shows how to make various stitches and use them with simple templates, then add novelty patches, floral designs, stars, tassels, and other decorations. It also explains how to achieve special effects with felting, beading, and other techniques. For inspiration, a beautifully illustrated gallery section showcases spectacular bags, hats, scarves, shawls, and other items. Beginners and experienced crocheters alike will welcome this irresistible introduction to the fascinating possibilities of freeform. " (Annotation, Library Catalogue)
500 handmade books, senior editor Suzanne J.E. Tourtillott .
"The book is a perfect union of form and function, and as such has proven to be endlessly adaptable to aesthetic and technological innovation. But now this companionable design marvel-this vessel for literature, entertainment, information, transformation, and transcendence-is facing an uncertain future as texts are digitized and the quest for affordable, reader-friendly e-book devices intensifies. So what better time to take a step back and ponder the thingness of books? Books as objects; books as sculptures. In another entry in the lively 500 series (500 Tiles, 2008), readers will view with no small measure of astonishment 500 variations on the theme of the book. A list of the materials used in these playful, elegant, improbable, and affecting creations includes plastic, wax, cloth, brass, wood, leather, hemp, vintage buttons, prairie grass and pine needles, glass beads and seed pods, ceramics, and found objects. Book artist Steve Miller made the selections and shares his delight in their "ingenuity and creativity." Visually dynamic, these are also totemic works of art celebrating the power of words and story. Seaman, Donna" (Booklist review, Library Catalogue)
Flower festival, by Kim Schaefer.
Contents include: Single-block quilts -- Pinwheel table runner -- Log cabin table topper -- Bug brigade wall quilt -- Antique flower garden wall quilt -- Bloomin' beauties wall quilt -- Splash lap quilt -- Tulip lap quilt -- Daisy days lap quilt
"Features 50 great block patterns in a contemporary art-folk style. Mix and match them in any way you want to get that one-of-a-kind quilt." (Summary, Library Catalogue)
Knitting goes large, by Sharon Brant.
"Trying to find great knit designs in larger sizes is not always easy. Knitting Goes Large aims to fill the gap by offering a selection of 20 great knits for all occasions and all seasons for larger women with varying figure types. This beautiful collection of plus-size styles will appeal to women who want more generously proportioned garments, and this time, by popular request, the knits go a size or two larger than many other books available... Whether you are looking for warm winter jackets, comfortable sweaters, cool, summer cardigans or tunics, neat tops to wear under a suit or pretty evening cover-ups, you will find something to suit your figure and your taste, all in popular, classic Rowan yarns. The designs in this book are perfect for real everyday women looking to sport a comfortable, contemporary style that fits their shape." (Publisher description, Library Catalogue)
American quilts in the modern age, 1870-1940, edited by Marin F. Hanson and Patricia Cox.
"From pieced block to Crazy style to Colonial Revival examples, as well as one-of-a-kind creations, the full array of style and design appears in this catalogue covering seven decades of quiltmaking. [This book] offers a new visual and tactile understanding of American culture and society, bridging the transition from traditional folk culture to the age of mass production and consumption." (Amazon)
The Chicks with Sticks guide to knitting, by Nancy Queen and Mary Ellen O'Connell.
"Stop letting worry knit your brows, ladies. Let go of your fear of knitting, and take hold of "The Chicks with Sticks(R) Guide to Knitting." With more than 30 simple, chic projects plus simple step-by-step instructions, this book is the complete guide to starting and enjoying this fun, rewarding hobby. New knitters can finish up their first projects in a weekend; more advanced beginners (that is, the ones who have knitted scarves before) can move to the next level. Call your posse and settle down in the living room or at the coffeehouse. The Chicks with Sticks will take care of the rest, from essential tools and materials to basic lessons to more than 30 doable projects, including cool belts, beautiful scarves, felted bags, stylish wraps, and snuggly sweaters." (Annotation, Library Catalogue)
Link to the '30s, by Kay Connors and Karen Earlywine.
"Now, with this superb collection of nine authentic 1930's patterns made using reproduction fabrics, readers can create their very own heirloom quilt to be passed on, generation-to-generation. Featuring a wide range of skill levels and techniques, these are quilts that sure to be enjoyed for years to come. Create your very own heirloom quilt with these authentic 1930's patterns." (Amazon)
Vintage knitwear for modern knitters, by Lise-Lotte Lystrup.
"Takes the strife out of deciphering arcane terminology... offers the modern knitter the chance to recapture some of that lovely bygone elegance' --Stella Magazine, The Sunday Telegraph (courtesy of Amazon.co.uk)
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