Crafts Recent Picks

March 2010

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.

Sew liberated : 20 stylish projects for the modern sewist, by Meg McElwee.
"Resurrecting the art of appliqué... can be combined with embroidery, beadwork, buttons, ribbons, and more to imbue works with a creative and personal style. Ideal for those with some sewing experience looking to break away from the restrictions of traditional patterns...Featured are 25 modern, stylish sewing projects ranging from aprons, skirts, pillows, and totes to a duvet cover, wall clock, blouse, baby quilt, and scarf. ...this is an all-in-one resource and guide". (Library catalogue)

The culture of knitting, by Joanne Turney.
"[...] addresses knitting as art, craft, design, fashion, performance and as an aspect of the everyday. Drawing on a variety of sources, including interviews with knitters from different disciplines as well as amateurs, the text breaks down hierarchical boundaries and stereotypical assumptions that have hitherto negated the academic study of knitting, and it highlights the diversity and complexity of knitting in all its guises. "The Culture of Knitting" investigates not merely why knitting is so popular now, but the reasons why knitting has such longevity [...]" Amazon UK

I [heart] patchwork, by Rashida Coleman-Hale.
"[...] by Presenting a diverse collection of projects--many inspired by the Japanese "zakka" aesthetic such as a travel sewing kit, sewing machine cover, table runner, apron, eco bag, towels, calendar, lap quilt, tote bag, pillowcase, and shoulder bag, all designs are fun, functional, and easy to master. Combining sewing, appliqué, quilting, and patchwork techniques with thoughtful advice on how to select, work with, and care for linen, ...handbook is brimming with sophisticated and innovative projects to challenge and inspire both beginning and intermediate sewers and quilters." (Library Catalogue)

Pretty little things to make, by Judith More.
"Cute depression-era overalls from America's heartland; a pretty pinafore from 1920's England; a chic, lacy christening shawl from France--these are just some of the nostalgic ideas you'll find in this gorgeous guide. Straight from the author's extensive collection, each project features a new pattern using vintage or vintage-inspired fabrics. Simple instructions, accompanied by both modern photographs and classic illustrations, make it easy to create heirlooms of your own...." (Library Catalogue)

Hot-water bottle covers, by Chrissie Day.
"On a cold night, nothing's more comforting than a hot-water bottle--but a cosy cover is essential if you don't want to burn your toes! Anyone who has a boring, naked "hottie"--or who simply enjoys making small, imaginative crafts--will love these projects. They have practical and fun designs, make great gifts, and are perfect for using up those odd balls of yarn. Every member of the family will want one!" (Library Catalogue)

Made & sold, by Agathe Jacquillat and Tomi Vollauschek at FL33.
"This book presents the most exciting self-initiated projects created by a new generation of graphic designers, illustrators and artists projects that are self-initiated, commercial and entrepreneurial. The designers sidelines include toys, T-shirts and other garments, accessories such as button badges,... The reader can expect to find a vast amount of amazing projects by individuals, studios and collectives." (Amazon UK)

Remake it, by Henrietta Thompson.
"Save money, save the planet and stay ahead in the style stakes: if there’s something going spare, there’s a use for it somewhere. With a wealth of tricks and tips, design examples from leading luminaries such as Jasper Morrison and Marcel Waanders, and step-by-step projects you can try around the house, ...Smart, savvy, entertaining and fully illustrated throughout, this book will show you how to make the most of the things you already have in style." (Amazon UK)

Apostles of beauty, edited by Judith A. Barter.

Crochet edgings & trims, edited by Kate Haxell.

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