Bag of tricks: New crafts and hobbies books

This month’s new titles offer an abundance of creative possibilities and spark a sense of wonder. Sew yourself a jasmine duster, a kimono-like dressy jacket. Be enthralled with the complexity of different weaving elements of some well-known tapestry masterpieces in history. There is something for everyone to try. Whether you are a newbie paper clay artist or an experienced knitter thirsty for new techniques, every crafter is guided by each book’s easy-to-follow instructions, ready patterns, and stunning visuals. With plenty of eye-catching projects to choose from, unleash your inner crafter vibe and get started!

You will be able to sew your own clothes by the end of this book / Uzor, Juliet
“Create your own tailored wardrobe, avoid fast fashion, and learn a new sustainable skill with this comprehensive guide for complete beginners. There has never been a better time to learn to sew your own clothes. If you want to avoid harmful fast fashion, create sustainable pieces for yourself and one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones, and curate your own perfect wardrobe, this is the book you need. Get started with the core skills such as how to make accurate measurements, how to use a sewing machine, and how to follow a pattern.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Everyday patterns : easy-sew pieces to mix and match / Jansdotter, Lotta
“An inspiring guide to creating a flexible, seven-piece wardrobe with modern Scandinavian elegance, from style icon Lotta Jansdotter. When Jansdotter wears one of her signature clothing looks, fans frequently ask, “Did you make that?” Lotta’s answer is, “Yes, and so can you!” With that in mind, she has created her second book of easy-to-sew pieces that can be layered to create a variety of looks. Lotta Jansdotter Everyday Patterns is all about flexible, customizable garments to wear in your nest and in your neighborhood, and easy, fun ways to alter each one as the season–or your mood–changes. ” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The art of tapestry / Wyld, Helen
“Woven with dazzling images from history, mythology and the natural world, and breath-taking in their craftsmanship, tapestries were among the most valuable and high-status works of art available in Europe from the medieval period to the end of the eighteenth century. Over 600 historic examples hang in National Trust properties in England and Wales – the largest collection in the UK. This beautifully illustrated study by tapestry expert Helen Wyld, in association with the National Trust, offers new insights into these works, from the complex themes embedded in their imagery, to long-forgotten practices of sacred significance and ritual use.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Patty Lyons’ knitting bag of tricks : over 70 sanity saving hacks for better knitting / Lyons, Patty
“Patty Lyons is an expert in all things knitting related – she will help you sort out your gauge, unpick problems like twisted stitches and generally spruce up your knitting know-how in this pocket-sized reference book packed full of her purls’ of wisdom. Patty is a well-known knitting ‘agony aunt’ and she will hold your hand as you tackle the problems that often beset knitters and get in the way of beautiful finished projects. This handy guide will always be by your side to help you unravel your yarn problems and get you back on track.”–Amazon.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Modern Japanese embroidery stitches : bold & exotic plants, sea life, charms, letters and more / Tsuchihashi, Noriko
“In Modern Japanese Embroidery Stitches, Japanese textile maven Noriko Tsuchihashi presents over 100 bold, textural motifs to stitch with thread, ribbon, beads and buttons using familiar stitches as well as a few lesser-known ones. Her detailed instructions and lovely suggestions on how to combine and display the finished pieces will inspire you!”–Amazon.com.” (Catalogue)

Complete guide to paper clay : mixing recipes : building, finishing, and firing : 10 practice projects / Tardio-Brise, Liliane
“Liliane Tardio-Brise experiments step-by-step with the reactions of paper clay to the usual techniques of ceramics-pinch building, coils, slabs, wheel throwing, etc.-to bring an understanding of the many ways of working with paper clay. With cellulose fibers added, the clay gains new properties. Rehydrating paper clay pieces brings back their suppleness and allows them to accept deformations, easily repair cracks, and be built on with new clay pieces. Paper clay lends itself to all finishes, can be air dried and/or fired, and, because the fibers burn off when fired, finished pieces are lighter and can be built taller and still maintain their stability”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Origami + kirigami for the home : paper art decorations, gift wrapping, and homemade cards / You, Wei
“Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding and kirigami is the traditional art of paper cutting. In this beautifully illustrated book, paper artist Wei You introduces you to over 30 unique projects for your home that can be made by anyone, regardless of experience. After learning the basic folds, discover different paper types–try out pretty handmade ones such as mulberry and decorative washi, or experiment with the full rainbow of classic origami paper–and find a wealth of ideas from table decorations and tiles, to gift wrap and seasonal decorations.”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

From Paper Flowers to Mending Techniques: New Crafts & Hobbies Books

Get giddy with excitement with our new offering of crafts and hobbies books to break that creative rut and get started on your next passion project. Whether you are a new crocheter wanting to start a few Granny Squares, or an expert trying to understand the rudiments of modern Japanese crochet, there are an assortment of titles to browse and borrow. Likewise, paper flower crafting has never been easier.  With easy, step-by-step instructions to guide even the greenest beginner, you can learn to create an enchanting bouquet that will never wilt.

For both avid machine- and hand-stitchers alike, an array of sewing projects await, from basic mending stitches to botanical embroidery. Say hello to your first meadow napkin! Whether it’s refashioning your pre-loved clothes, or concocting a natural plant fertilizer that is devoid of harmful ingredients, with so many environmentally-friendly projects to jump into you can easily take that first step towards creating a more mindful and sustainable lifestyle.

Also, this month’s titles include some ‘crafty’ reads celebrating fashion, culture, and history. Settle down on your favourite couch, sip a freshly-brewed coffee, and marvel at Africa’s textile heritage and ever-dynamic fashion landscape…

Refashion, restyle, restitch : 20 stylish sewing projects from preloved clothes & homewares / Shore, Debbie
“Upcycle unwanted clothes, and learn how to restitch them into 20 stylish home accessories and garments. In a brand-new collaboration between sewing superstar Debbie Shore and her dressmaker-blogger daughter, Kimberley Hind, here are 20 unexpected but amazingly practical, stunning ideas for upcycling and repurposing pre-loved fabrics to make accessories for both you and your home!”–Amazon.com.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Make, sew and mend : traditional techniques to sustainably maintain and refashion your clothes / Banner, Bernadette
“Learn the historically proven stitches every seamster needs with beloved Historical Fashion YouTuber Bernadette Banner. Whether you are just getting started with sustainable fashion and need to alter your new secondhand finds, or you want an introduction to sewing techniques for making your own clothes, Bernadette Banner’s signature voice will guide you through all the traditional stitches and techniques you need to extend the life of your favorite pieces and take fashion into your own hands!” (Adapted from Catalogue) Also available as an eBook

Crafting authentic paper flowers : the beginner’s guide to creating beautiful lifelike paper blooms with step-by-step projects / Longhurst, Sophie
“The delicate art of paper flower craft has been around for centuries, originating in China in 100BC. This beautifully photographed book contains projects for every skill level. Step-by-step instructions and inspiring illustrations will guide you through the process from start to finish. You’ll discover the colour, texture and detail of nature as you learn how to create your own lifelike floral decorations.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Modern Japanese crochet : classic stitches made easy
“15 amazing stitches, 7 simple lessons, and 25 glorious projects. Modern Japanese Crochet casts the classic stitches you think you know in a totally new light, showing them in ways that add striking textures and contrasts to handcrafted pieces. For the experienced needlework enthusiast, this book is a revelation–the perfect introduction to the unique Japanese style of crocheting and charted patterns. Clear instructions, schematics, and charts walk you through exciting Japanese-style projects in this book.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Embroidery : a modern guide to botanical embroidery / Khounnoraj, Arounna
“Arounna will show you how to master the art of the decorative stitch through clear step-by-step instructions that demystify the embroidery stitches and teach you how to apply them through a collection of 20 botanical-inspired projects. The projects include bags, wall hangings, handkerchiefs, cushions and more. Packed with stunning lifestyle photography that draws on Arounna natural style and aesthetic, step-by-step illustrations will clearly show you how to start and finish each project neatly.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Fix your fashion : how to create an ethical wardrobe / Strutt, Laura
“Fantastic fashion that won’t cost you the earth. This inspirational guide is your sustainable sourcebook full of activities and practical tips on how you can cut ties with unethical fashion practices and form new fashion habits that work for you – all without compromising your signature style! Covering topics such as motivational mindset changes, trusted brands to try, buying and selling secondhand clothes, inspiration for upcycles, mending techniques and questions to ask companies before you shop, this is the ultimate book for the closet-curious who want to create a wardrobe that doesn’t cost the Earth.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Africa in fashion : luxury, craft and textile heritage / Nimo, Ken Kweku
“Africa in Fashion explores the kaleidoscope of craft cultures that have shaped African fashion for centuries and captures the intriguing stories of contemporary and avant-garde African brands. It showcases a carefully curated set of the continent’s most dynamic brands and, through interviews with prominent and inspiring designers, offers rare insight into their ethos and design practice.” (Adapted from catalogue)

The wild craft : mindful, nature-inspired projects for you and your home / Seixas, Catarina
“The Wild Craft delights in nature’s abundance and shows you how to create 28 inspirational, comforting and joyful items for yourself, your home and garden.”–Back cover.” (Catalogue)