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)