Books for 2010.

I have collected quite a few books over the Christmas period.  Books to dip into like Kaffe Fassett’s Pattern Library, and Where Women Create by Jo Packham.  Books to escape with like The Miss Read’s Collection. Some I have been given and some I have bought.  Then there are those which come from the library and have to be returned tomorrow.  These are often books that I wouldn’t buy, but contain one or two snippets to tease my brain and start creative thoughts!  ’embellishments’ falls into this category, with a fascinating sampler cushion based on the Paisley pattern.  So watch out for the pattern appearing in some of my work, for I am going to be more creative this year and not rely totally on set patterns!

The Library offers a chance to try out books before you buy.  These are the five books I recently brought home.  I have put three on my wish list.

Sew Fabulous Fabric by Alice Butcher and Ginny Farquhar.  Great for applique and some unusual present designs.

Scarves and Wraps by Jill Denton.  Some simple step by step instructions on how to wet felt and make some beautiful textiles.

Micro-macrame by Annika deGroot.  An unusual twist on a 60′s technique.

These three titles are on my list to browse.  Organizing Your Craft Space by Sara Toliver, Blogging for Bliss by Tara Frey, and Crafting Springtime Gifts by Tone Finnanger.

I have been so neglectful at up dating this page!  You may be thinking I haven’t read many new books for a long time, but that just isn’t true!!  I just forget to photograph them!  Ooooops!  It wasn’t until I mentioned Jane Brockett’s latest book in my blog post that it jogged my memory.   I’m getting old you know.  The old grey matter cells do not work as they should.  They need prodding and poking to get them into life!  So having got them up and ready here are a few of the books I have been nosing my way through….

Having mentioned Jane Brockett’s book, don’t you just love the cover?!  The bright green band is actually loose!  Like her other Gentle Art book it is a feast for the eye and a brilliant book to dip into, a true coffee table book.  I just love it for the pictures.  Sadly I have had to return this to the library.  Someone else wants to try before they buy!  But it is on my wish list.

These two books have already made it onto my book shelves.  I have really enjoyed making the flowers out of Lesley Stansfield’s book, and thought Nicky Epstein’s book would compliment it.  He uses different wools, chenille, mohair, whisper and then felts the 100% wool flowers.  Very quirky but beautiful!  The bead  and button… book shows you how to make up jewellery with very little effort.  Ribbon jewellery is so easy and satisfying to make.  You can sit and twist and knot while watching the TV.  Both books were worth their cost.

So there you go, just a few of the books I have been browsing.  I’ll try not to take so long next time.

Well here we go again.  I’ve been trying before buying with some new books from the library.

Fat Quarter Bags is bright, colourful and very clear to follow.  You can view some pages on my main bog.  Crochet Stitch Motifs has some lovely designs, some new ones too, but the book is a little flat.  The colours are muted and I just love bright lively colours!  Worth a look though.  Needle Felting by Susanna Wallis was very interesting but not me, although I may have a go at the felted bracelet.  And lastly, Quick and Clever Instant Cards is a book I often get out when I need a push to get going with my notelets.  Perhaps I really should buy this one!