BOOK NOOK
The latest new leaves, from handbooks
to hardcovers, inspiration to instruction.Sew Cute to Carry by Melanie McNeice, $34.99
Melanie McNeice, of Melly and me fame, has outdone herself this time. If you enjoy making bags, you owe it to
yourself to get a copy of her latest collection of designs, ranging from sophisticated clutch bags and pretty
purses to weekend/overnight carry-alls. The bags come in an array of interesting shapes, and Melanie’s choice
of fabrics for each one is inspirational. She’s included projects for bag-makers of all skill levels and marked the
degree of diff iculty of each project; she says, however, that even novices can successfully tackle most of the
projects with a bit of patience – and her technique instructions at the back of the book on steps such as sewing
darts, making adjustable straps and shortening zippers will be of enormous help. All patterns are provided full
size on pull-out sheets inside the back cover. Highly recommended.Published by David and Charles and distributed by Capricorn Link Australia. Available in all good book shops
or by mail order from http://www.candobooks.com.au. Phone (02) 4560 1600 or email [email protected]
for further details.Boutique Casual
by Sue Kim, US$25.95
Many crafters are intimidated by the prospect of sewing
clothing. But when there are young children in your life, what
a joy it is to see them wearing unique, handmade outfits that
money can’t buy. Sue Kim’s book of clothing projects to make
for children from one to five years old was written with the
express goal of making sewing clothes less intimidating and
more achievable for those with little previous experience. She
begins with well-illustrated instructions for the basics: how
to read clothing patterns, how to make a gathered skirt and
attach it to a bodice, even how to sew a hem. The skill level
required for each project is marked, and the step-by-step
instructions are generously illustrated with close-up
photographs and diagrams. The 17 projects include dresses,
blouses, shorts, shirts and jackets. Full-size patterns are
provided on pull-out sheets inside the back cover.
Published by Stash Books. Available in all good craft shops
or as an e-book from http://www.ctpub.com Phone +1 925 677 0377
or email [email protected] for stockist enquiries.Cross Stitch Antique
Style Samplers
by Jane Greenoff, $29.99
This new edition of Jane Greenoff ’s
classic book on cross-stitch samplers
is a must-have for those who enjoy
projects that are so obviously based in
long-standing traditions. Jane has used
her collection of antique samplers as
inspiration for 13 designs that combine
cross stitch with a selection of other
counted thread stitches (all explained
and illustrated at the back of the book).
They include an alphabet, map, darning,
band and house sampler, although, to
our mind, the piece de resistance is a
sensational sampler box that opens out
to provide a pincushion, pockets for
holding scissors, needles and threads,
and a removable tray. (Our photo shows
the closed box at the back and the
open one at the front.) All the stitching
charts are provided at a good size, in
colour, and the instructions are detailed
and easy to follow.Published by David and Charles and
distributed by Capricorn Link Australia.
Available in all good book shops or by
mail order from http://www.candobooks.com.
au Phone (02) 4560 1600 or email
[email protected] for
further details.130 Homespun