BOOK NOOK
The latest new leaves, from handbooks
to hardcovers, inspiration to instruction.
Learn How to Knit with 50 Squares by Che Lam, $34.
If you’re just starting out with knitting or you’ve mastered the basics and are ready to
stretch your wings, this book provides an excellent guide to a wide range of stitches
and techniques. Learn a new stitch by following the step-by-step instructions and
colour photographs, then practise by knitting a square. Begin with knit and purl, then
progress to textured, twisted, cable, lace and relief stitches, such as double moss, mini
bobbles, braided cable, openwork lace, intarsia and fair isle. For true beginners, there
are introductory chapters on tools and materials, holding the yarn and needles, casting
on and off and finishing. Instructions are provided for a small number of projects that
you can make with your knitted squares, such as the cushion cover shown here.
Published by Sally Milner Publishing. Available in craft stores and bookshops.
Phone (02) 4835 6212 or visit http://www.sallymilner.com.au for stockist enquiries.
Windy City Bags
by Sara Lawson, US$27.
Anyone who enjoys making bags of all shapes
and sizes should do themselves a favour and
buy a copy of Sara Lawson’s latest collection
of 12 projects. They range in size from natty
little handbags to a backpack and duff le. The
instructions are first rate, with lots of diagrams
and photographs, and Sara provides very
down-to-earth tips to help you achieve good
outcomes. She even alerts readers to processes
that are tedious or awkward – so you’ll be
assured that it’s not just you! All the bags
photographed for the book were made by
volunteer pattern testers, so you’re looking
at the results that ‘real’ people can expect
to achieve: including a few wobbly lines of
stitching and the occasional wrinkle in the
fabric. That said, the bags are all stylish and
feature design details that add polish: zippered
pockets, purse hardware and clever use of the
latest quilter’s print fabrics.
Published by Martingale. Available in selected quilt
and craft shops. Phone +1 425 483 3313 or visit
http://www.martingale-pub.com for stockist enquiries.o t a v a t s f f P aFrom Homespun contributors
Some of Homespun’s favourite contributors
have fabulous new books out. If you can’t get
enough of the beautiful designs from Sedef Imer,
Minki Kim and Twinkie Chan, you’ll defi nitely
want to get lost in the pages of these volumes.Sew Illustrated: 35 Charming
Fabric & Thread Designs
By Minki Kim and Kristin Esser
Use free-motion stitching and appliqué to create beautiful
handmade gifts in Zakka style. The book includes 16 small
projects with Minki’s signature flair for sweet design.
Instagram: @zerianoQuilt Petite By Sedef Imer
Learn how to make mini quilts, cushions, table toppers, doll
quilts, placemats, potholders and more. Includes detailed
instructions for 18 projects, featuring a range of techniques,
including patchwork, hand and machine quilting, embroidery
and more. All suitable for beginners through to advanced.
Instagram: @downgrapevinelaneCrocheted Abode à la Mode:
20 Yummy Crochet Projects for
Your Home By Twinkie Chan
After the success of Twinkie’s first book, which featured fun
food-themed crochet to create and wear, Crocheted Abode à la
Mode has fun designs for home decoration. The book is organised
according to rooms and includes step-by-step instructions and
colour photos to help crocheters of every skill level.
Instagram: @twinkiechan