CraftBlog Library

I am constantly buying CraftBooks, they are an amazing form of inspiration and are wonderful to pull down when I need some inspiration for a project, here I list what books are currently in my crafty libary, and which ones I hope to add! Free Shipping in the USA, $3.97 Shipping worldwide All “Buy” buttons lead to BetterWorld.com, my book seller of choice. Awesome prices aside (especially if you’re used to the ridiculous prices for craft books in Australia) they automatically send your books using carbon neutral shipping for just $3.75 worldwide, put money from your purchases into literacy programs around the world and offer the option of buying both new and used books to cut down on the amount of paper going into the landfill! By buying books from Betterworld via these links you’re also supporting Craftblog which I thank you for :)

Crochet

Stitch 'N Bitch CrochetStitch ‘N Bitch Crochet
Lacy, sexy summer tops. Chic, cozy sweaters. Chunky, funky hats and colorfully crafty afghans—it all starts with the single, simple act of wrapping a hook around a strand of yarn. Then come the stitches, the flourishes, the unlimited creativity. Stylish, cheeky in tone, chock-full of information and inspiration, this is the indispensable guide. Learn the skills. Speak the lingo. Make the stuff. And give old granny square a chance.

Mr. Funky's Super Crochet WonderfulMr. Funky’s Super Crochet Wonderful
Features amigurumi, which is Japanese for “knitted or crochet dolls,” and fashionable, fun and uber-hip projects that will appeal to hipster crafters and indie knitters as well as tweens and teen knitters and beginners Mr. Funky features 30 projects including stuffed animals (amirgurumi) and wearable accessories such as scarves, hats, crochet flowers, headbands, a water bottle carrier, fun kids stuff and more. Readers who love Hello Kitty, bohemian 70′s inspired fashion, and Japanese style will love these supercute projects. All of the projects are easy, super-hip and quick to make–perfect for teen knitters and beginners–and all feature inexpensive craft store yarns (i.e. Bernat and Lion Brand).

General Sewing

The Encyclopedia of Sewing TechniquesThe Encyclopaedia of Sewing TechniquesThis complete, step-by-step guide to hand and machine sewing combines basic know-how for the beginner with advanced techniques for the more experienced. Beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs and clear diagrams, this indispensable reference of tools, fabrics, and techniques covers seams, darts, pleats, tucks, necklines, buttonholes, zippers, hems, and much more. One section demystifies paper patterns, while others explore the essential of both hand and machine stitching. A gallery of stunning, original sewn pieces is included to encourage readers to create their own unique designs for pillows, curtains, garments, and decorative projects.

Needlework

Stitch Graffiti

Stitch Graffiti

Old-fashioned ABC samplers are nowhere to be found in this collection of 26 stylish and witty designs that give cross-stitch a forceful new look. Unconventional wall hangings fill the first section of the book and dazzle with their bold colors, unusual lettering, and offbeat quotes from songs, books, movie dialogue, and even truck stop bathrooms. A second group of patterns features intriguing, small designs called “tattoos” to sew on T-shirts, jean jackets, bracelets, and handbags, and a final section shifts to the decoration of household items such as pillows, dish towels, and a cloth-wrapped money jar. Each project is accompanied by commentary explaining the inspiration behind the design, and sidebars offer tips for personalizing the final product by adding beads, dyed fabric backgrounds, or frames made from hardware and found objects. Basic technique demos teach beginners how to form cross-stitches, mix cross-stitch with other embroidery, choose and use embroidery thread, stitch on linen, and work out designs on blank graphs.

Doodle StitchingDoodle Stitching
Asian-inspired lampshades embellished with flying fish. Canvas sneakers decorated with pink and white swirls. A pretty pillow adorned with a sleeping bunny, sweetly curled up. All it takes to create these appealing projects—or add charming embroidered touches in no time at all—are a few simple stitches, some easy techniques, and the nearly 30 projects in this book. Begin by learning several styles for outlining, filling, decorating, and appliqué. Find out about floss, fancy threads, fabrics, and needles. Get the scoop on hoops, and the lowdown on transferring your very own designs onto every type of fabric. The fresh ideas, witty patterns, and clever color illustrations take stitchers from novice to accomplished in a blink of the eye!

Quilting

The Painted QuiltThe Painted Quilt The only book on the market that deals with the application of color to the quilted surface–a technique that creates completely unique effects. Dyeing, fabric painting and print techniques are an important part of the increasingly popular City & Guilds textile courses. Painted Quilt demystifies the process of coloring cloth using a variety of techniques including fabric paints, pastels, dyes, bleaches and transfers. The book combines simple techniques to produce complex textile surfaces, and describes exactly how these effects are achieved with easy-to-understand step-by-step photographs and instructions. Many people have competent sewing skills but lack the confidence to create their own designs–this book will help them to explore their own creative potential to achieve effective and original designs.

Wishlist

Don’t worry, I’m not expecting anyone to buy these for me! (way too ’90s for my liking ;) ), this is mainly for personal reference, an ever growing list of the arty farty tomes I wish to add to my collection, hopefully in the near future. Of course, if you are one for sending strangers on the Internet books and other exciting things, or there is a book you would particularly like me to review, then feel free to get in touch with me via the contact page.

One-Block Wonders Jelly Roll Quilts Stash Buster QuiltsStitch 'N BitchGetting Started Knitting (Getting Started series)
Amigurumi World