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! 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 Crochet

Mr. Funky’s Super Crochet Wonderful

General Sewing

The 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

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 Stitching

Quilting

The 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.