CRAFT LOOKS AT BOOKS
49 Sensational Skirts
By Alison Willoughby Interweave Press $25
interweave.com
One of my goals this year is to make more clothing, and
49 Sensational
Skirts by U.K. textile designer Alison Willoughby could easily help
me expand my wardrobe while learning how to create one-of-a-kind
designs. The book is filled with beautiful skirts embellished with
techniques such as layering, appliqué, embroidery, ruching, pleating,
and even fabric printing! Novice sewers needn’t worry, Willoughby also
brings in core sewing techniques so you can learn how to sew while
you pick up fashion design skills along the way.
Bead Simple
By Susan Beal Taunton Press $20
taunton.com
A bead store opened up in my hometown when I was in ninth grade,
and I had a brief love affair with beading. For years afterward, even
a glimpse of a bead store made me wince at the memory. Then I got
hold of a copy of Susan Beal’s Bead Simple, and got that flutter again.
The photographs are gorgeous, the instructions are as clear as day,
and there are a ton of projects that I’d actually want to make. Even better,
you get the feeling that everything, from vintage buttons to stuff from
the hardware store, can be a bead. —Arwen O’Reilly
Alabama Stitch Book
By Natalie Chanin with Stacie Stukin Harry N. Abrams, Inc. $35
hnabooks.com
Filled with exquisite photos of beautiful projects set amidst Alabama
landscapes, the Alabama Stitch Book blew me away. Chanin not only
teaches us her special appliqué and stitching techniques, but also
gives us a glimpse inside her design process. My favorite technique is
the reverse appliqué, beautifully applied to skirts, clothing, and tablecloths throughout the book. Patterns and stencils are also included.
Warm Fuzzies
By Betz White F+W Publications $23
fwbookstore.com
I’ve been in love with the crafts of Betz White since I laid eyes on her
felted cupcake pincushions. Who could believe such cuteness was
made from old sweaters? With her new book, Warm Fuzzies, White
brings us 30 adorable projects made with recycled felted sweaters,
including pillows, hats, journal covers, and of course cupcakes. You’ll
find yourself wanting to make more and more cuteness.
