Book Review Chic and Simple Sewing

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Christine Haynes clear and encouraging instructions on sewing basics will guide any novice seamstress through the preliminaries with ease. But the main purpose of this book is to teach readers how to make modern, stylish and fun clothes they'll want to wear every day, without spending a fortune in the process. Including a classic shift, an A-line skirt and a slinky wrap dress, Haynes's full-sized patterns are designed to flatter any figure and each - of over 20 - stylish projects has endless variations, so crafters can create their own personalized clothes and feel proud wearing them.

Spiral-bound: 128 pages

Publisher: Potter Craft; (7 Oct 2009)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0307451097

ISBN-13: 978-0307451095

About the Author

Christine Haynes is a regular Renegade Craft Fair and Felt Club participant and her designs can be found in boutiques from Los Angeles to London. Her work has been featured numerous publications.

                                                                                                                                                   

Contents

Chapter One

Lets get started

Learning the basics

Sewing Area

Essential Tools

Sewing Machine

Taking your Measurements

Using the Patterns

Cutting

Finding Your Style

Fabric

Colour, Prints, and Textures

Notions and Finishing Details

Belts

Basic Techniques

Basic Stitching

Pressing

Finishing Details

Chapter Two

Spring

The Classic Wrap Dress

The Baby Doll Dress

The Sunday Dress

The Modern Circle Skirt

The Tie Shoulder Shift Dress

The Trench

Chapter Three

Summer

The Sundress

The Retro Shift Dress

The A-Line Skirt

The Wrap Top

The Strapless Dress

The Date Dress

Chapter Four

Fall

The Indian Summer Dress

The Baby Doll Dress

The LBD

The Tie Front Strapless Dress

The Wrap Skirt

The Jacket

Chapter Five

Winter

The Opera Dress

The Back to School Shift Dress

The Halter Dress

The Nightie

The Cape

Glossary

Resources

                                                                                                                                                   

Chic and Simple Sewing is available from Amazon

Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.

Book Review Design It, Knit It

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Debbie's knit designs are truly blissful! With more than 20 knitting projects and patterns intended for children, women, men and the home, this collection is truly for everyone. Bestselling author Debbie Blisss designs are fun, easy to create and make perfect gifts. In addition to the delightful original designs, which include hats, gloves and home decor items, theres also an introduction that covers everything from selecting yarns and determining gauge to reading charts and patterns. This is a must-have guide for knitters of all skill levels who desire breathtaking designs and high-quality yarn!

Spiral-bound: 160 pages

Publisher: Sixth & Spring; (7 Aug 2009)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1933027762

ISBN-13: 978-1933027760

Debbie Bliss is one of the foremost designers and authors of hand knitting patterns in both the UK and US and increasingly in Europe and Asia. Her bestselling books have earned her a dedicated army of fans who adore her stylish, easy-to-make designs. Her most recent books, Simply Baby, Essential Baby and Essential Kids, all demonstrate her flair for creating beautiful, practical and stylish garments for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. In 2008 she launched Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine - which was a sell out; and is now published each Spring and Autumn. She has designed knitwear for Baby Gap but now concentrates on developing her own range of yarns and designs highly wearable garments with universal appeal. Renowned for its quality, Debbie's yarn range is widely available throughout the UK, US and Canada.

                                                                                                                                                       

Contents

Introduction

Chapter One

Designing for the Body

Garter Stitch Coat

Ribbed Jacket

Trapeze Coat

Chapter Two

Designing with Colour

Colour Band Sweater

Fair Isle Cardigan

Tweed Jacket with Contrast Lining

Chapter Three

Designing with Texture

Herringbone & Cable Jacket

Multi Texture Throw

Bobble & Cable Sweater

Chapter Four

Designing for Kids

Smock Dress

Zipped Sweater

Garter Stitch Jacket with Vent

Chapter Five

Designing with Details

Button Detail Top

Cable Band Cardigan

Cardigan with Ribbed Sleeves

Chapter Six

Design Workbook

Patterns Silhouettes

Knitter's Graph Paper

Stitch Gauge

Abbreviations & Glossary

About the Yarns

Yarn Resource List

                                                                                                                                                         

Design It, Knit it is available from Amazon

Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.

Book Review Socktopus

Photo from Amazon

Sock knitters now have something to really get their needles into with this inspirational book packed with invaluable tips and 17 fabulous projects. Bespoke socks are a joy that once experienced will make it hard for the wearer to ever return to the one-size-fits-most items of old. Full of clear, helpful instructions on a range of advanced techniques, knitters will be intrigued and enlightened by this handy book. Ideal for the aspiring, experienced knitter who wants to move on to the Holy Grail of perfecting the sock, Alice Yu explains the differences between types of yarn, plies and fibre and breaks down the anatomy of the sock, to help readers understand how to master each element. From toe shaping, heel shaping and on to sizing the sock to fit a foot precisely, all the information you will need is here. Any specific techniques in the projects are illustrated with clear step-by-step images and Alice s clear, concise instructions will ensure that confidence builds quickly. The inner sock-designer diva will be unleashed!

Publisher: GMC (7 Oct 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1861088523

ISBN-13: 978-1861088529

London-based Yu’s yarn shop, sock yarn line, and role as co-founder of the Knit Nation knitting exhibition are marvelous gifts to the international knitting community. In her first published collection of patterns, she explores the wit and whimsy of knitted socks, demonstrating a flair for matching color with design. A few of the patterns will be familiar to avid sock knitters, but many are brand new, and the designs range from simple to intricate. One of the nicest features is the step-by-step photographic guides to unusual or unexpected techniques, such as the Channel Island cast on and Kihnu Vits braid. Sock knitters of all levels will appreciate Yu’s exciting and attractive patterns.--Library Journal

About the Author

Alice Yu is a Canadian expat, living in London with her husband and black pug Deuce. Socktopus started out as a sock club and hand-painted yarn shop, but has now grown into the Socktopus Club and the Knit Love Club as well as one half of Knit Nation, London's summer knitting and spinning exhibition. Alice originally practiced as a lawyer in the City of London and has lived in London for 12 years.

                                                                                                                                               

Contents

Pattern Gallery

Introduction

Chapter One

What makes a Good Sock?

Fibre

Common Sock Fibres

Yarn Construction

Sock Yarns from Around the World

Sock Fit and Anatomy

Chapter Two

The Patterns

Totally Vanilla

Kandahar

V Junkie

Kwalla

Farmer McGregor

Shr'Tugal

2Luvcrew

Vorticity

Rumpled

Crowley

Om Shanti

Mince Pie Mayhem

Hundred Acre Wood

De Stijl

Fiori Di Zucca

Caretta Caretta

Spring Shoots

General Information

Standard Abbreviations

Resources

Yarns

                                                                                                                                                             

Socktopus is available from Amazon

Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.

Book Review Knitting on the Edge

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The now-classic collection of 350 edgings, borders and trims by acclaimed designer Nicky Epstein is available in paperback! Taking the traditional rib to new heights, Nicky features improved ribbed edges, ruffles, lace, fringes, flora and garters. Line-by-line instructions accompany each of the stitches. Decorate cuffs, customize a sweater and develop unique patterns using ideas such as the feather lace ruffle, belle epoque, garter stitch weave, sea scallop edge and sugar drop.

Paperback: 172 pages

Publisher: Sixth & Spring (7 Oct 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1936096013

ISBN-13: 978-1936096015

About the Author

Nicky Epstein is the author of several best-selling titles. She is one of today's hottest knitwear designers and has gained worldwide recognition for her abundant creativity, ground breaking sense of style and informative workshops. Her designs have been featured in Vogue® Knitting and other knitting publications.

With so many general knitting and pattern books recently available, it's no surprise that the ever-enlarging market would expand to include more specialized guides. But what may be surprising is the fact that a book on a specialty topic like edgings could turn out to be as useful and lush as this one. Knitwear designer Epstein offers a reference book with instructions for 350 different edgings, everything from ruffles to laces and fringes to floras. The instructions are easy to follow, but it is the amazingly crisp photographs of the different edgings executed in colorful yarns and set against pure white backgrounds that will get knitters' hearts pounding. This book is so inviting and so easy to use (simple triangle symbols explain from which direction the patterns are knit) that knitters may find themselves edging projects already in progress. Ilene Cooper

Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

"[This] embraces a love for detail. You'll turn to these pages time and time again."--"Vogue Knitting."

                                                                                                                                                        

Contents

Introduction

Texture

Size

Notes

Ribs

Ruffles

Lace

Fringes

Flora

Points and Picots

Patterns

Stitches

Abbreviations

Techniques

Acknowledgements

Resources

Index

                                                                                                                                                      

Knitting on the Edge is available from Amazon

Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.

Book Review The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs

Photo From Amazon

This stitchwork classic features 500 designs ranging from traditional patterns to original motifs and crocheters of every level will find essential information and inspiration on every page. Each design features a close-up colour photograph, a diagram showing each stitch and its placement and easy to follow instructions. A pictorial index displays a thumbnail view of every design for easy selection and navigation. No wonder The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs is considered a must-have reference for crocheters!

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Lark; Revised edition (7 Jan 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1454701374

ISBN-13: 978-1454701378

About the Author

Linda Schapper's artistic vision is expressed in a wide range of media, from patchwork quilts and crochet to painting and liturgical textiles, all of which are characterised by a folk-art style. She has travelled and taught extensively in more than 30 countries, had some 100 exhibits of her patchwork quilts and written eight books, four of them on crochet. Linda lives in Orlando, Florida.

                                                                                                                                                

Contents

Introduction

Basic Stitches

International Crochet Symbols

Pictorial Index

Single Crochet

Single Crochet and Chains

Double Crochet and Chains

Single Crochet, Double Crochet and Chains

Treble Crochet, Double Crochet, Single Crochet and Chains

V Stitches

Simple Shells

Shells - Filet

Shells - Symmetrical

Shells - Overall Patterns

Shells and Chains

Shells - Staggered

Shells - Small Lace Patterns

Shells- Fantail

Shells- Treble Crochet

Shells - Large Lace Patterns

Clusters

Clusters - Inverted Shells

Wraparound Stitches

Staggered Stitches

Y Stitches

X Stitches

Picots

Bobbles

Puff Stitches

Puff Stitches Combination

Popcorn Stitches

Dropped Stitches

Post Stitches

Horizontal Stripe Patterns

Vertical Columns

Multi Stitches

Miscellaneous

                                                                                                                                                       

The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs is available from Amazon

Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.

Book Review Granny Squares

Photo from Amazon

Discover the world of granny squares with this imaginative new book. These small, crocheted squares can be made in a huge variety of patterns and colourways that become the building blocks for an array of different projects. Large, small, tight, loose, multi-coloured or monochrome; the design potential of a granny square is endless. Small and portable, you can take them anywhere with you, but, be warned, making them is highly addictive! Eight basic granny square designs are presented and then fashioned into 20 stunning projects for the home. The projects have an appealing retro vibe, taking you back to hazy bygone times and the feel-good comfort of home-made furnishings. From storage baskets to traditional throws, these colourful and cheerful creations are sure to bring a smile to your face. Beginners to crochet need not worry. Granny squares are a perfect way to get started with crochet as they are quick, easy and versatile. All the basic instructions you will need are given in a clear and easy-to-follow style.

Paperback: 144 pages

Publisher: GMC; Reprint edition (7 May 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1861089708

ISBN-13: 978-1861089700

About the Author

Susan Pinner was born into a highly creative family and grew up in a home that was always full of paint, paper, clay, fabric and yarn. After attending art college in Birmingham, she worked mainly as a self-employed designer, pattern maker and illustrator. She has been a regular exhibitor at craft shows for many years and has her own workshop, producing childrens wear, bridal wear, hats and dolls. She has taught crafts at City & Guilds level and creative design in a mental health unit, helping patients prepare to return to work. Her long-standing love of crochet, colour and yarn has led her to write this, her first book for GMC Publications. Sue is a keen blogger and records her latest thoughts and creations at shropshirescrappersuz.blogspot.co.uk

                                                                                                                                                  

Contents

Introduction

Gallery of Projects

Getting Started

Tools

Yarns

Basic Crochet Techniques

Basic Granny Square Shapes

Colour, Design and Inspiration

Sample Designs

The Projects

Circular Stool Covers

Tablet Computer Case

Notebook Cover

Star Coasters

Felted Flower Bag

String Shopping Bag

Garden Seat Cover

Hexagon Daisy Bath Mat

Hexagon Bed Pillow

Camping Blanket

Hexagon Blanket

Flower Light Shade

Lace Light Shade

Lace Jar Cover and Coasters

Hexagon Mini Cushion

Double Bed or Sofa Blanket

Cube Storage Seat Cover

Bolster Cushion Cover

Mug Cosy

Traditional Cushions

Abbreviations

Conversions

Suppliers

Resources

                                                                                                                                                

Granny Squares is available from Amazon

Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.

Book Review Crocheted Keyrings and Charms

Photo from Amazon

Your keys will be glamorous and eminently findable if you attach them to one of these cute keyrings. And once youve catered for all your keys and those of your friends and family you can move on to making charms to hang from bags, mobile phones, numerous other gadgets and anything else you fancy. A new title in the popular Cozy series, Crocheted Keyrings and Charms features 30 projects that will appeal to all ages and will make wonderful, useful gifts. Each project is clearly set out with easy-to-follow patterns and concise instructions, providing you with all the know-how you need. Projects include: Russian Doll, Owl, Cupcake, Apple, Campervan, Penguin, Cat, House, Crown, and Chicken.

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: GMC (7 April 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861089902
• ISBN-13: 978-1861089908

About the Author

Born in Devon, UK, Emma learned how to knit as a child, and has always been happiest when creating projects in her spare time. In the past few years she has started designing crocheted items as she is particularly drawn to its sculptural quality. She runs a successful blog and Etsy pattern shop, which gives her a good idea of the type of projects that are popular with yarn enthusiasts. Emma trained as an art curator and museum manager, and is now the head of a museums service. She lives in Greater Manchester with her husband and young son.

                                                                                                                                          

Contents

Russian Doll
Otto Owl
Cutie Cupcake
Apple Slice
Jolly Campervan
Parker Penguin
Eartha Kitten
Homey House
One's Royal Keyring
Spring Chicken
Lulu Ladybird
Betty Bunny
Super Sneaker
Terry Tortoise
Little Monster
New Leaf
Rex Lion
Garden Shed
Incy Wincy Spider
Strawberries
Sports Shirt
Precious Flower
Archie Dog
Kimono Doll
My Mini Car
Pirate Flag
Bubble Fish
Four Leaf Clover
Space Rocket
Techniques
Reading Charts
Abbreviations
Conversions
                                                                                                                                                   

Crocheted Keyrings and Charms is available from Amazon

Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.

Book Review Sock Yarn Studio

Photo From Amazon

                                                                                      

Knitting socks and knitting with hand-painted yarns are two hot trends. But what are knitters to do with leftover sock yarn? Or when they burn out on knitting socks? Sock Yarn Studio comes to the rescue with a delightful mix of projects from one-skein hats, mittens and scarves to multi-skein wraps, sweaters and more, created with fingering or sport-weight sock yarns. And there's plenty of helpful advice for selecting yarns and knitting smart with tricky hand-paints and self-patterning yarns.

Product details

Paperback: 144 pages

Publisher: Lark; 1 edition (5 Sept. 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1454702850

ISBN-13: 978-1454702856

Product Dimensions: 1.6 x 15.2 x 23.5 cm

Praise for Sock Yarn Studio: "What a refreshingly unusual premise, showing what happens when you take the 'sock' out of 'sock yarn.' Carol sees the vast creative potential for these finer yarns and, aided by a team of talented designers, shows just how exquisitely sock yarns can render anything you'd want to knit. The designs are beautiful, fresh, and inspiring. Best of all? Now we have twice the excuses to stock up on sock yarns."

--Clara Parkes, Publisher of "Knitter's Review" and author of "The Knitter's Book of Yarn" and "The Knitter's Book of Socks" 

"I am a huge fan of working with finer yarns--they offer so much versatility! In this book, Carol and her fellow designers have thoroughly uncovered possibilities with the ever-popular sock-weight yarns and presented them in a way that makes me want to pick up needles and knit (finely) away!" --Trisha Malcolm, Editorial Director, "Vogue Knitting" "Colour and what you can do with it. Sock yarns beyond the sock. Mitts, shawls, hats, socks, little sweaters-and so much more! Carol has put it all together in this engaging collection." --Pam Allen, co-owner of Quince & Co. and former editor of "Interweave Knits""" "If you're a fan of sock yarn...you'll probably be interested in some of these projects to help trim your stash (and make room for some new goodies!). This book might also make a gateway into sock knitting for people who love the look of sock yarns but are a little intimidated by actually knitting a sock." --About, com Knitting

About the Author

Carol J. Sulcoski is the author of Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarns and co-author of Knit So Fine (both published by Interweave Press). Her designs have been published in Vogue Knitting, KnitSimple, St-Denis Magazine, KnitScene and various other books and magazines, and her technical articles frequently appear in Vogue Knitting. She also founded Black Bunny Fibers (blackbunnyfibers.com), an independent dyeing business creating unique hand-painted yarns and fibres, and her patterns can be found on ravelry.com and patternfish.com.
                                                                                                                                              
Contents
Preface
Understanding Sock Yarn

Chapter One
Lisatra Short Cowl
Roselein Hat
Calico Scarf
Fortunate Cowl
Compostela Scarf
Deux Violettes Gloves
Vert Lace Cap
Habitude Lace Scarf
Golden Lace Baby Cardigan
Poppy Beret
Anu Baby Hat

Chapter Two
Thornapple Wrist Warmers
Fair Isle Peacock Hat
Roxy Legwarmers
Kitteh Mittens
Cushington |Square Pillow
Furbelow Shawl
Gumdrop Raglan
Alexander Street Hat

Chapter Three
Bliss Caplelet
Autumn Walking Scarf
Varese Shawl
Hodgepodge Wristers
Chambourcin Halter
Lizalu Blanket
Nuit Blanche Stole
Newkirk Intarsia Vest

Photo's of some of the projects in the Sock Yarn Studio Book.

Lisatra Short Cowl

The photo's are from Ravelry

Calico Scarf

The photo's are from Ravelry

Compostela Scarf

The photo's are from Ravelry

Vert Lace Cap

The photo's are from Ravelry

Habitude Lace Scarf

The photo's are from Ravelry

Poppy Beret

The photo's are from Ravelry

Anu Baby Hat

The photo's are from Ravelry

Thornapple Wristwarmers

The photo's are from Ravelry

Fair Isle Peacock Hat

The photo's are from Ravelry

Roxy Legwarmers

The photo's are from Ravelry

Cushington Square Pillow

The photo's are from Ravelry

Furbelow Shawl

The photo's are from Ravelry

Gumdrop Raglan

The photo's are from Ravelry

Alexander Street Hat

The photo's are from Ravelry

Bliss Capelet

The photo's are from Ravelry

Autumn Walking Scarf

The photo's are from Ravelry

Varese Shawl

The photo's are from Ravelry

Chambourcin Halter

The photo's are from Ravelry

Lizalu Blanket

The photo's are from Ravelry

Newkirk Intarsia Vest

The photo's are from Ravelry

                                                                                                                                               

Sock Yarn Studio is available from Amazon

Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.