Sew Easy as Pie
Chris Malone

Country Wisdom Almanac
Excerpted from Storey Publishing’s Country Wisdom Library
Offering 373 tips, recipes, homemade remedies, home improvements and more, Country Wisdom Almanac is not only a handy guide to have around the house, it’s also packed with intriguing information. This book provides you with everything you need to know about how to grow beautiful roses, cook a delicious summer soup, use a hammer safely and even teach your dog to ‘sit’! It’s categorised by season, but readers can use the tips and read the fascinating information all year round, and the whole family – including your pets – will be well cared for! Country Wisdom Almanac is distributed by Bookwise. RRP $19.95. Available now in good bookstores.

Sweet and Simple Party Cakes
May Clee-Cadman of Maisie Fantaisie
For those with a sweet tooth, Sweet and Simple Party Cakes is heaven-sent! Create more than 40 yummy sensations for special occasions including birthdays, weddings and Christmas. With pastel, white and bright cakes, and all skill levels catered for, this book has it all. There are adorable cupcakes and mini cakes – for those who like to be a little different – and, if you love to decorate cakes, these are ideal. Not only do they look amazing, but they also taste delicious! It’s time for you to add that special touch to any event and, with simple sugar-crafting techniques and clever packaging ideas, Sweet and Simple Party Cakes is irresistible. It’s available at all good bookstores for RRP $29.99. Contact Capricorn Link at sales@capricornlink.com.au for wholesale enquiries.

Sensual Knits
By Yahaira Ferreira
Thanks to Sensual Knits, you can say goodbye to all those bulky sweaters – and make one of these beautiful pieces instead. These amazing creations were inspired by the sophistication of luxury yarns, the result of which is a classy piece that would be perfect for a night out. There are 25 high-fashion projects including an elegant balloon-sleeve jacket and pink sundae camisole, and many other chic ‘woollies’. So, keep warm this winter – and do it in style. Sensual Knits is available in all good book stores for RRP $24.99. Contact Capricorn Link at sales@capricornlink.com.au for wholesale enquiries.

The Complete Pastel Set
Curtis Tappenden
For a complete guide to the art of drawing with pastels, The Complete Pastel Set is ideal. Along with techniques, tools and projects to help you master the medium, the starter kit contains everything required to improve skills and create unique works of art, including 12 coloured pastels and pencils. Within weeks you’ll be blending colour and marvelling at your own beautiful work, as you receive practical advice and a selection of projects, from still lifes to architecture. The Complete Pastel Set is published by Reader’s Digest and distributed by Bookwise International.

Quilts, Bibs, Blankies … Oh My!
Kim Schaefer
If somebody in your family is expecting, or if you simply want to spoil the little ones in your life, you’ll love the soft and snugly projects in Quilts, Bibs, Blankies …Oh My! It offers a range of projects for boys and girls, and with matching accessories to make for each quilt, you won’t know where to begin. There are six adorable collections to choose from – all for babies and small children – and include everything from zoo animals to pink bunnies. Quilts, Bibs, Blankies …Oh My! is published by C&T Publishing and available at all good bookstores.

Creative Classics
Laura Lee Fritz
Your quilting projects will look amazing with any of the 250 continuous-line quilting designs in Creative Classics. You can add style to individual blocks, sashing and borders or even use them as overall quilting designs. The motifs are suitable for those who quilt by hand or on a sewing machine, or who can use long or short-arm quilting machines. These variations on classic quilting motifs are imaginative and playful, offering a fresh look at clamshells, waves, feathers and more, with helpful hints so you can make the most of every pattern. Creative Classics is published byC&T Publishing and available at all good bookstores.

Aunt Millie’s Garden
Becky Goldsmith & Linda Jenkins
Brighten up any room in your home with Aunt Millie’s Garden, featuring 12 flowering blocks from Piece O’ Cake Designs. You can make this block-of-the-month quilt at your own pace – there’s no need to wait for new blocks to arrive – and the result is stunning. The appliqué floral quilt also includes floral appliqué borders and you can use bright and bold fabrics from your stash. With helpful instructions and how-to photos, creating this quilt will be fun – and simple too! Aunt Millie’s Garden is published byC&T Publishing and available at all good bookstores.

Warm Fuzzies by Betz White
There are 30 cute and colourful projects made out of wool sweaters in this book – with no knitting involved! Simply wash old sweaters, cut them apart and sew them into a variety of things. There are hats, scarves and handbags for both kids and adults as well as journal covers, throws, pillows and even something for the family pet that’s both decorative and useful. The pincushion cupcakes featured on the cover are mouthwatering and sure to delight – just don’t try and eat them! Guidelines on what to look for in sweaters to felt and the process of felting are also included – and the great thing about felt is that it doesn’t fray, so edges don’t necessarily have to be finished. Start checking your local op-shops because you’ll probably want to try making them all. Available at all good bookstores for RRP $29.99. Contact Capricorn Link at sales@capricornlink.com.au for wholesale enquiries.

21 Sensational Patchwork Bags by Susan Briscoe
Here’s a new collection of bag patterns from the author of 21 Terrific Patchwork Bags. From evening ones to portfolios and rucksacks, there’s a gem to cover every occasion and  – and even some you hadn’t thought of! There are full step-by-step instructions and illustrations, but be warned – it’s hard to choose which to start on as you’ll want to make them all. And, they’re perfect as gifts for friends and family – if you can bear to part with them. The back of the book has a list of equipment and materials, threads, wadding, fasteners and notions used in the projects, as well as clear directions on various techniques and methods of construction. Available at all good bookstores for RRP $29.99. Contact Capricorn Link at sales@capricornlink.com.au for wholesale enquiries.

Expectant Little Knits: Chic Designs for Moms to Be by Suzanne J. E. Tourtillott
Over a dozen designers have created a wonderful variety of garments to knit for the expectant mums out there – chic and modern styles they can wear for the duration of the pregnancy and beyond. Catering to both beginner and experienced knitters, there are pages on knitting, finishing and embellishing for reference at the end of the book, and each project has clear instructions, usually with four alternative sizes listed. For a splash of your favourite colour and the comfort of a soft knit, these patterns are crying out to be made and worn. Available at all good bookstores for RRP $39.99. Contact Capricorn Link at sales@capricornlink.com.au for wholesale enquiries.

Quilted Garden Delights: Make Your Quilts Bloom by Holly Knott & Diane Knott
This appliqué book features eight beautiful garden projects that are guaranteed to inspire you. It examines the importance of colour selection and includes an overview of the general tools and notions required, and the techniques employed, as well as look at the different stitch options available and the various effects they create. Fabric selection is also discussed in each project – from general colours to explanations of the placement of directional designs so as to give the finished quilt the most impact. Above all, the authors are quick to encourage a liberal interpretation of their patterns, encouraging readers to be innovative and alter them, rather than following them slavishly. This book is the perfect starting point for anyone wanting to develop the skill to render a picture in fabric.
Available at all good bookstores for RRP $21.95. For wholesale enquiries, please contact C & T Publishing. 

101 Designer One-Skein Wonders
Judith Durant

Revel in the endless amount of playful patterns offered in 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders that require just one ball of yarn. With chiller weather knocking on your doorstep, what better way to put your skein’s to use than with these projects brought to you by knitwear designers. Create gorgeous shawls, lace scarves, warm socks, knitted bags and much more. It doesn’t matter if you want to make clothing and accessories for yourself or for special children in your life, or even if you want to surprise a friend on their birthday, this book is a mush-have! 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders is published by Storey Publishing and is available from all good book stores. RRP $24.99. For wholesale enquiries please contact Capricorn Link at sales@capricornlink.com.au

Japanese Sashiko Inspirations
Susan Briscoe

Crazy Quilts
Cindy Brick

For the first time in quilting literature, Cindy Brick unveils the history of the popular quilt style, Crazy quilts. Also included in this fascinating guide is a step-by-step tour to making a Crazy quilt and the helpful instructions for three piecing methods, expert advice and bonus materials including essential stitches, is ever so useful. Be inspired by the origins and emergence of the Crazy quilt or learn how to make your own – either way this book will fascinate you and you’ll be finishing your quilt in no time. Crazy Quilts is published by Voyageur Press and is available from all good book stores. RRP $39.99. For wholesale enquiries please contact Capricorn Link at sales@capricornlink.com.au

Quilt Road
Kaffe Fassett

Featuring a new collection of 20 projects by a selection of designers, Quilt Road is a guide to colour and fabrics by the remarkable Kaffe Fassett. Quilters with all skill levels will marvel at the full colour photography and Kaffe’s knowledge of quilts as they embark on this magical journey. Be spoilt for choice by the selection of fabrics offered and learn all you can with the Know How section and glossary, which features all the techniques and terms used for the projects. Explore and develop your ideas with this Rowan & Patchwork Quilting book, styled by Kaffe Fassett. Quilt Road is published by C&T Publishing and is available from all good book stores. RRP $27.95.

A Is For Apron
Nathalie Mornu

Aprons are now a chic accessory that every girl wants. Seen in upscale catalogues, trendy stores and worn at dinner parties or even while gardening, today’s ‘pinnies’ are incredibly cute! You can now learn how to make your very own, with all kinds of attractive styles offered in this delightful book. Give your children the Little Master which protects them while painting or wear the Deep Pockets apron in the garden. With 24 projects that are fun to create, you can make a fashion statement with A Is For Apron.
A Is For Apron is published by Lark Books and is available at good book stores now. RRP $24.99

Seasons On The Farm: A Celebration of Country Life Through The Year
Amy Glaser

From the chilly winter nights to the awakening of the land in the spring, life on the farm revolves around the seasons of the year. This book chronicles the seasonal events on the farm, from collecting sap in spring to make maple syrup, to watching cows graze on the lush, green grass on a beautiful summer day. Reflecting on sometimes funny, sometimes poignant memories of farm life, the bookcontains illustrated essays with historical photographs and beautiful colour images that capture the beauty and essence of living in a farm. Seasons On The Farm: A Celebration of Country Life Through The Year is published by Voyageur Press. RRP $49.99

The Quilters’ Guild Collection
Bridget Long

An inspirational sourcebook for creating your own quilt designs, you’ll be in awe of the ones illustrated so beautifully from The Quilters’ Guild Heritage Collection. In this book, 12 contemporary quiltmakers take an item in the collection as their ‘muse’ and make their own modern piece. With demonstrations by Annette Morgan, Jo Rendall, Dinah Travis and more, you can use their innovation to explore your own creativity and learn all about the design process. You can also explore heritage traditions as the book also includes an authoritative introduction to the history of British patchwork and quilting.
The Quilters’ Guild Collection is published by David & Charles. RRP $29.99

Undercover
Knit and crochet 60 afghans to keep you warm in the colder months. Create gorgeous throws for the lounge room or, if there’s a new baby in the family, the shell crochet baby blanket is ideal to make! This great collection of knitted and crocheted items suits everybody with designs ranging from pretty flowers to Christmas-themed throws. Undercover is published by Sixth&Spring Books and is available at all good book stores.

Bake Me I’m Yours … Cupcake
Joan and Graham Belgrave

Treat yourself to a piece of cupcake heaven and tempt everybody with these sweet and stylish recipes. Once you’ve read Bake Me I’m Yours …Cupcake, offering over 100 irresistible ways to bake, frost, decorate and display cupcakes, you’ll never want to leave the kitchen. Full of beautiful photography that will send your senses wild, this book includes cupcakes for the romantic, kids, newlyweds and more! Give your partner a pink love-heart cake or make the family Halloween treats. The decorations are fabulous and fit for a queen with a stylish professional-looking finish, so make sure you get ready to indulge!

Toilet Roll Covers
By Pat Ashforth & Steve Plummer

Toilet roll covers are easy, fun and quick to create, plus they can be tailored to suit your personal taste and decor. Why not give your bathroom a makeover with the 30 knitted and crocheted projects in this book? Best of all, there are simple-to-follow instructions that are clearly illustrated for your convenience. This tongue-in-cheek guide allows you to discover an inspired collection of knitted novelties – from a pink pig to Humpty Dumpty. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced stitcher, your toilet paper will never look boring again!

Tea Cozies
By GMC

Tea lovers will adore Tea Cozies, a book containing an attractive collection of quirky tea-cosies to knit and crochet. Tea-cosies are essential accessories for your teapot and create a homely feel! Enjoy a hot cuppa in style, and make projects like the pink twist, funky fish and seashore surprise. Now you can invite everybody over for tea at your house to show off your latest designs – with a range of contemporary, chic and funky projects, everybody will want to make a tea-cosy of their very own.

WHOLECLOTH LINEN QUILTS
We love the subtle but striking effect of wholecloth quilts and Cindy Needham has a fresh, new take on them in her latest book. Rather than buying lengths of cloth, she used vintage tablecloths and bed linen as the foundations of her quilt. Existing lacework and embroidery work with the quilting designs to result in spectacular – and unique – pieces. The book contains clear photographs of several sample projects and there are dozens of quilting designs included to get you started. Wholecloth Linen Quilts is available now from The Craft Mailbox – write to PO Box 226, Maroubra NSW 2035, phone 1300 307 721 or visit www.craftmailbox.com.au for more information.

THE TEXTILE TOUCH
Australian textile artist Susan Cooper shares her skill in transforming everyday items into objects of beauty by dyeing and embellishing textiles. She has a talent for paring complicated concepts down so they’re achievable, whether it’s mixing your own colours or creating individual trims using beading and embroidery. The lush colour photographs seem to reach out of the page, inspiring us to attempt these new techniques! Patterns include an easy Baroque Bookmark, a crazy patchwork tissue box cover and a luxurious velvet bed quilt, and each one is comprehensively illustrated with photos and diagrams, as well as step-by-step instructions. The Textile Touch is published by Exisle – enquire at your favourite bookstore.

L IS FOR LADY
Here at Threads  we have a soft spot for all things vintage and one particular favourite is the etiquette of days gone by – we love the thought of walking, talking and dining like a lady, so when we saw this beautiful book we knew we had to share it with you! The 1920s society dame on the front cover sets the tone – Sarah Tomczak’s L is for Lady is packed from start to finish with tips for bringing a touch of old-world charm to your daily interactions with others, but each one has a modern twist. From choosing an outfit to wowing an interviewer, you’ll find her advice invaluable. L is for Lady is published by Allen & Unwin and is available at bookstores now. RRP $24.95

Sewing Fun for Kids: Patchwork, Gifts and More!
Lynda Milligan & Nancy Smith
It’s rare to find a book that is fun for the whole family but this little treasure is sure put a smile on the faces of parents as well as kids. Children can make cards, play games and follow simple projects while learning a lifetime skill and having fun doing it. And if you’re a parent, you can enjoy watching your kids thrive as they develop their talents in sewing with ease. There’s so much to do in this book, you won’t know where to start. Quilting tools and templates are also included inside. Published by C&T Publishing.

Country Living Merry & Bright: 301 Festive Ideas for Celebrating Christmas
Spoil your home with classic and beautiful decorations at Christmas – from instructions on how to dress your tree to gift wrapping and baking cakes, this book is sure to make the festive season a bright one this year. With lovely ornamental displays and a fun mix of colours, the pages in this book will inspire your creativity! Whether you’re learning to bake a gingerbread house or turning pastry tins into candleholders – there’s something for everyone. Share the spirit and buy someone special this cleverly styled book. Published by Hearst Books.

Cross Stitch Antique Style Samplers
Jane Greenoff
This guide is filled with more than 30 cross-stitch designs suiting both the beginner and the experienced cross stitcher. Jane Greenoff offers practical advice from learning key techniques to focusing on the basic elements in the craft. Start making your own collection, combining cross stitch with other counted thread stitches – you’ll love developing your skills. Each sampler is clearly detailed and offers great tips to help you create your own designs so why not get started on creating your own family heirlooms? Published by David & Charles.

Sew Pretty Homestyle
From making slippers to decorating a child’s bedroom, this book focuses on the finer details in your home. Learn the art of embroidery and stitching as well as quilting – the simple instructions and actual-size patterns attached to each project make it an easy and enjoyable process. Every page is filled with lovely colours and the fabrics used complement the soft, classic style. Try your hand at sewing sleeping masks, cushions and even make-up bags. Featuring more than 35 projects, it’s the perfect gift for that person who loves all things pretty! Published by David & Charles.

The Best of Vogue Knitting Magazine: 25 Years of Articles, Techniques, and Expert Advice

This fabulous guide into the world of knitting reveals expert tips and step-by-step instructions. It is perfect for the beginner as well as the advanced. Celebrating 25 years of Vogue Knitting magazine, it showcases over 100 of its best articles and essays. Keep an eye out for this knitter’s bible – it’s completely user-friendly and features lots of photographs and illustrations. From how to care for your knitwear to making clothes the perfect size and shape, this one-of-a-kind read has it all. Make room for it on your shelf  – and start knitting. It’s published by Sixth&Spring Books.

The Quotable Farm Wife
Norvia Behling

The perfect gift for any woman with a connection to the land – this book tells of the heart-warming and universal story of women living on farms. With authentic pictures and simple words, it tells of triumph and heartache through their eyes. It is also an interesting and inspiring look into how they raised families while trying to make a living in the outback. Their battles are portrayed in this little treasure. Published by Voyageur Press.

Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques
Nancy Bednar & JoAnn Pugh-Gannon

This handy book features 70 classic and new machine-sewing techniques and it’s perfect for the beginner right through to the advanced stitches. It includes a beautiful collection of photographs and also tips on how to deal with delicate materials. It’s also a step-by-step guide on how to get the best results from your machine and an ideal candidate  to add to your craft library. Published by Sterling Publishing.

Good Things
Jane Grigson

Learn the best time of year to cook your favourite foods. Jane Grigson has included some of her favourite recipes in this book covering fish, meat and game, vegetables, fruit and soup. She shows how using the freshest and finest ingredients are the key to making tasty meals. Marvel at the ingenuity of the recipes,take a step back in time and  also discover the history of vegetables, fruits and nuts and which season is the best to make the most of them. Published by Grub Street.

Knitting Never Felt Better: The Definitive Guide to Fabulous Felting
Nicky Epstein

Discover the newest trend in knitting – the process of felting from this book. It is also the perfect gift for a beginner or any keen knitter. Create these clever projects including shawls, scarves, hats, bags, jackets and even toys, each one comes with step-by-step instructions and illustrations. Learn about the best yarns for felting as well as techniques on how to make three-dimensional pieces – and be prepared to be inspired to start knitting these cleverly crafted designs. Published by Sixth&Spring Books