CRAFT

KITCHEN STITCHIN’

Chris Malone
Table-runners are popular projects with stitchers, but they’re not the only items suitable to sew for a kitchen or dining room. Whether you’re drawn to rustic country themes or prefer a charming cottage garden look, Chris Malone provides 50 patterns that complement  nine different decorating schemes – so a wide variety of tastes are catered for. The techniques used include quilting, appliqué, embroidery and beading. Make them for your own home or put together a set as a housewarming gift for someone special. Kitchen Stitchin’ is published by Krause Publications and is available at bookstores now.

QUILTED BAGS AND TOTES

Denise Clason
This book really has bags for every occasion, whether you’re commuting to work or going out on the town. There are 15 designs included and we particularly love the Bradford duffle bag – perfect for a weekend getaway – as well as the stylish Lexi evening bag. The technique section covers all the basics of quilting and bag construction, and every step is well illustrated – there are more than 300 photos and diagrams in the book. Best of all, the full-sized pattern sheet eliminates having to struggle with resizing diagrams! Quilted Bags and Totes is published by Krause Publications and is available at bookstores now.

CREATIVE QUILTING: THE JOURNAL QUILT PROJECT

Edited by Karey Patterson Bresenhan
The Journal Quilt Project was begun in 2002 to encourage creativity, experimentation and growth among quilt artists, and in the five years since then, 918 of these talented people have created more than 6000 QuiltPages. This book includes over 400 of their efforts and shares the stories behind their creation, from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina to the personal tragedy of a baby’s death. Other pages are inspired by scenes from nature, the faces of loved ones, or abstract art. Small pieces like these are an easy way to step into making art quilts, or simply to express the stories of your own life. Creative Quilting: The Journal Quilt Project is published by Quilting Arts, LLC, and is available from bookstores.

JAPANESE QUILT BLOCKS TO MIX AND MATCH

Susan Briscoe
This book features more than 125 block designs, all drafted from traditional Japanese pattern sources, including family crests and symbols of good fortune. They can all be mixed and matched in sampler quilts, and many create tessellating patterns when scattered over a quilt top. There are pieced, appliquéd and embroidered blocks, and the advice on fabric selection and embroidery techniques is invaluable. The quilts are striking when worked in shades of a single colour, but also look great in a variety of bold tones and graphic prints. Japanese Quilt Blocks to Mix and Match is published by Simon and Schuster, and is available from bookstores.

JOURNEY OF AN ART QUILTER

If ever there was a book to make a quilter drool, this is it. Barbara Olson takes you on a creative journey as you learn how to use fabrics with incredible results. It provides more than inspiration, though – there are instructions on how to use a wide variety of materials, shapes and techniques to develop your own incredible quilt. Every page explodes with passion and energy. Journey of an Art Quilter is sure to appeal to any needlewoman yearning to break free of traditional blocks and turn what they see in their imagination into reality. It’s available now from Bookaholics for $44. Visit www.bookaholics.com.au for more information.

THE QUILTER'S HOMECOMING

Set in ‘the roaring ’20s’, Jennifer Chiaverini’s latest book sees newlywed Elizabeth Nelson departing with her husband for Triumph Ranch, 120 acres of prime farming land in California – but on their arrival, it emerges that they have fallen victim to a scam. They’re hired as servants at the farm they thought they owned and they slowly adjust to this new life. Elizabeth finds solace in patchwork and her friendship with Rosa, a local woman – whose mother stitched her life story into her own precious quilts. The Quilter’s Homecoming is published by Simon & Schuster and available at bookstores now.

MEN WHO KNIT & THE DOGS WHO LOVE THEM

It can be tricky to find stylish knitting patterns for men – much less for their best friends – so this new book by Annie Modesitt and Drew Emborsky is sure to be embraced heartily by any crafter making gifts for male friends and family members. There are 33 designs in all, ranging from socks and a dozen sweaters for the guys (five with matching projects for Fido) to a hemp leash and two enticing pet beds. We’re not sure about knitting chew toys – but if you have a well-behaved dog that you trust to gnaw gently and not shred your handiwork, why not? Men Who Knit & the Dogs Who Love Them is published by Lark Books and available at bookstores now.

Fast Quilts from Fat Quarters
Barbara Chainey

Although we often deny it, quilters have more fat quarters than they know what to do with! And as a quilter, Barbara knows this for a fact – which is why she inspires us through her book to find great projects and put our pieces to good use. It helps you choose the right fabrics and teaches you how to match different patterns and colours found among anyone’s fat-quarter stash. There are 15 step-by-step quilts from small wall-hangings to full-size bedcovers that are quick and easy to make. Fast Quilts from Fat Quarters is published by David & Charles Publications and available from all good bookstores.

Country Quilts for Friends
Margaret Peters & Anne Sutton

If anyone should know about quilting and friendship it would be dear friends Margaret and Anne who fill this book with fun and inspiring tips on getting along together with charming country-style projects for all seasons. Step-by-step instructions on patterns, stitches and appliqué techniques, as well as colour diagrams and pictures of completed pieces make this a very helpful book, bringing you closer to the finished product faster. Enjoy spring with the Felt Bunny Pillow or rug up in winter with the Snowmen Warm your Heart and Feet quilt – and whatever you choose to do, be sure to have your friend by your side. Country Quilts for Friends is published by C&T Publishing and available at bookstores.

Fashionable projects for the new knitter

Knitting has enjoyed a resurgence of late. If you’re new to the craft than this is a great place to start. Alison Barlow’s easy to make projects and illustrated instructions will have you knitting up a storm in no time even if you’ve never pick up the needles before.
Distributed by Capricorn link. $24.95

Sew Easy Bags

Learn how to make your own beautiful bags from scratch. Just as the title suggests these bags are sew easy to make, but don't skimp on style. A bag is the perfect accessory to any outfit and a stylish way to carry must-haves around with you at all times. With 12 fun project cards and a 48-page booklet filled with diagrams and illustrations, this little book is a girl's best friend. RRP $34.95. Available from all good bookstores or for wholesale enquires, contact Capricorn Link at books@capricornlink.com.au

Baby Quilts:
15 Original Designs for Every Nursery Décor

Edited by Linda Neubauer
Distributed by Tower Books RRP
This book presents a range of sweet, playful and retro baby quilts for every quilter that is quite divine. Step-by-step instructions, diagrams, colour photographs and patterns show you how to make quilts to treasure for a lifetime. It includes signature and christening quilts for those special occasions as well as unique blocks, gorgeous appliqués and contemporary piecing for that blissful ­ and very lucky ­  bub.

Get Hooked:
Simple Steps to Crochet Cool Stuff

Kim Werker
Crochet is definitely in at the moment and perfect for tweens to get stuck into. This book is fun and colourful, and shows you how to make funky scarves, pillows, skirts, purses, boxes and much, much more. Actually, there's not that much you can't make with crochet! Simple lesson guides and crystal-clear photos show you how to wow. These 15 awesome projects will have you well and truly hooked. Welcome to the crochet revolution! Published by Watson-Guptill, distributed by Bookwise International RRP $22.95 (incl GST) and available at all good bookstores.

Fairy Tales

Instant Memories: Fairytales is a gorgeous book full of ready-to-use scrapbook pages by Page Hill. It comes with an instruction CD and full-colour layouts so you can create stunning images featuring vintage illustrations. Add your favourite photos and tear the pages directly from the book! It's available at all good bookstores for RRP $24.95. For more information contact Capricorn Link Australia at books@capricornlink.com.au