Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts

Monday, 16 May 2011

Wee Wonderfuls by Hillary Lang

Amazingly this book was available through the library!


I've followed Hillary Lang's blog for several years, admired her stitchette patterns and even bought one of her patterns.

As a very (very) occasional sewer I couldn't justify buying the book so had an eye out for it in my library...

It is very cute!

Goldilocks (a red cape is also included to make her Red Riding Hood!)

gorgeous yarn hair and pattern for matching doll quilt

comes with a pattern for a girl's apron

There are lots of other designs - boys and animals -  but the girls are my favourite.

However Nearly School Girl has picked THIS!



Not quite as cute and a little obscure... oh well...

There is a flickr photo pool here.

Saturday, 19 February 2011

watercolours

After seeing Water Paper Paint (which I still haven't bought) I had a wee look on eBay for watercolour stuff hoping to bag a bargain with a few Paypal pounds.

I found this..




I love a good workbook!

Monday, 7 February 2011

I want this book - Water, Paper, Paint

I was reading Sue Bleiweiss newsletter and she has included a review of Water, Paper, Paint by Heather Smith Jones.

I have to admit the book cover had me!


The review was glowing and once I clicked through the Amazon preview I was sold!

Other photos found via Google Image (my favourite way to search now) led me:-
  • artsyville with a great photo of a used palette (I MUST took photos of mine too!)
  • robayre with lovely photos of her attempts at the exercises in the book (I LOVE the circles)
  • craftside with one of the exercises from the book here and here
  • and of course the authors website which also has some lovely looking palettes!

from Winsor & Newton

 I am now trying hard not to search Google Images for used watercolour palettes...

my City & Guilds Craft & Design sketchbook - exploration of colour



Thursday, 2 December 2010

Last Minute Patchwork & Quilted Gifts

I have this book on order at the library...

its actually at the library but the library is closed due to the weather...

Until it opens (perhaps not until Monday!) I'll have to make do with this flickr group.

Sunday, 26 September 2010

Thursday, 29 July 2010

Book - Lace and Eyelet Stitches


I recently collected this book, Lace and Eyelet Stitches by Erika Knight, from the library.  Its been on order so long I'm not entirely sure why I ordered it.  Probably to make samples for this, or maybe to check out if it was a worthy reference book.

Anyway, a quick glance through revealed some lovely patterns including:-

cable and lace check (pg 51)
crowns (pg 56)
meandering cables with eyelets (pg 66)
snow shoe pattern (pg 154)
wave stitch (pg119)

Of course I did have the insane idea of doing a knitting sampler back in January...

Oh! and whilst looking for some photos to show these lace and eyelet samples I came across the errata document for the book.... Its not something I do automatically when I have pattern book, but its probably good practice to check on the publishers sites for errors...

Debbie Bliss (although they're called Pattern Revisions)
Claire Montgomerie (again called Revisions)
Erika Knight
Mason-Dixon Knitting, here and here

Thursday, 1 July 2010

Book - Stash Buster Quilts

I recently got this book from the library.  Although its a little hardcore quilting, a bit beyond my current patchwork hexagons, I loved this quote...

"...what we have to realize is that the longer a piece of fabric stays in a stash, the more it loses its power and attraction.  It needs to be taken out, shaken, grouped with others that give it new life, as it gves new life to them."

Saturday, 10 April 2010

Creating Sketchbooks by Kay Greenlees - some notes

Whilst having another clear out I flicked through my notebook I used in 2004/06 whilst doing my City & Guilds in Embroidery at Dundee College.

The tutor and students often brought in books they had bought and were kind enough to let me make some notes.


notes from Creating Sketchbooks for Embroiderers and Textile Artists: Exploring the Embroiderers' Sketchbook. by Kay Greenlees.

(a very long title!)

Friday, 9 April 2010

my library card April 2010

Jamie's ministry of food : anyone can learn to cook in 24 hours
"Good Food" The family meal planner : Thrifty recipes and 7-day meal plans
The knitter's handbook : yarns, needles, stitches, techniques
Help your child to read and write
Retail marketing
Guerrilla marketing : easy and inexpensive strategies for making big profits
Wrap style
Knitted gardens : imaginative designs, practical and decorative
The painted quilt
Knit and felt bags : 20 quick-and-easy embellished bags

On Order
The best of Interweave knits : our favorite designs from the first ten years
85 inspiring ways to market your small business :
The enormous crocodile
The wish fish
Fun & funky knitting : 30 easy accessories to inspire
Lace & eyelet stitches : 250 to knit

Saturday, 16 January 2010

sewing machine stuff

I'm starting a resources list...

Books
Sew It Up by Ruth Singer
Described as "A much-needed modern guide to the secrets of sewing, this book has something for everyone. Whether you are a novice stitcher who can't sew on a button or a keen seamstress looking for inspiration, this bible of practical and decorative sewing techniques is for you. Written by accomplished textile designer-maker and tutor, Ruth Singer, 'Sew It Up' is a stylish, easy-to-use book packed with professional techniques and tips that guide you step-by-step through the mysteries of all aspects of machine and hand sewing. A treasure trove of over 200 techniques and tips, with 20 professional masterclasses and 20 contemporary projects and brimming with illustrations, let this book inspire your creativity!"
Reviewed at Whipup.net here.


The Sewing Book by Alison Smith
Described as "The ultimate sewing bible for beginners, students and seasoned stitchers wanting to perfect their skills Whether you want to make soft furnishings, clothing or just do alterations this is the book that everyone interested in sewing needs. Follow step-by-steps and master every technique you'll ever need; from machine-stitching a buttonhole and attaching a collar, to altering patterns and building a basic sewing kit. Every hand and machine stitch and technique is clearly shown and easy to follow, guiding you through every move. Follow 25 stylish projects, for the home and to wear, which will enable you to take your sewing skills to perfection. Plus, get properly kitted out; close up photographs of hand and machine tools show you the best equipment for the job and guarantee you know exactly how to use it. Tucks, pleats, hems, darts, edges, pockets, buttonholes, zips – whatever you want to sew find out how."

Chic and Simple Sewing by Christine Haynes
described as "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."

One Yard Wonders by  Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins
Described as ""One Yard Wonders" will delight anyone who has ever fallen for fabric - from the novice sewing enthusiast to the lifelong seamstress. The book presents a delightful array of simple, stylish projects that can be made with just a single yard of fabric - from apparel to accessories, from plush toys to pet beds, from baby items to bags, and from home decor to 'Happy Birthday' banners. Projects have a hip, contemporary flair, and most can be completed in a few hours. For each project, the book provides a full-color photograph, easy step-by-step instructions, and simple illustrations. Templates and pattern pieces are also included wherever needed, making this collection of 101 projects the best sewing deal ever. Great fabric demands to be purchased, even if it's just a yard or two at a time. But such tantalizing textiles should never hide in a closet; "One Yard Wonders" promises gift-worthy solutions for that stash of irresistible fabric-store buys. At last, it's time to stop storing and start sewing."
Reviewed at Craftzine here and lots of pictures here.


The Art of Manipulating of Fabric by Collette Wolff
Described as "This volume demonstrates the techniques for the three-dimensional manipulation of fabric. It categorizes the techniques showing how they are related, giving examples of both modern and traditional variations. The techniques show how to reconstruct a flat piece of cloth using only a threaded needle."

all except One Yard Wonders & Chic & Simple ordered at the Library.

Friday, 22 May 2009

Thursday, 22 January 2009

Well-designed Garden by John Brookes

I have several gardening books, I usually pick them up in 2nd shops. I especially like garden design ones and ones specifically for small gardens.

I like the design layouts and the planting schemes.

Given I buy them 2nd hand the books are often old (70s and 80s) and the design aesthetic reflects this.

When I saw a book by designer John Brookes in my library I was pleased to see it was relatively new (2007).

It is very good... the photography is especially inspiring and his design processes very interesting. For example looking for patterns in the surrounding environment.

These are just screaming out to be stitched!

Monday, 15 December 2008

Studio Journal - Location Location

Last month I bought the new book by Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn - Location, Location.

It came after I had made a proposal to be part of an exhibition in Dumfries of books made by artists to be held in May/June 2009.

The brief read like this...

"We are inviting submissions on the theme of PLACE, IDENTITY AND MEMORY. The Exhibition's theme is one, not three, but it is one that is reached by three initial routes, which are often seen in isolation. Where Identity, Place and Memory meet, mingle and reflect each other is a fruitful territory, one that is sometimes expressed particularly potently in the book form. We are intrigued to open out the visual poetry in this theme. All submissions must be centred on books or projected books, but can include clearly associated art works. Submissions can be of an existing book or books, or a proposal for a new work, backed up by evidence of previous work. Related ideas for book events, workshops or installations are also encouraged. We are interested to present each artist in a context if possible, so multiple exhibits by each artist are acceptable."

At first I thought, "eh?". But after some time I realised that my work on my cafe exhibition was a starting point.

My idea came out looking like this...


And my text...

"My proposal for Place, Identity & Memory is to create 3 unique books using mainly fabric. These books will take the style of a journal using St Monans and my own journey as an artist as inspiration. My aim is to convey my feelings for the place I have made my home and where I am raising my child. I want to explore the landscape, seascape and architecture of the village. But most importantly I want explore what it means to the people who live here - in a village that changes dramatically with the seasons. Not just the weather and the light but the residents too. The books will include hand stitched images and include additional attached items. I want the books to feel like a collection of items bound together as one, perhaps dated like a diary. All the books can be handled freely. I also want to include the design work which leads to the finished pieces. I work with paper sketchbooks, which are sometimes handmade. These contain samples, photos, notes and ideas. I hope that by showing the supporting design work with the finished fabric books I will add to the viewers understanding of the journey I (and the village) have taken."

This is the first exhibition I have made a proposal for. The first written statement, apart from my ramblings on here...

It was rejected.

But I still aim to work through the proposal. I need to focus on one idea and explore it fully. A New Year resolution for 2009.

And so I have closely read my new book, Location Location...


Of course all my doodles, mindmaps and ramblings are noted in my sketchbook.
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