New Books – Something For Everyone
You may be looking for a gift for someone who sews or making a wish list for yourself. Here are some new titles to consider:
Sew Beautiful: Make Stylish Handmade Clothing with Simple Stitch-and-Wear Patterns by Kennis Wong (available December 2020)
This is a book of 8 patterns (with variations) described as “closet staples” in sizes 00-20. The dress on the cover gives a modern casual vibe. The author is the designer for the independent pattern company Itch to Stitch.
Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle by Clare Hunter (currently available) examines how needlework has been used to communicate including Mary Queen of Scots’ embroidery which contains messages about her imprisonment, the AIDS quilt, and work from POW camps.
Korean Patchwork Quilting: 37 Modern Bojagi Style Projects by Choi Yangsook (available November 2020) provides instruction in traditional Korean patchwork techniques. Lightweight fabric is joined using invisible seams, and the resulting fabric can be used for a variety of purposes.
Simply Sashiko: Classic Japanese Embroidery Made Easy by Nikon Vogue (available October 2020) offers 36 sashiko patterns and directions for using them to make accessories and household linens.
Sewing Face Masks, Scrub Caps, Arm Slings, and More by Angie Herbertson (available November 2020) might be useful for those who haven’t found the perfect face mask pattern, yet.
The Book of Boro: Techniques and patterns inspired by traditional Japanese textiles by Susan Briscoe (available November 2020) may remind you of Jody Alexander’s presentation and workshop for CRS in 2019. This book includes history, techniques, projects and inspiration.
Creative Cosplay: Selecting & Sewing Costumes Way Beyond Basic by Amanda Haas (currently available) leads readers through the process of finding inspiration, using various patterns (mash-up) and presenting costumes at a competition. If you’d like to ”turn fiction into fashion,” this looks like a great resource.
A Quilting Life Monthly Planner: A Portable Guide to Getting and Staying Organized by Sherri McConnell (currently available) helps quilters manage supplies and goals to get their quilting life in order.
Sewing Jeans: The complete step-by-step guide by Johanna Lundstrom ( available November 2020) is well described in the title. If you’d like help picking appropriate fabric, altering patterns, choosing useful stitches, and creating high-end jeans, this book may be a welcome companion along the way.
Note: Amazon has a filter and search options to allow you to view new releases and upcoming titles. In the search area, select “books” from the drop down menu. Then type “sewing” in the text box and click the magnifying glass to search. When the results come up, look in the left column and click on “30 days”, “90 days”, or “coming soon”.
