February Book Reviews
Handbook of Sewing Stitches by Lorna Knight
The title of this book is slightly deceptive; this book is much more than just a handbook of sewing stitches. It is also a guide to tools and equipment, techniques and a textile directory. It may be compact but it is packed with information.
In the stitch directory section there is a photo of each stitch, step by step instructions on how to do it with accompanying diagrams plus advice on when to use it, with which fabrics and alternative stitches.
The techniques section covers various hems, seams, edges, buttonholes and zip techniques. The fabric section describes the fabrics, tells you what garments and projects it is best used for, gives cutting advice and sewing suggestions. There is a detailed index at the back to you can easily find whatever you want. This is a very useful reference guide for sewists.
This book is published by Search Press, you can purchase it here.
Sew to Swap – Quilting Projects to exchange online & by mail written by Chrissie Grace
As the title suggests this book is aimed at people wanting ideas for running online quilting swaps. It is full of ideas for different blocks or projects that you can swap online, as well as tips and advice on how to run the swap too.
The first chapter cover advice on the tools needed for quilting, how to choose fabrics and quilting basics. The following chapters are then split into super small swaps, marvellous medium swaps and gorgeous gigantic swaps.
Each of the swap ideas come with photos, detailed instructions on how to make the thing you will be swapping, how the swap works and how to piece together all the blocks at the end of the swap. I particularly liked the mini interviews with the various contributors throughout the book, you can pick up lots of useful tips from them.
If you want to run a quilting swap on your blog or website and aren’t sure where to start then this book would be great for you.
This book can be published on the RUCraft website here.
F
resh from the Clothesline by Darlene Zimmerman
This book has a selection of vintage inspired projects which are split into 3 sections: Small projects, small quilts and full size quilts. Each of the projects have a materials list, cutting instructions and directions for assembling the projects as well as diagrams and photos.
Throughout the book you will also find useful tips, recipes 
and little historical tales too giving you the background on the items you are making. The majority of the projects are traditional quilting based and made up in repro 1930’s fabrics, although there are some variations in modern fabrics too. The small projects at the start include aprons, tea towels, a table runner, place mats and a cushion.
This book is published by Krause Publications and can be purchased here on the RUCraft website.
