Murdoch Books 2

Made In France: Blackwork by Sonia Lucano

This is another book from the Made in France series; we previously reviewed the Embroidery in Red, White and Blue from the same series.  Blackwork is a traditional form of embroidery with black thread on a white background although some of the projects in the book are the reverse, white thread on a black background.

Like the previous book you are shown full page photographs of each of the 50 projects and the motifs used are in full page grids at the back of the book.  There is a useful section at the front showing some of the stitches needed and talking you through fabric and equipment choices.

The majority of the projects are for the home: curtains, cushions, tablecloths and book covers but there are also some personal accessories such as bags and scarves included.  Some of the designs look simple enough for beginners and others more complex and time consuming.  However, there is nothing to say you have to use a set motif for a set project; it would be easy enough to use a different motif.  

The contrasting colours make for an eye-catching result, if you like needlework and are looking for some good ideas for home or gifts then this book is perfect.

This book will be available on Amazon in August, although you can pre-order now for £12.74 by clicking here.

Prints Charming by Cath Derksema & Kirsten Junor

This book is described as 40 simple projects for sewing and hand printing.  What you may be interested to know is you do not have to do the printing side at all, the projects are all sewn and give you tips on what fabric to use if you are not printing your own.

For those who want to try printing there is a comprehensive guide to screen printing at the beginning of the book.  Along with an introduction to the equipment needed and a basic introduction to sewing and quilting, including a stitch guide.

The projects are classed by the room of the house, and one thing I am glad to see if a section for a boy's room.  I find there are often lots of projects for girls but not for boys in sewing project books.   The projects include quilts, cushions, lampshades, aprons and clothing items like pyjamas and a kimono. 

The book is spiral bound so you can keep it open on the page you are working from.  Each project has a full page photo, measurements, equipment needed, instructions for the screen printing then a step by step guide to making the project.   Motifs and diagrams are used, including a useful diagram of how to cut the fabric.   There is a pattern pocket at the back of the book with all the patterns to accompany the book.

You can purchase this book from Amazon here for £10.49 (price given on 10/07/2010)

Material Obsession Two -Share Inspiration by Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke

Having fallen in love with their first book which I review recently (Material Obsession) I did wonder whether the second book could live up to it.  I have to say I wasn't disappointed, this book is just as good as the previous, packed full of stunning quilts and detailed instructions.

As with the previous book each project is accompanied by stunning photographs, materials and equipment needed, step by step instructions and colourful diagrams to help guide you as well as details of the inspiration behind each quilt.  There is also a pattern sheet at the back of the book and a great quilting basics section.

The way in which this book differs from the previous one is that that quilts are in pairs, on by Kathy and one by Sarah.  They have chosen a fabric or technique and then each interpreted it in their own way, plus they have made one final quilt together - making 21 quilts in total in the book.   This book is a great follow up from the first book.

You can buy this book from Amazon here for £10 (price given 10/07/10)