Murdoch Books
I've recently been sent a lovely box of books from Murdoch books. Murdoch books are an Australian based independent publisher who specialise in high quality independent titles. Their books are not only high quality but are good value for money; they are large impressive books that would keep any crafter going for quite sometime!
I've decided to break the reviews down into 3 groups so there is not too much to read through at once, or too many to buy in one go! I am fortunate enough to be interviewing one of their authors Kelly Doust next week so will review her 2 books (The Crafty Minx and The Crafty Kid) alongside the interview.
Their books are available for purchase through Amazon so I will put a link alongside each title. Prices are those given on 4th July 2010.
Material Obsession: Contemporary Quilt Design by Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke 
The authors of this book run a popular quilting fabric and supply shop in Sydney and offer classes as well as materials. They have drawn upon their joint experience to create this book of 23 distinctive quilt designs.
The project section of the book gives detailed easy to follow instructions for several amazing quilts. As well as detailing the difficulty level, and the materials needed they give step by step instructions on all stages of the quilt making process, the cutting, piecing, appliqué, borders, binding and quilting. They provide clear diagrams and templates to help you along.
My favourite part is ‘The idea' section for each project. Telling you the concept behind each quilt and helping you to choose the right colours and giving you tips on how to make the quilt. My favourite quilt has to be ‘The ‘Burbs' which consists of little people and houses made from scraps of material. A great way for using up your stash.
What is very useful is the ‘Quilting Basics' section at the back of the book talking you through the various techniques used in the book and guiding you with diagrams and photos. This section is very useful to beginners or quilters of an intermediate level and the projects in the book cater for all abilities.
You can find the book on Amazon here for £9.65 and I would highly recommend visiting their blog for inspiration: http://materialobsession.typepad.com/material_obsession/
Pass Me a Smile by Toyoke Sugiwaka
The appearance of this book is the same as its contents - small and cute. This book encourages you to employ a variety of techniques, sewing, embroidering, felting, fabric painting and crocheting to make a range of adorable animals. From a Nirvana Rabbit to a Sausage Dog door snake you are guided through the making process with clear instructions and a photographic guide.
There are not just soft toys but a range of functional items including a winking cat tea cosy, a double dove bowl, whispering rabbits ring holder and poodle baby boots but to name a few. There are useful tips scattered throughout the book as well as guidance sections like the ‘First time felt making SOS.'
The projects in this book would make perfect gifts for kids and adults alike and will certainly make them smile. You can purchase the book through Amazon for £11.69 here.
Made in France: Cross stitch and embroidery in red, white and blue by Agnes Delage-Calvet and Anne Sohier-Fournel
Part of the Made in France series by Murdoch books this book breaks the designs down by colour, into red,
white and blue. The book incorporates embroidery and cross stitch designs onto a range of household and clothing items including a cushion, bags, a dress, a t-shirt, a lampshade even shoes. These simple designs will allow you to jazz up existing items or create new ones for yourself or as gifts.
The book is split into 3 sections, one for each colour and contains over 50 projects. Each section starts with full page photos of each of the projects in that section and is then followed by pages of the designs and motifs used in the pictures. Uniquely for a craft book there are no written instructions, just the odd word on the designs to tell you the type of stitch required.
The designs in the book could be used in a range of projects, which makes this book a good reference guide for any embroiderer/cross stitcher. You can purchase this book from Amazon for £8.49 here.
We will post the reviews of the other Murdoch books in the next 2 weeks so keep an eye on the articles section. Plus if you are not already a Facebook or Twitter follower come join us now as we will be using these books for fan giveaways so you could get one for free. You can find Murdoch books on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/MurdochBooksUK become a fan to be kept updated with their new releases and news.
