Search Press Reviews
Sweet Memories Quilt and Accessories by Brenda Karon Shade 
This book is a rather unique book which unlike many books that cram 20 plus projects in, giving just a page or 2 to each, focuses primary on just one project, devoting 40 pages to it and includes 2 accompanying projects.
Admittedly it will not be for everyone, it looks like a very time consuming project but I'm that those who devote the time would be very pleased with the end results. The main project of the book is a 4 block quilt, where each block features a hand embroidered dress (doll size). The author came up with the idea when making quilts for her granddaughters, and decided to make miniature versions of their favourite dresses to serve as a me
mory quilt.
The effect is undeniably stunning and would be perfect for any little girls room (or grown up girl's room!). The 2 other projects are a pillow featuring one embroidered dress and a doll wearing an embroidered dress. It says the projects are suitable for beginner to advanced crafters, but I would suggest that you would probably want to be an advanced beginner before attempting a project of this size. Alternatively you could start with one of the smaller projects before attempting the quilt.
The instructions are very detailed, often with a full page being devoted to one little detail of the quilt, such as the hem of one of the dresses. Every stage of the process is broken down and well explained. There are clear diagrams and very detailed photos to help you along. At the back of the book you get a full size pattern sheet as well as a detailed stitch guide.
You can purchase this book here from the Search Press website.
Canny Keepsakes - Colliery Days Fabric Project Book
This is another rather unique book from Search Press, the book itself looks old fashioned, like something
from the Victorian era and the projects inside are based upon the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The first thing that really caught my eye is the deep red, brown and cream fabrics used throughout the book, which create an absolutely stunning effect.
Now I have finished drooling over the pictures I can tell you a bit more about the book! There are over 20 projects, loosely classified by rooms of the house or the people they were made for. Projects include a crazy patchwork tea cosy, Colliery peg bag, cushions, a draft excluder, bunting and more. Each project gets a page of instructions alongside a full page photo. Down the side of each of the instruction pages are quirky little recipes, sayings and poetry.
There are several pages of templates at the back of the book, accompanied by hints and tips down the side of the page. This is a quirky and appealing book with photos that just inspire you to make.
This book can be purchased from the Search Press website here.
Zombie Felties by Nicola Tedman and Sarah Skeate
Putting aside the fact that I'm not too sure why anyone would want a zombie feltie this book is actually full of fun quirky designs. I guess with Halloween coming up these little critters could be in demand. If you like something different and are sick of cutesie sock animals and felt creatures then this is the book for you.
You don't need a huge amount of sewing skills (suitable for beginners) to make these felties but you will need a strong stomach given the exposed brains, eyes hanging out of the sockets and protruding inna
rds. There a 16 felt creatures in the book with names such as dead duckie, zombie bunny and pumpkin head.
The first section of the book takes you through the basic stitches and techniques. Each of the projects come with a difficulty rating as well an equipment list, 2-4 pages of instructions and diagrams and a full page image of each zombie feltie. If there was ever anything to tempt teenagers into sewing I think these would be ideal!
You can purchase this book from the Search Press website here.
The Right-handed Embroider's Companion by Yvette Stanton
I am a big fan of the left-handed embroiderer's companion which I reviewed a few months ago, it made me wish I was left handed so I could use it. So I was very excited to receive a copy of this book.
As with the previous book it has every stitch you could think of, and then more! 170 different stitches in total. Each stitch is really clearly illustrated by a series of clear diagrams which manage to make even the more difficult stitches look easy. Even as someone who doesn't often embroider this book will be a very useful addition to my collection to tempt me into trying new stitches in my sewing projects. You can't help but be inspired to try the stitches as you look through the book.
You can buy this book from the Search Press website here.
