Fabric Paper Thread: 26 Projects to Sew & Embellish • 25 Embroidery Stitches

May 13

Blogger Sutcliffe's first book is an approachable set of projects, mostly embroidery-based and aimed at preteen girls. Her aesthetic is charming: simple, often patterned, designs with easy-to-stitch lines, with just enough trendiness to appeal. Watercolor & Pen Postcards are pleasing despite being basic, while the Simply Stitched Tote Bag and Leather Bracelets have the kind of vaguely beachy, woodsy look that's perfect for summer. Adults who find this book might want to stitch up a few of the designs for themselves. A few caveats before buying, though. While Sutcliffe provides extensive illustrated directions for embroidery stitches, notation to use a sewing machine to prepunch or to trim the raw edges with pinking shears pop up without warning that such tools are needed. Also, with several projects, Sutcliffe advises stitching on Aida cloth, then fusing the cloth to an article of clothing or accessory. Aida cloth won't hold up to much wear and tear (or washing) and waste canvas, which is widely available, is a far better choice. With those minor oddities in mind, this book is a lovely gift to the supervised young crafter. Color photos.

Mar 13

C&T Publishing's new imprint FunStitch Studio promises to deliver exciting and creative books for young crafters. Sutcliffe gives step-by-step instructions for making jewelry, embellishing clothing and tote bags, creating room decor, and more. Basic stitches are demonstrated via illustrations: running, backstitch, cross-stitch, lazy daisy, arrow, whipstitch, and blanket. The projects are great to work on individually to keep or give as gifts or to work on as a group during crafting parties and sleepovers. Sutcliffe maintains a craft blog featuring her latest projects so readers can follow her and see more crafts online. Recommended for ages 10 to 13.