Start to Stitch

September 2015

This book is aimed at children and teenagers but we think many of the projects would appeal to adult learners too. Start to stitch introduces the reader to the techniques of applique, embroidery, patchwork and quilting. Beginning with a definition of each craft there are 24 projects provided for practice and idea for lots more creations. Each craft ends with the question 'What next?' giving suggestions for design changes and additional uses -all in all, a great book for those who enjoy making things by hand.

Aug/Sep 13

A collection of projects from the 'Start To...' series of books, this is aimed squarely at the younger market. The shiny foils and wrappers from chocolates are used to make a 'Funky Book Cover' and there are ideas for embellishing with buttons, beads and sequins. Simple applique is used to upcycle a skirt or a pair of jeans and the magic bag (it uses one pair of handles to close it and another pair to open it!) is sure to be popular. Every single project is illustrated with loads of step-by-step photos, so it would be the perfect introduction to simple sewing. Or, if you're looking for things to make, perhaps with your children or grandchildren,this could be just what you need.

Nov 13

This omnibus edition by textile teacher and designer Buckley, quilter Miriam Edwards, and art teacher Nancy Nicholson incorporates material adapted from the authors' earlier books on applique, embroidery, patchwork, and quilting and provides an introduction to each of the four crafts. Designed to appeal to tweens and teens, the projects feature bright colors, whimsical themes, and sparkly embellishment. Most of the directions include step-by-step color photographs, ensuring that novice sewists will know how each phase of the project should look. The embroidery section is the standout; the close-up, color photos of basic stitches will be useful to any beginning embroiderer, regardless of age. Verdict Though the book is oriented toward tweens and teens, the overviews of each topic are extremely useful, and parents may enjoy making the lively, colorful designs with older children.-Nanette Donohue, Champaign, P.L., IL

Apr 13

This book is a compilation of 4 previous book published by Search Press which introduce the reader to applique, embroidery, patchwork and quilting. Each of the 4 sections of the book give an introduction to the basic techniques and stitches, before then going into several projects. There are 24 projects in total in the book. All the projects and techniques are accompanied by step by step photos giving a good visual guide, as well as written instructions. The book is aimed at children/teenagers but I think many of the projects would appeal to adult learners too. The projects include several different bags, cushions, notebook covers, a phone pouch, pet quilt and cat wall hanging. This book is a useful guide for children or adults looking to master the basics of applique, quilting, patchwork and embroidery.

Dec 13/Jan 14

Young stitchers will love this book as it explains in simple terms how to make lots of fun items, from a brilliant 3D brooch to a decorative border for a skirt.

May-June 13

This bright and cheerful volume is brimming with lots of cool projects, designed to appeal to the young person in your life. After an introduction to tools and materials chapters follow covering Applique, Embroidery, Patchwork and Quilting, each containing at least five projects. Lots of clear step-by-step instructions will guide the user through each project with suggestions for taking the ideas further. This is the perfect book for any budding sewing enthusiast.

June 13

Young sewers will love this book. It explains the techniques to make loads of decorative and practical things from applique brooches to zigzag bags. There are full instructions an materials and methods for four classic crafts-embroidery, applique, quilting and patchwork.