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Most likely of interest to only the readers who have already embarked on self-sufficient farming and want detailed information.
With its overview of flower pressing’s rich history and a beginner-friendly guide to getting started, this book is a bona fide garden of delights that’s sure to inspire creations rooted in the past, yet flowering in the present.
Best for readers experienced with blackwork techniques and comfortable with doing their own material selections.
PREMIUM
Animal Granny Squares: 40 Cute Crochet Blocks To Make into Decorations, Homewares, Blankets and More
Each project produces adorable results. A great addition for all crochet collections.
A great starter guide for readers wanting to learn to paint with a palette knife; they will learn all about the additives, mediums, and other items Fisher has experimented with to achieve the effects that enhance his works.
The book’s cute animal designs include sloths, dinosaurs, unicorns, rabbits, foxes, and a veritable menagerie of animal friends, so there’s sure to be one that fits any child’s unique interests and imagination or a nursery’s theme. This book is as joyful and simple as its title suggests.
PREMIUM
Dressmaking: The Easy Guide
Essential for libraries supporting a fashion design program. Also useful for programs such as 4-H, Extension Homemakers, and others wanting to go to the next level.
Far from a how-to for beginners, this book includes projects that expertly teach processes, such as color blocking, blending, and multiple effects that can be executed with a knife. This will likely be a popular addition to craft collections.
Painting Abstract Nature on Canvas: A Guide to Creating Vibrant Art with Watercolour and Mixed Media
An outstanding instructional art book with pictures that illustrate each step. Creative readers of all skill levels will likely love this title.
This is an excellent companion for those who may need to express themselves and heal but aren’t sure where to start. Worthwhile to have in any library, especially for readers who may be hesitant to reach out.
A great title for beginners or readers looking for new inspiration in watercolor techniques. The illustrations are all nature-based, making it an excellent option for the summer season.
This book includes delightful patterns, but it’s niche in topic and its UK terminology may hinder some readers’ ability to finish their projects.
A great addition for arts or craft collections. The featured projects will likely keep novice painters interested, and there are clear instructions for absolute beginners.
This easy-to-follow approach to kawaii drawings will likely have even nonartists feeling inspired and confident enough to get started.
Suitable for libraries with robust selections of knitting books but not for the faint-of-heart fiber artist.
This book will likely appeal to readers of all sewing levels, especially those who are environmentally conscious and interested in learning to sew with recycled materials.
A wonderful overview of rag rugs and how to create them. A perfect complement to titles that solely contain patterns.
PREMIUM
The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook: How To Write Great Patterns That Knitters Will Love To Make
Good for public libraries with robust craft collections. Many readers might view this as a compact reference book.
A comprehensive overview of jewelry design that also offers creative exercises for aspiring artists.
PREMIUM
Norway’s Knitted Heritage: The History, Surprises, and Power of Traditional Nordic Sweater Patterns
Likely to appeal more to those studying the history of clothing than to the casual knitter.
Crafters interested in adding macramé touches to their homemade Christmas decor will likely enjoy this book. This is a strong selection for libraries with well-circulating holiday craft collections.
A great lettering and calligraphy resource that’s filled with inventive ideas, rather than traditional approaches. Readers interested in exploring creative lettering will likely find this to be a helpful title for getting started.
This book is exquisite eye candy for fiber artists of all levels. Libraries with craft book collections can’t go wrong with this purchase.
PREMIUM
Perfectly Pieced Quilt Backs: The Scrap-Smart Guide to Finishing Quilts with Two-Sided Appeal
Quilters, or those aspiring to be, will find something to fit their style and their skill level.
A well-structured title filled with detailed instructions and photos. The book’s projects would make cute gifts, but its focus may be a little too narrow for some collections.
Crocheters of all skill levels will be able to produce cute creatures that any child (or adult) will beg to cuddle. Librarians should add all of this author’s books to their crochet collections.
The projects are great for those new to shibori techniques, but readers are likely better off choosing titles that are more current and less focused on the use of a specific kit.
PREMIUM
Crochet Impkins
Crocheters will truly delight in picking features for their own creations of Impkins.
A fun book for eco-conscious parents who aren’t afraid of a little extra work in order to extend the life of their kids’ clothes. Children can help with these projects as well.
PREMIUM
Granny Squares To Crochet
All levels of crocheters can benefit from this title. A valuable addition to any library’s selection of crochet guidebooks.
For experienced watercolor painters. This book, illustrated throughout with Beale’s beautiful landscapes, will provide ample inspiration and instruction.
An excellent book for readers entering anew into the world of cross-stitching or for those who may be looking to rekindle a hobby.
A highly recommended title that offers an impressive array of watercolor, ink, and gouache techniques for beginner and advanced artists.
This is a worthwhile purchase for quilters who are searching for either simple strategies or inspiration.
PREMIUM
Homegrown Flax and Cotton: DIY Guide To Growing, Processing, Spinning & Weaving Fiber to Cloth
This book takes readers through the process, from start to finish, of making cotton and linen clothing. Many crafters and readers interested in sustainability will likely enjoy this one.
Readers with advanced drawing skills may find this title and the author’s anatomical expertise beneficial.
Functional and beautiful, this book will likely inspire readers want to perfect their pottery techniques. An excellent and useful purchase for libraries with vibrant art communities.
This is a sumptuous reference volume that not only offers a plentitude of patterns but also contains helpful photos for each stitch for knitters to easily visualize and incorporate into their own original creations. This handy guide can enhance the abilities of all knitters.
For beginners just getting the feel for using brush pens, Latta’s simple exercises offer an accessible place to start.
This book shows exactly how fun, fashionable, and flattering retro crochet garments can be. Its patterns are suitable for all crochet skill levels, making it the perfect addition to any library’s catalogue of crafting books.
Artists interested in learning colored pencil techniques could hardly find a better resource, but librarians should be aware of this title’s removable practice pages.
PREMIUM
10 Step Drawing: Kawaii
Both novices and advanced artists can greatly benefit from this title filled with whimsical and adorable Kawaii drawings.
A quick-start intro guide to the craft of embroidery. Best suited for right-handed beginners who want to dive right into projects. Left-handed readers and those who have already mastered the basics but are interested in improving their skills are advised to look elsewhere.
This excellent work is chock-full of helpful and fascinating facts about a popular knitting technique. Ideal for intermediate and advanced knitters, and an essential purchase for crafts collections.
PREMIUM
Seed to Table: A Seasonal Guide to Organically Growing, Cooking, and Preserving Food at Home
For his first print book, Ghafari, who created the Urban Farm and Kitchen blog, has written an approachable, deeply useful work for beginner gardeners that is enlivened with recipes and great images.
A foreword by Jane Goodall and quirky dog drawings enhance this title. For comprehensive collections of materials on dog studies, animal cognition, and psychology and for general readers who love their pet dogs.
While the information in this book isn’t particularly new or groundbreaking, its straightforward language and expressive illustrations of many different cat species make it a helpful read for families with children who are getting their first pet cat or for new cat owners looking for an easy manual to help guide their understanding of their new feline family member.
A glossary and further reading for field guides and species accounts will satisfy the scientific reader, and artists are well served by the beautifully presented artworks and Hashimoto’s tips and personal insights. Consider also for displays on nature-related travel destinations.
This book is full of adorable projects that are perfect for gifts. This title complements introductory sewing and embroidery how-to books well.
Despite a few flaws, this is an eminently usable manual that will appeal to budding cartoonists and those looking to add 3D to their work.
This is a great resource for quilters of all skill levels and for libraries that support a community of innovative artists.
As jelly rolls continue to be popular, this book would be a great choice for any quilting collection.
A solid addition to the craft genre and public libraries with robust craft collections. Perfect for both beginners and more adventurous knitters.
Families interested in developing a stronger connection with the natural world will find a wealth of enjoyable recipes and activities in this well-organized guide.
Experienced potters interested in tableware will benefit the most from this book, which assumes a working knowledge of pottery tools and techniques.
Libraries with an already established machine sewing collection will find this an enchanting title to have available as a next read for their patrons. This is a fun resource for beginners to use to learn and practice new skills and for seasoned sewists to try something different.
This upbeat book provides clear guidance about the shape of letters, the layout of a page, and much more. It cleverly shows readers how to transform letters that fit their personalities and styles while embracing progress, not perfection.
Knitters will welcome this book. It is an excellent addition to any public library crafts collection.
This time-honored method to artistically enhance clothing presents a new opportunity for intermediate or even new sewers. The book is a useful addition for all library collections, especially when paired with library programming.
A nice collection of information and patterns, but the niche subject matter of the designs doesn’t make this book an essential item for craft collections.
Purchase where crochet-motif books are popular. For patterns and ideas, Kate Eastwood’s Crocheted Wreaths & Garlands is a great choice.
While this is a great resource for getting started and includes a variety of gorgeous and creative pieces, true beginners should be prepared for some complex projects that require additional patience and skill.
PREMIUM
Pocket Book of Crochet
This simple short book, while imperfect, is a nice addition for larger crafting collections. Libraries should be warned that there are several places where readers are encouraged to write in the book to chart their own crochet journey.
The pairings in this book will likely inspire readers to mix craft techniques, create uncommon, interesting projects, and consider scraps, fabrics, and fibers in new ways.
Perfect for adventurous or experienced knitters, libraries with robust craft collections, and readers interested in knitting history.
General readers, historians, and flower lovers will enjoy this book’s ability to take them on a virtual visit to the islands of Hawai‘i, where they can learn about the rich heritage of the lei.
PREMIUM
Fun with Fat Quarters: 15 Step-by-Step Projects with Essential Techniques To Kick-Start Your Sewing
A well-written title with excellent basic sewing directions geared toward moderately experienced sewists. Purchase where fat-quarter books are popular.
PREMIUM
Crochet Southwest Spirit: Over 20 Bohemian Crochet Patterns Inspired by the American Southwest
This stunning book will likely compel readers to imagine the past as they work on the towels, baskets, blankets, and more that will keep traditions alive.
Many sewists have an interest in sustainability and the environmental impact of fashion. This book provides thoughtful guidance for repurposing a variety of garments and textiles. Recommended for all sewing collections.
Quilters, whether experienced or new to the art form, will love making these projects that highlight the natural beauty of Hawai‘i.
This book will appeal to visual learners. Best for beginners or knitters who want a refresher course.
This is a practical guide for beginning watercolor painters who want to learn, improve, and apply their techniques. A solid addition to arts and crafts collections.
A wonderful resource for beginning and advanced macramé artists. Ideal for well-circulating DIY craft collections.
This resource is a great addition to crafts collections. Suitable for both experienced artists and novices interested in this artistic practice.
This book is suited for readers interested in learning how to create quilts in general or T-shirt quilts specifically.
Perfect for both beginner and experienced colorwork knitters. Recommended for all public library craft collections.
What is great about this book is that it stresses the benefits of floral arrangements in a clear, approachable way. Designs are welcoming, accessible, and mindful of the environment. From the simple to moderately complex, these projects offer something for all levels.
Desirable for Cavallari fans and those looking for healthy or gluten-free options. Purchase where there is interest.
PREMIUM
How To Build a Treehouse
This book is full of practical advice, such as notifying the neighbors before construction begins and the need to research local building codes. However, it is not for true beginners, as it requires a basic understanding of woodworking, tools, and construction terms. There’s also only one specific architectural plan. If readers want to make a different type of treehouse, they may need to consult a professional or another resource.
The technical aspects of kintsugi are best directed to artists interested in learning the Japanese techniques. For the layperson, there are other methods of repairing ceramics that mimic the look of kintsugi without the expense and difficulty.
A beneficial purchase, of particular use for self-published and small-press authors, with information that will be helpful for anyone seeking to boost the visibility of their work.
PREMIUM
Ikebana: The Zen Way of Flowers
This visually striking art book will appeal to all who appreciate the beauty of ikebana and might inspire readers to try their hand at creating their own hanaike using Ueno’s techniques.
Whether readers are looking for the perfect dish to woo or a way to comfort through food, McAlpine provides the tools and recipes to say it with love from a kitchen.
PREMIUM
BAO
Armchair travelers and fans of the brand will enjoy this title cover to cover, and serious home chefs will delight in the multifaceted, complex yet rewarding recipes. Instructions are in metric measurements, which will detract for some readers but not devotees.
Flynn may be Canada’s best-kept secret, with her laidback attitude, entertaining chops, and deceptively simple dishes. She will be a popular fresh new voice for cookbook shelves.
Part memoir, part cookbook, this is a work that readers will devour cover to cover in between trying Boudy’s recipes in the kitchen. Boudy fans will come for the memoir and stay for the food, while other library patrons will come for the recipes and be delighted by Boudy’s journey.
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