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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Knitters will welcome this book. It is an excellent addition to any public library crafts collection.
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.
This book is full of adorable projects that are perfect for gifts. This title complements introductory sewing and embroidery how-to books well.
A solid addition to the craft genre and public libraries with robust craft collections. Perfect for both beginners and more adventurous knitters.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As jelly rolls continue to be popular, this book would be a great choice for any quilting collection.
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.
This is a great resource for quilters of all skill levels and for libraries that support a community of innovative artists.
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
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.
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
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.
Perfect for adventurous or experienced knitters, libraries with robust craft collections, and readers interested in knitting history.
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.
This book is suited for readers interested in learning how to create quilts in general or T-shirt quilts specifically.
This book will appeal to visual learners. Best for beginners or knitters who want a refresher course.
Quilters, whether experienced or new to the art form, will love making these projects that highlight the natural beauty of Hawai‘i.
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.
This resource is a great addition to crafts collections. Suitable for both experienced artists and novices interested in this artistic practice.
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.
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.
A wonderful resource for beginning and advanced macramé artists. Ideal for well-circulating DIY craft collections.
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.
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.
Unique and practical, Adler’s title encourages home cooks to achieve what seems impossible: clean out the fridge, not into the garbage but into an appealing meal.
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.
The clear instructions, attractive photos, and graphics make this an essential starting place for sewing and a foundation to continue to build on.
This book is as much fun to read as it is instructive. Recommended for public libraries that serve beginner and experienced doodlers and illustrators, along with general readers interested in this adorable art form.
A very useful book for individuals looking to learn about calligraphy. Recommended for public libraries.
An essential book for public libraries. It will appeal to beginner watercolor artists and those wanting to try Win’s loose, go-with-the-flow style of watercolor painting.
PREMIUM
Yarn Spinning with a Modern Twist: How To Create Your Own Gorgeous Yarns Using a Drop Spindle
This book may be intimidating for readers who have no experience with or easy access to raw wool. It is geared much more to those who are already spinning wool and seeking more specialized advice.
This is a short, detailed, easy-to-read book filled with great photographs as examples. Perfect for readers looking to take their iPhone photography up a few notches.
This is a thorough entry into the world of paper crafting, with beautiful photos to accompany each project and enough pieces for readers of every skill level to enjoy.
This is a short but comprehensive and enjoyable companion piece for cross-stitch fans looking to add a little humor to their next project.
Strambio’s appreciation for the art of macramé and her encouragement for readers to give knotting a try and let mistakes be part of the unique quality of a hand-crafted piece make this book a celebration of creativity from start to finish.
As recycling and sustainability keep growing in importance, this is a creative way to avoid ditching clothing that readers aren’t ready to give up.
This well-structured primer will appeal to artists looking for a new medium, as well as beginning to intermediate–level pyrographers interested in adding new skills and techniques.
While the crocheted instructions are adequate, and there are useful sections on blocking and finishing, the book contains several technical errors and omissions with the embroidered topstitching instructions. Only recommended for libraries where there is demand for the author’s books.
PREMIUM
Satisfying Stitches: Learn Simple Embroidery Techniques and Embrace the Joys of Stitching by Hand
Highly recommended, especially for libraries looking to expand their beginner-embroidery offerings.
A truly fun reference book for readers to use to make gifts for Friends lovers in their life or themselves.
Although the designs are beautiful and the patterns well written, one drawback is that the book is written in UK crochet terms that may be confusing for those who are used to American crochet ones, but there is a conversion chart. On the plus side, the blanket border instructions are written without a stitch count to allow for differing tensions. An illustrated techniques section is also included.
Any age will be able to enjoy creating a variety of pieces to complete Maddie’s or another doll’s wardrobe.
This book functions as both an art book and a how-to for crafting, which makes it an excellent inclusion in public libraries.
PREMIUM
Japanese Motifs in Stumpwork & Goldwork: Embroidered designs inspired by Japanese family crests
Nicholas’s pieces are beautiful, but they’re best for embroiderers with experience in surface embroidery, stumpwork, and goldwork. For a thorough grounding in the basics of these techniques, beginners should start with the Royal School of Needlework’s guides.
An interesting study of art inspired by and integrating nature. Not an essential purchase for an art section but will likely be of interest to many artists and makers.
Overall, a fair introduction to colorwork for the experienced crocheter up for a challenge. Given the intended audience (UK and experienced crocheters), this book is best for larger libraries’ crochet collections.
There is plenty to like about this book. Its only drawback is that it is written exclusively for right-handers. Experienced left-handed crafters must do their own conversions, and left-handed beginners are advised to look elsewhere. An optional purchase for libraries with craft sections.
An information-packed delight. This is a book to give as a housewarming gift, treasure in one’s kitchen where it will quickly become flour and lox stained, and to make sure is in every library collection.
Committed environmentalists interested in upping their game and being better citizens of planet Earth will find this guide useful. Highly recommended for all libraries.
This book moves beyond the home to include everyday activities and lifestyle. It’s likely to be in high demand due to Kondo’s popularity.
The Flays have slayed it with a casual family cookbook that covers the basics for beginners, but it is full of surprises for veteran home chefs.
PREMIUM
Drawing for Illustration
A robust bibliography and index are included. The result is an appropriate update for art collections, particularly for universities and large public libraries with teens and adults interested in this craft.
Recommended for readers interested in homesteading, organic living, and sustainable and eco-friendly poultry farming.
Full of charming gouache illustrations and a wonderful friendly tone to the text. Public-library patrons will like this one.
PREMIUM
The Beginner’s Guide to Hand Building: Functional and Sculptural Projects for the Home Potter
Geared toward the absolute novice, this book will appeal to those interested in working with clay but are not looking for glazing or firing instructions.
A thorough guide to the art of sashiko that will inspire hand-embroidery enthusiasts, as well as hand- and machine-quilters looking for geometric designs.
An asset for all library collections that include art tutorials for beginners testing the waters of a new hobby.
A great introduction to amigurumi crochet and crafting three-dimensional creatures. Recommended for most public libraries.
A wonderfully written and beautifully produced book. In keeping with Ghetto Gastro’s multidisciplinary approach, this volume will offer readers an engaging excursion into food history and culture, with a myriad of appealing recipes. Best for those interested in culinary and cultural histories.
Highly recommended for parents and teachers who are looking for low-cost, easy, fun creative projects for preschoolers to preteens.
Casey’s thorough and well-designed guide provides an extensive overview of color theory and the ways color can be used in art. Although there’s some beginner-friendly content, it’s best suited to artists with some experience with oil paints.
For those interested in living off their land and starting a homesteading lifestyle, this book does a great job providing practical tips, recipes, and inspiration to get started on a sustainable path.
The patterns and instructions are lovely. The gimmicky, surface-level nods to Japanese culture are not.
Buy where there is reader demand for intermediate-level knitting projects, with the caveat that this is for experienced right-handed U.S. knitters; left-handed and non-U.S. knitters will need to know how to do their own conversions and where to look for stitch abbreviations.
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