Hooks, Needles and Brushes: January 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

Sew tina by Tina Givens

" Sew Tina " By Tina Given has 30 cute projects and adorable decor items for kids. The book has sections explaining few terms of sewing Tinaway where she shares tips and techniques for Pleating, Gathering, Ruffles, Binding and Making Your Own Binding, Adding Decorative Elements, Mitering Corners, Quilting and so on with beautiful watercolor illustrations at every step.
In this Concealed spiral bound book you will find projects " for the little ones" and " for the bigger ones ". There are some cute adorable projects like to name a few the baby lounge suits, moses basket, sweet dreams canopy, the reversible skirt, maryjane booties, cute chef hat , crafty apron and many more for your little and bigger ones (younger ones). There are some projects which i think can also be made for even more bigger kids like the pouch backpack, puffed necklaces, sleeping bag tote. There are some fun projects like Giraffe Wall Art, Flying Pig etc and appliques at the end of the book.
She has used her line of fabrics in all her projects along with watercolor illustration in every project. This book is definately written and explained by Tina keeping in mind that even the beginner's can try them out and will be happy with their end results.

About the author: Watercolorist and fabric designer Tina Givens began her career in advertising, and later launched a stationery collection, Cid Pear Stationery. Her design work for Westminster Fibers' FreeSpirit Fabrics has appeared in everything from paper products to textiles to clothing. To see more of her work, visit http://www.tinagivens.com/.

Pros: Very well explained and easy to follow instructions.
Cons: None found on the projects i worked.
Overall: Good Book

Books can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble
Publisher: Lark Crafts
Published: October 2010
ISBN13: 9781600594250

Free Sew tina book projects can be found at Lark Crafts
Thankyou Lark/Sterling Publishing for the review copy

xoxo,

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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Heartfelt Giving by Marie Osmond's

" Heartfelt Giving by Marie Osmond's " is such a good book not only because it has some great fun project however this book also has some great memories and pictures of the author with her mother and family. She has beautifully expressed her projects in the book along with childhood memories together like when she says " "Growing up in a family of singers, our home was always filled with music. However, one of the most comforting sounds that defined my childhood was the hum of the sewing machine."
I loved this book for the clear step-by step instruction and projects as it has something for all level of sewer's with projects in sections like " GIFTS FOR MOTHERS AND LITTLE ONES " in which she has projects like First doll quilt, Baby quilt, Modern Diaper Bag, Applique'd Burp abd Bib Cloth, Oh sew easy Baby Blanket, the adorable project Baby Snuggy and Easy Peasy Little Girl's Dress a revised version of pillow dress. The next section is " GIFTS FOR TEEN AND TWEEN " in which you make Rose quilt and Paper Rose Sham, Pillow, Bed Skirt, Charging Station and more. She also has section for " GIFTS FOR YOUR BEST FRIENDS AND MOMS AND HOUSEWARMING AND WEDDING SHOWERS " where you will find great projects likeVintage Totes, Bags and jewellery Stachel, Aprons, Tabble topper & Placemat's and Bathroom Spa. Last section is sure going to be favorite for all Pooch lover's "GIFT FOR PET LOVERS " where there are some adorable projects like Doggy Coat, Leash and Feedig Mat.
The book is a spiral bound with hard cover accompanied with a nice envelope with pattern pieces. The book surely will have something for everyone in your family that they would love to have and cherish forever.

About the author: Marie Osmond has proven to be a resilient talent with a magnetic presence. The youngest-ever cohost of a national television variety show, she helped draw millions of viewers to the Donny and Marie show in the 1970s. She’s also a fashion trendsetter who is known for her designer dolls and home-decor and fashion products. A talented quilt designer, Marie has her own line of sewing machines with Janome and also her own fabric line.

Pros: Good Book with some cute and great projects for loved ones
Cons: None
Overall: Good Book

Book can be purchased at Amazon, http://www.martingale-pub.com/
ISBN: 978-1-56477-947-2

Thanks to Martingale-Pub for the review copy. Pic and author bio copyright of Martingale & Company.

xoxo,

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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Book Review: MAKING HANDMADE BOOKS By Alisa Golden

MAKING HANDMADE BOOKS By Alisa Golden is an excellent book that i have come across in making books. I had never done book binding much before for several reasons either the instructions were not clear or it would not inspire me. However, this book is more then one can ask for not only in hardcover binding but also in creative binding. The book offer's amazing and clear step by step well described instructions while teaching you the process of binding starting from Material and Methods to Ideas and Concepts. The author talks about various forms of books like Folded, Simply Glued, Simply Sewn, Scrolls and Accordions, Movable books, The Codex, Codex Variations, Envelopes and Portfolios, Cover Techniques and Boxes and Slip Cases.
This would be one of your wise investment in your book library. This book will teach you to be creative and help you learn to put your emotion and feelings while making these books. The book has statements from more than 40 established artist and photograhs of author's own work. This book is a great reference book.
If you haven't ordered a copy you must and you will love every bit of information in this book and that too at a very good price.
Pros: Awesome book with great instructions and inspiration
Cons: None
Overall: Amazing Book

About the Author: Alisa Golden's work is collected by such institutions as the New York Public Library; the Museum of Modern Art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; and the Victoria and Albert Museum. She currently teaches at California College of the Arts, San Francisco, and the San Francisco Center for the Book. She lives in Berkeley, California.

Interview by the Author Alisa Golden
How do you get your ideas?
The ideas are out there in the world, all you have to do is focus on one thing at a time. An overheard conversation may spark an idea. A dream, memory, or an article in the paper. There is a tremendous amount of funny material in the newspaper.

Do you have any advice on writing?
My best advice is write every day. Write down what you see and hear, write what you are thinking about. Write down your dreams. Write down quotes from the newspaper. Listen, too. Use all your senses. Focus is the main thing. Just think about one thing only, and focus on whether you are happy, amused, angry, whatever. Anger is a tremendous motivator. Use your emotions to propel the narrative. Or think about an interaction to begin.
After experiencing a partial writer's block after a difficult event several years ago I was able to get back to writing regularly by asking myself "What is the story in today?" I believe that there is a great story in every day if you go back and think about it. Was there a conflict? An odd occurence? A wonderful scene? A hilarious bit of dialogue? A surreal moment? What are the anecdotes you tell your friends at the end of the day? There's a story there. So many go by in a week that it's actually hard to keep up!

Can you make a living as an artist?
Maybe, if you have several related jobs. I make books, teach, and write. Those are related but they are three very separate jobs. Each of them fuels and informs the other. When I teach I discover material for a how-to. When I write a how-to I have to make models of books. When I make books I may discover a new way of working that I can teach. Sometimes I just don't have an emotional spark to work with and it is easier to bind an edition, make diagrams for a how-to, or figure out a new lesson plan. I like having several options, especially when I am feeling restless.

Will you do a workshop for our organization?
It's possible. I actually prefer doing a series of classes, though. I like building a relationship with my students and following through when there are questions and problems.

Books can be purchased at Amazon, B&N
ISBN: 1-60059-587-1
ISBN13: 9781600595875

Picture and Author's Bio and Interview is Copyright of Author & Sterling Publishing/Lark.
Special Thanks to Alisa Golden and Lark team for review copy.
xoxo,

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Monday, January 24, 2011

The Sewing Answer Book by Barbara Weiland Talbert

The Sewing Answer book by Barbara Weiland Talbert is a boon to sewer's especially to beginner's and to sewer's who even though sew for sometime and are looking for answer's to various q's coming to their mind while sewing. This book has most of the solutions to questions that crop up in your mind while sewing, atleast it did to all the questions i had or been asked while teaching. The book is divided in 11 chapters:
1. Setting up your Sewing Room: Where the author had answered on some questions about Sewing Machine Primer, Cutting tools, Pressing Equipments and Sewing Room Ergonomics.
2. Needles and Threads:What & How to select the thread, What needles to be used and answers on Hand sewing.
3. Stitching Basics: This section she answers on q's about how to set the machine stitch, how to get proper tension and know-how on machine stitching and hand-sewing.
4. Working with Patterns: How to read pattern and select the right pattern for your project, how to work on fitting adjustments , laying out and cutting the pattern pieces. These are some of the topics covered in this section.
5. All about Fabrics: Selecting, Preparing and Cutting the fabric and how to understand the facts of the fabrics like how to prevent puckering in fabrics like knit.
6. Interfacing and linings: Where and How Interfacing is used, What kind of Interfacing such as sew-in or fusible interfacing is better and many more such questions have been answered.
7 & 8. Seam and Seam finishes & Hem and Hem-Edge Finishes: In this 2 chapter the author had tried answering most of the questions like Bind it, Collar, Selecting the Right finishing method and solving them.
9. Shaping to Fit: The most essential part atleast i always have questions on such as ease and gathers, Tucks and pleats, how to properly insert elastic etc.
10. Waistlines, Pockets and Sleeves: How and what q's on waistbands, casings, pockets and flaps, cuffs etc.
11. Fasteners and Closures: Basics on Buttonholes, Button facts, Hook closures, and most importantly on lapped ,centered and invisible zippers.
In the book while answering some of the q's a small picture explaining diagram is shown as and where necessary. The book may have 1-2 questions that you have in mind which you may not find answer however it will atleast answer other 20-30 questions you have in mind that you will find answer's too. I think this book is worth having in your sewing library and it is so handy you may want to carry it in your sewing kit wherever you go.

About the author: Barbara Weiland Talbert is a nationally known sewing freelance writer and quilt book editor. Hers is a well-known name to home sewers and quilters. She has edited over 100 quilting books and designs her own lines of quilt and tote bags. Over the past twenty-plus years, Barbara has written over a thousand magazine articles on sewing and quilting subjects. Her byline has appeared in several sewing publications, including Sew News, Sewing Savvy, and Creative Machine Embroidery. Barbara has spent her career focusing on educating, supporting, and encouraging her readers to develop their skills and enjoy the fruits of their love for sewing and quilting.

Pros: Amazing book with great amount of knowledge for sewers

Con's: None found.
Overall: Great Book
Correction: You may find a correction for this book here.

Books can be purchased at B&N, Amazon and StoreyDirect.com
ISBN: 978-1-60342-543-8

Author Bio & Pic copyright by Storey Publishing
Thanks to Storey for sending this copy for review.

xoxo,

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Friday, January 14, 2011

Book review: Sewing School

Sewing School, 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make by Amie Petronis Plumley, Andria Lisle is a good book to introduce your child to the world of crafts, especially sewing.As mentioned the book author's both Amie Plumley and Andria Lisle teach a children’s sewing camp that delights kids and parents every year. This book feature's projects which will surely make your kids proud. I did some projects from this book with kids and they were extremely delighted with results.The book has "An Introduction to adults" where the author's have explained how to get started, encouraging your kids, how-to teach in groups and much more. I personally believe in teaching kids handmade items and like this book as it would motivate parents to help their kids become creative and would be a great book for them. This book will also be favorite's to teachers.
The book focuses on 12 Chapter's with 21 project's for kids such as Pillow, Blankets, Wallet, Tote, Apron, Pouch, Coaster's. It also includes projects such as how to stitch doll skirt as well as their own and also focuses on recycling and repairing their clothes and toys.The book also has pattern pieces in a envelope. The book has wonderful pictures of kids sewing each project with notes. Step by step projects have been explained for easy understanding.

About the Author's: Amie Petronis Plumley teaches kindergarten at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Memphis, where she utilizes her creative background and her Masters Degree in Education to inspire students to sew in the classroom, in an after-school Sewing Club, and at a summer camp. She is the mother of two small children and lives in Tennessee.
Andria Lisle, freelance journalist and author of Waking Up in Memphis, writes about music, food, and pop culture for The Commercial Appeal newspaper and the Memphis Flyer alt-weekly, as well as for myriad magazines including Paste, MOJO, and Garden and Gun. When not at her laptop, she loves to sew. She lives in Memphis, Tennessee.

Pro's: Good book with clear instruction and the plus is it develops ypur child creativity.

Con's: 5 to 7 year's old kid's with needles may need to be kept checking constantly and can get tiring well not that it's not worth the effort however with 7+ you can work on these projects with minimal supervision.
Overall: Great Book

Books can be purchased at Barnes and Noble, Amazon and Storey Direct.

ISBN: 9781603425780

Pic and Author Bio text :Copyright of Storey Publishing.
A special thanks to Storey Publishing for sending this book for review.

xoxo,

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Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Book review: One Yard Wonders

The One Yard Wonders, By Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins, offers 101 sewing projects with a punch line as "Look How Much You Can Make with Just One Yared of Fabric".There are 101 projects from home to craft, Babies to toys and from Bags to dresses actually to work with One Yard of fabric or rather less.The spiral bound book had a pocket with pattern pieces in it.The author's have nicely described this book breaking it down into in 11 chapters:
1.Sewing fundamantals: which can be helpful for sewer's especially new to sewing.It explains about fabric, Making and using patterns, Sewing-Machine help, Stitch Terminology and much more.
2.Dwell Redux: If you have been looking for projects to orgabising your dresser or lined book case then this section will definately be of your interest with projects like Framed Tack Board, Ruffled Cafe Curtain to Organizers.
3.Household affairs: Everything you need for your house and kitchen such as Oven Mitt & Hotpads,Obi inspired Hot & cold packs and many more
4.Craft Organistaion: This will definately interest all sewers and crafter's as it had some amazing projects such as All-You-Need Sewing Kit, Artist Brushes Case to Craft/Garden Apron and other projects.
5.On the Go: Cover's topics for projects that you would use such as a laptop sleeve, Quilted Lunch Bags, Car Trash Bags to Yoga Mat all that you need while you are out.
6.From Head to Toe: Women who love to dress and make their own especially will enjoy this section which has Pin-tucked top, Bias Skirt , Sundress to hat and many more neat projects.
7.Carry it All: Do we ladies have enought bag's not me so here is the section to make a bag for every occassion from Market Tote to Petite Diaper Tote.
8.Outfit for Your Small Wonder:Dress up your precious little one in some great projects like Jacket, Pinafore,
Jumper, dresses to cute pleated skirt.
9. Accessorize Your Little Ones: Another beauiful collection of Baby Apron, Firefighter hat, Toddle Art Smock, Pirate Growwth Chart to Banners along with few other.
10.Playtime: CUte Teddy bear cushion, Lapdog, Checkers,Pull along Dino, Elephant, Go fly a Kite and much more cute toys for kids that they would love.
11.Your Furry Friends: Now how can we forget our four legged companions.There are projects that they will like too such as Pooch Walking Set (Includes leash, collar, Bandana and Walk Bag),Cozy Dog Bed, Milo's feline friendly Tepee to Better-then-a box Pet bed
Plus at the end there is also Applique designs to finish your project.

Pro's: A good book and sewer's would love to have it in their collection. Great collection of projects to make for everyone at home.Loved the fact that bio's of all pattern contributor's was mentioned in the book in the end which generally is not seen much in other book's.

Con's: Only thing could have been worked on was giving some more diagrams even it means less projects.As some sewer's especially new or self-taught learn visually and that aspect is missing in the book.Intermediate's will enjoy the book thoroughly while experienced sewer's would not find much challenging projects however there is always something to keep them busy too.

Overall: Great Book

About the Author's:Rebecca Yaker began sewing at age five. After eight years of designing apparel for two of
America’s largest retailers, Rebecca started her own design business, creating one-of-a-kind baby bedding and apparel in her Minneapolis design studio. She is a hand- and machine-knitter, crochets, weaves, does fabric printing, and consults on design. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the Moscow State Linguistics University, doing work in Russian Languages and Literature.

Patricia Hoskins:is the co-founder of Crafty Planet, a retail fabric and needlework store and craft workshop located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has designed several of the patterns used in Crafty Planet classes. She enjoys knitting, crocheting, spinning, sewing, quilting, embroidery, and cross-stitching. She is a graduate of American University and the University of Oregon, concentrating in Russian Studies.

Publisher: Storey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-60342-449-3
Books available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon and Storey Direct

Picture and Author Bio: Copyright of Storey Publishing

Imp: There are some pattern corrections which are available at Storey.com website

xoxo,

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Sunday, January 2, 2011

NewYear, New ideas and New Ventures....:)

Dear Friends,

I am very happy that my 2011 has me many things to look forward to already..I have myself and some publisher's themselves have approached me to review and do giveaways for some of the craft books such as crochet, quilting, sewing and i am really excited about it. I would like to thank all the publishing companies who gave me the opportunity to review their books and give my honest opinion on my blog for my blog readers, students.
New year means new projects to learn , to teach and to share here on my blog.
I am so looking forward to start this new year with the e-book projects i have in mind which will keep crafter's hooked.The project involves crocheting/sewing at a basic level so you will really enjoy it!!!

Special Thanks to CT Pub, Search Press, Martingale & Company for giving me the opportunity to review your books and do the giveaways.