Crochet a Quiet Book by Ariana Wimsett

CROCHET A QUIET BOOK by Ariana Wimsett is designed to “Create a Soft Book Full of Playful Pages.” Wimsett is a crochet designer and blogger who runs the Crafting Happiness website and YouTube channel. What a variety of cute projects! I especially like the 3 in 1 baby blankets on her site – my great-grandmother crocheted a baby blanket for me decades ago! Wimsett’s recent book is just 48 pages, but it is filled with pictures, charts, and helpful instructions to crochet a book/toy for a favorite baby. In addition to turning pages to look at the animals, the baby will have some wonderful tactile experiences – feeling a horse’s mane, moving a duck up and down, or flying some “busy” bees. The creation does not appear to be too difficult, and the colorful book could make a memorable family keepsake, too.

The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly

THE DRESSMAKERS OF LONDON by Julia Kelly is a work of historical fiction set in WWII London and the English countryside. Two sisters, Sylvia and Izzie, were once close, but they have become estranged since Sylvia married and moved away from the flat above the dressmaking shop her widowed mother had established. Izzie is younger but she is the one who inherited sewing and designer skills and desperately wants to run the dress shop. Sylvia is busy with her new husband and trying to fit in with his rather snobbish social set until their Mother dies and leaves the shop to both sisters and then old resentments flare. The situation worsens when Izzie is conscripted, and Sylvia has to take over the daily shop activities. I especially liked the author’s inclusion of letters written between the two sisters; these illustrated their feelings and ultimate concern for each other. Kelly also added some romantic aspects for each woman and plenty of historic details about wartime clothes rationing and barrage balloons. In addition to other titles by Julia Kelly, interested readers may also enjoy The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle or other historical fiction works by Jennifer Ryan.

Anna Maria's Blueprint Quilting by Anna Maria Parry

ANNA MARIA'S BLUEPRINT QUILTING is the fourth book by Anna Maria Parry, an artist, seamstress and fabric designer. The quilts are absolutely stunning and she offers 16 projects ranging from beginner through confident beginner to intermediate and advanced. The text is organized so as to “Explore Color, Pattern, and Technique” and separate sections deal with these, covering topics like composition, material choice, and necessary tools. Anna Maria offers four “blueprints:” Grand Central (square), Triptych; Kiss on the Lips (an “X” style) and Color Study (using gradations).  Each project (there are 4 for each blueprint) includes notes on color choice, fabric, and cutting as well as sewing and assembly. Both photographs and colorful diagrams of the quilts are included. This is a very comprehensive book, although the projects seem large (mostly full-size quilts) and complex for the most part. A true feast for the eyes (see images below). In its starred review, Publishers Weekly praised: “Parry’s sophisticated artistic sensibilities [which] set this apart from standard quilting manuals.” 

 
Just by chance I saw a show on PBS about The Violet Protest which involved a grassroots movement using handmade textile squares as a form of social action and to promote unity across political positions. The roughly 30 minute documentary is available online at this link and embedded below:

Two Needles, Many Knits by Quayln Stark

TWO NEEDLES, MANY KNITS by Quayln Stark is aptly subtitled “The New Knitter's Guide with Easy Patterns.” Stark begins by including and explaining basic information about different types of yarns and needles. His overall tone is very encouraging. The patterns, accompanied by multiple, detailed, and very colorful photos, are truly easy. Examples include Ruby-in-the-Round Cowl, a Jade Garter Stitch Washcloth, and simple headband. Slightly more advanced ones include a patterned scarf, baby blanket, and lacey shawl. TWO NEEDLES, MANY KNITS would be a great primer to pursue individually or with a group of supportive friends.   

Interested readers will also certainly enjoy reading Unraveling by Peggy Orenstein which chronicles her efforts at shearing, dyeing, and knitting during the pandemic. And, I definitely plan to look at Crochet for Beginners by Arica Presinal or, given our Book Group’s recent fascination with crocheted bookmarks, maybe I will investigate the adorable creatures shown in Bookies: Bookmarks to Crochet.

Sew Mindful Cross Stitch by Sophie Crabb

SEW MINDFUL CROSS STITCH by Sophie Crabb is a wonderful concept – I know plenty of people who choose to sew or knit as a form of relaxation. Crabb, a designer, crafter, and small business owner from Norfolk in the United Kingdom, tackles mental health concerns by writing about her own experiences and offering subtle suggestions (like avoiding the comparison loop). She has designed cross stitch examples with supportive pithy sayings (e.g., self-care isn’t selfish or today is a new day); to get a better idea of her style check out her UK website (the US Esty page has a security warning). The book itself illustrates “22 beginner friendly cross stitch projects to bring you color and calm.” These are intentionally small projects – just right for a beginner and the book’s photos are colorful and appealing. Plus, Sophie shares helpful insights for executing the projects (like what color to use first). The preview of SEW MINDFUL CROSS STITCH that I saw lists supplies (including specific quantities and colors for embroidery thread), but the patterns were indecipherable to me on the Kindle app. The pdf version on NetGalley was significantly improved and there are several projects which would be fun to try. They’d make great gifts, too!