Crafts

As a knitter I am confident in many techniques, but one that baffles me to no end is colorwork. I need something that teaches me step by step, as most patterns are either too simple or extremely complex and leave me floundering. That’s why I’m so excited about Ostermiller’s new book, which walks you through different color techniques and lovely patterns with which to try them. If you’re ready to take your knitting to the next level, this promises to be the perfect fit. — Jax

Take a journey around the world with this beautiful book about international dyeing techniques, from the owners of A Verb for Keeping Warm textile shop in Oakland. Full of gorgeous photography, fun projects, and textile references, this book is perfect for someone who spent the beginning of lockdown in a crafting frenzy. — Jae

This beautiful book profiles 25 fabric designers from around the world, including printmaker Jen Hewett of the US (San Francisco), textile designer Naomi Ito of Japan, and First Nation artist Destiny Seymour. This visual feast is filled with a bold range of patterns and vibrant colors as well as inspirational text about each designer’s creative process. It is a fantastic gift for any artist or lover of textiles. — S.B.

Take up your tools of repair, fellow makers, fellow tinkerers! The revolution is coming, and it is here to mend your old jeans, fix that broken toaster, and finally get the missing leg on the chair you’ve had for years! Tell your friends, tell your neighbors, and invite them to share in the wonderful world of repair! — Jae

Although I have been embroidering for almost 2 years now, I still consider myself a beginner. I am often hesitant to look at patterns and new projects, for fear that I will be intimated. But celebrated embroidery artist Yumiko Higuchi’s new book was the perfect one to ease my fears and boost my confidence. With splendid photographs, and clear, step-by-step instructions and diagrams, this book will be a delight for embroidery novices and experts alike. The designs somehow manage to be fresh and simple all at once. My favorite aspect of this book were the tips on using metallic thread to make a motif feel layered and stand out. This is a beautiful and lovely book for any embroiderer in your life (including yourself!). - S.M.C.

Sewing, embroidery, and anything to do with needle and thread have long been considered “women’s work” and disregarded as frivolous. Clare Hunter takes us on a journey through time to shine a light on the enormous impact of these underestimated crafts—embroidery used as medieval propaganda, quilts that World War II POWs made to regain their individuality, the 1980’s AIDS quilt, pussy hats after the 2016 election. This trip through textile history is perfect for the history nerd and contemporary sewist alike. - J Gallo

This book is a piece of art in and of itself. It details the process of artisans who work on crafts that have almost slipped into obscurity. I jump at every chance I get to learn about a new form of crafting and making. The chapters on the book mender and the kintsugi (the Buddhist art of mending pottery with gold lacquer) are especially fascinating. Get this for the crafter in your life who flits from one practice to another and is equally excited about all of them. - J Gallo

I was not expecting a memoir about a bale of wool, but it turns out the bale is the perfect vehicle to explore the American wool landscape and its future. Parkes’ writing allows the newbie to jump in feet first, while at the same time provides a homey return for those familiar with the lifestyle (from shearing to spinning to knitting). This is a love letter to wool, to the process and the people involved, and to the joy of being able to play with it to create something new. - Rachel

I’m very excited to read the testimonials extolling the virtues of quilting in this book. I’ve been sewing for most of my life and quilting for at least the last 5 years, and I love hearing about how sewing and quilting have changed people’s lives and helped them to change the world around them. Each of the chapters speaks to me: I quilt to connect with tradition, I quilt and sew to eschew consumer culture, and I quilt because I can! Gift this to the fabric addict who handmakes their gifts every year. - J Gallo

Chock full of fun projects (including a duvet cover, lampshades, and a hammock), varied dye techniques, and beautifully photographed step-by-step instructions, Hand Dyed is this season’s perfect craft book. There’s nothing like a messy, colorful project for a beautiful spring or summer day that you can enjoy outside. A great supplement to the muted neutrals of the natural dye trend, these dye projects will add a punch of vibrant color to your home and wardrobe. - Megan