Crafts

In our time of a global shared trauma, self-care is more important than ever. Many of us have found new hobbies and passions during the various shutdowns, and for anyone who has been knitting, from the seasoned knitter to the knitting newbie, this book is a great source of patterns and comfort. Crafting can be a soothing activity as well as one that leaves you feeling accomplished. Get cozy and ready to take care of yourself, while making something for you or your friends!—MJ 

The crafting community that is visible to the public eye has for generations been perceived as the realm of cis-het white women. This Long Thread is made up of stories and essays from people who don’t fit into the mold that social media expects from its crafting influencers. The pieces from the BIPOC folks in This Long Thread address racism, family, tradition, love, and loss, all with a focus on fiber crafts. Get this for the crafter or maker in your life; it will enhance their craft and their understanding of the world, no matter their discipline.—Jae

Quilts are historically group projects; women sat together, creating from spare fabrics a blanket that has the potential to be handed down for generations, telling stories as they sew. Stitching Stolen Lives weaves a portrait of the power of quilts to share stories and to help one express oneself. Trail helps empower young people to use quilting to not only remember those they have lost but to make a promise to themselves to fight injustice for a better future.—MJ

Allison Hawthorne Deming has written a lovely ode to the makers, beginning with those most felt in her own life, her family’s lineage of haute couture women dressmakers and the Canadian weir fishermen of Grand Manan Island, home to her childhood summers. From here, she weaves across the world and time, seeking the intimate and the remarkable, infusing essay with poetry, detail, and an environmental awareness that understands the importance of craft, the purposeful act of making in a world of constant breaking.—Melinda

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