December 2023 MBR The Needlecraft Shelf

The Needlecraft Shelf

Simply Knitted Socks
Christine Boggis
The GMC Group
www.gmcbooks.com
9781784946708, $24.99, PB, 128pp

https://www.amazon.com/Simply-Knitted-Socks-Beautiful-Patterns/dp/1784946702

Synopsis: With the publication of "Simply Knitted Socks: 25 Beautiful Patterns to Create", knitting expert Christine Boggis (who is also the editor of Knitting magazine and author of "JOMO Knits: 21 Projects to Celebrate the Joy" introduces needlecrafters to a dynamic assortment of DIY knitting styles from baby booties perfect for beginners, to twisty rib socks for more experienced knitters.

Whether your interest is in creating unique socks to wear or to present to friends and family "Simply Knitted Socks: 25 Beautiful Patterns to Create" promises hours of stress-free creative fun and relaxation for knitters everywhere.

Critique: Featuring beautiful color photography throughout, along with step-by-step illustrated guides, measurement diagrams and useful tips, easy-to-follow instructions, and an impressive variety of knitted sock styles, "Simply Knitted Socks: 25 Beautiful Patterns to Create" is enthusiastically recommended for personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft/Knitting instructional reference collections.

Adorable Houseplants to Crochet
Marie Clesse, author
Fabrice Besse, photographer
Dover Publications, Inc.
www.doverpublications.com
9780486851150, $14.95, PB, 64pp

https://www.amazon.com/Adorable-Houseplants-Crochet-Marie-Clesse/dp/048685115X

Synopsis: "Adorable Houseplants to Crochet" by Marie Clesse (a knitting and crochet designer who specializes in original mini-designs) is a charming DIY needlecraft collection that showcases the perfect houseplants to crochet and display!

Suitable for chrocet enthusiasts at all skill levels, these 14 adorable projects include a eucalyptus wreath, a framed fern, creeping vines, stylish succulents, several kinds of flowering cacti, and other beautiful blooms.

Each individual pattern includes detailed instructions for crochet and assembly, a full-color photo of the finished project, and estimates for how long each takes to complete. Of special note is the introductory section that includes techniques and diagrams, as well as practical recommendations for yarns, stuffings, hooks, pots and planters, and other tools and materials.

Beginners and experts alike will have everything they need to "grow" their own unique indoor garden or create sweet and unique gifts for friends and family.

Critique: Impressively 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Adorable Houseplants to Crochet" from the 'Dover Crafts' series will prove a welcome and fun pick for personal, professional, and community library 'how-to' instructional guides for crochet based gift giving projects.

Quick & Easy Macrame
Tansy Wilson, author
Sian Hamilton, author
The GMC Group
www.gmcbooks.com
9781784946722, $19.99, PB, 104pp

https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Easy-Macrame-Stylish-Projects/dp/1784946729

Synopsis: With the publication of "Quick & Easy Macrame: Simple and Stylish Small Projects", macrame experts and co- authors Tansy Wilson and Sian Hamilton introduce the art of macrame with projects ranging from home decor to fashion items that make learning macrame quick and stress free!

The featured projects range from a cute and simple pencil case that's great for a beginner, to beautifully designed animal wall hangings, that are ideal for any children's bedroom for the more advanced crafter. "Quick & Easy Macrame: Simple and Stylish Small Projects" will provide hours of creative fun and relaxation.

Critique: The latest title in the popular GMC Group Macrame series, "Quick & Easy Macrame: Simple and Stylish Small Projects" features 12 macrame projects for the complete beginner; Illustrated techniques section explaining each type of knot; Along with step-by-step instructions and beautiful photography throughout. This large format paperback edition of "Quick & Easy Macrame: Simple and Stylish Small Projects" is an extraordinarily 'user friendly' and highly recommended addition to personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft collections.

Editorial Note #1: Sian and Tansy met at University doing a BA in 3D design and they have both now been in the design industry for over 25 years. Sian and Tansy have worked together on many magazine and book projects for the craft sector. They like to combine their creative ideas to bring a range of simple craft skills to a wider audience. Tansy has written a number of jewellery and craft books, she lives in Somerset. Together they wrote Macrame: Techniques and Projects for the Complete Beginner & Macrame: Contemporary Projects for the Home (both published by GMC Publications).

EDITOR'S NOTE:

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James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review