Welcome to my fave books of the year series of posts. Over the next week I will be showcasing my favourite books of the year, last week I discussed my kids fave books, you have met my favourite foodie, sewing and yarny books, and today it my fave general crafty and creative books.
Also I have a few books for whipup readers, so keep reading to find out which ones. Entries are open for 48 hours, winners will be chosen at random and will be notified via email. Winners will be contacted via email.
I love being crafty and creative, while mostly I am sewing, or crocheting, I also love to work with paper – especially on projects with the kids, and to explore new materials, techniques and ideas and I think thats what this list is all about today.
A new book just out recently, so recent I have not yet had a chance to mention it on whipup, is Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People by Amy Sedaris
Crafting a Meaningful Home by Meg Mateo Ilasco
Lately we have been getting into papercraft, mainly because the kids love to work with paper, and so papercraft books have entered my life and lots of glorious paper has too. There are many new origami books on the market this year, but one that I think really works is Ready Steady Origami by Didier Boursin
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and 
are both full of very stylish and form fitting designs. And if are knitting for yourself then may I recommend 
– which has some gloriously unusual but very flattering designs, and a very recent addition to my pile is 
, a book I love for its practicality, stylish designs and interesting details. [STC craft are kindly offering a copy of Modern top-down knitting to a whipup reader so please leave a comment - letting us know your favourite and best knitting book of all time - you have 48 hours to enter]
, for Crochet clothing for women that is incredibly beautiful, fitted and with some beautifully detailing. This book might be a couple of years old – but it has really stood the test of time for me. [+ Interweave are offering a copy of Blueprint crochet to a whipup reader - so leave a comment with some crochet book recommendations - you have 48 hours to enter].
. I couldn’t find this book on my shelf so I think I must have lent it to a friend, along with 
, one of my favourite cutest knitting books of all time, it has mysteriously disappeared. [But you dear readers are in luck, as Random house are offering a copy of this book to one lucky whipup reader - leave a comment letting us know your favourite pattern that you have knitted - if there is a link online let us know that too - you have 48 hours to enter]
, which I reviewed 
is one I couldn’t miss out, simply because it is all about comfort knitting and crochet – snuggling up with a handmade soft and warm afghan – nothing could be better really.
for example is one of her favourite books.
and all the books in the 
. Now he is currently reading 
in between quicker sillier stories like 
. His very favourite book of all time though is 
, which he has read over and over again.
and and some new faves like 
(see yesterdays post for your chance to win a copy of this book) and 
.
. He devoured the first three books, which I purchased as a set, quick as a flash. He is now onto the next books in the series and more Rick Riordan books too. These books are perfectly aimed at his age group, action, adventure, heros, mythology, magic – it has it all. I loved the fact that my son was suddenly a walking encyclopedia of Greek mythology! My daughter didn’t think she would like these books (mainly because her brother was so addicted), but when the movie came out earlier this year, and all her friends started reading the books, she reconsidered her position.
. And it does not disappoint. With an extensive section on design and colour, which is what they are renowned for, their designs follow on from their previous book, 
and I know they have another book in the works due out next year. I love that this book is written by a husband and wife team, who also run a business together, a perfect match. Another quilting book I loved was 
. Elizabeth has a wonderful way of explaining things – plus her designs are fresh and simple too.
which I
, has a whole range of different things to sew, from dresses, baby gear, house accessories and handbags, plus Anna-Maria is a genius with colour and explanations. I also loved 
, with projects featuring hardy and alternative materials. [Lark crafts is offering a copy of The Feisty Stitcher to a whip up reader, and a copy of 
+ here is a project from Craft hope - 
. All about eco style and fashion, with a lot of hand detailing – a beautiful book.
. Gorgeous funny little dolls and critters, beautifully photographed and wonderfully presented. [+ STC Craft are generously offering a copy to a whipup reader - so again let us know what funny, little things you have made this year.]
is one of my fave quilting books, its in the pile there but I didn’t tell you about it – full of incredibly colourful quilting designs and great instructions by 2 fellow Australian quilting gals. [And I wanted to let you know that Sarah Fielke has arranged to give a copy to a whipup reader. So I am extending the time on this post for another 24 hours to give you a chance to win this book.]
