The New Crewel: Exquisite Designs in Contemporary Embroidery by Katherine Shaughnessy Lark Books (November 1, 2005)

Artist and master embroiderer, Katherine Shaughnessy, is pushing embroidery into the 21st century. Without being able to find any modern how-to books on embroidery, an unsatisfied Shaughnessy set out to make one herself. With 30 practice designs with easy instructions for any new beginner embroidery enthusiast, crewel is a great intro into the sewing and craft worlds. Since crewel has no counting, grids, or cross stitch technicalities, this embroidery is just fun hip design from the point of view of a true connoisseur.

I particularly enjoy the layout and organization of the book. Shaughnessy, begins with a brief history of crewel and covers all the basic of the craft from thread, to purpose to origins. The majority of the book is filled with short how-to’s for specific designs like the Tulip Tops, Snow Shoes and Chainlink Pink. It is apparent throughout the book just how dedicated Shaughnessy is to the craft and how in awe she is of the background and traditions as well as giddy and excited about redefining this grandma past time. An inspiring work for the inspired crafter.

About the author: Kendra is a native southerner from Atlanta, Georgia and instinctive writer and crafter. She’s been working with threadbanger since August 2007 and is still at it.

The Dangerous Alphabet by Neil Gaiman (Author), Gris Grimly (Illustrator), published by HarperCollins (April 29, 2008) and Bloomsbury (May 2008) distributed in Australia through Allen and Unwin.

‘The dangerous Alphabet’ appears to be a great idea and a very clever book – but perhaps a bit too clever for its intended audience.

The illustrations and the poetic nature of this book are excellent, it is visually a gorgeous book. The idea of two children with their pet gazelle who travel through a maze deep underground in order to solve a mystery, would certainly give the impression that this book is a winner. And it has received rave reviews from acclaimed authors who have said things like “delicate horror of the finest fairy tales”, “weird, and frightening” and “a fascinating and disturbing story that frightened me nearly to death”.

Alphabet books are intrinsically aimed at pre-readers and young children, and while I don’t doubt the cleverness of this book – it is not appropriate for the age group that would be interested in an alphabet book. If this is meant to be a book to help teach children the alphabet, it definitely misses the mark.

About the reviewer: Paul has been teaching primary school students for 20 years and has two young children of his own.

Retro Knits: Cool Vintage Patterns for Men, Women, and Children from the 1900s through the 1970s by Kari Cornell (Editor), Jean Lampe (Editor), published by Voyageur Press; 1st edition (April 15, 2008).

Having had a good look at Retro Knits and I was feeling very nostalgic over some of the patterns, so I thought I should get someone else’s view of them. I showed my young neighbour and her 14 year old daughter and they both liked the styles and didn’t see much difference to what is now available in the shops. Later that evening the daughter returned the book and was so inspired by the retro designs that she asked for some knitting lessons.

For me the patterns are very familiar, my mother used to knit these patterns – from the ’40’s right up to the ’80’s. I have always knitted used older patterns, I have my mothers knitting pattern collection which spans over 60 years as well as my collection which I have added to over the years. I feel like I have knitted those baby clothes, a mens cardigan and the boys and girls cardigan. What do I like about these patterns? They are mostly basic, longer line, very smart looking, very suitable to be worn anywhere and at any function.

Good classic styles are timeless and if you are prepared to put the time into knitting (which is a lovely calming hobby) one should also use good quality yarn. I personally only ever knit with good quality wool – for its warmth and its ability to last and wear well if looked after.

Its been a privilege to give my opinion on this book and lovely to see cardigans and jumpers [sweaters] that are designed not just for fashion but for comfort, warmth and smartness that are truly classics.

About the author: Janette lives in Australia and spends her retirement gardening and playing with all yarn related crafts.