Men’s Knits: 20 New Classics by erika knight. Potter Craft (September 1, 2009).

One of the best (if not the best) knitting book for men’s sweaters I have seen in a while. The designs are wearable, suitable for a range of ages and styles, the instructions are easy to follow, the measurements and garment shaping are easy to understand (the downside to this book is the lack of circular knitting – all are knitted flat and seamed). On top of all that the photography is fantastic, they are modeled by a range of different men of all ages.

Designs range from simple and argyle vests, zippered and chunky grandpa collar style cardigans, half zipper fold down neck, herringbone design and chunky funnel-neck sweater (+ a couple of hats and scarves to accessorise with your sweater + lots more sweaters – I can’t list them all here). I love everything about these sweaters, from the styling – the colours and textures, the necklines and shape and fit all perfect – very flattering and comfortable and versatile.

The funnel-neck sweater is knit with an oversized rib yoke, in soft merino and kid mohair – I love that it is described as ‘rugged comfort’ and ‘old-friend favourite’ as these descriptions fit this sweater perfectly.

A simple vest is also customised with a lovely checkerboard pattern and an argyle pattern. Knitted in fine cotton/cashmere blend makes this a classic style vest.

I love that many of these designs are perfect for slim men – not all men have wide frames – a lovely fine-knit low v cardigan is designed as a slim-fit cardigan and knitted in bamboo yarn it drapes beautifully and while very traditional and simple design is distinctly modern.

In fact all the designs in this book are fairly simple with a traditional shapes, and plain knitting, yet have quite contemporary lines. This is the perfect knitting book for the coming season.

My bro set up a kids stuff blog at red cordial revolution (don’t you just love that name – we brain stormed for a whole afternoon), and I will be occasionally contributing kids related book reviews and the occasionally crafty thing as well as recipes and family friendly stuff. I reviewed 101 Ways You Can Help Save the Planet Before You’re 12! and have also posted my 5 fave things to cook for a family friendly easy and healthy dinner.

My brother has 2 little boys and is currently a work-from-home dad – he has posted his 5 fave get-out-of-the-house things to do with his little ones as well as some great book reviews for younger kids – great to see a new dad’s point of view!

Urban Paper: 26 Designer Toys to Cut Out and Build by Matt Hawkins. Published by How; Pap/DVD edition (April 21, 2009).

What a fantastic book – chock full of paper toy designs to cut out and make (with a DVD to print out more once the ones in the book are all used up.)

Along with the instructions and templates to make the toys in this book, there is a wonderful insight into the makers behind these ingenious folded paper toy designs. As well as the templates to make the designs featured in this book, there is also a section on how to design your own paper toys, and some background from the designers on their design process – as well as a fascinating pictorial process on the designs – from the initial drawing to the 3D mock up to making the flat design in illustrator.

With this book I discovered a new craft but also a whole slew of new designers and makers – as well as the ‘online paper toy phenomenon’ that I had only really glimpsed before. (check out moytoy, nice paper toys and custom paper toys – Matt Hawkins the authors own website has heap of freebie paper toy printable templates – rocket toy , Princess kitty, and this blank toy design are just a few.

Shambala are offering whipup readers the chance to win one of three copies of each of these books. For more information on these two books go to the Make Good Books website and read where I reviewed these books here – These are the first books in the Make Good: crafts + life series of Japanese craft books translated into English and published through Shambhala.

Shambala are also offering this project for download right here – one of the projects from Linen Wool Cotton – this floor mat pattern. Download PDF here.

To enter – leave a comment here in the next 48 hours – letting us know your favourite Japanese inspired project. winners will be announced in next few days.

Patchwork Style: 35 Simple Projects for a Cozy and Colorful Life (Make Good: Crafts + Life) by Suzuko Koseki. Trumpeter (April 14, 2009)

Linen, Wool, Cotton: 25 Simple Projects to Sew with Natural Fabrics (Make Good: Crafts + Life) by Akiko Mano. Trumpeter (April 14, 2009)

Thank you everyone for entering – winners have been contacted – here they are:

amy:
i think sashiko is my number one inspiration of japanese craft stuff, but really, it’s the entire package. i love the simplicity of the books themselves, and the projects inside them. i have several japanese amigurami books, and a japanese embroidery book (i’d have more, but they’re so pricey!), and i love the designs and the formatting of the books themselves.

Deanna:
I love the Patchwork Style book and have been dying to get one – its not available in Australia apparantly! Im very new to sewing and there are a few projects i want to make – especially a super-size floor mat that is patchworked (im pretty sire there is a more achievable sized one in the book!). I love these titles and hope to see more published soon!

Kym:
How could I choose just one? The Japanese children’s clothes patterns are so stylish and toys are irresistably cute. I love the simplicity of zakka, with just a little piece of lace or embroidery turning a plain object into something wonderful. What’s not to love about Japanese craft?

klaudia:
Thank you for the giveaway, sounds lovely! I have a lot of favourite Japanese inspired projects, depending what am I about to make..most recently it’s aprons…so cool and simple and stylish…I would also love to have a go at tunics..but that’s a thought for the future:)

dawn:
I’ve been a huge fan of Japanese craft books for a few years now. My kids can’t get enough of the cute felt animals but I love the simplicity of embroidered linen projects.

Cindy Ericsson:
I hand-sewed a great Japanese-inspired tank last summer using a lovely blue and white batik fabric. I cut out the pieces by copying a very plain tank. Once I’d sewn the side seams and the straps, I adjusted the fit around the neck by sewing box pleats. I wore it to one of my husband’s work functions — he thought I’d bought it in a shop!

Switch Craft: Battery-Powered Crafts to Make and Sew by Alison Lewis & Fang-Yu Lin. Potter Craft; Spi edition (October 28, 2008).

Such an intriguing and new media way of sewing. Mixing future technology with ancient arts – definitely appeals to a whole new wave of crafters – and some of the old ones too. My husband is even interested in starting to sew.

Projects are cool, photography is a mix of cute and edgy, illustrations and design is clear and basic. I also love the addition of the ratings – theres a craft rating, a tech rating and a cost rating.

I love the floor cushion with has light tubes hidden in the piping. A bag that lights up when your phone rings. A purse which has a light that turns on when the purse is opened. A disco skirt has luminescent wire sewn into it. A laptop bag with wi-fi satellite detection. Hat with hidden ipod shuffle with built in controls. Talking dolls and sound bite dog toys and so very much more. Along with these way cool projects there are heaps of extras in the remix section of each project and technology, tools and techniques hidden away at the back.

This is a book not to be missed for all the crafty and techo nerds out there.

A Simply Enchanting Crafts: Over 30 Delightfully Delicate Projects For You and Your Home by Lila Force, published by David & Charles (September 8, 2008).

A sweet book full of delicate and adorable projects for you and the girls in your life. Full of enchanting and glittering projects, all magical or fairy related, such as raindrop necklace (dew drop beaded necklace) – a floral crown (using felt flowers), delicate bells (made from lace and ribbon), hair daisies (fabric puffs and beads), there are also secret notebooks, lucky charms, fairy dolls, elf clothing and lots more.

The projects use a range of mediums, skills and materials, from beading, to sewing to collage and papier mache. Its a sweet book for children and grownups who love a little romance and magic.

Taking Flight: Inspiration And Techniques To Give Your Creative Spirit Wings by Kelly Rae Roberts, published by North Light Books (September 2, 2008).

Find your creative wings with author and artist Kelly Rae Roberts, she takes readers on a journey of self discovery, using creative prompts and inspirational stories, literature and people to guide you down the path. Topics covered include: discovering your life long goals, unearthing your dreams, facing your fears, finding the sacred in the ordinary, speaking out the truth and embracing the journey. Each section contains an interview with a guest artist, a creative prompts and crafty activities to ‘help you soar’, inspirational quotes and more besides.

This is a lovely book to get you on the path to creating and discovering your dreams.

Knitalong: Celebrating the Tradition of Knitting Together by Larissa Golden Brown and Martin John Brown and published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang (March 15, 2008). [read the review here]

The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections by Amanda Blake Soule, published by Trumpeter (April 1, 2008) [read the interview here]

Warm Fuzzies: 30 Sweet Felted Projects by Betz White published by North Light Books (December 10, 2007) [read the review here]

Survival Sewing: Emergency Fixes for the Rips, Snags & Tears of Everyday Life by Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader & Nathalie Mornu, published by lark Books, 2007. [read review here]

More book recommendations for your holiday crafting/gift giving.

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). [read the review here]

The Paper Home: Side Tables, Clocks, Bowls, and Other Home Projects Made from Paper by Labeena Ishaque published by Potter Craft (April 8, 2008). [read the review here]

Cookie Craft: From Baking to Luster Dust, Designs and Techniques for Creative Cookie Occasions by Valerie Peterson and Janice Fryer published by Storey Publishing, LLC (October 24, 2007). [read the review here]

Sensual Knits: Luxurious Yarns, Alluring Designs by Yahaira Ferreira published by Sterling/Hollan (January 1, 2008) [read the review here]

Shear Spirit: Ten Fiber Farms, Twenty Patterns, and Miles of Yarn by Joan Tapper (Author), Gale Zucker (Photographer), published by Potter Craft (April 15, 2008). [read the review here]

Junk Jewelry: 25 Extraordinary Designs to Create from Ordinary Objects by Jane Eldershaw, Potter Craft (July 22, 2008).

This is a fun and irreverent, but also serious look at junk jewelry. From buttons, to bike tail lights, kids plastic lettering to keyboard keys and domino pieces to scour pads! Techniques are pretty basic – this is more about design and conceptual art than techniques. About how to discover gems in the junk, how to de-construct and dismantle it and to simply put it together into something simple and unique.

Coolest project – the tail light belt buckle, weirdest project might be tough – either the lifesaver earings or the scour pad brooch, oooh and ugliest project – the fork ‘ribbon shop medal’ I am pretty sure its supposed to be irreverently ugly! Easiest to make – lots of easy projects here – but the safety pin cuff because of availability of materials. All up a totally fun and cool book.

The Beader’s Bible by Dorothy Wood, David & Charles (June 16, 2008).

For beaders wanting an in depth look at techniques combined with attractive projects, this book is well worth the money – a big fat book, filled with projects and lots of how-to process photos. Very clear instructions and a big range of skills and techniques on show.

Bead loom weaving, beaded cords and fringing, wire work, beading embroidery, knitting and crochet are just some of the techniques covered. Each chapter/technique includes 4-5 projects of varying difficulty, a basic tool kit needed, how to get started – basic techniques, and then how to take it further – for those adept or wanting to improve their skills.

Some of my favourite projects include working with macramé and beads, simple and stunning wire beaded tiara, woven bead and tweed evening purse and a gorgeous beaded knitted scarf. There are some gorgeous projects in here – but more than that – lots of info on technique.

Cross Stitcher’s Countdown To Christmas by Various Contributors, published by David & Charles (June 9, 2008).

Christmas is coming and for cross stitchers – here is a fabulous book, filled with all sorts of variations on Christmas. All the designs have lovely big charts, and there is a brief techniques section at the back. Designs range from a very sweet advent calendar – with a different design for each day, designed by Joan Elliott. I love the Scandinavian motifs in red and white, and sweet flora and fauna designs both by Lesley Teare. The ‘Mittens garland’ by Ursula Michael, is just beautiful, with beaded cross stitch motifs and the beaded tree decorations by Shirley Toogood are lovely.

And there is more, each page there is something I love, cake band designs with iceskating ladies by Maria Diaz, gift pillow with funny elves by Claire Crompton, some irreverent ‘feathered friends’ turkeys and ducks by Jane Henderson…. Lots lots more. Many projects for the more experienced cross stitcher – with enough for the beginner as well.

120 Celebration Cross Stitch Cards by Gillian Souter, published by David & Charles.

Say it with cross stitch – for the cross stitch lover – some terribly cute designs – small enough for greeting cards – but really you could use these for anything. The charts are clear and there is a good but brief stitching techniques section at the back.

All the main events are included: Religious (all the main religions are represented), as well as every other event you can imagine. I love the knot tag design for fathers day and the tools design, there is a ‘twins’ design with twin prams, and lots of ideas for new babies, and children – including a ‘well done smarty pants’ design and birthday designs, with cute monsters and fairies. There are too many designs to mention and all of them are classic and timeless. Lots here for anyone.