PieceWork Recommends: Books

Look for these books at needlework and bookstores or from mail-order or online resources.

Books are listed alphabetically by title. A \| B \| C \| D \| E \| F \| G \| H \| I \| J \| K \| L \| M \| N \| O \| P \| Q \| R \| S \| T \| U \| V \| W \| X \| Y \| Z

	AlterKnits: Imaginative Projects and Creativity Exercises Leigh Radford New York: Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2005. Hardbound, 128 pages, $24.95. ISBN 1-58479-455-0. If you want to expand your knitting horizon, get this book. Yes, there are projects and instructions, but there is so much more: thoughtful and thought-provoking insights into both knitting and creativity, conventional and unconventional knitting (with sterling silver wire, for example), and abundant encouragement from the author.

	And So to Bed: 24 Original Handknits for Girls and Boys Lucinda Guy North Pomfret, Vermont: Trafalgar Square, 2006. Hardbound, 112 pages, $22.95. ISBN 1-57076-329-1; www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com. The terrific designs for two- to-five-year-old children in this book are delightful as are the illustrations. If you knit for anyone in this age bracket, this book is sure to please. There are instructions for toys, blankets, a pajama case, hot-water bottle covers, and a doll in addition to some really fun clothing.

	Andean Folk Knits: Great Designs from Peru, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador and Bolivia Marcia Lewandowski Asheville, North Carolina: Lark Books, 2005. Hardbound, 144 pages, $24.95. ISBN 1-57990-582-X; www.sterlingpub.com. A brief history of the Andean people and their long knitting tradition sets the stage for the twenty-five knitting projects featured here. Choose from scarves, purses, mittens, and gloves.

	Antique French Textiles for Designers with Price Guide June K. Laval Atglen, Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing, 2004. Hardbound, 192 pages, $39.95. ISBN 0-7643-2039-4; www.schifferbooks.com. Following a history of French textiles are more than 400 color photographs that illustrate the various uses for antique French textiles. Each section concludes with very helpful Frequently Asked Questions.

	The Art of Comfort: Antique Quilts and Bed Coverings from the Pilgrim/Roy Collection Lexington, Kentucky: University of Kentucky Art Museum, 2006. Softbound, 49 pages, $18. ISBN 0-9779541-0-2. Although this book was published as a catalog for an exhibition, quilt lovers will still want it for their libraries. Forty quilts from the Pilgrim/Roy Collection of more than 2,500 quilts are featured, each in full-color and shown on separate pages. Dating from 1880 to 1940, the quilts are striking.

	Baby Wore White: Robes for Special Occasions, 1800–1910 Emborough, Radstock, England: Heather Toomer Antique Lace, 2004. Softbound, 168 pages, £17.50 (about $35). ISBN 0-9542730-1-X. This is an outstanding book that those interested in nineteenth-century clothing—both baby and adult—pattern making, and whitework will savor. In addition to clear, crisp photographs of more than seventy robes for babies, there are patterns from several surviving examples, historical and family details, and period fashion plates.

	The Bargello Book Frances Salter London: A&C Black, 1993; reprinted, 2006. Softbound, £9.99 (about $19). ISBN 0-7136-7953-0. Many associate bargello, also known as Florentine work, with the flame motif, but it can produce much more than that; tulips, boxes, ripples, and shells are just a few examples. This reprint of the popular 1993 book will get you started down your own bargello path. It is concise, well-illustrated, and precise.

	Beautiful Beaded Embroidery Concord, California: C&T, 2006. Softbound, 128 pages, $27.95. ISBN 978-1-57120-406-6. Beautifully photographed and illustrated, chock-full of step-by-step instructions, and full-size lift-out patterns for the seventeen projects make this volume a real treasure for embroiderers and beaders. Choose from bags, ornaments, pillows, flowers, or my favorite—the black satin dancing shoes!

	Beyond Paper Dolls: Expressive Paper Personas Crafted with Innovative Techniques and Art Mediums Lynne Perrella Laguna Hills, California: Stampington, 2006. Softbound, 192 pages, $24.95. ISBN 0-9717296-8-9. Paper dolls have come a long way since my 1950s-era Lennon Sisters dolls! This compendium showcases the work of fifty-six contemporary artists, including that of the author. Technique details for each doll—from those made solely from paper to mixed media ones—add insight into each artist’s creation.

	The Blue Ribbon Manual of Competitive Needlearts Events Janet Johnson Stephens and Donalene S. Poduska Cleveland Heights, Ohio: Susan Yarns, 1998. Spiralbound, 58 pages, $13.95. No ISBN; Janet Johnson Stephens, (770) 587-0604. If you are involved with an organization that holds judged needlearts events, you will find this book very helpful. The authors thoroughly and effectively cover all aspects from planning the event to judging criteria. Needleart lovers, authors, and stitchers will find the information included in the judging criteria chapter for knitting, crochet, embroidery, canvas work, surface stitchery, counted thread, and quilting valuable.

	The Complete Encyclopedia of Stitchery Mildred Graves Ryan New York: Sterling, 2005. Softbound, 704 pages. $17.95. ISBN 1-4027-1948-5; www.sterlingpub.com. With over 1,000 entries and 1,400 well-drawn and clear illustrations, this handy reference covers crochet, embroidery, knitting, macramé, rug making, sewing, and tatting.

	The Constance Howard Book of Stitches Constance Howard London: B. T. Batsford, 2005, reprint. Softbound, 140 pages, $19.95. ISBN 0-7134-8938-3; www.chrysalisbooks.co.uk. Well-known embroiderer Constance Howard (1910–2000), whose work was exhibited worldwide, adds her creativity to the stitches that are familiar to all embroiderers.

	Cool Crochet: 30 Hot, Fun Designs to Crochet and Wear Melissa Leapman New York: Watson-Guptill, 2005. Softbound, 128 pages, $19.95. ISBN 0-8230-1124-0; www.wgpub.com. Looking for out-of-the-ordinary crocheted items? These designs are fun, sophisticated, and fashionable and include sweaters, a terrific coat, an elegant dress, and even a crocheted necklace.

	The Coptic Tapestry Albums and the Archaeologist of Antinoé, Albert Gayet Nancy Arthur Hoskins Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2004. Softbound, 162 pages, $55. ISBN 0-295-98374-4. Albert Gayet excavated at the ancient Egyptian town of Antinoé between 1898 and 1910 and recovered numerous textiles and textile fragments; 144 of them were bound into two albums by a collector. Nancy Arthur Hoskins tells the story of the textiles, which tell the story of the people who lived in Antinoé. This is a well-researched and –illustrated book—a must have for textile lovers.

	Denyse Schmidt Quilts: 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects Denyse Schmidt San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2005. Softbound, 176 pages, $24.95. ISBN 0-8118-4442-0; www.chroniclebooks.com. From the opening image of Steve the Cat—he makes you giggle and makes you want him!—to the last page, this book is a delight. Clear and precise step-by-step directions guide you through the stellar projects that are not confined to completed quilts.

	Edges and Finishes in Machine Embroidery Valerie Campbell-Harding Chicago: Quilters’ Resource, 2004. Softbound, 128 pages, $25.95. ISBN 1-889682-35-7; www.quiltersresource.com. For many, the edges and the finishes are the least enjoyable part of a project. Valerie Campbell-Harding offers hundreds of ideas for almost any machine embroidery project imaginable.

	Embroidered Purses: Design and Techniques Linda Tudor London: B.T. Batsford, 2004. Hardbound, 128 pages, $26.95. ISBN 0-7134-8877-8; www.batsford.com. Antique purses from around the world, shown in glorious color and detail, serve as inspiration for the embroidered projects. The selection includes two-sided, folded, clutch, drawstring, and box purses.

	Embroidered Treasures for Children Claire Garland New York: Stewart, Tabori and Chang, 2005. Softbound, 128 pages $19.95. ISBN 1-58479-430-5; www.abramsbooks.com. Children of all ages will love receiving any of the projects made from this book. The embroidered linen slippers, snuggle bag, and pillowcase, the knitted blanket, the quilts, and the stuffed toys are delightful.

	The Encyclopedia of Machine Embroidery Val Holmes Chicago: Quilters’ Resource, 2004. Softbound, 192 pages, $25.95. ISBN 1-889682-36-5; www.quiltersresource.com. This well-illustrated book takes you from A (acrylic felt) to Z (zipper foot) and covers both free-motion and computerized embroidery. The examples of contemporary work are inspiring.

	English Embroideries of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries in the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum Mary M. Brooks Distributed by Woodstocker Books, Woodstock, New York, 2004. Hardbound, 96 pages, $22.95. ISBN 1-85444-193-0. Many good things do come in small packages, and this book is one of them. Beautifully illustrated with many details, the book examines embroidered pictures, a needlework box, samplers, glove gauntlets, coifs, a forehead cloth, a purse, a tape measure, flowers, and a bag. Details on life in the seventeenth-century add to the value.

	Fashions of the Gilded Age: Volume 1, Undergarments, Bodices, Skirts, Overskirts, Polonaises, and Day Dresses, 1877–1882 Frances Grimble, ed. San Francisco, California: Lavolta Press, 2004. Softbound, 469 pages, $49. ISBN 0-9636517-5-7; www.lavoltapress.com. If you are involved in making period costume, you will want this book. Detailed illustrations and text accompany the 343 patterns.

	Handknit Holidays: Knitting Year-Round for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice Melanie Falick New York: Stewart, Tabori and Chang, 2005. Hardbound, 184 pages $27.50. ISBN 1-58479-454-2; www.abramsbooks.com. Make gifts, decorations, home decor, and garments following the clear directions in this beautiful book. Table runners, stuffed animals, a great tree skirt, socks, gloves, and fabulous pillows are just a few of the projects included here.

	Hooked on Crochet: 20 Sassy Projects Candi Jensen North Adams, Massachusetts: Storey, 2004. Softbound, 144 pages, $18.95. ISBN 1-58017-547-3; www.storey.com. The twenty projects include not only garments but accessories (a cell phone case), home decor (pillows), and a hammock! The directions are clear and the large illustrations make this especially helpful for beginners.

	Knitters’, Crocheters’, Weavers’ & Spinners’ Travel Guide 2006 Solon, Ohio: Direction Press, 2006. Softbound, 374 pages, $15.95. ISBN 0-9776012-0-X; www.directionpress.com. No more frantic searches for the Yellow Pages when you hit a new town on your travels. This “guide to knitting, crocheting, weaving, and spinning stores and guilds in the United States” is the perfect travel companion. A state map is followed by the list of shops in that state keyed to map location. Road trip, anyone?

	Kokoro no Te: Handmade Treasures from the Heart Kumiko Sudo Chicago: Breckling Press, 2005. Softbound, 176 pages, $27.95. ISBN 1-933308-04-4; www.breckling press.com. This beautifully illustrated, vibrant book features thirty distinctive projects, including purses, sewing accessories, and a miniature kimono. This designer has an amazing sense of color.

	Kumihimo: The Essence of Japanese Braiding Aiko Sakai and Makiko Tada Berkeley, California: Lacis, 2004. Softbound, 130 pages, $24. ISBN 978-1-891-65652-1; www.lacis.com. Kumihimo, traditional Japanese braiding, can create both utilitarian objects and fashion accessories. A gallery in full color and step-by-step diagrams show the possibilities.

	Last-Minute Fabric Gifts: 30 Hand-Sew, Machine-Sew & No-Sew Projects Cynthia Treen New York: Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2006. Hardbound, 144 pages, $24.95. ISBN 1-58479-485-2; www.stcbooks.com. There is a whole lot of great information packed into this small book. The projects, arranged by how much time each takes (from less than one to more than three hours) run the gamut from playful to practical to fashionable. You’ll find clear and concise instructions for making adorable felted rabbits, a silk-trimmed wool blanket, a tea-dyed shawl, and much more.

	The Law [In Plain English] For Crafts Leonard D. Duboff New York: Allworth Press, 2005, revised edition. Softbound, 215 pages, $19.95. ISBN 1-58115-424-0; www.allworth.com In this sixth edition of this handy book, the author, who is an attorney, has included information on new laws. If you own a small business, this book will help you avoid many pitfalls.

	Making Antique Quilts Rita Weiss New York: Sterling, 2005. Hardbound, 128 pages. $24.95. ISBN 1-4027-1948-5; www.sterlingpub.com. Complete instructions and detailed illustrations are provided to remake the twenty original quilts featured here. Patterns include Broken Wheel, Jacob’s Ladder, and Irish Chain.

	The New Anchor Book of Crewelwork Embroidery Stitches: Techniques and Designs Distributed by F and W Publications, Cincinnati, Ohio, 2005. Softbound, 64 pages, $11.99. ISBN 0-7153-1914-0; www.fwpublications.com. This small book is filled with information, beginning with transferring a design and ending with finishing. Included are step-by-step diagrams for forty-nine stitches and instructions for sixteen projects.

	The New Crewel: Exquisite Designs in Contemporary Embroidery Katherine Shaughnessy Asheville, North Carolina: Lark Books, 2005. Softbound, 112 pages, $14.95. ISBN 1-57990-680-X; www.larkbooks.com. After delving into a chapter on the basics and working through the thirty practice designs, even novice stitchers will be ready to use the fresh designs in any of the fifteen projects offered here.

	The New Crochet: 40 Wonderful Wearables Terry Taylor Asheville, North Carolina: Lark Books, 2005. Hardbound, 143 pages, $24.95. ISBN 1-57990-686-9; www.larkbooks.com. Elegant hats, bags, scarves, ponchos, tops, edgings for jeans, and a sarong are just a few of the projects here. Skill level, a list of stitches used, and a materials list for each project make this an extremely user-friendly book.

	Ningyo: The Art of the Japanese Doll Alan Scott Pate North Clarendon, Vermont: Tuttle, 2005. Hardbound, 288 pages, $75. ISBN 0-8048-3615-9. Spectacular is really the only word to describe this book. The centuries-old tradition of the doll in Japan is thoroughly explained with compelling text and wonderful photographs. This is a book to savor.

	No Stone Unturned, Book 13 Connections: Links, Joins and Networks, Book 14 Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn Both books: Distributed by Quilters’ Resource, Chicago, 2004. Softbound, 28 pages, $20.95. ISBN 0-9546014-2-4, 0-9546014-3-2; www.quiltersresource.com. Here are the latest additions to a series of books by these two well-known British textile artists. Book 13 covers dyeing and painting ground fabrics inspired by stones; Book 14 addresses ways to join fabrics.

	Picture Your World in Appliqué: Creating Unique Images with Fabric Margaret Cusack New York: Watson Guptill, 2005. Softbound, 128 pages, $19.95. ISBN 0-8230-1641-2; www.watsonguptill.com. Acclaimed fabric artist, Margaret Cusack, takes you through all of the processes to create appliquéd images that capture your own memories. It’s scrapbooking with fabric!

	Quilt Toppings: Fun and Fancy Embellishment Techniques Melody Crust Chicago: Breckling Press, 2005. Softbound, 144 pages, $29.95. ISBN 1-933308-02-8; www.brecklingpress.com. If you’ve been thinking about adding some embellishment to your next quilt, you’ll appreciate this colorful book that is filled with inspiration. Clear diagrams supplement the text and boxed tips spread throughout offer additional help.

	The Quilters’ Guild Collection: Contemporary Quilts, Heritage Inspiration Bridget Long, ed. Iola, Wisconsin: KP Books, 2005. Softbound, 124 pages, $24.99. ISBN 0-89689-185-2; www.krause.com. Twelve quilters, taking inspiration from quilts in the collection of England’s Quilters’ Guild, share the processes they used to create contemporary quilts. Sprinkled throughout are helpful tips (on microwave dyeing, for example) and detailed information on the quilt that served as the inspiration.

	Round the Beading Twist: Creative Cordmaking Jacqui Carey Devon, England: Carey Company, 2004. Softbound, 28 pages, £7.95 (about $15). ISBN 0-9523225-5-2; www.careycompany.com. Learn how to make fashionable and fun beaded twisted cords for embellishment. The author begins with basic threading, then moves on to wrapping, distorting, ply splitting, and finishes with ends and joins.

	Silk Stocking Mats: Hooked Mats of the Grenfell Mission Paula Laverty Distributed by Cornell University Press Service, Ithaca, New York, 2005. Softbound, 198 pages, $44.95. ISBN 0-7735-2506-8. Social historians, rug hookers, and textile lovers in general will appreciate this seventeen-years-in-the-making book. The Grenfell Mission was established to serve those living in the remote areas of Canada’s Newfoundland. Among the programs were cottage industries designed to bring in much-needed income; one of those was producing hooked mats made from silk stockings. This is a captivating book.

	Spinning in the Old Way: How (and Why) to Make Your Own Yarn with a High-Whorl Handspindle Priscilla A. Gibson-Roberts Fort Collins, Colorado: Nomad Press, 2006. Softbound, 176 pages, $14.95. ISBN 0-9668289-8-4. Intrigued by the thoughts of spinning your own yarn? This easy-to-use, compact book provides all the information, tips, and encouragement you’ll need. Priscilla A. Gibson-Roberts, well-known knitter, spinner, and author, guides you through the entire process—it’s almost like she’s sitting beside you.

	Story Cloths of Bali Joseph Fischer Berkeley, California: Ten Speed Press, 2004. Hardbound, 160 pages, $40. ISBN 1-58008-487-7. For centuries, the peoples of Bali have used stitched cloths to tell their traditional stories. The cloths featured beautifully in this book are from the author’s collection; that he is passionate about this topic is clear. This is a delight.

	The Stumpwork, Goldwork and Surface Embroidery Beetle Collection Jane Nicholas Bowral, New South Wales, Australia: Sally Milner, 2004. Hardbound, 424 pages, $34.95. ISBN 1-86351-318-3; www.sallymilner.com.au. If you love raised embroidery, you will love this book. Jane Nicholas is the author of four other books on stumpwork, and her love for the technique shines through in each of them. In this sumptuous edition, she concentrates on the many varieties of beetles. Make your own to embellish photo frames, adorn a purse, add pizzazz to a jacket lapel. Just being able to look at the exquisite photographs is worth the price of admission.

	Symbols and Rebuses in Chinese Art: Figures, Bugs, Beasts, and Flowers Fang Jing Pei Berkeley, California: Ten Speed Press, 2004. Softbound, 214 pages, $27.95. ISBN 1-58008-551-2; www.tenspeed.com. This book is both very informative and a feast for the eyes. The A to Z format makes it very handy to use; the symbols are depicted in glorious decorative art objects and textiles.

	Tartan Hugh Cheape Edinburgh, Scotland: National Museums of Scotland, 2006; distributed by Antique Collectors’ Club. Softbound, 112 pages, $17.95. ISBN 1-905267-02-9; www.antique-acc.com. This wee book is jam-packed with information on tartan, “a symbol of kinship and belonging in Scotland and a badge of identity recognised all over the world.” The well-researched history, period photographs, and sixty-seven tartans shown in full color with a brief description make this a must-have for tartan lovers.

	Techno Textiles 2: Revolutionary Fabrics for Fashion and Design Sarah E. Braddock Clarke and Marie O’Mahony New York: Thames and Hudson, 2005. Hardbound, 208 pages. $50.00. ISBN 0-500-51245-0; www.wwnorton.com. This updated and revised edition of a 1999 book is a must for any student of fashion. It’s packed with comprehensive text, over 300 color images, illustrations, a glossary, and a very helpful directory with a list of public collections.

	1066: The Hidden History in the Bayeux Tapestry Andrew Bridgeford New York: Walker and Company, 2005. Hardbound, 368 pages, $26. ISBN 0-8027-1450-1. Fact or fiction? That’s the question the author of this well-researched book asked about the origins of the treasured tapestry. You’ll have to read to find the answer, but it’s definitely a worthwhile endeavor. Photographs of the entire tapestry are included, and that alone is worth the price of admission.

	Textiles of the Arts and Crafts Movement Linda Parry New York: Thames and Hudson, 2005, new edition. Softbound, 160 pages, $24.95. ISBN 0-500-28536-5; www.wwnorton.com. Lovers of arts and crafts textiles will rejoice with the re-issue of this comprehensive overview. New color plates are a bonus.

	Tribal and Village Rugs: The Definitive Guide to Design, Pattern and Motif Peter F. Stone New York: Thames and Hudson, 2004. Hardbound, 352 pages, $65. ISBN 0-500-51184-5. If you collect or just appreciate Oriental rugs, you will want this book. It is an outstanding, easy-to-use reference resource filled with brilliant photographs and beautiful four-color illustrations of the various motifs that help identify a particular rug. That said, this isn’t a book that you’ll want to bury on the book shelves; it’s a book you’ll want to pick up frequently just to look at the exquisite rugs contained within.

	Vera Textiles: A Schiffer Book with Price Guide Jeanette Michalets and Katherine Michalets Atglen, Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing, 2006. Hardbound, 190 pages, $39.95. ISBN 0-7643-2406-3; www.schifferbooks.com. Vera Neumann (1909–1993), known simply as Vera, was an American artist and fashion and textile designer and a household name in the 1960s and 1970s. This volume shows more than 400 Vera objects, including printed scarves, sashes, handkerchiefs, household textiles, clothing, aprons, and dishes—each with a current price. Collectors of Vera will find this book very helpful, as will textile and design lovers.

	Zen and the Art of Knitting: Exploring the Links Between Knitting, Spirituality, and Creativity Bernadette Murphy Zen and the Art of Needlecraft: Exploring the Links Between Needlecraft, Spirituality, and Creativity Sandra Detrixhe Zen and the Art of Quilting: Exploring the Memory and Meaning in Patchwork Sandra Detrixhe Avon, Massachusetts: Adams Media, 2002, 2005, 2004. Softbound, 224, 213, 224 pages, $10.95, $12.95, $10.95. ISBN 1-59337-093-8; www.adamsmedia.com. Each of these books delves into the author’s personal journey with a craft. In addition to being satisfying reads, each concludes with a hands-on project.