SOCIAL MEDIA

Bringing a Smile to My Face

1.09.2009
Getting my hands on new (at least to me) books always seems to add a little skip to my step and yes, a smile to my face. There is something so exciting about the prospect of what is inside those crisp, new book covers and when those books are crafty books, let's just say the excitement is even all the more! At least that is the case for me!

Yesterday Zoey and I spent the afternoon at the library. We always seem to make a haul each trip and this visit I was doubly excited because I knew that I had some books in that I had requested from outside our local library system (gotta love this resource!). Here is some of what is keeping me busy...and I think it is safe to say that I am venturing outside of my paper only idea of craftiness! I am contemplating the thought anyways...



Little Stitches for Little Ones by Amy Butler

I absolutely LOVE Amy Butler's fabric designs and her projects are right up there as well. Illustrations in this book are simply stunning and patterns are included within the book. Very nice.




Sew & Stow by Betty Oppenheimer

This book has so many amazing projects in it that I totally think I can actually make. I also am extremely impressed with the authors instructions and explanations when it comes to techniques for sewing. She includes step by step instructions for basic stitching and more complex stitching (simple, straight lock stitch, machine stitch, hand stitching, stitching around corners, back stitching, slip stitch, top stitching, box stitching and more). Tons of information on seams, stitching around corners (something that has terrified me before reading this book!), mitering corners, gathers, pleats and more. I think the reason that I am so excited about this book is that it is the first time that I've read a book on sewing and after reading the instructions and viewing the photos, I actually have the thought that it is possible that I could do this! Seriously am excited about this book...if I think I can miter corners after reading just a page or two, than just think what is possible after reading the entire book! This is a book that I am thinking will be added to my list of "books to purchase" as it would be a great reference tool as well as a wonderful project guide. Just one more thing that I love about the book is that the author leaves the creative design up to the reader...and she does this on purpose. Something that I fully appreciate!



Junk Beautiful by Sue Whitney and KI Nassauer

I picked up this one just for the sheer fact that I love old stuff and I love "junking" and it's always a treat to get a new twist on what someone has done with something old that was found.



Sophie's Masterpiece - A Spider's Tale by Eileene Spinelli

And lastly, I have to share a gem that Zoey and I discovered while selecting books in the children's section. I love it when we bring home a big stack and are pleasantly surprised with one story that's just a tad bit more magical than the others. The story of Sophie (an artist of many talents) is so touching and magical I can hardly share more in fear that I would not give the book justice. It leaves the reader just a bit wistful and with a heart that is longing. I love that the author was inspired to write this book due to a real-life experience that she had when she was young and living in a boarding house (Sophie the spider lives in a boarding house as well). Here is the publisher's excerpt taken from the jacket of the book:

Sophie's no ordinary house spider. She's an artist; and every web she spins is more wondrous than the one before. But don't mention that to the guests at Beekman's Boardinghouse, because they don't like spiders. No one there wants anything to do with Sophie or her magnificent creations - no one except the woman on the third floor. She's a new mother "weaving" something herself; and when she runs out of yarn, Sophie knows the time has come to create the masterpiece of a lifetime.

Happy reading everyone! I know that it will be the perfect weekend for that here...cooooooold!
Susan Beth said...

You library has some very interesting stuff! I don't think our library has those crafting books, and I'd love to look through the one on Junk! I'll have to see about interlibrary loans here!

vtpuggirl said...

Great selections! I like the AB one, and the spider book looks cute, cute!

Lori Gentile said...

Awesome list! Thank you! I'm a huge junk market fan, too!!! I'm going to get the others on your list. They sound great!

Anonymous said...

sew & stow looks like a good one - I'll have to check it out!
can't wait to see what you make!

Nathalie Kalbach said...

Love those books- the last one is the coolest!!!

Anonymous said...

I would love to get my hands on those books-they look awesome!

Melonie said...

Oh I love a good trip to the library. I always forget the craft section. I will have to check it out next time.

Unknown said...

Great choices Jen. I would really like to find Sophies Masterpiece. I think my dd would enjoy it.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I love Amy Butler fabrics and her patterns.

I'll look into the other publications you mentioned too.

Fun post. Enjoy your Sunday!

Anonymous said...

Those are great books Jen!! I used to visit the libary every Tues. when my chicks were younger. Now that they are graduated to chapter book we dont go as often.
I love Amy Butler made a quilt with some of her fabrics. YUM! You can find her patterns at Quilt shops if your interested. I really want to make one of her bags. I've been eyeing them at my local shop.