I love second-hand books, though I am not talking antiquarian books-- I am from the "Hardcovers for a dollar, paperback fifty cents" camp. By diligently scouring library book sales, thrift stores, and old book shops I have collected quite a few great books I refer to again and again. For those of you who don't understand what I am talking about, books are how people used to get information before the internet.
My favorite needlecraft books
Though some of the fashions are dated and it doesn't contain information on modern sewing machines, this is an indispensable guide to the world of sewing clothing. It is a full color book, though most of the illustrations and instruction diagrams are simplified to one or two colors. This book covers the fundamentals of garment construction and alteration, up through more complex tailoring techniques. Also included are some projects covering quilting, bedroom items, toy making and bags.
The Reader's Digest Association. Complete Guide to Sewing. New York: Reader's Digest, 1976. Print.
No ISBN
The Reader's Digest Association. Complete Guide to Sewing. New York: Reader's Digest, 1976. Print.
No ISBN
I first found this book through the library and I loved it so much I went ahead and spent a wild ten dollars to get it for myself on Amazon. Worth it! Needlecraft is the umbrella over basically anything you can do with a needle; this book will teach you how to sew, knit, crochet, embroider and more. What I love best are the specific projects this book teaches-- a loopy knitted coat, 3-D knitting techniques, beaded lampshades, custom fitted covers for your furniture... even if you don't make these items they are fun to look at and amend to fit your own ideas. Full color photos and illustrations throughout. Extra bonus: some hilarious early 80's photoshoots.
Kirkwood, Janet et al. The Complete Book of Needlecraft. New York: Exeter, 1983. Print.
ISBN: 0-671-06062-7
Kirkwood, Janet et al. The Complete Book of Needlecraft. New York: Exeter, 1983. Print.
ISBN: 0-671-06062-7
I have written about how a Kaffe Fassett book inspired me to pursue needlepoint and it has become one of my favorite crafts. Not only does this book contain instructions and patterns for projects he has designed, I like the staged, lush photo shoots with the items "in situ". I have never copied his designs because I don't share his aesthetic but the bright colors, exuberant motifs and friendly, positive writing style are very inspiring. Not pictured here is his book Glorious Interiors which covers needlepoint plus his wild take on quilts, knitting, rug making and mosaic. I own and recommend both.
Fassett, Kaffe, and Steve Lovi. Glorious Needlepoint. New York: Clarkson N. Potter, 1987. Print.
ISBN: 0-517-56398-3
Fassett, Kaffe, and Steve Lovi. Glorious Needlepoint. New York: Clarkson N. Potter, 1987. Print.
ISBN: 0-517-56398-3
These fun books are part of a series of crafting how-to books by Better Homes and Gardens. I own the three pictured here. The Rug Making book is my favorite and teaches how to make rugs using a variety of methods such as braiding, crochet, machine sewing, macrame, and weaving. The Patchwork & Quilting and Needlepoint volumes have a variety of projects with simple yet comprehensive instructions. These books are very informative, but the real reason I love them so much are the wacky photo scenes featuring the project. I have no idea if people really decorated like this in the 70s, but it looks like I missed out. An alternative, not pictured, is the Better Homes and Gardens Treasury of Needlecrafts which is simply all of these little books (and more) in one volume. ISBN: 0-696-00755-X.
Better Homes and Gardens Needlepoint. 1978. Print.
ISBN: 0-696-00475-5
Better Homes and Gardens Patchwork & Quilting. 1977. Print.
SBN: 696-00175-6
Better Homes and Gardens Rug Making. 1978. Print.
ISBN: 0-696-00465-8
all published in Des Moines, IA: Meredith Corp.
Better Homes and Gardens Needlepoint. 1978. Print.
ISBN: 0-696-00475-5
Better Homes and Gardens Patchwork & Quilting. 1977. Print.
SBN: 696-00175-6
Better Homes and Gardens Rug Making. 1978. Print.
ISBN: 0-696-00465-8
all published in Des Moines, IA: Meredith Corp.