The Crafter's Way 146 - Craft Book Review

This week's Messenger column.The Moreton Bay Regional Council Libraries have a wonderful variety of craft books to borrow. Many of these books are recent releases. These books all came from the Redcliffe Library. Check with your local library for opening hours and how you can borrow from other libraries.

The Glorafilia Needlepoint Collection by Jennifer Berman & Carole Lazarus (746.442 BER)

Glorafilia is renowned in the world of needlepoint. For twenty eight years Jennifer Berman & Carole Lazarus have been creating innovative designs which appeal to all ages and abilities. This is their first book. If you have never attempted Needlepoint before this book is a great place to start. The General Information at the front and the Stitching Diagrams at the back provide all the detail necessary to get you started. Each project is accompanied by its own specific instructions including clear finishing and making up steps.

Glorafilia, The Venice Collection by Jennifer Berman & Carole Lazarus (746.44 LAZ)

This, the second book in the series, is so much more than a craft book. Inspired by their lifelong passion for Venice this book is visual feast. The twenty-five projects categorized across six Venetian Themes; Textiles, Decorative Venice, Backstreets and Backwaters, Food, Carnival and lastly Crafts & Characters. Each theme is accompanied by the most beautiful images, not only of the needlework projects but also of Venice. Rich text detailing their personal fascination with Venice, history and inspiration for each project makes this a fascinating read. Simply a gorgeous, gorgeous book.

Celtic Needlepoint by Alice Starmore (746.442 STA)

I must have a serious urge to do some stitching. My last choice is yet another Needlepoint Book. If the Glorafilia designs aren’t “your thing” this book may be. The short introductory chapter on the history of Celtic Arts lays the foundation for the projects that follow. Inspired by Celtic Jewellery, Manuscripts and the Book of Kells each project is beautifully photographed and clearly described. The author also provides options for thread and design alterations should you wish to add a personal touch.

I hope you enjoys these three books as much as I did.