Ok everyone. We have one shopping weekend left until Christmas. We can do it. I know we’ve all planned a long list of handmade gifts for the people who we know will love them and a sack of coal for those who won’t (just kidding). But now is time to admit that we can’t make 6 more things if we want to eat, sleep or take a shower anytime in this next week. So, what do I recommend you do? Buy your creatively minded friends some inspiration. You can even get these at your local bookstore, so you don’t have to wait for the shipping and worry all week that it won’t get here in time.
For the new or expecting mom who sews:
Handmade Beginnings- Anna Maria Horner
I have this book in my collection and I love leafing through it. I haven’t made anything in it yet because I just got it at the beginning of Christmas Crafting Season, but I am excited to do some of the quilting projects. I’m not a quilter, but these make the task seem really undaunting. Plus the layouts are very modern and sparse, making them attractive even to the non-traditional crafter.
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For the new sewer, or the non-sewer who wishes she was one:
Stitch By Stitch- Deborah Moebes
I don’t have this book yet. But I do know Deborah (remember our very helpful invisible zipper guest post?) and have ordered fabric from her shop multiple times. I can tell that she is very passionate about learning to sew being a process that is enjoyable, and that it should also be accessible. I see this book as a sort of garment-sewing-101 book, full of delish photos and eye candy fabrics.
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For the knitter (or for me hint hint):
Toe-Up Socks for Everybody- Wendy D. Johnson
I want this book. And I know a million knitters who love to knit toe-up. I have not tried it yet, but I know this is what I want to do so that I can make the socks fit my foot without guessing and tearing out. Plus there are all these wonderful challenging motifs, but they are so do-able on a project the size of a sock. Did I mention that I want this book? I want it.
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For the non-crafter or the artist:
The Black Apple’s Paper Doll Primer- Emily Martin
Well, I’ve been following Emily Martin for about 4 years now. I purchased a print of hers called “Salt and Pepper” for Olivia and Elise for Christmas 4 years ago, and so she fells like part of my family in a way. And now she has this wonderful book out of paper dolls, which both my girls love so I’m planning on picking up a copy this weekend for them to share. This book is great for children, surely, but Emily is a tried and true artist, so it would make a truly inspirational coffee table book for your favorite creative person. It’s definitely got some edge to it, but it’s very delicate as well. I’m looking forward to having it in our collection for a long time. Some people recommend buying two- one for playing and one for flipping through.