Over the past few years, we’ve been developing and expanding our reach into the world of making, by offering both programs and resources.
What exactly is making? Well, we actually helped craft a formal definition for it for library staff across the nation. But the short answer is pretty simple: it is the process of being willing to get your hands dirty and learn while you create whatever you want to make to accomplish a task or just have fun. Do you cook? Do you craft? Do you invent? Do you build? Do you fix things? You are a maker!
In fact, some are even talking about making as at the core of a new type of literacy: invention literacy (i.e., the ability to look around you and figure out how human-made things work). Like any type of literacy, you can never be too old or too young to start your making journey and nurturing the growth mindset on which all making depends. You also can never have enough tools in the forms of books to get your creative juices flowing.
So, this year we plan to highlight all of the various making resources we have–which range from needlework to Legos to more. November is all about needlework, from sewing to quilting to more!
If you want a general overview:
Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts (2010)
This book is admittedly more geared toward fabric crafts than needlework specifically, but it includes overviews of everything from sewing to embroidery to quilting to appliqué. It also features 150 projects, ranging from Japanese embroidered table linen to trimming the edges of sheets. Includes step-by-step directions, as well as lots of pictures.
If you need books for learning beginning sewing:
Creative Publishing International’s First Time Sewing: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide (2014)
If you’re intrigued by sewing but absolutely baffled where to start, this is the book for you. A few short lessons introduce you to the basics of sewing, such as how to use a pattern and how to hem and make seams. It also covers both hand sewing and using a sewing machine to make aprons, pants, and more.
Amie Petronis Plumley and Andria Lisle’s Sewing School: 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make (2010)
For an introduction to sewing that’s tailored to younger aspiring sewing students, this book covers hand sewing techniques and offers a range of fun, kid-friendly sewing projects. Children over five will be sewing pillows, potholders, dolls, and more in no time.
If you prefer project ideas to instructional books:
Alexandra Smith’s Simple Sewing with Lola Nova: With 25 Stylish Step-by-Step Projects that Celebrate Your Handmade Life (2012)
Smith is a self-taught seamstress who writes the popular sewing blog Lola Nova. She also teaches sewing. This book highlights a couple of dozen fun and easy sewing projects, organized by vibe. So, there’s a Whimsy chapter, a Vintage chapter, a Boho chapter, etc. Projects include tents, bags, clothes, and more.
Annabel Benilan’s Sewing Clothes for Barbie: 24 Stylish Outfits for Fashion Dolls (2018)
This book features 24 patterns for various sizes and models of Barbie. The patterns range from casual jeans and shirts to more formal dresses to fairy and mermaid costumes. These projects are probably not for beginners, but they can be sewn by hand or on a machine.
Debbie Shore and Kimberley Hinds’s Refashion, Restyle, Restitch: 20 Stylish Sewing Projects from Preloved Clothes & Homewares (2022)
Repurpose unwanted clothing, bedsheets, and curtains into stunning pillows, lampshades, and handbags with this book. The authors walk you through all techniques needed for each project, including piping and felting, and provide step-by-step instructions and pictures to help too.
If you love cross-stitch:
Emma Congdon’s Cross Stitch for the Soul: 20 Designs to Inspire (2020)
This book does not teach cross-stitch, but the patterns are easy to use and beginner-friendly. Each pattern features a motivational or inspirational quote and a lovely accompanying design.
If you’re interested in quilting:
First-Time Quiltmaking: Learning to Quilt in Six Easy Lessons (2019)
Adapted from an actual beginner quilting class, this book presents six lessons, four projects, and hundreds of photographs and diagrams to teach basic techniques. It does assume familiarity with basic sewing techniques.
Elizabeth Hartman’s The Practical Guide to Patchwork: New Basics for the Modern Quiltmaker (2010)
This book has projects broken into three different skill levels: beginner, confident beginner, and intermediate. Beyond teaching techniques and methods, it also covers how to stay organized while quilting. And if you sometimes find quilting books limited in the options, this book offers alternate spins and even alternate colorways for each pattern. So, once you’ve made all 12 projects, you can make them again without repeating yourself.
Do you love sewing? Interested in quilting, cross-stitch, or other needlework arts? Tell us in the comments! As always, please follow this link to our online library catalog for more information on any of these items or to place them on hold.
Berryville Book Buzz 