CRAFTY BOOKSHELF

Read on to find out our favourite new books for stitchers this month...

PLANT LADY EMBROIDERY

APPLEMINTS [Quarry Books]

If you’re naturally green-fingered, or even if you just love nature – this botanically-themed book is such a treat. Packed with over 300 embroidery motifs, it makes a great companion to some of the floral designs we feature in CrossStitcher

– why not whip up a tablecloth or cushion featuring both cross stitch and embroidered embellishments? With basic stitch instructions even beginners can try their hand at flowers, ferns, bees and more.

WEAR, REPAIR, REPURPOSE

LILY FULOP [Countryman Press] This new title helps stitchers to keep their projects eco-friendly. Getting back to basics, with a reuse first policy, this book shares near-forgotten skills that help avoid fashion waste – such as mend and make do techniques. There are also projects which help to make the most of charity shops finds, ways to refresh your wardrobe and plenty more sustainable sewing techniques – so you can stitch and help the planet at the same time.

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO STUMPWORK

KAY DENNIS [Search Press]

If you’ve never tried stumpwork before, Kay Dennis shares her passion for it here, then guides you through the process in making your own creations. Although a historical technique, stumpwork is enjoying something of a revival right now. This book covers both basic and needle lace techniques with elaborate step-by-step demonstrations showing how to work each one, followed by a project combining all the methods.