CRAFTY BOOKSHELF

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

THE ART OF PUNCH NEEDLE EMBROIDERY

MARIE SUAREZ [Search Press] Create stunning ‘embroidered’ designs without needing to learn dozens of stitches. Punch needle embroidery is a hot crafting trend right now and this beautiful book is just the job for learning the techniques involved, with plenty of ideas for projects with a modern twist. Expert embroiderer Marie Suarez guides you through 20 creative and original projects including floweradorned pillows, pretty wall hangings and stylish bags!

SEW HOME IN THE KITCHEN

ABIGAIL AMERICAN BENNETT [C&T Publishing]

Give your home a spring clean and then add a fresh touch with 18 home décor and kitchen projects with Insul-Fleece – American sewing addict Abigail American Bennett shows you how! Make placemats, potholders, drink sleeves, a table runner, insulated shopping bag, lunch sack and a stadium cushion. We can think of lots of ways you can jazz up these projects with cross stitched patches, initials and more.

SEWING STASHBUSTERS

KATE HAXELL [CICO Books]

We love finding new ways for stash busting – so if you’ve got piles and piles of fabric scraps leftover from stitching projects, this is the book for you. With 25 projects specially chosen to use up the odd metre or less of fabric, included are pincushions, garden bunting, a patchwork coat for your dog, a cat-shaped doorstop or a dachshund draft excluder. Grab some waste canvas and get stitching on your projects to customise them – our alphabet (p41) would be ideal for this!