SEPT/OCT 2018 BLOG
WELCOME!
"It is through art and through
art only,
that we can realize our perfection."
- Oscar Wilde -
Oscar Wilde had a way with words and he never minced them and his wonderful observations were nearly always on target. His observation on art I thought was brilliant. He was a writer of plays and fiction and won acclaim in his lifetime. He also suffered great indignities that ended up breaking him and he died in poverty. But his art lives on. His plays are still produced, his books still in print. He realized his perfection through his art. Needlework is an art too. When I was setting up bookshops at those great needlework seminars I got to see those fabulous needlework juried exhibits where needleworkers got to show off their perfection in the art of the needle. I'm glad I didn't have to judge those shows as I found the pieces so perfect I couldn't have chose one above the other.
I hope the books I select for this blog help with your inspiration so you can discover your own perfection through the art of the needle.
Don't forget to look for the discount code below that entitles you to a 20% discount on any new book we offer.
UNIQUE BARGELLO by Jean Hilton is Finally Back in print!All of Jean Hilton's books are fabulous. But this book I've had so many requests for I had to make sure all of you who have been asking for it know it is available. She wrote in the introduction that she began satin-stitching when she was eight years old. Then, she adds, came satin stitching with crewel embroidery. "What is bargello, "she continues, "but stepped satin stitch?" She goes on to add that today we don't have to use wool, that there are a plethora of threads waiting to stimulate our creative urges.
What makes her book on bargello "unique" is the fact that this is the first time, to her knowledge, that bargello designs with parallel miters had never been done before so she included some of those with traditional designs. The book is full of her color graphed designs and plenty of tips and directions. Have fun! $49.95
Jean was a master of the art of needlepoint designing and teaching. She never considered a mistake, a mistake. She saw those as an opportunity to "run with it" to see where that error will lead you. Occasionally that error can lead to a new combination of colors and fibers, to a new pattern of stitches, or to a new way of thinking. She says to see an example of a mistake developing into a new stitch, see the Plaited Rays in her books, Stimulating Stitches. So I've included that and some of her books and patterns to stimulate your artistic creativity in needlework.
Jean Hilton's Needlepoint Stitches - This was her first book done in the late 1980's and is still requested today. In this tidy graphed book she shares some of her favorite stitches with her students and followers. Jean was very clear in her instructions and tips so this is a great place to start learning her craft. $29.95
Jean Hilton's Stimulating Stitches - This is a follow-up to her first book where she shares her discovered several fascinating variations of the stitches that book. Some she planned, others she stumbled on due to "mistakes". What she was always encouraging was opening your mind to see new possibilities with your stitching. Try it, You might like it! $29.95
Jean Hilton's Borderlines - This is her collection of borders shown on the front cover, inside cover, and back covers as well. She includes neat information on how to choose the right border for your project. To use this book you must have a hand mirror to follow the instructions in the text. And answer three questions: What size border does the needlework require? Does the border serve a purpose other than anchoring threads and does it unify the needlework. Do the selected colors and stitches complement those in the central portion of the design? All designs are graphed and she gives you more information for each border. $39.95
Jean Hilton's Light 'n Lacy - Here Jean brings needlepointers 30 delicate designs for beginning and advanced stitchers with a unique alphabet and five name tag designs. Each design was named for a flower that her son, Kurt, loved and tended in his teens. He passed away at age 27 and she created these for him. As always she includes graphed designs and neat information. $39.95
Puzzle Purse - This is a personal favorite of mine. I could relate to what she went through to select colors and stitch it. Her hubby had to endure most all of the chairs in their family room covered with her threads and charts and other needlework stuff. I laughed at that. For me it is my writing pages and books, research, etc. I've seen this stitched and it is gorgeous! $39.95
18 Little Guys and Rockaway - Tony Minieri has taken five of Jean's Little Guys and made an octagon design using these 3" squares into a memorable piece of needlepoint. With this book you can do the same selecting the five Little Guys you want to use in your own piece. All the Little Guys are shown in color but of course you can select your own colors if you prefer. $35.95
WHY NOT CREATE YOUR OWN BOOK?
Yes, why not? What a gift to leave your family! So many people are scrapbooking today. My daughter, Donna, finished a magnificent scrapbook for her granddaughter Kenzie, (my great granddaughter) before her and her husband left for Oklahoma in September to celebrate Kenzie's thirteenth birthday. This massive tome took Kenzie from her birth through her 12th year. What fun scrolling through the pages and seeing all the wonderful details Donna included. We shared that at our monthly dinner night at Black Angus. It made me think about all the diaries I've kept over the years but now I want to do something more with all the family pictures I've kept forever. I want to write up my family's life with those pictures so the younger generations can see where and who they came from. Not an actual genealogy but full of personal memories: stories I remember and stories my grandparents and parents would tell. But I don't plan to stop at that. I will include pictures of the great needlework that has been handed down through the family and needlework I've done and family recipes.
As I mentioned I've got my childhood diaries (I wasn't good on finishing the year out) but I love looking over my childish scrawl and what I thought was important to me then. My adult journals were more complete and it interested me to see what I wanted to accomplish, where I was stuck, happy moments and disappointments, books and movies I loved. Sometimes rereading my journals I uncover painful times, my mistakes as well as triumphs and this stops me dead and helps me get back on track with things I never finished or dealt with. Lots of my short stories come out of those pages - a scene, a character, a dialogue from a movie, remarks about the times.
I love to read published diaries and letters from people in history. I feel like I'm living in their world and seeing it from their eyes. Vincent Van Gogh not only left us his painting masterpieces but he also wrote letters to his brother describing how he saw color, other art, people, and how he viewed his own work. He is an impressive writer. He put down his honest feelings where he's been and what he was planning on doing so you come to know the real man. He is one of my inspirations for my book projects. Does a book project sound interesting? I hope so. What a pity it would be that after we're gone all the information on the family and the needlework they and we've done goes with us. I know what I'm working on is going to take a goodly number of volumes to cover this family history correctly so I want to create the actual books all the pictures and information will go into.
I hope this inspires you to follow suit and create your own books. If you need help with ideas I've included some great books to get you going in the right direction.
Ekrem, Erica - Bound: Over 20 Artful handmade Books - Bind a book beautifully with these whimsical and stylish projects from an extraordinaire bookbinder. With her novel approach to traditional techniques, and the use of repurposed materials, Erica has devised creative fun for book artists of all levels. Choose from these categories: Vintage, Nature, and Leather. Make books from mason jars and seashells, a classic leather-bound photo album, and other works of art. $19.95Note: Her latest book on Handcrafted Journals is in the Potpourri of Books section.
Golden, Alisa - Making Handmade Books: 100+ Bindings, Structures and Forms - In the digital world, books may seem like an endangered species, but bookmaking is more popular than ever. In as little as an afternoon, beginners will be on their way to folding, gluing, and sewing handmade books in a variety of shapes and styles, from rolled scrolls to Jacob's ladders, folded flexagons to case bindings. Complete with photos of the author's own master books and statements by more than 40 established book artists, this collection is sure to inspired. $19.95
Krause, Dorothy Simpson - Book + Art: Handcrafting Artists' Books - Discover what happens when you add artmaking and bookbinding together. This book explores the basics of surfaces, images and words in order to create provocative works of art with layers of meaning. Whether you're altering a pre-made book or creating your own, here you'll find both the instruction and inspiration to get it done. In addition to learning mixed-media techniques - such as how to age paper, transfer images and make your own monoprints - you'll be given step-by-step instructions for numerous book structures for numerous book structures including: Single-fold and Bi-fold books; Simple and extended accordions; Perfect bindings; Side-sewn books; Single and Multiple books; Boxes - Unbound Collections. $32.99
Nerjordet, Arne and Carlos Zachrison - Make Your Own Ideabook with Arne and Carolos: Create Handmade Art Journals and Bound Keepsakes to Store Inspiration and Memories - A keepsake; a treasure trove; a work of art; a source of inspiration; a method of organization; a peek inside the chaos and creativity of our own minds. A ideabook can be any one of these, or all of them, or something else entirely: a collection of memories, a way to store recipes or patterns, a genealogical, a planner for a wedding or renovation of a garden. The sky's the limit! With Arno and Carlos's wit, style, and trademark handcrafting genius to guide you, learn how you can make and enjoy your own ideabooks. $22.95POTPOURRI OF NEW BOOKS
Ekrem, Erica - Bound by Hand: Over 20 Beautiful Handcrafted Journals - Following her successful Bound comes this stunning collection of 21 projects for handmade journals, some using repurposed and found materials. The author provides instructions for making accessories like tassels, and for adding decorative inking, stamping, and stitching. Each beautifully artistic journal - including a refillable booklet for a prolific writer - is designed for a specific purpose or hobby, and features inspiring journaling prompts. Lots more. $19.95
Forster, Carolyn - 20 to Stitch: Mini Quilt Blocks - If you want a small patchwork project then look no further. This little book has an astounding 60 variations to stitch based on 20 different designs. The 20 mini-blocks measure five inches square and all constructed from basic shapes including squares, triangles and rectangles. Mini quilt blocks are ideal for making small patchwork projects such as bags, pincushions, coaster, and placemats, for incorporating into larger blocks, or for forming motifs with a larger quilt design. Each of the 20 projects is accompanied by the number and size of each shape in the block and instructions on the order in which to put the shapes together. Includes techniques on how to cut the shapes using a rotary cutter and ruler, design ideas and instructions for a simple coaster. $9.95
Houghton, Lizzie - Felting Fashion: Creative and Inspirational Techniques for Felt Makers - Offering a breathtaking array of techniques for creating wearable felt masterpieces, felt maker, Lizzie Houghton, shows you how to produce a variety of these wearable pieces. She provides detailed patterns and templates for constructing every type of garment from corsages and hats to scarves, jackets, and lavish full-length coats. The in-depth instructions cover both lightweight, contemporary Nuno and traditional felts, along with methods for dyeing wool, ruching, and embellishments. $19.95
James, Rosie - Stitch Draw: Designs and Techniques for Figurative Stitching - To make a fresh artistic statement, turn on your sewing machine and use it to draw! The author is a leading exponent of stitching, guides newcomers through the ins and outs of this hot look. She lays out a repertoire of techniques, including transferring drawing to cloth, working with transparencies, stitching on photographs, using multicolored threads, layering images, and creating pleasing composition. $19.95 (discount code: JRJ18)
Luhanko, Douglas and Kerstin Neumuller - Indigo: Cultivate, Dye, Create - Explore the gorgeous possibilities of dyeing with indigo! This wonderful and practical takes you through growing this plant; mastering warm or cold dyeing; making multicolored projects; and troubleshooting potential problems. Create intricate moyo-sashi and hitome-sashi , patchwork quilts, resist-dyed patterns, and more. Both beginners and advanced dyers will feel inspired to work with these innovative recipes and unique projects. $21.95
Lyne, Sonia - Mini Hoop Embroideries: Over 60 little masterpiece to stitch and wear - Stitch dozens of different embroidery designs in these cute mini embroidery hoops by the author. Following the simple instructions inside, create over 60 masterpieces in a wide range of styles, using these little hoops as your canvas - from classic embroidered flowers and applique animals, to abstract stitch n' paint shapes and tasseled creatures. Then frame your stitched art and turn it into eye-catching jewelry or simply display them at hleome. Throughout the book Sonia gives you tips on color variation, as alternative hoop shapes you could use from her mini hoop kits. So learn to stitch your art and turn it into wearable jewelry, necklaces, brooches ad more. $15.00
Nelson, Carrie - Pin Pals Book - This best selling author packs 40 adorable pinnies with personality. Pincushions are quick to stitch and so addicting - bet you can't make just one. Simply sew, quilt, turn and stuff. Even beginners with basic sewing experience can whip up these pincushions in a flash. $22.00
$19,95
Ray, Aimee - Doodle Stitching: The Christmas Collection Transfer Pack: 100 Holiday Embroidery Designs to Celebrate the Season - Featuring winter scenes, whimsical snowmen and reindeer, decorative borders, and more, this Christmas-themed collection combines designs from Doodle Stitching: The Holiday Motifs Collection with completing new patterns. Each enchanting transfer can be reused five times, and there is a handy envelope at the back to store your cutouts. An introduction teaches beginners all the basic techniques. $14.95
Rhiannon, Helen - Sew Perfect Pets - 18 fresh and functional animal-related designs to sew for your family and home. From useful items such an owl doorstop, a snake draught excluder and a sheep hot water bottle cover through to an elephant tea cozy, fox pillows and more, there is a cute creature for every room. For the kiddies, the author has included beautiful cat and dog toys and an animal-shaped apron. Key techniques and basic materials are detailed at the beginning of the book, and all of the projects include easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions. Templates for all of the animals are provided on a fold-out sheet at the back of the book. $19.95
Schultz, Carolyn - 20 to Craft: Tassels - The 20 projects in this book include a wonderful variety of tassels, made using a range of easy techniques and a few inexpensive materials. The author has put her jewelry-making expertise to good use to create lovely bag charms, decorative key fobs and fashionable jewelry. There are folk-inspired tassels created using colourful threads and frayed fabric strips, leather tassels and small simple tassels combined with beads and ribbon used to make colourful earrings and brooches. The basic tassel-making technique couldn't be easier and is explained in the beginning of the book, and all the projects have easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. The materials used are easy to come by and can be sourced from scraps and left-over fabrics, yarn and thread. $9.95
Thittical, Kim - Hot Textiles - Soldering irons, heat guns, and even household irons can add astonishing texture and variety to fabric. Renowned textile artist, Kim Thittical, covers a stunning selection of techniques for using this equipment. With instructions for hot and cold foiling, painted and plain Bondaweb (fusible, webbing), bead making from synthetics, three-dimensional designs, embossing powders, and more, this is a must book for textile artists. $19.95MYSTERY CORNER
Conte, Cate - Cat About Town - Maddie James has arrived on Daybreak Island just off the coast of Massachusetts, eager to settle down and start her own business - and maybe even fall in love. When a stray orange tabby pounces into her life, she is inspired to open a cat café. When her new furry friend finds the dead body of the town bully all eyes turn to the newcomer. Who is this crazy-cat whisperer lady who's come to town? On top of that she has two eligible bachelors who think she is the cat's pajamas. But how can she even think about happily-ever-after while a killer remains on the loose and on her path. $7.99
Eliott, Lauren - Murder by the Book - Addie Greybourne loved working with rare books at the Boston Public Library - she even got to play detective, tracking down clues about the mysterious old volumes. But she didn't expect her sleuthing skills to come in so handy in a little seaside town. Addie left some painful memories behind in the big city - including the unsolved murder of her fiancé and her father's fatal car accident. After an unexpected inheritance from a great aunt, she's moved to a small New England town founded by her ancestors back in colonial times - and living in spacious Greybourne Manor, on a hilltop overlooking the harbor. Best of all, her aunt also left her countless first editions and other treasures - providing an inventory to start her own store. But there is trouble from day one. The grumpy woman who runs the bakery next door. A car nearly runs Addie down. Someone steals a copy of Alice in Wonderland. Then Addie's friend Serena, who owns a tea shop, is arrested - for killing another local merchant. Addie decide she is not going to let them close the book on this case without a fight. $7.99
Greenlaw, Linda - Slipknot: A Jane Bunker Mystery - This is the first by the author of a new series that takes place in Down East Maine. Before becoming a writer she was the captain of a swordboat. She now lives on Isle au Haut, Maine where she captains a lobster boat. and gets rave reviews for her writing. $7.99
Klein, Libby - Class Reunions are Murder - Newly widowed and stuck in a middle-aged funk, Poppy but there is no way on earth she wants to attend her twenty-fifth class reunion especially after receiving a very bizarre letter from Barbie, the popular cheerleader who taunted her all through high school. At least, not until her best friend practically drags her to the event. Using the dreaded reunion to visit her eccentric Aunt Ginny. Then the unexpected happens. Barbie's dead body is found lying right in front of Poppy's old locker. Now she is singled out as the killer it's up to Poppy to confront her past and clear her name. $7.99
Klein, Libby - Midnight Snacks are Murder - Between trying to get her gluten-free baking business off the ground and helping her Aunt Ginny remodel her old Victorian house into the Butterfly House B and B in Cape May, New Jersey is already going on all eight cylinders. But then Aunt Ginny - who is a handful awake - is sleepwalking because of a sleeping medication and helping herself to her neighbors snacks and knickknacks. Even more alarming is the murder of the local humanitarian and the police suspect the "Snack Bandit". Now Poppy must work tirelessly to uncover the real murderer and put the case to rest. $7.99
Randall, Shari - Curses, Boiled Again! - This first in a brand new mystery series set at the Lazy Mermaid Lobster Shack in Mystic Bay, Connecticut, where the fish is always fresh, the folks always friendly, and murder is on a roll. Allie Larkin was living the dream as a ballet dancer when a bad fall put her out of business. Now she is back home in Mystic Bay helping her Aunt Gully get her restaurant off the ground. Nothing would help Gully more than winning the local food festival's Best Lobster Roll contest. The competition is sure to be a killer - especially after one of the contest judges dies after eating a roll from one of Gully's biggest rivals. With Gully as the prime suspect, Allie is not going to let her innocent aunt go down for the crime. $7.99
Randall, Shari - Against the Claw - Welcome back to the seaside village of Mystic Bay where someone has been found sleeping with the fishes. Ballerina Allie Larkin is still back home, healing from a broken arm and lending a hand at her aunt's Lazy Mermaid Lobster Shack, But now that the famous restaurant is branching out, help is needed more than ever - evcn on the lobster boat. The last thing she expects to find once she's out in the bay, however, is the body of a dead beautiful woman. Allie takes it upon herself to learn what happened. But how can she crack this case when everyone seems dead-set on keeping their secrets below the surface? $7.99Thanks for visiting with us!
If this is your first visit I'd like to introduce you to our business of 26 years. During this time we have set up bookshops for the ANG, EGA, and a variety of other needlework organizations as well as doing this blog.
Can't find a certain book? Please give us a call and we'll try to find it for you whether it is in print or out-of-print.
Give us a call Monday through Saturday at: 602-94-0738. If you get the hated message machine please don't be shy about leaving a message, I'll get back to you ASAP. Or you can e-mail me at rkern3@mindspring.com. Or you can mail me at Ruth Kern Books 7235 N. 9th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021.
MOST IMPORTANT! Look for the discount code hidden somewhere in this blog that gives you a 20% discount on any new books you order from this blog or the previous ones.
