Needle Projects Abound In Latest Books

It’s been an excellent year for new books with special appeal to home-sewers and quilters. Here are some recommendations for gift-giving:

“Holiday Projects” (Cowles, $18.95): The latest in the Singer Sewing Reference Library. The beautiful photography alone is enough to inspire you to create special decorations throughout the year. Starting with Christmas, choose from clever ornaments, garlands, a tree skirt, a stuffed elf, a Father Christmas banner and more. Projects for major holidays are given, some using only fusibles and glues, and many patterns are included. The techniques would be easily transferable to other projects - an idea for Scout troops and teen clubs.

“More PolarFleece Pizzazz” by Ruthann Spiegelhoff (self-published, $16.99): A collection of ideas for sewing with this popular outerwear fleece. Instructions are given for garments and accessories, from vests and pullovers to mittens and hats. This is a good value; several full-size pull-out patterns are included.

Spiegelhoff gives an excellent explanation of types of fleece, often a confusing topic, and many sewing hints. If you can’t find this locally, call 1-414-632-2660 to order; add $1 postage.

“Sew Easy Embellishments” by Nancy Zieman (Oxmoor House, $16.95): Her latest reference book for creative sewing projects. She details such techniques as cutwork, dimensional weaving, silk ribbon embroidery, applique, patchwork and thread couching. Zieman explains these embellishments and their variations in the same clear teaching style she uses on her PBS show. “Imagery on Fabric” by Jean Ray Laury (C&T Publishing, $27.95): An updated, expanded handbook on surface design. This second edition is an indispensable reference guide for any home-sewer, quilter or fiber artist.

The author gives step-by-step directions, clearly illustrated, for a comprehensive array of processes.