Craft Focus - August/September 2020 (Issue 80)

81 BOOKS KAFFE FASSETT’S QUILTS IN BURANO Kaffe Fassett £25 9781641551199 Taunton Press available from GMC Distribution This is the 22 nd instalment of Kaffe Fassett’s ever-popular series of patchwork and quilting books. This time Kaffe has chosen to show off his latest range of fabrics and a stunning collection of 19 quilts, which has been photographed on location on the island of Burano, a tiny island in Italy’s Venetian archipelago, famous for its lace making but also for its brilliantly painted houses. The colourful house walls, sometimes distressed and occasionally decorated with murals, form the backdrop, along with the canals, bridges, and boats of this special Venetian island, to another wonderful selection of new quilt designs from Kaffe and the designers and makers of the Kaffe Fassett Studio. We say: Seeing as so many of us won’t be jetting off this summer, let this book take you to this stunning Italian island and enjoy the bright colours and beautiful designs. GIFT WRAP GREEN - TECHNIQUES FOR BEAUTIFUL, RECYCLABLE GIFT WRAPPING Camille Wilkinson £12.99 9781849946117 Pavilion Books From simple bows and neat corners to Japanese fabric wrapping, this book shows how to wow friends and family with beautifully wrapped gifts while minimising waste. You’ll learn how to master the art of wrapping through easy step-by-step instructions of key techniques. There are ideas for creating both simple and intricate designs, all made using materials that are recyclable, reusable and sustainable. Techniques include wrapping with pleats and pockets, using paper bags and how to wrap unusual shaped gifts, such as bottles. We say: Bursting with ideas, this innovative book offers a mindful creative outlet that’ll both delight friends and family and help save the planet by reducing waste. TEXTILE TRAVELS Anne Kelly £22.95 9781849945646 Pavilion Books Travel has always featured heavily in textile art, from artists’ travelling sketchbooks to large-scale installations mapping coastal erosion or the effects of climate change. In this book, renowned textile artist Anne Kelly shows how to capture your travels, past and present, in stitch, with practical techniques sitting alongside inspiring images. She begins the book by discussing maps in textile art, including their iconography as well as incorporating actual maps into textile work. She then goes on to explore the influence of different cultures from across the globe on textile art. We say: This is a fascinating exploration of travel in textile art, with practical techniques and inspiring images. CROCHET CAFE Lauren Espy £19.99 9781944515935 Blue Star Press available from GMC Distribution Whip up a fresh batch of amigurumi! Explore amigurumi, the Japanese art of crochet design, with 30 unique patterns. Whether a novice or an experienced crocheter, anyone can pick up a hook and complete these yummy creations. Lauren Espy gives you the ingredients and recipes to create her favourite adorable and appetizing food-inspired amigurumi creations! Lauren inspires crochet with her easy-to-follow patterns, detailed photographs and helpful tips. With Crochet Cafe you can enjoy: a brunch with eggs benedict or avocado toast; a lunch on the go with a bento box or a burrito; or a traditional Italian spaghetti dinner, complete with meatballs, red wine and cannoli! We say: These simple and darling patterns are sure to bring a smile to your face. So, pick up a hook and have fun playing with your food. Quilting Gift wrapping Textiles Cr ochet