The Needlecraft Shelf

Knitted Menagerie
Sarah Keen
GMC Publications
www.gmcbooks.com
9781784946166, $26.99, PB, 144pp

https://www.amazon.com/Knitted-Menagerie-Sarah-Keen/dp/1784946168

Synopsis: With the publication of "Knitted Menagerie", Sarah Keen provides =
30 easy-to-follow knitting patterns for an eclectic array of animals.

Within the pages of this bright and fun book, there are illustrated instruc= tions for 30 adorable animals to knit, ranging from sealife to birds, insec=
ts to mammals. You'll find everyone's favorites, including a lion, an eleph= ant, blue whale, meerkats and a llama.

The patterns vary in complexity, ensuring there's something for everyone. C= omplete beginners or more experienced knitters can be reassured by the comp= rehensive illustrated techniques section provided.

Critique: Packed from cover to cover with fun, instructive, and inspiring p= hotography that shows each of the projects from different angles, "Knitted = Menagerie" is a 'how to' manual that is certain to delight novice and exper= ienced knitters -- as well as the lucky receiver of these gorgeous, knitted=
creatures. Simply stated, "Knitted Menagerie" is an ideal and unreservedly=
recommended addition to personal, professional, and community library Need= lecraft/Knitting instructional reference collections.

Editorial Note: Sarah Keen (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/sarah-keen) l= ives in Ceredigion, Wales, UK, and works as a freelance pattern designer. F= inding calculating rows and stitches challenging, but fascinating, she is e= xperienced in designing knitted toys for children and also enjoys writing p= atterns for charity. This is Sarah's tenth book for GMC Publications.

100 Essential Embroidery Stitches
Susie Johns
GMC Publications
www.gmcbooks.com
9781784946500, $24.99, PB, 136pp

https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Embroidery-Stitches-Susie-Johns/dp/1784946= 508

Synopsis: With the publication of "100 Essential Embroidery Stitches", need= lecraft expert Susie Johns has created a handy directory of 100 need-to-kno=
w freestyle embroidery stitches to refresh or add to the embroidery skills =
of novice and experienced needlecrafters alike.

Embroidery is like 'painting' with thread and this combination of 'how to' = manual and instructional guide, "100 Essential Embroidery Stitches" gives y=
ou all the techniques you will need to create your own works of art.

Whether you are new to embroidery and want to widen your repertoire or just=
need a comprehensive reference guide to look things up, you'll find everyt= hing you need to improve your embroidery skills and feel confident tackling=
a wide range of projects.

Critique: As a coffee-table style (8.5 x 0.25 x 10.75 inches, 1.25 pounds) = paperback volume, "100 Essential Embroidery Stitches" is impressively 'user=
friendly' in both organization and presentation -- making it a prized and = valued addition to personal, professional, and community library DIY Needle= craft/Embroidery instructional reference collections.

Editorial Note: Susie Johns is an artist and designer. She has written doze=
ns of instructional books on a range of different topics. She studied Fine = Art at Ravensbourne College, went on complete an MA at the prestigious Slad=
e School in London, and later gained a post-graduate teaching qualification=
(PGCE) at the University of Greenwich. As well as teaching drawing and pai= nting at a local community college, Susie has years of experience running l= ife-drawing classes and leading workshops focussing on pen and ink, mixed m= edia, artists' sketchbooks, drawing for health and wellbeing, and family ar=
t. She also teaches classes online on various platforms including YouTube.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promo= ting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no fund=
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The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "Califo= rnia Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwat= ch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available=
for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview=
(dot) com

Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129

To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugal= muse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publish= er, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number=
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James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review

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