Pick up a cute new book with crafts, DIYs and creative ideas, including drawing, sewing, crochet and cats! Some are are out now and others are available to pre-order or add to your wish list. I’ve included Amazon links below but you can also order through other sites, like Bookshop (UK/US) which supports independent bookshops near you.
Crafting for Your Cat (UK/US) might be the most unique book this time and promises 25 one-of-a-kind crafting projects to brighten your home and your cat’s life. There’s projects for all skill levels and they’re split into sections for toys, accessories, beds & houses, scratchers & trees, litter & food, and shelves & climbing so you can really create the perfect home for your pet. Out March
Cat lovers are also going to want to pick up the latest Drawing Class book with Cats at Home and in the Wild (UK/US) from illustrator Heegyum Kim. It’s a more painterly style than most drawing books but still perfect for beginners with 60 step by step drawing lessons for big and small cats of all kinds. I especially like that they’ve created a video tutorial for every drawing, which should help with any tricky steps. Out March
The Cutest Beginner Drawing Book Ever (UK/US) is a bold claim to make but I do love Carlianne Tipsey’s drawing style. The characters all start with simple shapes and there’s visual tips, step-by-step examples and design theories to help you build confidence. Carlianne also has a very useful series of workbooks (UK/US) with tips for drawing hair, emotions and perspective. Out April/March
Always wanted to learn crochet? You Will Be Able to Crochet Amigurumi by the End of This Book (UK/US) might be the book you need! It promises to teach all the basics and the 15 amigurumi projects increase in skill, from simple shapes to multi-piece designs. There’s food, animals and objects to make, plus author Fay Lyth also creates a lot of free patterns as @stitchbyfay. Out April/June
Amigurumi Affirmations (UK/US) is a different kind of crochet book as all the characters have little arms (or wings) to hold messages to cheer you or a friend along! You can cut out or download the pun-filled designs from the book or create your own. There’s 30 beginner-friendly projects to choose from including kawaii food, animal and nature characters. Out now
Kawaii Crochet Dolls (UK/US) lives up to its name with some very colourful and cute designs inspired by manga, anime and Japanese street fashion. Not only do you get patterns for 10 dolls with kawaii outfits, hair and accessories, but there’s over 30 themed mini companions to make too. You can also customise the designs or mix and match elements to make even more dolls. Out April
Stitch Tokyo (UK/US) by by Yumi Hoops caught my eye immediately with its cool cover and embroidered Takeshita Street. It looks like a great buy for fans of Japan even if you’re not a crafter as it’s beautifully designed with photographs and travel memories too. Stitchers will find 15 projects to make with patterns for embroidered scenes of Tokyo and other iconic Japanese motifs including Shinjuku’s 3D cat, gyoza, koi fish and trains, all with extra cool 3D details. Oh no, I just talked myself into buying a copy (well, it is my birthday soon). Out now
Cross Stitch Cabinet of Curiosities (UK/US) is another cool idea – and cover design – with 500 patterns and motifs inspired by curiosity cabinets and collections. It’s perfect for anyone who likes darker nature and fantasy themes with 6 sections titled Anatomy & Botany, Animals & Insects, Myth & Magic, Trinkets & Treasures, Celestial & Ethereal and Apothecary & Academia. Out April
Little Bunny Travels the World (UK/US) looks adorably whimsical and the photography is so sweet. It’s part felt sewing book, part story book as you join Little Bunny exploring the world and making furry friends along the way. There’s 16 animals to stitch, plus lots of little accessories and keepsakes. Out April
If you’d like to start making your own clothes, Sew Nostalgic! (UK/US) looks like a fun place to start, upcycling vintage or thrifted bedsheets into unique outfits. There’s 12 beginner-friendly patterns to try including a babydoll dress, puff dress, puffer jacket and vest, and you get printable patterns to download for sizes XS to 4X. Out Now
I had to leave out a bunch of cute books scheduled for May onwards so I’ll do another roundup then. Check my previous book posts too as the preorder books should all be in shops now. What’s going on your wish list?
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