Good craft books

CookieMonster.x

Hi, I'm very interested in crafts like sewing and am looking for a good book that has ones you can make yourself. I'm 14 btw. At the moment, I'm making an iPod cover. I have made simple bags in the past but I want to make more, to give me a challenge, like have compartments in the bag (like a messenger or tote bag). I was on a site ages ago but I can't remember the name of it and people posted pictures of what they made and I'd really like to make the things like they did (I know you obviously cannot see what I mean, but if anyone has any names of websites I can tell you then). I have made a cushion cover in 1st year and a framed picture last year so I'm not looking for them really. I really want whatever I make to look good, not just like material stuck together.
I don't want really easy ones for kids, I want them to be hardish but easy to understand, good instructions. Also, I'm doing a course at the Grafton Academy this summer. Anyone recommend what I should make that will really get my moneys worth?

In short: Can anyone recommend a good crafts book that deals with sewing especially (Would love an all-rounder book, but if not just sewing) that are more advanced than kids books and simple bags.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.


EDIT: I found the website: craftster .org. One in particular I liked was http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=349190.0 I know they are much more advanced but I'd love anything like this really. Does anyone know what material you would use for a bag like this http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=343748.0 ?
Thanks again

looksee

You should look in a curtain fabric shop. Get a close woven fabric not too thick, thick will be too difficult to sew and loose weave will come unravelled.
If you are in Dublin, check out Murphy Sheehy (they have a website, but the shop is great)

I think that bag you linked would be very difficult to make, until you are a bit more familiar with sewing, go for a simpler style with a lining and inside pocket (for practise!). I would try something less tailored, maybe like this http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=350990.0

For books, have a look in your local library to see if there is anything that would be suitable. You will probably get more choice on the internet though.

Edit: I just read your post again (ie properly) and sorry, you obviously have sewing experience so ignore my bit about simpler bags. Go for it - curtain fabric would be the way to go.

Das Kitty

Hand or Machine Sewing Cookie?

CookieMonster.x

Thanks for the replies.
Das Kitty, I think probably a bit of both. I like sewing things by hand but I also like some machine things to do to do larger projects. Anything to keep me occupied!

Das Kitty

I have a book called Ultimate Sewing Bible that is really good for general learning as well as reference. Very nicely laid out and easy to understand it's available fairly cheaply in Play and Amazon. It doesn't go into how to use a machine very much though. I have another book for that, I think it's called "How to use a Sewing Machine" it's by Simplicity who make patterns, I find it brill for getting the most out of my machine and getting little tips and tricks.

CookieMonster.x

My mum is really good at sewing so she can teach me whatever it is I need. Does that book have projects you can make with steps on how to make them?
Thanks again.

Das Kitty

No it doesn't, it's a manual really. Amy Butler does some books of small projects that include patterns that are quite nice. If you buy a pattern they come with instructions. I find the Simplicity ones easiest to follow if you're starting out, others are grand too.

hazeler

Cath Kidston has two books that I love... very simple to advanced sewing. Mainly machine but you could sew them by hand. You can get them online... look out for peoples crafty blogs too... they always put up details and pics and links to where their inspiration comes from.

You should look around to see if there are any sewing circles in your area, even a quilting group. They are very popular these days so Im sure you would find something. Check out charity shops for old, old sewing manuals... those are so much fun to look at and try out!

Millypenny

A really good book for bags is this one:
Patchwork with Pizzazz: Over 60 Colourful Quilted Projects for all Seasons by Lise Bergene.

I got it on Amazon a few years ago and it's really good. It's got a mixture of projects in the book - patchwork quilts, coasters, etc. and also has a good few bags projects included. The book has a good few handy tips on adding different type pockets etc. to the bag projects, so you can add different pockets to any of the bags if you want.

The material used in your link looks like quilting cotton fabric. There's a number of shops around the country who sell this type of fabric. The largest one would be the Limerick Quilt Centre (www.quilt.ie).
Havent been to this shop but I know there's a quilting/fabric shop in the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre (Inspiring Ideas is the name).

Have you checked out the Irish Patchwork Society website?: www.irishpatchwork.ie. They have a number of branches around the country - the biggest branch is in Dublin. They have monthly meetings and they always have shops at the meetings which would be a perfect place to pick up sewing supplies. If you're a member you get access to their libraries - and can borrow craft/quilting books too!
The website for the Eastern branch is http://www.easternbranch-ips.com. Meetings will be starting up again in September after the summer break.

Hope that helps..

Lemonbalm

Hi Cookie, Have a look here, http://thejanellewindcollection.typepad.com/

or http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/Free_Sewing_Patterns.htm

or type in 'free bag patterns' or whatever you are looking for. There is alot of information on the 'net' and it will also give you ideas and inspiration just checking it all out.
Above all - Have fun