Hello, dearies! I’m back with another batch of mini reviews! Today’s theme is Non Fiction & DIY! =D I’ve been on the mood to read guides and DIY books, so here are more of my reviews for the ones in the DIY department!
In this post, you’ll find mini reviews for:
• Betty Barnden – The Crochet Stitch Handbook
• Debra Valencia – Embroidered Lettering
• Elizabeth Heiskell – The Southern Living Party Cookbook
• Helen Driggs – Metal Jewelry Workshop
• Shannen Chua – Huggable Amigurumi
*~.The Crochet Stitch Handbook.~*
From Betty Barnden
Rating: 5 stars
Reading period: Nov. 25th, 2018
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley – I have received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: Oct. 10th, 2018
The Crochet Stitch Handbook fully explains over 200 stitches. A perfect starter guide for beginners, with advanced projects and details for experts, this book is a wonderful addition to the library of any crafter, crocheter, or knitter.
The handbook includes step-by-step instructions for basic stitches, textured stitches, fans and shells stitches, mesh and filet stitches, openwork and lace stitches, trims and edgings, clusters, puffs, bobbles, spike, relief, Tunisian, multi-color, squares, and special stitches.
Crochet is the technique of making a looped fabric from a continuous length of yarn, using a single hook. The word crochet itself derives from the French croc, meaning a hook (or crook); an old Scottish name for crochet is “shepherd’s knitting.” It is one of themost portable and flexible of crafts, requiring only a hook and some yarn.
Master the basic techniques of crochet, and more, to create a fascinating variety of effects with The Crochet Stitch Handbook.
PROS
This is a true guide on how to do Crochet Stitches! I have never attempted it before, but I simply LOVE crafting, so I picked up this book to have a general idea of what I’d be doing if I started to do Crochet Stitches. I’ve been truly inspired and learned enough to want to carry on with this hobby =D
CONS
Crochet Stitches are harder than one would expect – if you blink at the wrong turn of the needle, the pattern dies. I honestly found this part very worrisome.
COVER ANALYSIS
Simple, clean and fresh: all the stuff that Crochet Stitch isn’t about make up for a perfect book cover. I wish I had a physical copy at my shelf…
RECOMMENDED FOR
Readers with a passion for DIY works!
*~.Embroidered Lettering.~*
From Debra Valencia
Rating: 5 stars
Reading period: Nov. 25th, 2018
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley – I have received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: March 12th, 2019
Express yourself with embroidery! Innovative designer and author Debra Valencia combines some of her favorite embroidery designs with creative lettering in this new book. Learn how to use a traditional craft to add a modern message to coasters, tote bags, throw pillows, tea towels, monograms, luggage tags, an eyeglass case and more. Inside Embroidered Lettering you’ll find 25 fun and unique embroidery lettering projects that feature heartfelt sentiments and witty statements. Debra provides step-by-step instructions for 24 useful stitches, useful advice on tools and materials, and 7 alphabet templates to use in customizing your own designs.
PROS
There are so many wonderful tips and designs! We learn all types of embroidery and how to do small to big details! Also, the author indicates best materials and colors in each project, illustrating each step very well. This books makes you want to do embroidered lettering!
CONS
I honestly can’t think of any!
COVER ANALYSIS
My real first name starts with the letter M, so this cover caught up my attention at once! It is so simple and delicate, I love it. ❤
RECOMMENDED FOR
Readers with a passion for DIY works!
*~.The Southern Living Party Cookbook.~*
From Elizabeth Heiskell
Rating: 5 stars
Reading period: Nov. 25th, 2018
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley – I have received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: Nov. 20th, 2018
Say “hello” to the modern-day reinterpretation of the best-selling Southern Living cookbook of all time, 1972’s Southern Living Party Cookbook.
This new essential guide to entertaining is divided by occasion, offering a fresh lineup of menus and ideas for every celebratory scenario life serves up from What Can I Bring? author, Elizabeth Heiskell, In this update to the best-selling book of our mothers’ and grandmothers’ era, Elizabeth’s tell-it-like-it-is voice provides a twist to the classic Southern advice that is a refresher for entertainers of any age or experience. Packed with delicious recipes from the original book like Smoked Salmon Canapes, Hot Cheese Squares, and Brandy Alexanders, the book also includes popular picks from the current pages of Southern Living as well as Elizabeth’s treasured recipe box. The Southern Living Party Cookbook is an entertaining handbook loaded with lifestyle tips and hilarious Heiskell stories, along with lush photography to help you get the look from table setting to plated dish.
PROS
There is a subtle art in hosting that I honestly never realized before reading this book. The author explained it all quick and simple, with no room for doubts, and also brought us the most delicious recipes for gatherings! Ooh, how I feel hungry now…
CONS
I can’t eat the dishes as I read about them. Ok, kidding, this book was marvelous!
COVER ANALYSIS
This is one of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen! The flowers and the colors give such tranquility and cutie vibes to it! Ooh, how I wish I had the physical copy on my shelves! =(
RECOMMENDED FOR
Readers that love cooking and entertaining, as the tips are really useful!
*~.Metal Jewelry Workshop.~*
From Helen Driggs
Rating: 4 stars
Reading period: Nov. 26th, 2018
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley – I have received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: Oct. 08th, 2018
This beginner’s guide to metal jewelry making shows how to create exciting wearable art using just 12 simple tools.
Wearing jewelry you made yourself means you can express your creativity, talent, and personal taste all at once. And it’s easy to get started! Perhaps you’ve even tried assembling craft outlet beads and charms, and now you’re ready to move to the next level.
Metal Jewelry Workshop features 8 practice exercises and 12 beautiful projects with step-by-step photos that show exactly what to do and how the result should look. By working through each lesson, you will master the use of jeweler’s tools one at a time—and you’ll create some beautiful pieces of jewelry along the way.
Experienced jewelry-making teacher Helen Driggs explains all the basics of materials and techniques with step-by-step, easy-to-understand instructions. This tried and true learning method will help you build a foundation of proper technique and let you excel without frustration!
PROS
This book is very detailed on every step to teach the reader how to make home jewelry! You don’t need to have previous experience: just grab this book, buy the materials and tools, and you can start making your art! And, as the book teaches the basic formats and all, as soon as you get a little experience, it’s easier to make designs of your own!
CONS
I honestly didn’t like most of the models that the book taught how to make, so I would have to search up other models with the same principles until I gained enough experience to come up with my own designs…
COVER ANALYSIS
For a book with so many magical lessons, I think this cover is a bit disappointing. If I saw it on a bookshop, it wouldn’t spark my attention enough for me to pick it up and take a look. The colors are too similar and dark, and for a jewelry book, it lacks light and sparkles.
RECOMMENDED FOR
Readers with a passion for DIY works!
*~.Huggable Amigurumi.~*
From Shannen Chua
Rating: 5 stars
Reading period: Nov. 29th, 2018
Format: ebook
Source: Edelweiss – I have received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: Oct. 11th, 2016
Use your favorite yarns to crochet an adorable collection of cuddly amigurumi animals, including a lamb, giraffe, elephant, raccoon, turtle, turkey, and more.
Who could say no to adorable animals with sweet personalities? Use basic stitches to crochet amigurumi softies that will delight young and old alike. Use your favorite yarns to create a collection of 6″ to 12″ tall amigurumi animals, including a lamb, giraffe, elephant, raccoon, turtle, turkey, and more.
Perfect for amigurumi fans who like larger projects and anyone who loves to crochet toys;
These irresistible cuties make great gifts for adults and children;
You’ll enjoy crocheting and sharing unique softies.
PROS
This book is so surprisingly useful! Amigurumi animals indeed make up for a great present for friends and children – although I’m 24, ALL my same-aged friends would love to receive one of these as a gift! Also, crochet is a great exercise for both the brain and the body, as it requires a lot of attention and precision. I can’t wait to gather up the materials and give these fluffy friends a try!
CONS
I honestly think that the basic tips and acronyms instructions should be on the beginning of the book and not on the back – I spent my entire reading thinking that I’d need another book to guide me through the crochet meanings until I reached the last project and found the basic guide.
COVER ANALYSIS
Although a bit simple, this cover is saved from boredom by the fluffiness of the amigurumi animals it displays. ❤
RECOMMENDED FOR
Readers with a passion for DIY works!
~*~
And we’re done! Phew, so many books and so little time!! Thank you soooo much for reading! Hope I could pick your interest for one or two of these babies =)
With love,
The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange 
There pretty great books but I’m not so good in things like this 🙂
LikeLike