some book recommendations..
I actually don’t have much prepared for today, so I’m going to wing it. I knew it was going to be a very busy week this week and today while rain fell on me making me grouchy*, my to-do list decided to bunny and multiplied itself a few times.
Earlier today I was (absurdly) early for an appointment and wandered around that big chain bookstore that still is around. I took time to really browse and thought about what might be appreciated by a reader in your life. Please note that I own all of these books unless otherwise specified. I’m lazy and use Amazon wish list^ even though I’d rather you frequent an indie to make any book purchase if possible.
Without further ado, here are a few that I’ve read in the past year or so that I think might be appreciated by someone you know.
for the cook
The Flavor Bible: The Essential Guide to Culinary Creativity, Based on the Wisdom of America’s Most Imaginative Chefs
I can’t recommend this highly enough. I bought my mother a copy! I rarely open my cookbooks now, this book has what I need to make new pairings. I do not recommend it to those new to the kitchen. You should be ready to use basic recipes as a blank canvas and try to tweak combinations.
for the knitter
Clara Parkes has done it again with The Knitter’s Book of Socks. Note: please check if your sock knitter has purchased this already. It’s an item they want and might not be able to wait for!
Knit One Knit All
For the lover of Elizabeth Zimmermann and garter stitch. The greatest beauty is in the color reproductions of her notes.
Knitting with Two Colors by Meg Swansen and Amy Detjen
This should be out soon, please pre-order it. I haven’t seen this book yet, but if Meg and Amy wrote a book together there is nothing that could be bad about it.
If your knitter doesn’t have at least the first two volumes of Barbara Walker’s Knitting Treasury, please gift them.
If you want other books please check out Cooperative Press and Schoolhouse Press.
for the weaver
The Handweaver’s Pattern Directory : Over 600 Weaves for 4-shaft Looms and The Weaver’s Idea Book: Creative Cloth on a Rigid Heddle Loom
Ask what type of loom your weaver has. These are full of useful references. If you are unsure, go with the Idea Book. Jane Patrick brilliantly included drafts for shaft looms.
for the spinner
Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook: More Than 200 Fibers from Animal to Spun Yarn
This is delightful and useful not just for the spinner but the fibre artist (aka knitter, weaver, crocheter) who wants to understand fibre in more detail.
for the fantasy/science fiction lover
Mistwood and Nightspell by Leah Cypess
My review is forthcoming, but check out the book tour in the meantime!
A Discovery of Witches
I reviewed this in May
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* I agree completely with Stephanie and think I too was a cat in a prior life. There are Finished Object posts I could write but I haven’t been able to take decent photos of them yet.
^ If you are curious, it is here and a list of most books we own is on LibraryThing. LT is mostly only accurate for Crafts (Handmade) and Science Fiction and Fantasy collections. If a book you are thinking of falls outside that subject matter, please ask. I don’t mind duplicates but try to avoid them when I can.