While I was out yesterday (fabric shopping, of course), I stopped by Barnes and Nobel to check out some of the latest books. I've found that Border's craft section doesn't carry a wide variety of titles and NEVER carries the new releases. Consequently, I spent a great deal of time sifting through a few sewing books, here's my thoughts:

As much as I love Betz White (and her previous book Warm Fuzzies
), I was really on the fence about her latest book, Sewing Green - I'm an occasional repurposer (resizing a tee here and there, taking old jeans and making bags, felting sweaters and making pincushions, etc.) and I just didn't think that there would be anything left to make. I had a chance to glance over this title yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to see that there were a lot of fun projects inside! Water bottle cozies, lunch bags, capri sun pouches that are sewn into a car shade.... very cute (not to mention creative) stuff! While I don't see myself making a lot from this book, there was enough inside that I would make to justify purchasing it.

Given the name of this book, I probably wouldn't have given this title a second look if it wasn't for the very cool Faux Buck that Chronicle Books posted back in February to promote Dorm Decor - I mean it's been ages since I've had to shove all my belongings into a tiny room with another person I hardly know. However, since the bookstore carried this book, I had to check it out - and boy was I surprised! Although it's geared toward a younger crowd, I loved some of the fun projects inside - floor pillows, messenger bags, message boards, monogram pillows.... not only could I see me making a few of these projects for myself, but Taylor would be all over it as well. Of all the books I read while I was at B&N, this by far, was my favorite.

I had originally seen Sweater Surgery
mentioned on Vickie Howell's blog several weeks ago. I love the idea of taking discarded sweaters and turning them into something new and this book doesn't let you down - old clothing gets turned into everything from purses and skirts to toys and pillows... my favorite? Socks! As much as I loved the items in the book, I'll probably never get this one as I can NEVER find great clothing items to upcycle.

When I placed my last Amazon order (you can read about Fashion Geek here), I also put in Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing - I had seen several positive reviews about this book and the sugar skull purse was too interesting to pass up. While this book is gorgeous to look at, I have to say, most of the projects are not my style. I just can't seem to pull off the eclectic look (e.g. mismatched fabrics, lots of embellishments, etc.). There are lots of interesting projects that are quick to whip up (all are either low or no sew) so I'm sure that at some point I'll refer to this book - especially when I'm looking for something unique for a swap. However, if I was looking for a book to reference solely for myself, I'd probably purchase something else.