________________ CM . . . . Volume VIII Number 4 . . . . October 19, 2001

cover Quilting. (Kids Can Do It).

Biz Storms. Illustrated by June Bradford.
Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2001.
40 pp., pkk. & cl., $5.95 (pbk.), $14.95 (cl.).
ISBN 1-55074-805-X (pbk.), ISBN 1-55074-967-6 (cl.).

Subject Heading:
Quilting-Juvenile literature.

Grades 4 and up / Ages 9 and up.

Review by Lorraine Douglas.

*** /4

excerpt:

"Use 100% cotton thread or embroidery floss. When sewing with thread, pick a color that blends with your fabric. If you have several fabric colors, try beige or gray thread. If a project calls for embroidery floss, match it to your fabric or choose a contrasting color that really jumps out. Always separate the floss threads and use only two strands at a time. If you use more, the floss may knot or be too bulky.".

These sentences are just a brief example of the straightforward declarative style of writing which is the hallmark of the "Kids Can Do It" series of craft and activity books. This sewing book concentrates on developing hand sewing skills through a sequenced set of ten projects which advance in difficulty and design. Clear color illustrations and text describe the basics needed to get started, including how to use sewing supplies, how to use fusible web for applique and how to do a variety of stitches for hand sewing and quilting. The projects start with appliqued clothing, a pincushion and a wall hanging. The quilted items include a pencil case, book bag, wall organizer, crazy quilt pins and pillows, and strip pieced mini quilts and a large quilt. Hand sewing is used in all the projects even with the book bag which would be much stronger if machine stitching were used. The clarity of the book's design adds to the attractiveness of the projects. This project book would be very useful for youth leaders of groups like Brownies who are looking for ideas done with "lowtech" tools and modestly priced supplies and even recycled fabric.

     Quilting is an excellent addition to the arts and crafts shelves of school and public libraries.

Highly Recommended.

Lorraine Douglas, who is presently the Youth Services Coordinator for the Winnipeg Public Library, is a also a former proud wearer of a Brownie sewing badge. She says that, instead of darning a smelly old sock, she would have preferred to make the items in this book for the badge!

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

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