If you’re in need of some crafty inspiration (not to mention a few new sofa cushions), “The Pillow Book” by Shannon Okey (Chronicle Books, 141 pages, $24.95) might be just the thing. Okey’s projects are basic enough to calm any sewing anxiety the novice crafter might feel, with some more challenging things thrown in for those who aren’t afraid to rip a seam.
And — equally important, if you ask us — the book has tons of great photos, beautifully styled, that get the old “Hey, I could make that!” feeling going. Not to mention that nifty envelope full of patterns attached to the book’s front cover. There’s even a Midwest twist: Several projects, including our favorite, the Kitchen Chair Pads, feature fabric from Ohio designer Amy Butler.
Okey hits all the updated crafty notes: There’s a knitted project, an embroidered pillow from the hip embroidery Web site sublimestitching.com, a mod tufted floor pillow and a few projects for the kids. (Love the modern, not-too-girly take on the tooth fairy pillow.) On our quick trip through the pillowed pages, we could feel a little sewing itch start to sprout. By the time we made it to the index, we had added three projects to our (OK, we admit it, it’s endless) crafting to-do list.
Crafters, start your sewing machines.
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IN THE WEB EDITION: Knit a string bag and just say no to plastic bags. Find the pattern for Liz’s Magic String Bag at chicagotribune.com/stringbag and talk with knitters at chicago tribune.com/homeforum.