Hi friends, I'm super excited about two books that will be appearing on bookstore shelves this week – both books by crafty heroes of mine. The first is Embroidery Companion: Classic Designs for Modern Living, by Alicia Paulson of Posy Gets Cosy. I've been reading Alicia's blog for a long time now, and it's one of my all-time favourites. Embroidery, sewing, knitting and needlework hold a special place in her life and her heart, and she articulates her feelings for her craft in a way that speaks directly to me, in a way few other people do. I loved her first book, and can't wait to pick this one up, because I know it will be just as beautiful and meaningful. It's out today, and if I'm finished work on time I'll be swinging by the bookstore in the hope that I'll be taking a copy home. (Have a sneak peek here.) The second is More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, by Joelle Hoverson. Joelle is the co-owner of Purl Soho, and the author of two of my other favourite craft books, Last-Minute Knitted Gifts and Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts. The first time I shopped at Purl Patchwork, Joelle was there – but I was so bedazzled by the fabric selection that (to my chagrin) I didn't realize who she was until much later. As she measured and cut my fabric, conversation turned to Last-Minute Patchwork+Quilted Gifts. I mentioned how much I liked it, and then bestowed what I consider to be the best compliment ever for a craft book: "Oh," I said, "I love it. It was really well copy-edited." Not really well written, not filled with lovely projects, not chock-full of beautiful photography – all of which, of course, it is – but really well copy-edited. In my mind, a craft book that's free of spelling, grammatical or math errors is a book that was put together with the utmost care, but perhaps still, it's perhaps not the compliment that the designer and author wants to hear! I almost turned inside out with embarrassment when the penny dropped and I realized what I'd said...by which time I was fifteen minutes away. Sigh. That said, I'm looking forward to getting my hands on Joelle's latest book, because I am confident that not only will it have been very well copy-edited, but that it will also be full of beautiful, inspiring projects, wise words, clear instructions and luscious photography. I can't wait. (Have a sneak peek here.)