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Cool tools really work.
A cool tool can be any book, gadget, software, video, map, hardware, material, or website that is tried and true. All reviews on this site are written by readers who have actually used the tool and others like it. Items can be either old or new as long as they are wonderful. We post things we like and ignore the rest. Suggestions for tools much better than what is recommended here are always wanted.
ZAKKA EMBROIDERY PRESENTS DESIGNS THAT ARE AN ELEGANT BLEND OF JAPANESE AND SCANDINAVIAN STYLE
Zakka Embroidery: Simple One- and Two-Color Embroidery Motifs and Small Crafts by Yumiko Higuchi Roost Books 2016, 192 pages, 8.3 x 0.6 x 5.9 inches, Paperback
I’m a sucker for fiber arts. I only ever had a passing interest in embroidery and basically did all of my needlework embellishments freehand and on-the-fly. But since hitting the embroidery thread jackpot at a yard sale last summer, I’ve been inching slowly closer to learning the actual craft. Zakka Embroidery was exactly what I needed.
Yumiko Higuchi first draws in readers with a collection of beautiful embroidery motifs (shot clearly and up close so that you can practically feel the stitches on the muslin) with corresponding projects. All the motifs are garden/nature inspired and only use one or two colors of thread. This was a huge selling point for me, as I am not naturally drawn to overly colorful designs and have a hard time figuring out what goes well together (outside of gray and dark gray). The projects range from sweet, floral clutches and satchels, to baby items, to home decor. There are a lot of great gift-projects in this book. The second half is a thorough, photographically illustrated guide to embroidery techniques, and then the actual embroidery and project patterns.
Because many of the projects in this lovely little book do involve sewing, it’s good to have some basic sewing skills to fully utilize it. But don’t let that stop you! You can easily embroider these motifs onto pre-made garments (some projects actually call for this), tea towels, or accessories. You could even make these tiny gardens into your classic wall-hanging, but I think one of the nicest things about this book is that everything is intended to be actually used, worn, and appreciated in action.
– Mk Smith Despres
MR. ROBOT: RED WHEELBARROW: (EPS1.91_REDWHEELBARR0W.TXT)
MR. ROBOT: Red Wheelbarrow: (eps1.91_redwheelbarr0w.txt) by Sam Esmail, Courtney Looney Harry N. Abrams 2016, 160 pages, 7.7 x 0.5 x 9.8 inches, Hardcover
This is without question one of the strangest books I’ve ever purchased. I feel like Amazon just shipped me the handwritten journal of a complete lunatic, at the same time I’ve never felt more connected to a fictional character. If you haven’t seen it, Mr. Robot is an amazing counter culture, techno thriller that I highly recommend. If you’re not a fan, this book will mean nothing to you. If you are a fan, this book is something special.
The book, much like the show, is a total mindbender. It’s a journal that’s actually featured in Season 2 of the series, and the entries follow the plot of the season. It’s written from the show’s main character Elliot’s point of view, in his own handwriting, and features his many…demons. There are also notes added from a secondary character, seen briefly throughout the season, who’s trying to piece together Elliot’s story. Just like reading someone’s actual journal, this offers a lot of perspective and insight into Elliot’s character, and what his motivations are moving forwards.
The printing is amazing. The handwriting in pencil looks like you could smudge it with a wet finger. There’s also a plethora of collected scraps like envelopes, a cigarette package, and a newspaper clipping, all which add to the eerie feeling that this book was ripped from the TV. I haven’t spent nearly enough time uncovering all that it’s pages have to offer. I found a number chart imprinted on the second to last page, I know that’s got to be related to something. If you’re a fan who wants to go further down the rabbit hole, you’re going to enjoy this.
