susie johns at the circus

New book: Still Life

I've got a new book coming out in October 2021... I have built my reputation as an author by writing dozens of books on knitting, crochet and sewing. This time the subject is art: drawing and painting. I loved writing this book, especially when it came to creating ten still-life pictures for readers to follow step-by-step. Also, I was able to use a variety of materials: pencil (graphite), charcoal, pen and ink, coloured pencils, watercolour pencils and watercolour paints. I've included plenty of tips and tricks that I have learnt over the years when teaching art at a local adult education college and I hope that readers will find the book useful, whether they are beginners or fairly experienced at drawing and painting.
There is a little while to wait until the book is published but it can be pre-ordered, from Waterstones or Amazon and probably a few other places.
Here's the Waterstones link:
https://www.waterstones.com/book/still-life/susie-johns/9781784946173

 

Collecting Vintage Books...

My collection of vintage annuals started with a single book, found on holiday about 10 years ago. The book was falling apart, so I salvaged some of the pages to use as collage material. From then on, when I came across an old annual, as long as the price was right I bought it. I wasn′t prepared to pay too much. I cleared some shelves in the guest room and, once these were full, I promised myself I would stop collecting. I didnt stop but I did slow down. I have photographed the covers of some of the best ones and have created a photo album to share. I will also put some of these on Pinterest where I am sure they will be discovered by others who love the colourful, quirky, nostalgic illustrations.

How to Machine Sew

An advance copy of my latest book just arrived in the post. It will be available to buy from 7th April 2015 and can be ordered in advance from Amazon.
The book is aimed at the complete beginner, with help and guidance on using a sewing machine and a range of simple projects to practice on. There are plenty of clear step-by-step illustrations to help you get started. The next book in the series, How to Embroider, will be published a month later, on 7th May.

Knitted fish 'n' chips

My Knitted Fish 'n Chips (below, left) and Ice-cream Cone have appeared on the seafront at Saltburn-on-the-Sea.  It would seem that the Saltburn Yarnbombers have used some of my patterns in their sensational seaside installation (below, right), featured in today's London Metro (click on the link below for more info).

Secret Knitters Strike Again

If Saltburn wasn't so far from London, I'd take a trip up there to see the knitted novelties for myself! I look forward to seeing more from this secret guerrilla knitting team in the future...
If you'd like to knit the Fish 'n' Chips and Ice-cream for yourself, you will find them in Twenty to Make: Knitted Fast Food, published by Search Press.

Knitting Workshops in Northern Ireland

On Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd February, I'll be hosting knitting workshops at Glen Gallery Crafts, County Antrim.

On the Friday, I'll be showing participants how to knit a hat (using patterns from my book Knitted Beanies: Twenty to Make) and on the Saturday we'll be knitting fruit and flowers, including these pretty periwinkles.

It's my first trip to Northern Ireland, so I'm very excited.

Knitted Finger Puppets

An advanced copy of my new book – Knitted Finger Puppets – arrived in the post this morning. I really enjoyed creating these little characters and it's lovely, after so many months of work, to see them in print. The book will be published in March.

Crafts with Kids

My latest book is due out in May 2010, published by New Holland. Having worked on Art Attack magazine for 11 years, until 2007, lately I have concentrating more on adult crafts such as jewellery and knitting, so I was pleased to have the opportunity to create some projects with children in mind. I had great fun coming up with the ideas, as well as working with the children in the studio – and Roddy Paine's photography and the overall design of the book is colourful and eye-catching.
When I was growing up, my parents always providing me with plenty of paper, crayons and paints, as well as magazines to cut up and all the women in my family were good at knitting and sewing, so they were excellent role models. I have always encouraged my three kids to be creative, too. Josh is really good at drawing, painting and model-making, Lillie has great taste and is brilliant at customising and reinventing secondhand clothes, while Edith, who is currently doing AS level art, is particularly good at drawing, photography and collage.
The book covers a range of techniques, including painting, collage, sewing and knitting, and I hope it is an inspiration to parents and children. 

new book

I have finished writing my latest book, Street Chic Jewellery, and made all the projects. Ten days ago, we had a photo shoot near my home in Greenwich, with five models wearing the various pieces of jewellery. It was a sunny October day and the girls – my two daughters and three of their friends – looked really beautiful. I did the styling and photographer Paul Bricknell took the pictures – and I have high hopes that this book, which will be published early next year by New Holland, will be a great success.
These pictures show one of the papier maché brooches that I am particularly pleased with, and the girls in one of their model poses.