Non fiction book reviews part 19 - embroidery, propagating plants and kitchen tips

Welcome to part 19 in a series of non-fiction book reviews, originally based on the idea that the books I request tell you everything you need to know about me. I have, after so many chapters of this series, realised that all these posts say about me is that have eclectic taste and endless curiosity. This time I am exploring embroidery,  houseplants and cooking tips, so it does have a domestic theme. All books in this post are kindly provided in e-arc form from the publishers through NetGalley.

The Art of Embroidery Design: A Workshop for Developing Your Own Original Stitching by Christi Johnson (Releases 21 January 2025)

This book doesn't focus on how to embroider (although there is plenty of information on that) it focusses on how to design, from the use of a design journal to where we can gather inspiration. I found this workshop style book very inspiring, particularly in the way it highlighted a range of designers and different embroidery styles. It is not prescriptive. the goal here is clearly to inspire, to assist and to provide confidence to the stitcher. I haven't picked up my embroidery needle since the end of the pandemic, and this book has me thinking about it. it's a beautifully illustrated and photographed volume and would be a lovely addition to any crafter's library.  

The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation: Step-by-Step Techniques for Making More Houseplants . . . for Free! by Lindsay Sisti (Releases 31 December 2024)

This is, as it says in the title, a guide to houseplant propagation. It's a particularly good example of this type of book because it's both scientific and friendly. It's written in a chatty, jokey style, with puns but it also explains how to propagate plants, starting with plant biology. It then looks at different types of propagation, and is specific about different types of plants as well. The photos are both illustrative and pretty. This is a great book for plant lovers, and it attractive and helpful enough that it would make a good gift. While I knew some of this already, reading this book has given me little more confidence and knowledge.

101 Kitchen Secrets: Cut Down on Dishes, Cost, and Time in the Kitchen by Jason Goldstein (Releases 7 January 2025)

Who wouldn't want to cut down on dishes, cost and time in the kitchen? I certainly would. This book is divided into three parts, each part addressing one of the topics - cutting down on dishes, wasting less food and cooking more efficiently.  Each page has a tip or "hack" if you like. Some of them are recipes, and more of them are advice. There is no introduction, explaining the overarching theme of the book, and at times it feels more like a list than a cohesive book. Actually, this would be great as one of those "page a day" calendars, you rip of a page each day and get a new tip. This book would be great for someone setting up home for the first time, because many of the things that are suggested I've learnt already, but I've been around for a while!