Sandy Black Books

A definitive guide to the complex issues surrounding modern clothing production, use, and disposal

The book explores the nostalgic charm of one-room schoolhouses through a blend of historical anecdotes and humor. It highlights the interactions among resident cats, teachers, and students, showcasing the life lessons learned beyond traditional subjects like reading, writing, and arithmetic. This engaging narrative captures the essence of a simpler educational era while celebrating the unique relationships formed within these small communities.

Exploring the iconic lighthouses, recognized as some of America's most picturesque marine landmarks, this book highlights their enduring greatness since their construction in 285 BC. It captures the unique charm of these structures, alongside the memorable resident cats that inhabit them, celebrating the historical significance and beauty of each location. Perfectly suited for those who appreciate stunning sunsets and the rich stories behind these coastal wonders, the narrative invites readers to revisit history in an enchanting way.

The narrative unfolds in a charming exploration of turn-of-the-century churches, blending history with humor. Through the eyes of resident cats and the quirky parishioners, the story reveals delightful secrets and cherished memories, promising to evoke smiles and warmth in readers.

The book explores the challenges faced by American families during the turn of the century as they navigated a rapidly evolving technological landscape. It highlights the ingenuity behind various inventions, such as the development of safer gasoline lamps that paved the way for automobile gasoline pumps, and the introduction of the party line in communication. Through these innovations, the narrative illustrates how creativity and adaptability shaped everyday life in a transformative era.

The narrative explores the multifaceted life of an old courthouse, highlighting its role as a community hub for various significant events, from baptisms and weddings to trials and tax payments. Intertwined with the courthouse's history are the tales of resident cats, adding a whimsical touch to the serious backdrop of legal proceedings and historical moments. Together, they reveal a rich tapestry of stories that go beyond mere legalities, showcasing the courthouse as a vibrant center of life and history.

The evolution of firetrucks is traced from their origins as simple water pumps to advanced vehicles equipped with ladders and innovative features like human-sized buckets. The narrative highlights the technological advancements over the years, including horse-drawn pumps and steam-powered engines, while emphasizing that no innovation could rival the dedication and courage of the firefighters who operated them. The book celebrates the blend of engineering and heroism in the fight against fires.

Exploring the unique charm of unexpected homes across America, the narrative features impersonated buildings and spirited cats that share their tales with humor and warmth. The book emphasizes that every house, regardless of appearance or location, holds a personal history and significance, inviting readers to appreciate the stories embedded within these structures.

Set in the vibrant 1950s, the narrative explores the cultural significance of diners as social hubs where people from all walks of life gathered to share meals and stories. These establishments served as backdrops for friendships and romances that lasted through the years, reflecting the societal changes brought about by war, the Depression, and industrial innovations. In her seventh book, Sandy invites readers to discover the unique connections formed within diners and the beloved cats that became part of these communities, enhancing the warmth and charm of these gathering places.

This book describes the principal fundamentals of knitwear design and features original, colourful, textural and fun knitting patterns that capture the fashion zeitgeist of the 1980s designer knitwear boom. Part 1 establishes the fashion and knitwear context of the period and its influence on the development of the designs, examining the entire creative process from inspiration to final pattern. Lavishly illustrated with photographs, diagrams and charts, special features include patchwork (modular) designs and intarsia or colour-block knitting, with techniques and tips for pattern calculations, working from charts and handling several colours. Part 2 then offers twenty-one original patterns and designs, grouped into themes of textural, graphic, heraldic and ornamental, plus the unique Siamese cat, leopard and tiger accessories. Contemporary photography, together with original images from the 1980s, illustrates the designs' timeless appeal, with close-up images of intricate pattern details and suggested design variations to aid creative knitters inspired by this pivotal decade