We have reviews of 3 great new crafting books…

Make! by Cath Kidston

More than just a book, ‘Make!’ is also a kit complete with a plain tote, thread and a Cath Kidston pencil. This book is ideal for anyone who wants to inject a little Cath Kidston style into their textiles.

The book begins with an introduction to basic techniques, materials and equipment needed for the projects in this book – and for a basic sewing workbox. The book then leads on to more than 40 different projects – clothing, gifts, bags and items for the home. Each project is complete with a list of materials and tools, full page colour photograph, skill level and simple step-by-step instructions.

The back of the book is complete with both outline and colour templates & patterns which makes them ideal for producing templates and as use as a colour guide for embroidery. There is also an inspiration section with more ideas and an addresses section with UK suppliers for the materials.

We decorated the tote bag included in the book. We would have likes a few more ideas for decorating this tote bag.

Other projects we would like to try are the ‘Framed Flowerpot’ and the ‘Greetings Cards’.

We would recommend this book for people of all sewing skill levels.

Make! is available for £14.99, published by Quadrille.

Papercraft

Another book from the Marie Claire Ideas range, ‘Papercraft’ includes a wide variety of projects for the home.

The chapters of the book include ‘for the table’, ‘flowers and vases’, ‘lights’, ‘gift wrap’ and ‘Christmas. Each project is accompanied by a large colour photograph, list of materials needed & a set of instructions.

Most of these instructions are easy to follow, which makes this book ideal for both beginners and those more advanced who want to use their papercrafting in more than just card making or scrapbooking.

 The back of the book includes a section of diagrams and templates for some of the projects.

We had a go at making one of the flowers from the ‘Wedding Posy’. This turned out to be quite a bit more difficult than we thought, but once a few are made and tied together with some pretty ribbon, we think this would make a gorgeous bouquet for a home.

Other projects we would like to try include the ‘Baroque Lampshade’, the ‘Summer Lantern’, the ‘Stationery Bags’ and the ‘Little Angels’.

We would recommend this book if you would like to create something a little different with paper and gives some items in your home that handmade touch.

Papercraft is available for £12.99, published by Quadrille.

Irresistable Bags

Part of the Marie Claire Ideas range of books, ‘Irresistible Bags’ has a wide selection of ideas from fashion bags to home ware items. Full of large colour photographs for each project, this book is ideal when you’re looking for some inspiration.

All the projects are accompanied by diagrams or charts where needed, as well as instructions for stitches and embellishments. Each bag also has a finished size, giving you a good idea of the perfect project to try.

 Although most of the projects are easy to follow, a few instructions for the more complex bags can be quite difficult and could do with a little more explanation from diagrams or photographs.

We made one of the bags from the ‘Shopping’ section – ‘Off to the Orchard’. Using only a few basic supplies this bag was quite easy to make and has that rustic farm look.

Other projects we would like to try are the ‘Full of Nostalgia’ handbag, the ‘Natural Knapsack’ and the ‘Laundry Bags’.

Easy Craft Projects would greatly recommend this book but we do suggest that some prior sewing experience is required.

Irresistable Bags is available for £12.99, published by Quadrille.