Like many Apple paperbacks from the 80s, this is very movie-of-the-week but solidly written despite that. One of my favorites as a kid and still holdsLike many Apple paperbacks from the 80s, this is very movie-of-the-week but solidly written despite that. One of my favorites as a kid and still holds up, though probably too tame for modern kids.
I would dearly love to know how a book that says "Have you ever loved a book so much you wanted to live in it?" could suggest that children sew a GUMMI would dearly love to know how a book that says "Have you ever loved a book so much you wanted to live in it?" could suggest that children sew a GUMMY WORM NECKLACE to feel as though they were taking part in a March family celebration....more
Written by a puppeteer and crafter, this very cute book offers simple DIY puppet projects for beginning crafters using socks, towels, mittens, and othWritten by a puppeteer and crafter, this very cute book offers simple DIY puppet projects for beginning crafters using socks, towels, mittens, and other recycled materials. Chock-full of photographs and illustrations, the book offers easy to follow instructions using inexpensive materials for many cheery (and green) projects. Especially great for a rainy day with kids!
Read the author 's guest post on my crafts blog, where she talks about her inspiration behind the book. You'll also find two free patterns to download and try! ...more
The book features great photo tutorials as well as clear, concise writing by McGowan, who shows interesting techniques in working with elastic cord anThe book features great photo tutorials as well as clear, concise writing by McGowan, who shows interesting techniques in working with elastic cord and reversing the knit to achieve a more fitted, feminine silhouette. She also shows how she customizes garments by dip-dyeing finished hats, creating decorative "seams" with crochet, and adding beautiful finishing touches such as velvet and silk ribbon trims. It's a really wonderful book with great projects, although it was a little unusual that many of the models are photographed with relatively neutral expressions--a cozy but flattering dress would definitely earn a much warmer smile, no matter how modern the woman might be! Nevertheless, the author's capable, friendly tone and well-written tutorials make this an easy and pleasant book for any knitter who wishes to tackle projects that are both classic and fashion-forward.
Check out my Q & A with the author over on my crafts blog! She talks about the advantages of knitting using the "top-down" technique, as well as her inspiration behind the book. You can also find the link to a cute mulberry knit hat, using a free pattern from the book.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for this review....more
The whimsical sweetness of Hillary’s designs is appealing to crafters of all levels, and the book is written in a cheerful, encouraging tone that makeThe whimsical sweetness of Hillary’s designs is appealing to crafters of all levels, and the book is written in a cheerful, encouraging tone that makes no project seem too difficult to tackle. The bright colors and interesting fabric choices are lovely to peruse, and the author ably demonstrates her techniques for creating distinctive hair styles using different materials, including ribbon, stitched yarn, cut yarn, etc. This trend toward full color, hardback craft books with cloth spines is a pleasing one, since it eliminates the waste and shabby corners of a dust jacket while maintaining the good quality of a hardcover.
The projects in Wee Wonderfuls include soft animals, dolls wearing real clothes, embroidered and decorated pillows, bags shaped like animals, and more, all of which are appropriate for gift-giving. My favorite projects are probably Hillary’s versions of a topsy turvy doll (pictured in yellow on the book cover), as well as bookish Evelyn Inchworm and her flowered head scarf.
Each charming toy is accompanied by a short anecdote with the source of Hillary’s inspiration for the piece. The stories are just long enough to give a little peek into her creative world without being distracting, and they enhance the reader’s appreciation for the featured doll or animal. The usual basic glossary and sewing techniques are covered here, along with a satisfying list of online resources. The book also includes all the patterns necessary for each toy, which may be photocopied and enlarged as needed.
This book is a must-have for any fan of Hillary's work, as well as for any crafter who loves quality handmade toys. The toys are adorable, the projects are fun, and the book will be one you'll reach for again and again for inspiration.
This review originally appeared on the happy honeybee blog, where there are also free projects linked from the book and from Hillary's website. Check out my interview with the author as well!
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for this review. ...more
As many others have indicated, this is a very pretty book by a clearly talented designer that is unfortunately full of baffling errors. I also was surAs many others have indicated, this is a very pretty book by a clearly talented designer that is unfortunately full of baffling errors. I also was surprised by the inclusion of odd content randomly inserted such as "sewing sounds" and very simple recipes, which didn't add to the book's content at all and felt very out of place. The projects also range from very simple to fairly skilled.
And includes links to the "errata" section of the author's website where she offers some corrections, as well as to a couple of free patterns available online. I've heard varying feedback on the smocked dress, but not much on the gardening gloves. A shame, as Heather Ross' fabrics are charming and some of the projects are very cute....more
Wendy Darling
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