Book Review - Make It And Mend It

Make It and Mend It first began life as a website, following a business project lunch that turned into a discussion on personal interests. Clare Flynn, Hillary Bruffell, Clare O'Briend and Anne Caborn came to realise that they all believed in making, creating, growing, and doing things for themselves, rather than relying on shops and buying things new. The site began as a place where they could share basic skills with others, but has now grown into a sharing community, focusing on a way of life, turning away from mass consumerism. They have now taken some of their 'easy-to-do' ideas and tips, and shared over 30 of them in this handy and attractive little book. 

I'm usually a little cynical of books filled with various craft projects, I find that although they are a nice idea in theory, they often contain very similar projects and there are only so many napkin rings one can make. However, Make It and Mend It has softened me a little, maybe it is because it feels slightly more varied. Yes there are the usual suspects, handmade cards and sewing projects, but there are also more DIY orientated projects such as building your own barbecue, and simple recipes for making your own cleaning products. It could of course also be down to the inclusion of how to collect sloes, and use them to make sloe gin - that is always going to be appreciated. 

There is the usual, but useful, introduction and equipment/materials list, before the book is divided into nine sections, including the four seasons, as well as special occasions such as Mother's Day, Christmas and Easter. All the projects are fairly approachable, such as making hand cream or perfume, but there are those that are even easier which feel more family orientated, like carving a simple pumpkin and decorating jars for trick or treating. 

Instructions vary from the very simple and succinct, such as making a bucket barbeque - although I think this would have benefited from a few extra details or a diagram - to clear, but longer, more detailed instructions, such as the section on how to make and keep a sourdough starter and make a loaf. 

The book has a clear layout, there are plenty of full page colour images illustrating finished projects, so you always know what it is you are aiming for, and although I personally am not keen on the cut-out montages that break up the sections, it does create a colourful and homely feel. 

Now we are in October I think it's okay for me to use the 'C' word, that's right, Christmas. Make It and Mend It would make a sweet little Christmas gift. Unless the recipient is proficient in most crafts, this book contains enough variety to be of interest to most people. I'm no expert crafter, but I do try my hand at lots of different things compared to most people I know, and I found enough projects in here to keep me entertained... and did I mention the Sloe Gin? 

Make it and Mend It by Clare Flynn, Hilary Bruffell, Clare O'Brien and Anne Caborn is available from most book retailers, including RUCraft priced at £14.24

Make It And Mend It website: makeitandmenditRRP - 18.99
David and Charles
ISBN-10: 1446302407
Please note that I was given a copy of this book, but was not paid to write the review.

Book Review - Antique To Heirloom Jelly Roll Quilts

I know very little about quilting, and certainly had no idea what a jelly roll quilt was when I first received this book. So for those of you feeling lost already, a jelly roll is a roll of forty different fabrics strips that are 2.5 inches wide that were introduced by Moda to showcase their latest range of fabrics. The idea behind jelly roll quilts is that all you need to make the decorative top of a quilt is one jelly roll and some background fabric. 

The concept behind Antique To Heirloom Jelly Roll Quilts is to showcase genuine antique quilt designs, many dating back to 1930s America, (with a few British designs dated even earlier), and then create a contemporary alternative that can be made by the reader. 

All the quilts appear to be detailed and complicated but the first pattern is a simple design, and the complexity only gradually increases as you move through the book. There are twelve modern quilt patterns to follow. Each pattern begins by introducing you to its antique predecessor with a full page image of the quilt in a lifestyle situation, and an introductory paragraph on the history of the item. 

The patterns are written step-by-step and make use of easy to follow, accurate, colour diagrams. You are told exactly what size the strips need to be cut to before you begin (as well as how many), then the diagrams help you to understand how blocks are gradually built up and put together. I was surprised by how easy it was to follow. It felt a little like it was bending my brain, but only because I think in rather an erratic fashion, and this is very structured and logical. 

The instructions make quilt making seem very achievable, but my wary side, that has witnessed me being hugely optimistic about many a challenging craft project, kept reminding me that this must be quite labour intensive. You only have to look at the sheer number of triangles that need cutting for some of the projects, to realise that it requires a certain amount of commitment. If you are someone with experience in cutting and sewing however, I'm sure this isn't so daunting. 

I could appreciate how beautiful all of the designs were, even if I would have chosen some alternative colour palettes, but my favourite designs were the dramatic blue and white Ocean Waves, and the simple yet effective block pattern of Sweet Sixteen.

It's worth noting that this book focuses on taking you through the creation of the decorative top, of a quilt, and only mentions the actual quilting process very briefly. If you are also wanting to learn about quilting there are many books available. 

I had no interest in any kind of quilting, it had always sounded stuffy and old, but the quilts in this book are absolutely stunning, and I have a new found respect for the craftmanship that has gone into these textile works of art. I can't honestly say that I have the patience myself to make something so staggeringly beautiful, but hopefully I can find somebody that can do it for me.  

Antique to Heirloom Jelly Roll Quilts by Pam & Nicky Lintott is available from all of the usual book retailers including http://www.rucraft.co.uk/antique-to-heirloom-jelly-roll-quilts (£11.99)

RRP- £15.99

David and Charles 

ISBN-10: 1446301826

Please note that I wasn't paid to write this review, although I was given a copy of the book. 

Folksy Friday - Is that you Santy Claus?

I know, I know we are still in August, but with listings lasting 6 months, christmas goodies are popping up on Folksy all over the place. This week I have been sitting thinking about what creative christmas treats I could create, so it was nice to have a browse, and get into the festive spirit :)

Feel free to click on an image, it will take you right to the appropriate Folksy shop :)

Bits & Pieces

I have been busy with lots of bits and pieces over the last few days. Firstly I thought I should make some more friends for Uri, so I have a couple more birds to finish off either today or tomorrow, just need to decide what colours they should be?

I have also made an effort to get a small batch of beads created. These lentil beads are in the "Rachel" range, so called as my friend Rachel asked if she could have some jewellery, using red and white beads, as a wedding present. That was in August, and poor Rachel is still waiting, oops!

Finally, I have been trying to create lots of little patterns and characters from felt. I have a pile of felt left over from uni (I left uni over four years ago), and I have been trying to find a use for it for ages, hopefully now I can start working my way through it. I love these little guys, my hand sewing has never been a forte of mine, but I do love a bit of blanket stitch!