lovely tutorial for this lovely drawstring bag with french seam.
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April 2009
Nicky Epstein’s Knitting on Top of the World: The Global Guide to Traditions, Techniques and Design
A collection of work about the traditions, techniques and design of knitting cultures around the world
Those who are interested in different knitting techniques and style (as I am sure most who are addicted to knitting would claim to be (I know I am), will love this book. The images and patterns are luscious and extravagent, I am not sure I would actually knit all of them as they appear, however the history of the different styles and patterns is extremely interesting.
I did really love the the collection of Baltic mittens – such a gorgeous image – so intricate, quite eye catching. I was also very attracted to a beautiful small Nordic sweater suitable for a child, which I believe would be handed down through the generations. There are a few of these small sweaters, helpful in learning the different techniques of Aran, Argyle and Fair Isle classics, the patterns could possibly be enlarged to fit bigger children also.
I consider this book a treasure to own, as the history and the techniques it has within its pages are priceless, to be able to pass this kind of history down to the younger generations it would be a shame if such were to be lost. I would recommend this book to any intermediate knitter who wished to gain further skills by experimenting with these traditional techniques to create amazing designs.
About the reviewer: Janette is an experienced knitter, she has been knitting and crocheting for more than 60 years, she also spins and dyes her own wool.
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Better homes and gardens contacted me to let me know about their easter crafts section – I especially liked the quilted carrot table runner
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Happy Easter everyone – I am writing this Wednesday evening sitting up in bed – but as you read – it will be the Easter weekend already and I will be with my family camping at the beach… taking advantage of the last of the warm weather before the cold hits us (we are in Aus for new Whipup readers). Nicole is enjoying a quiet weekend at home…
The apron giveaway is a hit - thank you to Brassy Apple : a couple of reviews this past week – this scrapbookers kit is pretty cool : knitting noro a good book for beginner knitters : folk art needlepoint - not just for folk art enthusiasts : look out for more book reviews coming up in the next couple of weeks.
Easter coming up and there is lots of easter crafting going on – just for starters: easter egg tote tutorial : amigurumi easter bunny : fillable fabric eggs : spring nests : and this sweet knitted bunny … more to come in the next few days.
Our week of socks continues with Elizabeth Bennett’s purl sock program : cirque socks : mermaidia : popped socks : and nutkin … next week more knitting patterns featured…
Around the home and for the kids: a magnetic photo bulletin board : kids writing workshop : the very hungry caterpillar : Hexagonal Stacking Box from recycled packaging : photo lanterns
tips for better craft blogging – a new series I am starting – better craft blogging : craft blog etiquette : better craft blog writing - coming up photography, book reviews, blog design and more…
Thanks for reading and happy Easter everyone!
Did you miss last weeks roundup? get them all here or subscribe to this weekly newsletter via email here.
Follow us on twitter: whipup: @whipup and Nicole: @craftapalooza
Ps. feel free to send in letters, ideas and links to whipup[at]gmail.com
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Thank you Kristel for letting us know about your eggwarmer tutorial – so generous – link to tutorial here.
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Material Obsession: Modern Quilts with Traditional Roots
A quilting book reflecting our modern times where fabric is prolific and designs too many to count – inspirations comes from everywhere – how to narrow it all down and make a design work for you. Not all the colours and designs in this book are for everyone – colour is really such a personal thing. But I do think there is a lot in here for the beginner and enthusiastic new quilter.
A look at traditional repeat block patterns seen with contemporary fabrics, and mixed up with some applique and fashionable motifs give this book an interesting and welcoming twist on the usual quilt book.
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bella pepper used this tutorial from craft stylish to make this adorable basket perfect for easter.
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Sewing Green: 25 Projects Made with Repurposed & Organic Materials
Betz White is going blog hopping on her blog tour to promote her new book – sewing green. Whipup will be one stop on the tour – its already started so quick – catch up. (don’t you just love the front cover – that is Betz’s beautiful niece)
Friday 3 April – The Purl Bee – Review and signing announcement
Monday 6 April – True Up – Q&A, book giveaway
Tuesday 7 April – U-Handbag – Review, book giveaway
Wednesday 8 April – Craftzine – Project excerpt, book giveaway and Q&A
Thursday 9 April - This is love forever – Furoshiki, book giveaway
Friday 10 April - Knotions - Thrift Shop Savvy for knits: book giveaway
Monday 13 April – Craftypod – Review and book giveaway
Tuesday 14 April - Crafting a Green World – Review and book giveaway
Wednesday 15 April – Freshly Blended – Review and book giveaway
Thursday 16 April – Etsy Storque – Announcement of Etsy Lab Tyvek Tote project
Friday 17 April- Make Grow Gather - Q&A, book giveaway
Tuesday 21 April – Philly Etsy – Review, Q and A, book giveaway
Wednesday 22 April – Whip Up – Applique tips and tricks: book giveaway (that’s us – stay tuned)
Thursday 23 April – Wardrobe Refashion – Thrift Shop Savvy for sewing: book giveaway
Monday 27 April – Morsbags – Review and giveaway
Tuesday 28 April - Heart Handmade – Inspiration and ideas, Book giveaway
Wednesday 29 April – House on Hill Road – Eco-friendly lunch, book giveaway
Thursday 30 April – Craftsanity – Q & A, book giveaway
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Starting a craft blog can be a fun but also daunting prospect. If you are a blog lurker and eager to start your own blog but not quite sure what to write or if you already have a craft blog and would like to build your audience and participate more fully in the craft blog community – then tune in over the coming weeks for tips and ideas on how to build a better craft blog.
Craft blogs are very visual – for most craft blogs are all about the pictures – images of fabric and yarn, images half finished projects and completed masterpieces, images of children wearing and enjoying the fruits of your labour, closeups of textures and colours, images for teaching and explaining – its really is all about the images. So how do you get those gorgeous crisp images that some bloggers seem to do so effortlessly and others struggle with. Jane from Yarnstorm is known for her colourful images and Anna Maria Horner also shows off her work through photography very well.
Here three quick tips to get your photos looking better – more advanced tips next week…
1. Lighting is key (check out this previous post for more on lighting your objects at home)
Natural light, natural poses, natural setting. I personally love to see objects in their natural environment lit by natural light. Kids playing effortlessly outside, or working busily inside on projects. Fabrics and knitting lit by the filtered light of a window shade.
And if you don’t have the natural light working for you then the next best thing is a mini photography studio in your space. Use a neutral backdrop to get the most out of your colours and textures – here are some at home studios here, here and here.
2. Get in close – experiment with angle – use your macro lens.
Interesting angles make for interesting photos – experiment with getting in close, photographing from above or down low.
3. crop, edit, adjust in photoshop
Use some digital photo software to crop your image, even play with minor adjustments in contrast and colour. If you don’t have photoshop there are plenty of online photo editors you can use. Here, here and here.
More advanced photography tips next week.
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OH ME OH MY. Purl Soho and Mimi Kirchner have come together and given us this awesome doll pattern. Mimi’s provided the most lovely detailed how-to, great pictures and clearly showing technique. Nice one! Link.
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