The Girl Mechanic: Classic Crafts, Games & Toys to Build (Popular Mechanics) by C. J. Petersen and The Editors of Popular Mechanics. Hearst (April 7, 2009).
Projects in this book, for those who are interested in the ‘girly’ pursuits, were originally created over 100 years ago. I love this series – and if you can get past the whole girl specific title – then you will really enjoy this book. There are some fantastic projects ranging from soft crafts like sewing and weaving (including making the loom) to amazingly ingenious gadgets like the ‘wondergraph’ – a drawing machine. Casting to paper crafts, making rainbow eggs to sawing metal to make novelty jewelry. Making your own cards to making your own paper.
There is a whole chapter on dolls houses – some very intricate and labour intensive designs – complete with floor plans and to scale drawings. There are some fantastic ‘mid-century-modern’ doll houses as well as another chapter on miniature dolls furniture. More chapters on making dolls, and doll accessories – like prams and carriages. Designing and making children’s playhouses includes plans to make outdoor cubby houses and prefab cottages, along with small sized play furniture to go inside.
This book might say it is for girls – but seems to me its for dads who have daughters – making your own backyard merry-go-round seems excessive but the plans are included, as is how to make a venetian or gondola style swing – and then there is the miniature golf course! This book is a gold mine – fantastic scale drawings and detailed instructions – what a lot of fun for a weekend hobbyist father.
dollar store crafts shows how to make this super groovy retro style starburst mirror with a dollar store budget.
sew mama sew shows a tutorial from all buttoned up on how to make paper pieced hexagons – and what a super cute use she has put them to!
Fashion Geek: Clothes Accessories Tech by diana eng (from project runway). North Light Books (March 17, 2009).
I am totally into the whole new tech savvy fashion thing that is going on these days. Combining science with sewing – totally cool. This book ‘fashion geek’ has some fun, nerdy and cool (is that an oxymoron?) sewing projects for your inner geek – or if you are not that tech savvy – a perfect way to learn or to get your tech nerd partner involved in your crafty pursuits.
Along with some sewing basics – there is a also an electrical basics section – including soldering, and where these two meet up – how to sew in LED lights and battery holders.
The projects have the usual break up of sections into accessories and clothing – but these are not your usual projects – rethinking the traditional. Sewing some felt flowers onto your earphone plugs, making a flower necklace that hides your zip drive. I love the LED necklace and the music hat featured on the cover – where the ears hide earphones and the tail hides the cord. I love the magnetized buttons that light up when they are buttoned up. And another headphone fashion accessory – the headphone hoodie.
As well as some obviously very cool projects – this book has some excellent pictorial instructions – its very clear and concise and explains the new technology really well. Great book for a wide audience.
Last week of August and it has been quite a busy crafting month for me – my craft room is finished – but photos will have to wait till next week. I have been crafting crazily – and making felt cookies and soft cake plates for an exhibition coming up soon. Photos of that soon too. I was at the Sydney Stitches & Craft fair last weekend with my friend Kate and her baby, and we had a lovely time meeting all the cool chicks on the top floor. We heard Jodie from Ric Rac talking about blogging, and met up with Justine from Mixtape zine, Nichola from Burda style and wardrobe refashion, Nanette from Rummage (who we realised that we know in real life – what a surprise that was), and Dear Fii. I bought some lovely goodies from Ink & Spindle, from pippi joe, from Kristen Doran, cloth (and watched a lovely demo of their design process), prints charming, some lovely goodies from Amitie, I also bought one of Nicole’s delicious Apples and a tutti frutti bunting.
This week on whipup some fabulousness – I love the cowboy boots and these were my fave handmade project for the week – so amazing. Book reviews – for designers – Artistic printing … crochet adorned - best crochet book I have seen in a while … and a spinning dvd review … and my favourite crazy nerdy thing this week in the stitch wars show - with all things star wars.
sewing projects … hex pincushion … snowball quilt block … little girls sundress pattern …
Embroidery … Loobylu embroidery pattern …
Knitting … knitted flower pincushion …
Pet lovers … doggie neck pouch …
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True Up have an thorough review on Amy Butler’s Softwares CD. Link to review.
