sewing

Book: French Country Chic

by kath_red on November 12, 2012

in Books

Book reviewed by Megan Enright: Megan is wife to a tolerant and encouraging husband and mother to four children ranging in age from 18 years down to 5 years. She spends her days keeping company with her 5 year old daughter and her evenings cheering on the sidelines as her older sons deal with homework, sport and other teenage issues. In her quieter moments, she likes to knit, embroider, sew and cook. She’d like to have the time and talent to crochet and quilt….maybe one day. She can be found at Notebook from home blog.

French Country Chic by Lise Meunier Published by David & Charles (March 4, 2012)

If you are a devotee of muted French inspired “shabby chic” style then this book will provide lots of inspiration. In it 40 projects are outlined and all of them imbibe an atmosphere of sophisticated comfort. Blue and white provide the predominant colour scheme so if you are into brighter colours you may need to adjust the fabrics and use your own favourites.

The book is divided into three sections, the workshop, the sitting room and the bedroom with each project designed for usefulness as well as a boost to the interior design of these three rooms. The projects are not overly complicated and the instructions although not very descriptive are quite clear. Some of the projects are suitable for absolute novice crafters, these include totes, cushions and drawer sachets. Other patterns require a little more expertise. For example there is a pencil case project that involves zipper insertion. Although the patterns are, on the whole, simple, they are made that little bit extra special through the use of trimmings, edgings, and well utilised vintage and “yard sale” fabrics. This is a book that gives the crafter ideas with which to create their own handmade item, made unique through fabric and embellishment choices.

I made my own version of the heart cushion. I am not a confident machine sewer but the instructions were clear and I was pleased with the outcome. Although I loved looking at the stylish interiors photographed in the book I do prefer a more vibrant colour palette. So, after a quick dive through my far too extensive fabric stash I ended up using an Amy Butler fabric on the front of the cushion. I am a sucker for hearts of any kind and I can definitely envision using this pattern for other cushions. Perhaps a series of heart pillows along my rather tired looking sofa? Most of the projects are sewn but there is a really lovely cross-stitch sampler and some sweet key holders made using modelling clay to add some variety.

As crafter who is far too keen on craft books, I had no trouble finding inspiration as well as some concrete ideas in this latest book from Lise Meunier. If you are looking for a quick handmade gift idea or a small craft project to add a lift to a corner of your home French Country Chic is a great resource. Now all I need is that little cottage in the French countryside…..

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Books: Home sewn home + Stitch at home

by contributor on September 3, 2012

in Books, Sewing+Fabric

About the reviewer: Megan is wife to a tolerant and encouraging husband and mother to four children ranging in age from 18 years down to 5 years. She spends her days keeping company with her 5 year old daughter and her evenings cheering on the sidelines as her older sons deal with homework, sport and other teenage issues. In her quieter moments, she likes to knit, embroider, sew and cook. She’d like to have the time and talent to crochet and quilt….maybe one day.  She can be found at Notebook from home blog.

Home Sewn Home: 20 Projects to Make for the Retro Home. by Sally Walton [publisher: Guild of Master Craftsman Publications (May 1, 2012)]

The front cover of ‘Home Sewn Home’ by Sally Walton hooked me in straight away with the words “Projects to make for the retro home”. I love the idea of wearing my frilly apron in the kitchen whilst clutching my pot-holders, all handmade, of course. To complement the retro theme in this book there is a heavy emphasis on thrift shop fabrics and trimmings and all the photos showcase the author’s obviously extensive array of fabrics ready for upcycling.

The book is written in an easy to read format with twenty projects in total to complete. Most of the projects are simple and have perhaps been presented in other craft books. However, in Sally Walton’s latest offering these projects are given a distinctly vintage feel due to the 60s and 70s fabrics used. Projects include home necessities such as an ironing board cover, a doorstop, shower cap and of course, that all important pot-holder.

For each project there are step by step photographs that would really help the novice sewer. In fact, this book is designed mainly for someone just tentatively dipping their toe into the world of sewing. All terms are well explained. Hemming, bias binding and the application of various trims are all very clearly laid out with accompanying photos at the back of the book. This book assumes that the reader has little prior sewing knowledge and as such the projects are designed to be quick, straight-forward and very usable once completed. It would be the perfect book for the fledgling sewist to use as a resource and to try out skills, therefore gaining confidence with both machine and hand sewing. The clear layout and wording of this book along with the numerous photographic explanations make Home Sewn Home a great place to start a crafting journey and the retro fabric provides excellent eye candy along the way.

Stitch At Home: Over 20 Handmade Fabric and Embroidery Projects. by Mandy Shaw. [Publisher: David & Charles (April 27, 2012)]

Pictures of embroidered houses are guaranteed to get me reaching for my needle and embroidery hoop. This book concentrates on the home and house as a theme and although there is some embroidery included there is an emphasis on appliqué.

This is the second book in a series by Mandy Shaw (The first one ‘Stitch with love’).  There are around 20 projects outlined, some practical, some more decorative. There are instructions for a sewing case, a dog bed, a tablecloth and a tea cosy. The project I am most keen to tackle is a gorgeous quilt with 12 blocks to appliqué and embroider. Fusible webbing appliqué is used for this project and for most of the projects in the book. The method is well outlined and machine blanket stitching is also explained. There are tips and ideas throughout which makes this rather large quilt appear quite achievable.

Being an embroiderer at heart I was also taken with the first project in the book, an embroidered house sampler. All the stitches included in the sampler are well explained in the first part of the book and included are instructions for left handed sewers as well – very inclusive! The Cutwork cushions are also striking and although they look great using solid colours I was keen to try the same idea using a floral cut-out on a solid background. I used an old thrifted piece of blanketing and some Liberty fabric from my stash [see pic above]. It was a quick but effective project and I would definitely try the other cutwork patterns outlined in the book.

The instructions for all projects are clear and easy to understand and wouldn’t be daunting for a beginner. There are small projects (a pincushion and bunting) to make and build confidence before moving on to larger and more complicated items (beach bag and quilt). The fabrics used are muted and traditional but it is easy to imagine the same projects completed with a more vibrant palette.

The house and home image is a lovely one for many crafters and “Stitched at Home’ is full of such images, a great book to get ideas and to trigger some creativity.

 

[Thanks to publishers and distributors and authors for sending me books to review, whipup does not get paid to post reviews but I am an amazon affiliate] (Australians can purchase craft books online through can do books or booktopia or else browse booko for the best prices.)

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Guest series :: The ultimate compliment

by contributor on June 12, 2012

in Community + Creativity, Guest series 2012

Guest series 2012: I asked fellow bloggers, makers and creators to write on their creativity and focus their essay on one of four topics: creativity and health, creativity and business, creativity and parenting or creativity and process. I am very excited to have a wonderful lot of fellow creative folk guest posting here at whipup.net over the next couple of months. Please welcome…

Sophie and her little family live in Edinburgh. At roubidou she keeps track of her creative endeavors. 

Becoming a mother seven months ago has changed why I sew. Originally, working through the manual of my first sewing machine three years ago, sewing was meant to be a welcomed juxtaposition to the abstract and often elusive nature of my real-world work. At the end of an evening spent sewing I would hold something tangible in my hands, at the end of a project something would be finished and I could see exactly what I had accomplished; a dress, a pot holder, pajama pants. Most of all, I enjoyed the unambiguity of  things created; the specificity of sewing a flat-fell seam, the intricacy of a curved piped hem, or the fragility of a button hole on thin fabric.

This has changed. 16 months ago I started nurturing another being, first inside me, now outside of my womb. Seeing this new person becoming herself, observing every little change, no matter how minute and mundane, often as a direct response of what I’m doing, is the most real and tangible thing I’ve been a part of. There is no mediacy in motherhood. With my daughter in my life, I no longer need to create things to ground me.

So why continue to sew, why create things in a world of clothes that come with every price tag and taste level imaginable? I now have a little side-kick who at any given day will probably wear something Mama-made, sewn or knitted. It’s almost like I was carrying a little advertisement board in my sling, self-promoting my efforts. Which, honestly, is sometimes a little bit embarrassing because people do notice the home-made quality regularly and the most frequent reaction leaves me indifferent. Time and again my confession ‘yes, I made this’ will be countered by an exclamation of ‘Oh, you could totally sell this’. I believe it is meant to be the ultimate compliment.

Apparently, the prospect of commercial success is regarded an indicator of quality. If there are people out there who would pay for something, surely it must be good. Don’t understand me wrong, I admire any entrepreneurial seamstress, painter, writer, chef, blogger, … you name it. But do just as well believe that complimenting their work by pointing out that ‘it sells’ would be equally misleading, although for slightly different reasons. Already at a conceptual level there is much to argue with this understanding of appraisal. Leaving aside questions of individual value and monetary worth, I am simply left cold by this often heard compliment because it misses the very essence of why I create.

I love to sew for myself, friends, and above all for my daughter. I came to believe that mothers must surely be their children’s best seamstresses because nobody knows their little growing figures so well. In fact it is almost uncanny to know this small body of my daughter better than my own. Everything she wears is bound to fit her much more than anything one could buy in a store, no matter how wobbly a hem, uneven the sleeves, or messy the stitches are. Because it was made for her. Every item already comes with a history even before she wears it for the first time; the hood that fits her just right because it was widened considerably to make room for her big ginger head, her new cardigan that used to be my brother’s ragged sweater, red yarn that reminds of the speed of the machine while M. Ward kept the two of us entertained. All of these things from which I derive pleasure will be lost to anybody buying a me-made item in a shop. My joy in making something and seeing my daughter wear it is not transferable. It is different from the pleasure one can derive from a store bought, albeit well-made, beautiful and comfortable item of clothing. And that’s why (apart from all the numerous practicalities), No, I could not totally sell this.

Of course I love getting a good compliment as much as most people, and luckily for me having a blog has provided a home for all sorts of exchanges over sewing techniques, tips, patterns, fabric and ‘making’ in general. Here, sometimes thousands of miles away from my sewing space in Edinburgh, I meet like-minded folks who love to create (sometimes for the same, sometimes for more varied, and sometimes for better reasons than I harbor myself). People who would doubtlessly have no difficulties selling their creations – although this is not meant as a compliment, just as a matter of fact.

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It’s all about fabric around these parts

by kath_red on March 8, 2012

in Books, Newsletter

I have put my crochet project on the slow train while the fabric cutting and sewing gets to go on the fast track. I have a deadline and need to get sewing.

One day into sewing for a few hours straight and already my back is playing havoc — early intervention is required. I have moved my sewing machine onto my kitchen bench height cutting table so I can stand and sew. And wow much easier, faster and better on the back. Great when cutting, sewing, trimming, pressing requires getting up and down all the time from the sewing seat. Now I just move a little to the side, sew, step over, trim, turn around press and repeat. Great. Also I had Rob install the design wall, which in between major projects has to be taken down as I don’t have space for a permanent design wall, not in my sewing space at a convenient location at any rate.

Before getting started on a big project I like to do a little procrasti-cleaning — actually it’s an essential way to get in the head space required and to create the surroundings that I need to work. I first sort all the fabric I am going to be using (this takes a while), then I put everything else away neatly (again a day or two here — yikes!). So I clear and organise and arrange everything so I can find the essentials (and the non-essentials are out of my way). I also spring clean my sewing machines, take them apart, dust and oil them and change the needles [Weeks Ringle has a really great post on how to Spring Clean your sewing machine].

As part of all this spring cleaning in my sewing room I happened upon a pile of mending. Ugh! Jeans with tears and missing buttons and such — so I quickly dealt with them using a fast patching method (double sided fusible webbing is very handy – especially if you have some already fused fabric scraps available). Then I found a pile of fabric that the kids designed and ordered from Spoonflower. I knew I would not be in the headspace to do anything with it once fully involved in The Project, so I spent half a day cutting out pajama pants using old pj’s as a guide. [Use this tutorial to draft your pattern and make the pants].

Then, and I never thought I would say this, I made underwear with the leftover fabric. Wow so easy and cute and comfy and they actually wanted handmade underwear too. Who knew! I didn’t actually use a pattern, again I used underwear as a guide [and this pattern as a guide too] and had to fiddle a bit to get the fit right, as the stretch on the store-bought underwear fabric is different from the lovely organic jersey I was using. Success!

Don’t forget: If you haven’t already got yours — Grab an Action Pack Magazine for kids — it’s the Mad Scientist Issue: In our 9th issue of Action Pack Magazine for kids, we continue to encourage kids to think and do for themselves, to be independent and creative learners, they are able to explore science through art, cooking and experimentation. We also encourage parents to become observers and co-learners rather than having to take control in a teacher role. In this issue kids are able to go through a journey of self discovery and learn that science is indeed fun and real! You can purchase a copy here.

At whipup this week: Crochet Afghan Free pattern roundup :: Guest post from Jennie of A Little Vintage  about her Creative process :: Guest post from Weeks Ringle discussing her latest book and magazine and some colour tips too :: Guest post from Caroline and Maryanne discussing their sewing series — beyond the basics :: And if you missed last weeks news click here.

Also: 

Reading this week:
Having an Australian book week with the kids this week:
  • Stephanie Owen Reeder is a Canberra-based writer and illustrator, her book Amazing Grace: An adventure at sea is a true story about a girl in 1876 who used her horse to save lots of people from a shipwreck. Beautifully written and illustrated and presented and is a fascinating historically accurate account. This National Library of Australia publication features archival paintings, survivors’ accounts, newspaper articles and original photographs.
  • Playground, compiled by Australian Children’s book author Nadia Wheatley (published by Allen and Unwin), is a compilation of Indigenous Australian stories, photographs and beautiful artwork, which allow a wonderful insight into Aboriginal childhood.
  • Shy the Platypus by Leslie Rees, has been republished by the National Library of Australia after being out of print for over 20 years. Originally published in the 1940s, this beautifully presented Australian Children’s book has been updated with additional artwork from the NLA collection.

[Thanks to publishers and distributors for sending me books to review, I don't get paid to post reviews but I am an amazon affiliate] (Australian’s can purchase craft books online through can do books or booktopia or else browse booko for the best prices.)

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Guest post | Convection Mittens

by contributor on January 26, 2012

in Guest Blogger, Whip Up Tutorials

Katie grew up in Ohio and now lives in Boston, so she knows the value of a good double-layer mitten. She has been known to draw diagrams to illustrate her point. To read more about her creations, visit her blog: Foxflat

How to make Convection Mittens

Convection Mittens are serious handwarmers for serious wind and cold! They’re for when whimsical winter accessories just don’t cut it, and for all the times your hands can’t be shoved into coat pockets (carrying grocery bags home, pulling a sled, holding a dog leash).

When I saw how much fleece-lined wool mittens cost in stores, I tinkered with a pattern that could be made quickly and cheaply. Convection Mittens are sewn from felted wool with a fleece lining. They can be made in a couple of hours using repurposed thrifted clothing, and the pattern can be enlarged or shrunk on a copier to fit your whole family’s hands. Give them a try – I’d love to see how they turn out!

Pattern: 
DOWNLOAD PDF: includes illustrated instructions and a printable pattern for making your own pair of Convection Mittens.

Materials: 
Sewing machine, shears, needle, thread :: 1/2 yard (metre) each of felted wool and thin polyester fleece

Notes:
Felted wool and polyester fleece can both be purchased new, but they’re easy to find at a thriftstore. For the fleece, pick out a thinner weight pullover or a pair of pajama pants. Black fleece is always classy for adults, but for kids you could pick out something in a fun color or pattern.

For the felted wool, find a lightweight, 100% wool sweater with a care tag that says “dry clean only”. It’s going to thicken significantly when it shrinks, so it’s important to start with something lightweight or the felted version won’t be pliable enough to go through your sewing machine. I chose a tweedy solid, but you could also pick out a fun pattern like snowflakes or fair isle. Felt the sweater at home in your washing machine. If you haven’t felted a sweater on purpose before, The Magic Onions has a nice photo tutorial. The one thing I would add is that I always shave the final product with a disposable razor to remove extra fuzz.

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