Firstly I need to apologise for the influx of newsletter-ness in your inboxes this week – I upgraded my software which then decided to not play nicely with my newsletters and after a couple of days of experimenting I hope that I have fixed the problem and we are back to just the one newsletter per week as promised. This past week I have been madly making and sewing on bindings for the last of the quilts for my next book. Is 2.5 hours considered a long time to hand sew bindings? I really need to speed that up.
This weeks newsletter brings a good reads edition – I had so much good feedback last time on this that I thought I would try to do one approx every 6 weeks. Books that are not exactly crafty but rather creatively inspirational. But first some crafty news and links:
– and I will be reviewing it soon on Whipup – but some preview pics at the mochimochi blog (love those pigs with wigs!) and a free pattern for knitting mini crocodiles available hereGood reads
The authors begin by saying “Materials are like words” and they go on to explain that this book is about enriching your design vocabulary by understanding materials “There are no good or bad materials. Each one has its place, consequences and cost.” The book goes on to explore different materials and see how each can be manipulated into shapes and used for functions you might never have thought of. As a designer this book will be invaluable, taking you through the design process from the initial brainstorming and problem solving sessions to field research and making prototypes to understanding your values behind why you design – for sustainability, education, simplicity and more. Then there are the materials themselves – from rubber, cardboard, rags, and felt to rope, glass and plywood – lots of incredible ideas in this book. Get exploring today.
Full of biographies and interviews with some of the great crafters in the online craft community. Vickie Howell has made a living from doing what she loves – crafting – and seeks out those who are similarly inclined – from craft book authors, fabric and fashion designers, knitwear and quilt designers to your favourite and influential craft bloggers. Its an inspirational read full of wonderfully inspiring fellow creatives.
Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF. By April Winchell. Published by Villard.
I only recently became aware of the regretsy website (I know – what took me so long!) and suddenly there’s a book – wow the publishing world moves quickly! This book is funny – the laugh out loud and share with everyone – sort of funny. I thought it had the potential to be tasteless but it isn’t. It doesn’t make fun of makers (well it does but in a nice way) – it profiles some of the more eccentric and unusual makers out there – and while the author has some pretty funny and wild things to say about some of the items – she does it in a way that is not degrading to the maker – its a fun, insightful and inspiring look at all that is weird and wonderful [lets not forget all that is rude and crass and ugly too] in the crafty world.
I do love this whole ‘Boy mechanic’ + ‘Girl mechanic’ series from Popular Mechanics. The projects are nostalgic and a little bit crazy. But remember these books were originally published over 100 years ago and many of the materials may not be available and of course technology has moved on somewhat. But despite all that I still really get a kick out of the historic value and I think these books have some valuable things to teach us – some good old fashioned recipes for living.
V&A Pattern: Boxed Set #2 (Hardcover with CD)
The second in an ongoing series of classic pattern books produced by The Victoria and Albert Museum, London. (Included is a CD of all the images that can be reworked, or licensed for further use.) The first set in this series include: William Morris wallpapers, Indian florals, 1950s textiles, and digital pioneers – I reviewed this set back here. Series two adds Novelty patterns, Kimono patterns, Garden florals and Owen Jones designs to the series.
That’s all for now – happy making my darlinks!
Kathreen
xxx
Whip Up Mini Quilts
Did you miss last weeks roundup? get them all here or subscribe to our weekly newsletter via email here
Find out where to buy my new book Whip Up Mini Quilts
If you already subscribe why not forward this email to a crafty friend you think may enjoy it.
Grab a featured on whipup button and find out about how to ADVERTISE with whipup.net.
Follow us on twitter: whipup: @whipup and Nicole: @craftapalooza + join our flickr group
Send in letters, ideas and links to whipup[at]gmail.com
We use and recommend Igloo self service ads: igloo
