Pimp Stitch

I <3 Craft Books :: Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew & Embellish by Jenny Ryan

Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew & Embellish by Jenny Ryan

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am loving this book - its definitely one of my favorite sewing books on the market right now. First of all, the title doesn't lie, these are some seriously cute projects, folks. Almost a lethal dose of cute. Not in a bad way. The book is beautifully laid out - love the gingham and polka dots! Jenny's fabric choices are brilliant - I especially love the fact that she used vintage fabrics and pillowcases, with a little bit of cute Japanese fabric thrown in.

The book begins with a bio/ introduction as most craft books do, then goes into tools and techniques. I'm excited to find that I have a lot of these tools already (bias tape maker and yo-yo maker) - but I don't know how to use them so I'm excited to learn. Next there's a bit on free-motion quilting and some other "basics" like sewing a zippered pocket. Jenny promises it's not as hard as it looks and I believe her, which is half the battle, I think. If you are a more advanced seamstress, you might skip this part. If you are a more advanced seamstress, you might skip this part.

Most of the projects seem easy enough for a beginner so I'm excited to try them. The instructions and patterns are clear and easy to follow. I am loving the necklace tank, fabric button necklace, and reversible headband in the Pretties section. The eyeglasses cozy and appliqued tote are also a couple of my favorites, as is the merit badge wristlet (genius!), in the Totables section. In the Nest section, I am eager to make the Happy Hostess Dishtowels. Another section for Kid's Stuff includes instructions for a Silly Snake that reminds me of a puzzle my dad made me when I was younger. It also gives you a new use for shrunken sweaters. The Square Bear is also adorable and I love the fact that Jenny incorporates embroidery and vintage buttons. One last section called Crafties includes a crochet hook cozy that makes me want to learn to crochet and a Nifty Needle Book that I really need for my embroidery needles. I love how the projects are not only cute but practical.

I read another review that accused this book of being un-hip and to that I say "un-true!" Ok, so I'm not the coolest kid on the block but I do keep up with the latest handmade fashions and as far as I can tell, cute is definitely "in." Besides, if you don't like Jenny's use of mellow fabrics, you can always substitute color combos like black and hot pink or skull prints. Plus the cover gives a good indication of whether the projects will fit your personal style. Personally, I love them.



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Amy Sedaris is the CRAFT Cover Girl!

Hi there, it's Amy here. You know over here at Pimp Stitch, we are Amy Sedaris fans (check out my review of her book I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence in a previous post). Well, it just so happens that our favorite comedian/author/crafter is featured on the cover of one of our favorite magazines — CRAFT!

The party-themed issue hits newsstands on February 10th, but you can get a sneak peek right now: http://staging3.texterity.com/craft/vol10/?pg=44&pm=2&u1=friend. Enjoy!

Book Alert: Meet Me at Mike's

I've been a fan of the Meet Me at Mike's blog for awhile now, so you can imagine how excited I was to find out that there will be a Meet Me at Mike's book, coming out in March.

Book description from Readings:
From Melbourne’s best loved crafty store comes Meet Me at Mike’s, a cornucopia of crafty fun and inspiration. Queen of Crafters Pip Lincolne has gathered 25 of the best projects from the country’s most creative cleverbods -everything from baby yoga pants and clutch purses to hankies and softies. You can sew, knit, crochet, collage and screenprint yourself into a frenzy! Each cute and quirky project comes with easy-to-follow instructions and full-size fold out patterns. With such a fabulous range of ideas, you’ll find something to make for all your favourite pals. If you’re looking for fun and creative things to brighten up everyone’s day, have a peek inside and get crafty!

I want it just for the cover design alone! Keep an eye out late March or pre-order it here.

I <3 Craft Books :: Handmade Hellos: Fresh Greeting Card Projects from First-Rate Crafters

Hey there, it's Amy with another book review for ya! I am excited to tell you about my new book. You all know I am a closet paper-crafty kind of gal so it was awesome to see a "hip" paper crafting book, with lots of great projects by well know crafters. Read on!

Handmade Hellos: Fresh Greeting Card Projects from First-Rate Crafters by Chronicle Books

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was excited to see this book on the shelves - you don't see many hip paper-crafting books and it was a nice change from the bazillions of fiber art books that grace the shelves (not that I don't love those as well). I must fess-up, I was a little worried that the inside projects wouldn't be as cute as the cover (don't you hate it when that happens?!) so I hemmed and hawed over it until I read Jennifer Perkin's review.

Fear not! The projects on the inside of the book are every bit as cute as the one on the cover! I usually think of paper crafts (a.k.a. scrap-booking) as being very cookie-cutterish. You know, you buy all the matching papers and embellishments and it's all perfect and matchy-matchy.

The "Wood you be mine?" Valentine cards from Two Trick Pony had to be my favorite project. I love the look of the wood + kitschy phrase + the method they used was a simplified silk-screening technique that you can do at home with a few simple supplies. You can view more projects on Craftypod. Another project that I really loved was the felt octopus card with button eyes - too cute!

This book serves as great inspiration and really shows that you can break out of the box when it comes to paper-crafting. Most of these cards can be made with extra scraps, recycled materials, and other things you may already have lying around the house. And if you've ever wanted an overview of how to silk-screen or use a Print Gocco then you're in luck!

The projects are super-cute, easy to follow, and the book comes with an envelope full of templates. What more could you ask for?

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I <3 Craft Books :: The Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girl's Guide to Handmade Jewelry by Jennifer Perkins

Hi, boys & girls, it's Amy here. Today I thought instead of a book review, I'd tell you about a couple of upcoming books that you should be on the look out for!

Hey Pimp Stitchers, it's Amy here with another book review for you! I decided to throw another beading book your way, but beware. This isn't your average beading book. It's better! I would highly suggest making projects from this book for your favorite secretary this holiday season.

I love Jennifer Perkin's style so I knew right away that I would LOVE this book. And boy was I right.

Jennifer says it best in the book intro "If you prefer your jewelry subtle and serious, you might want to go ahead and set this book back on the shelf." This book is not for the faint-hearted!

All of the office and secretary references and facts make the book a fun read. The photos are fun and kitschy and will make your mouth water for colorful plastic trinkets a.k.a. what my mother would call "junk!"

The best thing about this book is that Jennifer shows us how to go beyond beads. There are tons of jewelry-making/ beading books out there right now, but how many of them tell you how to make jewelry from old motel keys, cupcake toppers, and telephone cords? Not only that, but she does it WITH STYLE.

As far as techniques, the book begins with some simple wire-wrapping and jump ring how-tos but then quickly jumps into resin and how to use a hand-held drill. Now that's what I'm talking about. I already own the supplies for both but have been afraid to try them out - until now!

There are some amazingly simple projects for the beginning beader. And while the supplies may seem a bit unusual, you'll have many of these things laying around your house (or office)! Kind of makes me wish I was a Naughty Secretary, hording supplies to make jewelry under my desk.

Most if not all, of the projects are instant-gratification. Resin casting is probably the most complicated technique used but even that doesn't seem too time intensive.

My favorite projects? The tie one on headband is pretty cute, made from a man's vintage necktie. You've got to love the Secretary's Delight (cast resin) bracelet - it's chunky and fun. I'm particularly interested in the Copy Machine necklace - it uses something called UTEE, which I hadn't heard of before. There's even a recipe in here for margarita cake. YUM.

This book is fun and funny and just oozes Naughty Secretary Club style, as well it should considering the title! I'm going to hit up my local thrift stores and flee market for supplies and then I'm going to get busy making!

I <3 Craft Books :: Books On Our Radar

Hi, boys & girls, it's Amy here. Today I thought instead of a book review, I'd tell you about a couple of upcoming books that you should be on the look out for!

Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew & Embellish by Jenny Ryan
This book by Jenny Ryan promises to be cute and sweet (can't you tell by the cover)? I'm loving the color combinations and the practicality of the projects pictured. Look for this one on shelves this February or pre-order on Amazon.

Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Projects for the Everyday Crafter by Kathy Cano-Murillo
I first saw a sneak peak of Kathy's book on her blog and I was really impressed! All of her books are terrific and I'm sure this one will be no different. I love the classy sort of "fiesta" look - if that makes any sense at all? Look for this one on shelves late February or pre-order on Amazon.

I <3 Craft Books :: Cool Jewels: Beading Projects for Teens

Hey there, Amy here. I thought I'd start off the holidays with a beading-book review (I am the official Pimp Stitch beading expert, after all). Not only does this book have some terrific gift ideas in it, but it would also make a great gift for your favorite crafty teen. Read on!

Cool Jewels: Beading Projects for Teens by Naomi Fujimoto

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was excited to see that this was not just so ho-hum beading book. Had I seen this book on the shelves, I would have purchased it for the inspiration factor alone. As you can see, the charm bracelet on the cover is colorful and fun - and just a small example of the goodness you will find inside.

I love the jewelry in this book because it is simple and fun with a hip flair. The directions are clear and concise and the layout is definitely reminiscent of BeadStyle magazine so if you are a fan of the magazine than you will be a fan of this book. As an advanced beader, I know most of the techniques in this book, but there are a few tips, tricks, and techniques that even I didn't know. That makes it a great book for beginning and advanced beaders, alike.

One of my favorite projects are the beaded snowflakes. They are easy to make and look beautiful on your tree - plus they make great Christmas gifts.

My second favorite project is how to make your own hoop earrings. I love this tutorial because it shows you how to make your own earring findings as well, which is cool because I find it's difficult to find unique findings in bead and craft stores.

There's plenty more cool projects in this book, and as I mentioned before, it's worth the money for the inspiration alone!

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I <3 Craft Books :: The Craftster Guide to Nifty, Thrifty, and Kitschy Crafts: Fifty Fabulous Projects from the Fifties and Sixties

Hey guys & gals, it's Amy here with your book review. I'm a day late and a dollar short but that's how it goes this time of year, isn't it? How does another general crafting book tickle your fancy? This one is full of nifty, thrifty, and kitschy goodness!

The Craftster Guide to Nifty, Thrifty, and Kitschy Crafts: Fifty Fabulous Projects from the Fifties and Sixties by Leah Kramer

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you like Craftster.org (and who doesn't?) then you'll LOVE Leah Kramer's book, The Craftster Guide to Nifty, Thrifty, and Kitschy Crafts: Fifty Fabulous Projects from the Fifties and Sixties. Leah Kramer is also the mastermind behind Crafster.org, hence the comparison.

This is a terrific book for all levels of crafters, although it especially appeals to those of us who love all things kitschy and retro. Some of my favorite projects from this book are the cigar box and book clutch purses, card suit throw pillows, and the tote bag apron. The book also includes instructions for classic projects like record bowls, etched glassware, and DIY snow globes. Some of the projects are just down-right silly (but still fun), like the toothbrush bracelets, foil animals, and "merry" monsters. Near the end of the book you'll find instructions for Christmas ornaments that look oddly familiar. Perhaps I've seen the bits and leftover pieces of such ornaments in my grandmother's house. No matter, now that I have Leah's book, I can finally make my own!

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I <3 Craft Books :: I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence by Amy Sedaris

Hey stitchers, it's Amy here. How about a review of a craft book that is not about sewing for a change? Here's a review for one of my favs.

I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence by Amy Sedaris

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I honestly wasn't sure if this book was worth buying at first but I had an Amazon gift certificate burning a hole in my virtual pocket so I decided to give it a try - and I'm glad that I did!

You will get several laughs out of this book if nothing else. Amy Sedaris has filled her book full of kitchy imagery and strange humor. Oh - and there's tons of recipes, hospitality advice, and craft projects to boot! If you love to entertain then you NEED this book. An added bonus - Amy Sedaris' cupcakes are the BEST. She takes the cake over Martha anyday!

I don't know what else to say, so I'll leave you with a collage of what to expect:

Enjoy!

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I <3 Craft Books :: Happy Gloves: Charming Softy Friends Made from Colorful Gloves

Happy Gloves: Charming Softy Friends Made from Colorful Gloves by Miyako Kanamori

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
In case you didn't figure this out from the title, each project in this book is made from a set of gloves.

Happy Gloves is different from most of the other craft books out there. This book begins like a children's storybook with a photos of every project and a little story about a fat chipmunk (the chipmunk is my favorite project, btw). The use of buttons, hand embroidery, and ribbon as embellishment is genius!

After a short story that includes photos of the various projects, there's a sewing overview that explains the different stitches you'll need to know, what sort of gloves to use, how to stuff and knot, etc. The hand-drawn illustrations that accompany this section are adorable!

Next comes the step-by-step how-tos. There is a clear set of chronological photos on how to make the chipmunk. From then on, you use those basic steps to complete the other projects. There is a set of illustrated instructions that show you the pattern (where to cut the glove) and specific variations for each project. The diagrams and instructions are extremely easy to follow! The book ends with instructions on how to stitch on the faces.

I'm loving the simplicity of both the book and the projects. My favorite projects are the chipmunk, the tiger, the polar bear, and the banana (yes, I did say banana)! Oh, and the toast is pretty cute too. The photos and illustrations are lovely, making this a good coffee table book. Alternatively, the story-telling makes this book appealing for children. Speaking of children, I bet they'd enjoy making their own glove animals and the projects are simple enough that they could do it with a little help.

I will definitely be using this book to aid me in my holiday gift-making this year. These softies are cute and sweet and cost nearly nothing to make!


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