Sunday 20 April 2014

Craft books


I treated myself to THREE craft books recently - how extravagant is that! But in truth, they cost £21 in total and given that one is hardback I thought that wasn't a bad price - especially when you consider that magazines are often £5 each and I haven't bought a craft magazine for several months now. Have I justified my purchases enough now? Maybe just about.

So what did I buy? Well, as I have now ventured into the world of  patchworking and jelly rolls I thought I liked the look of the two jelly roll books, and the knitting book I've borrowed from the library for months so I thought maybe it is time I buy my own copy. 



So, what do I think of these books? Well, probably my favourite of the three is "The Knitted Home" by Ruth Cross.

As knitting books go, this is rather different. While the book does include patterns, it also explains how the patterns can be adjusted to suit your own needs and wishes. And the patterns are just so ...... organic? Just look at the throw below. Ruth suggests that this is a major project and not for the faint hearted but wouldn't it look fantastic when finished?


I love all the colours Ruth uses in her projects and the styling of her projects is simple but very effective. The photo below shows the throw above, a second throw and a foot stool.


The table runners below look relatively straightforward to knit but look stunning as a simple table setting. 


And this is a wall hanging! I love it and although I'm not sure how it would look in our house, Ruth gives you the confidence to feel you could adjust the pattern to suit your own style.


And just look at the ripples in the sea inspired wall hanging below. What a statement that makes!


Umm, I admit I don't make many projects from my craft books but I do enjoy browsing through them for inspiration and I am so glad I now have my own copy of this book.

Hope you are enjoying a lovely Easter Sunday. 
xXx

(PS. This is my own personal review of the book, no commission received)

12 comments:

  1. Some really lovely projects there, the throw and the table runners are especially good. I hope you're having a good weekend.

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    1. Thank you, can't believe it is now time for another weekend - hope you enjoy yours
      Caz

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  2. Do you know, that knitting book has made me want to knit better more than any cardigan or jumper. That wall hanging, wow! I love it, and I love the simple, spare styling too. You got some great books there. x

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    1. Hope to see a completed project one day then Gillian!

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  3. I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't make many projects from my craft books! I use them mostly for inspiration too. That knitting book looks amazing. Enjoy!!

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    1. Isn't it lovely to sit and browse craft books and indulge our thoughts - just think what we could make if we had all the time in the world
      Caz

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  4. Hii Caz and thank you for leaving a lovely comment about my skirt - by the look of your blog it would be a doddle for you and you'd have a wardrobe full in no time! Off to have a mooch at some of your older posts. Lovely to meet you x Jane

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    1. Thank YOU for your inspiration - lovely to meet you too
      Caz

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  5. Looks like an interesting book. I agree magazines are often poor value for money and don't buy the crafty ones now.xx

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    1. And the crafty magazines are getting more and more expensive aren't they? Have a good weekend
      Caz

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  6. I LOVE craft books too (but also have a rather guilty addiction to magazines, both craft ones and home ones!). Recent ones I have bought that I particularly like are by Helen Philipps - she has a beautiful blog too, with lots of quilting, crochet, sewing, card making etc.

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    1. Hi, yes I love home magazines too - although I'm lucky as our local market has a stall selling out of date magazines for £1, and they are usually only about 1 month out of date, so a bargain! I have a couple of Helen Philipps' books - great for inspiration!

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Hello, thank you for dropping in on my blog. I hope you found something of interest and I would love to read your comments.
Caz xx