All Style And No Substance

Homemade
Ros Badger and Elspeth Thompson

In A Nutshell: A gorgeous book to view and hold but with childish projects that lack originality and sophistication.

This book makes a fantastic first impression with tactile paper and stunning photos (I have the hardback version). The authors want to encourage people to find pleasure and satisfaction in making something themselves without spending a lot of money. Their aim is that projects should not necessitate a long list of stuff to buy and advocate “...a new mindset – one that involves looking around and seeing what you have to start with, before going out to the shops.” For this reason the craft projects are grouped into seasons to maximise any free resources available at the time.

I was initially seduced by this book, but once I started to look more closely at the projects, I discovered it was mere infatuation, not lasting love. The things to make are rather childish, similar to stuff I made at school, such as the felt egg cosy, pom poms and knitted scarf. The ideas lack originality and sophistication, and I’ve seen many in other books (the tin can lanterns, bunting and citrus pomanders). The suggestions for pumpkin lanterns are extremely dull when you compare them to the amazing Martha Stewart creations. It’s also a cheat to include recipes in a craft book.

I enjoyed the text in the book as the authors do write well with clear instructions. However, some of the projects would have greater clarification if diagrams were included.

I admire the ethos in this book and will continue to enjoy looking at the photos. It may appeal to parents as inspiration for stuff to make with their children. But for me it is like a beautifully iced cupcake – visually stunning , but disappointing to eat.

Hooked On The Happy Hooker

The Happy Hooker

Debbie Stoller

In a nutshell: The must-have beginner’s guide to crochet that combines clear instructions with an extensive range of covetable patterns

I first learnt to crochet as a child, but never progressed beyond the most basic stitches, and certainly never finished a complete project. At that time I’m not sure there was anything particularly desirable to make anyway. Crochet seemed to be restricted to shape- limiting granny squares in lurid colour combinations. Then a few years ago I chanced to pick up a copy of Stoller’s book from the local library. It was a revelation.

The first part describes the basics including how to hold your hook and making the four main stitches. It also shows you how to do other really useful stuff like joining in new wool, weaving in the ends, sewing together and blocking your finished item. These are all explained in Stoller’s intelligent, light-hearted prose and are both ridiculously easy to follow and a joy to read. I was soon hooking away like a pro.

Once the basic techniques have been mastered, there are 40 original patterns to consider. Despite being first published in 2006, most of the designs are timeless and remain as covetable as ever. The pictures in the book are particularly cool, with some great styling ideas for wearing your crochet masterpiece. I’ve made several items, but I think the standout piece is the “Short ‘n Sweet”, a perfect summer cover up. There are one or two errors in the patterns, and it is worth checking the errata on-line before you start, to avoid any confusion later.

Although the author has become a knitting superstar for her “Stitch and Bitch” book, I think this crochet book is the real gem. It even has a pattern that updates the old-fashioned granny square.