Craft Book Review: Kelly McCants’s Sewing with Oilcloth

 

Sewing with Oilcloth by Kelly McCants

I was excited to receive a review copy of Sewing with Oilcloth (Wiley) late last month! This is Kelly McCants’s debut book. She does a lovely job compiling 20 patterns of “fun and functional” projects. The projects aren’t complicated – their elegant simplicity shows off oilcloth. Actually getting and working with oilcloth is probably the bigger challenge.

It’s a thoughtful book for any crafter! (I just kept coming back to that word as I was reading the book.) McCants gives great advice starting with tools, tips and tricks to the “helpful, trouble-free instructions”. They are easy to follow with illustrated steps. The way that the book is organized – For the House, For You and For Kids – is also well thought out.

Bins and Tags from Oilcloth! Love it!

I’m thankful that she included a how-to-care for your material and sewn pieces, because I’m a newbie to oilcloth. And the introduction to laminated cotton – I didn’t know that material existed.

Now I have to go break out my roll of chalk cloth! I can’t wait to make a few bags, aprons and containers with the patterns!

Market Tote - great project

I cannot wait to make this Garden Apron

You can visit Kelly at her blogs, Modern June and Oilcloth Addict, and find out more about the Flick group dedicated to Sewing with Oilcloth.

Check out her book trailer – so cute!

30 Days of Creativity – Day 20: Handmade hellos

Day 20: Read a crafty book or blog and write about it or create something inspired by it!

This might be one of my favorite craft books, Handmade hellos: Fresh Greeting Card Projects from First-Rate Crafters.  I grab it when I just need paper and card inspiration – we all need some every once in a while. The book has “…designs ranging from elegant to striking and sentiments both sweet and snarky…” Something for everyone! And how nice is it to get a handmade card from a friend?

I’ve made a few projects from this book, but I’m sorry I didn’t take pictures before I gave them to their chosen recipients. I typically end up creating things just in the nick of time, like minutes before I head out the door, go to a party, etc.

So, the book was published in 2008, but it’s still full of fresh and relevant card ideas. Eunice and Sabrina Moyle pulled together over 25 projects (that’s over 20 international artists) for all crafters to drool over. I love that it’s more than a “how-to” feature; they include artists’ bios, resources and special materials sections, too.

The techniques section has background info like how to make an envelope and a variety of sewing stitches. And, a template envelope in the back of the book is convenient and ready to use. Great photography makes me want to make all the cards, but since the projects are rated as Basic (quick), Moderate, or Advanced (involve), I can figure out what I actually have time to do.Inside Pages and Projects

All instructions have illustrated steps, and at the end of each card “recipe”, variations are included. So if you’re an adventurous (or renegade) crafter like I am sometimes, go with the suggestions for different approaches to the card. And, who doesn’t appreciate “Green Greetings” – you can use post-consumer waste, recycled paper or scraps for your projects, too.

New to me: Gocco printing. I’ve heard of it. Never done it. The book has projects that use it! Makes me want to buy a Gocco machine!

Go check out the Hello!Lucky site, check out this book… Anyone already have it?

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