Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
Tatting Collage review
Dublin City Public Libraries
This isn't my usual type of book but after seeing
some fo the amazing things a friend can do with tatting I thought I'd
take a look at this one when I came across it. This is a compact book
that has a lot of ideas in it. Multiple designs
for flowers, butterflies and other shapes and then ideas to combine
these to create pictures in thread. Intimidating and inspiring but I'm
not sure it's really a beginners book. I'm still peering at the
pictures trying to work out how to do it
Tuesday, 17 March 2015
Review of the Irisn Countrywomen's Association book of Crafts
ICA Book of Crafts
Dublin City Public Libraries
I will admit that I have not been positive about the ICA before but I'm trying to be as positive as possible here. This is part of a series the ICA have recently published, most of which are cookbooks, this one is crafts though and it does have a few knitting patterns, none of which seem to have made it to Ravelry, yet.
The book is divided into 4 sections; Stitch and Sew; Make and Wear; Store and Keep and Celebrate and the range of skills is quite impressive. However I felt, looking through it, that it wasn't really for me, many of them felt too simple, maybe it's just my skillset.
The book starts with a short introduction to the ICA and how it has been involved with crafts, with an emphasis on how the ICA enabled women to create their own income. This did lead to women realising that they could have an independent income.
Stitch and Sew
Entertainingly the first pattern is by a family friend. The Hairpin lace Stole that is a basic instruction on how to do this technique. Aran weight yarn used.
Crochet Cushion cover is made using motifs which are then joined, which if you wanted could create a bigger project, like a bedspread. The instructions are written out. No. 20 crochet cotton used.
Alsorts Patchwork Quilt very sparse instructions, quite general.
Chicken Scratching Embroidery Tea Cosy "you can check the internet for patterns"
Smocking gives basic stitches and how-tos but really doesn't enter into any depth, the created piece illustrated is beautiful.
Shadow Embroidery again a general description of how to do the technique. No real depth.
Redwork Embroidery Cushion Cover basically using a stem stitch in red embroidery thread to create a pattern. An outline pattern is given but no notes on enlarging or anything like that.
Cross-Stitch Bookmark - using a piece of Aida and not using strips of Aida that are readily available, and glued with PVA to felt. This made my inner Cross Stitcher twitch.
Rag Rug again quite general. Mentions a rag rugging tool but doesn't go into any specifics.
Make and Wear
Child's Aran Jacket written in pieces, raglan sleeves. This is written as I have seen many traditional patterns written with a pattern set between a set number of edge stitches. Mentions Aran yarn
Crochet Hats starting from the top and working down in a shell like pattern. DK weight yarn
Whirl Scarf using the astoundingly popular wide mesh-like yarn, this is the basic instructions on how to knit with it. The illustrations are poorly reproduced and look like multiple generation photocopies.
Upcycled Child's skirt and Cap using very general instructions that would require basic sewing skills, and honestly would be best done with a commercial pattern as a template to help.
Clones Lace Wild Rose Medallion Necklace uses no10 and no20 crochet cotton. A Rose medallion with a crocheted chain. Would also look good in Pink and Green threads. Written instructions
Irish Crochet a crochet sequare and an abstract flower
Peyote Stitch Bracelet a basic how-to on Peyote Stitch with extra instructions on adding the fixings for a bracelet.
Beaded Ring Necklace how to use some fairly basic beading and how to make rings that connect.
Tissue Paper Pompom exactly what it says.
Donegal Tweed Necklace and Ring using fabric, beads and buttons to create a ring and necklace.
Felted Bead Necklace how to use needle felting and wet felting to create beads.
Button Rings - using buttons and beads to create rings.
Store and Keep
Lumra Rug written directions in quite a general manner, using wool tops. Sounds something that would be quite doable but I would like some illustrations to help me, it is one of those crafts that is sadly under-represented online.
Leather Bag basic instructions on how-to create a bag. Again suggests using the internet to find patterns and leather.
Covered File Box the quite good instructions are marred by a preamble that involves getting "hubbie and his tools" to work on it. Why not learn how to use new tools? Apart from that the instructions seem clear.
Hedgerow Basket no-nonsense how-to with willow weaving. I was reading this wondering if I could use some of my lavender or grape vines to make this. I found it inspirational.
Rushwork Coil Table Mat - using bull rushes, suggests shaking off mould before using which made me worry about the instructions, granted there is varnishing afterwards but mould needs to be treated carefully. There's no real information about joining lengths of rushes.
Hand Stamped Tea Towel using potato stamping and aCookie Biscuit cutter
Celebrate
Lace Crochet Baby Bonnet and Bootees using no10 crochet cotton, this looks like the kind of heirloom project for a very special occasion like a baptism.
Iris Folding an interesting way of playing with paper, somewhat like quilting.
DIY circular disc Banner - sewn 5" paper circles,
Mr and Mrs Claus two stuffed toy figurines, lacks patterns or templates
Two little angels mostly knit figurines.
Carrickmacross Lace an embroidered lace piece, well illustrated.
Mini Wreath stuffed and plaited, interesting.
Christmas Table Runner and Place Mats again lacking patterns or outlines, this gives general outlines on how to create the runner and place mats. Despite the lack of patterns the instructions are quite clear.
Hat Pin Cushion a lace adorned pin cushion.
DIY Ribbon Dispenser painted pasta jar with hole cut in lid... yes indeed.
Christmas Card Holder this design would also be useful as a mail holder for a family in a more plain fabric.
Knitted Easter Chick DK knitting yarn, with a stuffed head and embellishment. Cute egg cosy.
Homemade Blackboard Sign exactly that. Painted blackboard, beading as framing glued on and then holes drilled for a cord through it.
Honestly my overriding feeling from it is that it needs more, more patterns, more information, could be so much better, sadly left me wanting.
I got this from Dublin City Public Libraries who offer me no inducement to writing these reviews other than the unlimited access I have to the book stock.
Dublin City Public Libraries
I will admit that I have not been positive about the ICA before but I'm trying to be as positive as possible here. This is part of a series the ICA have recently published, most of which are cookbooks, this one is crafts though and it does have a few knitting patterns, none of which seem to have made it to Ravelry, yet.
The book is divided into 4 sections; Stitch and Sew; Make and Wear; Store and Keep and Celebrate and the range of skills is quite impressive. However I felt, looking through it, that it wasn't really for me, many of them felt too simple, maybe it's just my skillset.
The book starts with a short introduction to the ICA and how it has been involved with crafts, with an emphasis on how the ICA enabled women to create their own income. This did lead to women realising that they could have an independent income.
Stitch and Sew
Entertainingly the first pattern is by a family friend. The Hairpin lace Stole that is a basic instruction on how to do this technique. Aran weight yarn used.
Crochet Cushion cover is made using motifs which are then joined, which if you wanted could create a bigger project, like a bedspread. The instructions are written out. No. 20 crochet cotton used.
Alsorts Patchwork Quilt very sparse instructions, quite general.
Chicken Scratching Embroidery Tea Cosy "you can check the internet for patterns"
Smocking gives basic stitches and how-tos but really doesn't enter into any depth, the created piece illustrated is beautiful.
Shadow Embroidery again a general description of how to do the technique. No real depth.
Redwork Embroidery Cushion Cover basically using a stem stitch in red embroidery thread to create a pattern. An outline pattern is given but no notes on enlarging or anything like that.
Cross-Stitch Bookmark - using a piece of Aida and not using strips of Aida that are readily available, and glued with PVA to felt. This made my inner Cross Stitcher twitch.
Rag Rug again quite general. Mentions a rag rugging tool but doesn't go into any specifics.
Make and Wear
Child's Aran Jacket written in pieces, raglan sleeves. This is written as I have seen many traditional patterns written with a pattern set between a set number of edge stitches. Mentions Aran yarn
Crochet Hats starting from the top and working down in a shell like pattern. DK weight yarn
Whirl Scarf using the astoundingly popular wide mesh-like yarn, this is the basic instructions on how to knit with it. The illustrations are poorly reproduced and look like multiple generation photocopies.
Upcycled Child's skirt and Cap using very general instructions that would require basic sewing skills, and honestly would be best done with a commercial pattern as a template to help.
Clones Lace Wild Rose Medallion Necklace uses no10 and no20 crochet cotton. A Rose medallion with a crocheted chain. Would also look good in Pink and Green threads. Written instructions
Irish Crochet a crochet sequare and an abstract flower
Peyote Stitch Bracelet a basic how-to on Peyote Stitch with extra instructions on adding the fixings for a bracelet.
Beaded Ring Necklace how to use some fairly basic beading and how to make rings that connect.
Tissue Paper Pompom exactly what it says.
Donegal Tweed Necklace and Ring using fabric, beads and buttons to create a ring and necklace.
Felted Bead Necklace how to use needle felting and wet felting to create beads.
Button Rings - using buttons and beads to create rings.
Store and Keep
Lumra Rug written directions in quite a general manner, using wool tops. Sounds something that would be quite doable but I would like some illustrations to help me, it is one of those crafts that is sadly under-represented online.
Leather Bag basic instructions on how-to create a bag. Again suggests using the internet to find patterns and leather.
Covered File Box the quite good instructions are marred by a preamble that involves getting "hubbie and his tools" to work on it. Why not learn how to use new tools? Apart from that the instructions seem clear.
Hedgerow Basket no-nonsense how-to with willow weaving. I was reading this wondering if I could use some of my lavender or grape vines to make this. I found it inspirational.
Rushwork Coil Table Mat - using bull rushes, suggests shaking off mould before using which made me worry about the instructions, granted there is varnishing afterwards but mould needs to be treated carefully. There's no real information about joining lengths of rushes.
Hand Stamped Tea Towel using potato stamping and a
Celebrate
Lace Crochet Baby Bonnet and Bootees using no10 crochet cotton, this looks like the kind of heirloom project for a very special occasion like a baptism.
Iris Folding an interesting way of playing with paper, somewhat like quilting.
DIY circular disc Banner - sewn 5" paper circles,
Mr and Mrs Claus two stuffed toy figurines, lacks patterns or templates
Two little angels mostly knit figurines.
Carrickmacross Lace an embroidered lace piece, well illustrated.
Mini Wreath stuffed and plaited, interesting.
Christmas Table Runner and Place Mats again lacking patterns or outlines, this gives general outlines on how to create the runner and place mats. Despite the lack of patterns the instructions are quite clear.
Hat Pin Cushion a lace adorned pin cushion.
DIY Ribbon Dispenser painted pasta jar with hole cut in lid... yes indeed.
Christmas Card Holder this design would also be useful as a mail holder for a family in a more plain fabric.
Knitted Easter Chick DK knitting yarn, with a stuffed head and embellishment. Cute egg cosy.
Homemade Blackboard Sign exactly that. Painted blackboard, beading as framing glued on and then holes drilled for a cord through it.
Honestly my overriding feeling from it is that it needs more, more patterns, more information, could be so much better, sadly left me wanting.
I got this from Dublin City Public Libraries who offer me no inducement to writing these reviews other than the unlimited access I have to the book stock.
Wednesday, 26 March 2014
Amateurs
I was recently watching a program about English Embroidery and the presenter said something along the lines of "not the work of mere housewives" and steam started rising from my ears. What he undoubdedly was talking about was beginner work. Things that are often referred to as amateurish. And it started me thinking about the terms amateur and professional.
As I have never been paid (well not really, family don't coumt) for knitting or crochet I fall into the ranks of amateur, some might add the word talented, I couldn't possibly comment. I have embroidered semi-professionally (got paid in fabric, patterns and yarn) but I still wouldn't regard myself as professional.
I mean, I am an amateur, by the very definition of the word. It comes from one of the first words you learn to decline in latin "Amo" meaning to love (technically amo means I love, but I'm trying not to confuse things too much), it means to do something as a passtime, because you love it, the lacking expertise part is secondary, and really we need to use another word for that, "tyro" is a perfectly good word for novice or beginner, "dilletante" sounds too much like lounging around.
There is also the issue of value for work that I have been thinking about lately. Before the time of washing machines and vacuum cleaners housework without maids was long hard work, even today it's work, keepimg up with it, hobbies and a job can keep you exhausted, and some of those women, those housewives that presenter dismissed, not only cleaned and scrubbed and clothed their children, they also made things, some for charity, some for their local church (kneelers etc) and in many instances their work is considered trivial, belittled. Yes, sometimes the colours were garish, think of the conditions, garish would stand out in firelight, garish brought a bright into sometimes drab lives, garish might have given that woman a smile, no-one can dismiss garish, it implies a playfulness that maybe we miss. Garish could also imply sales, that hank of embroidery thread that wasn't selling, thay could be got on a tight budget, but the woman could feel like she had done something, contributed.
And we forget this, these women carved time out of their days, time they could have spent doing something else, perhaps for themselves, to contribute and we then talk about this work as if it should be trivialised, and maybe they weren't amateurs, maybe they hated doing it, but we need to reframe how we think about this.
Also the world of art is strange. Many of the knitted pieces I've seen are works of art but we don't treat them as well as we should. I've seen pieces devalued in price by the seller, who doesn't seem to value their time or their work, and we let them in pursuit of cheap goods. I've seen knitted garments I'd prefer to see on my walls than some artworks that cost 100 times more.
Maybe we do need to put a price on crafts that propery reflects the work and artistry that goes on.
The other part we ignore about womens crafts is that it was the one acceptable way for women to create art. There is art to choice of colours, the work, the interplay of colours etc. And I'm pretty sure a lot of it answered an artistic yearning many women had, by making it into "useful" items they had an excuse, a reason, they could devote that time to this output, or I'm sure, in some instances, time when they could think, relax, while still technically doing something.
Two posts in one day after a few months away, well there was Christmas and then ill, I've had a cold/flu with added strep throat since early January. Plus a minor bike accident that caused my shoulder to flare, I have a few reviews that need me to add the links and check them, then they will be posted. I'll probably set them up for once a month for a few months and may backdate a few.e
As I have never been paid (well not really, family don't coumt) for knitting or crochet I fall into the ranks of amateur, some might add the word talented, I couldn't possibly comment. I have embroidered semi-professionally (got paid in fabric, patterns and yarn) but I still wouldn't regard myself as professional.
I mean, I am an amateur, by the very definition of the word. It comes from one of the first words you learn to decline in latin "Amo" meaning to love (technically amo means I love, but I'm trying not to confuse things too much), it means to do something as a passtime, because you love it, the lacking expertise part is secondary, and really we need to use another word for that, "tyro" is a perfectly good word for novice or beginner, "dilletante" sounds too much like lounging around.
There is also the issue of value for work that I have been thinking about lately. Before the time of washing machines and vacuum cleaners housework without maids was long hard work, even today it's work, keepimg up with it, hobbies and a job can keep you exhausted, and some of those women, those housewives that presenter dismissed, not only cleaned and scrubbed and clothed their children, they also made things, some for charity, some for their local church (kneelers etc) and in many instances their work is considered trivial, belittled. Yes, sometimes the colours were garish, think of the conditions, garish would stand out in firelight, garish brought a bright into sometimes drab lives, garish might have given that woman a smile, no-one can dismiss garish, it implies a playfulness that maybe we miss. Garish could also imply sales, that hank of embroidery thread that wasn't selling, thay could be got on a tight budget, but the woman could feel like she had done something, contributed.
And we forget this, these women carved time out of their days, time they could have spent doing something else, perhaps for themselves, to contribute and we then talk about this work as if it should be trivialised, and maybe they weren't amateurs, maybe they hated doing it, but we need to reframe how we think about this.
Also the world of art is strange. Many of the knitted pieces I've seen are works of art but we don't treat them as well as we should. I've seen pieces devalued in price by the seller, who doesn't seem to value their time or their work, and we let them in pursuit of cheap goods. I've seen knitted garments I'd prefer to see on my walls than some artworks that cost 100 times more.
Maybe we do need to put a price on crafts that propery reflects the work and artistry that goes on.
The other part we ignore about womens crafts is that it was the one acceptable way for women to create art. There is art to choice of colours, the work, the interplay of colours etc. And I'm pretty sure a lot of it answered an artistic yearning many women had, by making it into "useful" items they had an excuse, a reason, they could devote that time to this output, or I'm sure, in some instances, time when they could think, relax, while still technically doing something.
Two posts in one day after a few months away, well there was Christmas and then ill, I've had a cold/flu with added strep throat since early January. Plus a minor bike accident that caused my shoulder to flare, I have a few reviews that need me to add the links and check them, then they will be posted. I'll probably set them up for once a month for a few months and may backdate a few.e
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