Customer Reviews

Cath Kidston's In Print: Brilliant Ideas for Using Vintage Fabrics in Your Home

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Be forewarned, I have a lot to say about this book!

I especially enjoyed the feel of it; literally, the cloth-like cover, similar to 'vintage' books of the past. It was, of course, very appropriate to the book, and what attracted me to it in the store. (something one can't see about it online)

However, as a person who loves fabric, historical clothing and costume, crafts, decorating, and vintage things in general, I really did not care for the author's style of writing, or for many of her ideas/comments. I noticed that in response to someone else's brief review, an inquiry was made as to why that reviewer did not find the book helpful. Who knows why they didn't like it, but as someone else who sews, I thought I would share my thoughts on the book.

Perhaps the best way is to give some examples:

There is a duck print fabric the author states is "far too garish" to be made into children's clothing, but is ideal as dust cloths for cleaning. I actually thought the print would be very cute used in children's clothing. There is a trend these days to use unusual prints in kids' clothes to make them quite unique and stylish, and I think the duck print would be no exception!

The author mentions that she found prints from 70's decorating books "hideously overpowering as curtains, draperies, and wallpapers." Back in their day, some of us lived just fine with those, and ironically they're making a comeback, albeit with an updated look! In fairness, the author does appreciate them for other applications.

Now bean bags are another thing! I've seen their comeback in stores as well, and the author considers them "incredibly comfortable." No family member or guest thought so when one was received as a novelty gift for our home when they first appeared decades ago! To each his own!

The author appropriately assumes that some people reading the book will not be sewers. Yet when she discusses graphic florals from the seventies, she states "polyester-cotton is best avoided, but it was quite common in this era." However, she doesn't mention why it should be avoided.

Perhaps the idea that bothered me the most was chopping up a vintage 50's sundress or skirt (or even a housedress) just because it may be small-waisted or an undesirable shape ("dreadful" shape to quote the author). The author said "chop them up." I cringe at the thought; I say leave them in hopes that someone will come along that might fit them (hint hint - me!) or even preserve them for historical purposes. Unfortunately, like some collectors, the author only seems concerned about keeping intact fabrics that are associated with a collectable 'name.'

The author includes information on dying fabric, but I don't recall anything provided on cleaning vintage fabrics (i.e. testing, removing stains, etc.) I think since the book includes an appendix of sorts, this would have been helpful. The section at the back of the book does include shopping tips (which are helpful), general sewing techniques (not specific to vintage fabrics per se), sewing tips, and brief project instructions. The instructions are not detailed step-by-step and do not include illustrations, but that was okay with me since I wasn't expecting a sewing or craft book.

In the tips the author mentions using newspapers to make patterns from existing items. For those in the U.S. (the intended market?) be careful - newsprint rubs off newspapers now! (Artist newsprint is different, but the author specifically says newspapers!) However, there are some good technique points in the book such as trying to minimize the amount of damage by using staples instead of nails/tacks. I was also impressed that she mentioned to only use a very narrow hem on the lampshade since the light shows through. It was also good she mentioned safety issues when discussing embellishing the lampshades. However, I'm not so sure about the matchstick box idea since vintage fabrics are flammable; adhere and trim those edges carefully!

Although I happen to have seen most of the things in the book done before with non-vintage fabrics, everyone has come across different project ideas from different sources. Another reader may, therefore, find something new, inspiring, or useful in "Cath Kidston's In Print." For me, it was the seeing and recalling the wonderful fabrics from decades past that made this book a somewhat worthwhile purchase, not the text.

The author did mention one thing I can relate to. I too can't remember a phone number, but can recall all the prints from the homes I've lived in and all the clothes my family and I have worn over the years. If the author can do that as well, she's certainly entitled to her opinion of them!

In closing (my own book here!), you may not agree with my opinion of the book, but at least you know I actually read the text in its entirety before writing this review!

I love old fabrics and now there's this book to give me ideas for my stash of 1930s tea towels, old lace and 1940's bridge cloths.
Think beyond the original use for vintage fabric. Turn dinner napkins into throw pillows. Lace curtains can be table runners. Turn tea towels into napkins.
The photos are inspiring and the book also contains lots of tips for where to shop, sewing tips and techniques and project instructions.

...this book is for you. There are some great ideas about different ways to use all those wonderful vintage fabric scraps, tablecloths, and curtain panels you just couldn't live without but now need a home. Just the idea of scanning the fabrics (ingenious!) is worth the price alone!

I love this book for its style and photos and inspirations. Would have enjoyed a little more practical applications.

I just love to flip through this book before going to bed. The beautiful pictures relax me, or, give me so many ideas that I can't fall asleep! There are definitely projects that I will try, and some that I won't. That being said, it is worth the price for the photos alone.

This was my first experience with Cath Kidston and I give her a "thumbs up". This book is a keeper with beautiful illustrations of fabrics and with inspirational projects, most of which anyone can do. It is well written with interesting inserts.
Although I'm not "into" the bright, colorful fabrics from the 60's, I loved the faded and pastel ones shown from other eras. As they say: "Take what you need and leave the rest". Besides, in my minds eye I could see those same things in pastel.

Prompt service, really looked forward to receiving this book. Only problem, and it is minor and probably not an issue for most, but the musty smell means I can't read it without consequence. Have chemical sensitivities and while I truly hesitate to complain at all about such a reasonable purchase, it is otherwise in good condition.

I had no clue what a phenomenon the Kath Kidston brand was in the UK when I stumbled across this book. I just thought the photos were very pretty and got excited about the idea of sewing with vintage fabric. I only wish we could buy her things here in the US without having to pay for shipping from the UK! She has a new book out called "Sew" which is supposedly a pattern book (this one is more about show casing her design aesthetic), but Amazon does not seem to have it (yet at least as of the date of this post). I've heard super things about it so am anxiously awaiting its release here in the US. I've seen it on Amazon UK though in case you are interested. Btw, its very difficult to find the kind of gorgeous fabrics seen in the book. If you love vintage home decor, you might also enjoy the book by The Lampshade Lady: The Lampshade Lady's Guide to Lighting Up Your Life: 50 Custom Lampshades and Lamps

I just adore the pretty pictures and inspiring ideas in this book. If you love Cath Kidstons fabrics, you will love this book. Make yourself a cuppa, grab a plate of cookies and relax with this visually beautiful book.

This book offers absolutely nothing of value. As a person who sews, I was very disappointed.