The Crafter Culture Handbook (Paperback)

by Amy Spencer (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Perfectly representing the post-feminist, socially active crafting movement in the U.S. and U.K., Spencer's fun, accessible volume is a nifty introduction to newly hip crafts. As Laura Newsom, whose felt pin designs are included, asserts, "We are taking back our ability to shape the world around us. We are rediscovering our ability to make the things we were told we had to buy." Leaders from the new crafts scene contribute about 40 projects, covering needlecraft, vintage refurbishing, clothing, home decor, cosmetics and electronics. Each is clearly photographed and explained, with space for each designer to detail his or her aesthetic. The vibe is young and hip, exemplified in projects like making a computer mouse out of an old Nintendo game control, cross-stitching a portrait of Sophia Loren and knitting a "Red Light District Peekaboo Scarf." Other projects are more traditional-homemade soap and "bath fizzies," make your own smock-but a strong liberal political aesthetic-anti-sweat shop, anti-war, pro-recycling, etc-runs throughout. No introductory instructions are included, but most of the projects require no more than basic knowledge and skills. And once readers burn through the projects here, a handy resource guide points to dozens of online craft sites, making this a perfect library addition for any crafty Generation X or Yer. Photographs.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Product Description
Since the 1990s the craft scene has soared in popularity, but where exactly does this new wave of domesticity stem from and how can those of us who have never picked up a needle get involved? Ever tried knitting a trout or making a chandelier out of a kitchen colander? This new manual explores the new crafting movement that is sweeping the globe, through a series of over forty creative projects for any wannabe crafter to experiment with designed by the most well-known of the new contemporary craft movement, including the people behind Craftster, Subversive Cross Stitch, Craftivism, Knitgrrl and others.

Amy Spencer not only gives practical advice but also examines the politics behind the various crafting trends. Today's crafters are aware of the impact of their actions, some create as part of a radical form of political protest, others take a stance against sweatshop manufacturing by making their own clothes, some produce as part of a self-sufficiency lifestyle, others start knitting groups as a way to meet new friends. Contains detailed instructions for fifty projects, with full colour illustrations, photographs and diagrams throughout.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Marion Boyars Publishers Ltd (February 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0714531286
• ISBN-13: 978-0714531281
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #531,042 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars This book could be have been more, September 19, 2007

By	Sabrina Gschwandtner "KnitKnit.net" (NYC) - See all my reviews

With all the DIY craft blogs, websites, magazines, zines and books out there, there's tons of resources for crafters looking for cool projects and inspiration.
I think overall this book is worth checking out, but it didn't fully meet my expectations:
There's not really enough content here. The content in the book is akin to Craft magazine, which is cheaper than the book and comes out in a more timely fashion, and the "interviews" with crafters are too short and you can tell they aren't really interviews but more like the same questionnaire everyone in the book received. Also, the author's examination of the why of crafting's popularity is a bit lacking.
On the plus side, the book provides a good overview of some of the more interesting people involved in the DIY craft movement (Bazaar Bizarre, microRevolt, Subversive Cross Stitch). It also offers a good range of craft projects, including one project I love - how to make a typewriter into your computer keyboard.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not So Much, May 12, 2007

By	Anne Margaret "tabewhite" (Rockville, VA) - See all my reviews

Did I like this book? Not so much. Maybe because of its popularity on blogs, I felt as though I had seen some version of most of the projects. Nothing really jumped out and said "Try me"!, so I returned it to use my money for more inspiring or useful books.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars super duper crafty!, March 27, 2007

By	Natasha Fialkov "luxe" (pennsylvania, usa) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

i am a complusive artsy person. i also love to buy books, although i hate getting craft or art books that don't have a wonderful layout and great photos. this one has both. it has some really unique projects that you haven't seen anywhere else, and some more simple things that are really cute, as well. i am not a pattern person, but i do love to get new ideas and inspiration from new books and magazines and blogs. this book is a steal for the price. really fun!