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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Crfaty chica's sewing book fun and inspired;perfect for the emerging seamster, March 2, 2009
This review is from: Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Projects for the Everyday Crafter (Paperback)
Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Projects for the Everyday Crafter
I love this book it has so many creative and relevant projects. This is the perfect book for someone who has never touched a sewing machine( but has dreams of conquering one), however the projects are innovative enough to spark the interest of an accomplished seamstress. The chica is hilarious and heartwarming and seems to have a knack for luring out the hidden craft diva that lies slumbering in each of us. Her projects are so clever and they are things we all use and need. Many of the projects are re-cons; She shows you how to use those pretty place mats and napkins that are too nice to eat off of, but you would love to showcase on your arm or couch. I came to sewing through reconstruction, and I feel it is less intimidating turn something destined for the rummage sale into something cool and useful. There are also plenty of new material projects here. I found her instructions for very simple techniques to be quite impressive, sometimes it is the simplest things that tend to be over looked in guides. You will find that the chica has overlooked nothing here and that through her simple ,clear instructions you to can uncover your crafty chica.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not a seamtress, but love to sew, too!, March 4, 2009
This review is from: Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Projects for the Everyday Crafter (Paperback)
Kathy Cano-Murillo begins her book by stating she is not a seamstress, but she loves to sew, which is something I could have written myself.
Do you identify with that statement? Are you looking for a sewing book to serve as a starting point and provide terminology for getting to know the art and a sewing machine? Are you a self-taught sewer who keeps handwritten notes from your sewing instructor (aka gramma or mom) or your sewing machine manual next to your machine? Then, this is a book to explore.
It would be easy to flip past the front of the book and dig into the projects, but the beginning is not to be missed because it contains some great information, including:
* reasons to sew, in case you need a little encouragement
* explains the types of fabrics and uses for them
* how to design your own fabric, including image transfers and DIY appliques
* Sewing terminology
* must-have sewing supplies
* basics of winding bobbin, loading it and threading the machine
* how to sew
* types of stitches
* threads, interfacing, embellishment
* sewing by hand
* how to use a seam ripper
Although the Crafty Chica says she's not going to hold your hand, she provides the next best thing: 30 project directions with sketches and photos of the finished item. I loved that there were full-page photos of the projects. As a librarian, I am able to flip through plenty of craft books that get ordered only to see that they are a book with sketches and little to no photos. In this blogcentric time when many are producing their own tutorials and photos, I want more from a book (whether I'm footing the bill or the library is)!
As a self-taught sewer who got lessons from my mom as she sewed, this book was great for getting down the basics and reviewing some points I already heard (heard because as a kid, I did not take notes). In fact, this book made me realize I use a seam ripper incorrectly (I just go at it with a fierce determination-oops!). The book ends with templates, resources of the materials she used on projects in her book, web sites and the index.
As for the thirty projects, which are divided into three categories (purses, wearables and housewares), the Crafty Chica's style is definitely artful, but as creative people we are never bound by another but rather inspired! I have added several of her projects to my ever-growing to-do list. She shows us how to re-purpose items (place mats into a purse and cloth napkins into pillows) and reminds us that even if the t-shirt does not fit, it can be incorporated into a funky project!
If you are a new sewer or aspiring sewer who needs a jumping off point, Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing should be added to your shopping list and then make sure your public library owns a copy, too! ;)
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gettin' Back to Sewing With the Crafty Chica, March 3, 2009
This review is from: Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Projects for the Everyday Crafter (Paperback)
I'm so sad to admit that my sewing machine and I have been "on a break" for over a year now. I've been focusing on jewelry, but the for real story is that I got frustrated with my lack of skills and inability to move forward without more training. I got my sewing machine in 2003, and once I got over initial intimidation, I jumped right in embracing trial and error as the best way for me to learn. Over time, I guess I just got tired, but, rest assured, inspiration is back!
I picked up Kathy Cano-Murillo's latest book "Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing" last night and was unable to put it down. I had the honor of meeting Kathy many years ago when she visited Atlanta for CHA. Kathy is so nice and fun to talk to, and reading her words in print, I could totally hear her voice gently prodding me along, reminding me how much I love sewing. Her passion and creativity are abundantly clear, and her text is encouraging for the scared beginner and the seasoned pro alike!
"I'm not only going to hold your hand," she states, "I'll sprinkle good-luck glitter above your head." That's so sweet of her! The book sparkles, just like Kathy's personality.
The thing I love about Kathy's take on sewing is that she is super free-form and artful about it. She declares that she is not a seamstress, and it is more important that her projects are glittery and fun and full of self-expression than that they follow a strict regiment. Of course, there are structural decisions that are important when sewing, or else your piece will fall apart, but I like that she makes everything feel so free instead of painstaking.
The projects in the book range from beginner to difficult and are separated into several categories: "Power Purses," "Wondrous Wearables" and "Embrace Your Space." There are several projects in each category that I'm excited to try, but especially the Place Mat Purse, the Scarf Dress and the Pillow Stix. The book includes 30 projects, templates and a wonderful list of resources. Plus, scattered throughout the pages you get a happy dose of Kathy with tidbits like a list of movies that incorporate sewing, a story about a TV appearance that was almost a disaster and another story about her then friend (now husband) saving the day! Speaking of Kathy's husband, Patrick Murillo beautifully illustrated the book...now that's a dynamic duo!
I'm feeling inspired. I had an idea the other day for a new little something that I want to sew, and reading Kathy's book really sealed the deal for me. To make my desire to sew even more pressing, I stumbled upon a quote from myself in the book! Scattered throughout the pages are quotes from people who have tried sewing. Some are happy and triumphant, others are `I tried it, I bombed, I'm done with sewing.' Either way, collectively they illustrate the journey that is sewing...and some of the people who said they were done picked it back up again later in life and decidedly fell in love.
As I prepare for my new sewing project, I'll leave you with this thought. In my quote (which is found on page 26, by the way!), I refer to my sewing machine as a friend. After reading "Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing," I can't wait to be reunited with my dear, old friend, and I can guarantee that you'll want to create this friendship too after you read Kathy's book.
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