French General: Home Sewn: 30 Projects for Every Room in the House [Spiral-bound]

Kaari Meng (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 3, 2008

As the founder of the renowned crafts and notions store, French General, Kaari Meng scours the French countryside and Parisian flea markets for vintage treasures. Now, this beloved designer has gathered her favorite patterns into a charming sourcebook sure to be coveted by crafters, Francophiles, and home decorators. She offers 30 simple sewing patterns for French-inspired projectsa scalloped tablecloth, piles of pillows and bedding, a festive party garland, totesand more. Lay-flat spiral binding and ready-to-use pattern sheets and embroidery transfers, plus step-by-step directions, gorgeous photographs, and helpful illustrations make it easy to bring the palettes and pleasures of traditional French living into any home.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Kaari has an impeccable eye. Her take on French vintage is an inspiration, and the projects in this book are no exception." John Derian, artist

About the Author

Kaari Meng sells vintage and new textiles at her store in Los Angeles and to retailers in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. She and her husband, photographer Jon Zabala, live in southern California.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 176 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; Spi edition (September 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811864030
• ISBN-13: 978-0811864039
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 9.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #114,167 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely Book, September 29, 2008

By 

Nature Girl (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews

This review is from: French General: Home Sewn: 30 Projects for Every Room in the House (Spiral-bound)

This is a lovely book, inspiring whether you sew or just love simple French-style decorating. The projects, everything from totes, a berry-basket liner, a lavender-filled cushion or large sachet, an apron, napkins and various pillows to a scalloped tablecloth, bed skirt, shower curtain and more, range from beginner to advanced skill level, though the advanced don't even seem that difficult, and an envelope of patterns and iron-on embroidery transfers inside the front cover make things even easier. If you don't have a stash of old fabrics (and you certainly can use new), there are resources listed in the back of the book, along with notes on care of vintage fabrics and general sewing and embroidery techniques. Beautiful photos and clear directions.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning Book, September 28, 2008

By 

Diana Young "Diana" (Warrnambool, Vic, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: French General: Home Sewn: 30 Projects for Every Room in the House (Spiral-bound)

This is an absolutely stunningly presented book, and I would buy it just for the presentation, even if it didn't have any patterns. The pattern sheets are in a beautiful envelope pocket inside the front cover and are good and large - not the size one usually gets with a book. The book 'inside' the covers is spiral bound - great for referring to as you sew. But the pattterns and ideas are fairly simple, although I do love the idea of the Hanging Notions Organizer. As the name suggests, it is French style and to enjoy the book you must have a liking for this look.

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ooo La La!, September 24, 2008

By 

Stacey M Smith (Fredericksburg, TEXAS) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: French General: Home Sewn: 30 Projects for Every Room in the House (Spiral-bound)

Kaari's charming style blossoms in the pages of her new book! The look is flawless, simple European. With a little basic sewing you can bring a bit of French style to your own maison (home). You don't have to be an accomplished seamstress to get the job done, either. The projects vary from basics (sachets & napkins & bags) to floor pillows, throws & duvets, and Roman shades (and so much more!). There are even several cute patterns for items that would make great gift giving. Plus, resource guide listed in back and general techniques are included for beginners.

I sew quite a bit, so I can see making many of these projects. The patterns are adaptable and straight forward. You could easily use vintage French fabrics (find great fabrics at Meng's FrenchGeneral.com) or even go with contemporary patterns (think Amy Butler or Fresh Cut) to show off a different look. The book is spiral bound, which makes it easy keep open while working on a project. The pictures are inspiring, deserving of a French decor magazine themselves. Fun!