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

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: preshrink your fabric, undyed hemp, hemp piece, General Techniques (more...)

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

Product Description

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 projectsóa scalloped tablecloth piles of pillows and bedding a festive party garland totesóand 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.

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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: 9.7 x 8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #13,155 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 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 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.

19 of 22 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

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!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Merde!!, September 20, 2008

By	J. Cohn "Jaqueline" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I must disagree wth the first review of this book - I found this book to be fresh, inspiring and exactly what I needed in my life right now. What a wonderful, comforting book French General has written. Interesting projects and crafts all sewn out of someones personal collection of fabric. Kaari not only gives all sorts of options and ideas on what kind of fabric to use, she gives away a wonderful list at the back of the book... resources which are both unusual and some of my favorites.
Thank you French General, for following your own unique style and creating a prettier world for many of us. I hear you are designing for Moda - I am over the moon!