Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Handmade Home offers simple sewing and craft projects for the home that reflect the needs, activities, and personalities of today’s families. Filled with thirty-three projects made by reusing and repurposing materials—from vintage feedsacks to old sheets and towels—and including some projects that children can help with, all of the items here offer a practical use in the home. Amanda Soule does much more than simply present a collection of handmade items; she reveals crafting as a lifestyle based on the principles of consuming less and reusing more, appreciating the earth, and connecting to our families. This is a craft book that gives you the tools for creating a life—and a home—full of beauty, integrity, and joy.
Projects include:
• Papa’s Healing Cozy: This hot water bottle cover becomes a simple way to offer comfort to a sick child
• Baby Sling: A simple pattern for an object that offers so much to a small child—refuge from the world and a place to lay their head next to a parent’ heart
• Beach Blanket To-Go: Repurpose old sheets to create the perfect picnic blanket for special outdoor meals
• Cozy Wall Pockets: A creative solution for storing a child's small treasures.

About the Author

Amanda Blake Soule is the author of The Creative Family, and creator of the popular blog www.SouleMama.com. Amanda spends her days with her four young children - making things, thrifting, exploring and being inspired by their coastal Maine surroundings. Learn more about her and find her blog at www.amandasoule.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Trumpeter (August 11, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590305957
• ISBN-13: 978-1590305959
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,940 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #1 in	Books > Home & Garden > Interior Design > Upholstery & Fabrics
  #5 in	Books > Home & Garden > How-to & Home Improvements > Decorating
  #5 in	Books > Home & Garden > Interior Design > Decorating

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fun craft book but needs work, September 4, 2009

By	homeschooling mom of 4 (Central Florida) - See all my reviews

I find Amanda's blog interesting and her second book is full of gorgeous photos of projects I can make! The only disappointment was there is only plain text instructions. No diagrams or drawings or photos. When I buy a craft book I expect better details on how to make an item. As I bought this book as a pre-order I couldn't peruse it prior to buying it. I am not going to go turn on my computer and look something up. Her first book "The Creative Family" had a couple of drawings in it like the one for the felt colored pencil roll and the wool felt block and the bedtime bags for example. I wonder why this book didn't have any? I like Amy Karol's "Bend The Rules Sewing" book better since it is easier to understand.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful, Inspiring Surprise!, August 17, 2009

By	Rachel at EuphoriaBaby.com "Mom & Blogger" - See all my reviews

I wasn't sure what I'd get in "Handmade Home", but now I can tell you! The first part of the book is a primer on the eco-friendly art of reusing old materials. It's filled with tips for getting the best finds at thrift stores, garage sales, etc. She shares what to look for, even with reminders to leave behind those great deals that one doesn't need for the next thrifter - it's "thrifting karma" says Amanda. Excellent advice! There's also brief ideas for setting up a sewing space in a small area.

The second part is a large collection of 30+ projects organized by categories: Nourish (as in kitchen items), Nurture (as in wellness), Play, Seek (as in adventure) and Retreat (as in decor). The categories are loose, but they do give you a peak into the scope of the projects. And they are not "the usual" projects. No patchwork quilts or aprons here. Those are useful patterns (and can be found in "Bend-the-Rules Sewing") that anyone might want, but not what you'll find in Handmade Home. Amanda Soule's book brings many ideas that incorporate childrens' art - "Portrait Bookmarks" - or make use of fabric scraps - "One-Word Banner". She includes several non-sewing projects, often using decoupage. There are useful, but "alternative" patterns for items like cloth diapers, rag bags and women's cloth. And then, there are memory-preserving projects like the "Memory Tree Quilt Art." Everything is beautiful! And, just as with her blog SouleMama, everything is presented along with inspiring photography. Along the way she shares "crafty tips" and "earthy tips" - both of which share ways to craft smart, making safe, eco-friendly choices.

I have only begun to absorb the goodness to be found in this little volume. But, just this weekend, I have finished an embellished bath mat and have begun a "One-Word Banner" for my son's room, using my husband's discarded wool sweater and fabric scraps from my son's crib bedding and nursery items. I think that "Handmade Home" will enrich the life of many a "Green Mama" interested in creating and reusing. Enjoy!

65 of 91 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars don't waste your money, August 14, 2009

By	M. Klink "black belt in shopping" (michigan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

I had pre-ordered this book months ago and was eagerly awaiting it's arrival what a huge disappointment. The book has artistic photo's but lacks any diagrams, or detailed instructions. The whole first chapter (21) pages are about getting started they are nothing more than a vanity photo shoot on the cleverness of the author, as if we are not smart enough to recycle our own old containers or put our grandmothers button jars to good use. Many of the projects look ratty, and are ill conceived. Lacking any diagrams or detailed instructions the author who claims to be writing simple ways to re purpose old materials assumes you are an experienced seamstress. What a waste of money. A simple way to repurpose your money would be to buy a plain composition book and use your own head. I have not found a single original idea in the whole book, nor any idea that was conceived from beginning to end with attention to details or easily followed instructions.