Book Review:
I like the way the crafts in the Scrap Saver’s Christmas
Stitchery book are portrayed in traditional home settings in the
beautiful color illustrations. The style of this book is very traditional
from the props used in the settings in the photos, to the material
used for the crafts and the style of the crafts themselves. The
author herself is very traditional and throughout the book she talks
about her Christmas memories (i.e. her grandmother used to make
the Grandmother's Secret Chairs in which you can hide sewing supplies
or jewelry and she would be happy to sell them for $0.35). These
memories enhance the traditional feeling of her book as well as
the spirit of the Christmas holiday you get when reading through
it.
Many of the projects in Scrap Saver’s Christmas Stitchery
involve quilting to some degree including the Patchwork Stocking
(with four different designs to choose from), Argyle Lap Robe &
Stocking, Advent Window Banner, Tree Tea Cozy, Patched Wreaths,
Star Patch Pincushion & Tote, Puppy Love Pillow & Quilt,
Busy Basket Sewing Caddy & Pincushion, Flannel Teddy Comforter
and the Piggy Patch Projects. These projects are just a small portion
of the wide variety of crafts (involving quilting, sewing and embroidery)
included in this book. I like that there is such a wide variety
of projects to choose from (i.e. ornaments, quilts, wreaths, place
mats, pot holders, stockings, pincushions, totes, a matching pillow
and quilt combo, novelty shaped eyeglass cases, dolls, tree skirts,
bibs, etc.) because the crafting needs of the readers are being
met.
I really like that the patterns for the projects are included with
the instructions instead of in a separate section of the book in
which you have to go looking for them to complete your project.
There are also B&W diagrams accompanying the projects when assembly
instructions are required. It is also handy that most of the patterns
(except for the duck pattern that goes with the duck place mat project)
don't have to be enlarged to complete the projects, you just need
to copy them onto tracing paper as described on the pattern. The
patterns for the Advent Window Banner are also used for the Christmas
Memories Tree Skirt, which means not only do they do double duty
in the book but also if you really like these designs you can use
them in more than one place in your home.
The author of this book is concerned with safety, as young children
may want to play with some of the crafts once they have been made.
In the introduction for two crafts in particular (the Crèche
and the Mouse Family in a Swiss Chalet), she advises the reader
that they are not safe for use by children under four or three years
old due to small parts making up a portion of the craft. She also
thinks it important to include a section in the book on Supplies
and Techniques so your crafts will be successful because you will
know about the materials you will be using as well as how to complete
them in case you didn't know how to do some of the techniques required
for the project.
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