I have been enjoying reading bits and pieces from the Crafter’s Companion lately, and I thought I’d share some of my favourite projects from the book.
A fabrics basket, which would be really handy for carrying WIPs. Pattern by Sarah at The Small Object.
Library tote by Fiona at hop skip jump.
Elephant purse by Myra at my little mochi.
Market bag by Anna at twelve22. I really need one of these.
It was hard to pick my “favourites” because all the projects are lovely. There are 17 of them in this book, from 17 very talented crafters. It seems that I’m in a making bags mood at the moment. But really, there are more variety of patterns in the book — there’s a summer top, apron, quilted throw, book cover, patchwork purse, etc, to name just a few.
But this book is not “just” a pattern book. The centerpiece of the book is actually about the crafters. Each of them wrote about how they got started into crafting, what motivates them, how and where they work, and their sources of inspiration. I think this book itself is a great source of inspiration. I like looking at pretty things (and thinking of how I can make them), and there is certainly no shortage of that in the book. If you’ve been reading some of the crafters’ blogs (all of the ones featured in the book has one, if not a shop as well), you will be familiar with their work (the patterns in the book are new though). Even so, this book gives further insight into their work process and what it is about crafting that they love. For example, the following are some of my favourite quotes from the book:
“The worst times of my life, looking back on it now, have come from when I wasn’t able to — physically or emotionally — be creative. That’s why I don’t know how to answer the question, ‘where do you find the time to do so much?’ which I hear a lot. It’s like asking me how I have time to sleep or eat food. I just do.”
(p16. Amy at angrychicken)
“For most of us, time is a very precious commodity; it is so nice to receive something that someone has poured some of hers into. Knowing that she’s probably spent that time thinking of you and what you might like to receive makes it extra special. When an e-mail is the norm, there is such charm in receiving a hand made gift or card.”
(p38. Fiona at hop skip jump)
“The laundry, the meals, the grocery shopping, etc. are just a never-ending cycle and it’s hard to feel any sense of accomplishment when it never seems to be done. When I craft I end up with something tangible. I have something that says, ‘Look what I did!'”
(p30. Cassi at belladia)
How true indeed.
And look, a WIP! I love this book so much I have started making something from it already.
Fabrics already cut, ready to be turned into a library tote.
