Make it Own It Love it...The debut book by Matt Chapple!

Many of you will remember Matt Chapple, winner of the BBC's 2015 Great British Sewing Bee and Make it  Own It  Love it is his new (and first but hopefully not last) book!
Well of course you'll remember him -Why wouldn't you? He's the ex squaddie red head with the wide smile!- because he beat off stiff competition from Annie, Alex, Neela, Amanda, Ryan, Paul, Deborah and the two other finalists Lorna and Neil to be crowned Britain’s best amateur sewer!
Published by Jacqui Small, Matt's debut title is now available to buy. Take a look at the end of the post for your exclusive East London Craft Guerrilla blog reader discount code...

 

First things first, I have to confess... though I'm no expert dress maker as a teen I used to make a lot of my clothing!
Don't get too excited, my makes was pretty much sewn together with hope and out of desperation as it was just too hard finding alternative clothing in a small town so making my own was the next best thing! But it wasn't particularly done well, it served its purpose but mostly things ended up being held together by safety pins. Hey, that's a fashion statement too but... it also was to keep seams together!!!

In all fairness I have progressed but I don't really make that much of my clothing anymore but I have to the point of making a circle skirt from start to finish. Even though I have the basics there's still lots to learn. And I'm keen!

But the reality is that Matt puts my very basic sewing skills to shame -Gosh, do you remember how easily he managed to whip up his beautifully tailored leather biker jacket and a sweet baby blue tartan kilt?! Seriously amazing!!!- so when I was given this book to review I was pretty happy to do so as I thought it would be the type of book that I could dip into when ever I needed to.

It's got lots of handy hints and tips like how to hem jeans and change buttons on coats. It's a nice book and you won't be just up-cycling, mending and up keeping what you already own but also making clothing from scratch, all be it the projects are not super complicated but I'm not against that at all as I do think simplicity is sometimes (if not mostly!) the best way!
And also I don't want to be put off by super elaborate sewing projects either... well not yet!
Making clothing is fun but it can also be daunting especially when following a pattern or doing more complex bits like adding an invisible zip or darts* to a skirt.

*Note: OK so if the word darts has you conjuring images of Bully the Bullseye Bull in your mind then I think forget about sewing and just get yourself down to the nearest pub! But if you have a slight notion that it's to do with tailoring then this book might just be what you need to help you get further into sewing and making your very own clothing. 

I've actually got my eye on the red and white stripy top and I'm looking forward to adding it to my Spring to do sewing project list... ha and the skirt!

Matt's book is easy and straightforward with comprehensible step by step tutorials and even a guide to sewing machines and tools.
Not everyone is born with a natural ability to thread a machine or or with the knowledge of which foot to use for a specific task but it's something anyone can learn... and there's a whole section explaining just that and even a handy guide to tools and how to use them so you'll be sewing like a pro in no time!
So if you're after something which will take you to the next level of dressmaking then I think it's a great book.
It's not necessarily a book for the experienced sewer but perfect for those who are taking their first shaky steps into the wonderful world of dress making/tailoring with clear and concise sections including: Tool Kit to Cool Kit, Fabrics, Stitching, Make it your own, Make it from Scratch, Make it wearable, Make it live longer to a handy glossary and resources page in the back.

But what I do really like about this book is that there's a lot of altering projects like tightening trouser legs, mending and maintaining clothing too, and even a handy laundry guide and a repair section. It's 100% up my street as having an ecologically sound wardrobe isn't always easy to have but with Matt's book you'll be a step closer!

If you'd like to get your Craft Guerrilla blog reader discount for Make It, Own It, Love It at the discounted price of £16 including p&p* (RRP: £20), telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk  and quote the offer code QPG462. *UK ONLY - Please add £2.50 if ordering from overseas.

The Origami Home by Mark Bolitho

This has to be by far one of my favourite books that I've reviewed this year!
When this landed on my desk I was left in awe because as a child I was obsessed with making furniture and accessories for my doll's house.

Origami expert Mark Bolitho does just that! Not that it's for dolls' houses but it does lend itself very well for this but this publication is perfect for lovers of design and interiors too.
His little folded art works are absolutely beautiful and you can make things like recliner chairs, coffee tables, potted flowers and even pets.
They are amazing just as they are and you really don't need a doll house to make the projects. Though I'm gutted that this book wasn't around when I was a kid as my Barbie would have had the swankiest pad on the street!

Mark Bolitho has been Chairman of the British Origami Society for 35 years and though he had a successful career as an accountant he traded in the paper work for paper folding and we're honestly pleased that he has made that choice.
Working for clients like the BBC and Hewlett Packard have undoubtedly brought  his art of paper folding to the general public prompting further projects with many others in  Japan, Canada, France and Sweden to name but a few.
The popularity of origami isn't looking to fade anytime soon and so it shouldn't... with amazing talent like his and great books like this one then it can only grow.
Author of several books including the aptly named Creaselightning (which is also his web site name) we tip our folded paper hats to him not only for his artistic talent but you know us... we also love a good pun!

The BIG Lottery Fund and the BBC challenged villages across the UK to come up with ideas for new businesses! ©BBC/TBLF

With over 30 project explained step by step including how to furnish each individual room (or sets as Mark refers to them) with a selection of sweet, quirky and fun projects we're sure it'll leave you inspired to make your own.

Everything is covered here from the living room, loft room to even a terrace. He also shows us how to select colours and patterns to construct your ideal set and a huge plus point is that he has also added a few pages of very nicely explained basic instructions with detailed diagrams so you don't feel overwhelmed before you tackle the projects.

The book is divided by rooms and there's a great mix of styles of furniture from Shaker to mid century which will please just about anyone.
An added bonus is the handy pocket in the back cover which is filled with an amazing array of origami paper sheets... flowers, geometrics, you name it. It's there!

Though the little me would have imploded with excitement a more mature guerrilla has sat down and though loudly quietly squealed at every page I am now beginning to construct a Standard Lamp to gift to another excitable little girl who has room in her doll's house for some great hand made origami treats! 

A great gift for any origami fan or even novice and especially for those, like me, who despite their age still love making miniature furniture. The mix of furniture designs, along with the unique and fun presentation style, will ensure that The Origami Home appeals to anyone with a love for design and interiors, as well as paper folding enthusiasts!

Available via Jacqui Small Publishing... we hope you'll enjoy it as much as we did!

To order The Origami Home at the special offer price of £16 including UK P&P, telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk, quoting the offer code APG267 and the book ISBN 9781909342514. 

A world of quilts by Cassandra Ellis...

"A World of quilts" by Cassandra Ellis is an amazing book, pages packed with inspiration and tips as well as perfectly clear instructions on a huge variety of quilting styles. Here she offers updated versions of classic designs using traditional techniques and patterns in order to make quilts more fitting to today's modern home decorating tastes.

If you've never tried quilting then I'd honestly recommend this book. It doesn't look scary or complicated, nor does it make you feel like this is some secret dark art that only a few can partake in... everything is neatly explained and set out for you to start making!
Cassandra explains the basics from how to cut your fabric to how to sew on your backing which some might think is obvious but I found really helpful.
It's also really accessible as this book is divided into sections explaining and describing numerous types of quilts like the Housetop, the Star, the String Quilt, the Welsh bars and numerous others as well as exploring the use of tools and techniques in the "Quilting Masterclass" chapter. Again it might seem obvious but is perfect for the novice quilter but also great for the seasoned quilter as it serves as a great refresher and resource.

I must confess that quilting was one of those things that though I do love I've never really delved into too much. Growing up in the States you see so much of it that it kind of becomes an everyday thing. Pretty much every household had one handed down from grandma or great aunt Mildred. Though after reading this I truly am more interested in the history and the techniques used in quilt making. Heck, I might even try making my own which I can pass down to my nieces and nephews!

Cassandra Ellis is a designer maker with a flare for colour and composition. Her designs are warm and beautifully modern!
Originally from New Zealand she now runs her very own London studio and sells her work to private clients and in numerous retailers including Liberty of London.

Her home-wares and interiors are designed to be thoughtful and beautiful, using traditional techniques and materials. She also teaches workshops and works closely with the charity Habitat for Humanity helping to create living spaces tailored to the lives of the intended residents. To say that Cassandra is solely a sewing superstar wouldn't be enough... personally I see her as an artist too. A very accomplished, thoughtful and engaging artist!
If you'd like to know more about Cassandra and her work visit: www.cassandraellis.co.uk 

A world of Quilts by Jacqui Small publishing is available at a special discounted price for our blog readers only so if you'd like to get your hands on a copy of A World of Quilts at the special offer price of £20 including UK P&P*, telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk, quoting the offer code APG228 and the book ISBN 9781909342149.

*Overseas buyers please email before ordering via the email link above as P&P might be higher as this is a UK reader offer. 

Decorate with flowers

Published by Jacqui Small, Decorate With Flowers offers advice on choosing, combining and arranging flowers to best complement home decor plus a few hints and tips which will turn anyone into a flower arranging god or goddess!
The author Holly Becker has teamed up with stylist Leslie Shewring to offer practical know-how and colourful ideas for decorating with gorgeous blooms.

We're taken on a stimulating journey through an an easy to follow guide of basic flower arranging to then progress on to decorating ideas for a range of styles with some crafty DIY flower container projects thrown in to scratch that craft making itch!
The project illustrations are pretty, modern, friendly and easy to understand too. The book is divided into 8 chapters which makes it easy to navigate. Plus I really love the bold colours, patterns, illustrations and use of fonts throughout. It really does give it a welcoming and engaging element to the book.

Until now I really didn't think I was going to be seduced by this kind of book but alas I can confirm that after many years of not considering myself as a girlie girl  it turns out that I am after all a very girlie girl who loves blousy blooms!
My love for beautiful design is unchanged though and this is one book I find very pleasing to my designer eye. Not only are the projects tastefully done the overall look -from furniture, wall paint choices to cover art!- is one I find pleasing and can absolutely identify with. It's modern, fun and doesn't take itself too serious. It's a type of book that aspires to make us all love our surrounding a bit more, where ever we may live... and enjoy them too without making you feel like you're an outsider looking into a intangible lifestyle. 

Overall there's a relaxed approach to floral design and these two amazing stylists open their box of tricks including ways to experiment with colour, texture and how to get playful with foliage to create amazing arrangements that are neither complicated or expensive but a doddle to recreate successfully. They manage to create this sense of ease without compromising on style so a very big thumbs up from me. Being on a budget doesn't mean you have to compromise... cheaply doesn't have to mean "naff"!

So will I be revisiting this book? Well yes, this book is filled with inspiring suggestions for creating pretty and modern floral designs which work on an everyday level by simply adding a fresh touch to the home to more lavish events like hen parties or cocktails with girlfriends! OK I'm not a big cocktail party host, though I do like a cocktail or two, but it does show me just how easy it is to create an impact with flowers and just how simple it is to add an element of style to my little flat! It's a book which I will use as inspiration and reference when I feel the house needs a little extra "oompf".
I know that I've thrown around the word inspiration a few times here but that's exactly what it does...

Whether you want to make the most of freshly picked blooms from the garden, or rearrange that cheap petrol station bouquet into a more palatable bunch, Decorate with Flowers removes the fear from flower arranging -now you really don't need a course in Forestry for this, hooray, but the result is just as good!- leaving you ready and able to work more freely with flowers.

It's definitely a book which opens up the spirit of creativity and experimentation. I for one have re- purposed my stash of vintage tins which are perfect for adding a bit more style to my place... now all I need to do is wait for the weekend and go down to Columbia Road Flower Market* to pick up some blooms. No doubt I shall be casting my eyes onto bright, luscious peonies, mimosas and dahlia's. I know, I know... they're a very feminine choice right, and who'd of guessed it?!

*Psssst: and one of my own top tips: If you visit Columbia Road after 3pm you'll find all the deals! As they prepare to pack up and go the majority of stall holders will sell their remaining fresh flowers at knock down prices! Absolute bargains to be had, but don't leave it too late as by 4.30pm it's pretty much all over!

Craft Guerrilla reader offer: 

To order Decorate with Flowers at the discounted price of £16.00 including p&p* (RRP: £20.00), telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk and quote the offer code APG109. 

*UK ONLY - Please add £2.50 if ordering from overseas.

Boy Craft!

As a craft-loving mum of two children, a boy and a girl, I'm always on the look out for child friendly project ideas. They both enjoy creating various things but have such a big sense of achievement when they don't have any assistance from me. The market seems to be swamped with books for girls so I was delighted when I came across "Boy Craft". 

I left the book out in the living room and waited for my son to discover it. It didn't take long. He was very quickly immersed whist reading all about the different projects. He thought the book was 'cool' because he didn't have to 'share with any of the girls'! 

The first project he chose to make was the water bomb! We just used plain paper to practise but he agrees with me that using pages from an old comic is a great idea. The method is clear and easy to follow. I personally liked that the written instructions were accompanied with simple diagrams for each step. My son hadn't realised how we were going to get from a flat folded piece of paper to a 3D object. He was so surprised when he blew into it, "It's like magic!" I suspect he'll be making quite a few of these as water bombs when the weather warms up and he can play outside!

He then flicked through the book again and decided he wanted to make a bat! I didn't have any old fashioned pegs but a local friend came to my rescue. He really enjoyed making this but needed some help with the overall shape of the wings because he had trouble enlarging the template from the back of the book. It's a shame it couldn't be full sized but it was an obstacle easily overcome with a bit of my help.  Once he made his bat, he decided that the idea would work well as a butterfly. He is planning on making a seagull next and hanging them all on a mobile in his bedroom! 

From a mum's point of view, I think the projects are great. There are some quick and easy ones to make, but also some that are a bit more fiddly. I like that it isn't full of stereotypical things for boys. Yes there is a section on 'Creepy Craft' but this is accompanied by 'Stitch Craft' and 'Wool Craft'. Some of the projects need some advance planning with a few tools and materials but I reckon most of them can be made with supplies that can be recycled from the average household. As the name of the book suggests, this is primarily full of projects that would appeal more to boys but my daughter is keen to try out a few of them! 

When buying books like this, I'm always a bit dubious if they will be worth the money. With this one, if you take into consideration the number of hours of entertainment it contains, i am certain it is worth every penny!

All in all, this gets a big thumbs up from the whole family!

X 

Nicola 

And here's the special offer for our lovely readers...

To order Boycraft by Sara Duchars and Sarah Marks for £10 including UK P&P, telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk, quoting the offer code APG99 and the book ISBN 9780711234895.

Join the merriment!

Calling all London makers... We're opening up membership to all lovely London based designer makers! We'd love to share our success and what better way is there then by adding your very own banner to our membership page onto our highly visited web site? Yup, It's a great deal as all you need to do is pay a petite yearly membership fee and we'll add your banner with a direct link back to you!

It's that easy... plus there's no strings attached. If you look at it as an ad then that's pretty much what we're offering but you'll be showing your hand made talents to a captive and receptive audience... yes we get tons of hand made lovers visiting our website every day so yes... get in touch! E-mail: craftguerrilla@yahoo.com

*Please note that there is an aesthetic criteria which we follow and so we ask that you send us a few images or the link to your site so we can check if it's appropriate! Because we want our designer makers to be in the company of other bright sparks we choose only the best and most promising designer maker talent. But don't be offended if your items /products aren't quite what we are after... we really don't want to turn anyone down but in order to keep the quality and originality on par with what we already offer then we need to chose accordingly! Honestly it's only a matter of taste so... it's nothing personal!!!

Also we do not accept other craft groups/collectives, craft market providers or craft event/workshop providers or third parties who work as an agent for a designer. This is solely for designer makers!

Craft Guerrilla blog opportunity:
However we do also have advertising space on the blog for independent retailers who sell hand made gifts, galleries, fabric shops and haberdashers as well as craft book publishers, zine makers and creative magazines! We will not accept any high street companies or companies who sell massed produced products. Get in touch for fees and T&C's. 

 

German design guru, Peter Fehrentz's "Made by Yourself"... we review his new book!

Peter Fehrentz is a German stylist, product designer and photographer so this book is so much more then a simple straight forward step by step instruction manual!
"Made by Yourself" isn't an ordinary D.I.Y. craft book either it's also an amazing design portfolio packed with great projects and ideas which you can make too!

Made by Yourself by Peter Fehrentz

You can really get a feel for the style, ideas process, inspirations and ethos behind the man and his work.
He offers well thought out, effortless projects with a very crafty approach to the overall production. Though the projects are far from basic. It's the perfect project book for the home, from furniture to accessories! Plus I love the way the costs, difficult levels and making time are clearly denoted using a score system of 01 (easy) to 06 (difficult).

Setting the bench mark! Brilliant man friendly projects which are both handsome and useful!

I was really impressed and surprised by it mainly because it's very man friendly. Oh yes, I say this because this has to be the first time ever that my partner asked to look at one of my craft books!
He's not adverse to making in general but he's not into the whole "cup cake crafting" which is how he calls the mainly female dominated craft industry... "fluffy, sickly sweet -like a cup cake- and not geared up to the male species at all"! Hey, these are his words not mine... but I do see his point.

My partner was after all a scout so he loves whittling, tinkering and general man crafts but shies away from the overly decorative, frilly type of craft which usually means he takes no notice of craft books... however with this one he was intrigued.
As it sat on the table -and may I add that at first glance he had no idea that this book was written by a man!- he asked to have a look at it.

After I managed to pick up my jaw from the table - and it's not often that he shocks me but he did this time hence the gaping mouth!- I decided that maybe he could review it and give me a bloke's perception on this nifty book...

Industrial masculinity can look great with softer female hues... like the grey walls behind the metal letters. Love it!!!

So I asked him "What do you think about this book?"
"First..." he said " it's really nicely defined, as in each chapter uses a certain material. The projects also look good and are practical not just decorative even though there are a few things in there which are pure decoration like the mesh dog sculptures but... it's not just nic-nacs! There's stuff I'd actually want to make to use. Even the mesh dogs (sculptures), I'm sure I could make them into a light fitting or something."

"What about the overall design of the book, the look and feel, what about that?" 
He picked up the book as if weighing a bag of sugar " It's nice and chunky, feels substantial. The photography is cool too and it's nicely styled."
Remember he has no idea who Peter Fehrentz is least of all that he is a stylist. Pensively he then adds "... he's got a good eye for design plus it's explained (the tutorials) in a clear and concise way. I like that."

"So what's you favourite piece?" I asked.
"I  really like the clothes rail. It's made using industrial piping plus it's really nicely designed with a shelf space at the bottom. And it's on castors! Actually I'm quite tempted to make one... and the glass display cases are pretty cool too."

Pipe clothes rail... quite cool and very good to store all my frocks!

Ha, result! Maybe he will make those clothes rails which we desperately need which means he also gets a chance to put his d.i.y. and creative skills into making home stuff with my approval!
It's great when you can agree on and make something together that you both like! You know "many hands make light work" kind of thing too plus it's nice to share a creative interest, so yes... if you also live with a partner who's not super receptive to your usual crafting pursuits then get this book!

Lots of projects which will tickle the ladies too and not just the men folk!

Finally I just need to add that this book is not a super macho, testosterone packed book either as for example it suits me too! I'm neither a fan of the overly soft or the saccharine infused craft books which can dominate the industry. I actually feel like those overly girlie type of books can alienate the more "tom boy" crafter like me.
Overall it's a handsome, stylish book yet it's not afraid to explore the "female" side of design & craft either... it's got plenty of colour, pattern and soft edges to sit harmoniously along side the concrete, glass and the metal piping. We loved it and we look forward to making quite a few of the projects to add to our home. Together.

Another project we really need to make!

Available from the 20th of February// Jacqui Small Publishing// £18.00// Hardback

Special offer to our readers:
To order "Made by Yourself" by Peter Fehrentz for £15 including UK P&P simply telephone
01903 828503
or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk
quoting the offer code APG99 and the book ISBN 978071123424895