The Antidote

Patchwork Style

I have had this weeks book for a couple of weeks now, and It has taken quite a lot of reading (for a very slim volume) for me to write a review of it.

 

Patchwork Style is by Suzuko Koseki and is part of a series of Japanese craft books called Make Good Crafts + Life.  All of which have been published in English.  Being able to actually read one of these beautifully photographed books does add to their appeal!  The website is well worth a visit, not only can you have a peek at the books and the photo stream, there are also four down-loadable patterns posted for free.

 

Back to the book.  Patchwork style, as I have already said is wonderfully photographed and captures the essence of the styling of Japanese craft books.  I personally would prefer to have a little more text to read, but then that is just how I like books to be, I know lots of people prefer more visual books.

There are 35 projects in this book and lovely pictures aside, even in English, I found the instructions a little daunting.  There are no patterns to speak of, just the odd outline to photocopy, which would definitely put me off of making something.  The actual instructions are probably aimed at someone with a little more sewing experience than I have.  All that said, it is a very inspirational book and I would love to share a few things from it which I hope to have a little go at in the future.

 

I have always fancied trying some log cabin quilting and the one in Patchwork Style not only makes me want to try it right now, but it does give good  instructions and diagram es on this type of patchwork, I actually feel like I might be able to do it.

 

This quilt also looks simple enough for me, I love how it is both backed and edged with an old blanket.  The use of zig zag stitch and ric rac also add to it's charm - yes I think I could manage that!

 

I could really use more of this type of bag, and this also seems straightforward enough.  I love the leather shoulder straps.

 

Ivy would love to have one of these little purses, especially the one with a strap, but we are getting a little more complicated now.

This is a very appealing book, and it is so nice to have the beauty of these Japanese craft books in English.  There are 35 projects in the book, however, 17 of them are bags or purses, there are four quilts and 3 cushions.  The other projects include a curtain, an apron, a floor mat and pot holders.  I also like the ideas for tissue holders and am thinking they would make a great gift for teachers at the end of this term.

I am very pleased I bought this book, however I have been rather spoilt by the lovely words and instructions from these recent books.

Lovely Day

Ah, What a lovely day.

I dropped the babies at school this morning then took the dog for a walk.  It was perfect dog walking weather, we went along the cliffs which overlook the estuary, there was sunshine with a fresh spring chill and crocus and daffodils and Biba thoroughly enjoyed scampering around them.

 

I made this for my mum this morning, what do you think?  I think she will love it.  To be honest it only took about twenty minutes from choosing the fabric to stuffing the tissues in, but I know the fact that I made it will have my mum treasure it.  She will have some other goodies too, am thinking of making soap tomorrow with the babies for her,  will keep you posted on that one.

Then the usual domesticity, ironing, washing (actually I love washing, especially if it is a nice day and I can dry outside).

 

Then I made my man his favourite cake, nothing fancy, just a Lemon Drizzle.  I make a lot of cakes but he is by far the best to bake for.  His last cake (a victoria sandwich) had him hovering over the cake stand for two days "It is only a little slice" he kept saying, right until the last "little slice" was gone.

S tries to finish work early on a Friday and we have a little coffee date and a catch up before picking the babies up from school.  So I am off to wash my hair and pretty up.

Enjoy Mothers Day x

PS thanks to Lucy and Pink Cat for Hooky encouragement yesterday, I feel like I have made a commitment now and will have to deliver the goods x