Monday 26 October 2015

Traditional Weavers of Guatemala ~ Book Review


by Deborah Chandler
& Teresa Cordon
Photography by Joe Coca

ISBN:  9780983886075
Publisher: Thrums Books
Publication Date: 25 August 2015
RRP: £23.99

Available direct from Search Press.

  

As more and more people in the west
are finding the beauty in handmade
people are looking to elsewhere in the world
to find inspiration.


The book follows the stories of twenty artisans.
It's a story of tradition, innovation, 
and survival, embellished with the colors 
of a profound cultural heritage.


The book spans generations and brings
together men and women to show
what they create as well as why.


You find out the artisans stories , personal histories, 
hopes, and dreams along with the 
products of their hands and looms.


You will be amazed at how their history
brings together and amazing mix of colour and texture.


This book is interesting, brilliant to read
and a real inspiration.


If you've ever wanted to weave or you already
weave and want some new inspiration
then you will love this book.



There is so much being lost as we spend less
time making things.
This book redresses the issue and makes
sure the the designs are recorded for history.


The stories of the artisans are just as much of
the story as the designs.
Their lives have molded the way they weave
and what beautiful pieces of fabric they
create for generations to come.


I feel honoured that the people have opened
up their homes and lives to show us and
share with us the beauty of what they create.


Available direct from Search Press.

  


I received this book to review.
However all opinions expressed are my own.
Affiliate links are included on the post.
No monies were exchanged.

Sunday 25 October 2015

Beyond the Stones of Machu Picchu ~ Book Review


By Elizabeth Conrad VanBuskirk
Paintings By: Angel L Callanaupa Alvarez

ISBN: 9780983886051
Publisher: Thrums Books
Publication Date: 01 December 2013
RRP: £13.99

Available direct from Search Press.


There is something so special about passing along a tale.
Stories teach us so many things.
As life changes and we don't talk as much
we are losing these beautiful tales.
This book changes some of that and puts
pen to paper to record the tales for eternity.


The legends take you through the folklore
that takes you through the year
and festivities.


The stories are beautiful and have so many
hidden meanings.


The book not only brings the stories to you,
it brings the beautiful traditions of
Machu Picchu.


I am reading the stories to my son.
I love the fact that he can be taken into
a world that is far from his own.
He is enjoying them so much and has already
asked if he could visit the region.


The beautiful paintings in this book
bring the stories and tales to life.
It takes the vivid story lines and puts
them into wonderful multicoloured
pictures.


This is the sort of book that you buy
as an heirloom.
It can be passed down the generations
and shared as they have been shared in the past.


It's important that these stories are
put down on paper.
The thought of all the things that have already
been lost is a sad one.


This book is a celebrating of Inca life
and all the messages the elders wanted passed
down from generation to generation.


I feel privileged to have read this book.
I also feel privileged that I have been able
to read it to my son and 
pass on the stories.


This book is extremely special.
I would highly recommend it for everyone.
It's one that will become part of your life
and make it more beautiful.

Available direct from Search Press.




I received this book to review.
However all opinions expressed are my own.
Affiliate links are included on the post.
No monies were exchanged.

Saturday 24 October 2015

Pride & Preju-Knits ~ Book Review


by Trixie Von Purl

ISBN: 9781782213130
Publisher: Search Press
Publication Date: 28 September 2015
RRP: £9.99

Available direct from Search Press.


Squuueeee!!!!!!!!!

I love Jane Austen and this book
has brought her story to life.


The book has twelve knitting projects
for you to recreate the story in your house.


It's an adult toy to knit.
They are truly inspirational
and they bring a smile to your face.


Each of the knits brings the story to you
and is very easy to see which part of the
story is recreated.


Each of the basic techniques are used
to make the basic items and these
are then added to so that you can create
each of the characters and the scenes.


Not only do you get patterns for the
characters you also get items to set the scene.
You even get a pattern for the cat!


The patterns are all in written format
and are easy to follow.
At the front of the book the techniques
are explained to make the process
easier for you.


A beautiful collection of patterns
that bring something special to life.


Available direct from Search Press.




I received this book to review.
However all opinions expressed are my own.
Affiliate links are included on the post.
No monies were exchanged.

Friday 23 October 2015

I've Made Friday Week 173


Good Morning everyone!
I hope your week is going well.
I hope you are looking forward to the weekend.

I've had a super exciting week this week.
Hubby has been off work on holiday
and he agreed that I could get a dryer.
I haven't had one since I lived with my mum & dad.
I know it sounds very sad but I didn't want one.
I was happy not to use the energy and help
do my bit.
The only problem with this is my health.
It put a spanner in the works.
So after spending most winters ill with chest
and lung infections I decided that we had
to bite the bullet and buy one.
We got an A+ machine so it doesn't make
too much of a difference.
I managed to wash a load of clothes and dry them
the same day.
I know it's not very exciting but it really has made my
year!!!


I only have one make for you this week.
Having hubby off work has meant not a lot has been done.
Isn't it weird how someone being there can knock everything off kilter.


This is my Penguin Christmas Card.
It was a free gift with a magazine.
He was fun to make.
I made quite a few mistakes but I don't think they are noticeable.
I'm enjoying my cross stitch at the moment.
This is very handy as I have a number of
presents I want to make for Christmas.

Today I'm at my sons school.
He has a school project that he has finished
and we get to see it and the others.
It's an Anglo Saxon village.
He had to design it and say why he had made
the village where it was and what the village had.
Wouldn't you know it, we were trying to get
everything finished and ready and forgot to
take a picture!
I'll hopefully be able to take one at school
and post it next week.

Now it's time for linky love.
Please feel free to share anything you've made.
  • Please visit other people to see what they have made.
  • Add the link to here on your blog so we can share the linky love.
  • I will try and visit as many people as possible.
  • I will reply to all comments as soon as I can
Crochet Addict UK I've Made Friday

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A Journey with Sibbel ~ Book Review


by Susan Greening Davis
& Sally Criswell

ISBN: 9781611691573
Publication Date: 02 February 2015
RRP: £17.99

Available direct from Search Press.

   

I can honestly say I have never
has such an emotional connection with
a craft book before like I have
with this book!


Even if you aren't a crafter but you love a good
story I would still highly recommend this book.


Susan & Sally went into a vintage sampler dealer's shop.
They found this sampler and the dealer
gave them as much history as he could about it.
They took this information and did a bit
more research.
From what they found they have created
the story of Sibbel.


The story of Sibbel is a beautiful and painful one.
It's the story of an orphan who wants thee
sampler to be perfect so someone who will choose her.
It takes you through the problems she has with her stitches.


You are provided with everything you need
to create your own sampler and a number
of other beautiful projects as well.


It takes a piece of history and makes it into
something personal.
As you create your own you feel you are
joining Sibbel in your stitching journey.


There are pictures to help you with
your projects as well as charts and patterns.
The projects bring a wonderful addition
to the sampler.
They are useful and have the same beautiful
vintage look as the sampler.


I love the things you learn as you work your
way through the book.
As soon as my fabric arrives I'll be starting on my journey.


I really love this book.

Available direct from Search Press.

   


I received this book to review.
However all opinions expressed are my own.
Affiliate links are included on the post.
No monies were exchanged.