As luck would have it, I received a new book in the mail (gratis) to review as part of the blog tour for Appliqué Your Way by Kayte Terry, published by Chronicle Books.
I love appliqué and have used it in my work for years. It’s a wonderful way to revamp what you have and make it look fresh and new. I was curious and anxious to get my hands on this book since I heard of it’s release.
First, I’ll go over the basic details of the book:
- List price: $19.95, paperback
- spiral bound for easy use during crafting (lies flat!)
- a thorough (yet not excessive) section on techniques
- 35 projects, most designed by Kayte, some contributed by others
- patterns/templates included in an envelope in the back of book
I found the techniques section to be clear and informative. There is good basic information describing the tools and methods needed for achieving the projects on the pages that follow. Although I would consider this to be simple beginner information that is inviting to a new crafter, I did learn a few handy tips I didn’t already know. Kayte’s tone is friendly, fun and non-intimidating.
Just under half of the projects are embellishment ideas applied to readymade garments or accessories, such as the Kimono Flower Trench and the Falling Leaves Ballet Flats. The rest are complete start-to-finish sewing projects, such as the Into The Woods Pillow and the Doily Trivets. The project instructions are primarily text with occasional hand drawn diagrams of details. For that reason, I’d suggest this book for crafters that are new to appliqué but have some sewing experience. The inclusion of loose pattern sheets in the back envelope is always a plus, however, it appears that some of them are not printed at actual size and would still require enlargement. (I am not entirely sure of this, but will check with the author and update this post with correct info)
If you’re interested in trying appliqué, I encourage you to flip through this book at your local book shop. I found the style of the projects in the book to be young, vintage inspired, and somewhat “shabby chic”. The book’s design and styling is hip with an “Anthropologie” vibe with matte finish photography. Check out the book’s listing on Amazon for the “look inside” feature to view the Table of Contents. Unfortuntately, it does not show any photography of the projects. Please visit the other “stops” on Kayte’s blog tour for more peeks into her book!
I must say that I truly appreciate your straightforward approach to review of a book. Thank you.
I agree with the above comment. Good review and I’m eager to see it myself. 🙂
Fabulous book review! You are so thorough and have me wanting to run to the bookstore.
Is this a gentle way of saying “Look but don’t buy?”
Amanda,
Allow me to clarify. I think this is a great introduction to applique depending on where you are coming from, experience and style wise. I am merely encouraging people to look at it first in the bookstore to see if the projects are for them before plunking down their hard-earned $!
Hope this helps!
Betz
This looks like a wonderful book. I have done quite a bit with felt applique, and would like to try the more challenging sort sometime. Beth
Looks like it might be a good book for me! Thanks for the review!
When my great-grandmother died, she had tons of these all ready to go. I think my mom gave or threw them away when she moved. I didn’t realize the importance until now. WIsh I had them as all of her lovely work to get them ready for quilts and such. I need to pick where she left off.
Fabulous review. I’m adding this to the top of my wishlist. I recently did a review as well about a book on recycling sweaters and the applique book would go deliciously well the sweater book. A perfect combination for altering something thrifted into something new.
I haven’t seen it —yet! I might have to add it to the poll for a month of focus on the blog. Lovely review.
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