Making Stuff: an Alternative Craft Book

The rise and rise of knitting as a cool pastime has led to circles and clubs springing up everywhere from New York to Notting Hill and alternative craft-fairs are fast becoming a weekend institution as ever more people are reclaiming these age old hobbies and asserting their individuality through making stuff. "Making Stuff" is an eclectic craft book for the new millennium. It is a testament to a trend that is only going to get bigger. Whether you are a seasoned crafter looking for new ideas or a novice with a penchant for gaffer tape, this book is for you. Utilising both traditional craft materials and thrifty finds, this book gathers together over 50 projects from established members of the craft scene that will undoubtedly inspire you to get your craft on. "Making Stuff" simultaneously rejects and embraces traditionally old-fashioned activities like knitting, embroidery, crochet and felting. Whilst the skills remain the same, the results have a modern edge: an eclectic mix of the useful, the hip, the beautiful and the downright weird. A section at the beginning lays out the basic skills you need to make something out of nothing: knitting, sewing, crochet, felting and applique. Over 50 ideas are then laid out with clear illustrations guiding you every step of the way. Projects include: how to knit an i-Pod cover; fashion a purse from your old school-ties; stitch one piece of fabric into a stylish smock-dress; turn an old jumper into a cuddly toy; make a notebook out of record covers; fold beautiful origami fairy-lights; and, knit unwanted t-shirts into a bathmat or weave a placemat. There are also a plethora of ingenious ways to customise your clothes, make your own jewellery, decorate your home, recycle your old possessions and fashion baby clothes and toys for the children in your life.