In my kitchen at home is a book my mum gave me when I moved out. It’s now covered in marks, grease stains, filled with page markers and scribbles, torn pages. It’s used – day in day out – when I forget roast timings, or want to reuse that ricotta cheesecake recipe. Even when the covers fall off and the pages are loose, that book will be my cooking bible.
It’s how I feel about Material World. Whether you’re a long term craft fan, or just getting started, it’s one you’ll refer to time and again. And gosh is it pretty.
From the very basics – scissor types and stitches, through to advice from experts on creating your own craft business, everything is covered.
So much personally rang true; I found myself agreeing with the entire foreword. Perri herself admits craft isn’t thrifty, it really isn’t. Ask anyone with a sewing machine, knitting needles or crochet hook, but it is pleasurable, environmentally sound and the craft community is one of the most solid I’ve come to know. We all want to help each other and that’s what this book is about.
Perri speaks to those who have made a massive success of their craft and want to spread the word – from Grayson Perry to Tatty Devine, from Kaffe Fassett to Philip Treacy. The interviews and tips only go to reaffirm what I love about arts and crafts, everyone wants to help others learn, enjoy and grab hold of craft with both hands. You cannot beat the satisfaction you get when a finish product is sold, gifted or you simply finish adjusting that skirt you loved in the charity shop but it was just a bit too big on the waist….
If it’s possible to fall for words and pictures on paper, then I’ve done it. For me the pleasure is not just in what it teaches me, but it’s an absolute joy to read, just as a narrative. And if you’re still unsure, see the review from Cupcakes for Clara and this game of blog tag continues with Skulls and Ponies review tomorrow.
However, I am a generous soul. And having indulged my need to purchase this book myself, there is the small matter of having two copies…. (three actually as it’s on my Kindle as well). So….
*UPDATED**UPDATED**UPDATED**UPDATED**UPDATEDUPDATED**UPDATED**UPDATED*
As the winner failed to contact me with their details, this giveaway is once again active. I will include original entrants and new entrants, you have until 12pm tomorrow – 26 April 2013 – to post your comment and enter. Terms and Conditions have been updated.
**GIVEAWAY KLAXON**
Would you like a copy of this absolutely stunning book? Looking for something for mum for Mother’s Day? This might just be your saviour. As ever with my giveaways entry is super easy. Just comment below and I’ll enter you in the electronic hat.
GOOD LUCK!
Terms and conditions:
Tagged: Art, Book Review, Craft
It looks like a great book, I want the stamp shoes!
It looks great. I’m just dipping my toe into sewing to assist my partner who has done all the hard work up to now, so I need some help!
Thanks for writing such a good review!
While I agree that crafting is not ‘cheap’, as regards tools and materials, what’s more important is the investment of time, the development of skills and the hours of pleasure it gives that keep people crafting. I know that the amount of money I could spend on one great night out, would give me hours more happiness creating something like a sweater, that I can enjoy for years.
Exactly. It’s time and experience rich. The satisfaction and pleasure you get cannot be beaten; I get itchy fingers if I see someone knitting in front of me, that sort of addiction cannot be beaten!
Looks fab… and inspirational for a novice like me!
I want this book so much, but I need it even more. My mother has tried to teach me certain crafty things and I’ve failed, mainly because she’s a crap teacher and I’m a worse student.
I love books. I love to craft.
I would love this craft book!
Many thanks
Hatty, Congratulations you are the winner!! Can you email charlie@ginfuelledbluestocking.co.uk with your details please? x
This looks like a very practical and inspiring book!
btw I’m @craftygreenpoet on Twitter
Sounds like such a fabulous book
This sounds a great book! I love the stamp shoes!
That book looks beautiful – and I’ve set myself the task of getting crafty in 2013 so would be perfect for me! @daisy_d_ on twitter xx
A thing of beauty. Combining love of books and love of crafts..
Gorgeous looking book that will keep me inspired for years!! Just what I need right about now. . . In a crafting rut
Ohh I hate that – just inspiration lacking? Or too much you need to do and nothing you want to do?
Sounds like a great book – would be so useful in our flat-share of one novice embroiderer and one novice knitter! Thanks x (@karenfbates)
What a great book, would love to own it
I’ve recently started getting into crafts again, something I spent hours doing as a child tought by my grandma x
It looks like the ultimate craft bible! I’ve read some really good reviews of this book and it sounds like one you’d dip into for years.
Hello Wants the crafty book please ;D
Count me in!
Yes please
as my mum always taught me…unless it’s written in a book don’t believe it
if I don’t win this will def be adding it to my wishlist…and already thought of 2 people who’ll be getting copies for presents! great review x
Would love to win a copy
ME ME ME MEMEMMEMEMEMEMEMEMEME (please) xx
What a fantastic looking book, I’d love to win a copy! (@emma606)
I love an arts and craft hangover Sunday.
Great book and review my sister enjoys vintage craft
Looks amazing. Would love a copy
I agree with the shoes – they are fantastic!
Crafting is not cheap but it prob works out cheaper £ for hour than most hobbies!
As above, the winner selected by random.org is Hatty… Sorry to all who missed out – I wish I had more to give away!
Cx
Gutted – I just saw this on twitter – looks amazing though, and have just ordered it. x
I love that fact that it is full of tips from people who love doing crafts. Not just a book on “this is how you do it”. As I’m getting a sewing machine for my 40th birthday this book would be the perfect friend for it!!!
This book look outstanding-and as a creative lady even if I don’t win…I NEED IT!
It looks like it had so much creative I inspiration inside -simplify wonderful for any crafter, creative type or professional
Looks like a great book with lots of tips inside. Sad that I missed the draw, but I’ll add this to my ‘wishlist’!
It look really interesting!
I actually LOVE those shoes; of course I do! The book looks pretty awesome as well, I’m sure Mrs B would love it.
Book looks beautiful, full of creative ideas, perfect gift for someone special
Would adore to own this holy grail of craft book…I’m decorating my basement “sewing room” & would be a great way to start!
A book all about crafts that includes macrame – whay’s not to LOVE? Plus I’m laid up in bed following a leg op so need some good reading. @vintage78dj
Looks like a good book, all be it one for my better orher…
Would love this book for my living room . . . So pretty!
Love to get crafty!
My crafty streak has been massively motivated by GBSB. Have completed several long unfinished projects over the last few weeks. Think I could give this little fella a great home…
I too have a book, given to me by my mum, that I refer back to – just wish I had one for craft too! Looks ace and an ace write up (as per usual from you). Ooh can’t wait to see inside the book, can feel my creative juices already flowing!!
Sx
Oh what a pretty book
Looks fab
Oooh, another chance to win! I hope it’s me this time….
This would be perfect for the craft week I planned,
I’m pleased to say we finally have a winner and I have an address to mail it out to! Well done
Annie V, it’s on it’s way!
Charlie x