The Crafter's Companion: Tips, Tales and Patterns from a Community of Creative Minds

by Anna Torborg (Editor), Snowbooks, Ltd.

A perfect resource for practical projects and encouraging words, 'The Crafter's Companion' is for everyone who loves the world of hand-crafts and anybody who's ever wondered what exactly there is to love about it.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, How To, Sewing

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun patterns, good, clear instructions, and a small peek into the minds of some very creative and talented people.

I made my first bag (the market bag) from this book and am fairly happy with how it turned out, except for one small problem of me not cutting something to the right size. But that was my fault, and since I was trying to finish it before I went to bed (and didn't want to go to bed late) I probably went a little too fast. Plus mine is not as cute as the picture, since I was using all thrifted materials, and here in Greenwood, SC we just don't have good thrift stores, so I couldn't find super-cute starting materials. But I'm very excited about trying out more patterns.

[Cindy]

http://sixandahalfstitches.typepad.com/
http://angrychicken.typepad.com/
http://www.twelve22.org/
http://belladia.typepad.com/
http://www.hopskipjump.typepad.com/
http://www.mypapercrane.com/
http://weewonderfuls.typepad.com/
http://jujulovespolkadots.typepad.com/
http://onegoodbumblebee.com/
http://birdinthehand.typepad.com/
http://mollychicken.blogs.com/
http://www.craftlog.org/
http://www.supereggplant.com/
http://mylittlemochi.typepad.com/
http://www.thesmallobject.com/home.html
http://chocolateachuva.blogspot.com/
http://tania.blogs.com/

[Mary Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book! The editor chose about 25 blogging crafters and asked them to write on three topics and give one project. The essays are accompanied by photos of the contributers' works and workspaces.

The main question posed is, "Why do we bother making things by hand?" Even the question, simple as it is, amazed me and I was very happy to read the answers. The projects can be a bit extravagant, but it makes sense in context.

[Taneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Crafter's Companion! It was full of inspiration and ideas for crafting, making crafting your business, and other related topics. There was also neat patterns for things that you could make yourself.

Each crafter also had a link to their blogs, which I liked. I was also suprised at how many of them were stay-at-home moms.

All in all, great book for all of you crafty lovers out there.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such and inspiring book for anyone wanting to do more with crafting than just make things for their family and home. I love to hear about how these artistic women got their start and what their workspaces look like! (Did you know that Amy Karol (Angry Chicken blog / "Bend the Rules Sewing") works in her basement?!) You also get a lovely little taste of a project from each artist.

[Kate McCartney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want this for my own collection! very cute projects and I love seeing other crafter's work areas. It is always fun to see how someone else sets up their space and all the fun fabrics and materials they have.

[Slynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interviews a bunch of online craft artisans and discusses why they create, what inspires them and where they work. Great for inspiring ideas. Not a book full of patterns to tell you how to do something, which is a nice change.

[Joleen Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was put together by Anna Torborg of Twelve22. It was fun to read the various contributions from bloggers I've been reading for the last couple of years and am looking forward to using a few of the patterns given within.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like peeking into people's studios and craft rooms and workspaces, and this book profiles individuals instead of just offering patterns.

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

None of the crafts in this tome spoke to me, however I loved reading about the crafters themselves. I also enjoyed seeing how they organized their crafting materials.

[Inder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it, love it, love it. This is most cohesive compilation of ideas from different crafters I've seen thus far. Full of cute ideas. Maybe I'll actually make one? We'll see.

[Stephanie Denison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just skimmed through this book. It's a cute idea, but I was not really interested in any of the projects.

[Lauren Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book for the interviews/profiles of all the different crafters. The projects are so-so (in my opinion) but the pictures are yummy.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delight. I love the photos of fabric stashes and collections. I love the insight into the crafters' inspiration and the beautiful projects.

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to have a collection of craft bloggers in a book.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can read my review on my book review blog (link is in my profile)

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for offline inspiration.