Kirsten's Craft Book

American Girl: Kirsten

by Jodi Evert (Editor), Geri Strigenz Bourget, Mark Salisbury

Make the same bunny pincushion, braided rug, and other crafts that Kirsten enjoyed in 1854 using this craft book. It's full of simple step-by-step instructions, historical fun facts, and full-color photographs and illustrations.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Crafts, Childrens, Historical, Art

44 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Miranda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the Kirsten's books and I'm still reeling from that ending (if you know...you know) but at least I have some fun 1850s crafts to take my mind off of it!

Kirsten's Craft Book starts with a section "Crafts from the Past" that teaches girls about the significance of crafting. In the 1850s, there were no craft stores or even a general store with supplies readily available. More often than not, girls were making something out of (nearly) nothing.

From there we transition into five main sections:

A Frontier Household - We learn a little about Kirsten's daily routine - eating by candlelight, washing up the dishes, then spending time with the family around the cookstove crafting and working. We learn how to make:

--A Braided Mat (using fabric strips, a needle and thread to make a round mat)
--Dried Herbs and Flowers (how to tie and save herbs for the winter)
--Onion-Skin Dye (how to make the dye, and how to dye yarn)

A Stitch in Time - Making and mending clothes was an essential life skill. Kirsten is taught by her Mama how to weave blankets and by Miss Winston (the school teacher) how to make quilts. The crafts included are:

--A Patchwork Pillow (this version of a pillow is different from the one in Kirsten and the New Girl)
--A Bunny Pincushion (this is so cute, it hurts)
--A Quilted Potholder

Pioneer Playthings - While girls were expected to help and learn from their Mamas about sewing, mending and crafting, the children still found ways to have fun through activities such as:

--Yarn doll (actually looks kinda cute)
--Chromatrope Toy (a paper toy that spins on yarn to create cool color effects)
--Magic Wallet (a wooden wallet that when assembled can fold into fun ways)

Swedish Traditions - despite her family choosing to assimilate into American culture, they still kept certain traditions in their household. And with those traditions came crafts carried over from the old world like:

--Midsummer Wreath (using reeds, flowers and ribbon, create a festive summery wreath)
--Dala Horse (a stylized horse made from clay and painted with bright colors)
--Stenciled box (a box decorated and filled with keepsakes, much like Kirsten's family trunk)

Arts from the Indians - Pioneers spent a lot of time out in the woods and often interacted with local tribes and people. This section talks a little about Singing Bird's relationship with Kirsten and some common activities her family may have done during the 1850s.

--Leather Pouch (using chamois (which apparently you can buy in the automotive section of stores...?), construct a simple beaded leather pouch
--Clay Bead Necklace (made using self-hardening clay and decorated with paint)
--Calendar Stick (a way to record memories using pictures)
--Owner Stick (a stick used to claim items)

Note: The crafts that need stencils have them included in the back of the book.

Overall Thoughts:

Wow. I was so impressed by this book!

The historical pages at the beginning of each craft provided a fascinating look into common practices and traditions from Kirsten's time and I appreciated the smaller blurbs that accompanied each craft to give a bit more information.

The first four sections focused on crafts that Kirsten learned and made through her family, and I assume the last section was included because Kirsten and Singing Bird would often exchange craft presents with each other.

All in all, I'm really happy with this book and love that it's in my collection!

More reviews in the Kirsten-verse

Main Series:
Meet Kirsten - ★★★★☆
Kirsten Learns a Lesson - ★★★★☆
Kirsten's Surprise - ★★★★★
Happy Birthday, Kirsten - ★★★★☆
Kirsten Saves the Day - ★★★★☆
Changes for Kirsten - ★★★☆☆
Kirsten's Boxed Set - ★★★★☆

Short Stories:
Kirsten on the Trail - ★★★☆☆
Kirsten and the New Girl - ★★★★☆
Kirsten Snowbound - ★★★★★
Kirsten and the Chippewa - ★★★★☆
Kirsten's Promise - ★★★★★
Kirsten's Short Story Collection - ★★★★☆

Additional History Books
Kirsten's Cookbook - ★★★★★
Kirsten's Craft Book - ★★★★★
Kirsten's Theater Kit - ★★★★☆
Welcome to Kirsten's World · 1854 - ★★★★★

Mystery Book:
The Runaway Friend - ★★★★★

Additional Picture Reader Books
Happy Birthday! - ★★★★☆
Happy Holidays! - ★★★★★
Time for School! - ★★★★☆

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are making braided rugs for Christmas!! ; )

[Little Seal]

I have to remind myself this book was made in 1998 because of the constant use of the word Indian (and this is compared to Kaya's books, an actual Native American).

[Cws]

J7455Sal

[Silvia · Rating 2 out of 5]

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