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Book Review – A Brief Aside

by

When I’m not crocheting (and working and walking and dancing and doing other non-crochety things), I’m often doing other kinds of crafting.  One of the benefit of crafting that is especially close to my heart is the repurposing of what might otherwise be called trash.  I found this book at the library recently and wanted to share a bit about it with you.

Before running across this nifty book, I’d never heard of Danny Seo.  Now, I’m a fan!  Unlike many of the so-called ‘upcycling’ books and websites I’ve seen, this book is full of items that one might actually use and enjoy owning.  No macaroni embellished cigar boxes or toilet tissue wreaths.  The items in this book are truly upcycled – that is, they are an improvement over the often humble items from which they are composed.

 

Upcycling By Danny Seo

While there’s not a whole lot of crochet in this book, there are two things I wanted to bring to your attention.  First, Seo uses a lacy fabric or doily as a stencil to spray a mist of white paint on a wood cabinet to create a lovely, ethereal design.  Second, sturdy looking doilies are used to embellish simple square pillows that appear to be made of some strong fabric like menswear suiting.  The juxtaposition of the lacy doilies with the masculine looking backing fabric is stunning.

There are lots and lots of other grand projects and ideas in this book.  You can get a better idea of Seo’s creative mind at his website www.dannyseo.com.  If you’re like me and truly appreciate the creative genius in others, you’ll enjoy this guy’s work!

Comments

  1. Oh, Mr.Seo!!! I first saw him on the Nate Berkus Show and fell in love with his home. So much of what he does IS doable and beautiful, and it shows when you see items from his book in his own space. Great designer, I can’t wait to get my hands on his book!!

  2. I love Danny Seo’s books. He’s very creative and practical, too. I got my hands on this book at the library, too, but would love to have my own copy!

Have you read?

Crocheting Christmas Gifts? Make This Supply Checklist Before You Buy More Yarn

I have never met a crocheter who needed much encouragement to buy yarn. The trouble starts when the yarn arrives and the project also needs a smaller hook, stuffing, buttons, a tapestry needle and a shade of green that looks nothing like the one on the screen.

If you are crocheting Christmas gifts this year, a little planning before you shop can save several stops and starts. Pick your projects, check the patterns properly and make one supply list for the whole gift pile. You can still enjoy choosing beautiful yarn. You will simply know what it is for.

This checklist is especially useful if you are making several small gifts, such as ornaments, mug cozies or stocking fillers. If you order supplies online, Amazon Prime may be convenient for eligible items. Check the price, contents and delivery estimate for your address before ordering, rather than assuming every item in your cart will arrive together.

1. Choose projects that fit the time you have

Start by writing down the recipients and a realistic project for each one. A pair of elaborate amigurumi toys may be a joy in September and a rather different proposition in December.

Small pieces are easier to fit around everything else Christmas brings. Our free crochet Santa spiral ornament can be used as a tree decoration or gift topper. If you want more tiny festive projects, CraftBits has a crochet peppermint candy pattern to consider.

Read the entire pattern before adding supplies to your cart. Check the stated skill level, finished size and any assembly or finishing steps. A project that looks quick in the photo may have several pieces to sew together.

2. List the yarn by weight, fibre and amount

For each pattern, note the yarn weight, suggested fibre, colour and required yardage or metres. If you substitute yarn, compare more than the colour. A bulky chenille will produce a very different result from smooth cotton, even if both are labelled “cream.”

When buying crochet yarn on Amazon, check the amount in each skein and calculate how many you need. Leave a little allowance for gauge differences and joining pieces. If the finished size matters, make a gauge swatch with the yarn and hook you intend to use.

If pattern abbreviations or supply details are confusing, our guide to reading crochet patterns explains what to look for before starting.

3. Check every hook size before buying another set

Write the hook size beside each project on your list. Look through the hooks you already own before buying a new set just for one missing size. If you crochet often, a comfortable hook in your most-used sizes can be a better purchase than a large assortment you rarely touch.

For amigurumi, the hook listed in the pattern helps produce a firm fabric that holds the stuffing inside. Changing yarn or hook size can change the finished dimensions and the amount of yarn you use.

4. Add the finishing supplies people forget

This is the part of the list that saves me the most frustration. Depending on your projects, you may need:

  • Tapestry needles for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together
  • Stitch markers
  • Stuffing
  • Buttons or embroidery floss for details
  • Ornament hanging loops
  • Labels, tissue paper or small gift boxes

Check whether a kit includes these items before buying them twice. If you are making toys for a baby or very young child, avoid detachable small parts and follow appropriate toy-safety guidance; embroidered features are often a better choice than plastic eyes.

5. Work out the cost per finished gift

If you are making the same ornament for several people, buying the main yarn colours and ornament hanging supplies in suitable quantities may simplify the job. First calculate how many complete gifts the supplies will make. A big multipack only helps your budget if you will use it.

Include stuffing, finishing pieces and packaging in the total. Scraps from your existing stash may cover some colour changes, so shop your yarn basket before adding another six-pack of red.

6. Give yourself a finishing deadline

Aim to finish crocheting a few days before the gifts need to be wrapped. That leaves time to sew on the last detail, weave in the ends, wash or block pieces where appropriate and package them nicely. I know weaving in ends feels like a task for Future Me, but Future Me is usually busy wrapping presents.

If you decide to use Prime for your crochet supply shopping, check the current membership terms and the delivery date shown for each eligible item at checkout. Then put the parcel aside, make a cup of tea and enjoy the reason you bought it all: giving someone a gift made by your own hands.