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Whose crochet is it, anyway?

by

Sometimes a book comes along that really throws you.  This is such a book.  I didn’t even know that the author’s website existed!  All of a sudden, I’m cast into a collection of pretty awful works of ‘art’ complete with snarky commentary, all with a starting point of www.etsy.com.  Who knew?

But, I gotta admit it.  I think I’m hooked!

Let’s face it.  Art is clearly in the eye of the beholder – and the creator.  Often, the twain shall never meet.  You know what I mean.  Who decided that roadkill should be memorialized in oil on canvas?  Who decided that a crocheted, beaded, buttoned, and embroidered thong was worth mentioning?  Who would crochet an (ugly) unearthly creature giving birth?  Well….the point is – someone did.  And the author, April Winchell, decided to tell us about these artful endeavors.

Winchell is, to be kind here, irreverent.  Sometimes, she’s just downright crude in her wording.  But, somehow – if you can overlook the vulgar and crass – which Winchell does not – this book contains a pretty interesting take on the kitch that is offered for sale on etsy.  Hence the name, Regretsy.  Get it?

There’s not a whole lot of crochet in this book.  But, there is a whole lot of ‘what were they thinking?’  I’m not a fan of kitchy portrayals of human body parts, the aforementioned roadkill, or dressed up real animals.  But, someone, somewhere IS.  Enough to create ‘art’ of it and offer it for sale.  One wonders, again, who buys this stuff.  Not me, I can assure you.

In addition to pictures of the ‘art’ there are commentaries by the ‘artists’, many of whom consider it an honor (and a financial windfall) to be mentioned in the book and on the website.  Apparently, Winchell is the Oprah of kitch.  If Winchell mentions your work on her site or in her book, you get a boost in sales on etsy.  Only in America…

HER WEBSITE IS www.regretsy.com.

I leave further evaluations to my readers.  Check it out for yourself.   Let us know what you think…..if you think…..

BOOK STATS:

Regretsy, Where DIY Meets WTF

Villard Books (Random House), 2010

157 pages, lots of color photos, no patterns or schematics, but each item is credited to its creator

ISBN:9780345523181

$14.00 USD

Comments

  1. Hum … I may have to order this book. But, I gotta admit, I’m a bit scared! What will I find within these pages? Yikes!

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Christmas Poinsettia Candle Cozy Crochet Pattern – A Pretty Little Holiday Make for Battery Tea Lights

If you love adding little handmade touches to your Christmas decorating, this Christmas Poinsettia Candle Cozy from CraftBits is such a pretty project. It is festive, eye-catching, and just the sort of small crochet make that can add a lovely pop of holiday color to a table, shelf, or mantel.

What I really like about this pattern is that it feels special without being overwhelming. It is a sweet seasonal project for dressing up battery tea lights, and the poinsettia design gives it that classic Christmas look that never gets old. It would be gorgeous as part of a holiday centerpiece or made up in a few sets for decorating around the house.

You might have seen this one featured on Crochet.CraftGossip before, and it is easy to see why it is worth another look. It is cheerful, decorative, and a lovely way to bring a little crochet into your Christmas styling without taking on a huge project.

If you are in the mood for a small festive make, this one is definitely a pretty pick.

Featured Project: Christmas Poinsettia Candle Cozy – Free Crochet Pattern