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In
Review
Never Too
Many Handbags
by Prudence Mapstone
Reviewed By L'Tanya Durante
Size really doesn't matter and Prudence Mapstone's
tiny book "Never Too Many Handbags" proves it in a big way.
The book begins with a section on the materials and
techniques needed to create these one-of-a-kind, freeform handbags.
Surprisingly, there are a variety of sturdy materials that can be
used to frame purses. If you're not familiar with freeform knitting
and crocheting, the concept is quite simple and liberating; imagine
picking up your needles/hook and some yarn and knitting or
crocheting with no rules.
The extensive design ideas section shows beautiful
variations and gives instructions on several motifs that can be
incorporated in the overall fabric.
Here's what I love about "Never Too Many Handbags:"
-
Designing can be a scary process for many crafters,
especially those with less experience. There is certainly a
trial and error process that takes place; one of swatching, trying,
messing up, and starting over. Freeform knitting and
crocheting takes the fear out of the design process. You
create a fabric in the way an artists paints on canvas. Prudence has
a way of guiding while freeing the reader all at the same time; a
way that assures the reader (even beginners) that the handbag will
be beautiful every time.
-
The challenge I've always had with many books on
freeform knitting and crocheting is the finishing. When it
comes to new techniques, I tend to have a "tell it to me like I'm
four years old" mentality. How exactly do you
attach the scrumbles and motifs? After reading the section
entitled, "Some hints for attaching the motifs..." it was
clear. I like clear.
-
The photographs throughout the book are stunning and
remind the reader that the cliche, "the possibilities are endless"
really rings true. Purses can be made in every style, every
color, embellished with beads and buttons, using stash yarn or all
the latest novelty yarns -- it doesn't matter.
Something else also rings true -- a girl really can
never have too many handbags.
"Never Too Many Handbags" by Prudence Mapstone
ISNB: 0-9580443-2-85
51 pages
8-1/4" x 8-1/4"
L'Tanya Durante is the Editor-in-Chief of Black Purl Magazine. She lives in Durham, NC with her
husband, two sons and cat. She spends her quiet time beading, knitting, and crocheting, or reading about beading, knitting or crocheting.
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