nonfiction, sewing/diy - accessories and embellishment, written by former Project Runway contestant.

thorough and thoughtful beginner's primer on working with leather (real or fake), fur (real or fake), metal hardware, feathers, rhinestones/beads on a wide variety of projects that progress in skill level as the reader gains experience. If you are interested in making purses/bags or belts, or embellishing dresses or shoes (or sewing a fur sweater), this is an excellent guide, covering everything from where to source your materials to finishing your edges with a protective gum. ( )

I was really hoping to find inspiration from this book, but I did not. I found it to be a little silly, to be honest. Most of the "projects" were things that could be purchased for far less than the cost of buying the materials to make them. Some of the materials were not at all readily available, and would take a great deal of searching or internet shopping in order to make them. In most books, I have found that there is at least one project that the average crafty person can scrounge up the materials around the house and give the book a try. Not so with this one.

My biggest complaint, though, is the title. When I read it, my first reaction was, "um, excuse me?" I find the title to be very degrading to crafters everywhere. I'm sorry, but has Ms. Bennett even looked at etsy or Craft Gawker or Pinterest or Ravelry or... I could go on and on. The work crafters are doing is edgy and cool. Crocheted kleenex box holders are a thing of the very distant past, Ms. Bennett. Please do not assume that we are all country bumpkins in need of you to save us from our *gasp* homespun projects with your over priced materials and recycled ideas. A glasses case, business card holder, a number of clutches, a laptop sleeve, etc., have all been done many times before. With titles that weren't offensive. ( )

Review Available At:

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Reviews/Vicci-reviews-Handmade-Chic-by-Laura-... ( )

Project Runway fans will flock to this title, which focuses on how to make designer-end accessories at home. Bennett's instructions for cutting fur, finishing leather edges, and selecting appropriate fabric weights help ensure that projects will have a luxe -- rather than oops -- feel. One suggestion would be to rethink the Kelly laptop envelope so that hardware on the inside were covered instead of being in direct contact with the laptop so that it might scratch.

The ARC is missing backmatter, which is hopefully forthcoming. Bennett's list of online purveyors will be essential to those located outside of Manhattan.

Finally, as a quick note to layout, be aware that there is a metadata error: Adobe Digital Editions states that this book is written by Brooke Meyers.

Recommended. (164) ( )