A Homemade Christmas: Creative Ideas for an Earth-Friendly, Frugal, Festive Holiday by Tina Barseghian

A Homemade Christmas: Creative Ideas for an Earth-Friendly, Frugal, Festive Holiday by Tina Barseghian
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

A very disappointing book. Being a crafter, & growing up always making homemade presents because that's just what we did (and of course a lack of money, too) I had really high hopes for this book. But I didn't see one idea that was original in the book. Everything was way, way too basic/simplistic - hang up Christmas lights! Reuse your Christmas cards! Buy a real tree or get a used fake one (what does that have to do with a *homemade* Christmas, anyway? Last I knew, buying a used tree doesn't count as handmade).

And even if you came across an idea that you liked, that was new to you (it's possible, if the person who bought the book doesn't go online at all), there are no real instructions to guide you on your way, and no photographs to give you an idea of where you were headed, either.



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Knitted Teddy Bear

The Knitted Teddy Bear: Make Your Own Heirloom Toys, with Dozens of Patterns for Unique Clothing. by Sandra Polley by Sandra Polley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

CUTE! cute, cute cute teddy bears, how can one resist?

These are fully jointed, "real" teddy bears, like grown up teddy bears you'd pay $100 for in the store, complete with clothing. Though I think these teddy bears are more intended for adult collectors then children, with some minor adapting they'd be great for any kid in your life who wants a new friend.

There's a LOT of assembly, a lot of little fiddly pieces to make and sew together. Everything is well explained, however. The other great thing about making bears and bear clothes is that you don't need a lot of yarn or a lot of fancy yarn, to make these critters.

There's the usual how to section in the beginning of the book, geared towards making a good, well finished teddy bear, including sewing and embroidery.

The patterns for the bears are spelled out, so you not only know you are knitted the head, but which part of the head you are knitting - hints like this really do make patterns more accessible for beginner knitters. It's not the knitting that is hard, so much as the pattern reading that can be hard.







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