REVIEW: State Of Craft

Review by Becky Fariclough of Chameleon Designs

State of Craft, by Victoria Woodcock, is a mix of step by step projects and interviews covering a wide range of crafts, from the simple and relatively quick to those needing a little more time invested.

The front of the book has a great "How to" section that covers the basics of different types of knitting, sewing, crochet, cross stitch and making pom-poms that is simple and straight forward perfect for giving you the courage to dive straight in. You then go straight into the projects which are interspersed with interviews of crafters such as Tatty Devine’s Rosie Wolfenden and Harriet Vine and DIYcouture’s Rosie Martin.

The projects cover a multitude of crafts and purposes, from the practical like Hannah Ayre’s simple “Corking Hooks” and Louise Kamara and Elizabeth Cake’s “Reclaimed Clothing Lampshade” to the fun and funky like Lou Rota’s “Decoupage Chair” and Erin Dollar’s “Mysterious Moustache Disguise” to those that bring out the mad scientist in you like Rain Blanken’s “Fused Plastic Make up Bag”. The book also features some great projects for children’s things, from stuffed toys and finger puppets that would go down a storm as presents, to clothing and even shoes!

My personal favorite and next on my list to try is Urban Cross Stitch’s Invaders Tote Bag, which appeals to my inner geek and there are several projects that I want to work on for christmas both for gifts and for decorations. I love both the prettyness of Little Glowing Lights “Dotty Doily Garland” and the quirky fun of Maris Schiess’ “Water-Pistol Lights”. It’s going to be a difficult decision !!

A definite plus point is that the book keeps things relatively simple, most of the projects can be done without specialist equipment, there are only a couple that involve things I don't already have around the house and the back of the book has patterns to replicate designs exactly should you so wish. There are also some great tips from the crafters for expanding the projects and adapting them to your own style. All of this adds up to a book that makes me want to just dive in and get going.

This would be a great book for anyone who likes to dabble in lots of different things, there is a project to appeal to just about any mood and and a variety of age ranges. The repurposing and upcycling feel of the book, along with the trendy nature of the projects makes it feel very much the current state of craft.

ISBN 978-09-56205-34-6

Publisher: www.cicadabooks.co.uk