4 out of 5 stars.
I would like to thank Schiffer Publishing for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
Call me weird, but I have always loved macramé. Even when it went out of fashion and was seen as a hippy throw back or something only grannies did. Sadly, due to it falling out of fashion, most of the ‘how to’ books on macramé are rather outdated and don’t contain many things I would want to make.
Thank goodness for ‘Macrame Fashion Accessories & Jewelry’! I loved this book! The only minor ‘niggle’ I have about it is that I would have liked a little intro to each section. Just a few paragraphs about each project, why make them, the inspiration behind them and so on. I found the instructions themselves very clear, precise and very easy to follow… I would just have liked that intro to help me connect to it. If that makes sense?
Continuing on about the instructions, I’m really not too sure if I found them easy to follow because I’m a novice knitter and found the pattern similar to follow to a knitting pattern. I would worry that maybe people without any other craft experience may get a little confused at times… but the beginning of the book does cover the knots used and equipment needed very well, so maybe I’m worry about nothing! 😉
And something worth noting is the measurements in this book are metric (centimetres, millimetres) and not imperial (inches). When it comes to craft work I can generally muddle through on both, but do prefer metric as that’s what I grew up with. Folks who grew up with imperial measurements might want to find themselves a good conversion site to help out. However, measurements aren’t common as most of the instructions are simply how to make it.
I think my favourite design would have to be the butterfly. I can see that being the first project I try when I buy the book… Yes, I admit it here and now, it’s going on my Amazon wish list.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes I would, though it would really be more to someone who already has experience with handcrafts of a similar genre (knitting, crochet). However, as most of the people I talk to have experience in these areas, recommending this book to them won’t be an issue!
Would I buy this book for myself? Yes, as I blabbed above, I would indeed buy this book and hope to get a copy sometime soon (funds willing). Craft books are another genre I prefer in paper format so that I can curl up on the couch to go over with my stash of materials. There are so many projects in this book (butterfly, necklaces, coin purse) that I want to try it would be crazy of me to NOT buy it! That is my logic and justification for adding yet another book to my craft section anyhow. 😉
In summary: With it’s clear ‘short, sharp and shiny’ instructions, well matched pictures and fantastic designs – this is indeed a great book to add to your craft collection. Macramé has been a forgotten handcraft for too long! Go and buy this book and help it make the return to society it rightly deserves.
Until next time,
Janis. XXOO
Janis's Journal 