Patch! [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Another pretty Cath Kidston book for your collection. I ordered this on advance order to obtain the lower price, and was refunded the difference as is has since gone down a £1 Thanks Amazon!
The book is called Patch which implies patchwork, but this includes basic aplique methods also. If you are looking for a patchwork manual then this is not your book, and I would go you Jane Brocket's Gentle Art of Quilt making book. However most purchasers of this book are dye in the wool Cath Kidston fans and are adding to their collection which I have done. As usual lovely illustrations using some vintage fabrics, and the free kit included which consists of calico fabric and a selection of small CK fabrics to make a cushion of a shopper bag make this book a steal at £8.

Another fantastic addition to Cath Kidston's ever increasing library of needlework books. This book concentrates on Patchwork and includes a fantastic free gift with which you have all the materials to make either the bag or cushion as shown on the front cover.

Patchwork, the art of sewing together cut pieces of material to create a larger design, is become more popular again and can be done using pieces of fabric cut from old clothes, fabrics etc and can be used to decorate no end of projects.

As with all Cath Kidston books, this book begins with a great chapter entitled Basics. There is a page detailing essential equipment; what should be inside a work box, the essentials and the other bits and pieces which will make the job easier; two pages detail the basics for cutting out 'patches', with hints and tips for using templates, using rotary cutters and planing your patches. There is a page on using sewing machines for patchwork and also hand sewing basics with some great pictures accompanying the text. The rest of this section looks at traditional techniques, four of which are discussed in the book; hand applique and the use of embellishments on your designs. How to choose fabrics is discussed in this chapter along with instructions for hand embroidery stitches.

There are over 30 projects included in the book, with lots of photographs for inspiration all using Cath's gorgeous fabrics. The projects are for a range of abilities, some for the novice whereas others may need a higher level of experience to complete. There are a number of bags; tote, messanger, knitting and wash bags; cushions; bedcovers, including blankets, bedcovers; beanbag covers; pincushions; pictures and decorating clothes. There are projects suitable for many different ages and their are ideas suitable for presents. There are traditional designs along with many modern, contemporary designs but the beauty of patchwork is that the overall look of a project can be changed by the fabrics used. All templates needed for the projects are included in the back of the book ready to be photocopied.

The projects all have a complete material list, along with a list of items to be cut out. Each project also has a skill level displayed at the start of the project and a general description of the project, along with ideas for patches or ideas for choosing suitable fabrics. For many of the projects there are drawn pictures showing layouts of patches/pieces of fabric or how to do certain techniques for the projects.

I have found lots of projects that I would love to have a go at from the book and will be on the hunt for suitable fabrics to have a go with!

This would make a great gift idea for needlework or patchwork lovers. It is suitable for novices or more experienced crafters as there are projects suitable for all levels to try. With the added bonus of the materials needed for one project included in the book, a crafter can get started straight away.

I'm a big fan of Cath Kidston prints and fabrics and have purchased previous titles as gifts for family members. I'm more of a knitter and crocheter but this book has allowed me to try out a new craft with enough detail for me to follow the instructions easily.

The pack included with the book allows beginners like me to try out the techniques with no additional investment in costly materials. I found the instructions easy to follow and like how the kit can be used to make either a tote bag or a cushion.

There are 30 projects in total which cater for 3 different skill levels. A nice way for a beginner to progress through to some of the more difficult/advanced techniques.

Many of the projects are able to be made using scraps of fabrics, so maybe a more advanced patchworker could put it to great use in using up some of their stash offcuts.