Review: Cath Kidston SEW.

I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of Cath Kidston's new mini craft book SEW to review.

As with the other books in this range, it's well set out for those who are just being introduction to the craft, or as in my case, those who are just looking for new inspiration.  Its removable book cover contains templates, patterns and beautiful needle book, and the book is brimming with classic Kidston photography.

The layout of the patterns within each section make even the hardest looking project easy to manage, and as long as you follow the guide step by step all the projects in here are very doable, and you don't need a huge outlay to produce them.

My favourite in the book is this Areoplane blanket, but maybe it's the mega cute needlefelt bird or boy Granny blanket in the background that's swaying me.

Thank you for reading

Amanda.x.

On the First day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

A Beautiful craft book and a cup of tea.


Now every year my family seems to forget what my biggest hobbies are and never buy me anything craft based for my stocking, I ask for wool and they just chuckle, a jelly roll got me strange looks, I even have a huge Amazon wishlist of crafty books they could easily pick from.
But no every year I get told I'm hard to buy for, and I kind of understand it, if you're not craft orientated then how do you know where to start. Well start with a nice craft book, even if the projects aren't something they'd make straight away craft are beautiful to look through for inspiration. 
I was lucky enough to be sent Stitch! by Cath Kidston to review, and if you have any friends into making things then this is the book to buy them for Christmas. 


STITCH!
This book is a new look at needlepoint and cross stitch which often get thought of as old fashioned,but is probably one of the simplest ways to embroider on cloth, and one I learnt early as a child.
The projects use a lot of Kidstons iconic patterns as well as sticking to to basic designs for beginners. Most of the projects are quick to make and low cost.
Not all the projects are roses and dots though, look at this stunning Cowboy, this will look great in my sons bedroom.

The layout of the book is clear and simple with stage by stage instructions being very easy to follow. It would make a great book for a crafty teenager to have a go at and there's some makes in the book which would be especially suited to a young crafter, such as the badges below.

I especially liked the Union Jack pencil case, I think this may be my first new year project to sort my crochet hooks into, the colour ways can easily be adapted to suit your tastes.

If you do choose to buy your loved one this book it should be accompanied by a cup of tea and a good couple of hours to plan their next project.

Which is happily included in the book, as there is nothing worse than getting a beautiful new book only to have to wait till the shops open before you can make anything.
This book contains a giveaway project to make a lovely new purse for yourself too.
The book retails at £14.99.

Enjoy your first day of Christmas, was it a snowy one for you?
Amanda.x.

Hello Baby - Brio Pounding Bench Review

Meet Lucas my 19month old boy and notice that not one picture of him is in focus, that's because he's a whirlwind of chaos & destruction (I think most boys are), I've been having trouble getting Lucas to focus not just on camera but on any one toy for any amount of time. 

Until the lovely people at Hello Baby sent the Brio Pounding Bench to review, he loved it and its certainly a classic for a reason its strong design & bright colours make it a great toy for children of all ages; I had trouble getting it off my 4 year old who wanted to do pounding time trials. The only thing I would change is the plastic pegs to wooden ones as the plastic slightly cheapens the look of the product, but that's just me.

What's more he sat and played with the Pounding Bench for a full 25minutes before wandering off and came back to it throughout the day, the pounding action encourages the development of hand-eye coordination and the hammering motion teaches children to direct their strength and firmly grip of 

a tool.

It's going to be a hard toy to beat for simplicity equalling great fun.

We award it  9 1/2 out 10.

Thank you again Hello Baby supplier of children's toys,prams, safety products & accessories.

Thank you again Hello Baby supplier of children's toys,prams, nursery furniture, safety products & accessories.

Amanda.x.