Most of you that know me well know that I love to travel, a change of environment does wonders to re-invigorate and inspire creativity. I’m not too fussy in my travel style, from backpacking to 5-star, as long as there is adventure and good food involved, I’m there. But camping, not so much. Sure I can rough it, I’ve spent a week on the Nile sleeping under the stars on the deck of a Felucca with only a shovel and a sandy bank for a toilet, I’ve trekked the mountains in Peru for days all in the same clothes (stinky), but camping doesn’t jump to the front of my mind when I’m day dreaming about a holiday. Until now.
Forget camping, it’s all about Glamping! Camping with special little touches of luxury and personality is all the rage right now. And after seeing Kate’s gorgeous caravan and following some of here travel adventures, I think I could handle a bit of Glamping.
So when Cico Books was offering review copies of their new book Handmade Glamping* by Charlotte Liddle & Lucy Hopping, I was curious to check it out and share my thoughts. Because anything that combines hand making with holidaying has got to be good. My two favourite things!
Handmade Glamping contains 35 projects using variety of crafting techniques including knitting, crochet, quilting, embroidery, patchwork and applique aimed at novice crafters to those with more skills and experience. Beginners can tackle easy decorative projects like a pretty Pom Pom garland, while those that are more adventurous may want to try a reupholstering a seat or making roll down blinds.
The book included lots of step by step instructions and an illustrated technique glossary at the back which I found really helpful to teach me how to do a Crochet Popcorn stitch.
I always like to make at least one project out of any craft book I review so when I saw the crochet coasters which used Popcorn stitch, I thought it would be a good project to learn something new. You can watch a video of me crocheting a popcorn stitch here.
As with most crochet projects in books, it assumes you have some basic crochet skills, but every stage had an illustrations which was great because I’m a visual learner (I can’t follow those patterns that are just crochet code).
The pattern was solid, but my end result was much larger than a coaster as I used a bigger hook and a heavier yarn than the pattern recommended. That was totally cool because I added a little hanging loop and it made the perfect potholder/trivet.
And that’s the thing I love about craft books, including this one. You can flick through the pages and get inspired to make a project, adapt it to your taste and create something totally unique. Most of the projects could easily adapt for home uses, especially the pillows, throws, decorations and table linens.
The photography is pretty, even thought the country-chic/vintage styling isn’t quite to my taste, but by changing fabric choices and yarn colours every project could be customised to my style.
Emma chose this Jar Storage project as her favourite, I think because sweets were involved.
So if you are looking for some inspiration to give your caravan, or holiday digs a facelift, or just want a little whimsical country chic crafting inspiration, this book is certainly worth checking out.
This copy is heading off to a friend that is obsessed with the idea of a gypsy lifestyle and owning her own camper van, whilst the trivet has all ready been given as a housewarming gift to another colour loving friend.
Handmade Glamping is available from The Book Depository* and other good book shops.
Are you the camping, glamping or five star holiday type?
Book Details:
Publisher: Cico Books
Published: 11 April 2013
Format: Hardback 144 pages
ISBN 13: 9781908862747
Disclaimer: *indicates affiliate link. This was an unpaid review but I did receive a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This book looks freaking awesome!!! My new number one on my birthday wish list!
I love that book – I thought it was just going to be about caravanning (which was enough to draw me in) but then to add craft!! Winner!!
I also call my caravnning glamping 🙂
Helllo!
I’m Lucy, one half of Handmade Glamping! My friend found this link and forwarded it to me. I was so pleased to read your comments and especially that our patterns were easy and clear to follow. Your pot holder looks great, I love the colours, fluoroscent is my absolute favourite!
Not sure where you live but Charlotte and I will be at the Knitting and Stitching show at Alexandra Palace in October. Hope to see you there, where we are launching our new book ‘Let’s Get Crafting – Crafting for Girls’.Its craft ideas aimed at ‘tweens’ but you will hopefully be able to adapt and be inspired by those too.
Anyway, thanks again,
Lucy xxx
Hi Lucy, thanks for your lovely message. I’m in Australia so it may be a little bit of a trek 😉
Look forward to your new book
Cheers Cinti
Great review and now I want the book! But I am currently glamping my way around Australia in a caravan – named Sheila – and weight and space is always a problem, so I can’t buy physical books at the moment. I really wish people writing crafty caravan books would always make an e-book copy so that people who are actually in caravans can have a copy on the road with them!!!
I’ll add it to my list of things to get after my caravanning sabbatical. 🙂
Hi there Cinti. I am Louise – I produced the illustrations in this book! I too, have come across your website. Great to see that you are crafting away in Australia and that the book has gone down so well.
Lucy, the author is lovely and full of such great ideas. This was such a joy to work on as I love crafting too. I am currently illustrating Lucy’s next book, another dream project to work on, which is going to be great as well. Watch this space!
Lots of love from the Crafting Brits!
Louise
🙂
Hi Louise. Thanks for finding me here. Can’t wait to see the new book – how exciting.
x cinti