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Since the 1990s the craft scene has soared in popularity, but where exactly does this new wave of domesticity stem from and how can those of us who have never picked up a needle get involved?

Ever tried knitting a trout or making a chandelier out of a kitchen colander?

This new manual explores the new crafting movement that is sweeping the globe, through a series of over forty creative projects for any wannabe crafter to experiment with designed by the most well-known of the new contemporary craft movement, including the people behind Craftster, Subversive Cross Stitch, Craftivism, Knitgrrl and others.

Amy Spencer not only gives practical advice but also examines the politics behind the various crafting trends. Today's crafters are aware of the impact of their actions, some create as part of a radical form of political protest, others take a stance against sweatshop manufacturing by making their own clothes, some produce as part of a self-sufficiency lifestyle, others start knitting groups as a way to meet new friends.

Contains detailed instructions for fifty projects, with full colour illustrations, photographs and diagrams throughout.

Chapters include: Knitting in Public, Needlecraft Revolution, Home Sweet Home, Paper and Ink, Homemade Beauty, Good As New, Electro Craft.

To see a selection of projects from the book, click here

Amy Spencer currently lives in Bristol where she co-runs the craft club Crafternoon.

From Publishers Weekly
Perfectly representing the post-feminist, socially active crafting movement in the U.S. and U.K., Spencer's fun, accessible volume is a nifty introduction to newly hip crafts. As Laura Newsom, whose felt pin designs are included, asserts, "We are taking back our ability to shape the world around us. We are rediscovering our ability to make the things we were told we had to buy." Leaders from the new crafts scene contribute about 40 projects, covering needlecraft, vintage refurbishing, clothing, home decor, cosmetics and electronics. Each is clearly photographed and explained, with space for each designer to detail his or her aesthetic. The vibe is young and hip, exemplified in projects like making a computer mouse out of an old Nintendo game control, cross-stitching a portrait of Sophia Loren and knitting a "Red Light District Peekaboo Scarf." Other projects are more traditional-homemade soap and "bath fizzies," make your own smock-but a strong liberal political aesthetic-anti-sweat shop, anti-war, pro-recycling, etc-runs throughout. No introductory instructions are included, but most of the projects require no more than basic knowledge and skills. And once readers burn through the projects here, a handy resource guide points to dozens of online craft sites, making this a perfect library addition for any crafty Generation X or Yer.

Also published by Marion Boyars:
DIY: The Rise of Lo-Fi Culture (0-7145-3105-7)
£9.95/$17.95

£9.99/$17.95, Original Paperback, 288pp
Fully illustrated in colour throughout
CRAFT/POPULAR CULTURE
ISBN: 978-0-7145-3128-1
Publication Date: February 2007
World Rights