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Handmade Chic: Fashionable Projects That Look High-End, Not Homespun
In Handmade Fashionable Projects That Look High-End, Not Homespun , Laura Bennett shares simple strategies for creating 40 small luxuries and high-fashion accessories, from a smart leather iPad portfolio to a feather-embellished evening bag. With sections organized in skill-building order and based on type of accessory—small leather goods, agendas and notepads, electronics, bags and wallets, and evening items—Laura offers patterns, easy-to-follow diagrams, and detailed instructions for fabricating each glamorous project, whether it involves sewing from scratch or embellishing a prepurchased garment. While showcasing her own creative designs, she provides readers with the basic techniques and encouragement they need to come up with variations and create their own signature pieces.
Packed with Laura's signature flair and finesse, vibrant four-color photos, step-by-step drawings, and
a complete list of suggestions on where to purchase materials, Handmade Chic is an accessible guide
to at-home crafting that is elegant enough for the most modern, fashion-savvy of women.
Packed with Laura's signature flair and finesse, vibrant four-color photos, step-by-step drawings, and
a complete list of suggestions on where to purchase materials, Handmade Chic is an accessible guide
to at-home crafting that is elegant enough for the most modern, fashion-savvy of women.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published November 8, 2011
12 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 8, 2011
Despite the fact the subtitle is a bit insulting to handmade crafts, I was curious. Plus, some people do not like handmade crafts so I was wondering if this would be the book for them. Really all it is about is choosing higher end materials. Makes sense since materials can make the difference in anything that you make. HOWEVER, I think that you could still make things in this book without breaking the bank. Finding goods at Goodwill or things that just don't fit anymore could become material for things in this book. I can see scraps and refashioned products in any of her projects.
There were projects I can see people who read book blogs really liking. For example, there was a book cover made out of leather. This would be not for a general size of book (like mass market) but for a book you are wanting to preserve with a hearty cover.
You could easily buy scraps from leather craft stores.
There are also covers for ereaders. Specifically in this book there are dimensions and specifics for Kindle and iPad.
I do have to warn people who simply hate crafting in fur. The author does use real fur, but if that doesn't bother you, just use faux fur. Honestly, I think it would be easier to deal with anyway. You could make not so costly mistakes that way.
I give this book 3 stars which are all for the type of projects within the book and not the writing. In other words, very interesting projects, but not so interesting that I can ignore the barbs to crafting which I always think should be fun! Being so uptight about your projects kind of takes away that fun for me.
There were projects I can see people who read book blogs really liking. For example, there was a book cover made out of leather. This would be not for a general size of book (like mass market) but for a book you are wanting to preserve with a hearty cover.
You could easily buy scraps from leather craft stores.
There are also covers for ereaders. Specifically in this book there are dimensions and specifics for Kindle and iPad.
I do have to warn people who simply hate crafting in fur. The author does use real fur, but if that doesn't bother you, just use faux fur. Honestly, I think it would be easier to deal with anyway. You could make not so costly mistakes that way.
I give this book 3 stars which are all for the type of projects within the book and not the writing. In other words, very interesting projects, but not so interesting that I can ignore the barbs to crafting which I always think should be fun! Being so uptight about your projects kind of takes away that fun for me.
February 2, 2012
This book has 40 projects to tackle. The author describes them as "upscale, chic, and urbane". She is right. This is not weaving potholders. On the other hand, all the projects can be done with little difficulty, especially if one has any experience with sewing. The author uses leather to make her projects but she lets the reader know they can be done with denim, canvas, corduroy, or felt.
There is great detail on how to do the projects. Sewing terminology is explained well. There is a list of materials and tools needed for each project. Illustrations and patterns are provided. The author lets the reader know that all the materials for each project can be found online. This is helpful since she said most of the hardware can't be found in craft stores.
The projects are divided into 4 categories:
small luxuries- examples would be a business card holder , a key ring tab, and belts
fashionably organized - examples would be a book cover, various laptop holders, and ipad & kindle covers
bags and wallets - examples would be a shopping tote, a man's billfold, and a day clutch
evening extravagances - examples would be embellished shoes, a pullover, and furry slippers
When I skimmed through this book I thought that it looked too fancy. As I read it, I realized I could make any of these projects. I could use whatever material I wanted and even modify the projects. For example, I could replace the hardware with Velcro, buttons, or snaps. The author makes the reader comfortable with their own approach to the project. I would recommend this book to anyone who is satisfied when they complete a project. This book will get you from step one to the last step with ease.
I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley for my honest review.
There is great detail on how to do the projects. Sewing terminology is explained well. There is a list of materials and tools needed for each project. Illustrations and patterns are provided. The author lets the reader know that all the materials for each project can be found online. This is helpful since she said most of the hardware can't be found in craft stores.
The projects are divided into 4 categories:
small luxuries- examples would be a business card holder , a key ring tab, and belts
fashionably organized - examples would be a book cover, various laptop holders, and ipad & kindle covers
bags and wallets - examples would be a shopping tote, a man's billfold, and a day clutch
evening extravagances - examples would be embellished shoes, a pullover, and furry slippers
When I skimmed through this book I thought that it looked too fancy. As I read it, I realized I could make any of these projects. I could use whatever material I wanted and even modify the projects. For example, I could replace the hardware with Velcro, buttons, or snaps. The author makes the reader comfortable with their own approach to the project. I would recommend this book to anyone who is satisfied when they complete a project. This book will get you from step one to the last step with ease.
I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley for my honest review.
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February 16, 2012How can you make something hand made look high-end? Is there something wrong with all the crafts people do that makes them fall short of commercial stuff? To be honest, I've found the thing that counters this the creativity that goes into these projects. I love crafting and I've found that you can almost always create something on par with commercial stuff if you know what you're doing. Laura Bennett brings to the front that the starting material is what basically gives your hand made stuff that extra special something that'll give you finished product the polish it requires.
The material of choice for this book is (p)leather. I can understand it. Nothing speaks class as classic cut and sewn leather pieces and Laura is known for her classic cuts and designer pieces.
I do feel, however, that other materials could have been included as not everyone is comfortable with the material she chose to portray. It would have been a better pitch if she had chosen some cheap polyester material and 'made it work', I guess. The other thing which I felt was lacking was that most of the stuff made were accessories which are fine but some old crafters would have preferred other items (or jewelry stuff maybe for kids so everyone can get on the bandwagon?)
I did like the ideas however. They're clean and well made (no surprise) but look easy enough to be tried. The ideas are aplenty and this book can and will serve as an inspiration to both novice and experienced sewers.
The material of choice for this book is (p)leather. I can understand it. Nothing speaks class as classic cut and sewn leather pieces and Laura is known for her classic cuts and designer pieces.
I do feel, however, that other materials could have been included as not everyone is comfortable with the material she chose to portray. It would have been a better pitch if she had chosen some cheap polyester material and 'made it work', I guess. The other thing which I felt was lacking was that most of the stuff made were accessories which are fine but some old crafters would have preferred other items (or jewelry stuff maybe for kids so everyone can get on the bandwagon?)
I did like the ideas however. They're clean and well made (no surprise) but look easy enough to be tried. The ideas are aplenty and this book can and will serve as an inspiration to both novice and experienced sewers.
November 7, 2011
I was really hoping to find inspiration from this book, but I did not. I found it to be a little silly, to be honest. Most of the "projects" were things that could be purchased for far less than the cost of buying the materials to make them. Some of the materials were not at all readily available, and would take a great deal of searching or internet shopping in order to make them. In most books, I have found that there is at least one project that the average crafty person can scrounge up the materials around the house and give the book a try. Not so with this one.
My biggest complaint, though, is the title. When I read it, my first reaction was, "um, excuse me?" I find the title to be very degrading to crafters everywhere. I'm sorry, but has Ms. Bennett even looked at etsy or Craft Gawker or Pinterest or Ravelry or... I could go on and on. The work crafters are doing is edgy and cool. Crocheted kleenex box holders are a thing of the very distant past, Ms. Bennett. Please do not assume that we are all country bumpkins in need of you to save us from our *gasp* homespun projects with your over priced materials and recycled ideas. A glasses case, business card holder, a number of clutches, a laptop sleeve, etc., have all been done many times before. With titles that weren't offensive.
My biggest complaint, though, is the title. When I read it, my first reaction was, "um, excuse me?" I find the title to be very degrading to crafters everywhere. I'm sorry, but has Ms. Bennett even looked at etsy or Craft Gawker or Pinterest or Ravelry or... I could go on and on. The work crafters are doing is edgy and cool. Crocheted kleenex box holders are a thing of the very distant past, Ms. Bennett. Please do not assume that we are all country bumpkins in need of you to save us from our *gasp* homespun projects with your over priced materials and recycled ideas. A glasses case, business card holder, a number of clutches, a laptop sleeve, etc., have all been done many times before. With titles that weren't offensive.
December 20, 2019
If you have seen Project Runway season 3, you’ll recall Laura Bennett as being the architect mother of 5 plus “one-on-the-way” children, who made structurally simple yet impeccably embellished articles of clothing. Michael Kors marveled how her $5,000 collection looked three times its value. Her creations are definitely for sophisticates. In this book, she offers advice on how to purchase and work with difficult materials like leather, sequins, furs and feathers. She advises to use the best quality materials but also suggests less expensive alternatives. This is good advice for those who don’t live in large cities, and cannot easily access or afford the best. Her “sprinkling” technique for positioning rhinestones creates a spontaneous yet strategic flash of sparkle on an otherwise very plain garment. The handling and construction steps are thorough. One can probably find advice like this on several websites, but this book conveniently offers it in one cohesive volume. However, the patterns for the purses and laptop case are too simple to be functional. Purses need compartments and laptop cases need handles. But if you like the look of luxe and want to DIY for a fraction of the cost, then this book is worth a look.
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January 4, 2012There has been an explosion of books and blogs lately as a part of a DIY (do-it-yourself) movement. Now, with just a little money and time, you can recreate designer looks at home without mortgaging it in the process. Sometimes, though, even at the hands of highly skilled artisans, the resulting items look a little too "homespun" and not like the things you see on current runways. And that's fine for people who want that look, but there is a void in the market for chic diy books.
Laura Bennett's latest book fills that void. Best known for her sleek, elegant designs on season 3 of Project Runway, Bennett has compiled a collection of accessories that are easy to make and incredibly stylish. What I loved most about it is the inclusion of materials that many shy away from: leather, fur (faux or real), feathers, and beads. Her instructions for buying and using them definitely take the intimidation factor away. The 40 projects include covers for electronics (e-readers, iPads, etc.), wallets, purses, and much more, including embellishing ready-to-wear garments.
This book is a valuable addition to any sewing and craft book library, especially my extensive one!
Laura Bennett's latest book fills that void. Best known for her sleek, elegant designs on season 3 of Project Runway, Bennett has compiled a collection of accessories that are easy to make and incredibly stylish. What I loved most about it is the inclusion of materials that many shy away from: leather, fur (faux or real), feathers, and beads. Her instructions for buying and using them definitely take the intimidation factor away. The 40 projects include covers for electronics (e-readers, iPads, etc.), wallets, purses, and much more, including embellishing ready-to-wear garments.
This book is a valuable addition to any sewing and craft book library, especially my extensive one!
December 16, 2023
I would say all of these projects are beyond my level, even though she organizes the projects from easy to more complex. I also lack a sewing machine, but I am thinking of returning to "someday." One evening I was wondering what ever happened to her, especially after her well known (and wealthy) husband died. Apparently, she has moved to Pennsylvania to oversee his family's foundation-trust and Manhattan is no more.
I do appreciate her sense of style and wanting to teach her readers how to make rather stylish "homemade" items, many involving leather, such as card carrying cases and social media instrument covers. She also works with beads, fur (and faux fur) and good quality buckles. She has a comprehensive list of her tool sources at the end of the book.
A good "how to" for someone looking beyond the average, but then she never was average, was she?
I do appreciate her sense of style and wanting to teach her readers how to make rather stylish "homemade" items, many involving leather, such as card carrying cases and social media instrument covers. She also works with beads, fur (and faux fur) and good quality buckles. She has a comprehensive list of her tool sources at the end of the book.
A good "how to" for someone looking beyond the average, but then she never was average, was she?
April 4, 2018
Very simple shapes combined with high-end materials make these projects look luxurious and expensive. The author, a Project Runway finalist, favors fur, feathers, and leather but does mention alternative, more low-brow fabrics. (It would be great to see actual pieces done in denim or canvas.) A too brief primer on how to work with leather, doesn't make me feel confident to take on an expensive raw material. I'll do a bit more research on leather before I cut into it. I hoped for more resources listed. More photographs of finished items would also be great but this is a great book for inspiration.
August 15, 2012
This book has projects for those that want to create items that look high end up are actually homemade. Brief introduction is given to advise what the book is about and the intentions of it as well. Materials and techniques are giving for working with leather, working with fur, working with beads, working with feathers, sewing, and terminology. There are many crafts within this book such as business card holders, e-book holders, belts and bracelets, bags, purses and clutches, wallets, embellishing dresses and shoes, mink sweater, bra nightgown and even furry slippers, but there is so much more in this book. Each project comes with a brief overview of the item, then gives a list of the materials needed along with the tools needed as well. Next a detailed description along with pictures of how to put the project together.
I think this book is great for do-it-yourselfers. This is a great book with lots of ideas and tones of handy tips and tricks, not to mention many items that are very useful. I really like the e-book cover patterns as well as the laptop and tablet covers as well, but there are many other projects that are very interesting that I would love to make or try out. Great book.
I think this book is great for do-it-yourselfers. This is a great book with lots of ideas and tones of handy tips and tricks, not to mention many items that are very useful. I really like the e-book cover patterns as well as the laptop and tablet covers as well, but there are many other projects that are very interesting that I would love to make or try out. Great book.
Read
May 7, 2013Laura Bennett is not going to apologize for her desire to elevate her handmade goods to the status of "as good as or better than what you can buy at the store". I don't take offense. Without a leather expert in town willing to teach me, I enrolled in an online class. It's amazing to see how much of what has come up in the class that's also been covered in this book. She devotes quite a bit of her book to sewing leather, and does so with very firm opinions. I love her absolute specificity, recommending 3M tapes by model number, and basically sourcing most or all of her hardware from one store, which also sells online. Bennett and my online leather sewing class instructor disagree on a couple of things, like what weight of leather the standard home machine can handle. Strangely, I trust Bennett more, as she comes from a total home sewing background and not a factory career.
Her instructions, photos, and illustrations are very clear, and the projects look expensive and attractive. I can't wait to try some of these projects.
Her instructions, photos, and illustrations are very clear, and the projects look expensive and attractive. I can't wait to try some of these projects.
July 20, 2012
Perhaps the "that look high-end" should have tipped me off that this book wouldn't be for me. I am not, nor have I ever been, a "high-end" kind of girl. Not in what I like and certainly not in what I actually buy. My main complaint about this book is that almost everything looks the same. Perhaps that's becuase almost everything is leather (or leather-look) with metal hardware? I have nothing against leather, but it's not my material of choice, and I find the size pieces needed to make most of the projects to be pricey.
Apparently the author was on Project Runway and made it to Fashion Week. I only watched the second season and caught most of the first in reruns at the time, so while that's impressive, I don't personally have that connection.
If ever I want to make some variation of a leather wallet, pouch, or bag, I'll get this back out of the library. I doubt it. Not bad, just not my style.
Apparently the author was on Project Runway and made it to Fashion Week. I only watched the second season and caught most of the first in reruns at the time, so while that's impressive, I don't personally have that connection.
If ever I want to make some variation of a leather wallet, pouch, or bag, I'll get this back out of the library. I doubt it. Not bad, just not my style.
August 16, 2012
Most of the projects in this book are to be made with expensive materials such as leather, fur, and fancy clasps and hardwear. So yeah, they do look more high-end. Maybe I am just a bit to cheap to really appreciate this book. Maybe I don't mind if my projects look homemade. I do have to say that the projects in this book look very nice and store bought. Maybe that is where my problem is, why make it when I can buy it?
The project that I would make in this book would be the rindstone heels. They are really cute and might be a way to fix some warn or scratched heels. The rest of the projects are pretty basic and simple. There are zippered pouches that I might make (just not out of leather). Purses, wallets, keychains, covers for electronics like your phone or ipad, bracelets, and belts. Most projects in this book just require you to be able to cute and sew straight.
The project that I would make in this book would be the rindstone heels. They are really cute and might be a way to fix some warn or scratched heels. The rest of the projects are pretty basic and simple. There are zippered pouches that I might make (just not out of leather). Purses, wallets, keychains, covers for electronics like your phone or ipad, bracelets, and belts. Most projects in this book just require you to be able to cute and sew straight.
May 2, 2012
I liked parts of this book. While I am sure she was not intending to offend every person who "makes" stuff by saying "fashionable projects that look high-end, not homespun", apparently she did just that. Though, I agree with her, having encountered (and possibly made) many a cheesy crafty item. I did like most of the projects in this book and while she used fancy, fancy materials, I think that many of these projects would translate well to a more durable, everyday material. The feather purse was killer awesome and I even pondered about making my husband a business card holder. The book is good on the inspiration.
October 2, 2012
TCL Call Number: 646.48 Bennett L
Diana's rating: 4 stars
Fans of Project Runway will remember Laura Bennett as the elegant
architect/mother/contestant from season 3. This very cool how-to
book delivers on the title -- these projects, which are arranged
from easiest (leather key fob) to hardest (mink slippers) are luxe.
The results are expensive looking, because she has you using good
materials like leather, fur, and metal hardware, that you can find
online if you're not in a city, and she lists sources for these
in the back. If you are ready to move beyond intermediate crafting,
give this book a try. People on your Christmas list will thank you!
Diana's rating: 4 stars
Fans of Project Runway will remember Laura Bennett as the elegant
architect/mother/contestant from season 3. This very cool how-to
book delivers on the title -- these projects, which are arranged
from easiest (leather key fob) to hardest (mink slippers) are luxe.
The results are expensive looking, because she has you using good
materials like leather, fur, and metal hardware, that you can find
online if you're not in a city, and she lists sources for these
in the back. If you are ready to move beyond intermediate crafting,
give this book a try. People on your Christmas list will thank you!
July 20, 2017
I was a fan of Laura Bennett when she was on Project Runway. I thought she had a simple but classic style which I appreciated. Her book did not disappoint me, her crafts are elegant and timeless. If you like working with leather like I do, you will appreciate this well-written book. I enjoyed reading her instructions especially on the belt making. Very detailed. I hope she plans on writing more books in the future...
January 13, 2013
As the title states, these are high-end projects. Really nice looking pieces. Leather, fur and feathers! The leather projects are intriguing; beautiful wallets and ipad covers, and the instructions look simple enough with no special equipment required. The fur items are also attractive and utilize thrift store coats. Nice to see some different ideas for home sewers and crafters.
July 31, 2014
This book contains beautiful projects that are mostly made with leather and do look very high-end! The steps are easy to follow and have many illustrations, however they are for advanced sewers only. I believe a beginner would be overwhelmed by the process. So if you are not a beginner, purchase this book- you will love it!
February 27, 2012
Man, the ideas in this book are so simple and yet so beautiful. I always loved Laura's designs on project runway, and this book lives up to that immaculate reputation. I'm not digging the feathers, but I will try several of the other designs.
June 7, 2012
Amazingly fabulous projects worthy of any gift occasion. Crafters will need a machine with a little extra oomph to make many of these, as they are made of leather. Of course, one can always substitute some other material.
October 19, 2012
Wow. Worst craft book I have ever read. If you were looking for something to make that was unique and did not cost a zillion dollars this is NOT the book for you. She uses fur and leather in most of her crafts.
February 20, 2015
Awesome!!!!!!
I love this book. This book has soooooo many cool ideas in it that I want to do everything!!!! It really gets your creative juices flowing. Kudos to Laura the author for writing such a fab book!!!
I love this book. This book has soooooo many cool ideas in it that I want to do everything!!!! It really gets your creative juices flowing. Kudos to Laura the author for writing such a fab book!!!
September 21, 2011
Oh How, I lust after the beautiful leather purses and laptop covers in this wonderful book. Part design, part how to and a hug dose of inspiration! Made with simple chick patterns.
March 2, 2012
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June 16, 2012
I've never been interested in crafting with leather... until now! The projects Laura has designed are gorgeous!
December 21, 2012
Some great simple accessories but they would be expensive if done in leather as shown.
August 16, 2013
Easy to make items that look great. Makes me want to work with leather.
December 21, 2013
Ok, I didn't try any of these projects. (YET.) But oh wow do I ever want to!!!! (With, of course, a few exceptions... furry stuff is not for me.)
July 21, 2016
ALL the chic: Accessories, luxe materials.
Haven't tried any of the projects yet, but I am admiring many of them
Haven't tried any of the projects yet, but I am admiring many of them
May 6, 2012
Lots of leatherwork.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews