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Stitch Camp: 18 Crafty Projects for Kids & Tweens
Writtten with a little bit of sass that will appeal to 9- to 14-year-olds,
Stitch Camp
introduces kids to fiber crafts in a way that not only promises success in the present, but opens the potential for a passion for creating that will last a lifetime. Each of the six chapters focuses on a different fiber craft (sewing, embroidery, crochet, felting, knitting, and weaving), opening with a step-by-step introduction to the basic tools and techniques needed to get started. The basics are then supported by three specific projects, graded from total beginner to something a bit more sophisticated. Techniques will be illustrated, and the projects themselves will be created by the intended audience and photographed with kids wearing or using the items. Kids will learn how to sew bean bags (and what games to play with them), create a T-shirt dress, embroider their own "scout" badges, make toasty felted mittens and fingerless gloves, create a funky "monster" zippered change purse, knit a padded cover for their phone or table, crochet an elegant beaded bracelet or necklace, make and play with hacky sacks, and weave decorative patches on their jeans or jackets.
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2017
53 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 19 reviews
October 3, 2017
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I am a big fan of crafts, and I am always looking around to find new things to create, to make. So I just had to try out this book when I saw it up on Netgalley.
Haha, yep, I definitely agree with the Introduction. Fiber for Kids doesn’t sound like a book about crafts, it indeed sounds more like a book about cereal. :P
There are 6 chapters (Sew, Embroider, Felt, Knit, Crotchet, Weave) in total, and while you can just skip ahead to other chapters, I wouldn’t recommend that unless you know basic sewing. Since several chapters do feature needlework. But if you can sew, know your basics, go ahead and just skip ahead and pick the chapter of your liking.
I didn’t really read all the how-to-stuff, since I already know how knit/sew/etc.
As for the felting part? Eh, I will just keep on using synthetic even if it might not work right. I am allergic to wool. :( And I feel that they could have at least made a mention that if people truly can’t handle wool they should just go for synthetic/natural.
I quite liked that they also added: Did you know? It gave more insight in the specific craft you did, showing how old it was, or giving some facts about it through the ages. It was quite interesting to read.
One thing I didn’t like is how wonky the crafted items were. For instance the bean bags at the beginning? I can imagine you may want to show the first results of what kids do, but you may want to add some pictures of how it is supposed to look professionally (sorry, I am still searching for the right word). Now at times you can’t really see the stitches correctly, and that is a shame.
Another thing was that this book uses inches… which is nice, but I live in country that uses Metric (just like almost all of the world). It would have been nice if they added centimetres as well, as I or whoever wants to do these things from the book has to calculate/check google to see how x inches is x centimetres. :(
But in overall this was a good book, I quite enjoyed reading it, and I will definitely be trying out some of the projects and see how they turn out.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I am a big fan of crafts, and I am always looking around to find new things to create, to make. So I just had to try out this book when I saw it up on Netgalley.
Haha, yep, I definitely agree with the Introduction. Fiber for Kids doesn’t sound like a book about crafts, it indeed sounds more like a book about cereal. :P
There are 6 chapters (Sew, Embroider, Felt, Knit, Crotchet, Weave) in total, and while you can just skip ahead to other chapters, I wouldn’t recommend that unless you know basic sewing. Since several chapters do feature needlework. But if you can sew, know your basics, go ahead and just skip ahead and pick the chapter of your liking.
I didn’t really read all the how-to-stuff, since I already know how knit/sew/etc.
As for the felting part? Eh, I will just keep on using synthetic even if it might not work right. I am allergic to wool. :( And I feel that they could have at least made a mention that if people truly can’t handle wool they should just go for synthetic/natural.
I quite liked that they also added: Did you know? It gave more insight in the specific craft you did, showing how old it was, or giving some facts about it through the ages. It was quite interesting to read.
One thing I didn’t like is how wonky the crafted items were. For instance the bean bags at the beginning? I can imagine you may want to show the first results of what kids do, but you may want to add some pictures of how it is supposed to look professionally (sorry, I am still searching for the right word). Now at times you can’t really see the stitches correctly, and that is a shame.
Another thing was that this book uses inches… which is nice, but I live in country that uses Metric (just like almost all of the world). It would have been nice if they added centimetres as well, as I or whoever wants to do these things from the book has to calculate/check google to see how x inches is x centimetres. :(
But in overall this was a good book, I quite enjoyed reading it, and I will definitely be trying out some of the projects and see how they turn out.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 7, 2019
Useful for adults too! Very and precise instructions, gorgeous illustrations, smart hints throughout.
January 13, 2018
We LOVE LOVE LOVED this book! We borrowed it from the library to see if it was any good, and actually read through almost all of it and decided we must purchase it! It has lots of neat projects and good instructions. Can't wait to get it and get started!
December 7, 2017
Stitch Camp: 18 Crafty Projects for Kids & Tweens – Learn 6 All-Time Favorite Skills: Sew, Knit, Crochet, Felt, Embroider & Weave by Nicole Blum and Catherine Newman is a book designed to inspire a love of creativity in kids. Focusing on six fiber crafts (sewing, embroidery, felting, knitting, crochet, and weaving), the book shares vibrant and detailed photo tutorials and simple yet fun projects that kids will love.
In Introduction: Get Ready, the authors open by sharing some of the science behind how crafting helps brains (in kid-friendly terms, of course). They also talk about crafts being part of the “slow movement” to allow people to spend time on enjoying projects in a fast-paced world. This section also includes a discussion about whether to craft “solo or social,” tips for lefties, and links to helpful resources. This chapter also includes illustrated instructions for three different types of knots and explains that words can be looked up in the book’s extensive glossary.
The book continues on to chapters organized by craft. Each of these chapters includes an overview of the craft, important supplies, fun facts (like the history of the craft), and written and photographed tutorials for the basic skills (like threading a needle for sewing). These introductory skills are followed by three projects which include both written instructions and tutorial photographs. The projects combine simple supplies with colorful materials and are shown photographed on or with children. The book ends with a glossary of terms and a list of additional reading for each craft, as well as a detailed index.
If you want to inspire a love of crafts in a kid you know, or help nurture the development of an existing interest (or just get them unplugged for a few minutes a day), Stitch Camp is a great place to get started! There are great visuals and clear instructions and a variety of projects that both boys and girls will love. I also appreciated that the book showed diverse children crafting and using and wearing the projects.
Full disclosure: A free PDF review copy of Stitch Camp: 18 Crafty Projects for Kids & Tweens – Learn 6 All-Time Favorite Skills: Sew, Knit, Crochet, Felt, Embroider & Weave by Nicole Blum and Catherine Newman was provided to me by Storey Publishing. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
In Introduction: Get Ready, the authors open by sharing some of the science behind how crafting helps brains (in kid-friendly terms, of course). They also talk about crafts being part of the “slow movement” to allow people to spend time on enjoying projects in a fast-paced world. This section also includes a discussion about whether to craft “solo or social,” tips for lefties, and links to helpful resources. This chapter also includes illustrated instructions for three different types of knots and explains that words can be looked up in the book’s extensive glossary.
The book continues on to chapters organized by craft. Each of these chapters includes an overview of the craft, important supplies, fun facts (like the history of the craft), and written and photographed tutorials for the basic skills (like threading a needle for sewing). These introductory skills are followed by three projects which include both written instructions and tutorial photographs. The projects combine simple supplies with colorful materials and are shown photographed on or with children. The book ends with a glossary of terms and a list of additional reading for each craft, as well as a detailed index.
If you want to inspire a love of crafts in a kid you know, or help nurture the development of an existing interest (or just get them unplugged for a few minutes a day), Stitch Camp is a great place to get started! There are great visuals and clear instructions and a variety of projects that both boys and girls will love. I also appreciated that the book showed diverse children crafting and using and wearing the projects.
Full disclosure: A free PDF review copy of Stitch Camp: 18 Crafty Projects for Kids & Tweens – Learn 6 All-Time Favorite Skills: Sew, Knit, Crochet, Felt, Embroider & Weave by Nicole Blum and Catherine Newman was provided to me by Storey Publishing. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
October 18, 2017
I like crafts. I like crafts so much so that our linen closet has never been a linen closet -- it's our craft cupboard. (The joy I felt when my daughter's friend came over, opened the cupboard up with a Woah knows no bounds.) My dream job is to craft all day (with kids) and then do some math/programming with them and then some more crafting.
And so, I'm getting into reading some crafting books. I requested this one to get some ideas for Brownies, as well as ideas to do with my daughter. I think she (my daughter) would find most of the crafts too convoluted right now (she's eight, and big on instant gratification right now), but me as an eight year old would have been psyched. And I got some ideas for stuff to do with my Brownie troope, so that's good. The instructions are mostly clear -- I did find the knitting and crocheting sections to be more difficult to follow, likely because I know neither how to knit nor to crochet, and was reading the instructions, rather than reading and doing (although, after-the-fact, I did remember we have a crochet hook in the craft cupboard, so maybe I should get that out and learn so that I can start making some amigurumi little things that will make me super super super happy).
Any crafty tween-and-up would like this book. Now back to looking at kawaii craft patterns on etsy for inspiration.
Stitch Camp by Nicole Blum and Catherine Newman went on sale October 17, 2017.
I received a copy free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
And so, I'm getting into reading some crafting books. I requested this one to get some ideas for Brownies, as well as ideas to do with my daughter. I think she (my daughter) would find most of the crafts too convoluted right now (she's eight, and big on instant gratification right now), but me as an eight year old would have been psyched. And I got some ideas for stuff to do with my Brownie troope, so that's good. The instructions are mostly clear -- I did find the knitting and crocheting sections to be more difficult to follow, likely because I know neither how to knit nor to crochet, and was reading the instructions, rather than reading and doing (although, after-the-fact, I did remember we have a crochet hook in the craft cupboard, so maybe I should get that out and learn so that I can start making some amigurumi little things that will make me super super super happy).
Any crafty tween-and-up would like this book. Now back to looking at kawaii craft patterns on etsy for inspiration.
Stitch Camp by Nicole Blum and Catherine Newman went on sale October 17, 2017.
I received a copy free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2017
This is a fun and nature set picturesque themed book around the craft of sewing and creating your own fun projects based around the ideas presented in the book. Of which, there are a mix of ideas to create for both boys and girls to try.
There are basic tips included to help even very beginners get started and try and have a go too with clear and concise information set to simple, effective diagrams and clear shot photographs.
The projects are fun, with beanbag toys, useful ideas for everyday use such as, mason jar sewing kit storage and winter hand warmers, t-shirts, necklaces and bracelets as well as embroidered plaques and pillowcases which could be good as gifts too. There sure is something for everyone to try.
The book is set into sections on, Sewing, Embroidery, Knitting, Crochet and even Weaving!
I loved this book, as a crafter since I was little (age four I splattered our redecorated kitchen walls with paint... oops! Still sewing grew to be a passion till today still though!) I appreciate the projects and tips being greatly beneficial for kids and beginners. I will be making a rolling pin embroidery floss holder though, very useful as I have a tub of them all tangled which makes it very awkward to use! A great buy for crafty people!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book!
There are basic tips included to help even very beginners get started and try and have a go too with clear and concise information set to simple, effective diagrams and clear shot photographs.
The projects are fun, with beanbag toys, useful ideas for everyday use such as, mason jar sewing kit storage and winter hand warmers, t-shirts, necklaces and bracelets as well as embroidered plaques and pillowcases which could be good as gifts too. There sure is something for everyone to try.
The book is set into sections on, Sewing, Embroidery, Knitting, Crochet and even Weaving!
I loved this book, as a crafter since I was little (age four I splattered our redecorated kitchen walls with paint... oops! Still sewing grew to be a passion till today still though!) I appreciate the projects and tips being greatly beneficial for kids and beginners. I will be making a rolling pin embroidery floss holder though, very useful as I have a tub of them all tangled which makes it very awkward to use! A great buy for crafty people!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book!
May 24, 2017
Thank you for Netgalley for letting me read and review Stitch Camp: Sew, Embroider, Felt, Knit, Crochet, and Weave! 6 Cool Crafts to Learn and Make by Nicole Blum for an honest review.
What a fun book this is and will appeal to both sexes, age 9- to 14-year-olds, or even younger with supervision. There are fun and great projects to make especially as you can wear some of these you have made or you can give them as special gifts, i.e. bracelets, necklaces, winter hand warmers, Mobile phone holders, Hats etc.
This book is well illustrated throughout with clear photos and diagrams with excellent clear instructions. I found there was a lot of information on all the projects.
It is set into sections: Embroidery, Knitting, Crochet, Sewing and Weaving, so everyone can have a try at making something.
All projects look fun to make, and you can show off to you family and friends.
I loved this book, and has become one of my favourites for the classroom!
A great buy for crafty children!
July 19, 2017
I really like this book and the way it is laid out. It focuses on six types of stitch art, sewing, crocheting, knitting, felting, weaving, and embroidering. Each has simple instructions, and simple projects. What makes this book unique is that in the suggested materials at the front it tells you that materials will be discussed by project, but that you may need youtube videos, this book, and even other books, or friends. Plus, it also tells someone that sometimes no matter how well you do, you just need to switch hands, and that is okay. I also like that the completed projects look like they were completed by a kid/teen, and not a Martha Stewart clone.
May 28, 2018
This is a great book for beginning sewers but is also great for experienced ones looking for a new skill to learn or new projects. As the title suggests these sewing projects are ones many of us learned at camp when we were kids. They are handmade projects made with materials many people already have on hand. I borrowed the book from my library but intend to buy my own copy to share with my grandchildren and for personal use. Highly recommended!
July 28, 2021
This book is perfect for budding young crafters with 18 different projects. The visuals and instructions are fantastic and ensure that you can follow a project through to the end. This is perfect for getting started with sewing, knitting, crocheting, felting, weaving and embroidery. This is a lovely book for creative children and tweens.
June 20, 2017
Stitch Camp is a beginner's guide for hand sewing, embroidery, and similar projects. The directions are clear and the projects are simple. I especially like the embroidery projects. I received an ARC from NetGalley.
February 7, 2018
A variety of projects for the true beginner that can be easily adapted for any age. Complete tutorials and realistic photos representing what the maker might have when they are finished with each project. A fantastic resource for the self-taught or as a sleep-over DIY party event.
October 20, 2019
Not just for children!
September 19, 2021
Excellent instructions, projects that are colorful and simple but also useful.
September 28, 2021
Terrific.
I would change the title to "...Kids & Tweens & Craft-Challenged Adults." I've learned so much!
I would change the title to "...Kids & Tweens & Craft-Challenged Adults." I've learned so much!
March 21, 2024
This is an excellent intro book for kids and adults.
June 11, 2018
Before I begin my review, I would like to disclose that I have had three of my original sewing designs published in two different 'One Yard Wonders' sewing books which were both published by Storey Publishing. When I borrowed this book, 'Stitch Camp', from the local public library last December I knew I wanted to feature it on my upcoming blog because it was just perfect for middle-graders, tweens, and teens!
I subsequently contacted the publicist at Storey with whom I had worked on promoting the two above-mentioned books in which my projects appear. I asked if Storey would be willing to sponsor a giveaway of one print copy for a US winner when I posted my feature on 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic'. She agreed, and here we are. Now, on with my review:
The first thing I noticed about this book as I flipped through it were the colorful, close-up photos of the projects and makers working on their projects. The second thing I noticed was the casual, conversational tone the authors' used throughout the text. There is a good amount of wit along with some puns to make things fun for the readers. I felt the authors were encouraging in the way they prompted makers to work through difficulties without worrying about perfection. All these components work together to make this book very appealing for middle-grade/tween/teen readers!
I thought the book was user-friendly in the manner in which it is organized. There are six skills taught in the book: Sewing, knitting, crochet, felting, embroidery, and weaving. Each skill has its own chapter dedicated to introducing the particular skill, teaching basic techniques needed to learn/practice the skill, and instructing readers how to make several projects independently.
I found the stepped-out project instructions to be excellent. The written text is accompanied by many colorful, up-close photos of the projects and their makers.
The back matter includes a glossary, an additional reading list, metric conversion and standard equivalent charts, and an index. As a bonus, there are two pages of colorful punch-out cardstock gift tags for makers to use when giving their creations to others.
Here's a list of my favorite projects in the book. I'll limit myself to one from each chapter:
--SEW: Beanbag that is also a Hand Warmer;
--EMBROIDER: Scout Badges {three of these are shown on the cover};
--FELT: Cut-and-Sew Mittens;
--KNIT: Cord-Slung Backpack;
--CROCHET: Hacked Sack {shown on cover in model's hand}; and
--WEAVE: Beaded Necklace.
***Highly-recommended for middle-graders, teens, tweens, and adults! This would be a great resource for teachers, youth leaders, scout and camp leaders, parents/grandparents, and anyone who works with this age group. Happy Stitching!
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Blogger Disclosure: As mentioned above, I borrowed this book from the local public library's children's section. I am not being compensated by the publisher or anyone else to post this review here or on any other site.
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I subsequently contacted the publicist at Storey with whom I had worked on promoting the two above-mentioned books in which my projects appear. I asked if Storey would be willing to sponsor a giveaway of one print copy for a US winner when I posted my feature on 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic'. She agreed, and here we are. Now, on with my review:
The first thing I noticed about this book as I flipped through it were the colorful, close-up photos of the projects and makers working on their projects. The second thing I noticed was the casual, conversational tone the authors' used throughout the text. There is a good amount of wit along with some puns to make things fun for the readers. I felt the authors were encouraging in the way they prompted makers to work through difficulties without worrying about perfection. All these components work together to make this book very appealing for middle-grade/tween/teen readers!
I thought the book was user-friendly in the manner in which it is organized. There are six skills taught in the book: Sewing, knitting, crochet, felting, embroidery, and weaving. Each skill has its own chapter dedicated to introducing the particular skill, teaching basic techniques needed to learn/practice the skill, and instructing readers how to make several projects independently.
I found the stepped-out project instructions to be excellent. The written text is accompanied by many colorful, up-close photos of the projects and their makers.
The back matter includes a glossary, an additional reading list, metric conversion and standard equivalent charts, and an index. As a bonus, there are two pages of colorful punch-out cardstock gift tags for makers to use when giving their creations to others.
Here's a list of my favorite projects in the book. I'll limit myself to one from each chapter:
--SEW: Beanbag that is also a Hand Warmer;
--EMBROIDER: Scout Badges {three of these are shown on the cover};
--FELT: Cut-and-Sew Mittens;
--KNIT: Cord-Slung Backpack;
--CROCHET: Hacked Sack {shown on cover in model's hand}; and
--WEAVE: Beaded Necklace.
***Highly-recommended for middle-graders, teens, tweens, and adults! This would be a great resource for teachers, youth leaders, scout and camp leaders, parents/grandparents, and anyone who works with this age group. Happy Stitching!
-----------------
Blogger Disclosure: As mentioned above, I borrowed this book from the local public library's children's section. I am not being compensated by the publisher or anyone else to post this review here or on any other site.
################
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December 6, 2017A nice easy to follow book on fiber crafts including sewing, knitting, & embroidery. The photos were nice and the instructions were clear. I loved the projects and I can definitely see children being able to do them by themselves.
I recommend this book for ages 8 & up
I recommend this book for ages 8 & up
Displaying 1 - 18 of 19 reviews