Patch! Try some portable, pretty, patchwork projects with Cath Kidston’s new book

by: Katie Allen

Photos: Pia Tyrde

 

Portable and pretty, patchwork is no doubt one of the new biggies in craft - literally, in fact, as it can be used for both small projects to double-bed-sized ones.

Cath Kidston’s contemporary-yet-traditional, vintagey style is perfect for patchwork, and its “sister craft” applique, so her new book Patch is a real treat.

As well as sewing basics, she gives a quick tour through the traditional styles of patchwork, from the Victorians’ crazy patchwork to the Suffolk puffs, also known as yo-yos or pom poms, and gives a swift guide to embroidery stitches and what fabrics to use.

 

There are 33 projects, graded by skill level, from the Dresden Plate Tote Bag

                               

(with the kit  in cl uded  wi th the book) which is a perfect tester for fledgling patchwork, applique and hand-quilting skills, to the Red Hens Bag, which combines graphic patchwork with 19th-century redwork embroidery.

     

There are some quick ideas such as pin cushions to weighty household projects too, including a Tartan Beanbag and Personalised Dog Bed.           

                                                      

                         

What I like about Kidston’s projects is that there is always a generous amount of description and explanation, as well as big photographs and diagrams. While some of her styles are too chintzy for my taste, they could easily be amended with a bit of imagination and a trip to the fabric store.