book review: 101 ways

101 ways to use your first sewing machine by Elizabeth Dubicki

Firstly I want to say I LOVE the style of this book, it's hardcover but has spiral binding. So easy for reading and planning creative projects. IMO all creative "how to" style books should be like this! Really makes for ease of use whilst following directions!

Chapter one of this book provides some good information on beginning sewing with a fun beginner projects however the projects weren't really my personal style. The first project to start us off is a "sewing tool belt". I don't use a tool belt when I am actually using tools, why would I want to when I am sewing?

The second chapter on updating garments was more my style. Basics on mending clothes, shortening, lengthening, letting in/out etc. I didn't really like the 'embellishing' part of this chapter, but that's just not my style. For beginners though this is a great chapter to learn the basics of altering existing clothing to fit better.

Chapter 3 & 4 is basically bedroom and bathroom furnishings, again not my thing. I can make cushions already and the part on curtains was interesting, the rest not so much. Chapter 5 wasn't much better titled "fun stuff for kids and tweens" of which I have neither. There were Tote bag directions in this chapter (why in this chapter?) but you can get those patterns online. Chapters 6 and 7 again didn't apply with mostly home furnishings.

The end section of the book focused on general techniques, which was interesting but would have been better placed in the first chapter rather than at the end. In all a good book for a beginner if you like making things for your house/kids.

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book review: 101 things

101 things to do before you turn 40 by Kristin McCracken

I got this book from the library on whim. Just browsing around one day and saw it popping out. The title immediately appealed to me because of my 101 things in 1001 days project which culminates in my 40th birthday, so this should be an ideal book right? Not really. I knew it was no novel but I did expect more. I knew I wasn't the target audience for this book when the first item on the agenda was "quit your book club". I haven't ever been in a book club, nor do I plan on it. "Make out with the best man" or "date a 25 yr old for the last time" isn't an option for me either, I don't think my husband would approve! "Eat the worm" referred to downing the worm in tequilla, well I hardly drink, and I never drink tequilla, it's vile, plus I'm vegetarian! The same reason I won't "Go fishing". The advise to "Musically upgrade" was a little out of date, advising to get your music on CDs, when it's more likely that digital format would be the upgrade of choice these days surely? But then I didn't look how old the book was so...

There were a few things in the book that I had already done and would totally agree on them being in there but it was interesting to see the authors perspective from an obvious single 30 something woman. If I were single, not a vegetarian, a smoker and not a fitness instructor there might be more things on the list I'd be interested in adding to my own 101 list.

Things I want to do from the book: "Build a nest egg" was sound advice and I really would like to "learn to scuba dive" also as a scrapbooker I am already on the way for "document your life". "Pierce something other than your ear" is something I have thought about, considering a belly button piercing, but I dunno.

I think basically the book is some fun (very) light reading, say if you were stuck in bed with flu for example (cough) and good for kick starting your own 101 list. Just don't expect many of the suggestions listed to be things you necessarily want to do yourself. Would I recommend it? Not really, just go online to the 101 in 1001 site and look at other peoples list for more information list suggestions.

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