Friday night

It was a big night at Chez Ric rac on Friday night night. The one remaining teenager was out and the scene was setMr Ric-rac could not stop smiling and I had something very very special planned

yep, Nikki's Book !

While Mr Ric-rac headed off to the boy-cave to watch football, I poured a glass of something yummy and settled in. I had dressed for the occasion in unmatched pyjamas, chenille dressing gown and socks.( I know Nikki would approve) Of course, you guys know that I know Nikki, we frequently sewjourn together where I even saw some of these projects get worked and tweaked and photographed. Rumour has it I even pattern tested something for this book. But do not think I'll be letting that friendship get in the way of a hard-hitting warts and all review ! So I have actually read this book cover to cover, I started with the dedication and finished at the photo credits. The thing I love about this book is that is almost a journey in itself. You can start at the beginning with a cute little zipper rose and work your way through the book until you are whipping up your own pattern-free clothing. Of course , depending on where you are with your skill levels , you can just jump in half way through and learn some new techniques.

Actually I think the techniques and tips are the best thing about this book - I am always in awe of the stuff we learn from Nikki at sewjourn - she often had an easier , faster and DEFINITELY NEATER way doing things, and she always has a gadget to help. The book explains some helpful gadgets and has a whole chapter on techniques.There is heaps to learn in that chapter. (She even shares the magic 3cm rule) If I picked this book up for a flick through in a book shop , I'd be impressed with the amount of step by step photos, I'd smile at the writing style - informative and friendly and then as I progressed through the book, I'd begin to imagine making some of the projects and then I'd get to the pattern free clothing section and my wallet would be out as I headed to the counter.

Then as I put the book on the counter, I'd tell the surly young man with the stapled-on eyebrow I'd say "This is a great book, actually its written by a friend of mine"

"She's an author you know" and I'd smile as he put it in a bag and sticky-taped it shut

and I'd think to myself, "Holy shit Nikki, it's a real-life actual book"

(Oh and the word on the crafty street is that Nikki's book is sneaking onto her stall at AQC next week !)