Sunday, April 10, 2011

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 !)

26 comments:

  1. Stapled on eyebrow - ROFL!

    I'm intrigued about the zipper rose. I can't wait to get my copy!

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  2. I'm hoping for a copy next week at AQC and yes I love the stapled on eyebrow comment too, actually it's scaring me 'cos I think my eldest grandson has persuaded his st*&%$#d mother to let him have one eeeeeekkkkkkk!!!
    Lizzie
    xxx

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  3. So much for a warts 'n' all review.
    There don't appear to be ANY warts in this book.
    A good thing too because I'm hanging out to grab my own copy.
    xx

    PS Typed while wearing my oh-so-fashionable (I'm truly kidding myself) black leather ug boots. Sooooooft!!!

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  4. I am soooooooo getting this - I want it for the clothes especially, I'm sick of being a hobo...

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  5. 3cm rule - I'm intrigued! Perhaps I'll have to go and buy the book so that I can sleep at night without wondering about that 3cm.

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  6. I loooooooove it to! The amount of stuff I've learned from Nikki is absolutely priceless, and now it's all at my fingertips whenever I need. Must get off the internet and get sewing!

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  7. Great review you have left me wanting to know more!!! xo

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  8. I. really. really. really. want. this. book.

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  9. I really really really need this book. Maybe then I can learn to do things right first time, or at least fudge neatly!

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  10. It sounds like a winner! I absolutely love the cover. Well done to Nikki. x

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  11. I am SO looking forward to being able to buy this book!

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  12. blogger stinks. but you have to be really smart to go to wordpress. which is why, we are all still blogger. :))

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  13. and i want that book. hear me?

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  14. I missed the wart - where was it?!

    Envious, I want me that book. Amazon doesn't have it listed for pre-orders - this is NOT RIGHT. Coming from t'other side of world it's going to be 'spensive to get one. I should stop reading you lot, you keep making me want unavailable spendy stuff!

    PS howz the EITTS coming - you over it yet? How about making a zipper rose? ;-)

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  15. Ooh ooh ooh. That book looks fabulous.

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  16. Thanks for sharing the excitement of a "First Read" - got to love the Nic!

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  17. It certainly looks very interesting, even for those of us who don't sew much.

    PS DD and I finished our first ever quilt at our first ever quilt workshop yesterday (except for hand-stitching the binding).

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  18. How am I going to make it any further in life without knowing about the 3cm rule? I shall be haunting Amazon for this book from next week.

    Ace review and I bet that guy in the hypothetical purchase scenario would have been mega-impressed at your brushes with fame!

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  19. And when can we expect to see your real live book in the shops, Miss Jodie?? P.S. I am going right over to Amazon to look for her book - nice review.

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  20. Oooh this book looks amazing! I'm really looking forward to ordering it! x

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  21. Simply Fabulous! I want to get a copy! cool stuff and sounds fantastic.

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  22. I'm sold... gettign me one of those books for sure. Thanks for the review Jodie.

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  23. I'll SO be buying that book. I've bought a couple of Nikki's patterns and learnt so much. I've been to one of her classes and learnt even more. So I can't wait to see how much teaching she can cram into a whole book.

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  24. I fancy getting one at the quilt show next week. Surely a quilt show is a great place for 3 kids under 10 on school holidays. They'll love it, won't they ?????? And we'll all have a lovely relaxed time and get to look at everything won't we ?????
    Maybe I'll have to buy it from a shop.
    That Nicky's a clever girl!

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  25. She's a legend, you're a legend .... where are all the NSW legends????

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  26. You name dropper you!! Mind you, you've got every right to be one, and you're also a very lucky duck to receive an advance copy like that. Thanks for the review, you've made me even more determined to buy a copy now!

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Hellloooooo !!!!