The Crafter Culture Handbook

Perfectly representing the post-feminist, socially active crafting movement in the U.S. and U.K., Spencer's fun, accessible volume is a nifty introduction to newly hip crafts. As Laura Newsom, whose felt pin designs are included, asserts, ""We are taking back our ability to shape the world around us. We are rediscovering our ability to make the things we were told we had to buy."" Leaders from the new crafts scene contribute about 40 projects, covering needlecraft, vintage refurbishing, clothing, home decor, cosmetics and electronics. Each is clearly photographed and explained, with space for each designer to detail his or her aesthetic. The vibe is young and hip, exemplified in projects like making a computer mouse out of an old Nintendo game control, cross-stitching a portrait of Sophia Loren and knitting a ""Red Light District Peekaboo Scarf."" Other projects are more traditional-homemade soap and ""bath fizzies,"" make your own smock-but a strong liberal political aesthetic-anti-sweat shop, anti-war, pro-recycling, etc-runs throughout. No introductory instructions are included, but most of the projects require no more than basic knowledge and skills. And once readers burn through the projects here, a handy resource guide points to dozens of online craft sites, making this a perfect library addition for any crafty Generation X or Yer. Photographs.