As any regular reader of this blog will know, I love upcycling! The idea of taking something old and/or unloved and giving it a new lease of life really appeals to me whilst also being environmentally and economically friendly. So when I received a copy of Craft Challenge: Dozens of Ways to Repurpose a Tea Towel to review from GMC Publications I was very excited!

The book features more than two dozens projects to transform your tea towels into everything from a bag to a halter top or pair of slippers! The projects are beautifully photographed and the book itself would grace any coffee table.  Anne had recently bought a rather lovely handprinted tea towel. I often see these kind of tea towels, too expensive and pretty to want to actually use, so this book seemed like the perfect solution.

Anne chose a shopping bag as she thought this would be the most useful item for her and we set about following the instructions to repurpose and reinvent. The project was very simple and very clearly explained and the bag was finished in very little time.  The only addition to the tea towel needed was some fabric for lining and handles and any trimming you fancy.

Would I recommend this book?

Yes, I think it is a wonderful idea to take an everyday item and make it into something more interesting. It also gives a brilliant excuse to buy pretty tea towels. As I said before it is beautifully photographed and would make a lovely gift.

Could it be improved in anyway?

Erm… I can’t think of anything in particular. Infact I’d loved to see a second book with yet more ideas. Some of the projects weren’t completely to my taste, but that’s personal preference rather than a fault. I honestly think this book meets all it’s claims.

Book Details

Title: Craft Challenge: Dozens of Ways to Repurpose a Tea Towel

Author: Nathalie Mornu

ISBN: 9781600595080

RRP:  £14.99

Publisher: Lark

Publication Date: May 2010