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There are several stories to weave into this post. So first, I’ll tell you how it came to be. As you know, we’ve been having a little discussion around here about blog tours, and how they may have been a bit over-used by the craft-publishing industry. Well, Lorraine Woodcheke, who’s a marketing and PR manager for Chronicle Books, contacted me recently. She was getting ready to promote Jennifer Paganelli’s new book, Happy Home: Twenty Sewing and Craft Projects to Pretty Up Your Home. And she said, “I want to do something different this time.”
I was happy to get involved, because as much as I love craft books, I’ve given up on old-school blog tours. They just get to feeling a little contrived after a while. But Lorraine was interested in setting aside the usual two weeks of a post a day, showing up on blog after blog. Instead, she wanted to do a loosely-structured collection of story posts, appearing here and there over a longer span of time. Over the course of June, you might stumble onto bloggers telling stories about Happy Home – and now you know that they’re part of Chronicle trying a new model. Be sure and let them how useful or inspiring you find it!
UPDATED TO ADD: Interestingly, a group of bloggers has decided to organize its own blog tour, independently of Chronicle. A nice expression of fandom for Jennifer Paganelli!
Story #2, then, is about my happy home and the making of a project from this book. I think it’s important to say right off the bat that my interior decor style is light years away from what’s depicted in Happy Home. K and I work long hours on our computers, and this makes our workdays feel very visually cluttered. When we walk away from our beloved infernal machines, we tend to want calm, uncluttered spaces. We’re all about minimalism with the occasional pop of color. (And, easily-accessible stashes of LEGO.)
I wasn’t sure how to approach Happy Home at first, because as you can see, its visual style is very lush and layered. It’s presented as what I’d call a “very lifestyle” craft book. And since the author has a popular fabric line, the book is naturally a showcase for these prints.
It wasn’t until I read something interesting in Jennifer Paganelli’s introduction that I “got it:”
“This book is not about creating a magazine-worthy, perfectly-appointed, perfectly-decorated home. Your home may not be perfect. Mine certainly isn’t. The secret to crafting a happy home is to let go of perfectionism and let your creativity flow. Work with what you have instead of getting bogged down by what you don’t have. Take risks. You may be surprised with the results.”
This made me think of our bed – which has been waiting for the quilt I’m going to get around to making one of these days. (I should add that K and I have been together nine years, so the bed has been waiting quite a long time. The quilt is still on my to-to list; I just can’t seem to commit to any specific pattern.)
So I decided to start smaller, and make us a set of these crochet-edged pillow cases from the book. I went with a simpler and bolder fabric that coordinates with the plain old cotton blanket we use as a cover.
…And this is where Story #3 comes in – I’ll share my experience of making something from Happy Home. It took quite a long time to cut out the fabric, but this isn’t the book’s fault.
Instructionally, the book is pretty solid. Each project has a small number of diagrams that demonstrate many steps of the construction process. And the diagrams are accompanied by text instructions.
I had to read the instructions for my pillowcase project over a few times. With the diagrams combining steps, I’ll admit I got a little confused, but after a few passes it all made perfect sense.
Actually, the construction of this seemingly-simple pillow case is quite ingenious, with a hidden envelope along one inside edge that you can tuck your pillow into. It makes for a really nice finish.
There’s also a really smart technique where you set your stitch length for the hem around the edge, and then use those stitches to help you measure out your blanket stitches. The result was nice, even blanket stitching – not a result, but the way, of which I’m normally capable without help.
…And I had a lot of fun with the crocheted edging. I’ve always wanted to try one and never managed to get around to it. This project was the perfect introduction to the technique. And I love the look of these edges on my pillow cases.
It took quite a long time to get the ends of the crochet woven in, but this isn’t the book’s fault, either.
…And I have to say, I really love having these on my bed now! Each time I walk past the bedroom door, there’s a nice little blast of pretty where I used to be confronted with that boring blanket. (Message to Boring Blanket: I assure you, you will someday be covered with a proper quilt. Until then, these pillows have your back.)
The rest of Happy Home deals in similarly-simple sewing and gluing projects where fabric is the main event. There are more decorative projects, like cushions and covered boxes and quilts. There are wearable aprons and hats. There are party decor banners and hangings. There are bags and pet items. It’s a nice basic home-sewing book, and if you like lavish photography, that’s a bonus.
…So what do you think of this kind of story-based review? Is this something you’d like to see more of in the blogosphere? Did it tell you enough about the book? Did it make the book more or less interesting?
(Usual disclosures: Chronicle sent me the review copy, but I paid for all the project materials myself. The title links above are affiliate links.)
YES PLEASE! I was asked to review a sewing book this past winter and did a similar style of review simply because I didn’t want to ‘advertise’ to my readers. I find this is especially important with craft books: Who cares about a review if the author didn’t even complete a project? It’s like reviewing a novel you’ve never read. My reader numbers are small, but dedicated, and the feedback was very positive, even to the point of people asking for more review posts.
I wish I could say the same about the other posts about the book I reviewed; it had over 100 projects and it would have been good to know if this book had any/many mistakes in it like it’s predecessor. Sadly, most spots on the book tour were hype or pushing a project the blog author had contributed. Those posts rarely even inspire me to add the book to my Amazon Wish List.
The same goes for book tours where the post offers a giveaway for a free copy. Ok, I might enter to win (but what are the odds?), however, this is basically the equivalent of a hype post that doesn’t inspire me to buy (I might get it for free, and who knows if the projects are any good anyhow?).
Does it require more effort on the blogger to try a sample project? Yes. Do publishers need to take this into consideration? Yes. Fine, craft books aren’t cheap, so one could make an argument…but time is money folks, and I know you’ve addressed paid sponsorships in the past. =)
Yes! Time IS money. I’ve been thinking a lot about this since I put the review together yesterday. I enjoyed getting this deep into this book, but if I’m being honest, if I approach every future review this way, I’ll be reviewing a lot fewer books, because I just don’t have time to invest this much in each one. I’m not sure yet whether this is exactly the trade-off I want. More thinking needed!
You know, I’ve seen more and more bloggers state a ‘stipend’ amount a company needs to pay them if they want a review posted on their blog. On the one hand, I think this is a smart concept, however three things come into play: 1) What is an appropriate amount? 2) Do only bloggers with a huge readership ‘get’ to charge? and 3) Are readers aware of this and does this create bias when they read a review?
I actually help a small handmade-biz do online marketing and I have to say I steer clear of the stipend-blogs simply because I can also find bloggers who don’t ask for a stipend. The job gets done and the indie biz’s marketing budget stays intact.
On the flip side, as the author of a smaller blog, I would like to be reimbursed for my time, but I don’t think I can expect anything other than free product at this time, especially from a small biz. That said, we don’t have to review everything we’re sent!
I really appreciate these posts and have to say your writing is making a difference in how at least one indie handmade business is approaching marketing. We still like reviews best b/c of authenticity (we’re careful who we ask), but we’re also trying to be more creative in how we spread the word. Thanks for the challenge!
It’s sure a tricky discussion about stipends, isn’t it Juliette? In the podcast I just did with Jaime Guthals of Interweave, she talked about how there’s a clear “separation of church and state” in professional journalism – no reporter would think of taking direct payment for writing coverage. This separation does serve to give that editorial coverage more perceived veracity.
…But a blogger handles both editorial and ad sales for her blog, and I believe bloggers should be compensated when they give exposure to a company. (Compensation can take many forms, like you pointed out.) But we do seem to still be in a big grey area in terms of how we, as blog readers, perceive this sponsored content.
In terms of your questions about what’s an appropriate amount and whether payment creates bias, that’s all part and parcel of this grey area. There simply isn’t one universal way to do anything in the internet age, so there are no universal standards of conduct. I tend to think that the number of readers a blog has could tie into the amount or form of compensation a blogger asks for. But at the end of the day, we each have to set our own price, be able to articulate what value we offer, and convince potential sponsors that paying for that is worth it.
It definitely is an interesting topic and one that is coming into its own here in Germany. I just attended a blogger conference in Berlin where a large part of the conversation was about how bloggers and companies can/can’t work together. A lot of discussion was oriented around what seems to be happening in the US, but there are also certain laws and regulations here that differ from US policies -mainly about what is journalism, so back to what Jaime Guthals was saying in a sense.
There are fine lines and gray areas all over the place! However, I still think it pays to discuss these areas and know what we think so we can be purposeful in our actions. Thanks again for the dialogue!
I love the approach you took to this book! I have the same issue of “relatability” with a lot of material. I like a mostly clean, a little bohemian aesthetic, and I have a very hard time relating to the cottage-chic, very floral aesthetic I see a lot. Having you post that blurb about how the author intends the book to be used makes me feel like this is something I could use after all.
Thank you so much for the feedback, Ana! I’m glad that quote helped you like it did me. Once I got past the visual style, I was able to see that this really is a book with long-term usefulness for simple home projects.
I like this style of review much better. It feels more like a conversation. It’s the kind of information a “real life” friend would give you. I especially like the fact that you made a project from the book. (And that Pushkin helped you every step of the way. Brilliant cat!)
I think that having reviewers who do not share Jennifer’s style is important. While I use her fabrics a lot, especially when sewing for my nieces or other family members, my home is far more eclectic in style. (I use the word “style” quite loosely here.) But her philosophy of doing what you love with what you have is something I absolutely endorse.
I’ll be reviewing the book later this month for a different blog tour of Happy Home. I’m now planning to incorporate the story approach with my post. Thanks!
I much prefer a real review like this – with your own experience of the book – to the generic blog tour blurb. I don’t even bother reading blog tour posts any more; they are little more than advertising and I feel they make the blogger look like a bit of a sell-out and do little to actually promote the book.
This feels like (and is) a real blog post and I trust your opinion as a fellow crafter who’s clearly read and used the book. A genuine book review is always interesting to me; a marketing-type post by someone who’s done no more than flip through the book as a stop on the blog tour… well, not so much.
One thing I felt your review was a little light on was photos showing the variety of other projects in the book: a little collage photo to accompany your last paragraph to illustrate some of those projects you mention would give your readers a better feel for the book in general. IMO. And only because you asked :)
I agree with that, June. I considered doing the mosaic, but ultimately felt like the post had gotten pretty long on the story aspect. This is a tricky balance, to be sure – telling a personal story vs. sharing all the details about the book – without getting too long for readability.
Maybe this is a good note for Chronicle: if the blog campaign is story-based, maybe it makes sense to build a solid preview webpage on the publisher’s site, so people can see more of the book.
This is my favorite kind of craft book review – one where the reviewer actually MAKES one of the projects in the book. I love too that you showed the original styled photo of the project from the book – and your own project in its real-life setting. I think this opens the door for readers to see how the same project can look with different fabric/different colors/in a different setting.
I don’t mind if the reviews come all in a cluster – like in a “traditional” blog tour. And if I’m being totally honest I have to admit, as a busy reader who often thinks to herself “I’ll pick that up the next time I go to the bookstore” only to forget it a couple of weeks later, a bunch of posts clustered together are more likely to stick in my overcluttered brain. But that’s only if the reviews are interesting. A bunch of bland “Hey! This looks like a good book! Enter to win a free copy.” reviews are just noise.
Oooh – one more thing about the time investment. I know it’s huge. And when a blogger takes the time to make something that she will actually use/wear/give as a gift – that in itself is a tremendous endorsement of the book. Of all the books you receive to review, this is the one that inspired you enough to actually get out the materials and make something. That’s BIG.
I have appreciated , the sincerity and the genuineness of this article. Not sure what I want to add except I am always truly humbled when someone reviews my book and I never ever assume that it will be what I want to hear. I stay open to all of the critique a book invites. I can only say as an author that we read them, we care what they communicate and are extremely grateful and always remember a good turn. I try to remember that other’s need my help as well and I try to promote and help other’s as much as I can regardless of how the world sees me. That being said as an underdog for many years I appreciate the hand that reaches out to do a favor. I don’t take anything for granted and I never assume that everyone is going to love my book but maybe in some small way it touches you.
Excellent information aoubt Happy HOme. Appreciate your comments. Beautiful fabric and love your furry assistant. I for many years had such a sewing helper myself. I like you think I may have to give crochet edged pillow cases a try.
I know how much time it takes to do a review like this. I like it because it’s honest (this book’s style didn’t immediately speak to you, the directions initially confused you) and it’s active (you made something that you are actually using).
You’re right that you can’t do this for 12 books a year. Maybe for 3? And those books will have your true endorsement. Otherwise a simple round up of new releases is enough. And I’m glad you didn’t show every project in the book. Leave us with something to look forward to discovering for ourselves.
Oh, that’s an interesting take on the point of not including pictures of more of the book projects, Abby – I hadn’t thought of it that way.
The roundup of new releases idea reminds me of the blurbs I’m used to seeing in the backs of magazines and newspaper book sections. I wonder if that’s enough coverage for blog readers. Anyone have thoughts on this?
I actually like the round-up idea, but I would prefer to see a descriptive blurb next to each release as opposed to just a list and link to Amazon. Sometimes it’s hard to keep track of all the new stuff coming out!
Also, it might be a nice solution to the time problems. Perhaps there’s a book that really catches your eye and you have it slated for ‘more time later’; this is a nice way to mention it to your readers and then maybe do a project story post later. Granted, this may not work for a publisher, but it certainly comes across as some kind of honest endorsement.
Good point – I’m always struggling with the sheer number of review books I receive and the impossibility of giving them all coverage (without turning this blog into a book-review blog). Maybe there’s a middle-ground here. Thanks so much for the suggestion, Juliette!
This is exactly how I usually try to review a craft book. Doing a project from the book is more in line with my blogging style and feels more genuine to my readers, I think. I do a project, share a story or two around the making of the project, and show a quick selection of other projects from the book that appeal to me.
I enjoyed this review, Diane. My only suggestion is that I would have liked to see a few more pages from the book. What else appealed to you?
Generally, I am happy with receiving the book as compensation, mainly because I only agree to review books I really really want anyway.
I’d love to know how to get on Chronicle’s radar for reviews… their books are among my favorites.
You mentioned this to me – how excited you were about doing something new for a review. I love your solution, Diane. I have gotten to where I tune out of reading blog tours. This is a real honest to goodness review! And I love the pillows. And I didn’t get to see them last Tuesday because?
Bravo you! You are an inspiration and way shower to us all.
Firstly – I dig this new format. I enjoy that you chose a project that fits you, and your style, even though initially the very layered/lushness was not something that you identified with.
Secondly – I love how your project came out! The pillows add a nice little something to your bed, and the crocheted edges are COOL! I’ve always wanted to do stuff like that with crochet, but I’m officially a crochet idiot. It’s one of the few crafts that stumps the hell out of me!
YAY for happy homes!