'Home Rockanomics': Edgy domestication

Because I like to do things a little different than the mainstream, it's really exciting to me to find books that talk about domestic life from a viewpoint not seen on HGTV.



Don't get me wrong, I love Martha Stewart (and her line at Macy's is awesome), but sometimes she's a little too safe for me.



I've pretty much convinced myself lately that I will become a crafty person. I'm purchasing large quantities of fabric for my wedding reception, and hoping that some of it will make it through the night unscathed, I'm thinking of all the projects I can do with it after the wedding.



Like making curtains for the kitchen windows, cute padded seats for the kitchen chairs, clothing and things like that.



Of course, I have to obtain a sewing machine and learn to use it first.



But I think getting inspiration is just as important.



My obsession with the singer Devil Doll led me to this book: "Home Rockanomics: 54 Projects and Recipes for Style on the Edge."



Heidi Minx, the author, is also responsible for Punk Rock Domestics, a forum for people to share their recipes, ideas and decorating tips.



I don't have the book yet, but it's being ordered. Along with several of the craft-y books that Amazon suggested.



I've been thinking that I need to take my crafty production up a notch from knitting scarves - and after one failed attempt at knitting a baby blanket (it's maybe 1/3 done and the baby is now 6 months old...), I think sewing will be a good next step.



I don't expect to be awesome right away, but I'm excited by the prospect of all the cool things I will eventually be able to make. And there is so much cool fabric to be found.



EBay is an awesome source for unique and inexpensive designs.



I can't wait to get started!



Has anyone else read this or any other crafty/domestic hobby kind of books?

This story was originally published March 31, 2010 at 12:56 PM with the headline "'Home Rockanomics': Edgy domestication."