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French General: Home Sewn review

November 10, 2008 by jessica neaves 2 Comments

Kaari Meng of French General has put together another great book of projects, this time a collection of designs for the home entitled French General: Home Sewn, published by Chronicle Books. I was interested to see what projects would be included in the book and was excited to see that several of the 30 projects were for the bathroom and bedroom. The book focuses on using vintage fabric and notions, but of course each pattern could be made with modern materials. Meng gives tips on how to find and care for vintage fabrics, as well as age newer fabric.

The book has designs for three difficulty levels: beginner, experienced and advanced and you must be familiar with using a sewing machine for all the patterns. Bed and bath projects include sheets and pillowcases, a bed skirt, bath towel and wash mitt, bath mat, shower curtain, and lavender filled cushions. The book is beautifully designed with lots of pictures and well drawn diagrams in addition to easy to follow directions to make creating any project as easy as can be.

Another bonus about the book that I love is that it is spiral bound, making it easier to work with when following the patterns. There’s also a techniques section to help with new or forgotten skills.

With 30 projects for every room of your home, you’re sure to find inspiration in this eye candy-filled book! And with the holidays coming up, the book is also a great resource for handmade gift ideas.

Find the book at Chronicle Books or Amazon.

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Comments

  1. casserole says

    November 10, 2008 at 8:57 am

    Great review! This sounds like an awesome book!!

  2. jessica neaves says

    November 10, 2008 at 10:58 pm

    Thanks, casserole! Believe me, it’s worth checking out, even if it’s just for the lovely pictures!

Have you read?

The New Menopause: Your Ultimate Guide to Navigating Hormonal Change with Confidence and Power

As someone who’s been navigating the tumultuous waters of perimenopause, I can honestly say that finding a resource like The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver has been nothing short of a lifeline. It’s often said that knowledge is power, and this book does exactly that—empowering women to take charge of their health during a time when our bodies are changing in ways that can feel overwhelming and frustrating.

In my own experience with perimenopause, I’ve struggled with symptoms like irregular sleep patterns, mood swings, and weight gain that seemed to come out of nowhere. The feeling of loss of control over my body was not only physical but emotional. Dr. Haver’s approach to menopause is refreshingly holistic—she not only presents scientific facts but also provides real-life, relatable advice to help women thrive through this stage of life, not just survive.

The book covers everything from physical symptoms, like changes in skin and sleep patterns, to neurological, psychological, and even sexual health concerns. Dr. Haver also does a fantastic job of addressing the long-term health risks that come with the drop in estrogen levels, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease. For women like myself who want to be proactive, her science-backed toolkit on what steps to take is both comprehensive and actionable.

One of the most helpful sections for me was about advocating for myself during doctor visits. I’ve often felt like my concerns were brushed aside or minimized, and Dr. Haver empowers readers with practical questions to ask their doctors and the tools to secure comprehensive care—something I desperately needed.

In addition to all the invaluable health insights, the book also touches on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), explaining the latest research and balancing both the benefits and potential side effects, which gave me the confidence to make informed decisions about my own treatment options.

Essential Oils for Menopause Relief:

For those of us trying to manage symptoms naturally, essential oils can be an incredible tool. In addition to Dr. Haver’s advice, I’ve found that certain essential oils have helped me feel more balanced during perimenopause:

  1. Clary Sage – Known for its calming effects, it helps with mood swings and hot flashes.

  2. Peppermint – Excellent for headaches and nausea, common issues during hormonal fluctuations.

  3. Lavender – Great for sleep support, especially if your sleep is disrupted due to night sweats or anxiety.

  4. Geranium – Supports hormonal balance and can alleviate feelings of irritability.

  5. Frankincense – Can help with anxiety and stress, grounding your mind and body.

  6. Ylang Ylang – A sweet floral oil that can boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

  7. Rose – Known for supporting emotional well-being and can help with feelings of sadness or low self-esteem.

I use a few drops of these oils in a diffuser before bed, or dilute them with a carrier oil for a soothing massage, especially on areas like my neck and shoulders when I feel tension or discomfort.

The New Menopause is not just a guide—it’s a celebration of empowerment, helping women reclaim their vitality during a period of change. Dr. Haver provides a comprehensive blueprint for not only surviving menopause but thriving through it, arming us with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take control of our health at this pivotal stage in our lives. This book is an essential read for any woman going through this transition, and it’s sure to become a trusted companion in your menopause journey.

If you’re feeling lost or unsure, I highly recommend picking up The New Menopause. It’s time to embrace this phase of life with purpose, power, and—most importantly—self-care.

 

Updated to add, I have just purchased this Menopause blend   of hormone balance drops and will update with my review shortly.

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