What won me over to the pleadings of this text and give it a chance to fight for shelf space? The subtitle. 'Battery-Powered Crafts to Make and Sew'. A while ago, my husband and I collaborated on our first project (an amigurumi helicopter with an led and a rotor motor). Since then I've been wanting to do it again. While I don't need an electrical or computer engineer to successfully complete any of the projects in this book (disclaimer, I am a computer scientist) I wonder what will happen when I attempt to work on version two of anything I make. This book is a really good starting point for jumping off into the mashed world of electronics and fibre.
The binding of this book also had me swooning and debating taking a table saw and drill press to my other books. I really like it when reference books (i.e. stitch dictionaries, pattern books, style guides and cookbooks) lay flat.
One thing that caught my eye in the 'how to use this book' section a the start was an icon I'd not seen before -- but one I really like and appreciate. Sure, most crafters are familiar with the project difficulty scale, but this additional one was different-- a cost meter! It takes into account the extra notions (an LED, switch, or even some buttons) and how those could affect the cost of the project.
I was a little frustrated that the switch basic 'tools, skills, and elements' are buried at the back, but think perhaps by presenting the projects first, it helps to reduce the 'it's scary' syndrome.
What project will I make furst? I'm not sure, many of them appeal to me, which is another benefit of the book. There are a range of projects and while one or two might be trendy or avant-garde, I really think there is something in here for everyone that will let you jump in and have fun. ( )