Take a Tea Towel by Jemima Schlee is a beautifully styled book, that showcases 16 clever designs to transform a humble tea towel into useful items for your home. The author has used Irish linen Tea Towels which give the book a French country vibe which is really inspiring. It is the perfect book for a the beginner sewer as the projects can be easily made in an afternoon and material costs can be kept to a minimum by using tea towels. With a huge range of tea towels available, including modern and retro tea towels, you can definitely make the projects your own using your selection of materials.
The projects are categorized into The Workroom, The Laundry Room, The Bathroom, and The Kitchen. Projects include Knitting Needle Roll, Bed Linen Envelopes, Vegetable Bags, and Hanging Roll. The projects are machine sewn and include some fun details that use techniques of embroidery, fabric painting, and iron-on transfers.
The book is beautifully photographed with loads of step by step instructions and images to guide you through the construction process. All the templates (apart from one) are shown at 100%. We recommend Take a Tea Towel to sewers of all ages and abilities.
Book Details:
Publisher: GMC Books
Format: Paperback, 128 pages
ISBN: 9781861087904
RRP: $29.99
Take a Tea Towel is available from Booktopia and Can Do Books.
Tilda Homemade & Happy by Tone Finnanger is a beautiful collection of Christmas decorations, quilts, pillows, angels, and stars in the signature Tilda style. Like all Tilda books, this volume is beautifully photographed and styled, which makes for an inspiring read. The sewing and craft patterns vary in complexity and would be suitable for a beginner through to a more advanced sewer. Combining elements of patchwork, applique, fabric painting, and hand quilting, there are plenty of sweet projects to tempt you.
The chapters include: Welcome; A Coy Hearth; Heart of a Home; Party Time; Sewing Angels; and Sweet Dreams. Projects include: Quilted Father Christmas; My Town Placemat; Sewn Sewing Machines; and Purses. Lots of projects to decorate your home or to give as gifts.
We recommend this book to Tilda lovers and anyone who loves the shabby chic style.
Book Details:
Publisher: David and Charles
Format: Paperback, 144 pages
ISBN: 9781446305904
RRP: $34.99
Tilda Homemade & Happy is available from Can Do Books and Booktopia.
Present Perfect, 25 Gifts to Sew and Bestow, by Betz White is a great collection of gifts to sew for celebrations such as birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, new homes, new babies and “just because”. There is a great collection of projects suitable for all ages. Betz White is well known for her upcycling ideas. Each project has a “stitched with meaning” tip which includes suggestions on how to repurpose materials (such as outgrown clothing, vintage sheets, thrifted wool suit) to add more meaning to your gift.
The book has beautiful photography to inspire you and all the project instructions have lots of steps and diagrams to help you achieve a great result. Projects vary in complexity and would be suitable for a beginner through to a more experienced sewer. The book includes a removable pattern sheet with full sized patterns.
Present Perfect is divided into: memorable Milestones; New and Little; and Happy Home. Some of our favourite projects include: Gentleman’s Travel Case; Cuddly Critter Mittens; Tag A Long Teddy. If you are looking for some inspiration to help you make some memorable handmade gifts, you will love Present Perfect.
Book Details:
Publisher: Interweave
Format: Paperback, 160 pages
ISBN: 9781596687776
RRP: $34.99
Present Perfect is available from Booktopia and Can Do Books.
Burlap is right on trend at the moment in home decorating. Burlap Boutique, Charming Accent Wreaths and Home Decor, by Katie Carter is filled with 18 projects using this versatile fabric. You can sew, stencil, embellish and manipulate this fabric to create items such as wreaths, banners, hoop art, placemats, garlands and more. If you love decorating you will love the eco-friendly ways to work with this affordable medium. The book is divided into: At Home; Wreaths; Gifts to Give; and Holidays. Burlap Boutique has lots of step by step photos to show you how to construct the projects. Many are no sew or low sew, so are perfect for crafters of all abilities. If you are looking for some fun and quick crafty projects to update your decor or to make for a party or special occasion, check out Burlap Boutique.
Book Details:
Publisher: Fons & Porter
Format: Paperback, 112 pages
ISBN:9781440241512
RRP: $29.99
Burlap Boutique is available from Can Do Books and Booktopia.
Disclaimer: Please note that we receive review copies of books from the distributor. All opinions are our own.
I really like the look of the Betz White book, especially as it has full sized patterns.
Everyone of these books just went on my wish list!
Thank you for sharing
There are so many wonderful sewing and craft titles available Tammy. Plenty of inspiration to be had.