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{Book Reviews} Sewing Titles

August 2, 2013 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 3 Comments

We have two new titles for sewing lovers today.

Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses by Sweet Seams contains more than 25 easy, pattern free designs for little girls. The dresses all start with a basic T-Shirt. Fabric and embellishments are then added to create one of a kind dresses. Using a T-Shirt as a basis for a dress is genius – they are inexpensive and you don’t have to worry about tricky necklines, sleeves, zippers or buttonholes. You can even up-cycle T-shirts that are too short or stained at the hem.
The book includes handy tips and techniques for making T-Shirt dresses, and templates for some of the patterns. Each pattern includes lots of great photos that showcase the design. You are shown how to prepare the T-Shirt for the dress, and step by step instructions with diagrams/photos to guide you through the process.
Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses includes many different designs that suit young girls. Pretty fabric, ruffles, trims and embellishments help create one of kind dresses, that are fun and practical to wear. Great if time is short but you love to make your daughters clothes.
Book Details:
Publisher:   Sixth and Spring
Format:      Paperback, 112 pages
ISBN:        9781936096497
RRP:         $18.99
Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses is available from Booktopia
How to Make Stuffed Animals by Sian Keegan showcases 18 designs for modern, simple animals. It features a wide variety of animals including – bunny, narwhal, squirrel, penguin, fox, cat, bear, pug, raccoon and more. All the animals can be made with just one fat quarter of fabric ( or 23 cm/1/4 yard) or you can experiment with recycled clothing.
The book is for anyone with the most basic of sewing skills. There is a helpful chapter guiding you through the basics of toy making. The toys can be used to create a mobile, cake topper, ornament or simply as softies. Templates are included at the back of the book (they need to be enlarged). Each design has lots of step by step drawings to help you with the construction methods.

Check out the google preview for more images of the book.  The animals are all so charming.The hard part is deciding which one to make first. We recommend this book to anyone who wants to venture into making soft toys and loves modern patterns.

Book Details:
Publisher:    Quarry Books
Format:       Paperback, 128 pages
ISBN:         9781592537990
RRP:           $29.99
How to Make Stuffed Animals is available from Can Do Books and Booktopia.
Disclaimer: Please note we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from distributors/publishers

Filed Under: Sewing Tagged With: book review

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Comments

  1. Karen O'Farrell says

    August 2, 2013 at 2:49 am

    I love the idea of the t-shirt dresses for my girl who wont wear traditional dresses – this might just work! Thanks

    Reply
  2. Cherry Blossom Handmade Gifts says

    August 3, 2013 at 2:31 am

    This has inspired me to make more for my own kids….. I used to but got side tracked making for others 🙂 T-shirt dresses are a fab idea 🙂 Thanks!

    Reply
  3. Nancy says

    August 7, 2013 at 9:13 am

    After receiving this post in my email I went straight to Amazon and Ordered this Book. It arrived yesterday and today I am digging in! The way she has the Instructions laid out is perfect for beginner plus sewers. Thanks so much for sharing this great book!!

    Huggs, Nancy

    Reply

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PURCHASE PDF PATTERNS

We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

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A quick, useful sew that always turns out sweet. T A quick, useful sew that always turns out sweet. The Handy Drawstring Pouch is one of my most‑loved patterns because it ticks all four pillars: useful, giftable, beginner‑friendly, and scrap‑friendly. Sew it in three sizes to suit anything from small notions to travel essentials.This one is made in Tilda Songbird and comes together fast with neat, satisfying steps. Perfect for gifts, organising, or weekend sewing.Comment HANDY and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you. 💗Pattern Details: Handy Drawstring Pouch ( available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop).Fabric: Tilda Songbird, with thanks from @tilda_australia#handydrawstringpouch #drawstringbag #tildafabric #sewingproject #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
A little patchwork magic for Spring 🐰✨ This Bunny A little patchwork magic for Spring 🐰✨ This Bunny Coaster comes together so quickly — perfect for scraps, gifting, or adding a sweet touch to your table.Comment BUNNY for the pattern link. Pattern is available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#bunnycoaster #eastersewing #scrapbusting #patchworkprojects #eastercrafts
Mug rugs are one of the most satisfying projects t Mug rugs are one of the most satisfying projects to sew — quick to finish, perfect for scraps, and such a lovely way to build your skills in small, low‑pressure steps. Little details like trimming curves, pressing well, and choosing the right batting can make a big difference to how flat and polished your mug rugs look.Swipe through for simple, beginner‑friendly tips that help your seams stay smooth, your corners turn neatly, and your finish feel more professional. Save this for the next time you need a quick, satisfying project.If you’re ready for your next make, I have a collection of 30+ mug rug and coaster patterns in my store — you’ll find the links in my profile.#mugrug #mugrugpattern #beginnersewingproject #scrapbustingsewing #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
My most‑made gift? The Bakers Buddy Mitt.Here ar My most‑made gift? The Bakers Buddy Mitt.Here are 3 reasons it’s always on my sewing table:
• No binding, which means it’s quick and beginner‑friendly
• Layers of Insul-Brite + batting to protect your hand
• A modern shape that looks beautiful in any stash fabricWant the pattern link? Comment BAKER and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.Perfect for gifting, scrap‑friendly, and such a satisfying make.Pattern details: Bakers Buddy Mitt (available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop).#quicksewingproject #beginnersewing #makersgonnamake #scrapbusting #giftideas
Why makers love this little pouch duo ✨The Hand Why makers love this little pouch duo ✨The Handy Drawstring Pouch + Mini Treat Pouch make such a sweet set — all beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, and perfect for using up your favourite fabric scraps. They’re lovely for gifting, organising, or adding a pop of colour to your sewing space.You’ll get both patterns in the bundle, and you’ll also save 25% — a thank you for choosing two of our most‑loved pouch designs.Which pouch would you sew first?Patterns linked in bio. Comment BAGDUO for the bundle link.Fabric: Tilda Songbird collection, kindly supported by @tilda_australia.#sewingcommunity #pouchmaker #beginnersewer #scrapfriendly #sewingpattern
The Scalloped Gift Bag is such a sweet little make The Scalloped Gift Bag is such a sweet little make — beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, and perfect for Easter or spring gifting. The colourful felt stars (or hearts!) are a lovely way to use your favourite felt scraps, and the scalloped edging adds that extra touch of charm.Comment SCALLOP for the pattern link.Pattern Details: Scalloped Gift Bag Pattern ( available in our Pattern Store & Etsy Shop)#scallopedgiftbag #sewingpattern #eastersewing #scrapfriendlysewing #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
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