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{Book Reviews} Patchwork Gifts, and Stitch Savvy

June 13, 2013 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 3 Comments

We are reviewing a couple of titles today that will interest sewists and quilters. If you love to sew small projects for gifts, home decor, clothing etc, then you will find plenty of inspiration in these two new titles.

Pretty Patchwork Gifts by Helen Philipps is aptly titled, as it contains over 25 sweet projects made from pretty fabrics. The projects range from quick projects suitable for beginners to more challenging projects for intermediate sewers. Projects include: doll quilts, toy rabbits, pillows, bags, and more.

Helen Philipps has a great eye for colour. All the designs have been constructed in pretty florals, polka dots, and modern prints, which give the book a colourful, fresh look. Many techniques/materials have been used to embellish the projects, including patchwork, appliqué, embroidery, yoyo’s, buttons and more. Throughout the book there are helpful tips and creative ideas on how to make the projects your own.

Pretty Patchwork Gifts includes plenty of inspiring photos, step-by-step diagrams and templates, to guide you through the process. Most templates need to be enlarged.

If you enjoy making sweet gifts out of fabric, Pretty Patchwork Gifts is bound to provide plenty of inspiration. Pretty Patchwork Gifts is available from Booktopia.

Book Details:
Publisher:    David and Charles
Format:       Paperback, 128 Pages
ISBN:         9781446302132
RRP:          $29.99

Stitch Savvy by Deborah Moebes is a great resource for sewers who want to build their skills. It includes 25 Skill building projects to take your sewing technique to the next level. The book is divided into 5 tracks – home décor, handbags, kids’ items, quilting and clothing. Each track include 5 projects that start simple and then build on your skills. Cross referenced techniques allow you to move from project to project to explore and use different skills.

Stitch Savvy includes a very helpful Sewing Basics section when reviews supplies, techniques, terminology, and includes some mini warm up projects to get you started. Then it is time to start the major projects, which are graded in difficulty so you can find projects suitable to your skill level and then build on those skills. Some of the techniques covered include: piping, covering buttons, chain stitching, using fusible batting, stitching darts and more.

The book is beautifully photographed and styled, with modern fabrics used throughout. It includes clear step by step photographs, tutorial style, to explain each step of the way. A CD is included at the back of the spiral bound, hardcover book, which includes pdf patterns for 13 of the projects.

Stitch Savvy is a great book for any sewer who would love to build on their skills and learn new techniques.
A Google Preview is available over at Booktopia if you would like to see more of the inside pages. Stitch Savvy is available from Can Do Books and Booktopia

Book Details:
Publisher:   Krause Publications
Format:      Hardcover, 224 pages, Bonus CD includes 13 pdf patterns
ISBN:        9781440229473
RRP:         $29.99

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. Andréa says

    June 13, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    Quanta coisa linda!!!
    Passa lá no meu blog tem sorteio!
    bjs
    Andréa

    Reply
  2. Anita says

    June 14, 2013 at 5:00 pm

    Hi Lisa and Sarah,
    Love those gorgeous little houses, so cute. The book would be something special to have in the book case!!
    Cheers, Anita.

    Reply
  3. Jane Green says

    June 29, 2013 at 8:32 am

    Oh my goodness – pages of eye candy – Makes for much motivation – Thanks for sharing the info.

    Reply

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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 tiny pyramid that does it all — a pattern weight A tiny pyramid that does it all — a pattern weight for your sewing table, a book weight for cosy reading, or a scented sachet for your drawers. Small, sweet, and so satisfying to sew. Comment PYRAMID for the free pattern.Fabric: Something Blue by Tilda
@tilda_australia#sewingproject #tildafabric #beginnersewing #scrapsewing #Tildasomethingblue
Meet the sweetest little project you can sew in mi Meet the sweetest little project you can sew in minutes — the Pyramid Weight. Use it as a pattern weight, scented sachet, or even a book weight… all from one triangle of fabric. Comment PYRAMID for the free pattern.Fabric is Something Blue by Tilda, releasing 1 June 2026 — with thanks to @tilda_australia.#tildasomethingblue #tildafabric #freepattern #sewingtutorial #sewinglove
The Scrappy Strips Pouch is one of my favourite wa The Scrappy Strips Pouch is one of my favourite ways to use up leftover fabric strings. Today’s version is made from patchwork strips — a fun, relaxing sew that turns scraps into something beautiful and practical.The Scrappy Strips Pouch pattern has two versions - patchwork strings and selvedges - and two sizes. Comment SELVEDGE (or SELVAGE) for a link to the pattern.Pattern Details: Scrappy Strips Pouch Sewing Pattern is in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#ScrappyStripsPouch #ScrapBustingSewing #PatchworkPouch #StringQuilting #SewingProjects
If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets t If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets to your sewing projects, here’s a quick look at how I install them using my DK93 snap press. It’s the same tool I use for snaps — and it makes installing eyelets beautifully quick and consistent.Here’s how I install the eyelets:Punch out the four holes using a hole‑cutting die.Place the eyelet into the hole.Press it into place using the snap press.That’s it — simple, sturdy, and it gives the Ribbon Pouch such an elevated, professional finish. I love how clean and secure the result is.Fabric shown: Tilda Something Blue, releasing June 1 — thank you @tilda_australia for the beautiful fabric.✨ If you’d like the Ribbon Pouch pattern (3 sizes), comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Ribbon Pouch Sewing Pattern: available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop (links in profile).#tildasomethingblue #tildafabric #sewingtips #handmadeeveryday #sewingtools
The Ribbon Pouch is one of my favourite quick‑to‑s The Ribbon Pouch is one of my favourite quick‑to‑sew gift bags, and I couldn’t resist making a light and dark version using the new Tilda Something Blue collection. Both pouches use the same print in different colourways — such a pretty way to show how fabric choice changes the whole mood.They’re finished with satin ribbon threaded through grommets, and topped with a tiny star tag. The boxed base helps them stand beautifully, and the ribbon closure makes them perfect for birthdays, thank‑you gifts, treats, or little treasures.This is a beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, quick project you’ll want to sew again and again. Pattern includes 3 sizes.If you’d like the pattern, comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Pattern Details: Ribbon Pouch (3 Sizes) available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Fabric Details: Tilda Something Blue - releasing on 1 June 2026. Thanks to @tilda_australia#TildaSomethingBlue #TildaFabric #SewingPattern #BeginnerSewingProject #QuickSewingProject   
Sewing with scraps is one of my favourite ways to Sewing with scraps is one of my favourite ways to get creative — small pieces, leftover corners, charm‑square offcuts… they all have so much potential.Here are 10 scrap‑friendly projects that use small pieces beautifully. They’re quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for gifting ✂️✨Save this for the next time you want to turn your scraps into something pretty.Which one would you sew first?  Tell me in the comments — I love seeing what you’re making.Patterns are available in my pattern store (link in profile) or comment PATTERNS and I will send you the link. #scrapsewing #scrapbusting #scrapfriendly #sewinginspiration #sewingideas
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