This week I am reading I Love Patchwork and Sewing with Scraps – two craft books that have been written by bloggers. My sewing/craft book collection seems to be growing but I always enjoy looking through them. I love how shopping at the Book Depository makes it more affordable for Australians to buy books at a fraction of the local price. (I am waiting for two more books to arrive as well – I love Birthday money – I think my extended family know how much I love selecting craft books!)
I love the zakka style and have a growing collection of Japanese craft magazines so was drawn to I Love Patchwork. It was nice to find a book in a similar style that is written in English. I love the use of natural linen that Rashida Coleman-Hale uses in her projects. Teamed with brightly coloured quilting cottons, they have a timeless appeal. Most projects are suitable for beginner to intermediate sewers. Here are some of my favourite projects from the book:
Sewing with Scraps has some brightly coloured projects in it – many suitable as gifts for children, and the projects are aimed at beginner to intermediate sewers. I would have loved to have seen more photographs in the book – as each project is only photographed once – some detail shots, and overview shots would have been helpful, rather than just hand drawn diagrams. All templates are full size which is a bonus.
Some of my favourite projects from the book are:
As you know, I am a big lover of Japanese fabrics, especially all the kawaii prints. I received a lovely package last week from Sarah at QFD with some fun Kokka and Lecien prints, teamed with some co-ordinating spots, checks, and stripes. I have some fun plans for these – stay tuned! Sarah is giving away a $50 gift voucher to her gorgeous store, go over here to enter.
I have been super busy sewing up a storm lately – unfortunately there is nothing I can show here at the moment. Hope to be back with some sewing projects before long.
Oh I love all of your goodies. I have several projects going on right now but unfortunately it is not sewing. I love seeing all of your projects. Have fun!
Those japanese prints are just gorgeous…can’t wait to see what you make with them!
Thanks for sharing. I love new books and always appreciate hearing insights on new items.
SewCalGal
http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Very, very cute projects!
I am itching to have a wee look through your new books.
I like the white polka dot border on your blog 🙂
I love ‘I love patchwork’, It arrived and is just the most perfect book! I can’t wait to use it!
the other book looks just lovely too
Corrie:)
Lovely wory -lovely fabrics! Have a great day! //Eva
I really think you are a bad(or maybe good) influence on me ! Guess where I’m going now !!!Thanks.
OK, that was a fun post. Now I want to go get some craft books. -like I don’t have a dozen projects in the works already –
OMG you have given me a new obsession… Shashiko. I had never seen it before (as I am only new to sewing) but I just love the look. I am madly searching the net to find out more. Thanks to you today I bought my very own copy of patchwork book. Can’t wait to see it for real. Thanks for your inspiration.
love me 🙂
You can never have too many zakka and japanese books, especially when they’re full of such wonderful projects! I wish I could get them in stores here. I’m too much of a scrooge to buy them online.
What a great overview of those books!
I am in love with that pencil case. I know it’s so simple but something about it really speaks to me!
HUGS!
So many wonderful projects. I really like the pencil case! Very “kawaii” (which translates to “cute” in Japanese)
Such lovely projects! I love that linen look too!
What fun projects you’ve picked as your favorites! Thanks for sharing these and the books you are enjoying. ~karen
love that package of Japanese prints you received! I don’t own any, but I love your selection. I still haven’t purchased Rashida’s book, so I’m loving your preview. Still adoring Sandi’s new book, especially those darn cute lanterns. I bought the lanterns but haven’t made them into patchwork lanterns yet.
And you gotta love the fact that Book Depository can get the books to you in a week! Cheaper and faster – winner.
That “forest owl” from Sewing with Scraps may be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen…
That first little pencil case is just darling!! Some lovely ideas!