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{Book Reviews} Making Mini Books; Quick Weekend Quilts; Creative Stuff.

November 23, 2012 By Spoonful of Sugar - 1 Comment

Do you have books on your gift list this year? We always love to give (and receive) books – especially craft and baking books.  We have three titles today that would be suited for crafty types who like quick projects and creative activities.

Making Mini Books: Big Ideas for 30+ Little Projects by Kathleen McCafferty showcases 30+ projects for making mini books. If you are a lover of stationery and little books like us, you will enjoy learning how to make books in a variety of styles including Japanese stab binding, pamphlet stitch, and other traditional book binding methods. It also includes quick and easy no sew mini books that are suited to beginners.

Interesting and varied materials for the mini books include old hard cover books; playing cards; bingo cards; leather; wallpaper; and more to make lots of one-of-kind books. A basic toolkit is discussed, and then each project includes looks of step by step instructions, full sized templates, and photos to guide you through the process. We recommend this book for teens and adults who enjoy paper crafting. Some of the designs are super cute – especially the Seed Journal (made from vintage seed packets); Necklace Journal (to hold your secret hopes and dreams); and Record It (giving an old 45 LP Record new life as a journal cover).

Making Mini Books features dozens of inspiration and tips for making little books to use and to create for friends.

Book Details:
Publisher:    Lark Books
Format:       Paperback, 144 pages
ISBN:         9781454702009
RRP:           $24.99

Making Mini Books is available from Fishpond, Can Do Books, and Booktopia.

Quick Weekend Quilts by Debbie Mumm includes 45 fast quilting projects that can be made in a weekend. Projects are many and varied and include: quilts, wall hanging’s  table runners, art quilts, kitchen accessories, and more. I taught myself to quilt using a couple of Debbie Mumm books and her country fabrics over 10 years ago. Her quick cutting and piecing methods got me hooked on patchwork. It is great to see that she has a new book out with a more contemporary range of projects.

The designs in the book are modern and varied.Quick Weekend Quilts includes full sized templates, detailed cutting instructions to save time, and lots of coloured diagrams to illustrate each step.  We recommend this book for beginner to intermediate quilters who like quick, modern projects. You can see a Google Preview of the book with more images at Fishpond.

Book Details:
Publisher:     Leisure Arts
Format:        Paperback, 128 pages
ISBN:          9781609004118
RRP:            $34.99
Quick Weekend Quilts is available from Fishpond, Booktopia, and Can Do Books.

Creative Stuff: An Activity Book for Visual Thinkers by Dave Gouveia and Chris Elkerton is a workbook for Visual Thinkers, that includes interactive games, challenges, and exercises aimed at jump-starting your creativity, to get your creative mojo moving.This is the sort of book that you can pick up and do a few pages whenever you need some inspiration.  It includes lots of interesting facts and engaging activities. We think it would make a great gift for teens or adults interested in art, media, and graphic design. It really helps you think outside the box. You can see a Google Preview of the book at Fishpond.

Book Details:
Publisher:    How Books
Format:       Spiral Bound, 184 pages
ISBN:         9781440304200
RRP:           $29.99

Creative Stuff is available from Fishpond, Can Do Books,  and Booktopia.

Disclaimer: Please note that we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from distributors/publishers. We are affiliates of Fishpond. 


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Filed Under: Crafts, Uncategorized Tagged With: book review

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Comments

  1. Anne Downing says

    November 24, 2012 at 3:45 pm

    Looks like those books will keep you busy for days!

    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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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.For this Ribbon Pouch, I used the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection (printed on Lasenby cotton and released in January 2026). The colours and motifs pair so well with the little ribbon tie detail.Here’s how to 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 — easy peasy, and it gives the pouch such an elevated, professional finish. I love how clean and sturdy the result is.Fabric is Gifts from the Garden by Liberty - kindly provided by @regent_street_fabrics — thank you!If you’d like the Ribbon Pouch pattern (it comes in 3 sizes), comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Ribbon Pouch Sewing Pattern: available in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop ( links in profile).#SewingInspiration #SewingProjects #Eyelets #Grommets #SnapPress
The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad & Placemat Set show The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad & Placemat Set showcases one of my favourite FPP designs — a stunning kaleidoscope‑style block that always turns out beautifully. Kaleidoscope blocks are some of my most popular FPP patterns, and this set is such a fun way to use them.  This set includes six sizes, making it incredibly versatile: use them as hot pads, trivets, placemats, or simply as a way to add a pop of colour to your kitchen.For these samples, I went with a monochromatic scrap‑busting approach, pairing fabrics from the same colour family with a low‑volume background. The black‑and‑white striped binding adds such a crisp, modern finish. It’s a wonderful project for building your FPP confidence — and a fantastic way to use up those treasured scraps.The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad set is our Pattern of the Week. It is currently 25% off this week in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.If you’d like to sew your own set, comment TWIRL and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you.Happy sewing! Lisa 🌸#FoundationPaperPiecing #Quilting #HotPads #ScrapBuster #KitchenSewing
The Ribbon Pouch is one of those little makes that The Ribbon Pouch is one of those little makes that feels special from the very first stitch. I made this sweet trio in the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection, and the colours couldn’t be more perfect for gifting, organising, or adding a little beauty to your everyday.Each pouch features: 🌼 A simple ribbon tie closure 🎀 Optional sew‑in tags or DIY felt/fabric labels 🧵 Three practical sizes — perfect for notions, treats, or small gifts ✨ A quick, beginner‑friendly sewIf you’d like to make your own, comment RIBBON and I’ll send the pattern link straight to your inbox. Save this for your next weekend project — it’s such a satisfying little sew. Pattern is available in our Pattern Store.Thanks to @regent_street_fabric for the Gifts from the Garden fabric collection. (released Jan 2026)#SewingInspiration #SewingProjects #LibertyFabric #SewingPatterns #BeginnerSewing
Let’s sew a Penguin Love Coaster — the sweetest li Let’s sew a Penguin Love Coaster — the sweetest little project for Valentine’s Day gifting. Penguin Love is an irresistibly cute mugrug featuring a tiny penguin offering up a heart, brought to life with simple raw‑edge appliqué. It’s scrap‑friendly, beginner‑friendly, and such a joyful way to use those favourite little fabric pieces you’ve been saving.Whether you’re sewing for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or simply to brighten someone’s day, this quick make delivers instant charm. It’s gift‑ready, fun, and full of personality — the perfect little addition to your sewing table or a thoughtful handmade surprise for someone you love.Pattern Details: Penguin Love Mugrug PDF Sewing Pattern is available in our Pattern Store & Etsy Shop.If you’d like the link, comment PENGUIN and I’ll send the link straight to you.#rawedgeapplique #ValentinesDaySewing #HandmadeValentine #SewingProjects #BeginnerFriendlySewing
If you love making handmade gifts, here’s one of m If you love making handmade gifts, here’s one of my favourite ways to make them feel extra special — it’s all in the details. ✨This is my All Seasons Gift Tote, sewn in the beautiful Liberty Gifts from the Garden fabric. It’s a simple, versatile tote… but the right finishing touches can take it from “homemade” to handcrafted and professional.In the reel I’m sharing three of my go‑to upgrades:
✔️ Cotton bag strapping for structure and durability
✔️ Linen labels for a soft, elevated finish
✔️ Sew‑in tags to give your project that boutique feelThese little additions are quick, inexpensive, and make such a difference — especially when you’re gifting your makes.If you’d like more details on the All Seasons Gift Tote pattern, comment Seasons below and I’ll send the link straight to you.Happy sewing, friends. I hope this inspires you to add a little extra magic to your next project. ✂️Pattern Details: All Seasons Gift Tote available in my Pattern Store
Fabric Details: Gifts from the Garden by Liberty fabrics. Printed on Lasenby cotton. Thanks to @Regent_street_fabrics#libertyfabric #sewinginspiration #sewingtips #weekendsewing #bagmaking
10 Valentine’s Projects to Sew This Weekend ✨ If y 10 Valentine’s Projects to Sew This Weekend ✨ If you’re ready to add a little sweetness to your sewing table, this week’s carousel is packed with heart‑themed inspiration. These projects are quick, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for using scraps or mini charm squares — my favourite kind of weekend sewing.Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones made slowly, thoughtfully, and by hand. Whether you’re stitching for someone special, decorating your home, or simply enjoying a creative moment for yourself, these little makes are such a joy.Inside the carousel you’ll find 10 of my most loved Valentine’s sewing patterns — all available in my pattern store.If you’d like the links to the patterns, simply comment Valentines below and I’ll send them straight to you.Happy sewing, friends — I hope this collection sparks your creativity for the season ahead.#sewingpattern #valentinesewing #scrapbustingproject #minicharmsquares #aspoonfulofsugardesigns weekendsewing
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