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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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✨ Sew a Little Magic ✨ Turn your scraps into somet ✨ Sew a Little Magic ✨ Turn your scraps into something truly enchanting. This Mushroom House Pouch is a whimsical little make with a practical heart — perfect for storing sewing notions, tiny treasures, kids’ keepsakes, or even game‑night dice.Each one feels like a fairy‑tale moment stitched in fabric. Quick to sew, joyful to gift, and guaranteed to make someone smile.💬 Comment MUSHROOM for the link to the pattern🧵 Pattern: Mushroom House Pouch Sewing Pattern - available in our Pattern Store.#mushroomhousepouch #sewingpattern #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingcommunity #handmadegifts
Welcome, new friends! I’m Lisa, the maker behind A Welcome, new friends! I’m Lisa, the maker behind A Spoonful of Sugar Designs 🧵If you’re looking for sewing projects that are: • Beginner‑friendly (easy to start) • Scrap‑friendly (use what you already have) • Quick to sew (finish in a weekend) • Giftable (perfect for sharing handmade love)…you’ve found your spot.I’d love to get to know you — please introduce yourself in the comments so we can connect. And if you’d like weekly inspiration, subscriber‑only freebies, and discounts, comment NEWSLETTER below to join my mailing list.I’m so glad you’re here — let’s make sewing part of your everyday.#sewingcommunity #beginnersewing #scrapsewing #quicksewingproject #giftablemakes
Sew Everyday Kitchen Helpers 🤍 A cosy collection o Sew Everyday Kitchen Helpers 🤍 A cosy collection of pot holders, oven mitts, and hot pads designed for real, everyday use — and perfect for your next weekend sewing session.These projects are:
• Beginner‑friendly so anyone can jump in • Scrap‑friendly to make the most of what you already have
• Quick to sew for instant satisfaction • Giftable for friends, family, and thoughtful handmade momentsSave this carousel for later.  Patterns are available in my Pattern Store or Etsy shop. Your kitchen (and your gift drawer) will thank you.#sewingpattern #sewingproject #weekendsewing #kitchensewing #handmadehome
✨ Love polka dots? Step inside a fairy‑tale pouch! ✨ Love polka dots? Step inside a fairy‑tale pouch! ✨ These little Mushroom Houses are perfect hideaways for treasures — whether it’s sewing notions, kids’ keepsakes, or even dice for game night. A quick make that’s as magical as it is practical. 🍄💫Find the pattern in our shop or Etsy, and don’t forget:
👉 Comment MUSHROOM for the link!Pattern Details: Mushroom House Pouch Sewing Pattern#mushroomhousepouch #sewingpattern #sewinglove #sewingcommunity #pouchmaker
Got scraps piling up again? Turn those tiny offcut Got scraps piling up again? Turn those tiny offcuts into the cutest little storage solution — the Bitsy Basket! Quick to sew, endlessly useful, and just plain adorable. Perfect for holding clips, threads, or even a little treat.Save this idea for your next scrap‑busting session, and don’t forget: 👉 Comment BASKET for the pattern link!Pattern Details: Bitsy Basket PDF Sewing Pattern - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#bitsybasket #sewinglove #scrapbusing #sewingcommunity #weekendsewing
🔌✂️ Tame Your Cords in Style! Our Cord Cosy keeps 🔌✂️ Tame Your Cords in Style! Our Cord Cosy keeps chargers, earbuds, and cables neat and tidy — no more tangles in your bag or drawer. It’s scrap‑friendly, beginner‑friendly, and a quick sew you’ll love.✨ Free pattern available — comment CORD and I’ll send you the link to the pattern.🌸 Perfect weekend project + a thoughtful handmade gift idea.#scrapsewing #sewinglove #weekendsewing #beginnersewingproject #sewingtutorial
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