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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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Turning pretty fabric scraps into something sweet Turning pretty fabric scraps into something sweet — this Handy Drawstring Pouch is such a joy to sew. It’s beginner‑friendly, quick to make, and the perfect little gift for anyone who loves handmade touches. Comment HANDY for the pattern link. Made in the beautiful Tilda Songbird collection. Pattern available in our Pattern store.Shown with our free pattern for the Threaded Tokens.Thanks to @Tilda_Australia for the fabric gift. #tildasongbird #tildafabric #sewingpattern #beginnersew #stashfriendly
Sharing a closer look at the Handy Drawstring Pouc Sharing a closer look at the Handy Drawstring Pouch today — a sweet little project that’s as practical as it is pretty. I stitched this one in the blue and gold colourway of the Tilda Songbird collection and love how the soft watercolour florals shine in a small make. The pouch features cleverly shaped panels (with no boxed corners), stands tall when in use, and folds completely flat for storage. It’s also reversible, which makes it such a fun and versatile sew.   These little pouches are perfect for organising your sewing room, gifting to a friend, or popping into a project bag.The pattern includes three sizes, and you can find it in both my Pattern Store and Etsy shop. Comment HANDY and I’ll send the link straight to your inbox.A big thank you to @tilda_australia for gifting the beautiful fabric.#tildasongbird #drawstringbagpattern #aspoonfulofsugardesigns #tildafabrics #sewingproject
Why sewists love the Baker’s Buddy… Smooth curves, Why sewists love the Baker’s Buddy… Smooth curves, no fiddly binding, and a beginner‑friendly construction that comes together fast. It’s practical, gift‑friendly, and one of my most popular patterns because it actually gets used in the kitchen.If you’re looking for a quick win that looks impressive and is useful, this is the one. Comment BAKER and I’ll send you the link to the pattern (available in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop).#sewinggifts #beginnerfriendlysewing #smallquiltedgift #quicksewing #sewingcommunity
I’ve had so much fun sewing with the beautiful new I’ve had so much fun sewing with the beautiful new Tilda Songbird collection — soft pastels, tiny motifs, and so many sweet details. Here’s a look at the beginner‑friendly projects I’ve made so far, perfect for gifting or using up your favourite scraps.You’ll find the paid patterns in my shop, and both free patterns (Love Tag + Threaded Tokens) are linked in my profile. What project is your favourite?Thanks for following along with my Songbird projects this month. I can’t wait to share more. Thanks to @Tilda_Australia for the fabric.#tildasongbird #iloveTilda #smallsewingprojects #makersgonnamake #sewingpatterns
A tiny basket that’s endlessly useful and so much A tiny basket that’s endlessly useful and so much fun to sew. This Bitsy Basket is made in the beautiful Tilda Songbird collection and filled with a few sewing favourites — the perfect way to turn small scraps into something sweet and giftable.It comes together quickly, uses very little fabric, and looks adorable with a Threaded Token atrached (the Threaded Token pattern is free — you’ll find the link in my profile).Comment BASKET and I’ll send you the link to the Bitsy Basket pattern in my shop.Shown in the gorgeous Tilda Songbird range. Thanks to @tilda_australia . Styled with a few sewing goodies from @sohmo_au  
#sewingproject #sewinglove #quicksewingproject #scrapsewing #tildasongbird
A little Valentine’s stitching, penguin‑style. The A little Valentine’s stitching, penguin‑style. These sweet penguins always make people smile — which one would you sew first?Comment PENGUIN for the pattern link (available in our pattern store and Etsy shop).Pattern: Penguin Love Mugrug#penguinlove #valentinesewing #sewingproject #scrapfriendlysewing #makersgonnamake
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