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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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Bright fabrics, tiny pouches, and the cutest littl Bright fabrics, tiny pouches, and the cutest little closure hack ✨ Instead of hunting for narrow elastic cord, I use colourful hair ties — they’re sturdy, stretchy, and perfect for sewing into button‑loop closures on the Mini Treat Pouch. Such a simple trick, and it works
beautifully with bold prints like these Ruby Star Society favourites.This beginner‑friendly pattern includes full‑size templates and step‑by‑step photos, so you can sew a sweet little gift in no time.🪡 Comment TREAT for the pattern link
🛍️ Also available in our Pattern Store + Etsy Shop (links in bio)What sewing shortcut do you swear by? I love a clever hack that makes handmade gifts even sweeter ✂️#MiniTreatPouch #SewingHack #ScrapFriendlySewing #ModernSewingPatterns
#ASpoonfulofSugarDesigns
Sharing a new Quadra Pouch sewn in the upcoming Ti Sharing a new Quadra Pouch sewn in the upcoming Tilda Village Life collection. The same floral blender print appears in burgundy, ochre, teal and blue, giving each corner its own pretty moment.The Quadra has a clever flat base, folds completely flat between uses, and comes in three beginner‑friendly sizes. Such a handy little make.Comment QUADRA and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern Details: Quadra Pouch — available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#tildavillagelife #quadrapouch #drawstringpouch #sewingpattern
#flatbasepouch  @tilda_australia
✨ Small festive touches make handmade feel special ✨ Small festive touches make handmade feel special.This Mini Treat Pouch is quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for gifting — especially when you add sweet details like stitched tags, ribbon trims, elastic loops, or wooden buttons.A tiny Christmas project that’s endlessly customisable and always fun to make.Comment TREAT for the pattern link.
Available in my Pattern Store + Etsy Shop.Fabric: Tilda Merry Little Christmas with thanks to @ tilda_australia#christmassewing #minitreatpouch #scrapfriendlysewing #giftbagpattern
#aspoonfulofsugardesigns
I’ve been sewing with the upcoming Tilda Village L I’ve been sewing with the upcoming Tilda Village Life collection, and couldn’t resist making a Quadra Pouch using all four floral blender colourways —burgundy, teal, ochre and blue. The small scale florals are perfect for small makes.The Quadra Pouch comes in three sizes, stands tall, and has a clever flat base with no boxed corners. I added a satin drawstring and a sew‑in tag for a sweet finish. They’re perfect for sewing supplies, gifts, or travel essentials.If you’d like the pattern link, comment QUADRA and I’ll send it straight through.
Available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Fabric: Tilda Village Life (available 1 October) with thanks to @tilda_AustraliaPattern: Quadra Pouch (3 Sizes) - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop#quadrapouch #tildavillagelife #tildafabric #ilovetilda #2greenzebras
Meet the Quadra Pouch — a clever flat‑base design Meet the Quadra Pouch — a clever flat‑base design that comes in three super‑useful sizes. Beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, and perfect for
showing off pretty prints.I stitched this pouch in the upcoming Tilda Village Life collection, using the same floral in burgundy, ochre, teal and blue. Each corner is different, which makes the whole pouch feel extra special.Want the pattern link?
Comment QUADRA and I’ll send it straight through.Pattern Details: Quadra Pouch Sewing Pattern (3 Sizes)Fabric Credit: Tilda Village Life - available 1 October with thanks to @tilda_australia#quadrapouch #tildavillagelife #tildafabric #sewingpattern #ilovetilda
A quick, satisfying make for your weekend ✂️ This A quick, satisfying make for your weekend ✂️
This Easy Hexagon Trivet comes together in minutes — no binding, straight seams, and a very pleasing turn‑through moment.Perfect for charm packs, leftover 10" squares, or your favourite scraps.Comment TRIVET for the pattern link.Pattern Details: Easy Hexagon Trivet & Coasters — available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#easysewingproject #scrapsewing #beginnersewing #sewingreels #weekendsewing
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