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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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One pattern, endless possibilities! 🍂🎄 The free H One pattern, endless possibilities! 🍂🎄The free Holly Jolly Tree pattern can be stitched in harvest colours for autumn decorating or transformed into a festive Christmas tree using your favourite holiday fabrics.Swipe to see four completely different looks created from the same beginner-friendly pattern.Comment TREE and I'll send you the link to grab the free pattern.#hollyjollytree #freesewingpattern #holidaysewing #makersgonnamake #quicksewing
From a simple hexie flower to a sweet drawstring p From a simple hexie flower to a sweet drawstring pouch!This beginner-friendly project combines a little English Paper Piecing with simple sewing to create the perfect gift, project pouch, or scrap-friendly make.💬 Comment GARDEN and I'll send you the pattern link.Pattern Details: Hexie Garden Pouch ( available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop).#hexiegardenpouch #englishpaperpiecing #eppsewing #pouchpattern #beginnersewing
🎄 Quick. Cute. Giftable. 🎄 The Mini Treat Pouch i 🎄 Quick. Cute. Giftable. 🎄The Mini Treat Pouch is one of those projects you'll find yourself making again and again. It's quick to sew, fun to personalise, and perfect for Christmas gifting.Fill it with candy, gift cards, jewellery, beauty treats, sewing notions, or other little treasures. Add a ribbon tab or decorative patch for an extra-special finishing touch.Featuring a fold-over top, button loop closure, handy back pocket, and fully lined construction, it's a sweet little project that's as practical as it is charming.Which fabric would you choose? ❤️ Red 💚 Green 💙 Blue✨ Comment TREAT for the pattern link.The Mini Treat Pouch pattern is available in my Pattern Store and Etsy shop.#christmassewing #tildafabric #tildamerrylittlechristmas #giftsewing #pdfsewingpattern
The pattern you've been asking for just got even b The pattern you've been asking for just got even better! 🎄The Hexie Holiday Placemat is now available in 2 sizes, giving you more options for holiday decorating and gift giving. Use the smaller size for mugs and treats, or the larger size for festive table settings.Perfect for Christmas fabrics, holiday scraps, and foundation paper piecing enthusiasts.Comment HOLIDAY and I'll send you the link! ❤️#foundationpaperpiecing #christmassewing #quiltingprojects #sewingpattern #tildafabric
Looking for a fun way to package small gifts, fest Looking for a fun way to package small gifts, festive treats, gift cards, or little treasures? 🎁The Mini Treat Pouch is as practical as it is cute, featuring:
• A sweet button and elastic closure
 • A handy back pocket for notes, gift cards, or tags
 • A beginner-friendly design that's quick to sew
 • Perfect for Christmas gifting and everyday surprisesThis version is stitched in beautiful Merry Happy fabric by Ruby Star Society, bringing a cheerful and modern holiday feel to every pouch.
❤️Comment TREAT below and I'll send you the link to the pattern! ✨Available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#SewingPattern #ChristmasSewing #RubyStarSociety #HandmadeGiftIdeas
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🐈 Which Sleepy Cat are you? Are you a Classic Cat 🐈 Which Sleepy Cat are you?Are you a Classic Cat who loves timeless fabrics, a Festive Cat already planning Christmas sewing, or a Spooky Cat embracing all things Halloween?Swipe through and find your Sleepy Cat personality, then tell us in the comments!✨ Comment SLEEPY and I'll send you a link to the Sleepy Cat Mug Rug pattern.Pattern Details: Sleepy Cat Mugrug pattern - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop#sleepycatmugrug
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