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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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If you’re ready for some cosy Halloween sewing, th If you’re ready for some cosy Halloween sewing, this guide is packed with quick projects, scrappy makes, and festive ideas.Comment HALLOWEEN and I’ll send you the link to the  blog article with all 18 projects + tips for choosing fabrics and colours.Save this for when you need Halloween Sewing inspiration.#halloweensewing
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A clever little kit that goes wherever you do ✨ Th A clever little kit that goes wherever you do ✨
This Travel Sewing Kit opens flat so everything is easy to see, then folds into a neat triangle that slips into your tote or project bag.It’s quick to sew, scrap‑friendly, and one of those makes you end up using all the time — travel days, retreats, hand‑sewing projects, or those “quick fix” moments on the go.Comment TRAVEL and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern: Travel Sewing Kit — available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#travelsewing #sewingkit #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpattern #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Tiny Tote Trio ✨ Three bright, modern Tiny Totes Tiny Tote Trio ✨Three bright, modern Tiny Totes in Ruby Star Society prints — each with sweet linings, neat zipper tabs, and that satisfying open‑and‑close moment. Quick to sew, scrap‑friendly, and perfect for organising sewing tools, travel bits, or gifting.Comment TINY for the pattern link.Pattern Details: Tiny Tote Sewing Pattern - available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#tinytote #sewingpattern #pouchpattern #handmadegifts #scrapfriendlysewing
Sweet + Spooky Mini Treat Pouch 🎃 Turning Hallowee Sweet + Spooky Mini Treat Pouch 🎃
Turning Halloween scraps into something cute and useful — this Mini Treat Pouch is a quick, beginner‑friendly project that’s perfect for gifting tiny treats, party favours, or adding a handmade touch to spooky season. No zips, no fuss… just a clever button‑and‑elastic closure and a chance to use your favourite Halloween fabrics.Comment TREAT for the pattern link.Pattern Details: Mini Treat Pouch Sewing Pattern - available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop#minitreatpouch #halloweensewing #scrapfriendlysewing
#beginnerfriendlysewing #pdfsewingpattern
Scrappy Mini Stocking 🎄 These sweet little stocki Scrappy Mini Stocking 🎄
These sweet little stockings are one of my favourite quick Christmas makes — just the right size for lip balm, chocolates, sewing notions, or tiny treats. They’re beginner‑friendly, scrap‑happy, and perfect for festive table settings, teacher gifts, or adding a handmade touch to your holiday decorating.I used the Tilda Merry Little Christmas fabric for a nostalgic, Scandi‑inspired vibe — such a joy to sew with.Fabric credit: Tilda Merry Little Christmas, with thanks to @tilda_australia ✨💬 Comment STOCKING and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern Details: Scrappy Mini Stocking Pattern - available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Let’s make this season handmade and heartfelt 💕#scrappysewing #ministocking #christmassewing #handmadeholiday #scrapfriendlysewing  
A little collection of Tiny Totes in some of my fa A little collection of Tiny Totes in some of my favourite fabrics — Tilda, Ruby Star Society, printed linen, Christmas prints, and Japanese florals. They’re quick to sew, scrap‑friendly, and endlessly useful for pencils, makeup, sewing notions, sunglasses, gifting, and more.Save this carousel for your next sewing session ✨ Comment TINY for the pattern link.Pattern Details: Tiny Tote — beginner‑friendly, fully lined, and perfect for small cuts of fabric. Available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#tinytote #sewingfun #sewingcommunity #handmadegifts #scrapfriendlysewing
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