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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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Meet the Hexie House Placemat — a sweet, two‑size Meet the Hexie House Placemat — a sweet, two‑size project stitched here in Tilda Village Life. It’s beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, and perfect for adding a little handmade charm to your table.Want the link? Comment HEXIE and I'll send you the link to the Hexie House Placemat plus the other placemats in the series.Save this reel for your weekend sewing and tag me if you make one —I'd love to see your version. 🏡Pattern Details: Hexie House Placemat (2 Sizes) Sewing Pattern - Available in our Pattern Store and Etsy ShopFabric Credit: Tilda Village Life (releasing on 1 October), with thanks to @tilda_australia#hexiehouseplacemat #hexieplacemat  #fppsewing #tildafabric #tildavillagelife
The Handy Drawstring Pouch is one of those project The Handy Drawstring Pouch is one of those projects you’ll sew again and again — quick, scrap‑friendly, and endlessly useful. It opens wide, cinches neatly, and makes the sweetest little gift bag or everyday organiser. In this version I’m using Tilda Songbird, which gives it such a soft, pretty finish.If you’re looking for a fast weekend sew or a stash‑friendly project, this one is always a favourite.💬 Comment HANDY and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern: Handy Drawstring Pouch (3 Sizes) — available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Fabric: Tilda Songbird — thanks to @tilda_australia#handydrawstringpouch #tildasongbird #tildafabrics #sewingpattern #scrapfriendlysewing
The Luma Bucket is such a sweet and practical proj The Luma Bucket is such a sweet and practical project — perfect for storing threads, notions, yarn, and all the little things that brighten your sewing space.In this reel I’m sharing the two sizes made without the star block, starting with them nested and then showing the structure, base, and handles. I’ve filled the small bucket with perle cotton balls so you can see how much it holds.It’s a quick, satisfying sew and a lovely way to use favourite fabrics or scraps. Make one for your sewing room or as a thoughtful handmade gift.💬 Comment LUMA and I’ll send you the pattern link.
Available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#lumabucket #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpattern #makersgonnamake
#sewingroomorganisation
The Fall Sewing Pattern Bundle is available this w The Fall Sewing Pattern Bundle is available this week only 🍁Four cosy autumn favourites — Mushroom House Pouch, Patchwork Acorn Coaster, Falling Leaves Mugrugs, and the Hexie Pumpkin Placemat.Perfect for seasonal sewing, gifting, and using your favourite scraps.Comment FALLBUNDLE and I’ll send you the bundle link. Available in our Pattern Store.#fallsewing #sewingpattern #autumnmakes #sewingcommunity #gifttosew
The Makers Caddy is one of my favourite practical The Makers Caddy is one of my favourite practical sewing projects —sturdy, roomy, and perfect for keeping your creative supplies organised.
Use it to store knitting essentials or everyday sewing tools. It’s such a satisfying project to sew and use.💬 Comment CADDY and I’ll send you the pattern link.Available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#makerscaddy #sewingcommunity #sewingpattern #makersgonnamake
#sewingroomorganisation
The Luma Bucket — a cute, clever fabric basket in The Luma Bucket — a cute, clever fabric basket in two handy sizes. Make it with the FPP woven star or keep it simple with two fabrics.Perfect for storage, gifting, organising, and using up favourite scraps.Comment LUMA for the pattern link.Available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop. #lumabucket #beginnersewingproject #fpp #handmadegifts #sewingroomstorage
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