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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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The Travel Sewing Kit is one of my most‑loved patt The Travel Sewing Kit is one of my most‑loved patterns — compact, practical, and perfect for retreats, travel, or keeping your favourite tools together. I’ve sewn so many versions over the years, and this one might be my favourite yet.It’s beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, quick to sew, and makes a lovely little gift ✂️✨Comment TRAVEL and I’ll send you the pattern link.#travelsewingkit #sewingorganisation #scrapfriendlysewing #quicksewingproject #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
The Mini Fabric Basket is one of my most‑loved qui The Mini Fabric Basket is one of my most‑loved quick‑sew projects — perfect for scraps, gifting, organising, and using up those little pieces you can’t bear to throw away. I’ve made so many versions over the years, and they’re always such a satisfying finish.🌟 It's our pattern of the week and is 25% off this week only.Sew one in under an hour ✂️ Beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, and endlessly useful.✨ Comment MFB and I’ll send you the pattern link.#minifabricbasket #beginnersewing #sewingroom #sewingcommunity #sewfun
Stars are everywhere right now — in quilts, pouche Stars are everywhere right now — in quilts, pouches, table décor, and summer sewing — so I pulled together 7 of my favourite star‑themed projects to inspire your next make. These designs are bright, modern, scrap‑friendly, and perfect for weekend sewing or handmade gifting.From bold table runners to sweet little pincushions, these star projects are fun to sew and add a cheerful pop to your home.✨ Comment PATTERNS for a link to our pattern store where you’ll find all of these star designs.Which one would you sew first ⭐#starsewingproject #patchworkstars #quiltinginspiration #scrapfriendlysewing #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
One pattern, endless possibilities ✨ The All Seaso One pattern, endless possibilities ✨ The All Seasons Gift Tote is my go‑to for birthdays, Father’s Day, Christmas, and last‑minute gifting.Scrap‑friendly, quick to sew, and includes 4 seasonal gift tags to personalise every present.Which version is your favourite?Pattern available in my Pattern Store + Etsy Shop.Comment SEASONS and I'll send you a pattern link.#allseasonsgifttote #giftstosew #beginnersewing #scrapfriendly #sewingcommunity
Pretty storage for your sewing room ✨ The Mini Dra Pretty storage for your sewing room ✨ The Mini Drawstring Gift Bag is one of our most‑loved patterns — quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for holding clips, pins, needles and all those tiny tools that need a pretty home.It’s a sweet little project for the weekend and a great way to use your favourite fabric scraps.Comment MINI and I’ll send you the pattern link. One of our most popular designs for a reason.#minidrawstringgiftbag #sewingroomstorage #scrapfriendlysewing #beginnersewingpatterns #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Two sweet pouches that work beautifully together ✨ Two sweet pouches that work beautifully together ✨ The Handy Drawstring Pouch + Mini Treat Pouch are both quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for using up your favourite fabric scraps.They’re sweet on their own — but even better as a pair. Great for gifting, organising, or adding a little handmade charm to your sewing table.You also save 25% when you buy the bundle — a thank you for supporting two of my most‑loved pouch patterns.Which one would you sew first — Handy Drawstring or Mini Treat?Comment BAGDUO and I’ll send the bundle link straight to you.Fabric: Tilda Songbird collection — thank you @tilda_australia.#beginnersewingpatterns #scrapbustingsewing #handmadegifts #sewingprojects #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
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