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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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A tiny project that makes a big difference in your A tiny project that makes a big difference in your sewing room. Perfect for chargers, earbuds, sewing cords and all those little tangly bits. Comment CORD for the free pattern.Free Pattern: Cord Cosy Sewing Pattern#sewingtutorial #scrapbustingsewing #sewingorganisation #freepatternfriday #aspoonfulofsugardesigns--
A tiny hack that makes the cutest Bunny Coaster ta A tiny hack that makes the cutest Bunny Coaster tail — pompom trim! It’s quick, sweet, and adds the perfect little pop of texture to your spring makes.Comment BUNNY and I’ll send you the link to our Bunny Coaster pattern. It’s a favourite for Easter crafting and is available in both our Pattern Store and Etsy shop.Happy spring stitching! 🌸🐰✨#bunnycoaster #eastersewing #springsewing  #sewinghack  #sewistsofinstagram
This little Dice Bag does so much more than hold d This little Dice Bag does so much more than hold dice. Flat base, four mesh pockets, reversible design… it’s one of those clever makes you’ll use again and again.Comment DICE for the pattern link — it’s our Pattern of the Week, so it’s 25% off for the next few days.  Pattern Details: Dice and Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern#dicebag #beginnersewing #drawstringpouch #sewingcommunity #dungeonsanddragonsdice
Small sewing projects are my favourite — quick to Small sewing projects are my favourite — quick to make, scrap‑friendly, and so handy around the sewing room. This little project is perfect for organising your tools, gifting, or keeping your supplies tidy on the go. Originally designed as a dice bag, this little pouch has so many other uses!If you love practical makes that sew up fast and get used again and again, this one’s for you.Comment DICE and I’ll send you the pattern link. This is our Pattern of the Week, so save 25% off this week only.Save this for your next weekend sewing session. ✨Pattern Details: Dice and Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern (Available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop)Fabric: Tilda Jubilee range, with thanks to @tilda_australia#dicebag #sewingpattern #drawstringpouch #quicksew #beginnersewing
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A tiny detail that makes the whole pouch feel more A tiny detail that makes the whole pouch feel more polished. These little end caps keep the cords neat, tidy, and just that bit more elevated — such a sweet upgrade for the Flower Power Pouch.Comment FLOWER and I’ll send you the pattern link. Save this if you love small sewing hacks. ✂️🌸Pattern: Flower Power Pouch Sewing Pattern (available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop).#sewingproject #sewingpattern #beginnersewing #sewistsofinstagram #sewinglove
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