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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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Need a quick handmade Christmas gift? 🎄 A set of Need a quick handmade Christmas gift? 🎄

A set of Merry Little Tree Coasters is quick to sew, scrap-friendly, and easy to turn into a thoughtful gift with a few festive extras.

In this carousel I've paired them with: 
🥂 Champagne & a festive coupe glass
 ☕ Hot chocolate & marshmallows
 🫖 Christmas tea & shortbread
 🧀 Charcuterie treats & a tea towel

Which gift bundle is your favourite?

🎄 Comment TREE and I'll send you the Merry Little Tree Coasters pattern link.

📌 Save this post for Christmas gift inspiration and future holiday sewing.

#christmassewing #handmadechristmas #christmasgiftideas
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There's something so satisfying about turning fabr There's something so satisfying about turning fabric scraps into beautiful little gift tags! ✨

In today's reel, I'm making my free Threaded Tokens pattern and showing the cutting and sewing process.

For this version, I used the new SOHMO decorative scissors to create modern scalloped and zigzag edges. They add such a lovely finish and instantly elevate the look of these quick little makes.

✂️ Scallop 5mm
✂️ Scallop 10mm
✂️ Zigzag 5mm

I can't decide which edge is my favourite!

These threaded tokens are quick to sew, perfect for using up scraps, and make thoughtful handmade gift tags for friends.

💬 COMMENT TOKEN for the free pattern link!

Scissors by @sohmo_au

#aspoonfulofsugar #sewingpattern #freepattern #scrapbusting #sewingproject
🎄 What's your Christmas sewing style? Are you dra 🎄 What's your Christmas sewing style?

Are you drawn to timeless reds and greens, cosy cottage checks, Scandinavian simplicity, colourful festive prints, or something a little more quirky?

Swipe through to discover your Christmas sewing personality and find a project to match your favourite festive aesthetic. ✨

I have a feeling most sewists are a mix of two or three styles... I'm often somewhere between Classic, Handmade and Vintage!

❤️ Traditional
🧺 Cottage
🌈 Bright & Fun
🎁 Vintage
✨ Modern Minimal
❄️ Scandinavian
🐱 Quirky
🎀 Classic
🏠 Handmade & Homely
🌸 Pastel

👇 Tell me your Christmas sewing style in the comments!

The featured projects can be found in my Pattern Store & Etsy Shop. 

#ChristmasSewing #ChristmasProjects #ChristmasQuilting #HolidaySewing
#HandmadeChristmas
Meet my brand new pattern... Merry Little Tree Coa Meet my brand new pattern... Merry Little Tree Coasters! 🎄

With 4 festive tree designs to choose from, these quick little coasters are perfect for using up your favourite fabric scraps.

✨ Beginner friendly
✨ No binding required
✨ Quick to sew
✨ Great for scrap busting
✨ Perfect handmade gifts, stocking stuffers & teacher gifts

Sew one or make a whole forest! 🌲🌲🌲🌲

Comment TREE and I'll send you the pattern link.

#merrylittletreecoasters #christmassewing #sewingpattern #scrapfriendly #quiltingprojects
Which side would you choose? 🎄 The front and back Which side would you choose? 🎄

The front and back of these Ribbon Pouches feature different fabrics, so it feels like getting two designs in one.

Made with Merry Happy by Ruby Star Society and perfect for gifts, decorating and festive treats.

Comment RIBBON for the pattern link. ✨

#ribbonpouch #christmassewing #christmashandmade #modernsewing #handmadechristmas

@rubystarsociety
Skip the binding and still get a beautifully finis Skip the binding and still get a beautifully finished oven mitt! 🙌

The Baker's Buddy Oven Mitt is designed with a clever turn-and-finish construction, so you get smooth curves and a professional finish without wrestling with binding strips.

✨ Beginner friendly
✨ Fast to sew
✨ Great for gifts
✨ Practical for everyday use
✨ Perfect for showing off your favourite fabrics

This is one of those projects you'll make once... then make again for family, friends, teachers, neighbours, and yourself!

💬 Comment BAKER and I'll send you the pattern link.

#ovenmittpattern #sewingprojects #easysewingproject #sewingtutorial #quicksew
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