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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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Looking for a sweet, handmade way to wrap up a fes Looking for a sweet, handmade way to wrap up a festive gift?This Bitsy Basket is filled with cozy goodness—tea bags, a mug, biscuits, chocolates—and finished with a Threaded Token gift tag for that extra handmade touch 🎀It’s beginner-friendly, scrap-friendly, and perfect for gifting teachers, neighbours, or anyone who deserves a little joy.✂️ Pattern is available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop
🧵 Fabric: Tilda Merry Little Christmas
 🎁 Gift Tag: Threaded Token (free pattern—link in profile)Comment Basket and I’ll send you the pattern link!#bitsybasket #handmadegiftwrap #tildafabrics #scrapfriendlysewing #quicksewingproject #holidaysewing #giftideas #sewinggifts #beginnersewingproject #tildamerrylittlechristmas @tilda_australia
🎄 Say hello to the Elf Gift Tote! This sweet l 🎄 Say hello to the Elf Gift Tote! This sweet little tote is perfect for holiday gifting—fill it with treats, trinkets, or treasures. It folds flat for easy storage and comes together quickly using scrap or stash fabrics. Beginner-friendly and festive, it’s a joyful make that adds handmade charm to your celebrations.I love using mine for teacher gifts and to put under the Christmas tree.✨ Comment ELF for the pattern link! Available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop—link in profile.#elfgifttote #holidaysewingproject #scrapfriendlysewing #quicksewingproject #beginnersewingpattern #giftfriendlysewing #aspoonfulofsugardesigns #christmassewingideas #sewinggifts #handmadeholidaygifts #sewinginspiration #makersgiftguide  #festivesewingfun
Free Pattern: Add a little handmade cheer to your Free Pattern: Add a little handmade cheer to your holidays with the Holly Jolly Tree! 🎄 This sweet 3D ornament is made from two slotted panels and comes together in minutes. You’ll need four coordinating fabrics, felt, and double-sided fusible web—making it a perfect scrap-buster project. Whether you display it on your mantle, pop it into a gift basket, or use it as a festive table accent, it’s a joyful little make that adds charm to any space.I stitched mine in Tilda’s Merry Little Christmas fabric and love how nostalgic and cozy it feels 💕 ✨ Want the free pattern? Sign up via the link in bio or comment TREE and I’ll send it your way!#hollyjollytree #handmadeholidaydecor #scrapfriendlysewing #christmasornamentsewing #tildafabric #tildamerrylittlechristmas #beginnersewingproject #sewingforchristmas #holidaysewingideas #aspoonfulofsugardesigns #sewinginspiration #makersgiftguide #sewinggifts #australianmakers #quicksewingproject
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🧵 Includes sewing ideas + thoughtful extras to pair with your gift
🎄 Perfect for end-of-year, Christmas, or anytime appreciationLet’s make gratitude handmade this season 💕Check out our other guides too—just look for the Makers Gift Guide logo at the top of each post 🎁✨  #makersgiftguide #handmadeholiday #teacherthankyou #coachgiftideas #scrapfriendlysewing #beginnersewingprojects #giftfriendlysewing #sewingforothers #christmassewingideas
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Add a handmade touch to your holidays with the Hol Add a handmade touch to your holidays with the Holly Jolly Tree 🎄✨ This cheerful 3D Christmas tree is one of our favourite festive makes—and it’s beginner-friendly, scrap-friendly, and quick to sew! Whether you’re decorating your mantle, gifting to a friend, or adding a pop of colour to your holiday table, these felt and fabric trees bring instant joy.🧵 You can make one in under 30 minutes using fabric scraps, felt, and a few simple stitches.
🎁 They’re perfect for ornaments and table decorations💡 Want to personalize it? Add a ribbon tag, embroidery, sequins, or a tiny star on top!The Holly Jolly Tree is a free sewing pattern available to our community. 📌 Comment TREE and I’ll send you the link to download it! Link is also in our profile.#hollyjollytree #handmadeholiday #christmassewing #freesewingpattern #scrapfriendlysewing #quicksewingproject #beginnersewingproject #giftfriendlysewing #feltornaments #holidaycraftideas #aspoonfulofsugardesigns #christmasdiy #sewingreel #australianmakers #sewingforchristmas
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