A Spoonful of Sugar

Make. Bake. Create.

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Crafts
    • Crochet
    • DIY
    • Embroidery/Cross stitch
    • Gift Wrapping
    • Knitting
    • Miscellaneous
    • Paper Crafts
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Australia Day
    • Back to School
    • Valentines Day
    • Easter
    • ANZAC Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bars & Slices
    • Bread & Pastries
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Confectionery
    • Cupcakes & Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Ice Cream
    • Jams/Preserves
    • Main Meals
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Quilting
    • Sewing & Quilting Patterns
  • Family
    • Back to School
    • Family Fun
    • Our Home
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Pattern Store
    • Etsy Store

Book Reviews for Quilters and Stitchers

April 28, 2014 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 1 Comment

Quilting the complete guide

Quilting – The Complete Guide by Darlene Zimmerman is a handy resource for quilters. Whether you are new to quilting or an experienced quilter, this guide contains everything you need to know to get you started. It is the type of book that you would be reaching for again and again to check techniques and formulas. Most other quilting books do not have this level of detail as they are focussing on projects. This book does not include any quilting projects, it is simply a resource guide.

One of the features we love about the book, is that it includes handy hints and formulas such as standard quilt sizes, formulas for cutting shapes, formulas for backings, and how to calculate the amount of yardage you will need for the binding.  It is so much quicker to check the book that trying to calculate it all yourself.

Darlene Zimmerman explains all the equipment/tools/supplies you need for quilting. All the processes involved in making a quilt from accurate cutting, through to techniques to finish a quilt are clearly explained. There are lots of clear photographs that lead you through the process. It also contains practical tips like how to make a hanging sleeve for quilt and how to wash quilts.

Quilting – The Complete Guide is a great guide on quilting techniques and would be especially useful for anyone new to quilting. It is available from Can Do Books and Booktopia. 

Book Details:

Format:    Paperback, 256 pages

ISBN:        9781440238871

RRP:         $29.99

 

x-stitch

X-Stitch:Cross-stitch projects to make statement by Sarah Fordham takes a fresh modern approach to the traditional craft of cross stitch. It includes 20 fun projects that incorporate elements of cross stitch. Projects are graded by difficulty. Very easy projects for cross stitch beginners include: buttons, badge, and needle case. Easy projects include: gadget case, coasters, eye mask, and pop art canvas. Trickier projects include: watch strap, customized shoes, tote bag, and headscarf. Whether you are new to cross stitch or an experienced stitcher, there is bound to be some projects that appeal.

Sarah Fordham explains all the techniques needed to get you started, including how to design your own cross stitch charts. There are lots of charts in the book including: tattoos, borders, home sweet home, alphabets, pop art, nature and more. You can customise the projects in the book with your own designs or choose charts from the book to suit. The cross stitch designs are quirky and fun and will appeal to both female and male stitcher’s.

X-Stitch is a bright and funky craft book that is perfect for introducing traditional techniques to a younger demographic.

Book Details:

Publisher:    Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd

Format:        Paperback, 156 pages

ISBN:           9781861089069

RRP:             $24.99

X-Stitch: Cross stitch projects to make statement by Sarah Fordham is available from Booktopia and Can Do Books. 

 

Disclaimer: Please note that we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from publishers/distributors. All opinions are our own.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: book review

« Ribbon Zippered Purse
Easy Apple Tart »

Comments

  1. Kay says

    April 29, 2014 at 8:20 pm

    It looks like I need to add another quilting book to my wish list. x

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Categories

Archives

PURCHASE PDF PATTERNS

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.

WEB STORE ETSY STORE

Instagram

There’s something so lovely about putting together There’s something so lovely about putting together a bright, happy self‑care gift… especially when it’s handmade.  I stitched a colourful set using Ruby Star Society fabrics - a Relaxation Eye Pillow and a Heavenly Heatpack - and styled them into a complete gift bundle.To make it feel extra special, I lined a small bamboo tray with soft tissue, added the two calming makes, tied them with a pink ribbon, and tucked in a few thoughtful extras: a candle, a box of speciality tea, and a tiny plant. It’s simple, cheerful, and such a beautiful way to show someone you care.Both projects are scrap‑friendly, beginner‑friendly, and quick to sew - perfect for weekend making or last‑minute gifting.If you’d like to sew your own self‑care set, comment SELFCARE and I’ll send you the link to the bundle. You’ll also save 25% on these two gift‑ready patterns when you buy the bundle.#selfcaresewing #beginnersewingproject #scrapfriendysewing #handmadegiftideas #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
The Large Quadra Pouch in this bright orange colou The Large Quadra Pouch in this bright orange colourway shows off everything makers love about this pattern — it folds completely flat for storage, has a clever structured base, four coordinated fabrics, and cinches closed beautifully. It’s quick to sew, gift‑ready, and so satisfying to pop open and fill.If you’d like to sew your own, comment QUADRA and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern Details: Quadra Pouch Pattern - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop.#QuadraPouch #SewingPatternDesign #HandmadePouch #SewingProjects #ASpoonfulOfSugarDesigns
One of my favourite features of the Quadra Pouch i One of my favourite features of the Quadra Pouch is how it folds completely flat between uses — perfect for travel, storage, or keeping your sewing space tidy. A quick press and it pops back into shape, ready to fill with treats, notions, or gifts.This version uses eight Tilda blenders for a scrappy, pretty finish that shows off the crisp base and four neat corners.If you’d like to sew your own, comment QUADRA and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern Details: Quadra Pouch - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#ilovetilda #drawstringpouch #sewingpattern #scrapsewing #sewingcommunity
@tilda_australia
Thank you so much for the wonderful reception to t Thank you so much for the wonderful reception to the Quadra Pouch launch last week — I’m thrilled you’re loving this pattern as much as I do.Today I’m sharing a brand new Tilda version, stitched in the large size and made entirely from blenders. I used four Bellflower prints from the Wallflower range for the exterior, and four Stella prints from the Songbird collection for the lining — eight fabrics in total, making it delightfully scrappy.I love how easily Tilda collections mix and match, and how each corner of the pouch showcases a different print. The clever panel construction gives the pouch a neat flat base without boxed corners, and the result is both practical and beautifully structured.If you’d like to sew your own, the Quadra Pouch pattern is available in both my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Comment QUADRA and I’ll send the link straight to you.Pattern Details: Quadra Pouch (3 Sizes) - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy ShopFabric: Bellflower blenders and Stella blenders from Tilda, with thanks to @tilda_australia#tildafabrics #quadrapouch #sewingproject #scrapfriendlysewing #pouchpattern
There’s something so soothing about sewing small, There’s something so soothing about sewing small, comforting projects… especially the ones that feel as lovely to gift as they do to keep.This week I’ve been stitching up a little calm with this Self‑Care Bundle — a relaxing eye pillow and a soft, weighted heatpack designed for quiet moments, tired shoulders, and anyone who needs a gentle pause.Both projects are beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, and quick to sew… the kind of makes that feel thoughtful without taking all weekend. Perfect for someone special, or for adding a little comfort to your own daily routine.This set is sewn in the beautiful Tilda Creating Memories collection - thank you to @tilda_australia for the gorgeous fabrics.If you’d like to sew your own set, I’ve bundled both patterns together with a 25% saving. Use the code word SELFCARE in the comments and I’ll send the link straight to you.Here’s to stitching a little calm into the week ahead 🤍#sewingproject #tildafabrics #makersgonnamake #sewinglove #handmadegifts
Threading a needle doesn’t have to be fiddly — the Threading a needle doesn’t have to be fiddly — these 9 simple tips make it so much easier. Perfect for beginners, tired eyes, or late‑night sewing sessions.Here are tools I use in my own sewing room:Easy‑thread needles, beeswax + scissors from @sohmo_au
Table‑top needle threader from @clovermfg
Glasses for close work from @opsm
Thread from @aurifilthread
(Not sponsored — just products I genuinely use and love.)Save this for your next sewing project ✨ Comment NEWSLETTER to sign up for my weekly newsletter - I share sewing tips, free tutorials, articles, and studio news every Sunday.Everyone has their own little threading tricks - share yours below!  #sewingtips #sewingforbeginners #sewingtools #sewinghacks #sewingroom
Follow on Instagram

Featured Pattern

Travel Sewing Kit Pattern

Featured Tutorial

Retro Drawstring Bag

Featured Recipe

Lemon Pound Cake

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Popular Posts

  • Tips for Threading a Needle
  • Charm Square Fabric Tray
  • Sell What You Sew
  • Triangle Pouch
  • Pretty Handmade Gifts for Women: 15 Lovely Projects to Sew
  • Tutorial: Emergency Zippered Pouch
  • Make your own linen napkins Make Your Own Linen Napkins

Copyright © 2026 Lisa. K. Cox - A Spoonful of Sugar