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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

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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

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Colour Crush: Green 💚 A fresh little collection of Colour Crush: Green 💚 A fresh little collection of green makes — soft mint, leafy tones, cool blue‑greens, and those pretty mid‑greens that always feel calm and uplifting. Green is one of my favourite colours to sew with… it’s soothing, versatile, and works beautifully across so many projects.Swipe through and tell me which shade of green you’re loving right now.If you’d like the pattern links, comment PATTERNS and I’ll send yoy a link to my pattern store straight to your inbox. All patterns are available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#colourcrushseries #greeninspiration #sewinginspiration #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingcommunity
Quick, Cute, & So Useful ✂️🎀 The Handy Drawstring Quick, Cute, & So Useful ✂️🎀 The Handy Drawstring Pouch is one of those little projects that always earns its place on the sewing table. It stitches up fast, uses small cuts of fabric, and opens into the sweetest shape — perfect for treats, tiny gifts, travel notions, or organising your sewing space.It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly useful… the kind of make you’ll sew more than once.Comment HANDY and I’ll send you the pattern link. Pattern: Handy Drawstring Bag (3 Sizes) — available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#handydrawstringbag #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingcommunity #sewingpatterns #giftableprojects
Fruity & Floral Favourites 🍓🌼 A cheerful little co Fruity & Floral Favourites 🍓🌼 A cheerful little collection of projects featuring sweet fruity shapes and pretty floral motifs — pineapples, apples, blossoms, flower buds and more. These designs are fun to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for gifting or adding a pop of colour to your sewing space.Swipe through and tell me in the comments: Which fruity or floral project is your favourite?If you’d like the pattern links, comment PATTERNS and I’ll send you a link to my Pattern Store. All patterns are available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#scrapfriendlysewing #giftableprojects #sewingcommunity #makersgonnamake #pdfsewingpattern
Which Dresden Needlebook style are you? ✂️ 💙 This Which Dresden Needlebook style are you? ✂️💙 This little project is one of my favourite ways to play with colour, prints, and tiny details — each style has its own personality, from soft florals to bold geometrics to sweet vintage tones. They’re quick to sew, beautifully giftable, and perfect for keeping needles, pins, and small notions organised.Swipe through the carousel and tell me in the comments: Which Dresden Needlebook style is your favourite?If you’d like the pattern link, comment NEEDLEBOOK and I’ll send it straight to your inbox. The Dresden Needlebook PDF is available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#dresdenneedlebook #sewinginspiration #scrapfriendlysewing #beginnerfriendlysewing #giftableprojects
The Easiest Oven Mitt You’ll Sew ✂️✨ The Bakers Bu The Easiest Oven Mitt You’ll Sew ✂️✨ The Bakers Buddy Mitt is one of those projects I reach for again and again — quick to sew, beautifully shaped, and genuinely useful in the kitchen. It’s beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, and makes the sweetest handmade gift.Here’s why it’s always on my sewing table:
• No binding, which means fast, frustration‑free construction
• Insul‑Brite + batting layers to protect your hand
• A modern silhouette that looks gorgeous in any stash fabricIf you’d like the pattern link, comment BAKER and I’ll send it straight to your inbox. The Bakers Buddy Mitt PDF is available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#quicksewingproject #beginnersewing #scrapfriendlysewing #giftableprojects #sewingcommunity
Scrap‑busting happiness in one tiny make ✂️🧺 The Scrap‑busting happiness in one tiny make ✂️🧺The Bitsy Basket is one of my favourite ways to turn the smallest offcuts into something useful and adorable. It’s quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and just the right size for clips, threads, treats, or tiny treasures on your sewing table.If you’ve got a growing pile of scraps, this is the perfect project to turn them into something sweet — and it’s a lovely little gift idea too.Comment BASKET and I’ll send you the pattern link.The Bitsy Basket PDF is available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#bitsybasket #scrapfriendlysewing #scrapbustingideas #sewingreels #sewingcommunity
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