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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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✨ Fresh & fun storage for your sewing space This ✨ Fresh & fun storage for your sewing spaceThis bright Ruby Star Luma Bucket is such a cheerful organiser — quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for keeping your favourite tools, threads, and weekend projects tidy. The greens,  teals, and blur make it feel clean, modern, and full of energy.If you love practical makes that use just a few favourite fabrics, the Luma Bucket is a sweet project to stitch. It works beautifully on its own or as part of a matching set, and the two sizes give you plenty of options for organising your sewing room.Comment LUMA and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you ✂️🧵 Fabric: @rubystarsociety#lumabucket #sewingpattern #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingroomorganisation #rubystarsociety
Meet the Luma Bucket ✨  A modern fabric organiser Meet the Luma Bucket ✨ A modern fabric organiser in two sizes — perfect for sewing rooms, desks, and handmade gifting. Featuring a crisp contrast base and a sparkling woven star panel, it’s a quick, joyful sew you’ll use every day. Pattern now available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop. Comment LUMA for the link.  #lumabucket #fppsewing #fabricbasket #modernsewing #quiltingprojects handmadegifts
Two bestselling pouches, one beautiful matching se Two bestselling pouches, one beautiful matching set The Handy Drawstring Pouch + Mini Treat Pouch remain two of my most‑loved patterns — quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for using up favourite fabric scraps. They’re sweet individually, but together they make the loveliest coordinated duo for gifting, organising, or adding a handmade touch to your sewing space.This Tilda version has been a community favourite, and it’s easy to see why — the colours, the structure, the way the two designs complement each other. If you’ve been wanting a satisfying weekend project, this pair is such a joy to stitch.You also save 25% when you buy the bundle — a thank you for supporting two of my most popular pouch patterns.Comment BAGDUO and I’ll send the bundle link straight to you.Available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop ✂️🧵Fabric: Tilda Songbird collection — thank you @tilda_australia#tildafabrics #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpattern #weekendsewingproject #sewistsofinstagram handmadegifts
✨ New Travel Sewing Kits These two fresh versions ✨ New Travel Sewing Kits These two fresh versions match a Bitsy Basket, and I love how sweet they look as a little set. The Travel Sewing Kit opens flat so you can see everything at a glance, then folds back into a neat, portable shape — perfect for sewing on the go, gifting, or keeping your favourite tools organised.It’s beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, and one of my most‑used makes.Comment TRAVEL and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you. Available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop ✂️🧵#travelsewingkit #sewingreels #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpattern #handmadegifts
✨ Colour Crush: Orange 10 scrappy, cheerful proje ✨ Colour Crush: Orange
10 scrappy, cheerful projects to stitch as we head toward fall 🍊There’s something about orange that feels cosy, warm, and full of creative energy — perfect for small makes, gifts, and weekend sewing. If you’re starting to plan your fall projects, this palette is such a fun place to begin.Comment PATTERNS for a link to our pattern store.Happy sewing, friends ✂️🧵#colourcrushseries #orangeprojects #scrapfriendlysewing #fallsewingideas #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Sharing this Tilda scrappy Quadra Pouch - the mix Sharing this Tilda scrappy Quadra Pouch - the mix of blenders looks so beautiful in the large size. Eight fabrics in total — four Bellflower prints for the exterior and four Stella prints for the lining — each corner showing off a different print.The clever panel construction gives the pouch its neat, structured base without boxed corners, making it practical, beautifully shaped, and perfect for using up favourite scraps.Comment QUADRA and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you. Pattern available in the Pattern Store and Etsy Shop ✨Fabric: Bellflower + Stella blenders from Tilda, with thanks to @tilda_australia#quadrapouch #tildafabrics #scrapfriendlysewing #pouchpattern #sewingproject
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