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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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Packing light? This little kit makes it sew easy ✨ Packing light? This little kit makes it sew easy ✨ The Travel Sewing Kit is compact, clever, and surprisingly roomy—perfect for safety pins, needles, mini scissors, and all your on‑the‑go essentials. Whether you’re heading to a retreat, stitching in a café, or just want tidy tools at home, this pouch will be your new best friend.✔ Beginner‑friendly ✔ Stash‑friendly ✔ Quick to sew ✔ Folds flat for easy packing🧵 Find the pattern in our Pattern Store + Etsy Shop!👇 Comment TRAVEL and I’ll DM you the link!#sewingonthego #travelsewingkit #handmadepouch #diysewing #sewinglove
Sewing a little Something Blue this week 💙 🧵 I’ve Sewing a little Something Blue this week 💙🧵 I’ve been stitching a few of my favourite small projects in the new Tilda Something Blue collection — the Makers Caddy, Sewing Buddy Pincushion, and Dresden Needlebook. Each one is beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, and perfect for gifting or organising your sewing space.I love how the soft blues, tiny florals, and sweet details come together across all three projects. Small makes really do bring the most joy.If you’d like any of the pattern links, comment PATTERNS and I’ll send you a link to my pattern store where you will find these three patterns.Save this for your next weekend sew.Fabric: Tilda Something Blue with thanks to @tilda_australia#tildasomethingblue #ilovetilda #sewingreels #sewingprojects #scrapfriendlysewing
A little fabric pull turned into the sweetest Quad A little fabric pull turned into the sweetest Quadra Pouch 💛✂️ I love mixing a polka dot, gingham, small floral, and large floral in the same colour family — it’s such an easy way to create a coordinated look from scraps or fat quarters. This project ticks all the boxes: beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, giftable, and genuinely useful for everyday storage.The tag and matching cord covers are my favourite finishing touches — small details that make the whole pouch feel extra special.If you’d like the pattern link, comment QUADRA and I’ll send it straight to you.Save this one for your next weekend sew.Pattern: Quadra Pouch — available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#quadrapouch #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingreels #sewingprojects #beginnersewingproject   
Colour Crush Series: Blue 💙 There’s something so Colour Crush Series: Blue 💙There’s something so calming about blue in a sewing room - soft, fresh, and endlessly versatile. From tiny florals to bold geometrics, blue fabrics always seem to play nicely together. 💙🧵Here are a few of my favourite blue makes. Perfect for small projects, scrap sewing, and those soothing “just for fun” moments at your machine.Save this for your next colour‑themed sewing session.#modernsewing #sewingcommunity #sewingideas #fabricpull #scrapfriendlysewing
Want your drawstrings to sit neatly every time? Th Want your drawstrings to sit neatly every time? This tiny notion does all the hard work for you. 🧵✨ Cord locks (toggles) keep your drawstrings tidy, secure, and perfectly in place — no knots, no slipping, just a clean finish.I use them on my Bitsy Baskets to keep the closure polished, especially for gifting or storing small items. They’re so simple to use: thread the ends through, press the spring, slide to lock… done.If you’d like to sew your own Bitsy Basket, comment BASKET and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you.Save this for your next scrap‑busting project.Pattern is available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#bitsybasket #cordlocks #sewingtips #drawstringbag #sewingreels
A little Sunday sewing inspiration for you 💙✂️ The A little Sunday sewing inspiration for you 💙✂️ The Dresden Needlebook is one of my most‑loved makes — pretty, practical, and such a satisfying scrap‑friendly project. Perfect for gifting… or keeping in your own sewing kit.Swipe through to see the details — two pockets, felt pages, and a neat snap fastening to keep everything secure.If you’d like the pattern, comment NEEDLEBOOK and I’ll send the link straight to you.Save this for your next weekend sewing session.Pattern Details: Dresden Needlebook Sewing Pattern - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.  #dresdenplate #sewinginspiration #beginnersewing #sewinglove   #sewinginspiration
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