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} Sewing Titles

August 2, 2013 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 3 Comments

We have two new titles for sewing lovers today.

Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses by Sweet Seams contains more than 25 easy, pattern free designs for little girls. The dresses all start with a basic T-Shirt. Fabric and embellishments are then added to create one of a kind dresses. Using a T-Shirt as a basis for a dress is genius – they are inexpensive and you don’t have to worry about tricky necklines, sleeves, zippers or buttonholes. You can even up-cycle T-shirts that are too short or stained at the hem.
The book includes handy tips and techniques for making T-Shirt dresses, and templates for some of the patterns. Each pattern includes lots of great photos that showcase the design. You are shown how to prepare the T-Shirt for the dress, and step by step instructions with diagrams/photos to guide you through the process.
Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses includes many different designs that suit young girls. Pretty fabric, ruffles, trims and embellishments help create one of kind dresses, that are fun and practical to wear. Great if time is short but you love to make your daughters clothes.
Book Details:
Publisher:   Sixth and Spring
Format:      Paperback, 112 pages
ISBN:        9781936096497
RRP:         $18.99
Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses is available from Booktopia
How to Make Stuffed Animals by Sian Keegan showcases 18 designs for modern, simple animals. It features a wide variety of animals including – bunny, narwhal, squirrel, penguin, fox, cat, bear, pug, raccoon and more. All the animals can be made with just one fat quarter of fabric ( or 23 cm/1/4 yard) or you can experiment with recycled clothing.
The book is for anyone with the most basic of sewing skills. There is a helpful chapter guiding you through the basics of toy making. The toys can be used to create a mobile, cake topper, ornament or simply as softies. Templates are included at the back of the book (they need to be enlarged). Each design has lots of step by step drawings to help you with the construction methods.

Check out the google preview for more images of the book.  The animals are all so charming.The hard part is deciding which one to make first. We recommend this book to anyone who wants to venture into making soft toys and loves modern patterns.

Book Details:
Publisher:    Quarry Books
Format:       Paperback, 128 pages
ISBN:         9781592537990
RRP:           $29.99
How to Make Stuffed Animals is available from Can Do Books and Booktopia.
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

« Pretty Peg Bucket
Box Pouch »

Comments

  1. Karen O'Farrell says

    August 2, 2013 at 2:49 am

    I love the idea of the t-shirt dresses for my girl who wont wear traditional dresses – this might just work! Thanks

    Reply
  2. Cherry Blossom Handmade Gifts says

    August 3, 2013 at 2:31 am

    This has inspired me to make more for my own kids….. I used to but got side tracked making for others 🙂 T-shirt dresses are a fab idea 🙂 Thanks!

    Reply
  3. Nancy says

    August 7, 2013 at 9:13 am

    After receiving this post in my email I went straight to Amazon and Ordered this Book. It arrived yesterday and today I am digging in! The way she has the Instructions laid out is perfect for beginner plus sewers. Thanks so much for sharing this great book!!

    Huggs, Nancy

    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

If you love foundation paper piecing, you’re going If you love foundation paper piecing, you’re going to enjoy this one — a bundle of four woven‑style FPP quilt blocks, each with its own beautiful twist. These blocks look intricate, but the FPP method makes them wonderfully achievable, even if you’re still building your skills.They’re perfect for using up scraps, experimenting with colour, or creating striking mini quilts, cushions, bags, or table decor. Each block has that satisfying “woven” illusion that always gets a second look.Whether you prefer bold brights, soft pastels, or a monochromatic palette, these designs shine in every colourway. And the best part? You get all four blocks together in one bundle.If you’d like the pattern set, comment WOVEN and I’ll send the link straight to you. Woven bundle is available in our Pattern Store.#SewingInspiration #FPP #FoundationPaperPiecing #QuiltBlocks #WovenQuiltBlock
If you love quick, practical sewing projects, the  If you love quick, practical sewing projects, the Baker’s Buddy Mitt is such a fun one to make. It’s scrap‑friendly, gift‑ready, and perfect for anyone who loves to bake.The Bakers Buddy Mitt is 25% off this week only. Comment BAKER and I’ll send you the link to the pattern.  #SewingProject #ScrapFriendlySewing #KitchenSewing #SewingGifts #SewingCommunity
Adding a handmade label is one of my favourite way Adding a handmade label is one of my favourite ways to personalise a project — and these little fabric + felt labels are so quick and satisfying to make.For this Ribbon Pouch, I used the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection, which has the sweetest fruit motifs. They make perfect tiny labels for pouches, bags, and gifts.Here’s how to make your own:Press a piece of double‑sided fusible web to the back of your fabric.Cut around your chosen motif.Peel off the paper backing.Press the motif onto wool felt.Trim the felt with scalloped scissors.Sew the label onto the front of your pouch.Such a simple detail, but it adds so much charm. Fabric kindly gifted by @regent_street_fabrics — thank you!If you’d like to sew the Ribbon Pouch (3 sizes), comment RIBBON and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you.#SewingInspiration #FabricLabels #DIYLabels #LibertyFabric #LibertyGiftsFromTheGarden
A lot can change in 10 years ❤️ It’s been fun look A lot can change in 10 years ❤️ It’s been fun looking back at where I was in 2016 and how far life has come since then. Swipe for a little trip down memory lane.Back in 2016, my priorities were firmly centred around family. I was working full‑time, sewing in the guest room, sharing tutorials on my blog, and slowly dipping my toes into selling a handful of patterns on Etsy. It was a busy, full season — and creativity was something I fitted in around everything else.  Fast forward to 2026… I’m now retired and living the creative life I once dreamed of. My kids have grown up and are living in their own homes nearby. My husband and I are free to travel, explore, and enjoy this stage of life. And I get to spend my days designing, sewing, and connecting with this beautiful community.Life looks different now — in the best possible way.Were you following me back then, or what has changed for you over the past 10 years? I’d love to hear your story too.Tagging the lovely makers of my quilt: @arabesquescissors @ministryoffabric @belloquacity @alittlepatchwork @sameliasmum coleandtaffy @quiltymamaof4 @shequiltsalot @downgrapevinelane @lizzierosesews @lovethatfabric @sew_mimi.k #2026isthenew2016 #10yeartransformation #sewingjourney #sewingcommunity #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Fall in love with sewing all over again ❤️I’ve Fall in love with sewing all over again ❤️I’ve rounded up 10 heart‑themed makes — from quick gifts to charming quilt blocks — perfect for weekend stitching or using up your favourite scraps. Whether you’re sewing for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because, there’s something sweet for every maker.Comment HEART and I’ll send you a link to my Heart Pattern Collection.#sewingproject #heartsewing #quiltblock #scrapsewing #easytosew
Raw edge appliqué doesn’t have to feel fiddly or i Raw edge appliqué doesn’t have to feel fiddly or intimidating. With a few simple techniques, you can create neat, crisp shapes — even tiny details like penguin beaks and hearts.I’ve put together My Top 5 Secrets for Raw Edge Appliqué to help you feel confident, whether you’re brand new to appliqué or looking to refine your finish. Save this for your next sewing session.If you’d love a quick, beginner‑friendly project to practise these tips, my Penguin Love Mugrug is the sweetest Valentine’s make — scrap‑friendly, gift‑ready, and such fun to sew.Comment PENGUIN and I’ll send you the link to the pattern. Available now in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop.  #rawedgeapplique #appliquetips #sewingtipsandtricks #mugrugpattern #penguinlove
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

  • Charm Square Fabric Tray
  • Merry Little Christmas Sewing Projects
  • {Back to School} Tissue Cover
  • Hexagon Fabric Tray
  • Raw Edge Applique Tips
  • Sewing Gifts 101: Easy and Affordable Ideas for Your Crafty Friends
  • Finding More Time to Sew

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