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{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

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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

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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.

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Two pouch favourites ✨ The Mini Treat Pouch + Hand Two pouch favourites ✨ The Mini Treat Pouch + Handy Drawstring Bag make such a sweet little duo — beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, scrap‑friendly, and perfect for thoughtful gifting. These are two of my most‑loved pouch patterns, and you can sew both with the bundle.You also save 25% when you buy the bundle — a little thank you for supporting my most popular designs.Which one would you sew first?Comment BAGDUO and I’ll send you the bundle link.Patterns are available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Fabric: Tilda Songbird collection — thank you @tilda_australia.#tildasongbird #ilovetilda #beginnersewingpatterns #sewingcommunity #makersgonnamake
Pretty handmade gifts are always such a joy to sew Pretty handmade gifts are always such a joy to sew — and even more special to give. I’ve gathered 15 beginner‑friendly projects that are quick to make, scrap‑friendly, and lovely for the important women in your life. From cosy comforts to pretty pouches, there’s something here for every style and season.All patterns are available in my Pattern Store and Etsy shop — you’ll find both links in my profile.Save this guide for the next time you want to sew a thoughtful handmade gift. ✨#handmadegifts #sewingprojects #sewingpattern #giftideasforwomen #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Turning hair accessories into sewing magic ✨ If yo Turning hair accessories into sewing magic ✨ If you’ve ever struggled to find bright or narrow elastic cord for pouch closures, this little trick will save the day. Hair ties make the perfect elastic loop for the Mini Treat Pouch — sturdy, colourful, and so easy to sew in. It’s one of my favourite shortcuts for quick gifts and scrap‑friendly makes.Comment TREAT and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you 💌Pattern Details: Mini Treat Pouch - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#MiniTreatPouch #HairElasticHack #ScrapFriendlySewing #BeginnerSewingProjects #ASpoonfulOfSugarDesigns
Small enough to tuck in your tote, clever enough t Small enough to tuck in your tote, clever enough to hold all your essentials. The Travel Sewing Kit is beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, practical for everyday use, and makes a sweet little gift.Want the pattern? Comment TRAVEL and I’ll send you the link 💌Pattern: Travel Sewing Kit PDF — available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop (links in profile).Fabric: Tilda Cotton Beach. Thanks to @tilda_australia✂️ Travel Tip: Most airlines allow small scissors in carry‑on luggage. Mine have a 1‑inch blade and fit perfectly inside the kit. Always check your airline’s guidelines before flying, especially internationally.#travelsewingkit #scrapfriendlysewing #beginnerfriendlysewing #giftsewingideas #tildafabric
A calm look inside the Makers Caddy ✨This projec A calm look inside the Makers Caddy ✨This project is one of those satisfying makes that feels doable for any skill level, uses small cuts of fabric you already have on hand, and comes together quickly. The little details make it such a joy to sew — and it’s the kind of piece you’ll use every day or happily gift to another maker.Comment CADDY and I’ll send you the pattern link 💛Pattern Details: Makers Caddy PDF Sewing Pattern - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#makerscaddy #sewingprojectideas #sewingpatternlove #sewingroomorganisation #sewingcommunity
The Handy Drawstring Bag is one of my favourite qu The Handy Drawstring Bag is one of my favourite quick makes — simple, satisfying, and endlessly useful. It’s beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, and stitches up in no time, which makes it perfect for last‑minute gifts or organising all the little things in your sewing space.This sweet version is sewn in Plum Garden and Tea Towel Basics from Tilda, and the small‑scale prints shine beautifully in a project like this. I love the flat base, the smooth drawstring closure, and how easily it folds flat when not in use. With three sizes included, you can sew a whole coordinating set from just a handful of scraps.If you enjoy quick, giftable projects, this one is such a joy to make.Comment HANDY and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern: Handy Drawstring Bag (3 Sizes) — available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Fabric: Tilda Plum Garden and Tea Towel Basics. Thanks to @tilda_australia#handydrawstringbag #sewingcommunity #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpatterns #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
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