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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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A tiny pyramid that does it all — a pattern weight A tiny pyramid that does it all — a pattern weight for your sewing table, a book weight for cosy reading, or a scented sachet for your drawers. Small, sweet, and so satisfying to sew. Comment PYRAMID for the free pattern.Fabric: Something Blue by Tilda
@tilda_australia#sewingproject #tildafabric #beginnersewing #scrapsewing #Tildasomethingblue
Meet the sweetest little project you can sew in mi Meet the sweetest little project you can sew in minutes — the Pyramid Weight. Use it as a pattern weight, scented sachet, or even a book weight… all from one triangle of fabric. Comment PYRAMID for the free pattern.Fabric is Something Blue by Tilda, releasing 1 June 2026 — with thanks to @tilda_australia.#tildasomethingblue #tildafabric #freepattern #sewingtutorial #sewinglove
The Scrappy Strips Pouch is one of my favourite wa The Scrappy Strips Pouch is one of my favourite ways to use up leftover fabric strings. Today’s version is made from patchwork strips — a fun, relaxing sew that turns scraps into something beautiful and practical.The Scrappy Strips Pouch pattern has two versions - patchwork strings and selvedges - and two sizes. Comment SELVEDGE (or SELVAGE) for a link to the pattern.Pattern Details: Scrappy Strips Pouch Sewing Pattern is in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#ScrappyStripsPouch #ScrapBustingSewing #PatchworkPouch #StringQuilting #SewingProjects
If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets t If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets to your sewing projects, here’s a quick look at how I install them using my DK93 snap press. It’s the same tool I use for snaps — and it makes installing eyelets beautifully quick and consistent.Here’s how I install the eyelets:Punch out the four holes using a hole‑cutting die.Place the eyelet into the hole.Press it into place using the snap press.That’s it — simple, sturdy, and it gives the Ribbon Pouch such an elevated, professional finish. I love how clean and secure the result is.Fabric shown: Tilda Something Blue, releasing June 1 — thank you @tilda_australia for the beautiful fabric.✨ If you’d like the Ribbon Pouch pattern (3 sizes), comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Ribbon Pouch Sewing Pattern: available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop (links in profile).#tildasomethingblue #tildafabric #sewingtips #handmadeeveryday #sewingtools
The Ribbon Pouch is one of my favourite quick‑to‑s The Ribbon Pouch is one of my favourite quick‑to‑sew gift bags, and I couldn’t resist making a light and dark version using the new Tilda Something Blue collection. Both pouches use the same print in different colourways — such a pretty way to show how fabric choice changes the whole mood.They’re finished with satin ribbon threaded through grommets, and topped with a tiny star tag. The boxed base helps them stand beautifully, and the ribbon closure makes them perfect for birthdays, thank‑you gifts, treats, or little treasures.This is a beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, quick project you’ll want to sew again and again. Pattern includes 3 sizes.If you’d like the pattern, comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Pattern Details: Ribbon Pouch (3 Sizes) available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Fabric Details: Tilda Something Blue - releasing on 1 June 2026. Thanks to @tilda_australia#TildaSomethingBlue #TildaFabric #SewingPattern #BeginnerSewingProject #QuickSewingProject   
Sewing with scraps is one of my favourite ways to Sewing with scraps is one of my favourite ways to get creative — small pieces, leftover corners, charm‑square offcuts… they all have so much potential.Here are 10 scrap‑friendly projects that use small pieces beautifully. They’re quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for gifting ✂️✨Save this for the next time you want to turn your scraps into something pretty.Which one would you sew first?  Tell me in the comments — I love seeing what you’re making.Patterns are available in my pattern store (link in profile) or comment PATTERNS and I will send you the link. #scrapsewing #scrapbusting #scrapfriendly #sewinginspiration #sewingideas
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