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{Book Reviews} Stitch at Home and The OlympKnits

May 31, 2012 By Spoonful of Sugar - 4 Comments

With the Queens Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games, there is worldwide attention on Britain.This week we have two titles that will interest crafters who love everything British.

Stitch at Home: Over 20 Handmade Fabric and Embroidery Projects by Mandy Shaw includes 20 inspiring projects that combine appliqué, embroidery, patchwork, quilting and sewing.The book includes a helpful section at the beginning that provides handy tips for selecting fabrics and threads. It also includes tips for Appliqué, and embroidery basics. The projects in the book are all things to make for your home – including a quilt, tea cosy, sewing machine cover, dog bed, deck chair, garden kneeler and more. Each project features step by step instructions and illustrated techniques.Templates are included in the back of the book – most are shown at actual size but some need enlarging 200%

Some of my favourite projects are:

Union Jack Tea Cosy
Cutwork Cushions
Gingerbread House

This book would be a lovely addition to your craft library if you enjoy making pretty projects that are embellished with appliqué and embroidery elements.

Book Details:
ISBN:        1446301685
Publisher:   David and Charles
Format:      Paperback, 128 pages
RRP:         $29.99

Stitch at Home is available from  Fishpond, and  Booktopia.

Olympknits: Knit 18 Champion Athletes and a Handsome Horse by Laura Long has been released just in time for the Olympics. This knitting book contains knitting patterns to make a runner, gymnast, cyclist, fencer, synchronised swimmers and more. By customising the hair and skin colour, and adding details to their sports outfits, you can knit up your own team of athletes.The book contains knitting patterns and easy to sew sports clothing. Full sized templates are included. Knit one up as a mascot for your favourite sportsman.
Gloria the Gymnast
The Olympknits would appeal to knitters who have the Olympic spirit and love to knit quirky characters.
Book Details:
ISBN:        9781446302323
Publisher:   David and Charles
Format:      Paperback, 96 pages
RRP:          $12.99

The Olympknits is available from Fishpond and Booktopia.

Disclaimer: Please note that we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from distributors/publishers. We are affiliates of Booktopia and Fishpond.



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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: book review

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Comments

  1. Patchwork and Play says

    June 1, 2012 at 12:49 am

    Love the tea cosy! The pink/grey colour palette is just that little bit different to make it stand out! And the heart and button are the perfect finish!

    Reply
  2. Anonymous says

    June 1, 2012 at 4:37 am

    have you seen the olympknits video yet? Its fantastic. I found it on http://www.olympknits.com. (i entered the contest too! London here I come!)

    Reply
  3. jojo says

    June 1, 2012 at 10:17 am

    merci trop beau bravo pour ce livre bises

    Reply
  4. noel says

    June 3, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    i like these items and i can say i found something new for your my daughters. i like the color gray and everything that come with.

    Reply

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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
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.For this Ribbon Pouch, I used the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection (printed on Lasenby cotton and released in January 2026). The colours and motifs pair so well with the little ribbon tie detail.Here’s how to 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 — easy peasy, and it gives the pouch such an elevated, professional finish. I love how clean and sturdy the result is.Fabric is Gifts from the Garden by Liberty - kindly provided by @regent_street_fabrics — thank you!If you’d like the Ribbon Pouch pattern (it comes in 3 sizes), comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Ribbon Pouch Sewing Pattern: available in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop ( links in profile).#SewingInspiration #SewingProjects #Eyelets #Grommets #SnapPress
The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad & Placemat Set show The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad & Placemat Set showcases one of my favourite FPP designs — a stunning kaleidoscope‑style block that always turns out beautifully. Kaleidoscope blocks are some of my most popular FPP patterns, and this set is such a fun way to use them.  This set includes six sizes, making it incredibly versatile: use them as hot pads, trivets, placemats, or simply as a way to add a pop of colour to your kitchen.For these samples, I went with a monochromatic scrap‑busting approach, pairing fabrics from the same colour family with a low‑volume background. The black‑and‑white striped binding adds such a crisp, modern finish. It’s a wonderful project for building your FPP confidence — and a fantastic way to use up those treasured scraps.The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad set is our Pattern of the Week. It is currently 25% off this week in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.If you’d like to sew your own set, comment TWIRL and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you.Happy sewing! Lisa 🌸#FoundationPaperPiecing #Quilting #HotPads #ScrapBuster #KitchenSewing
The Ribbon Pouch is one of those little makes that The Ribbon Pouch is one of those little makes that feels special from the very first stitch. I made this sweet trio in the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection, and the colours couldn’t be more perfect for gifting, organising, or adding a little beauty to your everyday.Each pouch features: 🌼 A simple ribbon tie closure 🎀 Optional sew‑in tags or DIY felt/fabric labels 🧵 Three practical sizes — perfect for notions, treats, or small gifts ✨ A quick, beginner‑friendly sewIf you’d like to make your own, comment RIBBON and I’ll send the pattern link straight to your inbox. Save this for your next weekend project — it’s such a satisfying little sew. Pattern is available in our Pattern Store.Thanks to @regent_street_fabric for the Gifts from the Garden fabric collection. (released Jan 2026)#SewingInspiration #SewingProjects #LibertyFabric #SewingPatterns #BeginnerSewing
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