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} 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.



For your daily sugar fix you can subscribe or follow us on facebook, twitter, and google plus.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: book review

« Yo Yo Rosette
Coconut Cupcakes with 7 Minute Frosting »

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

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

Create a soothing self‑care bundle with two quick, Create a soothing self‑care bundle with two quick, calming projects. Perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself. Comment SELFCARE to save 25%.  Save this for when you need a thoughtful gift idea.#selfcaresewing #beginnersewingproject #scrapfriendlysewing #handmadegiftsideas #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
A little peek at my next Makers Caddy… sewn in Som A little peek at my next Makers Caddy… sewn in Something Blue, Tilda’s beautiful new range releasing worldwide on June 1. I’ve just cut out the pieces and couldn’t resist sharing the fabrics, tags, labels, and all the tiny details that make this project so fun to sew. It’s always the little touches - the leather patches, contrasting handles, and coordinated notions - that bring a caddy to life. Stay tuned to see the finished version.Comment CADDY for a link to the pattern.Fabric Details: Tilda Something Blue with thanks to @Tilda_australiaPattern Details: Makers Caddy Sewing Pattern - Available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop  #makerscaddy#tildafabric  #wipinprogess #tildasomethingblue #ilovetilda
There’s something so lovely about putting together There’s something so lovely about putting together a bright, happy self‑care gift… especially when it’s handmade.  I stitched a colourful set using Ruby Star Society fabrics - a Relaxation Eye Pillow and a Heavenly Heatpack - and styled them into a complete gift bundle.To make it feel extra special, I lined a small bamboo tray with soft tissue, added the two calming makes, tied them with a pink ribbon, and tucked in a few thoughtful extras: a candle, a box of speciality tea, and a tiny plant. It’s simple, cheerful, and such a beautiful way to show someone you care.Both projects are scrap‑friendly, beginner‑friendly, and quick to sew - perfect for weekend making or last‑minute gifting.If you’d like to sew your own self‑care set, comment SELFCARE and I’ll send you the link to the bundle. You’ll also save 25% on these two gift‑ready patterns when you buy the bundle.#selfcaresewing #beginnersewingproject #scrapfriendysewing #handmadegiftideas #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
The Large Quadra Pouch in this bright orange colou The Large Quadra Pouch in this bright orange colourway shows off everything makers love about this pattern — it folds completely flat for storage, has a clever structured base, four coordinated fabrics, and cinches closed beautifully. It’s quick to sew, gift‑ready, and so satisfying to pop open and fill.If you’d like to sew your own, comment QUADRA and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern Details: Quadra Pouch Pattern - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop.#QuadraPouch #SewingPatternDesign #HandmadePouch #SewingProjects #ASpoonfulOfSugarDesigns
One of my favourite features of the Quadra Pouch i One of my favourite features of the Quadra Pouch is how it folds completely flat between uses — perfect for travel, storage, or keeping your sewing space tidy. A quick press and it pops back into shape, ready to fill with treats, notions, or gifts.This version uses eight Tilda blenders for a scrappy, pretty finish that shows off the crisp base and four neat corners.If you’d like to sew your own, comment QUADRA and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern Details: Quadra Pouch - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#ilovetilda #drawstringpouch #sewingpattern #scrapsewing #sewingcommunity
@tilda_australia
Thank you so much for the wonderful reception to t Thank you so much for the wonderful reception to the Quadra Pouch launch last week — I’m thrilled you’re loving this pattern as much as I do.Today I’m sharing a brand new Tilda version, stitched in the large size and made entirely from blenders. I used four Bellflower prints from the Wallflower range for the exterior, and four Stella prints from the Songbird collection for the lining — eight fabrics in total, making it delightfully scrappy.I love how easily Tilda collections mix and match, and how each corner of the pouch showcases a different print. The clever panel construction gives the pouch a neat flat base without boxed corners, and the result is both practical and beautifully structured.If you’d like to sew your own, the Quadra Pouch pattern is available in both my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Comment QUADRA and I’ll send the link straight to you.Pattern Details: Quadra Pouch (3 Sizes) - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy ShopFabric: Bellflower blenders and Stella blenders from Tilda, with thanks to @tilda_australia#tildafabrics #quadrapouch #sewingproject #scrapfriendlysewing #pouchpattern
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

  • Tips for Threading a Needle
  • Charm Square Fabric Tray
  • Sell What You Sew
  • Pretty Handmade Gifts for Women: 15 Lovely Projects to Sew
  • Triangle Pouch
  • Tutorial: Emergency Zippered Pouch
  • Business Card Wallet

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