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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 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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