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

Books for Craft Lovers

December 16, 2013 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 2 Comments

Last week, we reviewed 6 titles for Bakers and Cooks. This week we are reviewing a selection of new titles that would make great gifts for sewers, quilters, knitters, and paper crafters. Nothing beats a lovely book for Christmas! If you are taking time off over summer, these books will provide plenty of inspiration for craft projects.

A Sewn Vintage Lifestyle, 20 pieced and appliquéd projects for quilts, bags, and more by Verna Mosquera, is full of pretty projects that you can make for your home or to give as gifts. What we love about this book, is the varied range of projects included. Some of our favourites are Mini Appliquéd Vignette, Laundry Bag, and the Appliquéd Dish Towels. The projects include a range of techniques including: patchwork, appliqué, and embroidery. Some of the projects are quick to construct, and others are more challenging. Full sized templates are included. Instructions are clear and there are many photographs and diagrams to guide you in the construction.

We recommend this book to anyone who loves to make a range of sewn items for their home and who love pretty floral fabrics.

Book Details:
Publisher:       David & Charles
ISBN:            9781440230424
Format:          Paperback, 144 pages
RRP:              $39.99
A Sewn Vintage Lifestyle is available from Can Do Books and Booktopia.
Origami for Her by Didier Boursin is a creative book that includes patterns to make 40 fun origami projects. The book includes pull out patterned origami papers and stickers to embellish the creations. Projects are divided into Earrings and Necklaces; Brooches and Bracelets; Boxes and Decorations; and Gifts and Messages. Projects are rated in complexity from Very Easy through to Detailed . Origami for Her has a modern take on an old craft. We especially love the range of origami boxes and envelopes included. This book would make a great gift for a pre-teen or teenage girl who loves to craft.
Book Details:
Publisher:       David & Charles
ISBN:            9781446303528
Format:          Paperback, 344 pages (including origami papers and stickers)
RRP:              $24.99
Origami for Her is available from Booktopia. 
Great Little Gifts to Knit, by Jean Moss, is a colourful collection of 30 knitting projects. Projects are modern and on trend and are suited to all skill levels. Most projects can be completed in a day or a weekend. Projects are divided into Baby (e.g.Cuddle Cocoon, Baby Love Blanket); Hers (e.g: Deco Backpack; Galaxy Beret); His (e.g. Hugs Socks, Tutti-Frutti Smartphone Sleeve); and Home (e.g. Wensleydale Tea Cozy, McDougal Dog Jacket).  See all the projects in the book over here. If you are passionate about knitting, you are sure to find a project to inspire in this delightful volume.
Book Details:
Publisher:       Taunton Press
ISBN:            9781600858475
Format:          Paperback, 136 pages
RRP:              $29.99
Great Little Gifts to Knit is available from Can Do Books and Booktopia.
Baby Booties and Slippers, 30 designs to stitch, knit, and crochet, by Susie Johns is a delightful book that showcases 30 creative designs for baby booties. Great book for crafters who love to knit, crochet, and sew. All the patterns would make great gifts for a baby shower to welcome a new baby. The patterns include designs which are pretty. practical, whimsical, and fun. Designs include: Ballet Slippers, Elfin Boots, Puppy Dog, and Colourful Cupcakes. You are sure to find a design that you love in this cute collection. The book is beautifully photographed and includes a handy full sized, pull out pattern sheet.
We recommend this book for anyone who loves to create one of a kind footwear for babies and toddlers.
Book Details:
Publisher:      GMC Books
ISBN:           9781861089601
Format:         Paperback, 160 pages
RRP:             $24.99
Baby Booties and Slippers is available from Can Do Books and Booktopia
25 Ways to Sew Jelly Rolls Layer Cakes & Charm packs,by Brioni Greenberg, showcases modern quilts from contemporary pre-cuts. Pre-Cut fabric is becoming very popular and this book provides plenty of inspiration on how to use your fabric stash in the construction of fresh modern quilts. A lot of quilters buy the latest fabric range and built up a collection of pretty pre-cuts. This book has 12 Quilt Designs and 13 sewn projects that will motivate you to unravel those jelly rolls and get sewing. Beautifully photographed and with full sized templates included, this book is a great book for quilters who love making stunning quilts and other sewn items with precut fabric.
Book Details

Publisher:    David & Charles

ISBN:         9781446302934
Format:       Paperback, 128 Pages
RRP:          $29.99
25 Ways to Sew Jelly Rolls Layer Cakes and Charm Packs is available from Booktopia and Can Do Books. 
Please note that we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from publishers/distributors. All opinions are our own.

Filed Under: Knitting, Paper Crafts, Quilting, Sewing Tagged With: baby, gifts, origami

« Christmas Place Card Ideas
Marvellous Madeleines »

Comments

  1. handmadeby EvaRose says

    December 16, 2013 at 5:53 am

    Thank you for taking the time to write these reviews. I wanted to get a couple of new books and you have helped me choose. “The Sewn Vintage Lifestyle” and “25 Ways to Sew Jelly Rolls” would be my favourites.

    I would like also see a book where the patterns are in actual size for a change. Surely it will not costs that much more to add the extra pages!

    Reply
  2. Melanie says

    December 16, 2013 at 11:31 am

    Oh, I’ve had A Sewn Vintage Lifestyle on my wish list for a while now. I’m so happy to know a bit more, I might just go for it now. Thanks for sharing these reviews!

    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

If your scrap basket is overflowing after holiday If your scrap basket is overflowing after holiday sewing, this one’s for you. Ten quick, satisfying projects to help you sew through your stash and start 2026 feeling organised and inspired. These projects are scrap‑friendly, beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, and perfect for gifting. Save this for your next sewing session.If you’d like the patterns, comment SHOP and I’ll send you the link to my pattern store. 25% off storewide ends soon.#scrapbusting #scrapsewing #sewingprojects #sewinglove #beginnersewing
Small Scraps? Sew This!Got small scraps piling u Small Scraps? Sew This!Got small scraps piling up? Here’s a quick, satisfying make that turns the smallest offcuts into something useful and adorable. The Bitsy Basket is perfect for storing clips, threads, treats — or adding to your gift‑ready box. Save this for your next scrap‑busting session.Comment BASKET for a link to the pattern. 25% off storewide ends on January 1 2026 - be quick!#scrapbusting #sewingprojects #sewistsofinstagram #sewingpatterns #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Got tiny scraps you can’t bear to throw away? Here Got tiny scraps you can’t bear to throw away? Here are three quick, satisfying makes that turn the smallest offcuts into something useful and adorable. Perfect for a cosy afternoon sew — and a great way to build up your supply of gifts for the year ahead. Save this for your next scrap‑busting session!Patterns featured: 
Zakka Card Wallet (aqua)
Rotary Cutter Pouch (yellow)
Cosy Cat Mitt (navy)P.S. Our 25% off store‑wide sale ends 1 January — now is the perfect time to stock up on patterns you’ve had your eye on.Comment SALE and I'll send you a link to the pattern store.#scrapbusting
#sewingprojects
#sewistsofinstagram
#sewingpatterns
#aspoonfulofsugardesigns
What a year of sewing it’s been. As we wrap up 202 What a year of sewing it’s been. As we wrap up 2025, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the patterns you loved most — the ones you stitched for gifts, for joy, for your sewing room, and just because it felt good to make something with your hands.From iconic favourites to fast‑rising new releases, these patterns have been at the heart of our creative community this year. I’m endlessly grateful every time you choose one of my designs, share your makes, or send a message saying how much you enjoyed a project. It truly means the world.Swipe through to see the patterns that shone in 2025 — the beginner‑friendly wins, the scrap‑busters, the seasonal stars, and the little gems that deserve a moment in the spotlight.To say thank you, all patterns are 25% off until December 31. If you’d like a direct link to the pattern store, just comment SALE and I’ll send it straight to your DMs.Here’s to a year of creativity, colour, and tiny joyful stitches. And I can’t wait to share what’s coming in early 2026 — so many sweet new projects are on the way.Thank you for being here and for making this community such a warm, inspiring place to create. 💛🧵  #SewingPatternDesign #ModernSewingProjects #BeginnerSewingPatterns #SewingCommunityLove #ScrapFriendlySewing
Here are three little habits I’m taking into 2026 Here are three little habits I’m taking into 2026 — nothing fancy, just the things that make sewing feel joyful, calm, and creative.1️⃣ Tidying my sewing room between projects2️⃣ Adding all the cute details3️⃣ Using my scraps more intentionallyWhat about you — what’s one thing you’re taking into the new year?P.S. You may spot a few tools/products from SOHMO — I love discovering and using beautiful tools from Aussie sewing brands. @sohmo_au#sewingreels #sewingcommunity #sewistsofinstagram #sewinginspiration #beginnersewingprojects
My Year in NumbersWhat a year it’s been! I’ve lo My Year in NumbersWhat a year it’s been! I’ve loved looking back at 2025 through a few fun little numbers — the patterns released, the scraps used, the cups of tea enjoyed, and all the tiny moments of creativity that made this year feel so full.Thank you for being part of this community. Whether you’ve sewn one pattern or twenty, left a kind comment, shared a photo, or simply followed along quietly — it all means more than you know.If you’d like to join me for an even more creative 2026, comment NEWSLETTER and I’ll send you the link to sign up for my weekly newsletter. It’s where I share new projects, behind‑the‑scenes peeks, and little sewing treats you won’t want to miss.And I’d love to get to know you a little more — tell me something about yourself in the comments. Where you’re from, what you love to sew, or your favourite make of the year.A little reminder too: all patterns are 25% off until the end of the year — my small thank‑you for your support.Here’s to a year of making, learning, and creating together. 💛#SewingCommunity #SewingInsiration #Sewing Patterns #BeginnerSewingProjects #SewistsofInstagram
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

  • Maker’s Gift Guide: 15 Handmade Stocking Stuffers
  • Merry Little Christmas Sewing Projects
  • Fabric Gift Pouch
  • 10 Projects to Sew for Men
  • Folded Hexagon Ornament
  • Gifts to Sew for Sewists
  • Sewing Gifts 101: Easy and Affordable Ideas for Your Crafty Friends

Copyright © 2025 Lisa. K. Cox - A Spoonful of Sugar