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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

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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

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Sewing isn't just stitches - it's life lessons. Wa Sewing isn't just stitches - it's life lessons. Want to see all 12 lessons? Comment LESSON and I'll send you the link to our free blog article.Quilting is more than just a creative pastime- it's a journey filled with valuable  life lessons. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced quilter, the process teaches persistence, patience, problem solving and self-expression.Read our article to discover all the lessons you can learn. What has quilting taught you? Share your most important lesson in the comments.Love the pillow designs in this post? Find my sewing patterns in my Pattern Store - link in profile.#sewingpatterns #DIYhomedecor #quiltedpillow #handmadehome #sewingproject #scrapbuster #sewingforfun #beginnersewing
Introducing my latest make—the Dresden Needleboo Introducing my latest make—the Dresden Needlebook! ✂️💖This little beauty is practical, charming, and packed with personality. For this version, I dove into my stash of small Japanese florals, mainly from the fabulous Atsuko Matsuyama, pairing a pink and aqua Dresden plate with a bright yellow center for a pop of cheer. The base? Sweet polka dots, finished with aqua gingham binding for a classic touch!Inside, I added fruit labels and appliqués for extra charm, and the felt pages (in a stunning pink wool felt!) keep pins and needles neatly in place. Plus, with two internal pockets, there’s space for all those little sewing essentials.The Dresden Needlebook has been one of my most-loved patterns this year! Want the pattern? Comment DRESDEN below, and I’ll send you a DM with the link! 🧵✨What are you sewing this week?#sewingpatterns #modernquilting #ʜᴀɴᴅᴍᴀᴅᴇᴡɪᴛʜʟᴏᴠᴇ #sewmuchfun #diycrafts #sewingaddict #creativemaker #sewinginspiration #fabriclover
Calling all pet lovers 🐾The Dog Paw Coaster P Calling all pet lovers 🐾The Dog Paw Coaster Pattern is perfect for your morning coffee or as a cute gift for a fellow dog lover! In my reel I'm showing the final steps of construction, trimming with pinking shears and turning the coaster right side out.Want the pattern? Comment PAW and I'll send you a DM with the link.This pattern is great to practice strip piecing and basic raw edge applique. You can quickly and easily make them  from your scraps.#dogpawcoaster #doglover #sewcute #sewfun #scrapsewing #giftstosew #sewsewsew #creativelife #makerlife #doglife
Roll in style with a DIY Dice Tray. 🎲Keep you Roll in style with a DIY Dice Tray. 🎲Keep your dice contained and rolling smoothly with this quick and easy fabric tray. Made from charm squares (5 inch precuts), this beginner friendly project is a fantastic scrap buster - perfect for your favourite fabric leftovers.🌟 Dice trays are great for game nights, RPG adventures, and tabletop fun.🌟 Make a matching Dice bag using our Dice and Drawstring (DnD Bag) Pattern - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop ( store links in our profile).Want to make your own Dice Tray? Comment DICE for a link to the free tutorial and start making your custom Dice Tray today.#dicetray #sewingfun #sewingtutorial #gamenightessentials #beginnersewing #tabletopaccessories #dragonmaster #handmadegaming
DIY Bias Tape - the perfect finishing touch! ✨️Making your own bias tape is a game changer. With custom colours, quality fabrics, and endless possibilities, homemade bias tape takes your project to the next level.✂️ Start by cutting bias strips - cut on the diagonal for endless flexibility.
🪡Join the strips with a diagonal seam to keep length continuous.
🎀 Use a bias tape maker to fold and press the fabric with a hot iron.
🧵 Wrap the tape around a bobbin for easy storage.
🌟 Use the tape to enclose raw edges on items like pot holders, placemats, and Blossom Oven Mitt for a professional finish.Save this post as reminder for next time - there is nothing better than perfectly matched bias tape made just for your project.#diybiastape #handmadefinishes #sewinghacks #sewingtips #quiltinglife #sewhandmade #blossomovenmitt #sewingproject #fabricaddict
Looking for a quick, practical, and beginner frien Looking for a quick, practical, and beginner friendly sewing project? These reusable makeup pads are easy to make and are also great alternative to single use cotton rounds. Sew up a set using soft fabrics from your stash, and enjoy a gentle, eco- friendly addition to your skincare routine.Best part? This pattern is free! Comment MAKEUP below and I'll send you a link to the free pattern.What is your favourite ecofriendly item to sew?#freesewingpattern #ecosewing #sewpractical #giftstosew #beginnersewing #scrapsewing #quicksew
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