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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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✨ Fresh & fun storage for your sewing space This ✨ Fresh & fun storage for your sewing spaceThis bright Ruby Star Luma Bucket is such a cheerful organiser — quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for keeping your favourite tools, threads, and weekend projects tidy. The greens,  teals, and blur make it feel clean, modern, and full of energy.If you love practical makes that use just a few favourite fabrics, the Luma Bucket is a sweet project to stitch. It works beautifully on its own or as part of a matching set, and the two sizes give you plenty of options for organising your sewing room.Comment LUMA and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you ✂️🧵 Fabric: @rubystarsociety#lumabucket #sewingpattern #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingroomorganisation #rubystarsociety
Meet the Luma Bucket ✨  A modern fabric organiser Meet the Luma Bucket ✨ A modern fabric organiser in two sizes — perfect for sewing rooms, desks, and handmade gifting. Featuring a crisp contrast base and a sparkling woven star panel, it’s a quick, joyful sew you’ll use every day. Pattern now available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop. Comment LUMA for the link.  #lumabucket #fppsewing #fabricbasket #modernsewing #quiltingprojects handmadegifts
Two bestselling pouches, one beautiful matching se Two bestselling pouches, one beautiful matching set The Handy Drawstring Pouch + Mini Treat Pouch remain two of my most‑loved patterns — quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for using up favourite fabric scraps. They’re sweet individually, but together they make the loveliest coordinated duo for gifting, organising, or adding a handmade touch to your sewing space.This Tilda version has been a community favourite, and it’s easy to see why — the colours, the structure, the way the two designs complement each other. If you’ve been wanting a satisfying weekend project, this pair is such a joy to stitch.You also save 25% when you buy the bundle — a thank you for supporting two of my most popular pouch patterns.Comment BAGDUO and I’ll send the bundle link straight to you.Available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop ✂️🧵Fabric: Tilda Songbird collection — thank you @tilda_australia#tildafabrics #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpattern #weekendsewingproject #sewistsofinstagram handmadegifts
✨ New Travel Sewing Kits These two fresh versions ✨ New Travel Sewing Kits These two fresh versions match a Bitsy Basket, and I love how sweet they look as a little set. The Travel Sewing Kit opens flat so you can see everything at a glance, then folds back into a neat, portable shape — perfect for sewing on the go, gifting, or keeping your favourite tools organised.It’s beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, and one of my most‑used makes.Comment TRAVEL and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you. Available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop ✂️🧵#travelsewingkit #sewingreels #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpattern #handmadegifts
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10 scrappy, cheerful projects to stitch as we head toward fall 🍊There’s something about orange that feels cosy, warm, and full of creative energy — perfect for small makes, gifts, and weekend sewing. If you’re starting to plan your fall projects, this palette is such a fun place to begin.Comment PATTERNS for a link to our pattern store.Happy sewing, friends ✂️🧵#colourcrushseries #orangeprojects #scrapfriendlysewing #fallsewingideas #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Sharing this Tilda scrappy Quadra Pouch - the mix Sharing this Tilda scrappy Quadra Pouch - the mix of blenders looks so beautiful in the large size. Eight fabrics in total — four Bellflower prints for the exterior and four Stella prints for the lining — each corner showing off a different print.The clever panel construction gives the pouch its neat, structured base without boxed corners, making it practical, beautifully shaped, and perfect for using up favourite scraps.Comment QUADRA and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you. Pattern available in the Pattern Store and Etsy Shop ✨Fabric: Bellflower + Stella blenders from Tilda, with thanks to @tilda_australia#quadrapouch #tildafabrics #scrapfriendlysewing #pouchpattern #sewingproject
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