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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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This Travel Sewing Kit opens flat so everything is easy to see, then folds into a neat triangle that slips into your tote or project bag.It’s quick to sew, scrap‑friendly, and one of those makes you end up using all the time — travel days, retreats, hand‑sewing projects, or those “quick fix” moments on the go.Comment TRAVEL and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern: Travel Sewing Kit — available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#travelsewing #sewingkit #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpattern #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
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Turning Halloween scraps into something cute and useful — this Mini Treat Pouch is a quick, beginner‑friendly project that’s perfect for gifting tiny treats, party favours, or adding a handmade touch to spooky season. No zips, no fuss… just a clever button‑and‑elastic closure and a chance to use your favourite Halloween fabrics.Comment TREAT for the pattern link.Pattern Details: Mini Treat Pouch Sewing Pattern - available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop#minitreatpouch #halloweensewing #scrapfriendlysewing
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These sweet little stockings are one of my favourite quick Christmas makes — just the right size for lip balm, chocolates, sewing notions, or tiny treats. They’re beginner‑friendly, scrap‑happy, and perfect for festive table settings, teacher gifts, or adding a handmade touch to your holiday decorating.I used the Tilda Merry Little Christmas fabric for a nostalgic, Scandi‑inspired vibe — such a joy to sew with.Fabric credit: Tilda Merry Little Christmas, with thanks to @tilda_australia ✨💬 Comment STOCKING and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern Details: Scrappy Mini Stocking Pattern - available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Let’s make this season handmade and heartfelt 💕#scrappysewing #ministocking #christmassewing #handmadeholiday #scrapfriendlysewing  
A little collection of Tiny Totes in some of my fa A little collection of Tiny Totes in some of my favourite fabrics — Tilda, Ruby Star Society, printed linen, Christmas prints, and Japanese florals. They’re quick to sew, scrap‑friendly, and endlessly useful for pencils, makeup, sewing notions, sunglasses, gifting, and more.Save this carousel for your next sewing session ✨ Comment TINY for the pattern link.Pattern Details: Tiny Tote — beginner‑friendly, fully lined, and perfect for small cuts of fabric. Available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#tinytote #sewingfun #sewingcommunity #handmadegifts #scrapfriendlysewing
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