Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew & Embellish Review

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(More customer reviews)I am loving this book - its definitely one of my favorite sewing books on the market right now. First of all, the title doesn't lie, these are some seriously cute projects, folks. Almost a lethal dose of cute. Not in a bad way. The book is beautifully laid out - love the gingham and polka dots! Jenny's fabric choices are brilliant - I especially love the fact that she used vintage fabrics and pillowcases, with a little bit of cute Japanese fabric thrown in.
The book begins with a bio/ introduction as most craft books do, then goes into tools and techniques. I'm excited to find that I have a lot of these tools already (bias tape maker and yo-yo maker) - but I don't know how to use them so I'm excited to learn. Next there's a bit on free-motion quilting and some other "basics" like sewing a zippered pocket. Jenny promises it's not as hard as it looks and I believe her, which is half the battle, I think. If you are a more advanced seamstress, you might skip this part. If you are a more advanced seamstress, you might skip this part.
Most of the projects seem easy enough for a beginner so I'm excited to try them. The instructions and patterns are clear and easy to follow. I am loving the necklace tank, fabric button necklace, and reversible headband in the Pretties section. The eyeglasses cozy and appliqued tote are also a couple of my favorites, as is the merit badge wristlet (genius!), in the Totables section. In the Nest section, I am eager to make the Happy Hostess Dishtowels. Another section for Kid's Stuff includes instructions for a Silly Snake that reminds me of a puzzle my dad made me when I was younger. It also gives you a new use for shrunken sweaters. The Square Bear is also adorable and I love the fact that Jenny incorporates embroidery and vintage buttons. One last section called Crafties includes a crochet hook cozy that makes me want to learn to crochet and a Nifty Needle Book that I really need for my embroidery needles. I love how the projects are not only cute but practical.
I read another review that accused this book of being un-hip and to that I say "un-true!" Ok, so I'm not the coolest kid on the block but I do keep up with the latest handmade fashions and as far as I can tell, cute is definitely "in." Besides, if you don't like Jenny's use of mellow fabrics, you can always substitute color combos like black and hot pink or skull prints. Plus the cover gives a good indication of whether the projects will fit your personal style. Personally, I love them.

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Sought after for her one-of-a-kind handmade gifts, Jenny Ryan has created a collection of adorable projects in Sew Darn Cute that anyone can complete in a jiffy. Simple sewing techniques and quick yet stylish projects combine in this appealing book that teaches readers basic sewing skills while they create adorable yet useful items to keep for themselves or give as thoughtful presents. Use surface embellishment techniques including applique and embroidery to transform plain tees or old linens into pretty and unique signature items like a pillowcase purse or a skinny summer scarf; create lovable critters or a set of crafty coasters from scrap fabric and felted sweaters; or clean up the clutter in your craft room with easy-to-sew organizers for your crochet hooks, knitting needles, pins, and more. A focus on using vintage and thrifted, repurposed fabrics shows readers how they can whip up unique sewing projects that are also easy on the planet (and on your pocketbook). Colorful photographs reveal the projects and fabric selections up-close; step-by-step instructions, plus Jenny's tricks and tips, make it easy for home sewers to re-create these sew darn cute items for themselves.

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Sew, So Cute (Leisure Arts #4809) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a beginner sewer--not having sewn in 35 years (since early teens) and just re-entering about 3-4 months ago.
I just ordered this book and received it on 3/25. The reason for the 3 is that I commend the publishers for putting it in a spiral form--which makes it easer for us to use it while we are sewing. I even looked at the image before purchasing.
Although there are some useful patterns (diaper bags, baby bibs, some aprons), many in my opinion, I could have (and seen) pulled off of the internet for free. For instance: pincushions, potholder and mit, bunny rabbit(?). I can't use any of those.
Also, and again, for the beginner, the instructions just tell you what to get, whot to cut out. There's not step-by-step guidelines on ANY of the patterns.
I don't blame Leasuire Arts because I ordered their Home Decor book the same time I ordered this (only directly from Leisure Arts) and it's very clear and has useful patterns.
So, today I made arrangements for a refund because it wasn't what the descriptions cracked it up to be. Also, my book came damaged. The box was damaged. I had several other books from KWIK SEW in the same box that were not damaged. The KWIK SEW books were wrapped in plastic, this book was not.
I would not recommend this book for any level. If I am disappointed as a true novice, I'd hate to hear what an intermediate, let alone an advanced sewer might think!
You may get some delight again from the fact that it is spiral, the pics are all color, and the sizes of the pics are OK. The print is readable--not small like some sewing books. That's my 2 cents.

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Whatever your skill level, these Mary Engelbreit designs to sew will bring out the best in your creative spirit. Choose your favorite fabrics and start stitching aprons, baby bibs, place mats, and sewing accessories, just to name a few! Enclosed spiral hardcover binding makes the book easy to use, and there's a Sewing Primer to help you gather your supplies and sew every stitch, whether by hand or machine. And when a project calls for a pattern, you ll find it in the beautiful envelope on the inside cover. We like this idea of keeping the full-size patterns tidy and close-at-hand so you can reuse them as many times as you wish. These 26 designs are more than just exciting items to sew; they're also gifts you'll be proud to make for everyone you know.

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Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing Review

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(More customer reviews)Seams to Me is a beautiful book. There are beautiful photographs, illustrations, and detailed instructions. There are projects here for everyone. I would consider myself an intermediate sewer. I've been sewing for over ten years and there are many projects I'm interested in completing. There is a quilt project, a fabric art project, as well as many other projects that would be appropriate (and fun) for varying levels of experience. More experienced sewers can skim the detailed instructions and the intro explaining sewing tools and such. One of the most common complaints concerning sewing books is that the instructions aren't detailed enough. Horner had the foresight to serve her customers and include excellent instructions and illustrations.

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Admired fabric designer Anna Maria Horner draws on her passion for art, sewing, and textiles to inspire one-of-a-kind projects
Anna Maria Horner's signature style combines the techniques of a seasoned sewer with the vision of an artist. In Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing, she walks you through the fundamentals, offering practical advice on everything from fabric selection to color choices to choosing and buying a sewing machine. Simple step-by-step instructions show you how to turn her designs into fanciful creations:
Sideways Squares Skirt
Prairie Blouse
Full Contact Cooking Apron
PlayingAlong Quilt
Doggie Dreams Bed
And so much more!

Vivid full-color photographs and designs will invite you into the creative process. Whether you're a beginner or a veteran, the twenty-four projects in this beautiful book will transform your home and wardrobe into a collection of unique treasures.

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Little Birds: 26 Handmade Projects to Sew, Stitch, Quilt & Love (Design Collective) Review

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(More customer reviews)This book contains a colorful flock of fun and folksy sewing projects with a contemporary edge. The projects are varied: mobiles and ornaments and stuffies and aprons and quilts and wreaths fill the pages. It was hard to pick which project to start with. So far, I've made the peacock and I have 5 other projects earmarked.
I do want to offer some warning. Even though it claims to be for beginners, this book isn't really for anyone who doesn't have basic sewing skills. There isn't always precise step-by-step instructions- I had to fiddle a bit with the peacock's beak and tail to make it work. Luckily, most of these projects don't require careful precision. I think some fiddling gives each piece its own character.
Quite a few of the projects use embroidery for the finishing touches. There is a very basic guide to embroidery stitches in the back of the book but I think you would fare better if you hone your skills before tackling the projects that depend on your ability to do this well. Ditto for the quilts. I've never made a quilt and I would only feel comfortable attempting one from this book if I had some basic quilting skills already.
For somebody with strong sewing skills this book is 5 star. But, despite my intermediate-beginner status, I found enough projects in here to feel that the book was worth the purchase price.


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This adorable book is all about the birds! From budgies to owls to peacocks, these projects will pique your curiousity and make your heart sing! Many talented designers bring you soft sculptures, quilts, ornaments, and more.

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Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion Review

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(More customer reviews)Very pleased with product. Pleased with speed in with I received product Would gladly deal with this vendor again.

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The Grabbit pin cushion is a must have in your sewing work area.

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Stitched in Time: Memory-Keeping Projects to Sew and Share from the Creator of Posie Gets Cozy Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a delightful book of beginning sewing projects which will also appeal to more experienced sewers like myself because of the sheer charm and childlike simplicity of the projects. We see so much black and silver and muted browns these days but Alicia Paulson lives in a different color path. It is the color path of my grandmother's quilts--fresh, sweet, and full of the feeling of spring flowers. Having followed her blog for some time, I was thrilled when her book came out. The lovely afghans and knitting projects on her blog inspired me on to new adventures in those areas. What I love about the book is that you don't have to make her very own projects as she made them. You can take the colors of her palette or some of her ideas and adapt them to your own particular vision. A good way to see if you would like this book is to follow her blog for a while (Posie Gets Cozy); her writing is as fun and inspiring as her sewing. Her domesticity and creative life is warm, comforting, and heartening. She lives in a world I remember from childhood--when most treasures were handmade and embodied the wisdom and skill of one woman, passed to another.

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In Stitched in Time Alicia Paulson shares 30 beautiful, inventive, and thoughtful projects that encourage you to take your memories down from the bookshelf, out of the closet, or off the hard drive and bring them into your daily life. Creator of a charming line of handmade gifts and accessories called Posie: Rosy Little Things, Paulson organizes these adorable handmade mementos—each one incorporating unique elements such as photos, drawings, and other ephemera—into three sections: For the Little Ones, For Every Day, and For Special Occasions. Many projects are easy enough for the beginning sewer to complete, and Paulson explains all the necessary techniques, from hand- and machine-sewing to embroidery, appliqué, stenciling, and transferring photos to fabric. In as little as a weekend anyone can create a keepsake for the ages that will be enjoyed every day­—whether it’s a quilt made from outgrown baby clothes, an apron featuring a favorite family recipe, a tote bag documenting a treasured vacation, or a stuffed animal fashioned from a child’s drawing. With love incorporated into every stitch, these sweet projects each evoke the feeling of a special time and place, and are so much more than just a commemoration of events. Whether you want to remember your family summers at the beach or a daughter’s first apartment, a perfect gift for a loved one or a memento to keep all to yourself is just stitches away.

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