It’s been a while since I’ve been in this space. So much to say not enough time so I’m just going to kick my return off with a book review. I’ve been doing other crafting as well, but this book needs it’s online time. It’s that good!
I received this book for review about 7 weeks ago. What struck me immediately is how amazing the photography in this book is. You know it has to be good when one of my colleagues remarked that even she as a non-crafter would keep this book as a coffee table book for the photography. I’d say that’s high praise indeed.
However, as with every craft book I review, I had to look past the photos and see if Home Sewn met the standard criteria I now use for any pattern/craft book I might purchase:
- How easy are the supplies to find?
- How simple or complicated are the instructions?
- Realistically, how many of these projects am I likely to make?
The author is a fan of leather … she admits that. But even her love for leather and use in many of the projects doesn’t take away from the diversity of fabric and supplies used throughout the projects. What’s more, if leather is not your thing, it’s easy to substitute other fabrics and still end up with a gorgeous product. For many of the projects I had most if not all of the supplies required. She included a generous list of resources in the back of the book and what I think was really forward thinking on her part was that the list includes where to purchase supplies no matter where you are in the world. A crafter using this book can purchase what he/she needs at any local fabric, quilt, or big box craft store. And if you insist on going all out and using silk fabric, let’s say for the hand stitched quilt pattern, the author lists online stores you can purchase any of the supplies from.
One of the things which turns newbies or sometimes even seasoned crafters off projects are complex instructions. Not so with this book. While some projects would take longer to make, that really would be attributed to the size and type of project, but not due to instructions that are hard to comprehend. Even the way the instructions are laid out in the book make them easy to read and execute. I consider myself a beginner sewer but was able to work through the instructions for all the projects after reading them twice. Some projects only took one read to get the procedure down! For projects requiring templates, the author provided the templates on her website so you don’t even have to create them yourself.
The biggest factor for me with books of these types is practicality. How many of these projects would I likely make? How would the projects translate to my living environment? How many of these projects if made would I really use? Of the 32 projects in this book, there’s only 1 I wouldn’t make and that’s because I don’t have the furniture that makes it necessary for me to make the type of chair cover shown as a project. Other than that one, the projects are so easy to integrate in my urban apt and quite lovely to boot. I’ve already made one, have ordered fabric for another and am about to fabric paint some canvas for a third.
This project book is a winner for me as I’m sure it will be for other sewers or sewing enthusiasts ready to take the plunge. Well laid out, beginner friendly, aesthetically pleasing photography and projects I know I’ll enjoy making. I’m already using my leather coasters!
disclaimer: this review was done through my affiliation with Blogging For Books. Although I received a copy for review, the thoughts expressed are entirely my own.
D'NALI 
The cover looks so so good! I would definitely keep it on my coffee table!! I am very bad at sewing, trying making a dress once and completely failed 🙂 I guess I should have started with something much more simple.
The first thing I ever made was an apron with applique and embroidery in my sewing class in HS. It wasn’t the best in show but it was something I made. Chalk your dress up to experience. You’re such an amazing crafter, I’m sure it’s not as bad as you say. 😉
Oh my word, those are swoon-worthy coasters! Love them!!! Great book suggestion. thanks 🙂
You my sister would absolutely love it this book. I kid you not … the quilts are right up your alley!
Lovely review (makes me really want to check out the book) and lovely coasters. Nice to see you back in this space.
Next time you’re in town, I’ll bring it with me. Hopefully we don’t have to fight for it. 😀
Yeah! You’re back… I was praying that all was going well with you while you were away. Crafting is wonderful isn’t it? I find regardless of what’s in my path doing something creative makes my world a bit easier. In fact, I wrote about that topic recently.
The book sounds very interesting, I’ll have to check it out. I do love to sew. Last week, I purchased a book by Natalie ‘Alabama’ Chanin. What’s unique about her Alabama Chanin line is that everything is handsewn. She has two other lines that aren’t as costly, but for her couture line, be prepared to spend a few thousands dollars, or more, for a garment. Everything is sourced in her hometown located in in Alabama. She pays her employees a living wage and does not believe in waste. It’s truly a fascinating concept that I do within my own life and it’s nice to see others doing the same thing.
This weekend, I’m hoping to start on a handsewn tee-shirt. I’m using tee-shirts that were rarely (or never) worn and since it’s getting chilly, I’m making it long sleeve! I’ll be writing about the entire process once I get started.
It’s good to be back although I dipped out again. *blush* You’re another one I think would love this book! 😉 The book you recommend sounds wonderful, I’ll try to get it from the library.
Thanks so much fro your concern and prayers, I really do appreciate it! Hope you’re doing well!