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DIY: Crafters and Sewing Divas Unite!

June 20th, 2008 | Published in Books

Photos and words by Maria

Crafters and sewing divas unite! The new upcoming season (summer, yay!) brings a new round of books to feature that could inspire you to get started on that Etsy account you’ve been thinking about getting or that table at Portobello West that you know has your name on it. All of them come from the library (the VPL to be exact), so you can go and grab yourself a copy to borrow for a few days. Fill those lazy summer days with one (or all) of these very nifty books and create something unique or learn a new craft!

Bend-the-Rules Sewing

by Amy Karol

You can’t break the rules until you learn them and here is an excellent book that teaches you the basics in a very fun way. Good advice on sewing, clear instructions, and totally cute projects. Bend-the-Rules-Sewing is for both beginner and experienced sewers, as it offer projects that are simple but that offer room for variations and additions. Very inspirational!

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Simple Sewing with a French Twist

by Céline Dupuy

Simple Sewing with a French Twist is quite the sewing companion. One of its title’s literal translations from the original book is “Of Girls in Needles” (De Filles en Aiguilles), which suggests that this book isn’t purposely adding that “french twist” for us to copy. It simply is french and therefore it shows a really cool insight on genuine french style. Very clear instructions and beautiful projects straight from la belle France.

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Making Stuff

edited by Ziggy Hanaor at Black Dog Publishing and Victoria Woodcock

Starting with the basics–including knitting, sewing, crocheting and felting–this neat little book will send you on your way to completing some pretty snazzy projects. Making Stuff is a compilation of ideas coming from various different crafters. From stuff for your home to stuff for your loved ones, each funky crafter explains their creation step by step. Non-conventional and totally unique.

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The Crafter’s Companion

edited by Anna Torborg

A Crafter’s Companion is a compilation of 17 crafty bloggers, including Amy Karol, the author of Bend-the-Rules-Sewing (above). A small profile of each crafter with their blog address is included and each blogger explains why they do what they do and what inspires them. We also get to take a look at their workspace and learn how to make one of their creations. So many different styles… all made from the heart.

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Romantic Home Sewing

by Christina Strutt

Flowers are in full bloom, skirts are billowy, and picnic baskets are ready to go. From bed canopies to garden tool aprons, this sweet little book offers inspiration and ideas for all those vintage fabric lovers and cottage-style fans. Excellent illustrations and clear instructions can only lead to successfully made projects: whether it’s a buttoned pillow cover or a cute rabbit doll for the young’uns.

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Sew U

by Wendy Mullin with Eviana Hartman

Learning how to sew has just gotten easier. Sew U goes through the basics, gives tips, and provides advice on the art of sewing. Clear and to-the-point instructions for making various different styles of skirts, pants, and shirts (in order of difficulty) are included, plus a set of patterns from the author’s own collection. Wendy Mullin draws from her personal experience as founder of Built by Wendy and shows a very up-to-date, simple, and fun way to learn how to sew.

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