Great Sewing Books

I forgot to post this earlier....so some of my wording is a bit outdated , but it is still a good list of books that may be of interest...

Here's some great books to get you started with ideas, patterns, and tips:
Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts
http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewarts-Encyclopedia-Sewing-Fabric/dp/0307450589
A great mix of projects, tips on fabric, threads, basic sewing ideas...also many more advanced techniques.

The Sewing Book
http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Book-Alison-Smith/dp/0135097398/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289152459&sr=1-1
I don't have this book, but my neighbor got it and raved about it, so I looked through it at length at the bookstore the other night. It has been added to my Christmas wish list...it has great step by step instructions on how to do just about anything related to sewing. I haven't tried anything yet since I don't have it, but it looked like it would be super easy to follow along.

One Yard Wonders
http://www.amazon.com/One-Yard-Wonders-Sewing-Fabric-Projects/dp/1603424490/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289152551&sr=1-1
Many cute projects to make with just a yard of fabric...great for any fabrics you've picked up without a specific project in mind.

Simple Sewing
http://www.amazon.com/Lotta-Jansdotters-Simple-Sewing-How/dp/0811852571
This is the first sewing book I bought. There are tons of great patterns and each project lets you know what level it is considered. The dish towel I posted earlier is a level 1 from this book.

Sew Everything Workshop
http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Everything-Workshop-Step-Step/dp/0761139737/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289152669&sr=1-1-spell
Again, my neighbor got this book and raved about it. I am adding this to my list as well.

I plan to post some of the projects I make from these various books as time progresses so you can see if the books have projects you may be interested in.

My sewing teacher also recommended buying older sewing books from used bookstores, yard sales, etc. Not necessarily for the projects, but for the technique descriptions. I just got one yesterday from a used bookstore in Dormont. I can't wait to read through it and see how it compares to these newer books.

Holiday Bags

These little bags housed my gift card gifts this season. I just made little drawstring bags out of old red fabric and then stamped snowflakes on the bag to make them a little more festive.  I also stamped tags to indicate who was going to receive the little gift.

Hopefully in 2011 I will get back to making crafts and post more often to my blog. Have a Happy New Year!

Sewing Rule #3...

think outside the box. Everything has more than one use...just be creative. Here Polly decided my tote bag made a great napping spot!

Fabric Bowl

While my photo taking skills aren't that great, this is my fabric bowl I made in my latest sewing class. It was a long tedious process and luckily the photo hides my multitude of mistakes. Although this project was hard and probably wasn't the best choice for my second major sewing project, I learned a lot of lessons and I think if I get the gumption to give this another try it will go much smoother.

In fact, I learned that you don't need three assistants! These guys and gals were having too much fun trying to get the end of the rope as I shaped the bowl.

Wall Decor

My husband and I added this wall decor from Stampin' Up to our bedroom wall. I don't see this particular pattern on their website any longer, but they have many more options under the Home Decor section. In addition, you can find similar items at Joann's. This is definitely a two person job and takes a lot of patience. These bigger patterns come in multiple pieces and need to be lined up. You will need to have something to rub the pattern onto the wall with...Stampin' Up sells the applicator, but you can also find them at dollar stores sometimes for a cheaper price. This is a wonderful accent to a wall, but it does take time and patience and a lot of teamwork.

My sewing machine

This is my sewing machine. I inherited it from MiMi Mitstifer...a very crafty lady. It is a Kenmore from I think the mid-70's; although, not sure about the exact year.

If you are looking to get into sewing, don't rush out and buy the latest and greatest machine. You can find these old machines at yard sales, thrift shops, your aunt's attic, in the garbage (that's where one of my sewing classmates found hers and it works like a charm), etc. These old machines do the basics and work great for a beginner sewer. You can see what you like and dislike and then if you want to invest in a newer, more expensive machine and get all the bells and whistles you know you want and will use.

Also, sewing repair stores also sell used machines. My sewing teacher warned against buying the $99 models that are often sold at the big box stores...they break quickly and cannot be repaired.

Holiday Wreath

Everyone gets tons of Christmas cards that they end up throwing away (or hopefully putting in the recycling bin). Well this project is an easy way to reuse all those cards. Just make a template of a holly leaf on cardstock...my husband just drew one for me freehand but I'm sure there are lots out on the web. Cut out the leaves from your cards, then hot glue toothpicks to the back of the cards, leaving enough toothpick to push into a Styrofoam wreath (these can be found at Joann's). Arrange the leaves to have a coherent look and then when finished, attach a festive ribbon to the top and hang indoors to spread holiday cheer.