Crafty little things to sew 20 clever sewing projects using scraps & fat quarters

Though maybe no longer learned in school, sewing skills are still convenient to have when mending and making household items. In her new guide, Fairbanks-Critchfield (Just for You: Selfish Sewing Projects from Your Favorite SewCanShe Bloggers, 2014) incorporates very useful step-by-step instructional photographs, geared to visual learners. And since sewing is an acquired talent, for the most part, she makes sure that even novices can excel. The 20 small projects can be completed in days, not weeks, and she scatters quick tips (for example, use pinking shears to quickly trim and cut notches) throughout the text. Upfront bursts easily identify the materials needed. Fairbanks-Critchfield offers contemporary patterns that are useful as well as decorative, including a kiddie backpack, everyday apron, and photo-frame fridge magnet. Not necessarily easy, but definitely worthwhile. Appended with 22 pages of templates and other useful resources.--Jacobs, Barbara Copyright 2017 Booklist

Bags, organizers, and practical home decor are the focus of -Fairbanks-Critchfield's latest collection, which features projects from the bloggers who contribute to SewCanShe.com. Each project makes clever use of scraps and fat quarters as either a focal fabric or an embellishment, allowing sewists to customize designs with as many (or as few) fabrics as they like. Basic machine sewing skills, including the ability to work with a simple pattern and sew a straight seam, are required for all of the projects; the more complex designs bring in other skills and techniques, such as machine quilting and installing zippers. Traceable or reproducible pattern templates are provided as needed. VERDICT These projects are an excellent way to make use of favorite fabrics and are also great for gift sewing. © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.