Posted by Kara on Tuesday, Oct 30, 2012
I LOVE to sew! There's nothing better than a cold day, a good audio book, and yards of fabric or other "rescued materials" just waiting to be transformed! When the Library's Friends Foundation recently announced a call for artists for an Arts and Crafts Bazaar, I started thinking about what I could contribute to benefit the Library. A quick stroll to the New Nonfiction shelves provided many books full of inspiring projects.
1-2-3 Sew by Ellen Luckett Baker provides directions, photos, and patterns for 33 great projects. An online preview of this book gives information about the table of contents as well as a bonus project. This book is great for beginners and begins with a list of essential tools every person needs to complete the projects. My favorite projects are the three Tote Bag patterns including a Market Tote, Doodle Bag, and Lunch Sack. The photos are inspirational and instructions are easy to follow.
Reinvention by Maya Donenfeld gives great ideas for sewing with rescued items. The book starts with Sewing and Printing basics then provides project ideas based on the type of rescued material, including Burlap, Wool, Jersey and Denim. There's also an interesting Resources section and Stencils and Templates at the end of the book. My favorite project is the Story Scarf. Basically a Story Scarf is made from fabrics that have special meaning. If someone says, "Oh, I love your scarf!" you can share a story about one of the fabrics that is incorporated into the design.
Improv Sewing by Nicole Blum and Debra Immergut takes a pragmatic approach to creative expression through sewing. Easy instructions for creating patterns are logical and help the reader customize ideas to their own use. The section on Ruffles, Pleats and Trims provides inspiration for adding embellishments to clothes and other projects. My favorite project is "Ollie and Opal's Big Dog Bed" and ideas for sewing on paper or cardboard.
If you are looking for fun winter projects, check out the wonderful collection of sewing and crafting books at the Library.
About the Author
Kara was the Community and Access Services Coordinator. She retired in June 2020.
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