Got an hour to spare and a gift to make? There are sixteen projects in here to use up your leftover from other projects and have fun even if you don't think you have time to make anything.
Ten of the projects can be made in under and hour, and the remaining six in under half and hour. You don't need a lot of sewing experience to tackle any of them but a good working knowledge of the basics is essential as this is not a primer. Every project has been featured previously in another C&T book and each is by a different designer so if you like what you see you might want to invest in the whole book it came from. Projects vary slightly in format, some having several staged photographs, others with drawn diagrams and layouts. Some of the print is rather small so good eyesight is required, but then it usually is for sewing. At the back are some patterns, a few of which need to be enlarged but most of the items are made with measuring only. Choose from several different bags, bows, place settings, a toy bucket, coasters and more. All are very giftable, most managing to be both pretty and practical and with wide appeal. Techniques include applique, scrap patchwork, putting in a zipper and simple hand embroidery and all ease a fairly new stitcher gently into using these methods. A good book to have on hand for Christmas as you can make a lot of gifts using it - if you can bear to part with them!
* myshelf.com *
We don't always have 9 to 5 to sew, so if time is short you will love this collection of 16 fun projects to sew in no time at all. The designs have been chosen from different designers for their 'giftability'. Quick makes use up your stash or even scraps to make beautiful gifts. The photography is superb, the instructions are clear. You'll see at a glance the project, materials and cutting, followed by the foolproof step-by-step instructions. See how to insert a zip, make a drawstring bag, sew patchwork, applique and more. Includes gifts for babies, women and home and a unisex bow-tie. Bags, baskets, bibs, scarf and headband are some of the projects. Colorful, fun yet practical and easy for beginners. I love the apron and the coasters. Projects have appeared in other books, so make sure you do not already have these first.
* Karen Platt *
