Stitch by Stitch: Review

Today I received "Stitch by Stitch: Learning to Sew, One Project at a Time," a 223 page book by Deborah Moebes that was just re-released and am so excited to share it with you! This wire bound hardcover book even comes with a cd filled with patterns and guides! 

Design-It-Yourself Clothes by Cal Patch

Book Review: Design-It-Yourself: Pattenmaking Simplified by Cal Patch

The Breakdown
This 158 page book, Design-It-Yourself: Pattenmaking Simplified by Cal Patch takes patternmaking to a whole new level! Patch's book is separated into 3 parts: Preparing & Taking Measurements, Making Patterns, and Customizing and fitting. Patch offers fun and modern directions for completing 20 different garments. The book is filled
with detailed description and instruction for building the perfect pattern; she not only tells how to make it, but also explains as to the reason you should pay extra attention to tailoring, detail and fabric choices. Patch includes countless drawings and detailed graphs in attempt to leave no questions unanswered. The book includes a table of contents and index, as well as a references page, and a helpful measurement conversion chart.

My Favs about this book

My favorite things in the book is that it's easy to navigate and is extremely detailed. Patch's book made me excited to make my own patterns and offered an amazing foundation to do just that! Patch encourages the reader to think big and realize that you can create patterns for any piece of clothing! Another favorite part of the book was the section that explained how to create patterns from pieces of clothing that you already own.....and showed how to do it without cutting them up! This was right down my alley and I hope that Patch considers writing an entire book dedicated to this sometime down the road too! Okay, another fav about this book was Patch's section on "Insider Sewing Techniques." She broke down and simplified various seam finishes (mock-french seam, overedge zigzag, etc.) and explained to the readers exactly how to execute the finish flawlessly.

Big Gulp....Anything I would change about the book
Although I very much enjoyed this book I fear it's certainly not a perfect fit for a novice sewer without the inspiration or desire to learn. The book is filled with such wonderful information, but if you're not necessarily ready for the challenge than it could seem overwhelming.

I certainly recommend Cal Patch's book to add to your crafting inspiration collection. This would be a perfect book for a sewing buddy's birthday!

At Home WIth Handmade Books - Review

I just received a copy of Erin Zamrzla's newest book At Home With Handmade Books (Released TODAY!!!!) I couldn't wait to throw it open it and be overcome with creative inspiration. I wasn't dissapointed!

The Breakdown
Zamrzla's book is filled with 190 pages of bookbinding projects. The Table of Contents is separated by the "type" of book binding techniques (i.e.: Accordian books, Flutter Books, Four-Hole Binding, Yamato Binding, etc.). Zamrzla goes further to give a brief history of the various bookbinding techniques. The lack of index at the end of the book goes unnoticed mainly because the Table of Contents does an excellent job of directing the reader. At the end of the book there is a Resources page, to help us locate the materials needed. I adore she included a photo and short bio at the back as I'm always intrigued what the author looks like. I'm not weird, come on, you wonder too, right?! Okay, maybe it's just me.

Project Details
28 unique projects fill this how-to book. Templates are included for the projects, so you can easily photocopy (or trace) the designs. Zanrzla does an excellent job of breaking down each project and goes into thorough explanation on the execution creating your very own. . Bookbinding can be a tricky technique to master, but reading through the book truly made me feel like these projects were all within my novice reach.

My Favs about this book
I appreciated the fact that all of the materials and tools needed are easy to find at any hardware or crafting store - I mean, who wants to have to locate (and buy!) an obscure tool that you'll use for one project, right?! Also, the Photography is beautiful. The entire book has a calm nature about it with photos that accentuate each project.

Big Gulp....Anything I would change about the book
Listen, I'm opinionated and generally have plenty to say about what I would change about this and that, but honestly, I wouldn't make any changes. What? Becky's speechless? Write this date down.

I certainly recommend this book to add to your crafting inspiration collection. Erin Zamrzla's book At Home with Handmade Books is available April 12th - TODAY!!!!

Okay, okay, I adore this book - let's do a GIVEAWAY! I will give 2 copies of this book away.

To enter giveaway:
Comment below answering the question: Who would be the recipient of your first bookbinding project?

**Get an extra entry if you Tweet this post (just put an extra comment that you did so please).

This giveaway will end Saturday, April 16th....gosh, TWO giveaways in one week??? I must be in a good mood! Enter the other one here.