Sought after for her one-of-a-kind handmade gifts, Jenny Ryan has created a collection of adorable projects in Sew Darn Cute that anyone can complete in a jiffy. Simple sewing techniques and quick yet stylish projects combine in this appealing book that teaches readers basic sewing skills while they create adorable yet useful items to keep for themselves or give as thoughtful presents. Use surface embellishment techniques including applique and embroidery to transform plain tees or old linens into pretty and unique signature items like a pillowcase purse or a skinny summer scarf; create lovable critters or a set of crafty coasters from scrap fabric and felted sweaters; or clean up the clutter in your craft room with easy-to-sew organizers for your crochet hooks, knitting needles, pins, and more. A focus on using vintage and thrifted, repurposed fabrics shows readers how they can whip up unique sewing projects that are also easy on the planet (and on your pocketbook). Colorful photographs reveal the projects and fabric selections up-close; step-by-step instructions, plus Jenny's tricks and tips, make it easy for home sewers to re-create these sew darn cute items for themselves.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Sew Darn Cute is more like Sew Darn Clever! Jenn Ryan has whipped up a collection of projects that pop with personality! Easy-to-follow directions matched with her happy tone make for a must-have book. The juicy photos prove she put a lot of thought into every pattern, seam, and stitch. From a cupcake tote to a sassy sewing machine cover, these ideas will send any fabric hound straight to rickrack heaven!" --Kathy Cano-Murillo, founder of CraftyChica.com
"The brilliant fabric combinations Jenny Ryan creates are the icing on the cake of her projects. I just want to make and wear the whole book!" --Jenny Hart, founder of Sublime Stitching
About the Author
JENNY RYAN is the creator of SewDarnCute.com, where she sells one-of-a-kind tote bags, playful accessories, home decor items, and more. Her handiwork has been featured in BUST, knit.1, and Crochet Today magazines. She works as a writer and blogger for CRAFT magazine (www.craftzine.com). She is also the organizer of Felt Club (www.feltclub.com), a popular Los Angeles crafts fair. She lives in Silver Lake, CA, with her husband Johnny, and their two screwball cats, Kang and Kodos.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 37 people found the following review helpful
By Amy Cluck
Format:Paperback
I am loving this book - its definitely one of my favorite sewing books on the market right now. First of all, the title doesn't lie, these are some seriously cute projects, folks. Almost a lethal dose of cute. Not in a bad way. The book is beautifully laid out - love the gingham and polka dots! Jenny's fabric choices are brilliant - I especially love the fact that she used vintage fabrics and pillowcases, with a little bit of cute Japanese fabric thrown in.
The book begins with a bio/ introduction as most craft books do, then goes into tools and techniques. I'm excited to find that I have a lot of these tools already (bias tape maker and yo-yo maker) - but I don't know how to use them so I'm excited to learn. Next there's a bit on free-motion quilting and some other "basics" like sewing a zippered pocket. Jenny promises it's not as hard as it looks and I believe her, which is half the battle, I think. If you are a more advanced seamstress, you might skip this part. If you are a more advanced seamstress, you might skip this part.
Most of the projects seem easy enough for a beginner so I'm excited to try them. The instructions and patterns are clear and easy to follow. I am loving the necklace tank, fabric button necklace, and reversible headband in the Pretties section. The eyeglasses cozy and appliqued tote are also a couple of my favorites, as is the merit badge wristlet (genius!), in the Totables section. In the Nest section, I am eager to make the Happy Hostess Dishtowels. Another section for Kid's Stuff includes instructions for a Silly Snake that reminds me of a puzzle my dad made me when I was younger. It also gives you a new use for shrunken sweaters. The Square Bear is also adorable and I love the fact that Jenny incorporates embroidery and vintage buttons. One last section called Crafties includes a crochet hook cozy that makes me want to learn to crochet and a Nifty Needle Book that I really need for my embroidery needles. I love how the projects are not only cute but practical.
I read another review that accused this book of being un-hip and to that I say "un-true!" Ok, so I'm not the coolest kid on the block but I do keep up with the latest handmade fashions and as far as I can tell, cute is definitely "in." Besides, if you don't like Jenny's use of mellow fabrics, you can always substitute color combos like black and hot pink or skull prints. Plus the cover gives a good indication of whether the projects will fit your personal style. Personally, I love them.
The book begins with a bio/ introduction as most craft books do, then goes into tools and techniques. I'm excited to find that I have a lot of these tools already (bias tape maker and yo-yo maker) - but I don't know how to use them so I'm excited to learn. Next there's a bit on free-motion quilting and some other "basics" like sewing a zippered pocket. Jenny promises it's not as hard as it looks and I believe her, which is half the battle, I think. If you are a more advanced seamstress, you might skip this part. If you are a more advanced seamstress, you might skip this part.
Most of the projects seem easy enough for a beginner so I'm excited to try them. The instructions and patterns are clear and easy to follow. I am loving the necklace tank, fabric button necklace, and reversible headband in the Pretties section. The eyeglasses cozy and appliqued tote are also a couple of my favorites, as is the merit badge wristlet (genius!), in the Totables section. In the Nest section, I am eager to make the Happy Hostess Dishtowels. Another section for Kid's Stuff includes instructions for a Silly Snake that reminds me of a puzzle my dad made me when I was younger. It also gives you a new use for shrunken sweaters. The Square Bear is also adorable and I love the fact that Jenny incorporates embroidery and vintage buttons. One last section called Crafties includes a crochet hook cozy that makes me want to learn to crochet and a Nifty Needle Book that I really need for my embroidery needles. I love how the projects are not only cute but practical.
I read another review that accused this book of being un-hip and to that I say "un-true!" Ok, so I'm not the coolest kid on the block but I do keep up with the latest handmade fashions and as far as I can tell, cute is definitely "in." Besides, if you don't like Jenny's use of mellow fabrics, you can always substitute color combos like black and hot pink or skull prints. Plus the cover gives a good indication of whether the projects will fit your personal style. Personally, I love them.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Jenny's Ryan's new sewing book certainly lives up to the title! The projects are absolutely adorable, classic, and hip all rolled into one! Not only does she offer 30 patterns of perfection, she also demonstrates how to use contrasting textures to add even more personality to the projects. Each page is loaded with tips in a super-friendly tone. I'm excited to share this book with my teen daughter to make some fabulous new accessories!!! Way to go, Jenny!
20 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By em-il-ie
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was really disappointed with this book.
Although it was filled with beautiful photographs, the designs and patterns themselves were so totally elementary that I am pretty sure you could google and find a free pattern for everything featured. For example, sewing coasters? It's 2 pieces of square fabric sewn together and then top-stitched.
Perhaps a VERY new and beginner level seamstress might like this, or a very young teenager, but to have an entire page dedicated to cutting a letter out of fabric and sewing it onto a white tee shirt seemed like a cop out.
Although it was filled with beautiful photographs, the designs and patterns themselves were so totally elementary that I am pretty sure you could google and find a free pattern for everything featured. For example, sewing coasters? It's 2 pieces of square fabric sewn together and then top-stitched.
Perhaps a VERY new and beginner level seamstress might like this, or a very young teenager, but to have an entire page dedicated to cutting a letter out of fabric and sewing it onto a white tee shirt seemed like a cop out.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Cute ideas, but.....
There are some cute ideas in this book. However, most of them are impractical for what I like to do sewing wise. There is quite a bit of handwork ideas in here, which I'm not into.
Published 17 months ago by SS Sally
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun book w/ lots of great projects!
There are a lot of CUTE projects in here! Some are a little more advanced, yet the instructions are plain and easy to understand. Lots of variations, so one doesn't get bored! Read more
Published on April 19, 2011 by carol
4.0 out of 5 stars
The title doesn't lie when it says simple...
This book has some cute and VERY simple projects. I would recomend it for beginners. I am a little more advanced than the level used in this book, but I still enjoyed leafing... Read more
Published on December 23, 2010 by CraftyMcShannahan
4.0 out of 5 stars
A cute beginners sewing book
The projects in this book are cute and simple. This is probably a great starter book for a teenager. I love the simplicity of the projects but they are simple. Read more
Published on May 19, 2010 by S. Serna
4.0 out of 5 stars
sweet and simple projects
Beautifully photographed and written. Projects are geared for a younger and more modern generation than I am. Read more
Published on March 21, 2010 by Nancy
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great inspiration for experienced crafters
This is a great book for those of us who love crafting but aren't that creative on our own and need ideas to get us going. Read more
Published on January 8, 2010 by readingcharlotte
5.0 out of 5 stars
inspiring book
I really enjoy the projects in this book. I made the cake applique in the book the first week i received it, it inspired me to get my fabric out and sew!
Published on December 8, 2009 by Luisa V. Garcia
4.0 out of 5 stars
Something (cute) for everyone
This how-to book is certainly cute. You might want to reach for your toothbrush after finishing it! I was really impressed with the variety of projects. Read more
Published on July 25, 2009 by Cherrybomb
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book!
This book provides some really nice basic patterns and ideas with the ability to embellish to your own taste. Read more
Published on June 30, 2009 by L. Jarrett
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sew Darn Cute Really Is!
Sew Darn Cute is one of the best sewing books I've come across in a while. The projects are cute without being overly precious. Read more
Published on May 22, 2009 by Vanessa K.
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