Sewing Bits and Pieces: 35 Projects Using Fabric Scraps [Paperback]

Sandi Henderson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 3, 2010

35 projects to turn your favorite fabric scraps into well-loved treasures

Sewing with scraps is an economical way to make the most of your designer fabrics-as well as a fun way to use up a stash of your favorite leftovers for smaller projects. Michael Miller fabric designer Sandi Henderson holds to the adage "waste not, want not" to deliver a collection of innovative sewing projects that lets you make the most of bits and pieces of your beloved fabrics.

From a market skirt to a butterfly pin, from an embellished table cloth to hip hair accessories, Sewing Bits and Pieces gives you 35 sewing projects to make unique pieces that are perfect for gift-giving (or keeping for yourself)!

• Features gorgeous full-color photography throughout
• Detailed instructions walk you through each project
• Sandi's popular Portabello Pixie blog is read by thousands every day

Packed with tons of fun, innovative projects, Sewing Bits and Pieces will have you creating sewing masterpieces in no time.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Turn your favorite fabric scraps into fresh and fun handcrafted treasures Want to use every last one of your favorite designer scraps, but aren’t sure what to do with oddly shaped and sized leftovers? Fabric designer Sandi Henderson holds to the adage “waste not, want not” to deliver a collection of innovative sewing projects that lets you make the most of bits and pieces of your beloved fabrics. Whether you’re looking for a way to stretch your sewing dollar, just can’t part with your favorite fabrics, or are looking for innovative projects from one of today’s top designers, Sewing Bits & Pieces shows you how to make unique pieces for yourself, your kids, or your home.

About the Author

Sandi Henderson is a fabric and pattern designer whose bold and stylish pattern collection, Portabellopixie, has gained her international attention. Sandi’s designs have been featured in several magazines, and her blog, www.portabellopixie.typepad.com, is read by thousands daily. Visit her Web site at www.sandihendersondesign.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (May 3, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470539240
• ISBN-13: 978-0470539248
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #184,854 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Mismatched expectations, May 17, 2010

By 

nicole "Happy crafter" (Australia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sewing Bits and Pieces: 35 Projects Using Fabric Scraps (Paperback)

I will admit that my expectations for this book were high. Based on my interpretation of the cover I thought this book would be filled with ways of using fabric scraps to upscale/reinvent old clothing. However, there are only two ideas of this type in the book; the cardigan on the cover and a t-shirt with fabric cherry blossom flowers added to one shoulder. The majority of the ideas in the book are really for children or young adults. I loved the dahlia pin cushion, the saviour of the book for me. I don't think I would try any of the other ideas.

That being said it is a nicely presented. The photographs in the book are of the finished items and the instructions are drawn. The templates are clear and easy to find.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a really fabulous book, July 7, 2010

By 

BOOK REVIEW - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Sewing Bits and Pieces: 35 Projects Using Fabric Scraps (Paperback)

I love this book. I was surprised to read some of the reviewers who found nothing unique in the book so I thought I would list the projects in the book I have not seen elsewhere in any other book, all of which I would love to make:

Sweet Treat Towels - to applique with a cupcake, pie or ice cream sundae
Fruit Magnets - darling fruit shapes with crochet embelishments
Foodie Bag - perfect for carrying trail mix to keep your energy up during a hard work day
Garden Pillows - pillows with a wind blown spray of applique leaves or teardrops
Bubbly Shower Curtain - with a darling fish to applique with bubbles
Growing Tree - a 3 dimensional wall hanging to chart your child's growth
Party Lights - decoupage fabric strips to brighten up a light string of Chinese lanterns
Picnic Quilt - a one patch "scallop" quilt (gorgeous)
Ruffled Head Scarf - a patchwork retro 50's head scarf

And here is a list of the rest of the projects that I have seen elsewhere, however, they were all made with a unique twist which makes them fresh, new and fun:

Fruit Applique Tablecloth - the fruit is made with retro repro fabrics, giving it tons of charm
Patchwork Pillow - the fabric makes this project shine- challenge yourself to create your own palette.
Hanging Organizer - to use up your designer home dec fabric scraps
Herbal Sachet - made with linen, felt and embroidery
Little Girl Twirly Skirt - with cute little ruffles on the edge of each skirt ruffle
Little Girl Mary Jane Slippers - beautifully embellished
Fabric Chain - inspired by paper chains
Bunny - love the Kath Kidston inspired vintage floral fabrics
Owl - fabulous selection of fabrics gives this owl personality!
Library Bag - you'll never guess how cute a library bag could be till you see this one
Party Garland - more than just bunting, you haven't seen garland till you've seen these!
Greeting Cards - inspired by Eric Carl
Butterfly Pins - embellished with crochet, perfect for your favorite jean jacket
Journal Covers - with cute little pockets for special markers and pencils
Dahlia Pincusion - made with Sandi's signature color palette, really gorgeous

33 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK Useful Projects! Beautiful Photos!, May 5, 2010

By 

Mod Mommy "Robin C" (Maine) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sewing Bits and Pieces: 35 Projects Using Fabric Scraps (Paperback)

Wow This book is a beauty! The photography is amazing which i understand was done by the author, she did an amazing job it's a pleasure to look it. Sometimes these "use your scraps up books" have the most simple and useless projects...this one is different there are many things in this book I plan on making. The book is divided into chapters, kitchen, bed & Bath, children, parties, Adults, Crafts. Also the patterns you need for different shapes just require you to trace not enlarge! Thank You Sandi! I hate having to go get those done. I think the projects I am most excited for are the head scarf, and sassy hair peony. But there is also the market skirt, which would look great with the cover project sweater! The kids mary janes also are adorable! There is alot in this book I want to do, out of the 35 projects T will most definately make about half. on that note I haven't attempted any projects yet(I just got the book 2 hours ago in the mail!), so I can't say if the directions are good or not, but I have used a Sandi Henderson pattern in the past and it was very straight forward. I consider myself an intermediate to advanced sewer so if I find anything amiss with the directions I will update my review!