Part nostalgia, part modern “slow movement,” Sewn By Hand celebrates the gentle comforts of creating beautiful pieces the old-fashioned way. This contemporary collection allows stitchers to be eco-friendly and mobile, as they carry their projects along with them just as knitters do. And with more than 20 items ranging from fashionable pillows and aprons to practical totes and pincushions, sewers will produce gorgeous results while they experience the simple joys of traditional sewing.
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“Part nostalgia, part modern 'slow movement,' Sewn By Hand celebrates the gentle comforts of creating beautiful pieces the old-fashioned way. This contemporary collection allows stitchers to be eco-friendly and mobile, as they carry their projects along with them just as knitters do. And with more than 20 items ranging from fashionable pillows and aprons to practical totes and pincushions, sewers will produce gorgeous results while they experience the simple joys of traditional sewing.” --BurdaStyle.com
About the Author
SUSAN WASINGER is the author of Eco Craft (Lark Books, 2009), Fabricate (Interweave, 2009), and The Feisty Stitcher (Lark Books, 2010).
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
87 of 87 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I love how this book takes you back to a simpler time, when creating something unique was as easy as picking up fabric, needle and thread. There are so many benefits of the art of hand sewing. One is that your projects are portable to take with you wherever you may have a little down time and want to accomplish something productive and creative. The author also mentions an added advantage to hand sewing. The blessed silence! No machines means no noise at all. Plus, then you can sew while watching TV!
Sewn by Hand reminded me of the excitement of my children when presented with a thick needle and a scrap of their favorite fabric and how much I enjoyed watching them just take off from there. They always have endless ideas of what they can make from doll clothes to potholders to miniature patchwork quilts. They aren't quite ready for the sewing machine yet, but sewing by hand still allows them the joy of "making it themselves".
Sewn by Hand gives information and history about different types of needles and thread for hand sewing. They also demonstrate with photos the simple, yet very important skills of tying on and off. There is a "Gallery of Stitches" for hand sewing with explanations for each one.
There are around twenty projects (many recycling old clothes and other remnants) in Sewn by Hand with enlargeable templates included in the back. I just love the six sided, big, soft spheres which make an adorable baby toy. I couldn't help but imagine different fabric combinations for the six sides, all of which would be so delightful to create! The "Button-Down Apron" is a great way to re-purpose those old button down shirts into something useful. The Owie Puffs seen on cover are perfect for warming cold feet at night or for chilling in the freezer for use as a flexible "rice" pack.
Now you can go through your old clothing and fabric scraps and hand sew some wonderful and useful items! And Sewn by Hand: Two Dozen Projects Stitched with Needle & Thread demonstrates wonderful ways to slow down and use your relaxing times to produce something beautiful and useful.
Sewn by Hand reminded me of the excitement of my children when presented with a thick needle and a scrap of their favorite fabric and how much I enjoyed watching them just take off from there. They always have endless ideas of what they can make from doll clothes to potholders to miniature patchwork quilts. They aren't quite ready for the sewing machine yet, but sewing by hand still allows them the joy of "making it themselves".
Sewn by Hand gives information and history about different types of needles and thread for hand sewing. They also demonstrate with photos the simple, yet very important skills of tying on and off. There is a "Gallery of Stitches" for hand sewing with explanations for each one.
There are around twenty projects (many recycling old clothes and other remnants) in Sewn by Hand with enlargeable templates included in the back. I just love the six sided, big, soft spheres which make an adorable baby toy. I couldn't help but imagine different fabric combinations for the six sides, all of which would be so delightful to create! The "Button-Down Apron" is a great way to re-purpose those old button down shirts into something useful. The Owie Puffs seen on cover are perfect for warming cold feet at night or for chilling in the freezer for use as a flexible "rice" pack.
Now you can go through your old clothing and fabric scraps and hand sew some wonderful and useful items! And Sewn by Hand: Two Dozen Projects Stitched with Needle & Thread demonstrates wonderful ways to slow down and use your relaxing times to produce something beautiful and useful.
51 of 51 people found the following review helpful
By Marie
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
As a real believer in the 'slow cloth' philosophy I was really pleased to see this book. I get tired by all of the advertisements that everything, seemingly, must " fast, fun and fabulous" - or some similar iteration of that sentiment. Going slowly is more meditative and, especially with sewn articles, you can really sew a it of yourself into what you make when you do it by hand.
This little gem of book is venerates both the art of slow cloth - sewing by hand - as well as the eco-friendly philosophy of recycling with aplomb. The projects are very well illustrated, fairly simple and eminently useful. Hand sewing makes the look.
The table of contents says it all. A well illustrated dictionary of hand stitches is thorough and well done. I really like some of the included projects. A great apron (not some skimpy little thing) made from recycled button down shirts. Salvaged shirts make another appearance as very well thought out "cafe napkins" that make great use of the buttons on the shirt. Another favorite project I found is for a tote bag - that includes simple directions for making your great looking covered buttons.
I think that this book should hold wide appeal to sewers of all persuasions - hand and machine as well as to eco conscious recyclers. The projects are useful, fresh and delightful. I also think this book is a great value. Both in monetary cost but also for the seriously good feeling that slow, hand sewn, cloth combined with serious re-purposing can bring to you.
This little gem of book is venerates both the art of slow cloth - sewing by hand - as well as the eco-friendly philosophy of recycling with aplomb. The projects are very well illustrated, fairly simple and eminently useful. Hand sewing makes the look.
The table of contents says it all. A well illustrated dictionary of hand stitches is thorough and well done. I really like some of the included projects. A great apron (not some skimpy little thing) made from recycled button down shirts. Salvaged shirts make another appearance as very well thought out "cafe napkins" that make great use of the buttons on the shirt. Another favorite project I found is for a tote bag - that includes simple directions for making your great looking covered buttons.
I think that this book should hold wide appeal to sewers of all persuasions - hand and machine as well as to eco conscious recyclers. The projects are useful, fresh and delightful. I also think this book is a great value. Both in monetary cost but also for the seriously good feeling that slow, hand sewn, cloth combined with serious re-purposing can bring to you.
43 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Many years ago before I had children, I spent hours every day happily crafting my way through life. I had a sewing machine and did a pretty god job of creating the occasional dress, Halloween costume or gift for Christmas. Fast forward through teenagers and my crafting time is sadly limited. I no longer have a sewing machine and I really miss it. I had thought that I'd have to give up my sewing time because hand sewing always seemed intimidating to me.
Sewn by Hand has shown me that this isn't the case. This craft book includes twenty four different craft projects that can easily be sewn by hand. Of course, if you have a sewing machine, you could always sew them that way as well but they are honestly easy enough to create without the use of a sewing machine. Projects range from soft toys for babies and fashionable slippers to sewing kits and felt baskets.
Each craft features not only beautiful color photographs of the finished project but a detailed section with directions including diagrams and photographs. Each project includes information on necessary materials, tools and fabrics along with the finished size of the project. There's also a handy notation with each craft to let you know how portable this project is. I really appreciate this because like most busy moms, I sneak in craft time wherever and whenever I can which may include waiting at a doctor's appointment or sitting at a baseball game.
There is also a section at the beginning of the book that lists the different stitches with directions on how to create each one. It's also got sections that explain what to look for in needles, fabric, thread and what the basic necessary tools are to do hand sewing. I really love the detail shown in the photographs and instructions. It's been years since I've sewn and I had no problem at all following these easy directions. This book is definitely a fantastic resource for anyone who is interested in sewing but doesn't have the time or money for their own sewing machine.
Sewn by Hand has shown me that this isn't the case. This craft book includes twenty four different craft projects that can easily be sewn by hand. Of course, if you have a sewing machine, you could always sew them that way as well but they are honestly easy enough to create without the use of a sewing machine. Projects range from soft toys for babies and fashionable slippers to sewing kits and felt baskets.
Each craft features not only beautiful color photographs of the finished project but a detailed section with directions including diagrams and photographs. Each project includes information on necessary materials, tools and fabrics along with the finished size of the project. There's also a handy notation with each craft to let you know how portable this project is. I really appreciate this because like most busy moms, I sneak in craft time wherever and whenever I can which may include waiting at a doctor's appointment or sitting at a baseball game.
There is also a section at the beginning of the book that lists the different stitches with directions on how to create each one. It's also got sections that explain what to look for in needles, fabric, thread and what the basic necessary tools are to do hand sewing. I really love the detail shown in the photographs and instructions. It's been years since I've sewn and I had no problem at all following these easy directions. This book is definitely a fantastic resource for anyone who is interested in sewing but doesn't have the time or money for their own sewing machine.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sew nice
I like this book. It was fun to read and has great projects - from simple, to a bit more complicated. I am happy to have this in my sewing library.
Published 19 days ago by Jeni Green
5.0 out of 5 stars
I am back to sewing!!!
Thanks so much for writing this book for people like me who has a great disdain for machines and my total inability to operate one. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Pamela Kirstine
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's fun!
This book surpassed my expectations. I bought it on a whim because my sewing machine is broken and i was browsing to get Super Saver and stumbled across it. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Holly Whiteside Thompson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Will be a great asset
As I volunteer with disabled adults, there are many items in this book which we will be able to make. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Dawn Myles
4.0 out of 5 stars
sewing
i purchased this for a young lady of 12 yrs.old.Her interest in sewing has grown.I hig!hly recomend ! great buy..
Published 3 months ago by d.maize
5.0 out of 5 stars
sew by hand
the rice pouches on the front cover are great and very easy to make. I made approx 20 sets for christmas gifts
Published 3 months ago by jackie bingham
5.0 out of 5 stars
Informative and Practical
This book is simple, lovely and informative. The breakdown of the stitches and material types, the diagrams per project and the traceable patterns in the back make it easy to use... Read more
Published 4 months ago by CA
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must have for anyone who loves needlework
And, yes, it certainly can appeal to the newbies in the crowd. Clever ideas, well described and the photos are clear and informative. I'm so happy to have stumbled upon this book. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Happy Quilter
5.0 out of 5 stars
I got because they looked like things I could make
I got this while I was in CT and it was sent to FL so I haven't seen them yet. But I was able to see inside of the books so I know they are great.l
Published 5 months ago by Alice C Kearns
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
Book is well written and Nicely laid out. Now what was to be a gift may stay home with me!
Published 11 months ago by Martha M. Hurford
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