Customer Reviews

Small Stash Sewing: 24 Projects Using Designer Fat Quarters

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

There are a couple things I look for in a book or magazine: high quality pictures and illustrations (eye candy!), useful tips, intermediate to advanced techniques, and a variety of fresh, modern projects. This book has at least 3-4 projects I want to make, so it was worth buying.

Amy Butler wrote the most amazing, heartwarming foreword for this book. You can tell Amy admires Melissa's creativity and creative soul, which just made me smile. Melissa seems like such an open, humble shining star!

This book includes such categories as To Wear, At Home and For Kids. The variety of projects offer challenges for beginners and more veteran sewists, making it a well-rounded book.

The "To Wear" section includes projects like a ruched patchwork belt, a spiced up tee for guys, even custom shoelaces, which would really liven up my gray Converse. The adorable necklace with the pretty ribbon closure is a very artsy, girly project that can be made in probably an hour. I love Melissa's strapping bag because it looks like just my size. (I'm not a big fan of large purses, or leather purses, or designer purses.) I love the way she combined the light blue wale corduroy for the sides with the quilting cotton gusset and straps, which would also look cool as a pieced strap.

The "At Home" section includes a very hip argyle embellished pillow, a fabric-covered magnetic frame for your fridge, a gorgeous apron, and a cool bath mat, which is a couple fat quarters pieced over an old bath towel to spice up that old towel. I also loved the daydreamer lap quilt, a clever way to embellish a strip-pieced quilt top. The Cute-as-a -Button-Clock is a fun way to show off a favorite fat quarter and coordinating buttons from your stash.

The "For Kids" section offers a precious pillowcase dress, a great jester crown for the boys, a yo-yo tiara for the girls, a magic cape, and the prettiest wrap skirt that is reversible. The little ladybug softie is adorable and could be used as a big pincushion. Ah, the imagination in this book is so fun! Of course the unicorn and moon, which represent Melissa's famous Unicorn stories, are priceless.

The pattern pieces are printed in the back, and only a couple of them need enlarging, another bonus since I don't know how to make enlargements on my home copier.

I would have to say the best part of this book is the ability of the reader to actually feel like you are with Melissa as she experiments with these creative projects, using just the treasured fat quarters in your stash. If you're looking for cheerful sewing projects to fill an afternoon, this book offers loads of potential for challenge and satisfaction.

I was looking forward to this parcel arriving on my doorstep but upon seeing it when I got home yesterday I was sadly disappointed.

I was expecting a book with projects that mainly used fat quarters (only) but find that many of the projects need a great deal of extra fabric (often the bulk required for the project) and the fat quarter is only an accent.

The projects in themselves were also a let down, one is a pair of shoe laces! And others, like the yoga pants and band tee could be considered embellishment at best.

There isn't anything in here that an experienced, or even intermediate, sewer couldn't sew without this book. It would not be a terrible source book for a newbie looking for ideas but far from what I was expecting.

Melissa's book has new and clever ideas of how to highlight those favorite fat quarters you've been hoarding in your stash. Many of the projects do require additional fabrics, but they cleverly make the fat quarter the star of the show. Yes, there is the standard quilt, purse and pillow projects, but they have a unique "freestyle" sewing approach and offer plenty of opportunities to add your own personality. The shoelace project is so stinking clever I can hardly stand it and the Jester Crown and Cuffs is a project I haven't seen anything like before. Owlie McPillowpants and Unicorn *Hearts* Moon pillow projects you'll just have to see yourself for their cleverness and opportunities for self-expression. Small Stash Sewing is an opportunity to pull out those favorite fabric pieces and have fun with your sewing.

I am so excited to finally have this book in my hot little hands! Every page had another fun and easy project to work on. I started with the Unicorn loves Moon embroidery. The instructions were clear, super easy to follow, and the project turned out so cute! My kids are fighting over who gts the first Owlie McPillowPants....(It's really for me!) There is something in here for everyone, of all different sewing levels. I am getting ready to use some of my saved Tula Pink "Hushabye" fabric on the quilt. I may even make a matching ladybug. What a fab baby gift! (If I can part with it!)
Thanks for a fun, and inspirational sewing book!

I gotta admit, when I first got this book in the mail I was a little disappointed...the reason being that I initially could not see myself making any of the projects. But, then I gave the book a chance. I visited the author's website, and I sat down and actually read through the book .. the foreward, the introduction, the small bits about each pattern, etc .. and then I realized that maybe at first I did not "get" the author's unique and whimsical point of view. Her enthusiasm for the projects in this book got me excited about the projects, and now I want to make several of the projects. A lot of the projects have a sort of free style stitched look to them, and some have raw edges that will fray which at first turned me off because I like nice and tidy clean lines. But then I read some of the author's notations where she takes into account what she calls "type A personalities" and gives advice on how to make things more tidy and clean looking ... and then I felt like okay, she is talking to me now too. I really do like the author's relaxed attitude though. Some sewing books that seem to strive for perfection can seem very intimidating, but none of the patterns in this book feel that way to me. There are a lot of great photos and illustrations as well, along with gorgeous photos of the author's fabric line. Some drawbacks to this book: only 24 projects (compare to Sandi Henderson's new book from the same publisher with nearly a dozen more projects for the same price), most of the pattern pieces need enlarging (ugh!), almost all of the projects are not a one fat quarter project but several, and probably the biggest drawback -- the patterns may not be used to make items for sale. I just never get that .... when you are not allowed to sell items that you (the purchaser) make from a pattern -- I can understand not wanting items to be mass produced, but if you as the purchaser make items by hand and sell them at like a craft fair or something, how does that hurt the author? Or the publisher? I would think that if it is required to state that the item is made with a pattern by the author in written descriptions, or provide a link to her site or something, that it could only draw awareness to her work. But that is just me I guess. But anyways, I will get off my soapbox now ... okay, so, the patterns are organized into 3 categories: To wear, At home, and For Kids. Patterns that I find unique and would like to make are: Ruched Belt, Silk Scarf, Yoga Pants Rehab, Fleecy Cowl, Sassy Shoelaces, Strapping Bag, Bath Mat, Apron for all, and the lovely ladybug. One disappointment for me is that most of the "for kids" patterns are for girls. But, I have all boys, so for those of you with daughters this may be a good thing. If I had little girls to sew for, I would probably like these patterns as well: faux pillowcase dress, Owlie Mc Pillowpants, Reversible Wrap Skirt, and Unicorn Hearts Moon. Other patterns that are included that I know I will not be making are: Band Tee, Necklace, Daydreamer lap quilt, Argyle pillow, fancy fabric liner, lavender sachet set, fridge frame, jester crown and cuffs, yo-yo tiara, and the magic caper cape. The only project I have made from this book so far, is the no-sew, "cute as a button clock". My only last "complaint" about this book, is that seeing all of the lovely photos and projects using the author's fabric line really makes me want to get some of her fabric ... but because the fabric has been out for a couple of years, it is like impossible to find. Bummer.

Overall opinion -- at first I did not get it, then once I did I really have enjoyed this book. It's a keeper!

Love it! Just got it today and can't wait to whip up those shoelaces :o)

As an admitted hoarder of fabric fat quarters, I am always on the lookout for new & unique project ideas that use this popular cut. Small Stash Sewing certainly fits the bill! All 24 of the projects in this book were designed to use cuts of fabric no larger than a fat quarter. Many of the projects, however, do use multiple fat quarters. This is not a book of items to make using only one fat quarter.

The book is broken down into three sections: To Wear, At Home, and For Kids. I'm not a big garment sewer, but there are some really cute ideas (fabric shoelaces!) in the "To Wear" section. I particularly like the Fleecy Cowl project as a cool way to showcase a favorite print. It's a nice alternative to a scarf and would make a great & quick gift. The The "At Home" section also featured some fun ideas, such as the beginner-friendly Daydreamer Lap Quilt. This quilt looks like it can come together quickly and would also make a wonderful gift for Christmas, a birthday, or a baby or bridal shower. Noticing a theme here?

The true gems of this book, however, are in the "For Kids" section. This book will become a go-to resource for handmade gifts for children or moms-to-be. I mean, what little boy wouldn't want a Magic Caper magician's cape? Or look adorable in a Jester Crown & Cuffs? For girls, there's a very pretty (and very girly) Yo-Yo Tiara. The Lovely Ladybug is a standout project. and for those of you who enjoy a touch of embroidery, there is a beautiful pattern called Unicorn *Hearts* Moon based on some of Melissa's original illustrations.

The project that is worth the cost of this book alone is the adorable Owlie McPillowpants stuffed toy. Owlie is a large, pillow-sized project that is fairly easy in its construction, but truly impresses. I have already made one of these for a friend who is expecting, and already have plans to make three more. This is a must-make project. And, again, it is perfect for both beginner and more advanced sewers.

Overall, this is a great addition to any crafter's library. Melissa has a unique creative voice and laid-back style that shines through in this book. The projects are fun and accessible without being daunting or overly complicated. I am eager to see what Melissa does next.

I was so excited to finally get my hands on this book. I have been following Melissa's blog, 'yummygoods' pretty much since she started and have come to know her as a uniquely creative and giving person. The projects are fun and give so many great ideas for the various sizes of fabric any fabric lover have in their stash. I love how the projects also give you the freedom to make it your own and Melissa encourages you to use the inspiration to let your own creativity flow. It is difficult to pick my favorite project but, I think the shoe laces, Owl pillows and unicorn*hearts*moon pillows are SO sweet. It is very on trend to customize your own converse shoes (trainers/sneakers) and the shoe laces project is perfect for that. If you have kids, they will not be disappointed with the cute hats or the cape for a budding 'superhero'.

This is a great book by an amazingly talented textile designer and artist. I had the great privilege of meeting her in London, England today to have my copy signed and she was so sweet and down to earth with some lovely (unexpected) gifts for me after she already made the time to meet with me during her short vacation.

If you love fabric, you'll have a stash of fabrics of various sizes and in this book you have plenty of ideas of what to do with it all. Go on, add it to your 'cart', you know you want to..

I eagerly awaited the arrival of Small Stash Sewing: 24 Projects Using Designer Fat Quarters by Melissa Averinos, and it's even better than I had expected. It is comprised of projects to wear, projects for the home, and projects for children, all of which focus on using fabrics that are cut into fat quarter size. These cuts are the basis of the fabric stashes of many sewists and crafters, many of whom often aren't sure where to begin to use their prized patterns. With Melissa's help, those fat quarters can soon be transformed into fun, useful, and often whimsical products through the patterns in this book. While some projects do call for additional yardage, the fat quarters are still emphasized in each design.

The instructions are clearly written and easy to follow, many with step-by-step illustrations as well. There are projects for a wide variety of skill levels, although even a beginner could easily complete some of the more advanced projects with a little practice. Her designer shoelace project is nothing short of ingenious, and her bath mat pattern is a great way to upcycle a towel that has seen its better days.

The book is also full of beautiful photography, all of which was taken by the author herself. Melissa's design sensibility clearly shines throughout the book, and serves as inspiration to many of the loyal readers of her Yummy Goods blog, as it surely will to those not familiar with her work as well.

Fabric designer Melissa Averinos' first book, Small Stash Sewing, is a true delight! It's written with fabric lovers and collectors in mind--especially those of us who pick up pieces of beautiful, designer fabric, with no real idea of what we're planning on creating with it.

While many of the projects are small, there are a several--such as the "Daydreamer Lap Quilt" and "Apron for All"--which are more substantial and would be well-suited for a designer fat quarter bundle you treasure. One of my favorite projects is one of the smallest--the shoelace project. I've been sewing most of my 30 years, and it had never occurred to me to make my own shoelaces! (And I have a fairly impressive sneaker collection--for many of which I've searched high and low for fancy shoelaces.) The instructions are detailed and clearly written, so Small Stash Sewing would be a good choice for a beginner or as a tool to teach someone to sew. Parents will likely adore the fun projects for kids, including a crown, tiara and a cape.

What I love most about Small Stash Sewing, however, is the casual, fun approach the author takes to sewing. Melissa writes in a way that makes you feel like you're hanging out in her studio, talking fabric and unicorns. (If you follow her blog, Yummy Goods, you know these are two of her passions.) He style isn't fussy, which appeals to me, since my sewing time is somewhat limited these days. This carries through in the design of the book, which has a cheerful pink and orange color palette and photography that features folks who look like real (happy) people, not the pouty models you see in a lot of sewing books.

If you're looking for fussy, complex projects, this probably isn't the book for you. But if you love contemporary fabrics and fun, casual projects that will brighten your home and life, then you'll adore Small Stash Sewing.