Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew & Embellish (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Here is an overview of all the basic tools and notions I like to keep at the ready in my sewing room..." (more)
Key Phrases: pattern piece, patterned cotton lining fabric, using coordinating thread, Sew Darn Cute, Place Piece, Pillowcase Purse (more...)

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

Product Description

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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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (February 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312383835
• ISBN-13: 978-0312383831
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #125,917 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SO Darn Cute!, February 11, 2009

By	Amy Cluck "Peptogirl" (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lives up to the title!, February 12, 2009

By	Kathy Cano-Murillo "The Crafty Chica" (Phoenix, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

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!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Crafty and darn cute , March 24, 2009

By	Sacramento Book Review "SacramentoBookReview.com" (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews

This is a collection of projects for beginning and intermediate crafters, with a very good introduction to sewing basics. Ryan covers the tools and techniques needed for her projects in Sew Darn Cute and ones that will serve for projects you create yourself. The book has five main sections, Pretties (things to wear), Totables (things to carry other things in), Nest (things for around the house), Kid Stuff, and Crafties (organizers for your craft area). Ryan likes bright colors and lively patterns, and many of the projects just drip cuteness. She also encourages using vintage and found materials and provides easy to use or follow instructions. There are suggestions on ways to vary many of the projects, or repurpose existing items (the Pillowcase Purse as a good example.) With the caveat about the emphasis on beginning projects, this is a fun and easy to use guide for practical sewing projects that will look colorful and, as the title states, darn cute.