Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I received this eBook in exchange for an honest review. Some links in this post are my affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are my own.
The Book
For my review, I chose Sew Organized for the Busy Girl, by Heidi Staples. I work full time outside of the home, I have little kids (and I'm also now officially a soccer mom), I sew, and I blog, among other things, so "busy" is a way of life for me. Anytime I can find ways to cut down on chaos and fit more into my day, I'm all over it, so when I saw this book, I just knew it was for me. The book has tips to get and stay organized, and plenty of projects to sew for when you've managed to fit in some sewing time.
Chevron Table Set, photo from ctpub.com
Format
My review copy is an eBook, but this book is available in the traditional book format as well. I like the clutter-free aspect of eBooks: I flip through pages of eBooks in my sewing room, and have access to all of them without taking up any more space than my tablet. I also keep my sewing patterns on my tablet. This book doesn't have any patterns to print so I don't need a hard copy of anything.
The layout of the book makes so much sense to me: it starts with finding out why we sew and what our different motivations may be, then moves on to how to create an organized space, and then how to carve out time for sewing. Once we learn about that, we move to the projects of the book. There are even some basic sewing tips at the end, since the projects offer a wide variety, it's quite likely that you could learn a thing or two from the variety of techniques used throughout.
The layout of the book makes so much sense to me: it starts with finding out why we sew and what our different motivations may be, then moves on to how to create an organized space, and then how to carve out time for sewing. Once we learn about that, we move to the projects of the book. There are even some basic sewing tips at the end, since the projects offer a wide variety, it's quite likely that you could learn a thing or two from the variety of techniques used throughout.
Baby Love Set, photo from ctpub.com
Author
Heidi Staples is a sewing blogger and can be found on her blog Fabric Mutt. I like that she talks about her real life in the book, and it helped me relate to what she was saying. We're both busy moms just trying to squeeze in a little extra time for creating. Along with tips and projects from Heidi, there are questions answered by other "sew-lebrities" throughout the book, which I found fun and inspiring.
Project
There are tutorials for 23 projects in the book, and the variety of projects is great. There are pillows, bags, quilts and other home decor and useful projects. Most of the projects are fairly simple and come together quickly, and I enjoyed that there are many techniques used for them all. Some of the projects are more involved and I'd love to try one of the quilts (one day). As my first project from the book, I chose the Double-Zip Clutch. It's a really versatile finished project and only took a couple hours.
There are so many things you can do with this design: the book suggests using it as a stationery keeper, a diaper clutch, a beauty kit, and several other bright ideas.
It's really adaptable too! I used mesh for the inner pockets instead of fabric, and used one of Emmaline Bags' Half Moon Magnetic Edge Clasps on the flap. This may be my new go to for quick teacher gifts!
Recommendation
Overall, this is an enjoyable book to flip through, and pick up tips throughout. I found the tips to get organized weren't revolutionary but they did serve as good reminders to me for habits that I should be forming. I have noticed that I've been more productive with my sewing since reading this book. One thing I particularly enjoyed from the tips was a focus on blogging as well. I didn't realize the book would talk about blogging so it was a pleasant surprise. One theme I picked up on all through the book was that it's ok if we're not superwomen, and sometimes that permission to not do it all is so relieving.
The projects are for the most part fairly simple and quick. They would all make great gifts. I think the variety of projects is what makes this book a double winner. I love that there are hand-sewing projects, half-square triangles, zippers, and quilting for people to try out. I often hear someone saying they're good at one type of sewing, but not at another, and I think this book offers those opportunities to branch out of our comfort zones.
The projects are for the most part fairly simple and quick. They would all make great gifts. I think the variety of projects is what makes this book a double winner. I love that there are hand-sewing projects, half-square triangles, zippers, and quilting for people to try out. I often hear someone saying they're good at one type of sewing, but not at another, and I think this book offers those opportunities to branch out of our comfort zones.
Choose from book or eBook and pick up your copy today, just click here! I hope you enjoyed this review. Check back tomorrow for another sewing book to be reviewed.
p.s. I used the Lavish fabric collection by Katarina Roccella from Sitka Fabrics.
RSS Feed
