sew

Sew Pretty Homestyle
$22.99
If your style is not of the pink, cute, heart-shaped and/or otherwise "primitive" country variety, then steer clear of this book. The book is written in a pleasant, folksy manner (though this lends nothing to its supposed use as a how-to book) and the photography is nice. The fabric patterns (vintage-y floral) are my favorite part of the book, I'm afraid. Most of the items in this book are not utilitarian. They are decorative items, like fabric roses, dog and cat and angel dolls, etc. If that is your cup of tea, then you'll like this book. But if you're looking for less cute/pink/heart-shaped/"prim" country stuff, then you will probably flip through this once and never open it up again. If you happen to have a young daughter, niece, sister, etc. who likes "girly" items, then this book might be useful to you.

Sew, So Cute! (Leisure Arts #4809)
$22.95
Sew, So Cute is published by Leisure Arts, a publisher of many genres of craft books. This book is a delight and would be a welcomed gift for a craft enthusiast. This publication is very suitable for the new crafter, one who has some knowledge of rotary cutting and 1/4" sewing. There is an implied presumption that the reader is aufait with putting the three layers together in a quilt sandwich.

Having said that, I think the editor has gone to great lengths to cater for the beginner crafter. The instructions are clear and well supported by photographs and diagrams. I particularly love the pattern envelope that is attached to the inside front cover. The spiral binding is THE BEST way to present a book such as this. The Spiral binding will allow the book to sit flat, which is most helpful if being nursed on one's lap.

The projects in this publication are absolutely up to the minute, using today's fabrics. Mary Engelbreit has done her homework and has delivered a lovely example of the perfect gift for the up and coming crafter.

Sew U: The Built by Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe
$25.99
This book was not what I was expecting or needing. Had I been looking for a book to explain to me how to use a store bought pattern to make clothing, then I would have given this book 5 stars. However, I was looking for more than just an entire book devoted to how to use a pattern. There were sections about fabric selection, but it seemed very common sense to me. My copy did have patterns included, but they weren't my size, so I haven't used them. I was expecting more on how to alter a pattern to flatter more or fit better, but I just didn't find that here. This is a very basic book for a timid beginner who doesn't want to just throw themselves into a pattern without very full instructions on exactly how to accomplish that.

Sew & Stow: 31 Fun Sewing Projects to Carry, Hold, and Organize Your Stuff, Your Home, and Yourself!
$16.95
I'm a very beginner sewer who just got back into machine sewing, so this book was very helpful with basic sewing information and guidence. The projects range from easy to more advanced, so you learn basic sewing skills with this book and then apply them. Not to mention that most of the projects make things you would ACTUALLY use. ;)