craftevolution

Artsy Clutch by Dawn

Today’s book is Bend-The-Rules Sewing by Amy Karol. It targets people just starting to sew and seeks to provide instructions that will help you circumvent frustrating experiences. Amy truly wants to share her craft and wants you to be successful at one of the things she loves most.

My favourite bit is the fact that Amy encourages you to be creative in each of the projects which is a really nice touch - it allows a lot more freedom and creativity. So it often feels that the projects are merely a starting point and you can take them in any direction. –Anita

Layout and Illustrations

The illustrations are colorful and inviting with lots of close-ups, bright colors, cute kids. You want to make these things when you see the pictures. There are drawings to illustrate the points she makes. It took me a little while to get the hang of this because the drawing is not right next to the instruction it illustrates. Rather, it’s part of the frame decorating the page. Pretty to look at, but not as helpful as it could be once you settle down to actually start on a project. That is my only peeve with regard to the book and it really is just a minor one.

Anita of Bake and Sew commented on the illustrations and found “I am not so keen on the drawings in the book of how to make the projects up. If you are a beginner sewer, you often cannot tell which is the right and wrong side of the fabric from the drawings, which could be confusing.”

Instructions

The book is divided into two main sections: What you need to know and Bend-the-Rules Sewing Projects. The first section covers the usual; tools, fabric, terms, and sewing techniques.

Anita said: “In general I like the book, and if you are a beginner sewer then the basic sewing skills section at the beginning of the book would prove to be very helpful, and most of the projects are quick and easy. Although it seems so many of the sewing books at the moment have a “how to sew” section, it seemed a waste to give over nearly the first 50 pages to it.”

My two favorite pieces of advice are: Keep the ironing board right next to your sewing machine at the same height as your table so you can just turn, iron, turn, sew. Simply brilliant. The other idea I liked was to ink stamps with fabric markers to decorate fabric. I’m going to buy some twill tape today to ink up.

Projects

Anita - The Zip pouch

“I have made a few of these over the past few months, they are simple to make and make super gifts. Before making this I had never inserted a zip into anything. The zips I bought are longer than needed, but Amy tells you what to do if that is the case. It was surprisingly simple to insert a zip and i was really pleased with how it turned out.”

Anita - The Heidi Headband

“I made this with all fabric, although Amy’s project is with linen and ribbon. It was a super easy project. My only issue was I make them for 5 and 6 year old girls and the twill tape makes them more difficult to put in their hair themselves.  but for older girls who can tie a bow - it is a brilliant idea.”

Dawn - No-Cash Wallets and the Artsy Clutch

Dawn  of dhbuscher.com said:

First, awesome book! Perfect for beginners and quick projects for experienced crafters! I made two no-cash wallets and the artsy clutch. Both were gifts for family. I picked them for simplicity and size as they would be going in the mail. This is one of the few books I’ve returned to on several occasions. The directions are simple. The illustrations are a little too simple but still easy to figure out.
I really can’t complain about this book other than…where is book #2?

Simone - Charming Handbag

I made the Charming Handbag, with a few modifications. I added a zippered inner pocket because I’m a paranoid New Yorker and zippers give me an albeit imaginary sense of security. The length of the handles is doubled to fit over my shoulder with the purse tightly tucked under my arm. (Ditto the security issue.) I used, dare I say it, interfacing. (Amy doesn’t like the feel of interfacing.) The only flannel in my stash is bright red and I’m terrified it might bleed if it gets wet. As I’m writing this I’m reminded that I could have upcycled my old pajamas for this project. I’ll use that as backing for the bib I want to make next.

There is of course a Flickr group for the book that also addresses errata. This is a great resource to become inspired and to post or research any questions you may have about projects.

Amy also has this wonderful tutorial for sewing on bias tape:

In short, we all liked this book. In fact, Anita has already recommended it to others.

If you have made anything out of this book, please share your experiences in the comment section and don’t forget to add your pictures to the book club Flickr group. For instance, Julia of m.o.M. is sharing pictures of her lap quilt top that she is making for the book club and Thing-a-day.

The Next Book

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 25th. If you want to participate, please suggest a book in the comments. The next book will be announced next week. So far Dawn has proposed Sew Darn Cute–30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew & Embellish, by Jenny Ryan. Hot off the presses it came out yesterday.