Book Review
The projects in Sewing for the Holidays are all about having a
do-it-yourself holiday (Christmas, Easter, Halloween and Fall/Thanksgiving).
You can learn how to make your own wire edge ribbon, ornaments,
decorations, stockings and gift bags for Christmas, stuffed rabbits,
basket, tablecloth, and additional projects for Easter, a placemat,
ghost, pumpkin, scarecrow, cornucopia and additional projects for
Halloween and Thanksgiving. I really like the photos of the finished
projects because you get a clear image of what it should look like
and it is portrayed in a festive and holiday appropriate setting.
I also like that the templates are conveniently right next to the
project instructions instead of at the back of the book.
It is important to read the small intro to each project that contains
a description of the craft as well as hints and tips. In the intro
there is also a reference to the pages of other projects that can
be combined with it if applicable (i.e. tree skirts and tassels).
Each craft has a list of materials required for that project as
well as clear step-by-step instructions accompanied by photos. Within
the project instructions there are also informative sections concerning
techniques you need to know for that craft (i.e. using fusible web,
making full sized patterns, blanket stitch, how to sew a satin-stitched
appliqué, and using the serger vs. the sewing machine for
projects (i.e. wired ribbon). There is also a handy section accompanying
most of the projects called cutting directions.
Most of the projects
in this book are unique or involve known techniques being used in
new and different ways (i.e. weaving ribbon for front of a Victorian
stocking). I like that some of the projects are transferable between
Holidays (i.e. the Confetti placemat, the apron and the cookie cutter
ornaments). There are photos of additional projects with a brief
how-to description at the end of a couple of sections. I also liked
the variation suggested for the Fabric Cornucopia, using a recycled
quilt instead of the patterned or textured fabric required in the
original instructions.
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