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Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew & Embellish

Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew & EmbellishAuthor: Jenny Ryan
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Category: Book

List Price: $21.99
Buy New: $7.99
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Seller: WhiteElephantBooks
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 16 reviews
Sales Rank: 40543

Format: Bargain Price
Media: Paperback
Edition: Original
Pages: 144
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 10.2 x 7.7 x 0.5

Dewey Decimal Number: 746.4
ASIN: B0033AGSV4

Publication Date: February 3, 2009
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

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  • Paperback - Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew & Embellish

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Editorial Reviews:

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.



Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 16



5 out of 5 stars SO Darn Cute!   February 12, 2009
Amy Cluck (Sacramento, CA)
28 out of 28 found this review helpful

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.



5 out of 5 stars Lives up to the title!   February 13, 2009
Kathy Cano-Murillo (Phoenix, AZ USA)
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

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!


5 out of 5 stars Sew happy to have this!   March 22, 2009
A. Methvin (beautiful Asheville, NC)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This book was on my wishlist for quite awhile-sew happy I finally have it! It is one of my top 3 sewing books-and believe me, I have a LOT of sewing books. The projects are fun and fresh. I am going to try the Necklace Tank, the Square Bear, the cuff, and appliqued cupcake tote! (Comes with the patterns for you to copy!) It really is a terrific book with some cute ideas.


5 out of 5 stars Sew Darn Cute   April 5, 2009
Samantha Roman (Florida)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

Great book! Lots of really cute ideas, can't wait to try them out. She gives out lots of tips in the beginning of the book and what supplies would be useful to buy and some that you dont' need to buy right away which is nice. Would definatly recommend!


5 out of 5 stars so darn fun to use!   April 15, 2009
Karen F. Campbell (lIllinois)
I picked up this gem of a book a couple months ago when I decided to get serious about giving myself time to craft after many years away from it. I love the ideas, the pictures, and just about everything about this treasure of a book. It was worth every penny I paid and then some!

Showing reviews 1-5 of 16


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