Containing 15 fresh, fun fat-quarter projects, from doorstops and drawstring bags to tablemats, aprons and cushions, this book is ideal for sewers of all abilities. It starts with a comprehensive techniques section, guiding you through a variety of useful techniques, from inserting a zip and sewing buttonholes to creating patchwork. The techniques are fully explained and are combined with easy-to-follow step-by-step photography. The book then leads on to the projects; each contains inspiring photography, instructive hand-drawn illustrations and heaps of handy hints and tips. Each project is made from fat quarter fabric, but there is no reason why you cant cut your own or use up some of your cherished left-over stash fabrics instead.
Library Journal review by Sarah Sieg
"Gardiner (The Sewing Machine Manual) begins this sewing guide by defining the standard cut of fabric known as fat quarters and explaining how they are made. These definitions, plus materials and tool lists are clearly written, and a mix of photographs and illustrations aid in understanding concepts and techniques. As a delightful bonus, the sewing basics section includes projects—flowers, doorstops, party clutches, pinafores, mats, pillows, and more—to further practice and improve skills. There are also multiple bag patterns: drawstring, reversible, disappearing nine-patch, and quilted. Written by a British author, this book employs metric measurements, although conversions to inches and more are also included. The projects are utilitarian, giftable for adults and children, and just right to make for oneself. VERDICT A well-written title with excellent basic sewing directions geared toward moderately experienced sewists. Purchase where fat-quarter books are popular."
Wendy Gardiner is an internationally accredited sewing guru. She has held the role of editor at several leading sewing magazines, including Vogue Patterns and Sewing World; written 17 books, most recently The Great British Sewing Bee: From Style to Stitch; presented nearly a dozen DVDs on sewing; and is a Craftsy.com tutor. In addition, Wendy is the brand ambassador for The McCall Company; works with leading exhibition organizers to produce extensive workshop programmes; and teaches and is a presenter on Sewing Street TV. She also runs regular residential Creative Sewing Weekends and writes projects and technique articles for various magazines and her own resource website www.wendygardiner.co.uk, which is packed with tips, techniques and projects. Through all of this, Wendy shares her passion for all things to do with sewing in her much-loved enthusiastic and friendly manner. Wendy lives in Hampshire, UK.
View titles by Wendy Gardiner
Containing 15 fresh, fun fat-quarter projects, from doorstops and drawstring bags to tablemats, aprons and cushions, this book is ideal for sewers of all abilities. It starts with a comprehensive techniques section, guiding you through a variety of useful techniques, from inserting a zip and sewing buttonholes to creating patchwork. The techniques are fully explained and are combined with easy-to-follow step-by-step photography. The book then leads on to the projects; each contains inspiring photography, instructive hand-drawn illustrations and heaps of handy hints and tips. Each project is made from fat quarter fabric, but there is no reason why you cant cut your own or use up some of your cherished left-over stash fabrics instead.
Praise
Library Journal review by Sarah Sieg
"Gardiner (The Sewing Machine Manual) begins this sewing guide by defining the standard cut of fabric known as fat quarters and explaining how they are made. These definitions, plus materials and tool lists are clearly written, and a mix of photographs and illustrations aid in understanding concepts and techniques. As a delightful bonus, the sewing basics section includes projects—flowers, doorstops, party clutches, pinafores, mats, pillows, and more—to further practice and improve skills. There are also multiple bag patterns: drawstring, reversible, disappearing nine-patch, and quilted. Written by a British author, this book employs metric measurements, although conversions to inches and more are also included. The projects are utilitarian, giftable for adults and children, and just right to make for oneself. VERDICT A well-written title with excellent basic sewing directions geared toward moderately experienced sewists. Purchase where fat-quarter books are popular."
Wendy Gardiner is an internationally accredited sewing guru. She has held the role of editor at several leading sewing magazines, including Vogue Patterns and Sewing World; written 17 books, most recently The Great British Sewing Bee: From Style to Stitch; presented nearly a dozen DVDs on sewing; and is a Craftsy.com tutor. In addition, Wendy is the brand ambassador for The McCall Company; works with leading exhibition organizers to produce extensive workshop programmes; and teaches and is a presenter on Sewing Street TV. She also runs regular residential Creative Sewing Weekends and writes projects and technique articles for various magazines and her own resource website www.wendygardiner.co.uk, which is packed with tips, techniques and projects. Through all of this, Wendy shares her passion for all things to do with sewing in her much-loved enthusiastic and friendly manner. Wendy lives in Hampshire, UK.
View titles by Wendy Gardiner
