Book Review: Everyday Handmade + Giveaway!


Today, we are happy to have a guest post from Elizabeth at Inspire Me Grey. She is here to review a new sewing book and show off her projects, plus we also have a giveaway courtesy of the book’s publisher, Martingale & Co. (Enter with your comment at the end of this post.) Take it away, Elizabeth!

Everyday Handmade: 22 Practical Projects for the Modern Sewist by Cassie Barden and Adrienne Smitke (Martingale) is a promising addition to any modern sewist’s craft library. Whether you’re looking for a small, simple project to give you a break from that quilt you’ve been slaving over or you’re in the mood to create something featuring some favorite fabrics from your stash, Everyday Handmade is likely to please.

Everyday Handmade book contents

Beginner-level projects include a simple tote bag decorated with fabric-covered buttons, pieced coasters and potholders, and a sewing set that includes a pincushion and needle book.

Everyday Handmade book - Collector's Item Tote Bag
The instructions and illustrations are clear enough, though, that even projects that seem more intimidating, like the full-fledged messenger bag with pockets and a laptop compartment, are easy to follow.

In contrast to many sewing craft books that focus on one material (felt, scraps of quilting cottons, upcycled fabrics), authors Barden and Smitke challenge sewists to explore working with a variety of materials. Projects make the most of selvages, wool felt, linen, canvas, interfacing, fusible fleece, and zippers.

Everyday Handmade book - e-Reader cover

 

My Projects

When I was studying the 22 projects in Everyday Handmade and trying to decide which one to make, the Literary Genius e-Reader Cover caught my attention. I received a Kindle as a birthday gift only a week after I won this book at a quilting retreat, so the timing was perfect.

Before I started, I noticed that the finished size (5 1/2†by 8 1/2″) was going to be bigger than my Kindle and therefore wouldn’t provide the intended protection. The authors note in the project instructions that they have included measurements for two e-readers, but unfortunately both were bigger than mine, so I decided to reduce the cutting measurements and make a practice cover first to check the sizing.

Fast forward through recalculations and two practice covers and I was finally ready to proceed with my final fabric choices. I used interfacing on all my quilting cottons to give them a bit more heft, and at the last minute I decided to also supplement the outer layer of the cover with fusible fleece to better protect my Kindle.

I’m happy with how the final product turned out. Although there are slight changes I would make if I were to make this again, it holds my Kindle snugly and provides sufficient protection.

One other project that I tried from Everyday Handmade is the Petunia Hedgehog Pincushion. Petunia is part of a three-piece sewing set, along with a stump-shaped needle book and notions pouch. To satisfy a Woodlands theme for an ornament challenge that’s happening on my blog, I turned Petunia into a soft ornament by simple eliminating the base and sewing both sides of the body together all the way around.

April ornament: Hedgehog

Templates are included for the tree stump parts as well as all Petunia’s parts, and I found it very easy to trace them using freezer paper and then transfer and cut the shapes out of craft felt. At the back of the book Barden and Smitke include simple instructions for techniques used in the projects, including the French knots and blanket stitch on Petunia. Even when you know how to execute simple embroidery like this, if your memory is anything like mine you know it’s helpful to have a refresher on hand.

I’m pleased with the range of projects in Everyday Handmade, and I like the look and feel of Barden’s and Smitke’s designs. Whether you’re making a little something for yourself or sewing up a personalized gift for a friend, you’ll find something to try in this book.


Giveaway!

Martingale & Co. is giving one lucky Craft Buds reader the chance to win a $30 gift certificate to their shop, good for books, e-books or patterns. Enter to win by:

  1. Leave a comment on this post. You can tell us if you use an e-reader or if you prefer paper books. (one entry)
  2. Subscribe to Martingale’s Stitch This! newsletter (for free patterns, sale offers, tips and tricks) and leave a second comment telling us you did! (one entry)

This giveaway is open worldwide and we’ll choose one lucky winner via Random.org on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.

Out of 158 comments, the winner is #6 Jeanne, who said:

“I do have a Kindle and I love it for casual reading but it isn’t color so I like my quilt and craft books in pulp. I do love that Kindle cover and the tote with all the covered buttons.  If I win, I know what will be first to make! Thanks for the chance.”

 

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Hi, I’m Lindsay Conner, an author, modern quilter, editor, and founder of the Lindsay Sews blog. I’m a Baby Lock ambassador and Stash Books author who loves writing modern sewing and quilt patterns for beginners and weekend sewists! I live in Indianapolis, Indiana with my husband, son, and two loveable cats, Murph and Chloe. I’ve been crafting for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I saved my dollar bills for trips with my mom to Jo-Ann Fabrics, where I’d find new floss for friendship bracelets or mini cross-stitch kits. Because my mom has always shared my love for crafting, she bought me my first sewing machine, a Hello Kitty Janome.

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160 comments

  1. I don’t own an e-reader … yet! I hope Santa brings me one! Until then … I’m a paper person!

    Reply

  3. I don’t have an e-reader so I use paper only at this stage. I think for patterns and craft stuff I will always prefer paper but other books I think I will eventually learn to like the e-reader style.
    I love the ladybird purse in the book. Would love to make this for me and a friend.

    Reply

  10. I love my kindle. I love the fact I always have another 750 books to read. I love the fact I can take my patterns everywhere with me. I still love real books when it comes to crafting. I think you need a physical book for that.

    Reply

  11. I spent seven years as a school librarian so, of course, I love actual books! However, I also have a Kindle and find it allows me to read much more often because I usually have it with me for unexpected delays. Print and digital both have a valid place in my life!

    Reply

  13. I have an e-reader but much prefer paper books for crafts. My e-reader is black and white so some of the inspiration and excitement of completing one of the projects in the book seems to get lost when in black and white…;)

    Reply

  14. I don’t have an ereader yet…but I’m trying to convince my husband I need one. 🙂 I’ve been looking at this book and would LOVE to win one. Wonderful giveaway! 🙂

    Reply

  25. I have an e-reader and my sister has been laughing at my makeshift cover, a leftover passport and document folder. this inspires me to craft something more appropriate. Hi Liz…like your review.

    Reply

  26. I don’t have an e-reader, but I do read some on my smartphone. Kind of like an e-Reader I guess, right?! 😉 Though I LOVE books in their real form! I don’t always have time to read them all, but I could say I am a collector of them. 🙂 That book looks great! What a great giveaway! thanks!

    Reply

  28. I received a Kindle for Christmas, and I love it! I never thought I’d be into an e-Reader.. I read all the time and I love to see my shelves of beloved books. But I must confess that I love the ease of instant download, and being able to receive much coveted titles the day they’re released.

    The only thing I don’t love is the sometimes crazy prices. I can’t understand how ebooks can occasionally be up to twice the price of the paperback version (on Amazon, no less!) and I’ll refuse to buy books (even if I want them really badly!) if I think they’re too expensive in digital form. If it’s cheaper to buy a paperback then that’s what I’ll have, thank you very much!

    Reply

  31. What a great contest. Thank you. I am still a standard paper book kinda gal. The reviewed book looks like it would be fun.

    Reply

  41. What a great book. I really like the variety of materials used in the different projects. I have an e-reader, but I also love the smell and feel of a good ‘ol hardback library book. Thanks for the review!

    Reply

  44. I prefer paper books – though lugging them on vacation is something of a nuisance. And I buy most of my books used.

    Reply

  45. I own an e-reader, and work in a library, so I’m a big fan of both digital and paper books. I’m a fan of anything that gets people to READ!!! LOL!

    Reply

  53. I still prefer paper for arts/crafts books but I read novels on an iPad.

    This looks great. I’m still SUCH a beginner, it’s painful. I struggled with a simple tote bag this weekend. Argh. 🙂

    Reply

  59. Thank you so much! For anything craft related I prefer paper books, they seem so much more romantic 🙂

    Reply

  61. Eventhough I am the biggest graft geek in my town — oldschool is the only way to go .. paper books! the smell, the feel of the paper as i turn the pages. The way i can hold it close while reading in bed.

    Yeah Im kinda sad that way – but books will always be a true love.

    thanks
    cleo

    Reply

  62. I don’t have an e-reader – yet! I must admit that I still love the look and feel of hardcopy books – and of course they are an attractive addition to my bookshelves …

    The review of ‘Everyday Handmade’ was interesting, enhanced by the fact that the reviewer had made two of the projects. The book would make a valuable addition to my bookselves.

    Reply

  63. I am simply in love with my Kindle. I never go anywhere without it! The only ‘real’ books that I buy now are for crafting only. They simply are not the same reading them on my kindle. Have an especially blessed day, Kathy

    Reply

  66. I love having the actual book in my hand when it comes to crafting books. I love having them lie open all around my craft room to page through when I need inspiration. I love the notes I can scribble in them as I work on projects.

    Thank you for a great giveaway 🙂

    Reply

  69. I don’t have an e-reader but I would love one. In the meantime I’m pretty happy with paper books. Thanks for the lovely giveaway.

    Reply

  71. I like the books, I still like the ability to hold the books, and mark the pages. Old fashion I know, but I enjoy them!

    Reply

  72. I signed up for the newsletter – I cannot wait to see all the projects ther now and in the future! Thank you!!

    Reply

  74. that book looks like it has some great projects. I am always on the look out for book like that.
    I do not use and e-reader. I would rather have a book.
    Old fashioned, I guess.

    Reply

  82. I am still a paper-book girl, but would be open to an e-reader….Santa, are you listening? I also signed up for the newsletter. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  84. This looks like a great book from which to teach my daughters to sew.
    Both the hedgehog and stump sound cute and bags are always needed! I personally need the ebook cover for sure.
    Thanks for the comp.

    Reply

  87. I think I will always prefer the look and feel of a paper book in my hands. It might not be the easiest or most practical solution sometimes, but it just feels right.

    Reply

  89. I love both. But I really like my Kindle for traveling. The cover looks like a fun project for sure! I am a new subscriber 🙂
    Thank you for the giveaway!

    Reply

  90. I do prefer paper instead of an e-reader. There is something about the feeling of the book in your hand… Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  91. No e-reader… yet! Got my eye on a Kindle Fire. For now, I read highly illustrated books often about bodily functions such as “poop” and “potty”! Ah, the life of a mother!

    Reply

  92. “Thanks for Subscribing to the Stitch This! Blog”
    Looking forward to fresh ideas & inspiration!!

    Reply

  94. What great project ideas! I’m a paper book kinda girl, though I can see the advantage of an e-reader for magazines, textbooks, and maybe even certain craft books. But an actual book and the smell of the pages feels so right for a novel.

    Reply

  95. Although an e-reader is tempting, I am still in love with books…love the feel of the pages and the weight in my hands. But I have many friends and family members who would love a cover!

    Reply

  96. Got a little distracted on the site but finally made it back here to say I signed up for the newsletter on Martingales, StitchThis! Also looking forward to snooping around on Inspire Me Grey!

    Reply

  97. I don’t have an e-reader and probably won’t get one. I LOVE paper, the smell, the feel, everything about it.
    I like to write in my books and use bookmarks. So, I’m a real book person. Hope I win.

    Reply

  101. I have an e-reader but only read novels on it. I like to touch a craft book or an art book with the real paper, pages to turn, corners to earmark (only when I REALLLY have to)… Thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply

  103. I don’t own and ereader yet, so I guess I prefer a paper book!
    I love the projects in this book!

    Reply

  109. Nope, I haven’t joined the 21st century yet. I love my books printed on paper. I guess I’ll have to cave in eventually, but I’m not eager to go digital.

    Reply

  110. Even though I’m not reading books in a digital format, I have signed up for Stitch This, and I love it, and looking at ideas on the internet.

    Reply

  111. I usually prefer regular books…But, having said that, I am ‘wanting’ an e-reader of some sort so I can take many books on the go 🙂

    Reply

  116. Wonderful give-away!! I am currently about 70% paper and 30% e-reader. Hard to give up the ease of moving through the paper version.

    Reply

  117. I do have a Kindle and I love it for casual reading but it isn’t color so I like my quilt and craft books in pulp. I do love that Kindle cover and the tote with all the covered buttons. If I win, I know what will be first to make! Thanks for the chance.

    Reply

  121. I just downloaded my first e-book onto my iPad, and while I like the ease of taking it with me and quickly adjusted to flipping the pages, etc., I prefer a “real” book. I’m old-fashioned in many ways, and that will always be one of them, I think.

    Reply

  125. My favourite time to read is at bedtime. My husband would always complain about the light being on. Problem has been solved since I started reading books on my IPad. I still love the feel of a book in my hands and turning REAL pages!

    Reply

  129. I prefer paper books. Gives me more of an incentive to read them. I also like to flip through the pages and see something up close.
    Thanks for the giveaway =D

    Reply

  134. I prefer an ereader for novels so I can read whatever strikes my fancy but reference books need to be paper for some reason!

    Reply

  135. I have a kindle that I love using when I travel. I do still love books though and nothing can replace my bookshelves filled with great books that look and feel great to hold.

    Reply

  139. I love books. I love the way they feel, the way they smell, and if it’s a good book-the way they look. This is a good book 🙂

    I love technology and realize you can take an entire bookcase with you, and I love that too. I personally do not own one yet, but I am not against the idea.

    Reply

  143. My husband has an e-reader and loves it but I still can’t go past books …. although I have a friend who uses an e-reader for reading while knitting. She says it’s great to be able to sit up in bed with her reader on her knees as she knits and not have to fight the pages of the book closing – so I can see the benefits

    Reply

  146. Must have the paper/hardcover copy to swoon over, spill on, and make notes in. 😉

    Reply

  148. I prefer paper. I have tried reading on an e-reader and I actually need a paper back to thumb back and forth. But I do a lot of reading on the elliptical, so I guess the ereader is more practical for that.

    Reply

  151. I prefer my kindle for books to read, but for picture books I’m still on the fence. I’ve gotten some through Google Play that I read on my pc, but I do still like them in paper.

    Reply

  152. It would be very cool to have an e-reader,however since I don’t,it is paper books for me.

    Reply

  158. I like the real books. I would love to win this book because I hand make Christmas presents and this looks like a good book to give me ideas.

    Reply

  159. As a retired English teacher – I love books but I was introduced to a Kindle on my 70th birthday by a special friend. I have found it ever so good to use to read in bed BUT I still like browsing through Craft books Paper form for enticing me to try new things to make or patterns to follow.

    Reply

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