I’ve been pretty anxious to get my hands on this book. The reviews so far have been amazing, and although I don’t have any young girls in my life, the mere look and feel of Jennifer Paganelli‘s new book Girl’s World makes you want to put on a ruffled apron and host a garden party.
I’m in.
Girl’s World: Twenty-One Sewing Projects to Make For Little Girls (Chronicle Books) is the first book by Paganelli, creator of Sis Boom fabrics (FreeSpirit). Fans of her fabrics will eat up the pages of this project book, which are beautifully printed in colorful patterned swirls and florals. Did I mention that the book covers are tied shut with pink ribbon, an invitation to unlock this pretty little world?
Getting Started, the book’s intro, includes some sewing basics, including notes on dress sizes—for this book, girl’s x-small (2-3) to x-large (12-14). Filled with illustrations and diagrams for the visual sewist, the hardcover book has patterns tucked inside a pretty paper pocket.
The next section, Dress-up includes seven dresses worn by sassy little girls who are having so much fun wearing them that you almost forget to look at the clothes. But then you catch a glance and don’t want to flip the page. Far from basic but simple enough not to intimidate the sewist, the dresses range from poufy to comfy. Little additions of a sash, pleat or pocket define each dress as its own. The Agnes Tunic Dress is a bit grown-up and sophisticated, while the Annabel Apron really pushes the envelope of cuteness, edged in tight ruffles and featuring a keyhole-and-tie ruffled pocket.
In the Accessories section, the five patterns are one-size-fits-all, including a purse and a floral headband. Glue guns replace sewing machines in a couple accessories, a trend that continues toward the end of the book. The Chloe Paper Doll Overnight Bag is such a darling and clever design that moms will swoon for it more than their little girls, who will already be adorned in tulle-and-pearl Fiona Fabric Flowers.
The book’s final 9 projects are group together in the Home section. The Gigi Ruffled Pillow and George the Puppy really caught my attention, and both would make great gifts. The Genevieve Patchwork Square Quilt is suited to beginners, with its large blocks and suggested hand-tied quilting. Two of the projects in this section are basically the same project with a slight twist, so they could have been grouped together.
Whether you’re sewing for a girl, or teaching a girl to sew, the projects in Girl’s World really engage all levels of crafters. And the book really is beautiful! I recommend it and so appreciate Jennifer sending me a copy to review.
In fact, she was just as fun to interview, and now we have her next book Happy Home to look forward to next year! As well as new fabric lines, Crazy Love and Super Fly, due out this fall.
Would you like to win a copy of Girl’s World? Stay tuned, because there’s a giveaway coming up next week!
20 comments
Ooooo! I’ll be watching for this! 🙂 3 girls in this house, so if you need a place for anything girly you are inspired to sew….just sayin! ;)I would love to sew from this book!
Thanks for the beautiful review and upcoming giveaway!
Thanks for checking out the review Kristy–I hope you win and get to see this pretty book for yourself!
I simple must have this book! With summer starting and a 7 year old who always wants to sew… it’s perfect!! I’ll be back for the giveaway!! 🙂
Great review!!
Oh I would love to win that. I have a 3 year old little princess at home that would love some of those and Jennifer is one of my favorite designers. Thanks for the great review. I really liked your interview too!
What a beautiful book! Would love a copy so I could make some of the gorgeous things with my daughter 🙂
What a little bundle of gorgeousness that looks! What beautiful photos… Absolutely adorable. A very smiley book to possess.
I can’t wait to see this and touch it! I have three girly-girls that would love to wear and sew these up. Win or lose, I’m hunting this one down! Gorgeous!
Love love love it! Gorgeous colors, fabric, and ideas. I want to make them ALL! <3
I won a copy of this book and I love it!! I also don’t have any little girls to sew for though. I am really looking forward to her next book for the home, too!! I do have a home to sew for! (I’m going to give my book to a friend w/3 girls so it doesn’t go to waste.)
I would love this book!
So many wonderful projects in this book, and my daughter will love those dresses!
You are sweet as honey to share!!! how I love Jennifer Paganelli’s fabrics ~ so dreamy 🙂 Put me in the pot! hope I’m the lucky duck!
I won a copy of this book too! L.O.V.E. it!!!! I just wish it came w/all of the beautiful fabric! That would of made my year!!
Can’t wait to get my hands on this book!!! My two girls love anything girlie and love sewing with Mommy 🙂
I love everything she does…this book looks like another great project from Jennifer Paganelli!
I wish my daughter would wear the things I’ve made to her…I would love to get this book. I didn’t know about the home book she has coming out, super-excited about that one!!
Thank you for this sterling review it means the world to me!!!!Great peeps at Craft Buds and we are so very grateful that you took the time to give Girls World A thumbs up!!! xoxoxo Jennifer Paganelli
What a beautiful book! I’ve got some girls to sew for! One is still too little for the clothing in this book, but we can certainly plan ahead! I’d love to win a copy!
Ooooh! So pretty…so much inspiration! Would love to make my 18mo old some girly girl things.
I have 6 granddaughter that i sew for and would love to win your new book. All of mine think anything Grammy makes is too wonderful and they keep me busy all the time. My favorite quilt shop is Intown and love all the retro fabrics and bright colors. Wish I could come on June 3rd but I am working that day.
Pam Cato
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