I've been asked to review a couple of books this year. First up: Stitch Savvy
I met Deborah at my very first quilt market, and pretty much love everything about this lady. She is who she is, a straight shooter, fellow creative, awesome sewer who continuously cracks me up. And she's a great teacher and author. This is her second book. Her first, Stitch by Stitch, a must have for every sewer, she sent to me as a gift with a little note encouraging me in my very early days of sewing.
As I've mentioned sewing was always intimidating for me so I take my teacher and book recommendations seriously.
Sewing is not something to be elitist about. You know the whole, 'I sew and you don't so therefor I'm superior to you.' Seems silly right, especially when it comes to creative pursuits - but we've all gotten that from someone at sometime. We humans have taken that attitude often when it comes to all kind of activities that can feel challenging at first, and it's time for that sh*t to go.
That is one thing I will always be thankful to blogging for. Bloggers have made so many activities way more accesible and approachable. Sewing in particular. {be sure to check out Deborah's blog too}
These are the reasons I like Deborah's books so much, they are friendly and supportive right fromt the get go. She writes like she's your friend, talking to you, walking you through the steps, and thinking about any question you might have along the way, always ready with tips and ideas to make the process easier. The photography is beautiful, and the step by step instructions are simple and clear, not overwhelming at all. These are books from the heart. Her love for sewing and teaching comes through. Deborah really wants everyone to know that they too can sew, and she is here to help us. And that's that. Nothing more nothing less.
Filled with a variety of projects for all different levels, each teaching you new techniques to expand your knowledge and confidence.
What I also love is that at the end of each project Deborah has reommendations about what project to try next. I can't wait to get started with my favorite one first. Ok fine, I'm a little biased - and - thrilled with how sweet this tea cozy is using Creative Thursday fabric, Meet the Gang and my very first Spoonflower designs that Deborah was so sweet to purchase as soon as I made them available online. Then I want to try every recommended project after that, a Tufted Duvet, a Lovie Blanket, and a Picnic Basket.
Did I mention that Deborah is also a mom to 4 kiddos? With the level of detail in this book, makes me immediately want to ask, how did she do it all? But then, I think we are all constantly asking that of each other these days. And no one really has the answer, other than somehow you just make it work and get it done. And I'm so glad, because then we get more books like this.
I leave you with one of my favorite Deborah quotes from the book that pretty much sums it up. And if you'd like a copy she'll be giving away two copies tomorrow at her blog.
"Remember that your instincts are way more important than rules" ~ Deborah Moebes
