Book Review: Just For You

For many of us who love to sew, it seems like we are often sewing for others and not ourselves.  That’s why I was thrilled when Caroline of Sew Can She asked if I would like to review her book, Just For You.  Like the title suggests, all of the projects in the book are for you to make for yourself!

Caroline has a great sewing blog.  I love to see what sewing tutorial she is going to feature each day.  This book is a collaboration between her and several other bloggers.

There are 24 sewing projects in the book, everything from clothing to bags.  Some projects for beginners, and some more advanced.  Every project has detailed instructions and several pictures.  (I’m a visual learner, so I love to have lots of pictures to refer to!)

In the back of the book, several sewing techniques, that are used in the projects, are shown.   Also, the patterns for the projects are in the back of the book.

I decided to try my hand at a purse project – the painter’s clutch.  I thought it was a really cute bag, not too big and not too small.  This project was contributed by Sarah Markos.

It’s called the painter’s clutch because the handles are made from paint stirrers.  How clever is that!

The best thing about doing this project was that I already had everything needed to start the project!

I had leftover fabrics from some tote bags I made a couple of years ago, and since I’ve been doing a lot of painting projects lately, I had the paint stirrers and black paint too!

The purse uses two fabrics – one for the outside and one for the inside lining.  The lining wraps around the outside of the handles too, so you can see both fabrics.

I loved how the purse turned out, and how easy it was to sew together.  Honestly, it took longer for the paint to dry on the paint stirrers!  The instructions were very clear and detailed.

Also, I learned a new sewing technique making this purse – the French seam!  I had never made that kind of seam before.

So, if you feel like doing some selfish sewing, check out Caroline’s book (affiliate link) – Just For You.  It’s available in hardcover and as an e-book.

I’m joining these parties!

Savvy Southern Style

Between Naps On The Porch