Me and My Sewing Machine -- a Crafty Weekends Review and Link Party

Disclosure: C&T Publishing sent me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Purchasing items from some of these links provides Crafty Moms Share a small percentage at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Have you been crafting this week? Most of my crafts this week were restricted to crafts to use in Sunday School. I was home with a sick child and Steve was sick as well. It was not a pleasant time, but everyone is feeling better now!! As a result I don't have any crafts to share, but am going to review Me and My Sewing Machine by Kate Haxell. 

Now I originally wanted to review this book because Hazel is showing interest in learning how to use my sewing machine. I figured this book would help her with it. However upon looking at it I realized there was a lot I could learn from this book!! The book begins with the basics about sewing machines--how they work and what they do. It also gives advice on choosing one. After getting the basics there is a chapter about getting ready to sew. It includes everything from the right space to other things that will be required to successful sew like pinning, pressing and more. It also goes into specifics about types of fabric and thread. Then comes a chapter about seams. It covers the seam basics as well as fancy seams like french seams, mock french seams, open seams, flat fall seams and more. It has types of seams I have not heard of! The book does a wonderful job of giving details on how to make the seam and where to use it. 

After seams comes hems. It has instructions to make all sorts of hems including double hems, blind hems and more. Then come fasteners which includes everything from zippers to buttonholes as well as darts, points, and scallops. Then comes "On the Edge." This chapter includes bindings, trims and more!

Next comes a chapter to help fancy things up which includes ruffles, pleats, applique, free motion embroidery, sewing on lace, patchwork and more! Then comes the chapter with a few projects to try!! There are seven different projects in it that will have you using your machine and trying the methods in this book.

The projects include the apron above, a tote bag, skirt, ruffled wrap, pillows, cuff bracelet and a decorative quilt, pictured below. 

I find this book very easy to follow and cannot wait to try some of the projects and methods in the book. This book is amazing for a beginner but also for someone like me who wants to take her/his sewing a bit further. The instructions are complete and clear. I hope you will check it out.

It has been awhile since we had a Crafty Weekends party!! Thank you to everyone who shared with us at our last party!! It was a fun party with many great ideas.  Below are some features from the party, but this is just a small sample of great ideas shared! Also remember for your child-oriented crafts, activities, lessons, etc. Sharing Saturday is going on!!  Also don't forget to link up all your diverse and cultural posts at Creative Kids Culture Blog Hop!

Features

1) From Paradise Praises: Valentine's Day Golden Tea

2) From Happy Mothering: Valentine's Day Bling Soap Bars

3) From Life Sew Savory: Stuffed Felt Letters Valentine Banner

4) From Flamingo Toes: Free Soda Fountain Quilt Pattern

5) From The Scrap Shoppe: Mom's Day Out

6) From Duct Tape & Denim: 20 Ideas for Valentine's Day with Paper Scraps

7) From Bombshell Bling: Flower Toddler Necklace

8) From Rain On a Tin Roof: How to Build Wall to Wall Shelves

9) From Everyday Parties: Easily Make Your Own Party Favors

Thank you to everyone who shared the last week!! I hope you will share again!! If you are featured here, please feel free to grab a featured button to display proudly on your blog. I would love the help spreading the word about Crafty Weekends!!

An InLinkz Link-up