Another book from my Craft Bookshelf is this lovely by Cynthia Treen: Last-Minute Fabric Gifts.
Interestingly as I flick through this book again I realise that I haven’t actually made any of the projects exactly as described, but they have been the starting point for a number of gift ideas over the years. I think that is why this book is still on my shelf. For example, I looked at the lovely scarf ideas and was inspired to create a simple Spring scarf for my Little Miss.
Each project includes beautiful pictures plus step-by-step instructions and sometimes diagrams. At the top of each project with the title it will say whether it is hand sewn or needs a sewing machine, and there is a very detailed list of requirements for each project down to “iron and ironing board“. Look out for the Notes section too which will give you tips about fabric or things to watch out for with that particular project.
Towards the back of the book there is a section with some basic information about tools and techniques. My favourite is the photo and explanation of different types of needles – very detailed and helpful in choosing which needle you should be sewing with for different types of fabrics and threads.
The other section I like in this book is the one about gift wrapping with fabric. It has some cute options pictured including wrapping cloths and pouches. It also has a little tutorial for fabric gift tags. I have wrapped gifts for “crafty” friends in fabric before but I hadn’t really thought of making reusable gift wrappings for others. Maybe I’ll have to get planning for Christmas this year! (Although I did make fabric envelopes for CDs one year – with a tutorial of course!)
All in all this would be a lovely addition to any craft book collection – or even a great gift for a crafty friend!
