Sew Pretty Homestyle

Great book with lots of cute sewing projects

Tone Finnanger is my new favorite author! She has such practical, great advice for those who sew. For instance, when you make stuffed figures, instead of cutting fabric out around a pattern, she suggests you trace the pattern onto your material; sew around the trace lines (leaving an opening for turning) and then - after it's sewn - cutting the shape out. Genius! I just wish I had thought of that sooner. (What an aha! moment.) :) Another great tip is to make appliques like a stuffed figure, only don't stuff them. Just follow the steps above; after you cut out your shape, sew up the hole that you turned it through; then stitch it onto your project. Using this technique, you don't have to keep folding in your raw edges, which is such a pain, especially around the curved areas of a traditional applique. There are so many more cool ideas and tips throughout all of her books. This particular book is very girly in color and very pink, which is totally me. If you don't like pink, just use other fabrics to make the cool projects with. Another big plus in this, and other Tilda books, is the awesome and inspiring photography. The only downside I can think of is that she is from across the pond and the supplies are not called the same here in the US. For example, it took me a while to figure out what fibre felt and vliseline were. I had to Google UK sites to try to find a comparable US supplier. With all of the cool ideas, photos and techniques, I can definitely look past that and give this book five stars...er....make that five glittery pink stars! :)

My mom and I have fallen in love with almost all the Tone Finnanger "Tilda" books. Most are full of wonderful ideas, a variety of projects, patterns and instructions to keep a sewer and/or crafter busy for years. Great home dec and gift ideas, as well as some entertaining inspiration. This book is no exception and is one of the more substantial books, so well worth the price, considering the content. Most of the sewing projects are for experienced sewers, though there are a couple of basic sewing projects. However, we highly recommend reading the techniques section carefully and more than once. Also helpful to read through any similar patterns in the book, since some of the directions for a similar project can apply to others, but may not be part of those instructions. Also, there are some really helpful tutorials on YouTube if you get stuck on something. Also some that are not so great, but you'll have to check them out for yourself. Don't be afraid to view the videos in other languages since the process is really what you want to see, at least that is how we felt.

As always, she has wonderful ideas and shows photos with beautiful execution. I wouldn't mind living in a house with all her pretties around, but I don't want to make them. I was hoping there would be more quilting in the book. 4 stars is not a criticism of the book, just that it isn't ever going to be a favorite of mine. 5 stars means I love it, and I can't say I do. The books is well-written and well-illustrated.

When I looked at the reviews for this book before I bought it I figured I might make one or two things from it. When I received it and looked through it I was inspired to start making things from it right away. I made the needle case in several different colors, then I went on to try the cat. They were both successful and adorable. Then I made the slippers, substituting the cotton fabric for brocade and the wool felt for flannel, since I live in a hot climate. They turned out great as well. The ideas in this book are easy to elaborate on. The pattern pieces are mostly to scale too, making it easy to start a project quickly.

If your style is not of the pink, cute, heart-shaped and/or otherwise "primitive" country variety, then steer clear of this book. The book is written in a pleasant, folksy manner (though this lends nothing to its supposed use as a how-to book) and the photography is nice. The fabric patterns (vintage-y floral) are my favorite part of the book, I'm afraid. Most of the items in this book are not utilitarian. They are decorative items, like fabric roses, dog and cat and angel dolls, etc. If that is your cup of tea, then you'll like this book. But if you're looking for less cute/pink/heart-shaped/"prim" country stuff, then you will probably flip through this once and never open it up again. If you happen to have a young daughter, niece, sister, etc. who likes "girly" items, then this book might be useful to you.

This is an inspiring and charming book! The directions are clear and concise. The photos are bright and beautiful. There are simple projects--like the cloth pear-- that can be made quickly and are highly attractive and satisfying. There are also projects that take longer like a quilt or a doll (could be an angel, or skip the wings and make a doll) that would make lovely gifts. I have pegged several items I know friends and family would be touched to receive this Christmas. The projects are remarkably appealing. I highly recommend this book!

I am so very pleased with this book. It is full of pretty projects that I can't wait to get started on. Usually craft books have a couple of projects that I actually like enough to make myself, however, this one has so many that I'd do that I don't even know where to start. The pictures are lovely, the materials are pretty, the patterns are all so nice (without being too cutesy). I'd definitely recommend this book. I hope the author comes out with more!

Gostei dos moldes e das gravuras do livro

Another great book by Tone. Love her pattern books. This is the 4th one I own and it didn't disappoint.

Um dos meus livros preferidos, passa aconhego e carinho em seus projetos.

Nice book, lots of different projects. Easy to follow instructions even for a beginner

Maravilhoso!!! Valeu cada centavo!!!