Cath Kidston Sewing Book: Over 30 Exclusive Projects Made Simple

I wasn't sure whether to buy this book because the cover photo looked pretty uninspiring and books from this company in the past, while inspiring, were seriously lacking in "how to" instructions so I went to Amazon UK to check out the reviews for it there since there were none here at the time I bought it from Amazon US, I discovered that it was very well received over there. One person said, "the best one" yet. So I thought I'd give it a go and was really pleased to receive this. Just a few things I thought I would mention that might be relevant. Most of the projects are designed to be made with "upholstery" (home dec) fabric. Also, there are many sewing accessories in the supply list that use terms that are different from those used here in the US but you can pretty much guess at what they are referring to by the photos. There are excellent detailed step by step instructions with diagrams, even cutting diagrams. Most of the sewing projects are related to storage, organization and carryalls. Nothing super unique or original, but fun to see these items made up with recycled vintage fabrics. The photo styling is kitchy 1960's - lots of plastic, bright primary colors, messy rooms...not the most gorgeous book for your coffee table, but I think what makes this book great is the excellent construction techniques (very solid), and while most of the projects I have seen in other books, it was so fun to see them made up in vintage upholstery fabric paired with Cath Kidston fabrics. (Wish they had a store here in the US.) Like her first book, it made me want to go out and find old linen table clothes from flea markets to make these items. Here is a list of the projects in the book: scalloped edge pillow case, tissue box cover, mushroom applique pillow, embroidered pillow, hanging organizer, fabric tray, fabric storage containers, sewing machine cover ("designed to fit a standard domestic sewing machine whatever that means. In the photo there is a picture of a very tiny Brother sewing machine), a sewing caddy, tortoise pincushion (super cute), lingerie/travel bags (loved these), eye glass case (with spring clip for the opening), embroidery kit, eye make and matching accessory bag (super cute), laptop case (13" and 17" laptop size), tote bag (excellent construction with side panels), handbag (very basic but lovely with the fabric it was made out of), canvas bag (blah), yoga mat bag (blah), gym bag, holdall (looks like a diaper/mommy bag), luggage tag (love this), child size backpack (would not be sturdy enough to hold books but perfect for using as a sleep over bag to put jammies in), envelope purse, book cover (instructions provided to make one for any size book, designed with a handy pocket on the inside flap), pencil case, lunch bag (made out of oil cloth with lots of great tips for sewing with this type of fabric), crocodile stuffed animal (literally made with a crocodile print with green ric rac on it's back, super cute), a "sport bag" (simply backpack style book bag), and a baby gift set (baby bottle cozy, bib and scalloped edge towel (all made from a single terry cloth print towel). What made this book a keeper for me was the use of fabrics from vintage dresses, scarves, table linens, curtains, upholstery fabrics etc. It was also really special in the sense that all of these storage/organization projects were made to be very functional with sturdy fabric and very solid construction techniques (not decorative pillows that will sag and wrinkle the first time you use it after spending days making it). These items have a high level of function and utility, they are very practical every day use items, and made using upcycled fabrics. This really inspired me to want to get sewing again. Its just a fun book to have around and keep revisiting and picking and choosing what you want to make next. There was a whole creative team that worked on this book but as far as I can tell all the projects were designed and made by Luncinda Ganderton. It would have been nice to have given her some authorship credit on the front cover rather than a "thank you" on the back page of the book.

I love Cath Kidston's style -- enough that the colors in this book inspired me to re-paint my living room. ;) But I also found the instructions in the book to be clear and thorough. I'm a novice at sewing and so far the projects I've tried (all pillow covers) have gone well and I'm looking forward to tackling some of the more complex projects soon.

nice book. great pictures and lots of different things to make

Very good book, I like the pictures, explanation, and quality of their pages.

Love how simple catch makes all of this! Got a few projects done today and love them!

Good book, but it helps to already know how to sew.

Perfect book to use to help someone who is new to sewing feel confident in making projects. The photos are lovely and colorful.

myriad of beautiful projects

Livro lindo, bem feito, com quase todos os moldes do tamanho natural. Os projetos também são bem legais, úteis.

Lindo livro! As fotos são lindas e os projetos são muito úteis. Com certeza é um livro que toda artesã de costura criativa deve ter, pra se inspirar.