Blog Tour: Just Sew Stories by Katie Allen

You know me, I always love new sewing books, so I was really delighted to be asked to be part of the Blog Tour for this fab book by Katie Allen.

Every day this week, the book will be featured on some ace blogs, and you have a chance to win a copy too (see details at the end of my post). Great eh?

One of my besetting sewing sins is that I can *always* be distracted from the sewing that I am meant to be doing in order to have try at something that has caught my eye. And there are loads of funky eye-catching projects in Just Sew Stories:

As soon as I saw these dolls I knew I had to have a go at making one… (if you are a regular here you might know that I long for a Blythe doll to dress…). Here’s my version – sadly I didn’t have time to make her a boyfriend (maybe a project for after Christmas, I do rather fancy making a pair of Harris tweed trousers for him):

Frankly, the book is almost worth getting hold of just for instructions for these fab doll, but there also lots of other lovely ideas for handsewn gifts that are fun, imaginative and a little bit out of the ordinary – check the frilly bloomers!

There are hand-embroidered hankies, a bow-tie, a cool gym bag, funky specs cases, very amazing printed pet cushions…and I love the great use of funky fabrics. This vintage style fabric looks fantastic used for a frilly apron:

There are tons of inspiration here, along with some basic information about fabrics and stitching. Highly recommended!

Monday 22nd: Handmade By Emily

Tuesday 23rd: Very Berry Handmade

Wednesday 24th: The Sewing Directory

Thursday 25th: Emma Block

Friday 26th: Mathide Heart Manech

Saturday 27th: Red Ted’s Art

Win a copy of Just Sew Stories thanks to Hardie Grant Books by following Hardie Grant on Twitter @hardiegrantuk and emailing competitions@hardiegrant.co.uk. UK residents only (sorry overseas friends!).

Good luck!