As someone who loves to craft and work with my hands, I was intrigued by the idea of “simple hand sewing”
and its potential benefits for both my wellbeing and the planet. I was not disappointed by this book by Laura Strutt! With 35 different projects to choose from, I was able to learn a variety of new hand-sewing techniques such as visible mending, sashiko, embroidery, thread doodling, boro, and abstract embroidery.
Each project is beautifully illustrated and described in detail, making it easy to follow along. Whether I was working on a boro bowl, a cushion cover with an embroidered mandala, or a beanie hat with floral embroidery, I was able to slow down and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful and sustainable.
Laura’s book encourages us to upcycle and revive old clothes and items, rather than buying new ones, which I think is a wonderful message for our times. I especially loved the projects that involved repairing and fixing clothing, as it felt like I was giving a second life to something that would have otherwise been discarded.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their hand-sewing skills and create mindful and sustainable projects. The benefits of hand-sewing are truly abundant, and this book provides the perfect introduction to the world of slow stitching.
