Book Review – That Handmade Touch: 20 Simple Sewing Projects for You and Your Home

May 16, 2023 by Shellie Wilson Leave a Comment

As a seasoned seamstress, I have always been on the lookout for new and exciting projects to add to my ever-growing list of handmade creations. So, when I came across “That Handmade Touch: 20 Simple Sewing Projects for You and Your Home,” I was immediately drawn in by the promise of sophisticated designs that would rival any upscale boutique.

The book, written by Svetlana Sotak, showcases her talent for creating everyday essentials with a signature style. Sotak believes in the spirit of generous living and shares her love of sewing through her online tutorials and Craftsy class. In her first book, she teaches how to create cohesive and sophisticated projects, ranging from small to large, and featuring quilt-as-you-go, basic piecing, and expert bag-making instructions to achieve a polished professional finish.

The 20 projects included in the book are a mix of accessories such as clutches, pouches, and bags, as well as home decor projects like quilts, baskets, and cushions. The instructions are clear, concise, and easy to follow, even for beginners. I especially appreciated the basics section at the beginning of the book, which takes you through all the essential techniques, from simple hems and seams to piping and buttonholes.

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with “That Handmade Touch.” Sotak’s attention to detail and precise construction techniques make each project a true masterpiece. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves sewing and wants to add that handmade touch to their home.

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DIY Kids Gingerbread House Bag with Free Pattern

I am just smitten with this felt gingerbread house bag. This would make such a sweet special Christmas accessory for a kid. It’s a free pattern at Benzie Design, designed by Gracie from Hello Gracie Makes. It’s packed with adorable gingerbread house details, like swirls and stripes and scallops adoring the doors and windows.

And while all those details might seem like this would be a complicated pattern, it’s actually not. The bag itself is made from felt, which makes finishes edges unnecessary. (All of those scalloped edges are just cut from felt, no edge finishing required.) The strap is super simple, made from rope with knotted ends. And all those details are made with some basic hand embroidery stitches. Sparkle felt makes it extra cute.

The striped scallop roof is actually the top flap of the bag. A magnetic snap makes it a secure closure. The rope straps are attached through felt loops at the side of the bag.

They rate this project as an intermediate level, and it should take about 6 hours to make start to finish. That’s doable for a Saturday project or a couple of evenings. Full color photos step you through the entire process.

The project includes a shopping list for all of your supplies. They’ve got a shop so you can order all of them from Benzie if you like and get exactly the supplies used in the project. I noticed it includes a pair of scallop shears, which makes cutting all the scalloped edges for the roof and around the door a breeze.

Finished dimensions of the little felt gingerbread bag are approximately 6 ½” wide x 7 ½” tall. That’s the perfect size to hold a small book, a small toy, or a notepad and some cute pens.

Go to Benzie Design to get the tutorial and free pattern for the felt gingerbread house bag.

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