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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Sew a Pincushion for Pins, Needles, and Fabric Clips

It doesn’t matter whether you sew by hand or by machine, you need a pincushion. You need a spot to parks pins and needles and keep them within easy reach for when you need them again. There are a lot of styles of pincushion to choose from. Some magnetic, some fabric. Some cute, some purely functional. This “little bit extra” pincushion has a spot to store all the different types of pins and needles you might need while sewing. Polka Dot Chair has a free sewing pattern you can use to make one for yourself.

This handy little pincushion has a circular shape and is divided into sections to store different types of pins. The bottom section is for your regular straight pins. Just poke them in and they’re ready for when you need them. The top has one section with a felt flap perfect for holding your sewing needles. I don’t know about you but I don’t like mixing my hand sewing needles in with my pins on a pincushion. It makes it hard to find the needle when I want it. So having a separate section for the needles is a great idea.

This “little bit extra” pincushion also has a spot to hold a few fabric clips. Fabric clips have become popular alternatives to a traditional straight pin. They hold fabric pieces together without piercing the fabric, which is important when sewing leather, vinyl, or other materials that will show permanent holes from pins.

You can sew the “little bit extra” pincushion from large fabric scraps or small fabric cuts (fat eighth). You probably already have all the supplies you need to sew one in your sewing supplies already.

Get the free pattern for this “little bit extra” pincushion over at Polka Dot Chair.

[photo credit: Polka Dot Chair]

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