Review: Gooseberry Patch Stitching for the Kitchen

This is a repost of a review I recently published. It was intended to be part of the blog tour for the release of the book, but I kind of jumped the gun and posted it a few weeks early. Whoops! I reposting the review below.

I’ve always known GooseberryPatch for the cookbooks, particularly their cookbooks that show how to make gift mixes and other food-related gifts. But in Stitching for the Kitchen, they show how to make 30 sewn projects for the kitchen.

The book shows a wide variety of sewn projects that you would use in preparation of a meal (e.g., oven mitt, apron) or in the serving of a meal (e.g., bun warmer, table runner) or in organization of a kitchen (e.g., hanging pocket organizer, plastic bag dispenser). Some use embroidery, others patchwork. Some use new materials, others use vintage napkins or recycled sweaters.

The pages are large, with step-by-step instructions and full color photos of finished projects. The book is spiral bound so the pages lie flat, and full size patterns are included in a pocket at the back. (No tracing, no enlarging required!!)

Favorite projects include:

Snack bags with cutouts. These reusable snack bags have cutout windows on the front so you can see what’s inside. Perfect for a lunch bag or snacking on the go.

Mug cozy with pocket. You could sew these up for everyone on your Christmas gift list. Gift it with a mug and a bag of good tea.

Casserole carrier. Just what you need to take a dish to a potluck. Elastic strips on the outside will hold a serving spoon. Insul-Brite between the layers helps keep the food warm and your hands from getting burned. The dimensions they give will create a carrier for a 10” x 16” dish, but you can easily adjust the measurements to fit a different size dish.

Plastic Bag Dispenser. A practical project! We got a similar bag dispenser these years ago as a wedding gift. 16 years later, it still gets daily use. The one we got was pretty basic, but the Gooseberry Patch version is pieced from strips of coordinating fabrics.

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Check out the rest of the Stitching for the Kitchen blog tour here:

July 22 – Gooseberry Patch

July 23 – Momma Young At Home, Craft Gossip

July 24 – Glued to My Crafts, Green Eyed Momma

July 25 – Sew Serendipity

July 26 – Smashed Peas and Carrots, Marsha’s Spot

July 27 – Wild Olive, Only From Scratch

July 28 – Pam Kitty Morning, Blue Nickel Studios

July 29 – Old House Homestead, Susie QT Pies Cafe, Prairie Flower Farm

July 30 – The Crafty Princess Diaries, Gramma’s in the Kitchen, Two Maids A Milking

August 1 – Vicki O’Dell, Homesteader’s Heart

August 2 – A Creative Being, Delightful Country Cookin

As a caregiver to an elderly parent navigating the challenges of aging and dementia, I’ve found myself on a mission to create thoughtful, practical items that assist in everyday care while maintaining a sense of dignity and comfort. Over the years, my sewing projects have shifted from creating cute clothes for my children to sewing things that support my parents through their later years. It’s not always easy, and it can be heartbreaking at times, but crafting these items has brought a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

If you’re in a similar situation and looking for sewing patterns and tutorials to support your loved one, whether they are in a wheelchair, dealing with dementia, or simply needing adaptive clothing, this roundup is for you. These patterns offer solutions to daily challenges, from sensory stimulation to maintaining dignity and comfort.

Adult dignity bib

When caring for someone with dementia, eating can often become a messy experience. An adult dignity bib offers a simple but effective way to help prevent spills and ensure that your loved one remains comfortable and clean during mealtime. This pattern provides a great way to create a stylish and practical solution for dignity and comfort.

How to Turn a Plush into a Weighted Toy

Weighted toys can be a calming and comforting tool for seniors, especially those experiencing anxiety or agitation. This tutorial shows you how to transform a soft plush toy into a weighted sensory item, offering soothing pressure and comfort to help relax your loved one. It’s a great way to create a personalized, comforting toy that provides sensory input.

Eye Pillow – Weighted

Tulip Walker Tote Bag

Special Needs Bib Pattern — CraftBits.com

Make a Fidget Quilt with Rob!

Fidget quilts are fantastic tools for dementia patients, offering tactile stimulation and promoting calmness. In this video tutorial, Rob guides you through the process of making a fidget quilt, showing you how to add various textures, buttons, zippers, and other engaging features to keep your loved one’s hands busy and focused

Making Fidget Quilts for Dementia Patients | Madam Sew – MadamSew

How to sew a fidget quilt

How to Make a DIY Lycra Sensory Bed Sheet | And Next Comes L – Hyperlexia Resources

Lycra sensory bed sheets are an excellent choice for providing calming pressure during sleep. This pattern from And Next Comes L explains how to make a DIY Lycra sensory bed sheet that can help your loved one feel secure and relaxed while they sleep, which is especially useful for those with sensory processing issues.

Wheelchair And Walker Carry Bag Sewing Pattern

Tutorial: No-sew adaptive sweatshirt for wheelchair users

Tutorial: Adult-sized bib – Sewing

How to Make a Fidget Blanket

Sewing pattern: How to Make a Fidget Quilt

How to Make an Adult Pocket Diaper

For individuals who need additional care in maintaining hygiene, adult pocket diapers can be a game-changer. This pattern teaches you how to create a comfortable, functional pocket diaper, ensuring your loved one stays dry and comfortable throughout the day.

How to Sew an Adult Front Closure Swim Diaper

How to Sew a Fitted Adult Cloth Diaper

For those looking for an eco-friendly and budget-conscious option, sewing a fitted adult cloth diaper can be a great solution. This pattern offers detailed instructions for creating a well-fitting, reusable cloth diaper for adults who need additional support.

The Linda Pants – Free Adaptive Sewing Pattern

Adapting Creatively: Wheelchair Rain Poncho Tutorial

This wheelchair rain poncho is a practical and thoughtful accessory for wheelchair users. This tutorial shows you how to make a poncho that will keep your loved one dry while they’re out and about, ensuring they stay comfortable in all weather conditions.

Adapting Creatively: Split-back Wheelchair Jacket

Weighted Blanket

Weighted Lap Pad

For those who need a little extra calming weight throughout the day, a weighted lap pad is an ideal choice. This simple but effective pattern helps you create a lap pad that can be placed on your loved one’s lap for a soothing, calming effect that promotes relaxation and comfort.

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