Organza is a super light, super sheer fabric that is made with silk or synthetic fibers. You can see through it. Which is why it’s such a wonderful fabric to do embroidery on. The designs are given an extra three-dimensional quality as they seemingly float within the hoopupon which they are embroidered and displayed. It’s a lovely effect. But using organza was something I was always afraid to do — worried that I’d ruin the backing fabric and find my time and efforts wasted. But not anymore!

This excellent guide offers twelve different projects, with clear step-by-step instructions, alongside large, full-color, and close-up(!) photos. The designs include two ladybugs, a goldfish, toadstools, mushrooms, a lovely coffee cup, pink poppies, Iris, sunflower, flowering prickly pear cactus, blue flower and Lady oh, he Moon Sun and flowers in a quote Celestial Garden unquote, Flower Lady flower pot, and a floral wreath which is my personal favorite. The softbound book is well-written and designed and printed in full color on good quality paper. Well done!

During the recent quarantine, I have been wondering how I could use my sewing skills to make face masks and other items to keep my family and friends safe. I saw a few patterns online but wasn’t sure if they were good quality. So I was very happy to find this book. It has plentiful full-color photography throughout and also relies on helpful colored diagrams, alongside easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, that make all of these projects easy to do — even for relative beginners.

The projects include pleated face masks with a pocket, a bandana style face mask which would work well for bearded men, a curved face mask, adult bibs, fidget mats, arm swings, different lap blankets, and headbands and scrub caps for all kinds of hair styles, and more. The book is very well done with lots of care going into it’s a modern design and easy-to-follow instructions. The photos are quite lovely, too. It’s a wonderful book that has helped my sewing — and is helping keep my loved ones safe!

One of my daughters has learned to crochet and loves to spend her free time – often while listening to music or movies – crocheting. She loves to make all sorts of the clothing items and knick-knacks. Yet, as a young person, her tastes are quite (post) modern and she’s always looking for something surprising to make with her growing crochet skills. So I was delighted to give her this lovely book. The book offers traditional-style instructions for the specific stitches in each project, alongside handy instructions and helps, and is a relatively easy to follow — even for people who are new to crochet.

There are plentiful color photos, including step-by-step photos, which are both lovely and helpful. The projects include finger crochet scarves, cowls, beanies, and wraps, alongside various toys and knick-knacks, like banners, hamburgers, hot dogs, sliced watermelon (pillows), a bee-and-beehive mobile, and more. It’s all very fun and my daughter really loves it. This helpful book offers fun-to-make projects that are beautiful to see, use, and play with. Plus, it’s really helping my daughter’s confidence grow.