Review on 🧵 Sew Cute Quilts and Gifts: 30 Lovely Bags, Quilts, and Accessories for Stitching, Applique, and Embroidery by Lori Aguirre

When I first started thinking about how I would write a review of a book about needlework, I knew I couldn't review it without trying the project so I could pass it on if The Instructions were clear, any issues etc. I decided to make vintage drawstring bags even though the record I had wasn't vintage. The project was fairly simple and easy to understand by paying attention to the diagrams she drew for each project. I wish she had other ideas for the waxed cord used for the lace. This was the only time I disobeyed her instructions; Instead I used duct tape. It follows the same format for each project. List of consumables, written instructions and diagrams. I've enjoyed some of the projects in this book and look forward to making more than just drawstring bags. One of my favorites was a zippered flat bag made of various patches. I liked the handle on the Dancing Flowers wallet but didn't like the flowers. The puffy pouch was cute and I especially liked the beads on the front. The Fresh & Sweet Framed Mini Quilts got me thinking about great gifts featuring my embroidery machine designs and the Vintage Panel Play Mat was adorable with a simple, dashing and straight hexagonal border quilt. There was a solid technique section, stitch guide and templates for projects they needed. Overall the book has fantastic designs and is worth the investment to own. I have two complaints about the book. First, it doesn't tell you to iron projects before and after specific steps. New seamstresses don't forget or realize how important ironing can be to a project. Ironing should be a step in any sewing or quilting project. Secondly, cutting panels is not always easy. They print crooked and you need time to align them so they look good in the project. And since she had panel designs I think a section on how to cut them cleanly would be helpful. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this four star book.