Simple Sewing with Lola Nova by Alexandra Smith

Sewing is at the forefront of the new craft revolution and part of its charm is the chance to rediscover the skills of our grandmothers and to recycle treasured scraps of fabric. Celebrated craft blogger, Alexandra Smith, AKA Lola Nova, has created the perfect sewing book for the new crafternooner. With 25 highly original projects arranged into chapters on Boho, Vintage, Natural, Eclectic and Whimsy, you will soon be raiding junk shops and jumble sales for material to transform into gifts, home accessories, clothes and bags. Projects include a Little Joy Dress, Lola Handbag, Into the Woods Throw, Deer Diary and Call Me Cushion. For each project there are step-by-step instructions (illustrated with photographs) that will guide the beginner through the making process, whilst Alexandra's innovative ideas will provide fresh inspiration for the experienced sewer. Gorgeous photography by top lifestyle photographer Yuki Sugiura captures the sheer pleasure of turning junk-store fabrics into something beautifully handmade.

In recent months/years there has been an increase in the make do and mend mentality of years gone by, the current trend of upcycling and along with that more people are beginning to make their own clothes and home decor. This book is one for people interested in getting into sewing as a hobby.

The book begins with a fantastic introductory section which sets out what tools and equipment should be in a sewing kit, fabric painters kit and some added extras which will make projects easier. There are hints and tips about buying fabric, trims, buttons and bits and bobs. There is a starters guide to fabric painting a guide to attaching bias binding; very simple pattern making and modification and a section on finishing touches. A useful introductory  chapter which beginners will find useful and the more advanced sewer can refresh their mind on skills or gloss over this section.

Included are twenty five projects, which are split into five sections: Boho; Natural; Vintage; Eclectic and Whimsy. There are lots of beautiful ideas and projects for around the home and also some clothing for little girls. There are some great ideas included in many of these projects and techniques could be mixed and matched as required to create your own unique item.

The projects all have very clear instructions and although they do need a sewing machine, once you start making projects from this book I don't think you will run out of ideas any time soon. There are written instructions and also difficult techniques are shown in photographs which explain it even clearer. I think I will be dusting off my sewing machine very soon and having a go at some of the projects in this book - I think the (A place for) everything baskets would be very useful in my house.

I received this book through the Amazon Vine Programme.