Sew & Stow: 31 Fun Sewing Projects to Carry, Hold, and Organize Your Stuff, Your Home, and Yourself!

This book has become a favorite of mine for its informative and interesting sewing projects. The projects are very diverse, from a hammock to a knitting needle case and everything in between. I differ with some of the reviewers in that I don't think this book is aimed at beginners at sewing; although everything is clearly laid out, and there is a lot of good information about sewing techniques, most of the projects have many layers of pockets, zippers, unusual shapes, etc. I have been sewing for many years and still learned some new techniques from this book, but the best way to use it is to read it carefully and start with one of the easier projects, then move on to more difficult ones. (They are generally offered in ascending order of difficulty.) The most vaulable part, in my opinion, is the ideas about how to change the patterns to suit your own needs. Don't need a knitting needle case? Then change it into a jewelry case with the author's suggestions and directions. There are lots of similar changeabout ideas, making many more than the 31 projects indicated. My one criticism is a small one: the photos are nice color ones, but the items are made out of canvas and not all of the photos are as attractive as they could be. Some more variation in fabric (such as perhaps satin or a pretty print for the jewelry roll) would have also given sewers more ideas. But this book is a winner, in my opinion, and it makes a great gift for anyone who sews and likes to add a personal touch to projects. I thought the directions were concise and absolutely clear, and I like the drawings that show how to measure and cut. All good advice!

I couldn't find this book at a local store to preview before buying, so I had to order it through amazon. I was looking forward to a fun project book to make a bag or two, because I enjoy making bags for myself and friends, and with a title like SEW & STOW I figured there would be at least a few fun projects. But I was pretty disappointed after getting the book and paging through it the first time.First, a hammock and a shower curtain are not items with which you can "carry, hold, or organize" things, so I have no idea why they are included in the book. I also felt the after swim wrap, cozy cushion cover, best bedroll ever, and doggone cozy pad were rather out of place in this book. So, almost half of the projects were not projects I was looking or hoping for in a book like this.I am not a super beginner sewer, but I guess I would classify myself as a "late beginner" so I did appreciate the chapter on "techniques and tools for cutting, sewing, and finishing" because I learned a few things that other books glossed over (or that I had glossed over!).As to the patterns themselves, I don't think they were anything new or revolutionary, which is fine. They were at a level that I could follow, which is great, but overall I'm disappointed with the purchase because so few of the patterns are something I actually want to make.

The title of this book is very misleading. Of the 31 projects, there are only instructions for 27...and of those, only 17 are actually bags or organizers. Probably half of those projects can be found for free with a little time on google. There are no actual patterns; suggested measurements are given, and the instructions are written more like guidelines. The one project I really wanted to make, the hobby tote, does not have any kind of instructions.I definitely do not like the layout of this book; I prefer photos of projects with the project, not lumped in the beginning. I understand cost is sometimes an issue, but I will still dislike the practice. Also, if you don't like/have problems reading pink, skip this book. Directions are printed in black, but the "illustrations" (really amateur sketches) may be difficult to see. If you wear glasses with any kind of tint you won't be able to read it at all.If you are looking for ideas, and are adept at creating your own patterns, this book is fine. If you are looking for step-by-step directions, skip it. I'm still looking for a project book I can actually use. (I haven't found it yet, or I'd list my recommendation here.)

My daughter-in-law requested this book for Christmas. The ordering process and delivery were easy and accomodating. I looked through the book prior to wrapping it to put under the tree. I have sewn for a long time. The instructions seemed clear and precise, and there were some fun projects that would tickle the fancy of anyone with an "organizing gene." As with any compilation of ideas, however, there are going to be some projects that speak to you and others that simply do not stike a chord. If you are looking for ideas, this book can certainly get your creative juices flowing. However, if you know specifically what you want to make, it would be more economical to watch for a pattern sale or check downloads on the internet.

quick shipping, book was in great condition for a new book. loved the illustrations, beautiful photography, very colorful, good ideas for storage projects. worth the money for those w/ some sewing experience. not a beginners book, the instructions assume a fair knowledge of sewing terms and experience.

I'm a very beginner sewer who just got back into machine sewing, so this book was very helpful with basic sewing information and guidence. The projects range from easy to more advanced, so you learn basic sewing skills with this book and then apply them. Not to mention that most of the projects make things you would ACTUALLY use. ;)

Just started reading, flipped thru so far seems great.

This book presents creative ideas that no other source begins to cover. It is unique for its projects and I refer to it almost weekly. I am a sewing instructor at a local sewing machine and fabric shop. My students appreciate new, different ideas for projects and this is one of my primary sources for them. It is very useful for ideas to challenge their sewing skills.

Love the patterns the instructions are easy to folliw and detailed.

Les mêmes choses encore et encore . Je suis déçue , je l'ai donné à une débutante , j'attendais mieux!

Das Buch bietet schöne Ideen. Von der Gärtnerschürze bis zur Buchhülle. Einkaufstaschen oder Geldbeutel. Es bietet auch Vorschläge, wie man die Muster ändern kann - für mich war es das Geld auf jeden Fall wert.Englischkentnisse sind ein must!

There are lots of good projects in this book but I found it a little hard to understand. I am no expert sewer I only make projects 10? times a year when I'm bored, so it's probably why I had a hard time with some of it's written projects. I managed to do some of it but I find many a little complicated for someone like me. There are projects that rely on experience to make and not explained in every detail so no new sewer without any background can make them.If however, you have sewed some complicated projects before or very patient to do a little more self study on the net then it is a good book for you. As I've said I am no experienced sewer but I managed to make all of the projects written with a little help on the internet and some patience and passion.:-)