Abbygale Sews: 20 Simple Sewing Projects - Softcover

Emma Curtis and Elizabeth Parnell got to know each other when their children were very young, and they quickly became firm friends. At that time, neither of them were working, money was short, and they decided to make their own Christmas presents. They made fabric bags in all shapes and sizes, which were an immediate success. From there, the Abbygale brand was created and Emma and Elizabeth started to sell their bags on a market stall, and later as kits. They now run their own successful on-line shop selling a range of kits and gifts that they design and make themselves, and have recently opened a shop in Devon, UK.

This book is written by the ladies behind the Hamble & Jemima and Abbygale Sews brands. This book contains 20 easy to sew projects with the vintage chic feel of their brands. They have used lovely vintage style floral fabrics throughout. There is beautiful photography and pretty colourful illustrations throughout making the book very attractive to look through. Visuals aside the projects in the book are split into different categories including gifts, items for children (including a shirred dress like on The Great British Sewing Bee but without the fiddly straps), items for the home, gadget cases and garden decorations. There are several different types of bags, gadget cases, a patchwork bean bag, bunting, a stocking, aprons for mother and daughter and a union jack cushion amongst others. The instructions are easy to follow and have illustrations for most steps to guide you. There is also a sheet of full size templates in a pocket at the back of the book so no fiddling around trying to re-size the templates. This book would be ideal for beginners looking for something projects which are both pretty and easy to sew.-The Sewing Directory If you love Cath Kidston florals and patterns then this is a must-have sewing book for you. The book contains 20 sewing projects with a very good range of accessories to choose from. What I loved instantly about this book was the photography, the clarity and modern design of the book and the fact that there is an extremely good quality sheet of thick paper patterns to trace at the back of the book in a sturdy cardboard slot (no photocopier enlarging needed). Emma and Elizabeth have worked for the same publishing company and the book is a pleasure to look at. They know which buttons to press. There is even a recipe for a Devon cream tea in here! The book is aimed at the complete beginner sewer. There is a page of guidance in the shape of a foreword at the beginning of the book with advice about what equipment you will need. There are two pages at the back of the book with advice on embellishing such as bias binding, french seam, blanket stitch, self-covered buttons, ruffles and flower puffs. The projects are extremely well illustrated with ample space and are clear to follow. There are quite a few straight sewing projects in here if you are a complete beginner on the sewing machine - cushions and bags will start you off nicely. The only thing I can think of that it doesn't have is a spread at the beginning of the book with an overview of the projects so you do flip through the book quite a lot to look at and get to know the projects but that's not essential, and you will want to flick through the book multiple times! There are seven 'bags' (pouches, gadget cases and bags), one bunting project, a patchwork bean bag, a tea cosy, table mats, a sewing machine cover, a christmas stocking, a cushion, a hot water bottle cover, a girl's dress, an upcycling project, matching mother and daughter aprons, and some very unusual dolls! As soon as you open this book you are transported to a wonderful world of fun in the garden, spotty fabric and cream teas. It's visual heaven.-Sewingisforgirls.blogspot.com Friends Emma and Elizabeth have put together a collection of really useful projects for the home and family, using pretty fabrics to give a contemporary yet vintage feel. The full-size patterns included in a fold-out sheet together with clear instructions, make this a book to appeal to all abilities, and anyone looking for stylish designs to give as gifts or add a unique touch to their home. Good value.-East Kent Embroiderers' Guild This beautiful book is packed with 20 designs for bags, accessories and items for the home. The photos, drawings and gorgeous designs will make you want to get sewing straight away, even if you're a complete beginner. There are pattern pieces on a fold out sheet at the back of the book to draw straight onto a charting device and include a really useful Christmas stocking.-Machine Knitting Monthly Emma and Elizabeth are the ladies behind the popular bag kits brand, Hamble & Jemima. They have brought together this collection of simple makes in the vintage floral Abbygale style to appeal to a beginner or more experienced crafter who wants to turn their hand to some simple sewn projects. Wonderfully illustrated and photographed, this book contains pretty projects for - amongst others - bags, cushions, tablet and phone cases, bunting and a bean bag; many of them making super gifts. The great thing is that a full-sized pattern sheet inserted in the back contains all the patterns you need to get started.-Sewing World Wow! What can I say! I have just received your book and thought I would look at it with my torch (not to wake my partner) about 4am today to try to get beck to sleep. Well, by 5 I was so enthralled with it that going back to sleep was NEVER going to happen, plus I was frustrated with trying to see the photos by torchlight, that I decided to get up. I have just finished reading it from cover to cover! I think the projects are fabulous and the instructions brilliant, and I can\'t wait to get started! I have a huge collection of sewing books, as I am absolutely addicted to sewing, patchwork and quilting, but your book is the best I have seen in ages - thank you very much for writing it.-Customer