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Sew Stow: 31 Fun Sewing Projects to Carry, Hold, and Organize Your Stuff, Your Home, and Yourself!
Indulge your passion for sewing as you clear your life of clutter. Whatever your experience and wherever the mess, you can sew up a cloth sack or organizer to fit your needs. Gardening tools, groceries, shoes, toys, jewelry, and more will find new homes in these colorful and reusable handmade alternatives to mass-produced products. With Betty Oppenheimer’s easy-to-follow instructions for 31 fun and functional projects, you’ll be inspired to break out your needles and create a more organized, bright, and eco-friendly home.
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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April 23, 2021I borrowed this book from SFPL and it sat around a long time before I read it. It is geared towards people who sew and are looking to organize rather than quiltmakers and bagmakers. There is something about the tone that gives me this impression. It starts off with 'the projects in this book are designed to be used.' (pg.3). That explains my impression.
The projects are arranged in order of complexity (pg.3). The author, Betty Oppenheimer also says that as readers make these projects, we will gain the experience needed to design our own practical projects. Hhmm. I wonder about that, but appreciate her faith. To help, the book concludes with a chapter to get readers thinking about the design process in a practical way.
One of the fabulous things about this book is the beginning (starting on pg.4). Projects are shown, one to a page, in full color with a reference to where readers can find the directions in the book. I love that there is a visual index to all of the projects.
That being said, most of the projects are not items I would make, though if my child were setting up house, I might change my mind. I'd love a hammock (pg.4, 82), but probably wouldn't use it. Our showers have doors, so the shower curtain (pg.5,86), as cute as it is, is of no use. I can see some use for the Pocket Packet Holder (pg.10, 102), but I would make it out of vinyl and, maybe, resize the pockets a little. I can imagine putting this near the front door for masks, keys and other things that need to go with a person who leaves the house. I really want the knitting Needle Tote (pg. 11, 105) to work for me, but I don't have many straight needles and my circular needles mostly won't fit in this kind of holder. I do like the Nifty Visor Organizer (9pg.13, 112) and think that might make good gifts for guys. I really like the Over-the-Shoulder Bottle Sling (pg.19, 135). I have a buckle and may make one for my walks. It would be nice not to have to hold the bottle all the time. Another great gift idea, especially if it isn't too difficult. I think my favorite project is the Customized Hobby Tote (pg.30, 182). It looks like a wonderful size to keep around the house for hand sewing. The tote also comes with a strap, presumably for carrying.
The pictures of all the items tempt the reader. The table of contents doesn't show up until after the all the projects on page. 33 when you are well and truly hooked. The table of contents gives you more than the projects. It starts with 'Selecting the Right Equipment and Fabric' (pg.37-54) and Techniques & Tools for Cutting, Sewing, and Finishing (pg.55-80). The projects start after the second chapter and are organized into groups such as 'Sew Simple' (pg.81-100),' Bag-a-Thon' (pg.121-144) and 'Stow it Your Way' (pg.179-187). The book also includes an Introduction (pg.34-36), a resources List (pg.189) and an Index (pg.190) YAY!
A couple of lines written in the Introduction (pg.34-36) touched me. The author writes "Sewing is an art and science that can contribute to our material and our spiritual growth. It speaks to the idea of basic human survival on the practical side, and of community and personal growth on the philosophical side." (pg.35).
The reader is promised "in this chapter, you'll learn everything you need to know to acquire the right materials and get set up" (pg.37) in the 'Selecting the right equipment and fabric' (pg.37-54) chapter, which I think is a tall order. Oppenheimer starts out by talking about what the reader needs in a sewing machine, followed quickly by what you need to know about your machine. There are sections about tuning up your machine, cleaning, and tension. Other tools such as needles and pins, thread (pg.40), Scissors and other cutting tools (pg.41) as well as measuring and marking tools (pg.4-42) and irons (pg.42) are also discussed.
The rest of the chapter is all about fabrics (pg.42-54). Selection, fiber content, weight, weave, attributes, absorbency and breathability, thickness, hand, yarn size and thread count are all discussed. I haven't seen such a comprehensive guide in many, if any other books.
The 'Techniques & Tools for Cutting, Sewing and Finishing' (pg.55-80) is advertised as "helpful for you to know how the patterns are designed and best to use them. (pg.55). This section basically covers general sewing techniques and finishing touches. There are tips for laying out pattern pieces (pg.56), transferring the pattern layout (pg.57), marking rounded corners (pg.59), more on tension (pg.60), hand stitching (pg.61), forming a felled seam (pg.63), types of pleats (pg.66) and much, much more. This might be a very good reason to buy this book. There is so much here that is useful, including basic, but not used very often terminology.
After the basic chapters (and 80+ pages!), the patterns start. All the tips and tricks, math as well as details about supplies are included. Each pattern is 3-5 pages in 3 or so colors, but not including photos. The step-outs are all drawings. The reader gets different views of the projects by looking at each pattern. In some cases, variations are included. For example, the Knitting Needle Tote pattern (pg.105-107) can be used for a cosmetic case.
The last chapter, 'Stow It Your Way' (pg. 179-188) has patterns, but they are all used as tools to teach the reader how to customize projects to suit individual needs. The author talks about questions to ask yourself when designing or modifying a pattern (pg.179). She goes through the steps required to create your own pattern, such as adding seam allowances and the order the project should be sewn (pg.181).
The Index (pg.190-191) is pretty comprehensive. it includes techniques as well as projects. Bags are listed by their name as well as under the 'bag' heading.
All in all, I think, looking at this book in much more detail has made me more excited and interested in it than I was during my first cursory glance. I think you would like it and find it useful.
The projects are arranged in order of complexity (pg.3). The author, Betty Oppenheimer also says that as readers make these projects, we will gain the experience needed to design our own practical projects. Hhmm. I wonder about that, but appreciate her faith. To help, the book concludes with a chapter to get readers thinking about the design process in a practical way.
One of the fabulous things about this book is the beginning (starting on pg.4). Projects are shown, one to a page, in full color with a reference to where readers can find the directions in the book. I love that there is a visual index to all of the projects.
That being said, most of the projects are not items I would make, though if my child were setting up house, I might change my mind. I'd love a hammock (pg.4, 82), but probably wouldn't use it. Our showers have doors, so the shower curtain (pg.5,86), as cute as it is, is of no use. I can see some use for the Pocket Packet Holder (pg.10, 102), but I would make it out of vinyl and, maybe, resize the pockets a little. I can imagine putting this near the front door for masks, keys and other things that need to go with a person who leaves the house. I really want the knitting Needle Tote (pg. 11, 105) to work for me, but I don't have many straight needles and my circular needles mostly won't fit in this kind of holder. I do like the Nifty Visor Organizer (9pg.13, 112) and think that might make good gifts for guys. I really like the Over-the-Shoulder Bottle Sling (pg.19, 135). I have a buckle and may make one for my walks. It would be nice not to have to hold the bottle all the time. Another great gift idea, especially if it isn't too difficult. I think my favorite project is the Customized Hobby Tote (pg.30, 182). It looks like a wonderful size to keep around the house for hand sewing. The tote also comes with a strap, presumably for carrying.
The pictures of all the items tempt the reader. The table of contents doesn't show up until after the all the projects on page. 33 when you are well and truly hooked. The table of contents gives you more than the projects. It starts with 'Selecting the Right Equipment and Fabric' (pg.37-54) and Techniques & Tools for Cutting, Sewing, and Finishing (pg.55-80). The projects start after the second chapter and are organized into groups such as 'Sew Simple' (pg.81-100),' Bag-a-Thon' (pg.121-144) and 'Stow it Your Way' (pg.179-187). The book also includes an Introduction (pg.34-36), a resources List (pg.189) and an Index (pg.190) YAY!
A couple of lines written in the Introduction (pg.34-36) touched me. The author writes "Sewing is an art and science that can contribute to our material and our spiritual growth. It speaks to the idea of basic human survival on the practical side, and of community and personal growth on the philosophical side." (pg.35).
The reader is promised "in this chapter, you'll learn everything you need to know to acquire the right materials and get set up" (pg.37) in the 'Selecting the right equipment and fabric' (pg.37-54) chapter, which I think is a tall order. Oppenheimer starts out by talking about what the reader needs in a sewing machine, followed quickly by what you need to know about your machine. There are sections about tuning up your machine, cleaning, and tension. Other tools such as needles and pins, thread (pg.40), Scissors and other cutting tools (pg.41) as well as measuring and marking tools (pg.4-42) and irons (pg.42) are also discussed.
The rest of the chapter is all about fabrics (pg.42-54). Selection, fiber content, weight, weave, attributes, absorbency and breathability, thickness, hand, yarn size and thread count are all discussed. I haven't seen such a comprehensive guide in many, if any other books.
The 'Techniques & Tools for Cutting, Sewing and Finishing' (pg.55-80) is advertised as "helpful for you to know how the patterns are designed and best to use them. (pg.55). This section basically covers general sewing techniques and finishing touches. There are tips for laying out pattern pieces (pg.56), transferring the pattern layout (pg.57), marking rounded corners (pg.59), more on tension (pg.60), hand stitching (pg.61), forming a felled seam (pg.63), types of pleats (pg.66) and much, much more. This might be a very good reason to buy this book. There is so much here that is useful, including basic, but not used very often terminology.
After the basic chapters (and 80+ pages!), the patterns start. All the tips and tricks, math as well as details about supplies are included. Each pattern is 3-5 pages in 3 or so colors, but not including photos. The step-outs are all drawings. The reader gets different views of the projects by looking at each pattern. In some cases, variations are included. For example, the Knitting Needle Tote pattern (pg.105-107) can be used for a cosmetic case.
The last chapter, 'Stow It Your Way' (pg. 179-188) has patterns, but they are all used as tools to teach the reader how to customize projects to suit individual needs. The author talks about questions to ask yourself when designing or modifying a pattern (pg.179). She goes through the steps required to create your own pattern, such as adding seam allowances and the order the project should be sewn (pg.181).
The Index (pg.190-191) is pretty comprehensive. it includes techniques as well as projects. Bags are listed by their name as well as under the 'bag' heading.
All in all, I think, looking at this book in much more detail has made me more excited and interested in it than I was during my first cursory glance. I think you would like it and find it useful.
March 6, 2012
I consider myself a novice sewer, and I would buy this book.
* Most patterns use less than 3 yards of fabric, so it's great for learning new techniques without the fear of totally screwing up.
* Almost all of the patterns are sewn in a straight line
* Patterns in each chapter start easy and introduce more challenging skills
* The designer suggests different ways to modify each pattern and other suggested uses
* Measurements are given for each pattern, so no need to print off from a CD ROM like most books
I'll be using the patterns in this book to increase my confidence in sewing.
* Most patterns use less than 3 yards of fabric, so it's great for learning new techniques without the fear of totally screwing up.
* Almost all of the patterns are sewn in a straight line
* Patterns in each chapter start easy and introduce more challenging skills
* The designer suggests different ways to modify each pattern and other suggested uses
* Measurements are given for each pattern, so no need to print off from a CD ROM like most books
I'll be using the patterns in this book to increase my confidence in sewing.
April 23, 2014
I bought this book with a significant discount knowing I wouldn't need many of the patterns. I recently made the Green Thumb Apron and found it to be a surprisingly pleasant experience! I don't mind not having a paper pattern, all of the pieces were rectangles with easily measured modifications. The instructions were clear EXCEPT when describing laying pieces on top of each other, I had to double-check to make sure I didn't end up sewing anything on facing backwards. Otherwise, the pattern was simple, the sewing was easy, and the results are quite nice!
February 4, 2021
I like that all the project photos are at the very beginning of the book. I was able to quickly determine if there was anything in here that I was interested in making. And, even though nothing appealed to me, I continued reading and found the pages on materials and techniques to be more complete than I'd seen in most sewing books. This would be a great book for an intrepid beginner. The projects range from very easy to fairly complicated.
July 2, 2022
This is a cute book with some fun sewing ideas.
The book includes patterns and instructions for storage options like bags, totes, and fabric cubes. It might be a bit much for a true beginner but has helpful information for making the projects. Overall I wasn't super wowed by anything I found in this book, but I see how it could be helpful for those starting out.
The book includes patterns and instructions for storage options like bags, totes, and fabric cubes. It might be a bit much for a true beginner but has helpful information for making the projects. Overall I wasn't super wowed by anything I found in this book, but I see how it could be helpful for those starting out.
September 24, 2019
This is a great book with easy instructions for small projects, that I would normally maybe not think about making. Great ideas for using left over fabrics and also good tips for general sewing and fabric manipulation, coating, etc.
November 11, 2018
Good info for customizing & sewing your own organizers.
February 5, 2020
I like the book and how it explains the projects. There were only two projects that I wanted to make. Everything else was kind of the same thing you would find in most of these types of sewing books.
February 21, 2021
simple, good instructions for simple projects especially for beginners
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January 22, 2026Checked out again in 2025. Note to self: Don’t recheck out - ideas only ok patterns and not step by step guided images only sketches.
November 29, 2016
Originally I rated this 3 stars but after reading again I added a star. Some of the projects are somewhat odd and/or not really storage related but I don't really think the projects are the point of this book. Treat the book as a jumping off point for creating customized items of your own - mix & match ideas and techniques from the various projects as needed. The how-to information is quite good and the projects progress from simple to complex. At the very end she explains her process of creating a new item. Enough information is provided that most anyone can create items of their own design to meet their exact needs.
April 26, 2010
I thought I would like this book more than I do. A book about sewing things for organizing is just right up my ally! Yes, this book has helpful ideas, but most of the things in it I didn't really need a pattern for. This book is also oddly arranged. All the project photos are in the front (which I like), but none of the project instructions contain actual photos (which I don't like).
January 6, 2011
I was drawn in by the fabulous cover photo, and while I sort of (and sort of didn't) want to be inspired to buy a bunch of cute fabric, there was really only one project I'd even consider spending time making. I just don't see the point of a passport cover or a handle wrap for a paint can. Unless of course, you just really love sewing and want to keep yourself busy. :)
November 4, 2009
Obviously the colors on the front cover grabbed me. :-) Inside were many cute projects, but again, not the greatest step-by-step instruction and no "real" patterns. Cute idea though, and great for reference, but would not purchase this one.
January 5, 2010
Lots of cute and unique projects to make for stashing away your stuff!
November 4, 2012
It is good but I really wasn't interested in the projects in the book.
January 25, 2013
Good variety of crafts, easy to more difficult projects. cute hobo handkerchief bag
April 14, 2013
Some nice basic designs if you're looking specifically for storage stuff, but nothing really fun or new.
March 12, 2014
Good because she doesn't just give you a pattern and allows you to customize and learn from the process, but bad because she doesn't just give you a pattern. :)
April 3, 2015
Projects include hammock, shower curtain, shoe hideaway, hobby tote, bedroll, and fabric file box. While I think the ideas in this book are cute, I would probably never make any of them.
August 24, 2016
Easy way for me to have the measurements to cut things I make and don't want to deal with patterns to make it.
July 17, 2008
Practical.
November 30, 2012
Not sure if I would make most of the projects in this book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews