Sewing School ® Quilts: 15 Projects Kids Will Love to Make; Stitch Up a Patchwork Pet, Scrappy Journal, T-Shirt Quilt, and More

by Amie Petronis Plumley, Andria Lisle, Justin Fox Burks (Photographer)

The best-selling authors of the Sewing School ® series are back, introducing kids to the creativity of stitching patchwork, appliqué, and quilts. Using dynamic how-to photos and step-by-step instructions written for ages 8 to 12, Amie Petronis Plumley and Andria Lisle teach a variety of techniques using both hand and machine sewing. The 15 projects range from decorative to practical, including an appliquéd family crest wall hanging, a patchwork pet bed, a crazy-quilt journal cover, and a quilt made from recycled T-shirts. Every project features encouraging suggestions for making truly one-of-a-kind items that express the creative spirit of each young maker.

Also available in this Sewing School ® , Sewing School ® 2, Sewing School ® Fashion Design, and Sewing School ® Box Set.

160 pages, Spiral-bound

Published April 3, 2018

Reviews

[June Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I begin my review, I would like to disclose that I have had three of my original sewing designs published in two different 'One Yard Wonders' sewing books which were both published by Storey Publishing. When I read this book, 'Sewing School Quilts', which I had borrowed from the local public library earlier this month, I knew I wanted to feature it on my upcoming blog because it is just perfect for middle-graders, tweens, and teens!

I subsequently contacted the publicist at Storey with whom I had worked on promoting the two above-mentioned books in which my projects appear. I was referred to another publicist at Storey since my contact was unavailable. I asked Sarah if Storey would be willing to sponsor a giveaway of one print copy for a US winner when I posted my feature on 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic'. She agreed, and here we are. A word of appreciation goes to Sarah for providing me with all of the images and media information included in this post.

There are so many things to like about this book. First of all, the binding is a cardboard, spiral-bound cover with a large envelope filled with paper patterns. This format makes the book the perfect resource for readers while they are using the books to make the projects.

Secondly, I was impressed with the warm, friendly, nurturing writing tone of the authors. While they provide lots of teaching of skills and awesome projects for young sewists, they also guide and encourage readers to develop safe practices when using scissors, sewing machines, and other tools required to make the projects.

Thirdly, there is a good amount of quilt history sprinkled amongst the pages of the book. One page features 'A Quick History of Quilts' with a narrative about the Gee's Bend Quilters along with a photo of a colorful quilt designed and stitched by Gee's Bend quilter, Lucy Mingo. Another featured entitled 'Quilting Bee' refers to Laura Ingalls Wilder's novels and her references to pioneer-era quilters gathering together to make projects. Tips are given to young readers of today for setting up their own quilting bee.

Another valuable component of this book are the sections about fabric, batting, Math + Quilts, patterns, and how to assemble a quilt. My compliments go to these two authors for the amount of care and detail they wrote into each and every section of the book. I have been sewing since I was eight years old and quilting since the late 1990's and I am happy to say I learned a few things I did not know which I will now practice when I sew and quilt.

The fifteen projects are divided into five sections:

Art Quilts
Foundation Piecing
Patchwork
Applique
Recycled

There is a detailed quilting dictionary in the back matter along with sections on machine-sewing and hand-sewing skills.

Finally, the participants in the sewing school the authors staged with learners aged eight to age sixteen included boys and girls. It was fun to see such a wide variety of ages and cultures represented in the photos of participants presented in the book.

Highly-recommended to teachers, parents/grandparents, youth group/church/4-H/scout/youth camp leaders, and adults who are interested in learning how to quilt from the ground up, so to speak.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any manner for posting this review of this book.

I borrowed this book from the children's section of the local public library.

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[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was nothing new to me as I have taught children in a group setting how to quilt. And speaking from experience, this book is right on. It has all the tips and tricks I would suggest and at least one I am going to steal. And while this is geared towards kids, I think there are some adults who might find this an easier book to learn from than many of the books for adults.

[Candy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have done some sewing with my grandchildren. I will use this as a resource if they want to learn some of these techniques.

[Meghan Karr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for all beginner quilters (kids and adults)! Love the beginner projects.

[Deanna]

I sponsored an after school quilting club several years ago. This book would have been perfect for that group. This book has excellent photographs and projects. The selfie quilt and t-shirt quilt are my favorite projects. I will definitely recommend this to my school media specialist for our school library. I plan to purchase a copy for my own daughter.

[Carmen Ledford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough good things about Sewing School Quilts. I think it’s perfect! It contains basic instructions of quiltmaking including explanations of quilting terms, supplies needed, type of fabrics used, and so on. The step-by-step lessons are accompanied by lots of pictures. The text is also presented in fun colors and fonts that are sure to appeal to the target audience. Although the book is written for children, it could also be a great book for an adult unfamiliar with the basics of sewing and quilting. The book covers basic instructions of machine and hand quilting and then moves to project based learning. Each project is rated by difficulty making the book more useful to the reader based upon the child’s experience level. The book also has tips for adults to help facilitate learning in the student. The projects are ideal for tweens and teens. I particularly fond of the art and the selfie quilts. I love that this book helps to foster interest in quilting for a new generation. This book should be on the shelf of all youngsters who are eager to learn how to quilt.

I received an advance reading copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.