Inspired to Sew by Bari J.: 15 Pretty Projects -- Sewing Secrets -- Colorful Collage

by Bari J. Ackerman

Popular designer Bari J. brings her bright and feminine signature style to 15 new projects-ruffled quilts, a unique tunic and bag, plus sweet decorations and accessories for every room in the house. Readers will appreciate the book's luscious photography, as well as Bari's in-depth advice on fabric collage, free-motion stitching, machine applique, patchwork piecing, and simple garment techniques.  Includes a total of 18 projects including special little bonus projects within the main 15 projects... such as a felt flower brooch.

Genres: Sewing, Crafts, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Bari is an artist who is well known in the fabric industry for her whimsical designs and bold eye for pattern and color. She has created many successful lines of fabric for renowned fabric houses such as Art Gallery Fabrics, has a line of home decor wall stencils with Royal Design Studio and also has a line of sewing patterns. Bari is also the author of the book, Inspired to Sew. Bari's work has been featured in many national and international magazines and is sold worldwide.

- from her website

Reviews

[Patricia Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun book to flip through and just enjoy the lovely color photographs. There might be some ideas of what to sew next you'll find here. Some of the projects are not easy, but there are clear instructions. Sewers know that these kinds of books are often relaxing even though at the end of the day we've not really sewn anything!

[liberal sprinkles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the burst of colors and the smorgasbord of patterns and prints in this book. On closer look, some of the patterns and prints are actually created by Ackerman's incredible use of fabrics and materials in her projects. This is one of the most impressive sewing books I've come across recently. I love Ackerman's creativity and sheer ingenuity in mixing fabrics to create beautiful things with a vintage look.

Many of the projects are common (bag, apron, belt, pillow) but Ackerman's unique style transform them into unusual, gorgeous things to make (patchwork bag adorned with ribbon rosettes; an apron with petals; shabby chic ruffled belt, ruffled patchwork applique row houses pillow). I love the pretty "accessories" projects like the lavender tea bag sachet place cards, felt flower brooch and patchwork lampshade slipcover. I can't wait to try making a fabric collage wall hanging and if I ever dare tackle a quilting project that requires more than just precuts, I'd definitely consider the gorgeous Sweet Home Chicago quilt. Right now, I'm happy just enjoying the eye candy.

The book is beautifully photographed, the instructions are clear and concise. I also like the "Keeping It Real" tips on everything from cutting and pinning to piecing, free-motion quilting and fabric choices, suggestions that may make your sewing less hassle- and mistake-free.

[Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a little gem. It is full of beautiful projects - and I do mean beautiful, there wasn't a single one I didn't love - which, as far as I can tell without having made any of them, are well explained and accessible. Ackerman doesn't treat the reader like an idiot, but nor does she assume you are an expert sewer who knows how to do absolutely everything and she's included lots of useful tips on how to make sure your projects come out the best they can be. When I say that my mum, who is president of her own sewing club, is going through it with pen and paper muttering "why didn't I think of that?", I think it shows how good some of these suggestions are. I can hardly wait to get my craft on - I only hope my versions are even half as good as the ones in the pictures!

[Judi · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first opened this I wondered why I bought it. Most of her sewing hints are better covered elsewhere, in other books. She writes about her mistakes when she first started to sew and I think it is odd for someone who thinks to write a sewing book not thinking to consult other sewing books when she comes across a problem. Anyway, this is more style than substance. Lots of very pretty colour photos, a few interesting projects but only the handbag appeals to me, mostly because of the inside and outer pockets.

[Charlou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful collage with floral fabrics.