Top ten sewing books of 2011
We're been fortunate enough to review over 50 fabulous sewing books in 2011 and we thought what better way to end the year than picking our favourite 10. Unfortunetly, it was a lot harder than expected (it was originally going to be top 5) as there were just so many great books published this year but we got there in the end. 
To view to original reviews of the books, or to find out where to buy them please click on the title.
Japanese Quilt Inspirations by Susan Briscoe
This was my favourite book of the year, as soon as I opened it and started leafing through all I could say was ‘wow!’ Stunning quilts made with beautiful Japanese fabrics and fairly simple to make patterns to allow the fabrics to take centre stage. Amazing!
Sewing For Boys by Shelly Figueroa & Karen Le Page
This was my most anticipated book of 2011, as the parent of a 3 year old boy I know how hard it is to find funky patterns for boys. This book not only gives you enough patterns to make a whole new wardrobe (with full size pattern sheets in the back) but includes extras like a car mat, brick bag & pencil roll.
Everything Alice by Hannah Read-Baldrey & Christine Leech
This popular craft book features 50 eclectic craft projects all based upon the Alice in Wonderland theme. It incorporates a range of crafts including sewing, papercrafts, baking and jewellery making. With fun projects & great photography this book was a big hit with all the family.
One Simple Stitch by Helen M Stevens
This e-book from Rainbow Disks explores a whole new simple approach to embroidery. Helen makes you realise that you don’t need a repertoire of stitches & complicated charts to follow to create stunning embroidery.
Made In France: Everything Patchwork by Corinne Crasbereu
This beautiful book is part of the stunning Made in France series from Murdoch books. The book combines stunning photography with 40 great project ideas; many would be ideal for making gifts for friends & family.
Little Welsh Quilts by Mary Jenkins
This e-book from Rainbow Disks focuses on a more relaxed approach to quilting, not worrying about the quilt being perfect but enjoying the experience. In pdf format this book also contains useful embedded video clips
to help guide you.
The Shirt off his Back by Juliet Bawden
A great upcycling book by one of our book reviewers Juliet (although she didn’t review her own book of course). Full of innovative projects using old shirts of varying kinds, not just office shirts. There are easy to follow instructions and projects suitable for people of all levels of sewing experience.
The Busy Girl’s Guide to Sewing by Carrie MacLennan
This beginner’s guide to sewing is written from the perspective of a learner rather than an expert. The projects increase in difficulty through the book and are also sorted by time needed too. However the thing I liked most about this book was all the useful tips between projects on becoming involved in the craf
t community, both online and in the real world.
Sewn Toy Tales by Rosalie Quinlan & Melanie Hurlston
Written by the people behind the adorable Melly & Me patterns this book is jam packed with the cutest toy animals you’ve ever seen. The book has detailed instructions as well as templates and funny little quotes with the pictures as well as an introduction to each animal.
Make Hey! While the sun shines by Pip Lincolne
Fun craft book full of quirky projects starting with a Welcome Family Flag, finger puppets, an embroidered map of Australia. You get an envelope of paper patterns as well as a set of large recipe cards too.
