Review: Let's Sew Together by Rubyellen Bratcher

Synopsis :

"Simple sewing techniques make craft time fun for kids and grown-ups alike, with ideas for vintage-inspired clothes, accessories, quirky home décor, cute toys, and sweet gifts designed by the mom behind the popular parenting and craft blog Cakies. Don't just sew for your kids. Sew with them! Rubyellen Bratcher has invented 30 simple projects that encourage families to spend more time together through DIY activities. This mom of four learned how to sew at her local fabric shop, but soon found that her daughters were her greatest source of inspiration. Documenting her family's daily life and DIY adventures online, Rubyellen's blog, Cakies, has steadily grown into a destination for parents and crafters of all ages. In her first book, she offers 30 projects for kids and grown-ups to make together, including a handpainted skirt, scribbled placemats, a robot friend, easy felt party garlands, overstuffed dollhouse pillows, a gorgeous world-map quilt, and much more. Each chapter also includes no-sew projects, educational activities, play ideas, and reading suggestions to encourage imagination and learning."

Let's Sew Together is an 175 page paperback book that is full of projects that you can make with and for your family.  Each project lists the materials needed, skill level, seam allowance, finished measurements, and step by step instructions to complete the project.  In addition to all of that you will find an introduction, a list of basic sewing supplies and optional tools, basic hand sewing information, embroidery techniques, quilting techniques, finishing seams, and adding closures.  There is also a list of sewing vocabulary and definitions, and kid friendly sewing tips.  The patterns for the projects are in the back of the book with instructions for enlargement.  If all of that wasn't enough, you will also find read aloud suggestions throughout the book and teaching moments ideas to go with some of the projects.

I LOVE the variety and creativity of the projects in this book!  I LOVE the easy to follow instructions and the noted skill level on each project.  I think all of the extra information included is wonderful and the teachable moments suggestions and read aloud suggestions really take this book from really good to great.  I have ordered the material to make the prep and play place settings and food because it is one of the cutest projects I have ever seen and my girls will love it!  There are several other projects from this book that we are planning on doing.

If I had one wish it would be that the patterns were the actual size they were supposed to be as not everyone has access to a copier that can blow up the pattern pieces to the correct size.  Or at the very least to have each of the patterns for the different projects on separate pages to make it easier to copy.

Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review.  I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC regulations.