Welcome to “The Sewing Librarian” Blog. My name is Dorothy and I’m a real librarian as well as a bag-maker, sewist, and quilter. I currently have an ETSY shop called CaSo Creative Designs where I sell “Bags and Accessories for the Casual Sophisticate”! I decided to combine my love of books with my love of sewing to create a blog where I’ll be reviewing various sewing books as well as making some of the projects included in those books.
The first book I’m reviewing is “Everyday Essentials” by Anna Graham, the creator of Noodlehead. Anna is my absolute favorite bag designer because she creates patterns that are beautiful, unique and so very useful. And she does it without a whole lot of fluff – which I appreciate!! In this book, Anna introduced me to the Wool and Wax Tote, the Petal Pouch and the Minimalist Wallet. These are three of my all-time favorite patterns.
I decided to remake one of each to test the pattern pieces and to test how well the directions are written. These three patterns are each available individually in her website but its much more cost effective to get the book and get all three patterns! I’ve made each of these before but I wanted to make them again so I could give you my honest opinion of the instructions and pattern pieces. Once again, the projects are:
- The Wool and Wax Tote
- The Petal Pouch
- The Minimalist Wallet
1. The Wool and Wax Tote
The Wool and Wax Tote is a large, all-purpose tote. This tote has a divided front pocket as well as a divided interior slip pocket. It can be used as an everyday purse, a work bag, an overnight bag, or a market tote. It really is so versatile. The instructions for this tote as well as the other two projects are very good. Anna really knows how to explain her patterns and always includes so many details. The great thing about this bag is that it is simple enough for a beginner and can be made even simpler by not adding any of the pockets and making the straps out of fabric. But it can also be made more detailed as you gain sewing knowledge, by adding an interior zip pocket, a d-ring for your keys, leather handles with rivets, and a magnetic snap or zippered top.
2. The Petal Pouch
The Petal Pouch is a lovely pouch with feminine curves that comes in two sizes – large and small. The large is the perfect size to use as a makeup bag while the small size is perfect for your chargers, ear buds, smaller cosmetics or even your personal care items. This is one of my favorite patterns because it is so unique.
3. The Minimalist Wallet
My current wallet is the minimalist wallet. You will not believe how much this wallet can hold! It holds cards, checks, money, change, receipts and so much more. And again – a unique design! The instructions for this are very good, but make sure you follow them carefully. Pay special attention to the section about the snap tab, because if you don’t, you and your seam ripper will become very well acquainted (ask me how I know)!
It was so much fun making these projects and so exciting making this book the subject of my very first blog post! I hope you enjoyed this review and I hope you will continue to join me for future reviews, projects, and tutorials!
I hope I have inspired you to…
Make Something Beautiful Today!
You can purchase this book and most others that I have reviewed (or plan to) here.
Everyday Essentials Book by Anna Graham
Dayo Leopard Fabric by Premier Prints
Waxed Canvas by AL Frances Textiles
If you liked this review, you might be interested in this one too…
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