Gardeners can find many uses for garden motifs and themes. These appear in all sorts of craft projects. Here are reviews of some excellent sewing books that gardeners will love.


Simple Serger Sewing

Edited by Julie Johnson, this in-depth guide was released by the House of White Birches/DRG. This essential guide to serging is suitable for experienced and novice sewers.

Nearly half of the 50 projects feature either garden/nature motifs or floral/garden fabrics. One section is devoted to clothing. Another section presents useful and decorative items for the home. Other sections feature personal accessories and items that are suitable for gifts. The items include totes and floral bags of all sorts. Among the other projects are place mats, throw pillows, table toppers, quilts, eyeglass cases, and valances. The gorgeous flower-trimmed denim jacket is my favroite.

This covers all of the basics on serging. This explains how a serger works, how to use and care for your machine, and how to set the tension. This also presents the different types of stitches and threads. It features everything you need to know about hems, seams, curves, and other features.

This title features complete, color illustrated, step by step directions for every technique and project. For each project, this has a list of materials and a cutting chart. Some projects feature full size templates. Throughout the book are boxes with quick tips.


Creative Sewing-Techniques By Machine

Edited by Nancy Fiedler, this was released by the American Quilter’s Society. It features 13 wonderful projects and 11 techniques that are sure to please gardeners. Variations are offered for some of these. Many of these techniques and projects feature garden/nature motifs and floral fabrics. Gardeners can learn how to turn their garden photos into beautiful landscape quilts.

Among the projects are a number of gorgeous garden quilts. The projects include a lovely flower-embellished throw pillow, a floral print circular table runner, and a floral centerpiece. Another project has autumn leaves and flowers in fall colors. Among the other items are quilts of all sizes, bed scarves, shams, and a fringed journal.

For each project, this has a list of fabrics and a cutting chart. There are complete, step by step, color illustrated instructions for each technique and project. This covers various kinds of machine stitches, attachments, and sewing aids. The techniques include appliqué, embroidery, couching, quilting, gathering, and patchwork.

This has full size appliqué and quilting templates. Throughout the book are boxes with quick tips.


Sew Many Bags Sew Little Time

By Sally Southern, this was released by David and Charles/F & W. This must-have title features 30 irresistible projects. Many of these items will appeal to gardeners. There is a beautiful tote perfect for gardening. This title is very suitable for beginners.

This offers bags to suit every need, and taste from hard working, denim bags splashed with flowers to stylish lace-trimmed purses and hand bags. Many of these items feature either floral and nature prints or flower and nature motifs. Some are adorned with appliquéd felt flowers. Other items include magazine files, photo albums, luggage tags, sunglasses case, and flower jewelry.

This covers all of the tools and sewing aids that are needed as well as all of the techniques. The techniques include embroidery stitches, appliqué, patchwork, quilting, and various methods of embellishment.

There are easy to follow, color illustrated, step by step directions for all the projects and techniques. For each project, this has a list of fabrics and supplies. The author suggests suitable materials for each item.

There are full size templates for the appliqués, bags, and other items.

For disclosure purposes, I received review copies of these books from the publishers.