This book contains almost thirty projects, plus directions for a few more quick projects, which are easy to sew, no matter your skill level. While I don’t go into sewing basics, the information contained in the beginning section of the book will help get you started making these designs. I include some of my tried-and-true sewing principles, give you a brief glossary of sewing terms, explain the basic tools and materials you should have on hand, and provide a basic guide for choosing and using the fabrics recommended for the projects in this book. Most, if not all, of the projects in this book require a sewing machine, thread, pins, scissors, a ruler or yardstick, a pencil, and perhaps a hand-sewing needle once in a while. Rather than repeat this list for each project, since these items are probably already in your sewing box, I simply identify them in the directions as Your Sewing Box. Anything else you need will be listed under Supplies in the directions for each project.

The book’s projects are divided into bags, home projects, children’s projects, and personal style. All of the projects are very approachable even for beginner sewers. Even if you’ve never sewn before, you should give these pieces a try. My only advice to those who have literally never stitched a seam is to read your sewing machine’s manual to get familiar with the basics of how to use it. Honestly, the most difficult part of sewing is often just getting used to the inevitable mishaps that happen while using even the best sewing machines. A needle breaking or a bobbin getting tangled is simply par for the course, but the more familiar you are with how your machine works the better you’ll be able to manage these things when they happen. Before jumping into the projects here, just practice. Sew some pillows, practice sewing around curves and corners, practice sewing through layers of interfacing and fabric, try different stitches, stitch lengths and tensions to understand how they work. In other words, just get enough practice on your machine so that you feel really comfortable using it, and then you’re ready to try the projects in this book.

These projects were designed to be fairly simple to make, without a lot of difficult detailing, but with great shape and modern yet classic—and yes, pretty—style that will be enhanced with your choice of fabric.

Patterns for the projects that call for them can be found in the Patterns section at the back of the book. See information on how to use the patterns and templates.

Seam allowances throughout the book are ¼" (6mm) unless otherwise noted.