by Debbie Shore (Metz Press, R175)
If you are one who likes everything in its place and tucked away, you will make good use of this book. You need not be an expert seamstress, but it would help to have a fair knowledge of sewing because some of the projects are not straightforward. The book opens with a chapter on the basic stitches used to make the projects in the book as well as the tools and materials needed.
Debbie Shore provides 23 storage solutions to sew to help keep your home tidy.
The list includes a nursery bag for nappies, zipped under bed storage case to keep your sheets or blankets at hand, a pouch for your hair straightener, which would be handy if you travel, a round toy bag that opens out and doubles as a play mat (very convenient when on the move with your toddler) and a garden tote to carry your smaller tools if you’re a gardening enthusiast.
If you enjoy bring-and-share dinners at your friends’ homes, you can make a dish carrier to fit your favourite casserole dish to keep the food warm until you reach your destination.
And to take care of your sewing machine you can make the sewing machine bag to keep it dust-free and out of sight.
Sew Useful is just that, a book full of useful sewing projects to make.