.BOOK SHELF: Oliver + S Little Things to Sew by Liesl Gibson.

I promised I'd be back with my first review from the book shelf, and here it is!  

THE DETAILS

Title: Oliver + S Little Things to Sew

Author: Liesl Gibson

Publisher: Stewart, Tabori & Chang

Format: Hardback

Number of Pages: 136

Blurb: "In Oliver + S Little Things to Sew, you'll find whimsical yet practical accessories for children, such as a hat, scarf, vest, tutu, art smock, backpack, messenger bag, and quilt - all designed with the same style and attention to detail for which Oliver + S's individual patterns are renowned.  As an added bonus, the book comes with two cardstock paper dolls that can be dressed with "clothing" cut from the book's jacket - a little something extra to keep young ones occupied as you stitch up new items for their wardrobes!"

Projects:
Mittens
Tutu
No-tie scarf
Messenger bag
Reversible bucket hat
Bias-trimmed apron
Bento box carrier
Play town
Penguin backpack
Art smock
Cozy winter hood
Messy kid bib
Juggling balls & drawstring bag
Tea party doll dress
Travel quilt
Red riding hood
Explorer vest
Bear carrier
Bear puppet bath mitt
Puppet theather

My thoughts:
Little Things to Sew book is really lovely and I was not at all disappointed with my purchase.  I like to try and judge a sewing book on the amount of projects I would actually make, if I had the time and about half of these projects get the tick.  There are full-sized pattern sheets in both the front and back cover of the book - always good not to have to do any photocopying or enlarging! 

For those who need a bit of extra guidance, you'll also find a comprehensive "Basic Techniques & Glossary" section at the end of the book.  

The instructions are clearly set out with accompanying diagrams.  Each project is also given a "difficulty" rating and a list of skills needed (gathering, sewing a buttonhole, bias binding, etc.) to complete the project are included.

Keep in mind that the projects in this book are for accessories for children - not the usual detailed clothing sewing patterns that Oliver + S usually produce.  A lot of the projects would make lovely, quick gifts for children.

I would say the projects in this book are more geared toward younger children, although most of the clothing projects go up to a size 8-10.

Overall, I am really happy with this book.  If you enjoy sewing for children I think you will find enough enjoyable projects in this book to make the purchase worthwhile!