Creative Makers: Simple Sewing with Lola Nova: Stylish Sewing Projects for Your Handmade Life: With 25 Stylish Step-by-Step Projects for Your Handmade Life [Hardcover]

I can barely thread a needle, let alone sew, but my daughter tells me...

Born out of a blog by a new Mum, Simple Sewing With Lola Nova is a beautifully presented hardback book. The matt finish pages are illustrated with sweet graphics and clear instructions for each project alongside a list of items required.

The projects are well-illustrated, with photos at key stages and concisely written explanations. I was slightly surprised (having been previously unfamiliar with the Nova Lola blog) at how many projects were for children. The overall style of the projects felt quite vintage and possibly slightly Scandinavian to me, although of course the reader can adapt the colours and patterns to suit their own taste. Some of the projects were quite standard (e.g. cushions) but others were more unique, including some little fabric bowls and a hanging organiser.

The projects are organised into sections, with names I found slightly peculiar. For example, the chapter named "Natural" simply contained a range of ideas for which the author had used fabrics with natural patterns, including a bag, a simple patchwork quilt and a cushion. Although there may seem to be some logic in this, similar fabrics had been used in other chapters, too. I felt the book would be easier to use if the projects were grouped by type.

I think the main drawback of this book is that the title could be quite misleading - it sounds to me as if it's going to be a book to help someone master the basics of sewing, and I'm not sure it would. Despite the fairly lengthy introduction and tips section near the start of the book, the main section is the 25 step-by-step projects. Having said that, as a fairly confident and experienced sewer, I wouldn't say any of the projects is particularly difficult, and for a beginner who will be unafraid to just get stuck in and have a go, I think this is certainly a good option to give some ideas and inspiration.

I would be very happy to receive this handsome book as a present, because it's clearly been very carefully planned and written and has some unique ideas. Overall, though, as a slightly more advanced sewer, I would probably get more out of a book that specialised in one area.

Although 'Lola Nova- Whatever Lola wants', as a blog, is new to me, Creative Makers Creative Makers: Simple Crochet: With 35 Vintage-Vibe Projects for Your Handmade Life as a sister to this, appear to be the beginning of a series. With so many to choose from, such a book as 'Simple Sewing' must really stand out, and happily it truly does.

I am experienced sewing machine user, since domestic science lessons forty five years ago ( I still have my workbook to hand, Miss Morse!) so I can bring a bit of an eye to the projects suggested. I am delighted to report that they all look a sensible use of time and fabric, and should please the recipient of quiet effort spent. Perhaps a large rag bag of fabric bits will be an early requirement, but most us accumulate such riches very quickly and easily.

With 'twenty five stylish step-by-step projects that celebrate your handmade life' to choose from, this cosy selection offers many tempting choices, each accessible and possible; at the same time sparking ideas for going off piste a little and creating even more pleasing and individual items. Many of her target audience may be new mothers, like Alexandra herself; nesting and nurturing, discovering the satisfaction of making a pretty item in the short and precious hours of peace between childcare demands. Charming snapshots and comfy chatter accompany the 'recipes', a confiding conversation ripples on throughout the book. Homely advice, sensible teaching, with handy resources and glossary at the end. Templates and explanations of procedures, all give just the right amount of encouraging, enabling info.

Tidily set out in sections - 'Boho', 'Natural', 'Vintage', 'Eclectic', and 'Whimsy'; with excellent clear photography to guide, this really is a helpful book. I was immediately attracted to the bags. Vagabond, Gathering, Lola Handbag, Vintage Laundry Bag, the Artist's Pouch. Also the felt covered Deer Diary, the Skipping Skirt and the Little Joy Dress. Plenty to keep me occupied; I began to see that many of these suggestions would be fun to make with a child alongside; there are more than a few that are quick to make, an afternoon's work at most.

Unfortunately this book was just not for me - most of the designs were for things I just would not make - the small sort of things you can pick up quite cheaply at craft sales - not ones you would want to spend time making yourself.

However one thing that I might make is the HOOK BOOK - a roll up case for small items like crochet hooks or brushes - (I made a similar one for knitting needles years ago and still use it) - this one looks like it would be worth making.

This book is definitely aimed at people with lots of time on their hands! The author lives in America and maybe this appeals more to the market over there.

It has suggestions for using old/vintage materials and if you have these or can pick them up at charity shops then this would be useful.

Many of the clothes/items are for young children.

The book is aimed at beginners and is nice to look at with many good photographs and instructions - it might make a good present for a young person wanting to try out some sewing.