Making Stuff: Lovie Blankets {Stitch Savvy Blog Tour}

When I got my hands on Deborah Moebes’ (of Whipstich) second sewing book, Stitch Savvy, the “Lovie Blanket” was the first project to jump out at me.

This project is one part stuffed animal…

…and one part “blankie”.

My babies have always been attached to their minky blankets and a travel-sized one as cute as this would have been fun to have.

Stitch Savvy comes with all the pdf patterns on a handy-dandy cd which made it very convenient and quick to get started (that is once I chose the fabric from my stash–which took me FOREVER).

Every project in the book is aimed at helping you master new skills.  Helpful sewing tips and techniques, all written in the distinct voice of the lovely, funny and talented, Deborah Moebes (who I was lucky enough to room with at Sewing Summit), are littered throughout the book .  For example, the Luvie Blanket project helps you step out of your  “I only sew with cotton fabric” comfort zone with easy to follow instructions on how to work with faux fur.

I appreciated the suggestion to line the blanket with a satiny fabric for a “cool, smooth touch” but I had already picked out a yarn-dyed cotton and a printed cotton, so I ended up making three little Lovie Blankets.  My next three friends who have babies are in for a treat!

One of the best features of the Stitch Savvy is the suggested “next steps” at the end of every project which help build on the skills you’ve just learned while adding new skills. I highly recommend this book to every beginner and intermediate sewer out there.  If you’re a quilter, you’ll feel comfortable with some projects but will be pushed through others to explore home dec and apparel sewing.  If you’re an apparel sewist, you’ll feel comfortable with some projects but will also be pushed to learn new skills and venture into the world of quilting.  I think I might actually give that Improvisational Landscape quilt a try someday.