Stash Happy Patchwork Book Review + Giveaway

I recently received a review copy of the book Stash Happy Patchwork: 25 Sewing Projects for Fabric Lovers by Cynthia Shaffer from my friends on the Lark Needleworks team. After having the chance to browse through the book and its many project ideas, I wanted to pass along some of my favorites ... and also give you all the chance to win your very own copy!

So what's this book all about? As you may have gathered from the title, it's all about sewing from your stash -- you know, all of those treasured little bits and scraps left over from your finished projects. According to Cynthia, the book features "a collection of projects to feature your favorite fabrics, make the most of your scraps, and offer fun ways to upcycle things you've never considered part of your stash before."

This adorable project is called the Panda Bolster, and it's definitely something I could see myself making for a newborn baby or a child's birthday present ... similar to my other favorite softie project, Owlie McPillowpants! The instructions look totally do-able, and there are even some notes on how to modify the project to be a pig, dog, or tiger.

I thought this Bento Box project idea was a clever twist on the homemade lunch bag, and it looks great made up with those Joel Dewberry fabrics.

A scoodie? I probably won't make be making one of these for myself, but I thought it was a really clever and unique idea. With the right fabrics -- maybe some Lisette prints, Ruby Star Spring, or even some coveted Liberty fabrics? -- I think this could make a really fun Christmas gift idea.

Perhaps my favorite project in the book is this Log Cabin Bucket, made from four log cabin blocks and some study canvas & burlap.

The book says that it would work great as a toy tote or for car trips, but I can think of so many different ways that this can be used. And since I've already mentioned Christmas gifts in this post -- it's September, so isn't it about time we start thinking about them?? -- how cool would it be to "wrap" your gifts in these fun totes?

There are many more projects in the book -- 21, to be exact! -- and they range from aprons to children's garments, from bags to pillows, and from quilts to a wide variety of home decor items. I would certainly say that there's certainly something in this book for everyone.

So what's my verdict? Overall, I think that Stash Happy Patchwork would make a solid addition to a sewist's library. Given the current price of single patterns, I consider most books a pretty good investment even if only 2 or 3 project ideas appeal to me. While there are certainly a few projects in the book that I won't likely make, it easily passes that threshold for me. Even better, I see a lot of versatility in the book's patterns -- with some new color and fabric selections, you can really personalize them in your own style.

Would you be happy to add Stash Happy Sewing to your library? You can win a copy for yourself, simply by leaving a comment on this post. Let me know what it is you look for in a sewing or quilting book, and what you wish there was more of in quilting books. I'd love to hear what you think!

I'll pick a random winner next Friday, 9/23. Good luck!