Never Been Stitched: 45 No-Sew & Low-Sew Projects

The latest book from sewist and blogger Carestio (Fa La La La Felt) is a slightly overstuffed collection of 45 clothing, toy, and decorative projects that involve little to no sewing, likely meant to appeal to those who’d like to whip up lovely DIY projects but don’t have the time to dig in very deep. The best ideas are pictured on the cover: a charming multicolored wreath wrapped in fabric, a lovely felt pencil roll, and an adaptable artwork made of glued—not stitched—fabric hexagons. There are other attractive ideas in the book, including a pillowcase tank top that should be a hit for sewists who’ve wished they could make for themselves one of the omnipresent pillowcase dresses for little girls. But there are too many out of place ideas here, such as the quite complicated teddy bear backpack. Carestio also fails to properly inform readers of how short-lived many of these projects will be, since even the best fused or glued fabric can’t match something that’s been sewn. Best to stick with the ideas that are sewn or are for decoration and avoid kids’ toys. (Feb.)