Project Teen: Homemade Gifts Your Teen Will Actually Love—21 Projects to Sew

Give the author credit: she’s managed to put together a collection of sewing projects that probably won’t cause teenage recipients to turn up their noses. Mortenson has a good eye for what teenagers actually need and want: a swim bag that comes with a wristlet and a wet pouch; a tablet case that can double as a clutch, or a T-shirt with a chalkboard insert that functions as a customizable sign. Special placement is given to the section of ideas “Just for Guys,” but those designs will also appeal to many young women, who will appreciate a T-shirt pillow or an iPhone case just as much. Mortenson should be proud that most of her designs could be tailored to either gender with careful fabric choices. There are a few quilts, which, while attractive, don’t seem to be particularly suited to adolescents. But with a helpful introductory section on choosing (and preparing) fabric and making appliqués, as well as good instructions throughout, who cares? Something here will appeal to that trickiest of demographics, making the book a worthwhile buy. Templates, diagrams, full-color photographs. (Aug.)