30 Minute Sewing
by Heather M. Love · Published by Search Press
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Meet the Author
Hey there, can you introduce yourself?
Hi, my name is Heather and I love to make things! I am especially fond of sewing, knitting and spinning yarn. I enjoy sharing the crafts I love, so I spend a lot of time teaching workshops and writing about the creative process.
Tell us a bit about the book?
3o Minute Sewing is really for anyone that is short on time but loves to sew. The book includes 60 projects so there is something for everyone: last minute gifts, home décor, apparel, toys and games for the kids. Projects are organized by experience level and there is an additional “skill building techniques” section so readers can jump right in and start sewing without intimidation. My hope is that the projects inspire readers to take a little time to create something beautiful for themselves or someone they love.
What was the inspiration behind it?
30 Minute Sewing is the third in a series of 30 Minute books that is intended to inspire readers to create something amazing with the time they have. I think everyone struggles to carve out time for themselves these days and there is a tendency to let our creative lives go unfulfilled because we “don’t have time”. These books flip the script a bit and encourages us to think about the possibilities for creative life in smaller, scheduled increments.
Which is your favourite project?
I really love the transformative projects that repurpose and recycle cast-offs: the apron made from a men’s dress shirt , the owl and blanket made from felted sweaters. “Waste not, want not” are wise words to live by. Why buy something new when you can use what you have on hand?
What is your craft space like?
Honestly, it usually looks like a tornado recently came through. It drives my partner crazy and I try to keep it contained but usually fail miserably. Recently, I’ve come to realize that I am the type that is always thinking and working: when I need a break from sewing or writing, I usually wind down with a bit of knitting or spinning. I am very tactile and visual; I need to be surrounded by swatches, textures and color to think straight. These are the things that inspire me so why fight it?
Have you always been creative?
When I think about it, I realize that making things has always a big part of my life. It’s funny though, until recently I never really thought of myself as especially creative. I always thought that everyone went home after work and made things. I still want to believe that is true and so I hope this book will encourage readers to do just that.
When did you first start crafting?
My grandmother taught me to crochet and later to knit. I think I had the typical obsession with crafting little things for my favorite dolls and gifts for playmates. Later, my mother taught me (and my girl scout troop) to sew. We each made a three-paneled “prairie skirt” and then styled individual looks for a runway show at the mall. I still blush at photos of my fashion forward side ponytail- I thought that I was quite stylish for a nine year old in the late 70s.
Who are your crafty heroes?
In the 1980’s, I was hired for my first real job as a “picker” at a second-hand clothing shop in Cambridge, MA. I worked with two amazing designers there- Eddie Kent and Mariemma Scherer. They “restyled” vintage pieces for resale in the most amazing ways, taught me to trust my sewing instincts and encouraged me to create my own pieces in the off hours. I also met Chrispina Ffrench there- she used to come in and go through bales of sweaters looking for materials that she used to create the most amazing little stuffed creatures. I have been really lucky to meet and work with a lot of talented and creative people since then including a very meaningful post-art school stint with Mike and Doug Starn. In the 8 years I spent working in their studio I began to realize that art and craft come from the creative place of making. If you are a maker, you make things, that it your path to self discovery.
As a self-confessed art book addict, I love the explosion of crafting books that are available these days. Nothing makes me happier than perusing shelves stacked high with beautiful project possibilities. I love the feel of a book and the intimacy of leafing through the pages. One of my favorites for inspiration is The Gentle Art of Domesticity by Jane Brocket. Her ability to see the beauty in everyday objects and capture that in a photograph is unmatched.
Where do you find inspiration?
Textiles and photography have been the biggest source of inspiration in my life. I am very lucky to have spent the majority of my adult life living in cities- Boston, MA and Brooklyn, NY. The pace of the city can be hectic but that energy pushes you along and feeds your creativity: art, architecture and a vibrant, creative community are always close at hand here. I also find that good food and good friends are always at the heart of things.
What's next for you?
I am just starting to put together a blog, knit.sew.tipsy, that will feature some of my crafting and foodie adventures. It will also include little videos and other practical advice for crafters. There is also a new series of technique-based books in the works- the first will focus on sewing. My hope is to take readers from complete beginners to professional level sewing with a compendium of comprehensive tutorials. A few fun projects will also be included to help readers practice their new skills. As always, I will be teaching and promoting the crafts I love.
Publisher's Description
Introducing a book of cool, quirky, and super-quick projects for those who love to be creative but rarely have the time. If you have half an hour to spare, you can whip up beautifully sewn home goods, toys, accessories, simple garments and more. Professional seamstress Heather M. Love offers clear, easy-to-follow instructions for:
With projects ranging from simple tasks to more challenging skill-builders--30 Minute Sewing is suitable for newbies and experienced sewers alike. Includes the basics of using patterns and hand-sewing, an overview of essential tools and notions, and a guide to sewing machine maintenance.
