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Sample Projects
Meet the Author
Hey there, can you introduce yourself?
Hi, my name is Emma Hardy and I write craft and gardening books, mainly involving sewing and kid's crafts. I live in London with my husband and 2 girls, who over the years have inspired a lot of my work.
Tell us a bit about the book?
Learn to Sew is a book aimed at the first time stitcher. It offers help and guidance to get you up and running with a useful techniques section including tips on hand sewing and machine stitching and all the help you will need to complete 25 simple projects. The projects include lots of ideas for home furnishings and pretty things for around the home.
What was the inspiration behind it?
I think making things for your home is so much nicer than buying things as you can choose fabrics and create things that are unique. I like to make quite simple things (preferably things that can be made in an afternoon) and embellish them with ribbons, ric rac and trimmings to give them an extra special finish. The projects in this book are all quick to make and you can personalise them with your own decorations very easily.
Which is your favourite project?
I love the knitting bag as it looks far more complicated than it actually is to make and I use it all the time. I have made several as gifts choosing different bold, colourful fabrics and they have all looked great.
What is your craft space like?
Never big enough! I have a large fabric cupboard that I try to keep tidy and ordered as it makes it so much easier being able to see what I have got when I am making projects. I work on a large table but regularly spread out to all surrounding areas and although I prefer a tidy work station, it does get rather chaotic when I am working on a book!
Have you always been creative?
I come from a family who all sew and I was taught to sew when I was quite small. It wasn't really a choice, it was just something that we all did. I was always told by my mother that it wasn't worth buying clothes from shops as you could make them much nicer at home and although I found that annoying at times, I have to admit that I agree!
When did you first start crafting?
I made an outfit for my Mary Quant doll, Daisy when I was 7 or 8 and that was the start of it all. I was very proud of it and continued to make things for my dolls, graduating to making my own clothes when I was a teenager.
Who are your crafty heroes?
There are so many fantastic authors and crafters around and I love that people are so generous with sharing their ideas and makes on blogs and instagram. I am a Pinterest devotee and love blogs like Posie Gets Cosy, Yvestown, and My Scandinavian Home amongst many.
Where do you find inspiration?
I love pattern and colour and usually start with a fabric that I love, adding ribbons and braids (I have quite a collection). There are so many fantastic fabrics around and its so easy to buy a wide range on line that I can always find something to inspire me.
What's next for you?
I am working on gardening books at the moment but always have a few sewing projects on the go (currently halloween outfits for my daughter!). I am also setting up a party business at the moment which is still in its early stages but should hopefully launch early next year. Always plenty to do!
Publisher's Description
Learn to sew and practice your new skills on 25 projects
Emma Hardy has been sewing since she was a child, graduating from making doll’s clothes by hand to mastering a sewing machine, and sewing both for herself and for the home. To help you get started, she has gathered together 25 simple projects that are quick and easy to make, using basic hand and machine sewing skills. Before you begin, a fully illustrated techniques section teaches you everything you need to know to complete the projects, from basting to hemming. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can try your hand at sewing accessories for the home, including curtains and pillow covers, a table runner, place mats and napkins for the dinner table, or a tea cozy and a pan holder for the kitchen. Around the rest of the house, you can keep things tidy with a drawstring toy bag, and even make your own ironing board cover. Discover how simple it can be to sew unique items for the home, using your own selection of fabrics and trimmings, and you’ll soon be hooked on sewing.
