Book Review: Sew Up a Home Makeover: 50 Simple Sewing Projects to Transform Your Space by Lexie Barnes

As ya'll know, I'm taking more time this Fall to work on some sewing projects that I have let lag. As such I feel like a novice sewer again, having to get back on the horse and remember how to do things! So when I found out about this home sewing book, I thought it might be a good refresher, and perfect to share with my crafty readers, who might want to get into sewing!

Synopsis: Want to bring a new look to a tired room without spending a fortune? Designer Lexie Barnes shows you how to personalize your living space in just a few hours, with 50 fresh, fun, pattern-free sewing projects. Transform a living room with a custom-designed slipcover and coordinated pillows. Redecorate a bedroom in a weekend by sewing up a headboard cover, a lampshade, and matching window treatments. Learn how easy and inexpensive it can be to change the look of a child’s room as she grows from a baby to a kid to a teenager.  

With dramatic before-and-after examples, beautifully styled photography, and a fun “you-can-do-it” attitude, Sew Up a Home Makeover is a creative resource that you’ll return to every time you’re ready for a new look.

About the Author: Lexie Barnes thrives on the entreprenurial energy of running multiple ventures with her husband Cory Barnes and keeping up with their beloved troupe of boys, Henry, Sebastian, Monty and Calvin.

Lexie's first book, Sew What! Bags, is a top selling craft book and this is her second book, and will be released in late September. She also founded and produces Twist, a boutique craft show in Northampton, MA, twice a year and continues to work with Cory on their first business, Spire USA. Lexie prefers sneakers to heels, is a rabid movie buff, a compulsive redecorator, and has never tasted ketchup. Check out her blog at http://www.lexiebarnes.com/about/index.htm and you can follow Lexie on twitter and like LB on facebook!

Review: This is the perfect book for the person new to sewing or getting back into it, and wanting to spruce up their house with simple but great looking projects! I LOVE that their are NO patterns involved. It's basic sewing and if you use a rotary cutter, very simple cutting as well! I personally think people hate sewing because they start on projects that are too complicated (like clothing) before they get comfortable with basics. Start with this book, and you'll learn to LOVE sewing!

Lexie starts off explaining fabric and notions, then goes into tips and techniques (which are super for even pros to review-especially her info on seams and professional touches). Then she has 4 style sections: Drab to Fab, Setting the Table, Kids Rooms and One Space/3 Functions. Everything that the home sewer would want pretty much!

In the first section, I found her upholstered seat directions very easy to follow, and it is a project that can easily be done in one afternoon. her instructions for making a CUSTOM sofa slipcover are excellent, and you can use the same techniques and instructions to make chair covers! AHA a 2 for 1!  I also liked her roman shade instructions, and lamp shade redos!

In the second section, her instructions for simple place mats and matching napkins and table runner, brought back memories from when Mom was a buyer/designer for the local department store and she had to come up with patterns for making things with place mats! But the instructions are perfect for beginner sewers and would be great to whip up a custom set for a bridal shower! Or for every holiday, using clearance fabric, after the holidays!

I loved the baby bubble circle blanket in the Kids Room section. It's one I might use the 'pattern' for, using some of Kiddo's baby dresses for the circles, and make into a large quilt for ME to keep. Isn't that better than having them put away- this way I will smile every time I use it and talk about a conversation piece! The switch plate cover is also easy peasy and a great way to get your kids involved in their room design. Plus you can use it to incorporate 'characters', without having to do the whole room in them!

Barnes has some repurposing ideas in the last section, that will make you rethink some of your common household items, plus how you can make one table serve multiple functions at one time! I like the idea of adding fabric touches to items on your desk to not only make it more feminine, but to brighten it up! her laptop bag is super easy and would be a great project for your teen to make!

All in all this is a great resource book for anyone wanting to use fabric to spruce up their homes and I highly recommend it! I haven't had time to make up any items from the book, but when I do I will show them to you!

Disclosure: I receives this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, free of charge, for blog review purposes. I received no other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post.Nor was I told what to say about the book!