I should start out by saying that I love Lotta Jansdotter’s fabrics.  Her style is reminiscent of  those wonderfully creative drawings little kids make, but she brings that free creative style into a more modern, even urban look that is chic yet playful, with elements of both simplicity and sophistication.  Her sewing patterns offer that same sense of style and versatility.  For that reason this is the book I find myself reaching for and flipping through, over and over again, when I sit down to plan my future sewing projects.

Part of the appeal, for me, is that Simple Sewing (Chronicle Books, 2007) is filled with patterns that create something useful rather than just pretty.  I can picture myself using each of the 24 finished projects, and good style combined with high functionality always wins good marks from me.  I also love that the pattern pieces are included in a pocket behind the front cover of the book; there are no photocopies to make, no drawings to enlarge.  You can simply cut the patterns, cut your fabric, and get sewing.

My first project from Simple Sewing is still one of my favorite and most-used patterns, the simple tote.  I have made it at least ten times now, in varying shapes and sizes and fabrics, for gifts and for myself.  Made large it makes the perfect bag for library books, a more petite version works well for a lunch bag.

Another favorite is the all-day tote.  With a pocket for my newspaper or magazine, a cup holder (great for stashing errant sippy cups), interior pocket for my cell, and a loop to clip my keys to it is decidedly my favorite bag to carry.  I loved it so much that I made another one for a friend and by changing a few of the details around I was able to make it into a knitting bag, to better suit her favorite hobby.

The most body flattering apron I have ever worn was made from the reversible apron pattern in Simple Sewing.  The curved edges are just a little flirty and the fact that I can turn the apron around if I spill (or if it matches my outfit better on one side than the other) is brilliant!

With projects like the reversible apron, all-day tote, picnic placemat, sun hat, curtain with pockets, wall organizer, tool roll, simple tote, and magazine holder there is truly something for everyone in this book.

Simple Sewing can be found at Amazon.com.

Without further ado, the first of my three best sewing books is:

Amy Karol’s Bend-the-Rules Sewing: The Essential Guide to a Whole New Way to Sew

This is the one to choose if you’re just learning how to sew.  Amy spends the first part of the book giving candid advice about how to set up a sewing area, what tools you’ll really need, and outlining the types of fabrics that are easiest for beginners to start with.  She also tells you, as the book title suggests, how to make your sewing simpler by knowing which of the strict sewing rules can be bent, and which should always be adhered to.

That is not to say that this a strictly a book for beginners – to the contrary, I find this text to be one of my greatest jumping off points.  I find an idea within the pages that I love, then tweak it just enough to make something that is uniquely my own.  Amy Karol has a warm presence within the pages, with guiding words that encourage the sewer to create beyond the pattern.  Her sense of fun and whimsy are contagious and I always leave the pages of her book feeling as though I have just left a good friend, the type that helps me realize my own creativity and potential.

With a wide range of fun and inspired ideas, and 30 patterns spanning from quilts to baby jackets, cloth napkins to aprons, and dog collars to wallets, you will be sure to find more than a few projects to stitch and love.  I loved making the smock for my daughter and her friends:

With lovely photography and easy to follow pattern directions, Amy Karol’s Bend-the-Rules Sewing (Potter Craft 2007) is a joy to look at and to learn from.  Also a joy is Amy Karol’s blog, Angry Chicken.  I love stopping by to see the patterns, recipes, and fun projects she shares.

I am eagerly anticipating this summer’s arrival of Amy’s second book, Bend-the-Rules With Fabric: Fun Sewing Projects With Stencils, Stamps, Dye, Photo Transfers, Silk Screening, and More (Potter Craft, August 25, 2009).  I can’t wait to see what great ideas Amy has cooked up this time!

Bend the Rules Sewing can be found at Amazon.com.

Check back to read about my other best sewing books in Parts 2 and 3…