Project Teen: Handmade Gifts Your Teen Will Love * 21 Projects to Sew

by Melissa Mortenson

Overview

Most of us would agree that sewing something that teens will like is, without a doubt, a challenge. In Project Teen, Melissa Mortenson, sewist and mother of three teenagers, shares not only her 21teen-approved designs, but also invaluable tips and tricks for sewing for this unique (a.k.a. picky) age group. Whether you make a stylish tech cover, a cushy study pillow, or a personalized quilt, your teen will love these handmade gifts as much as you love them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781607058847
Publisher:	C&T Publishing / Stash Books
Publication date:	09/01/2014
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	865,665
Product dimensions:	7.95(w) x 10.06(h) x 0.34(d)

About the Author

Melissa Mortenson is the author of the popular Polka Dot Chair blog (polkadotchair.com). She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband and three teenagers.

Table of Contents

Why sew for Teens and Tweens?
Teens Are Not Just Big Kids • Tips for Fabric Selection
Basic Tools and Good sewing practices XX
Sewing Machine Feet • Tools I Love • Trouble-Shooting Machine Problems • A Few Other Tips
Techniques
Appliqué: Using Computer Fonts as Appliqué Templates • Appliqué Stitching
Printing on fabric
Distressing Canvas And Duck Cloth
Working with Piping
Constructing a Basic Zip Pouch
Turning Binding Corners

Projects
Things That Travel

Swim Bag

Hello Cross Body Bag

Flag-o-Rama Zip Pouches

I Left My Heart In ____ Pouch

Upcycled Jacket iPad Clutch

Goodbye Travel Blanket

DO NOT LOSE THIS! Homework Folder

Just for Guys

T-shirt Pillows

Sports Team Tablet Case

Small Tech Case

Collegiate Stripe Fleece Blanket XX

Things to wear

Daddy’s Girl Headbands

Chalkboard T-Shirt

Swim Suit Cover-Up

Please Hang Up Your Towel!

Stuff For Their Room

Everything’s Coming Up Posies Quilt

Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend Quilt

Study Pillow

You Can Do It Quilt

Quatrefoil Quilt

Pocket”ful” Quilt

About the Author

Editorial Reviews

07/07/2014
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.)

Publishers Weekly