If you make holiday gifts for friends and family, then it's never to early to start planning and sewing. Just in time for 'Christmas in July' is a new book chock full of ideas, Simple Gifts to Stitch. Although there is a small section of the book devoted to a sewing glossary and basic techniques, much of Jocelyn's work concentrates on the fun stuff - 30 elegant and easy projects.

The book itself is divided into 3 main sections: Gifts for special occasions (which includes the tri-pocket ticking tote seen on the front cover, a fun and functional botanical tiara, and fanned bag), gifts for the home (a shirred velvet pillow that is calling my name, modern apron, and fabric boxes), and gifts for babies and children (terrycloth bunnies which remind me of Easter Peeps, fantastic leaf cushions, and a magic rain poncho). The projects themselves live up to the title - they are incredibly simple to create, but look luxuriously expensive! In fact, many of the designs could easily be sewn by beginners in a weekend or less. Templates and patterns are provided in the final section of the book. Many of these are actual size, however, some require enlarging on a copier.

Simple Gifts to Stitch is definitely worth a look especially if you're planning on making gifts this year (or just wanting to make a few cool projects for yourself). As for me, I'm off to find some velvet in my stash - that shirred pillow is calling my name!