Now that it’s October, I’m here to tell you that September was National Sewing Month. A flyer from Fabricland announced it in early September and online I found a National Sewing Month organization. Every now and again throughout September, I thought about it, but the blog wandered off in other directions.

According to the website, National Sewing Month began in 1982 with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan “In recognition of the importance of home sewing to our Nation”. I found nothing specifically Canadian; but if our government famously stays out of the bedroom, it probably has no interest in the sewing room either.

Sewing is a traditional domestic skill that helps you to furnish your home in original ways with both new and vintage textiles. Many projects in Design Sponge at Home, reviewed last blog, rely on sewing skills and inspire you to acquire them.

While it’s lovely to have a month to celebrate the skill, there are still eleven others to practice it. Here are a few new books to get you stitching.

All-Time Favorite Scrap Quilts from That Patchwork Place shows 18 quilts with step-by-step instructions. The Big Book of Patchwork: 50 Fabulous Quilts from Judy Hopkins – has 32 more. Both books offer traditional quilt patterns to create a comfy country style.

Sewn by Hand: Two Dozen Projects Stitched with Needle & Thread offers charming projects that can be made without a machine. The button-down apron uses recycled shirts. Owie Puffs are sewn from scrap fabric and filled with rice to make thermal packs to apply to little hurts. Handsome linen cushion covers are decorated with appliqué.

Sew step by step: more than 200 essential Techniques for Beginners offers a thorough course with well-illustrated instructions.

Sew Decorative: Quick and Easy Home Accents from SEWNEWS will have you whipping up custom accessories like cushion covers, table mats and patchwork pot holders.

Sew much for the good news.