Making Happy Things: 20 Joyful and Sustainable Sewing Projects

by Sue-Ching Lascelles

Genres: Nonfiction, Sewing

208 pages, Paperback

Published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Irene Adler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is full of brightly coloured, comfortable looking oversize clothes, and some other things, which can be made from repurposed materials. It is suitable for beginners (has a rating system up to 'more complicated technique') and size inclusive.

Apparently, somewhere not near me, people can find really nice second hand tea-towels in good condition to repurpose. Or large off-cuts from other projects, or a source of large off-cuts, or a source of brightly coloured sheets. The smallest size patch for the clothing is 20cm x 20cm, about bandana size, but the patchwork dress that uses them requires 100 such squares to make. I don't think I would have enough off-cuts. You have been warned.

Having said that, you get a lot of ideas and instructions in this book. There are not really patterns - like other zero waste style patterns you don't need them, you can calculate the fabric and use your own measurements. I love the fabric combinations in this book, but I won't make / wear any of the clothes as the boxy shapes are not for me.

Contents:
Introduction
How to use this book

Part One - Before you start
What to know before you sew - templates, fit, measuring,
It's a material thing - sourcing and caring for fabric, fabric types, a really good burn test decision tree
Understanding textile design - design and colour theory

Part two - Sewing basics
Tools and terminology
Sewing techniques

Part three - the projects. Most of these are exactly as they sound and require no further explanation
Teatowel dress, two ways
Napkin Caftan
Tablecloth top
Tablecloth circle skirts
Pillow case pants (takes at least 4)
Scarf top
Flower patches
High volume patchwork dress - this is the one that takes 100 x squares, I like it but I don't have the time or patience.
Jumbo patchwork dress
Cushion cover shirt
Triangle friend - pyramid soft toy
Mini bag
Kite dress - interesting dress on the bias from a doona (duvet, quilt) cover
Wall pocket
Prawn - soft toy
Drawstring dress
Beach robe - from beach towels
Bandana cap
Blanket cardigan - cross between a cardigan and a shawl
Hanky collar - takes two handkerchiefs, looks a bit like bunting
Ruffle collar

[Kieran Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book to paw through while home sick. The pictures are so happy and vibrant!

I got this book from the library and I’m not sure I would want to buy a copy and dedicate space on my shelves for it. The first half of the book is aimed more at a beginner and some of the projects are definitely not for me.

But maybe I do need a copy?! I can definitely see myself checking this book out again and making the patchwork dresses or the beach robe. I have absolutely no reason to make a prawn and realistically I never will but the prawn pattern definitely had me considering it because it looks pretty cool.

A fun book to look through and one that I might revisit!

[LibraryKath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for beginners! Full of simple, clear instructions and patterns that can use sustainable, affordable fabric options. Make pants out of pillowcases, tops out of tablecloths, dresses out of tea-towels, applique with offcuts or old sheets. Learn how to make your own continuous bias binding, learn what bias binding actually is! Colourful, joyous and oh-so-user-friendly, if you want to get started with sewing and do it in a sustainable way, this is a fabulous book to guide you.