Monday, June 11, 2012

Improv Sewing book tour and give-away: the "it's all about me" stop


"If you’re holding this book, then already you understand how ridiculously gorgeous it is. But don’t be dismayed! Because the best part is that you can actually make this stuff. I swear it, and you can trust me because I’m usually kind of an armchair sewer, admiring a how-to book with a beer in one hand. But they’ve got me actually sewing, and actually making lovely things. Improv is a beautiful, inspiring approach to sewing—and, even beyond that, to life itself."

Wow. What a great blurb, right? Can you believe they edited it? Well, sure.


The thing is, I cannot approach this blog-tour review in the usual fashion. Because this book? It is so incredibly beautiful, so realistically useable, and so intimately intertwined with my own personal everything, that I feel compelled to give you the Catherine's Life tour of the book itself. The book which you should buy if you haven't already. 

Starting with these gorgeous women: my friend Debra, on the right, who wrote the book and with whom I have the pleasure of working at FamilyFun magazine, and my friend Nicole on the left, who thought up, developed, and created every one of the stunning 101 projects in it. Did I mention that another friend of mine designed the book? The ridiculously talented Carolyn Eckert. Plus, it's published by Storey, which is just the most fun publishing house in, possibly, the whole entire world. (If you don't believe me, click on the "Traditional Skills" tab of their site. Woodstove Cookery! God love them. Also, they publish this entire book about mending.)
Oh, did you need to see Nicole again? I know I did. Plus, don't you love the cute cardi? That's what this book is all about--taking thrift-store finds, or clothes you almost like, and adjusting them with a few stitches here and there until they're just perfect and fun. Long-time readers: Nicole is Ava's mom.
Speaking of Ava! Ava is Ben's best friend of, er, 9 years. The book is a mix of fantastic ideas for tarting up clothes you already have with fairly simple from-scratch garments and detailed instructions on how to make your own patterns. The "Two-Panel Garment" is a classic example of this: a dress sewn from two pieces of jersey. Boom. Want to start sewing? Here's my advice: don't do anything until you're sure you have a good sewing machine. Talk to your friends who sew, then hit Craigslist.
The four-panel garment gives you more shaping opportunities. If you happen to be fabulously shapely cough *nicole again* cough.

A manly reverse-applique t-shirt. On our dishy friend Jonathan, who happens to also be both Nicole's husband and Ava's father. (It's a family affair.) If you are not a big sewer or don't have a machine, the book has plenty of ideas like this for stuff you can sew simply and by hand.
Birdy's friend Noe, sporting the cutest dress in the world. . . 
. . . and the cutest hat (and face, for that matter).
The dress Nicole wore to the last dance party we went to. Modeled by our favorite check-out person at Whole Foods, a.k.a. The Most Beautiful Woman in the Pioneer Valley. This is the project I'm tackling next: I love this dress so much.
The curtains in Nicole's kitchen, where I spend the better part of my life. When she's not on a crazy-ass book tour. Ahem.
The very pouch Ava gave Ben for Christmas or his birthday--I can't remember which.
The awesome embroidery "paper" that Nicole gave both kids at Christmas.
The bookmark Nicole gave Michael for his birthday. These are not representative photographs: these actual objects are in our possession. I know! I can't stop bragging!
My 15 minutes of fame.
Okay. I could go on and on. I mean, 101 projects, and I have a personal story to tell about, oh, 80 or so of them. So I'll stop. I will. But oh my gosh, I cannot enough recommend that you buy this book. Because even if it weren't, like, a gorgeous visual diary of my life? I would love it and use it. Whatever level of sewing you're at, there's something in here for you. And you don't have to fiddle with hemming and finishing--almost all of the hems are unfinished, which gives everything the loveliest look, and makes your life SO EASY. Plus, there are so many great ideas for decorating clothes that if you screw something up massively, you can just hide it behind an applique flower or something, which is what Nicole and I are somewhat famous for doing.

Some links: the Improv Sewing facebook page is here; their blog is here; their book trailer is here; Jonathan and Nicole's incredible hard cider is here (slightly tangential, but still).

Storey is kindly giving us another copy of the book, so let's do the give-away in the usual way: comment here, and I'll pick someone on noon, EST, on Friday. Sound good? 

154 comments:

  1. You've sold me on it! I want a copy for me and one for a friend. :)

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  2. Wow! I completely relate to the armchair sewing thing (although I usually like a glass (or two?) or proseco), but these look fabulous and doable! I totally want this book!

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  3. Holy Jeepers I want this book!!! I was drooling over every picture you posted! I might look up the hard cider as well... thanks for showing us this beautiful book and if I don't win the drawing, I will definitely be buying!

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  4. Looks totally awesome! I'd love a free copy, but I'm going to tell my library to buy some copies, too, just in case.

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  5. This would be a perfect birthday gift for my Katherine. Then she could sew beautiful things for her mom. *cough*

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  6. Anonymous12:14 PM

    Sounds good. This book looks like it's full of fun!

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  7. Agh, do I just want to be Nicole? Is it a fantasy? Maybe I can actually sew these things and I so want to!
    Jane
    jane@janemarsching.com

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  8. This book looks amazing! I love the "paper" and the leather bookmark! I will be pestering my library for this (until I can afford to buy one for myself).

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  9. dale in denver12:31 PM

    My siblings and I have declared all holidays are now "homemade holidays" - This book looks to have some very fun things I (and possibly my kids) could make for gifts.

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  10. Lori in Texas12:31 PM

    I, too, might actually make something from this book. Some of your recipes have become favorites at my house, by the way. Thanks.

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  11. Looks like a great book! Please pick me!! :D

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  12. Oh please pick me. I'm just learning to see and would live this so much!

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  13. alison12:50 PM

    Love the book...love to see so much of "you" in it.

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  14. That is not Ava. Ava is like, six years old. That cannot be her, otherwise I have been reading your column for like, nine years, and that is just crazy. CRAZY. No no no no no. I refuse to believe it. Isn't Birdy still a toddler? *sobs, refuses to accept the passing of time*

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  15. Valerie S1:02 PM

    Gorgeous!

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  16. Looks like a great book - my daughter and I would both have a lot of fun with this one!

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  17. Suzanne1:04 PM

    Looks like the perfect book for a good friend. I'm needle & thread challenged, but I may peruse it first sitting on the patio with a beer or glass of wine in hand.

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  18. Anonymous1:13 PM

    We too are homemade gift givers - and my boys would LOVE that paper!! I think I might buy the book just to figure that one out. I know so many sewing mamas at various stages of sewery-skill -- this would also make a great gift. (Maybe make something out of the book and then package the two together? Yes!)

    Also, this is totally tangential, but I have not even been able to bring myself to read your post about the end of my very very favorite and actually only mothering magazine. My heart aches just looking at the title. :(

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    1. There is life after death! Read the post and then follow the link to hear from the publishers! It's not all bad :)

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  19. Linda1:14 PM

    A very heartfelt review. It looks wonderful and just the sort of book to inspire some summer projects! When I was in 6th grade my mom made me take sewing lessons. At the time I felt like such a dork, but I am so glad that I learned the basics! (I'm not a great seamstress, but at least I am not scared to try!)

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  20. Ooo! This is right up my alley. I have a sewing machine; I just don't actually know how to sew. : )

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  21. I'd love a copy--the projects look lovely.

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  22. Anonymous1:30 PM

    I'd love that. My mom gave me a good sewing machine *cough, cough* years ago and I started a quilt *cough, cough* years ago that remains cut out and virtually untouched. How wonderful it would be say, "Mom, see what I made" and have her finally burst with pride.
    Margie

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  23. Aww... that looks like a gorgeous book indeed!! And to think that you know not only the people involved, but the projects too. You could have kept on writing and I would have read every word and enjoyed every single photo. Swoon...

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  24. This looks perfect! My kids and I would have so much fun with it.
    Jennifer C.

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  25. I want this book to give to my very handy, craft friend as a gift! A gift that I would then choose items she should be sewing for me from!

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  26. That embroidery paper is super cool!

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  27. sounds like a must have!

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  28. What a lovely book! I recently acquired a sewing machine (from a friend, in exchange for a lawn mower -- I'd so rather sew than mow) and these are just the kind of projects I dream of making!

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  29. What a beautiful book! You didn't show a single project here that I wouldn't want to make immediately. Amazing...

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  30. Ryann2:12 PM

    Me - me. I might still sit with the book and a beer, but I promise to make something if I win.

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  31. My mom and grandmother are both great seamstresses. I don't know how to sew at all. (My mom is also a PhD in mathematics and I carry the one in order to add two digit numbers.) I'd love to start to learn--even just to fake it a little! Plus those people are all gorgeous and lovely.

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  32. Anonymous2:20 PM

    It's a beautiful book. Kudos to the photographer, too. I would love to learn how to do this sort of thing. I already love thrift stores! --Cathy K

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  33. casio2:28 PM

    They have an exerpt from the book in this month's Family Fun. The project is a little girl's tunic made out of an adult t-shirt. I pulled it out of the magazine to save for when my daughter is ready to learn to use a sewing machine. The book looks great.

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  34. erica2:29 PM

    Ah, want! What beautiful, inspiring projects! I'm so looking forward tovgetting a copy!

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  35. Oh those are lovely projects- I'll put it on my 'someday' list.

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  36. Yes, please! The book looks like it would suit me perfectly!

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  37. I went and bought a copy of the 'Local Flavors' cookbook based on your recommendation to help me thru the new CSA season of bounty from Appleton Farms in Ipswich. Winning a copy of this book would be a great bonus to my Catherine Recommends collection!

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  38. bethysteffy2:48 PM

    I love how most people posting comments a)own a sewing machine but are iffy about sewing and b)love their local libraries. I feel right at home here! Oh, and PICK ME, PICK ME!

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  39. Angela3:07 PM

    Oh, pick me, pick me please! I mean, actually I am in Germany, and the postage to send a parcel here might not be quite what you had in mind, but I would like that gorgeous-looking book! Even though I don't have quite such a shapely shape on which to hang such lovely dresses. And I don't own a sewing machine yet... but I do a lot of thinking about it! My local library doesn't have anything as pretty on its shelves, well-stocked as it is.

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  40. I would love to win, because, well maybe I could actually make these projects! :)

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  41. I am thinking of one person after another I can imagine giving this to as a gift! I'd love to win a copy.

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  42. Anonymous3:44 PM

    Hey, that looks beautiful! What a pleasure for you and us. I'd love a copy.

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  43. DCGirl3:47 PM

    Catherine, I have never won one of your giveaways. And that's ok, because it turns out I want this book the most.

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  44. Looks like a gorgeous book! How do you know so many cool people? ;o)

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  45. Anonymous3:57 PM

    When I was pregnant with child #1 my mom bought me a very nice sewing machine. She supposed I could make maternity clothes and baby clothes. Yeah, right.
    Since then I have made about 8 Halloween costumes (with equal parts sewing and hot glue-gun), and my husband made a box kite for a birthday gift.
    The sewing machine has been in the cellar for years, since boy #1 now chooses to make his OWN costume (with equal parts hot glue gun and safety pins) and boy #2 has enjoyed wearing his big brother's costumes.
    This book might inspire me to actually sew something I could actually wear... Or hang from my windows... Or give to friends or family.... Maybe not even a Halloween costume!

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  46. I love this! I know chances are slim for me to win this book but I would love to! I don't sew with machine if I can help it but I love to make things into something else...and often sew by hand. I'm currently turning a billion denim shirts (feels that way) into a huge braided rag rug for our living room.

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  47. You had me sold at no hems! Looks awesome!

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  48. Just had the thought this weekend that I should take a class to learn to sew so I can teach my daughter. She will instantly be better at it than me but then she can do MY sewing! Ha!

    This will also make a great gift for a dear friend.

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  49. Paige4:23 PM

    I usually sew from scratch, but revising sounds pretty cool, too. No hems? Is there no finishing necklines, too? I'd love to win a copy and find out!

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  50. Utterkelp4:39 PM

    Oh Wow! You know I bought the Alabama Stitch book that you recommended a few years ago and a whole new world of sewing opened up to me. In large part to you I've bought a sewing machine with a million different stitches, made 3 quilts, and numerous children's clothing. After your initial post on skirts I made the cutest RA pink skeleton skirt for my friend's daughter. This started my obsession with prints that have pink and have skeletons on it. I just finished another cool girly skeleton prints fleece jacket for her. In addition, I've made about 5 jammie suits for my boys, sewn on tons of popped buttons, made the cutest matching outfits for my little nieces, and even an elegant RA skirt for my 72 yr old mother-in-law.

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  51. Diane4:43 PM

    This book looks fantastic-- I would love, love, love it!!

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  52. Oh, I want it! You're right, everyone in it is beautiful -- as well as the projects!

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  53. We just moved to a college town, my husband has started a 5-year PhD program, and I am desperate for ways to make our family of four's tiring wardrobes remain fabulous for our five-year stint of graduate-student brokeness: this book shall be my Rosetta Stone.

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  54. My mother is a professional seamstress - made costumes for Broadway - and it took me a long time to let go of the gold standard that she has set and embrace and imperfect yet fun and creative sewing style of my own. This book would help me lower the bar of perfection without losing the beauty.

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  55. Gorgeous book! Pick me!!!! (please)

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  56. Jennifer5:35 PM

    Oh what a lovely book! Pick me! Pick me!

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  57. Alissa.amf.7:43 PM

    so beautiful! and I need the instructions in order to be "improvisational", funny how that works sometimes....

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  58. Eve in Oakland8:04 PM

    After reading this post, I ordered it for our bookstore to carry. Is Nicole coming to the SF Bay Area on her tour? I'd luurve to win a copy, as I too am all about the non-hemming.

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  59. Melanie8:05 PM

    I have a wonderful old sewing machine, and by "old," I mean, it belonged to my husband's 95-year-old Baci, and is a foot-pedal! I learned to sew on it, and my first project was pillow cases for each child...and how pleased was I when, finished, they looked like actual pillow cases! I'd love to try the projects in this lovely book...or just sit around and look at the pictures...either way, I'd enjoy a copy!

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  60. Mtl_Lynn8:14 PM

    What a fantastic book! It would make a perfect gift for my amazingly talented friend who can sew...and if she wanted to thank me by making me a "Ruffled Dressy Dress", well it would be rude to say no.

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  61. Looks like even I could make something!

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  62. Marina8:28 PM

    me, me, pick me!!

    love always,
    West Virginia Mama

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  63. Count me in! The photos alone are stunning.

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  64. Looks like a beautiful book! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  65. Oh. My. Gosh. This book looks like the perfect addition to my life.

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  66. Anonymous9:01 PM

    Sounds good.

    lizardhippie@yahoo.com

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  67. Ooh, me please! I'm not a sewer (yet) but my mom, who sews all the time with my children, would love this!

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  68. Anonymous9:23 PM

    I just want to repurpose everything I can! Love the look and ideas in this book! thank you for sharing xoxox

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  69. I come from a long line of family sewers but I missed those genes...my button sewing is embarrassing. However, I always long to sew, but in an easy way. The way I missed most of the gardening gene but fake it by planting pretty container gardens. Anyway, I would love a copy of the book. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  70. Those dresses are gorgeous! I wish I sewed...I crochet, but I don't knit or sew. Maybe this book would inspire me...

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  71. this is so me. i could ... repurpose all the piles in my cellar.

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  72. Even I could do this! I could show my kids how to do something sewing related! Wow!

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  73. Might even have to get a sewing machine...

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  74. Oh, pretty . . . I'd love to win a copy.

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  75. This book just might take the place of the Alabama Stitch Book as my most favorite dreaming-I-have-time-to-sew book.

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  76. Anonymous11:47 PM

    gorgeous! i just unpacked my grandma's sewing machine and am longing to get to work.

    Heather

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  77. I bought a nice machine two years ago after my father died with a strong desire to learn to MAKE something, a skill my father was very adept at. But, I became overwhelmed by all the details of sewing. This book might be exactly what I need to get started again. Fingers crossed!!!

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  78. Pick me! I want to sew!

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  79. Anonymous8:49 AM

    relearning how to thread my sewing machine in anticipation of owning this book!

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  80. I feel like I know Ava, by the way. But as for the book: I am not a sewer, though I am insanely impressed with anyone who is. I also have a dear friend for whom this book would make the BEST GIFT EVER. So I would love to win a copy of it and give it to her.

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  81. I'm so excited about this book. Projects like this just speak to me. Me, me, me :) Thanks Catherine!

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  82. Ack! The kids need to stop growing up so fast! How can Ava be that old?? It looks like a beautiful book.

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  83. Michelle F10:10 AM

    You are so inspirational! Would love to have a copy of the book.

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  84. Anonymous11:29 AM

    ohpleaseohpleaseohpleasePLEASE!


    Please?

    :-)

    Jenny

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  85. Anonymous11:42 AM

    Ha ha, I just bought this book at our local bookstore. It is perfect, my kind of sewing. I should have known you had a connection here somehow. :) Love it!

    Caelen
    Victoria, Canada

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  86. Eleanor12:55 PM

    I love that approach to sewing! What a great book.

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  87. Jeanne Fisher1:05 PM

    My soon to be 12 year old is dying to learn to sew and I should not be the one to teach with my limited skills. Perhaps this book could do some of the work for me??

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  88. This book looks so beautiful AND useful! What a treasure!

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  89. Erin K.3:03 PM

    wow! I love that red dress too....the book looks perfect! Congratulations to your friends :)

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  90. Alicia D3:17 PM

    So beautiful! I am not much of a sewer, but I love the ideas and the gorgeous photos and am inspired to try!

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  91. Oh pretty please with sugar on top, pick me!
    Would love this book. My daughter owns a kid sewing machine, maybe we could do some of the projects together...

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  92. Laura D3:28 PM

    The book is gorgeous. I would love to win and sew beautiful things for my family and friends.

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  93. JulieB3:43 PM

    So far I only sew by hand, but this book looks like it's going to push me over into sewing-machine-owner land!

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  94. I'd love this because I feel the need to get back to the sewing machine this summer.

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  95. Erin A4:32 PM

    This book looks wonderful, and I know it will be great if you endorse it. I am just starting to sew, and I just learned how to use a sewing machine. Would love to be considered for a copy.

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  96. Aw, I haven't sewn much since I took classes as a kid, but always mean to get back to it. The book looks awesome!

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  97. Melissa C.4:46 PM

    That looks like such a great book! I hope I win, but if I don't, I will be buying myself a copy.

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  98. Joanna4:57 PM

    Would love to win this beautiful book for my beautiful daughter!

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  99. Jennie A D7:01 PM

    This book looks right up my alley!I never win anything, but really have my fingers crossed!

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  100. I've just recently started sewing and would love something this practical.

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  101. Sold. It looks awesome.

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  102. Would love to try some of these projects!

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  103. Wow, I haven't sewn anything since I had my daughter in October, so this would be the perfect re-introduction. Thanks for the chance to win! I'm adding it to my Amazon wishlist right now.
    Made your fearless bread this week. It was fantastic!

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  104. Wow, Ava is a lovely girl. And, that Birdy...so adorable. BTW, pick me!

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  105. I have been waiting to see the book since Nicole told me about it. She is ridiculously talented, sweet, beautiful and can sing up a storm. Isn't that too much for one person to have? Anyway, if you can sew and have a beer (or glass of wine) in one hand, then this is the sewing book for me. Your review was wonderful!

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  106. Anonymous12:23 AM

    My daughter's friend (12 and loves to sew) would adore this!

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  107. This would be a super cool book to inspire me and it looks like some fun projects to try with my 10 year old daughter to whom I promised to give sewing lessons to - problem being that I have pretty basic skills myself. I also have super crafty sewing friend who would dig this book. We could share it! Thanks for a great review!

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  108. If I don't win this book, I'll definitely buy it! I'm sick of sewing by the pattern, and love the photos you posted. Thanks!
    Susan Jones

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  109. Bess W7:29 AM

    Oh, yes please! This book is right up my alley :)

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  110. I am an avid knitter, but I've never managed to sew anything beyond a curtain hem. I'd love to win and give it a shot!

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  111. I would love to own this book! I've just started my own tentative foreys into sewing, and surely this book would inspire me! Oh interweb gods, I beseech you!

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  112. I've looked at this book 100 times-so lovely!

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  113. This book looks like exactly what I need right now! I've been craving some creative time, but don't have the time/energy to do a traditional project. C'mon, Lady Luck!

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  114. heather12:26 PM

    me, maybe?

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  115. Yes, please!! A great write-up and a beautiful book.

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  116. Anonymous12:57 PM

    How awesome! I'd love to win but if not I'm still going to order the book.

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  117. Francine MaOdiLeo2:09 PM

    Is the pink reused and felted blanket in it? (My daughter asked for one this morning, in blue and green).
    Anyway, I would like to win the book for the beautiful projects and people in it!
    Thanks!

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  118. I love to be crafty. This would be fun!

    On a different note, we are a big popcorn family. I was intrigued the minute you mentioned the whirly pot, but we already had a popcorn air popper and I didn't want to spend more money. Well, I finally bought one and my life has been changed forever! I am not even exaggerating. This is the best thing since sliced bread.

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  119. This sounds like an awesome book, and if I don't win it, I will probably buy it for my daughter. She got a sewing machine for Christmas and is very creative with it (has made everyone in a square mile a personalized pillow or tote bag) but gets frustrated with trying to follow patterns. I'm inept in this area and so I frustrate her, too.

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  120. KarenC5:33 PM

    This is a wonderfully put together book. I could you some creativity inspirations is my busy life right about now! What fun!

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  121. Right now, I am laying next to my toddler while he naps with my boob in his mouth, and all I can think about is that gorgeous embroidered paper!

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  122. I didn't know that there was a phrase to describe what I am: armchair sewer! This book looks fun.

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  123. Anonymous7:25 PM

    I dream about learning to sew, and this book might be just the ticket! If I make the clothing, do I automatically become more shapely?

    ~Moominmamá

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  124. Ohh, if I'm not lucky enough to win this book, I will certainly go and buy it! It looks just wonderful...

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  125. I would want this book just to flip through the pictures over and over again.

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  126. maxanyamom11:11 PM

    Woo Hoo! Another chance to get a FABULOUS book for free. Thanks, because this one really does look like a super fun book!

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  127. Anonymous1:24 AM

    This looks so cool! And this is the summer I want to set my Aunt's old machine up next to mine and teach my kids (and the neighbors' kids, why not?) to sew like she taught me and all of her nieces and nephews. Wish me luck...

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  128. oh my goodness that book was clearly made for me, I look forward to getting one if I don't win! ;)

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  129. Tina G8:53 AM

    I put it in my amazon cart in case I don't win...love it!

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  130. I may well have to go by myself a copy and a copy for my mother and a copy for my sew-loving cousin! This looks fantastic!!

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  131. Lisa F.10:25 AM

    I now have the perfect gift idea for my crafty friends who sew! Thanks for another wonderful recommendation Catherine!

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  132. What a great way to keep me busy this summer! :)
    Thanks Catherine.

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  133. Nora Bloch10:32 AM

    yes, this does look amazing ... and a perfect gift idea. Thanks!

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  134. Kristen S.3:35 PM

    My soon-to-be 9-year-old is forever asking me to teach her to sew. The problem is my skills and ideas are lacking. I'm sure we could find some projects for her in this book! Actually - she's how I first started reading your blogs - waiting for Birdy - we were pregnant at the same time and I read your blog on Babycenter. :o)

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  135. I cannot believe they edited that awesome blurb! :)

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  136. This looks like a wonderful book! Please include me in the drawing. If I don't win it, I may just have to buy it! :)

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  137. Love the book, Love you cathrine!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Julie

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  138. Oohhh, I would love this book! My 10 year old daughter recently started taking sewing lessons and we would have so much fun with this!!!

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  139. Tracey10:05 PM

    Great book - the projects do look doable! Thanks for the heads up. My boy (11) and girl (9) both so want to sew this summer....

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  140. My sister needs this book. I would need it too, but my baby is only three weeks old and so I only ever have one hand free. So please send it to me and I will ogle it, then send it to her!

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  141. Sarah Stevens11:06 PM

    Would love a copy of this to share with my dear sis. She loves to sew, and is going through a tough time. This book would bring some much needed sunshine to her day!

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  142. This is a beautiful book! I would love a copy. I have been trying to turn my guest room into a sewing room. I need some projects for when it is done!

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  143. Emily S.1:04 AM

    Oh this book looks so wonderful!!! I'm not much of a sewer (yet), but know this book will set me on the right path.

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  144. Yes I would love this book. I am feeling lucky.

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  145. Anonymous2:21 AM

    Lovely book, lovely blurb, and I've loved you since babycenter 2003!
    How did these kids get to be so big? Sigh.....

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  146. Oh I hope I'm randomly selected! Sewing w/ my daughter and her girl scout troop is my favorite thing to do - even though it always takes longer than we've allotted - would love some new ideas. Amy M in St. Louis.

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  147. What a gorgeous book! Sign me up please.

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  148. The fabric in my closet is getting excited!

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  149. What a marvelous book! I'd like to get more improvisational (and not pay for patterns!) in my sewing, and my kids would love to wear these things! But don't pick me -- I was so taken with your description that I ordered it before I realized you were doing a giveaway!

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  150. So I bought the book, and today I made my daughter her first dress to come from thrifted T-shirts and a hand-drawn pattern instead of purchased pattern and fabric. Awesome sauce. I was hesitant about drawing my own pattern as the book suggests, but it worked like a charm!

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  151. Four-panel garment...Brilliant! Love it! Want to sew it! For me! ksteinbrueck [at] gmail [dot] com!

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