Just before Christmas (shocking timing) Penguin sent me an advance copy of Sew Step by Step by Alison Smith to have a look at and review.
In a nutshell, I was pretty tempted to keep this book. Its like one of those old -fashioned compendiums of sewing. It covers heaps of stuff and EVERY technique has photos - which personally is just right for me. I need to "see' what is being explained.
For example, The zip section alone covers:
How to shorten a zip
Marking for zip placement
Lapped zip
Open-ended zip
Centred zip
Concealed or invisible zip (with nine photos just for this type of zip)
Did I mention comprehensive ?
The book starts with a breakdown of sewing equipment and then a section on different fabrics that is quite fascinating, detailing the properties of each fabric and its suitability for different projects, what size needles to use - everything.
The book is available in Australia at the end of this month and has a RRP of $29.99
I'll be buying a copy, not that I sew a lot of garments but as a reference tool, I think this book is worth it. You can go here to see some more about the book.
In fact this book pointed out to me how much I don't know about sewing. All the explanations for the little signs on commercial patterns were a complete eye opener !
Of course, because even though I would have liked to keep this one, it is being given away. No jumping through hoops or twitterbooking will help, just leave a comment and make sure you are contactable through your comment.
And in a fit of organisation I re-opened my Etsy shop today and reduced all my pattern stock to $10 and $5 dollars. Jump on over and grab a few, I'll keep it open for two weeks and then I think I'll be having a little Etsy rest - so get 'em while you can compadre's.
Posts
220 comments:
1 – 200 of 220 Newer› Newest»Hi Jodie,
Really enjoying your blog. Thanks for the giveaway. The book looks terrific. Regards,
Alison
Please put my name down for this give-away. It is something I certainly could do with. I'd like a bit more confidence to tackle things more compliciated than knit t-shirts. Thank you for giving it away. Maybe the publisher will notice and give you your own copy. :-)
Looks like a fantastic reference book. It might help my zip-fear
Looks like a great resource! Thanks for the chance!
After all these years Mum is still trying to teach me how to put zips in. I'd better enter. :0)
Hello Jodie.
That book looks like it was made for me. I am a VERRRRRY beginning sew-er, trying to pluck up the courage to take the plunge beyond placemats and tablecloths.
Cheers, Clare
Looks like a wonderful book to have handy in thye sewing room. Thank you very much for the chance to win it : )
The book sounds great - I NEED it! It would be nice to be able to make something wearable without a whole lot of fudging, swearing and chucking it in the cupboard. PS: Hope the tooth situation is sorted out tomorrow.
Who even knew you could shorten a zip! I think the book is a must have. Thanks for the chance to win.
Hi there Jodie. Thanks for the giveaway. I'm a moderately experienced sewist who would love to take it up to the next level. Sounds like this book would be a great reference for me. Cheers!
My new year's resolution is to learn how to make clothes, and this book seems perfect for it. Thnaks for the giveaway!
This looks like a really cool book, and useful for someone like me who knows very little about sewing but wants to do it all.(:
Looks awesome! do we have to live in Australia? Rebecca
That looks like just the type of book a self taught-er like myself needs to have. I fake so many things I do, it would be nice to actually have a guide.
Off to check off the Etsy shop sale.
If I win this giveaway I'll give the book away to my sister, who asked for such a book for Christmas (and didn't get one).
Great to see a book like this on the shelves. I have my old Reader's Digest one but a girl can never have too much help can she. Thanks for the no hoops too. Cherrie
I like how clear the book seems (or seams! Hahahah... it's late).
Thanks for letting us know about the etsy shop... I could hear Parsley saying "Take me to your house!" And I'd hate to make Ernst feel like he was left out, so I would just have to buy his pattern, too.
I'm going to go search the couch for the cash...
That books looks like something I need. I'm a visual learner I like lots of pictures in my how tos.
Oh, please enter me in your giveaway.....I can't stay I'm off to look at your Etsy shop......
Oh, gotta love a good reference book...if only to remind me of all the bad habits and shortcuts I take ;)
LIke I don't envy you aussies enough! Now you have great books too. You know what? I want it. :D
Hi and WOW what a fabulous give away !!!! I would love to be the very grateful recipient of such wonderful information. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.
Think this is a book I may have to buy if I don't win!!!! I love step by step instructions!!
Oooh, count me in. I have no idea what all those signs on commercial patterns mean. I just know that if I don't cut out the notches as they are on the pattern, I end up with a wonky garment! Always cut out the notches!
:)
oooo! Since I can't find any local sewing classes to attend, this would be just the thing that I need to advance my sewing skills, (or lack thereof)! Thanks!!
please enter my into the giveaway - i can quilt but my basic sewing skills are sadly lacking (zippers are just plain scary!) this book looks like it could help me out!
I'm trying to get into sewing clothes this year so this book would be invaluable! I'm very much the amateur at the moment. Thanks for the opportunity!
oh yes please...I like the idea of reading about how I 'should' be doing things and be much neater and more efficient!
Looks like a fantastic book - please enter me in the giveaway. I bought a new sewing machine on Friday night and I am hoping to get back into sewing after many years. What perfect timing - fingers crossed xoxo Ames
http://letigrepapillon.blogspot.com
ZIPS!! Arrggghhh... if this book helps me do them properly every time it would be worth way more than $30. Must keep an eye out for it when it is out. Thanks for the info on it.
It looks like I really need this book... I'm too scared to sew anything with zips in it at the moment! Thanks for your giveaway!
diannelovelock AT gmail dot com
I would love to win a copy of this book....it sounds great! Like you, I follow instructions much better with lots of diagrams!
Oh man - this book looks GOOOOOOD! I'll be buying it for sure when it comes out!
Thanks for the giveaway. I'll though I'm a quilter I never learned to sew. The book would be very helpful for me and the ladies in our quilting group. Thanks Etty from the Quilting Corner.
zahavaquilters.blogspot.com
charnetta18@gmail.com
A step by step to sewing - that's what I need... Does it include a step by step guide to make my sewing machine love me (rather than hate me??!!).
Hi Jodie,
Sounds like a "must have" book...shame you cannot keep it :)
Hugs, Sharon
Hi Jodie, Great book review! It sounds really interesting and like it would be a good companion!
Wow, I need all the sewing help I can get!
Ohhh, how nifty! I love a good reference book complete with pictures too - I'm a visual learner so this would be perfect :)
oh you mean the symbols on patterns actually mean something? i always thought they were just some abstract designs. huh, who would have thunk it?
and now i must scoot over to your store and take a poke around....cheers!~
I so need a book like this one! Thanks for the giveaway!
hope you're doing international shipping, I could really use an update from the Vogue Sewing book I have that's cira 1979 (which still gives great tips.) Nevertheless, it would be wonderful to have a sewing book that didn't feature women in rad 70's gear... :)
Great book! And such a cute little turtle...Thanks for th chance
violet_bg1 at yahoo.co.uk
I need all the help I can get...I would love a chance to win this book...Thanks
Ooh what a fabulous book..looks just what a beginner sewer like me needs. Thanks so much for the chance.
What an awesome book! I like you need a visual aid to get things in my little noggin!
am also off to check out your etsy store, I actually went yesterday wanting some patterns and voila you open today, YAY.
Gem x
well yep i recon that zip sections is just what i need... :)
i hope you are not retiring from etsy you have such amazing stuff for sale?
Oh wow that would be an awesome reference for my kids who are 11 & 14 & also love to sew
Oooh, you are naughty..reducing your prices to lure me in!! I ended up buying the little house pattern with the animals ♥ Never mind, if I win the giveaway you can send them both together, ever the practical girl! :-D
I would love that book. I'm a beginner in need of help.
Corrin
corrinschlecht "at" gmail "dot" com
Oooh, yes please, I agree with the non-70's 'female form' figure ie no boobs in books, it's wrong! And this looks good enough to read AND use! Thanks.
It looks like a fantastic guide! When it comes to sewing I always need photos to accompany text instructions.
Wow that book looks great. If i dont win I might have to treat myself for - mmmm no real reason comes to mind so just because :)
That sounds like a great book Jodie, and I'm really interested in your classes this year, I will be keeping an eye out for the Amitie dates.
Esther
I think that I'd be very very tempted to keep such a lovely book as well!
Oooh, as a new and novice sewer I would to get my pimmers on this book! Are you sure you want to give it away?!
I love DK books and this one looks like it would be so handy to have in the sewing room!
scottbecr(at)westnet(dot)com(dot)au
looks like a great book
thanks for the giveaway
agh, zips, on my list of things to conquer for 2011 (along with learning to crochet!)
would love to win!
Shannyn
shannynbree@hotmail.com
Thank you for the great giveaway. I would love to have that book in my collection. Someone has to teach me how to sew properly!
nice one Jodie! I need all the help I can get
♥
I refer to my "Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide" all the time, so i would love to add one on general sewing to the crafty library - I still have lots to learn.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I love books like this that get back to basics. It sounds like the perfect resource book for any crafter. Great review Jodie.
Thanks,
Kerryanne
Oh yippee, sounds ACE for those self taught seamstresses like moi. Count me in my sweet. Thank you kindly, love Posie
Definitely entering this one! I'm a sloppy seamstress who would benefit from learning actual technique!
Thanks for giving me the chance to enter!
ren @ theredwren dot com
Count me in!
Get lot of inspiration from your blog, so keep up the good work ;-)
elskerkhofs @ netscape (dot)com
Just seeing what the zip section entails makes this sound like a must have book. I always try to avoid zips!
You can never have too many of these sorts of how-to-sew books and I definitely could do with a few more..... It's always good to have references handy when I'm teaching, and you just never know what pearls of wisdom there are to pick up in a book.
PS. If I don't win it, I'll be buying a copy as well!
I'm with Nikki - I love a good reference guide and I'd love to have one on hand when I am teaching too. Sometimes students ask really obscure things, or I have a mental blank about something I've done a bajillion times before. Looks like a real winner.
Would love this reference book, as Nikki and sooz have said you can't have too many reference books.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love that book.
Yar me hearties!
Book looks fantastic, I am largly self taught sewer, starting 2 years ago a reference like this would be great. If i don't win i definitely will be looking out for it in the shops BTW love your blog and patterns, hope you have the elephant one still in the shop, was meant to get it to sew one for my middle daughter for xmas perhaps i will find time before her birthday!!
Looks good Jodie. Thanks for the review and for the chance to win a copy!
I would love this book just to improve my knowledge. Will definitely be looking out for it in the shops. Now i am off to etsy to browse your patterns.
This book looks great!
Oh I would love to have this book. I would love to start making some clothes for my kids and me! But my utter lack of knowledge is stopping me from cutting up all that beautiful fabric I already own.
my email adress is: nlandau.at.t-online.de replace .at. with the appropriate symbol.
I would love this book! I like that the pictures are real not drawings!
parrishplatz
at yahoo
dot com
Sheesh - comment #79!!! That's a lucky number tho, right???
This book looks fab, will have to buy it if you don't randomly draw out the correct number! ;-)
How nice of Ernst to make an appearance too, please give him a big MWAH from me!
Off to clear out your Etsy shop now - if you have any stock left that is!
I'm soooooo shattered that you aren't going to Sydney Jode, I though you were a life member?
Hugs
Kelly :-)
Count me in buckaroo!
What an awsome book! Some like a must have for the home library even if I don't Win. Thanks for the opportunity Jods.
xx Rach
Looks like a great book! And the cover is sooooo pretty too! Pretty & practical - an all round good egg! lol! xx
Oooh, us, us, pick us.
Love your "Do not mention the crochet" tag by the way, it makes me chuckle every time I see it.
Hi Jodie! Happy New Year! The book looks great but firstly I am now off to buy Ernst's pattern - I need one of own Ernsts.
Hi Jodie,
I love that this book has the pictures also.
I get lost just reading information.
I want to be a better sewer in 2011 so i will have to buy this book even if i don't win it :)
cheers,
Jodie Mc
That book looks awesome!
I would love to be able to get my hands on it :3
Your blog is amazing, btw ♥♥♥
chocolatepopsicle [at] gmail [dot] com
HI
Thanks for giving it away, even though you wanted to keep it - very generous.
hi jods
always could do with more instruction here! thanks for the giveaway.
hope you continue to enjoy the (relative) peace of january..good luck to fruity lexia drinking teenager..exciting times!
OH oh oh Jodie - PIck MEeeeeee
I could do with a book JUST like this! Especially the zipper bit!
But thank you for sharing : o )
This books look really fabulous, and so useful, I would love to enter the giveaway, thank you! Sarah x
Oh Good Lord, I neeeeeeeed this book! Perhaps it will get my mother off my back as to my shoddy sewing work ;D
Elliex
ellie@rocknwrap.com
Yay, a pattern sale AND giveaway! Thanks!
The darling is waving at me! And I see he is all ready for his trip. He'll definitely enjoy the Dutch language and climate and find a good home here (o:
Thank you for the book review. Yes, I would buy it as a reference book but not to make my own garments.
That looks like a v. nice book! Thanks for the chance to win :D
Cheers,
Trudy
Sale and giveaway ..this is great
If it's okay for US readers to enter, I'd like to, please. I love books like that. Even though I've collected a few others, it's cool to compare them and see how their advice differs. I usually read them ALL before I try something new.
What a phenomenal book!! I am just starting to teach my daughter to sew and this would be a great tool to add to our lessons. Thanks for the chance!
hello!
that looks like what i need it would make my my life much easier, rather than struggle through countless projects to get the hang of all the techniques that I have no idea about!
That looks like the perfect book for a fair to midland sewer like me!
Thanks for the giveaway and the sale!!
The book looks great -- off to your Etsy shop!
Hey Jodie,
Thanks so much for your blog, I'm a lurker.... Would love to win this book. Happy New Year!~Susan
Thanks Jodie! I would love to own a book like this. ~Jane
I would love to win this book. I need to learn the basics. Thanks for the chance.
I could definitely use this book. I recently sewed myself a dress (first time!) and felt like I was on the internet every 5 minutes trying to figure out how to complete the next step. And my zipper? Well, it still turned out poorly.
I saw your post over on FB. This book looks like just what I need to hone up on my sewing skills. Winging it - I can do. Master of my machine and patterns I am not.
Thanks for the opportunity!
PooknflipProductions[at]gmail[dot]com
Wow that looks amazing! I often wonder how many little sewing tricks I'm missing out on... I always find ways to "figure it out" and while usually these ways work fine, every once in awhile there's an amazing eye opener!
Oooo sounds great! I'm in!
Hi Jodie, I'd love to win this book. In fact, I'm going to look at that book on the link you suggested, right after posting this, to see if I can buy it regardless. I've been sewing a while, but I haven't got a single Sewing Basics book which even explains the parts of the sewing machine (which I still don't know the names of) so I've been looking for a book like this. Thank you for the giveaway and have a wonderful new year!
Hi Jodi! This book would be a perfect resource, I'm someone who needs the step-by-step instruction! Thanks for the chance. I'm off to your Etsy store.
Monkey see Monkey Sew. My Kinda clear thinking book!
Heya! If you pull my name from the hat I have a special request re: delivery.
Sounds like a great book for visual learners like me!
Oh I am such a visual learner! This would be great as I am always looking for ways to improve my sewing skills!
I haven't taken a sewing class since high school, so this would be a great refresher! It might encourage me to go beyond zipper pouches and tote bags, too.
Count me in! Would love to win.
hisprincess886(at)yahoo(dot)com
Ooooh I'd love to have that book!
Stacy K.
skenaga@gmail.com
Book looks great-I've been a sewer for over 45 years...I think I'll pass this one on to my daughter, who would love the resource! Thanks for offering this!
Sounds like a great book!
msjb at gmail dotcom
Oh my goodness, count me in! I had two sewing classes in my early teens, and would love to know how to properly do a few things. I'm sure I do a lot of things the hard way ...
Hugs
Yvette
Sounds right up my street - inspired by your blog, I'm starting a 'sewing for idiots course' next week!
nickypassmore(at)hotmail(dot)com
Oh yes please! It's on my new year resolution list to finally start learning how to sew properly. Properly being the key word. :) falushtain.inc (at) gmail (dot) com
Looks like a fabulous book. I would love to win it.
djc at hot dot rr dot com
I hope you can see me at the end of this very long queue....
HI..
I love your blog..
greetings
stephi
I love books that give you lots of process photos!!! I LOVE the turtle too!
That book looks like just what I need! I'd love the chance to win a copy:)
Hi Jodie! Will you count me in please? Sounds like just what I need to get over my zip phobia! Lots of love, Amanda xxx
Ah, away to etsy I go.
thanks for the give away!
sounds like an awesome reference tool
teeheehee "Twitterbooking" ... snort! I'm lucky I wasn't drinking milk when I read that, otherwise it would be coming out my nose.
OMG - the turtle is sooo cute! I'm a quilter, and I really want to take up garment sewing - I could really use this book! Thank you for the giveaway!
Oooh! Count me in for the giveaway! I'd love to improve my garment sewing skills, I am a knitter and quilter by choice and haven't ever really had the guts to start making my own clothes. Thanks jodie!
yes this book is what I need - love love an instructional book with photos - amazing how many out there that don't get the necessity of pictures!!!!
Happy New Year Jodie!!
Even though I know how to sew, I just like looking through these types of books. And they can always help improve skills.
Would love to win!
Does it have a 'shut your eyes, press go and hope' section?
Thanks for including me too.
Join our Toy Traveling group! Add your photos, new friends, share experiences! Welcome to TOYHOP!
http://www.facebook.com/toyhop
If you're OK with posting it to the UK, then can you enter me into the draw. Thanks!
Nice giveaway, I need all the help I can get with garment sewing - everything I've tried to make for myself LOOKS LIKE I MADE IT!
love a good sewy book, this would be very handy. cheers,
This book sounds perfect for me! I'm definitely a visual learner and will be adding this to my to-buy list for sure if I don't happen to win it!
Looks like a fantastic book.
That looks like just what I need to give me a kick up the pants to start sewing in zips and doing things more complicated than a straight line :-) Fingers crossed xx
This books sounds amazing! And so useful! Would love to win!
Hi Jodie,
exactly what I need. I'd love to win!
This book looks like a necessary, even just for the zipper instructions.
Thanks for the chance to win it.
lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com
I've recently re-begun sewing and this book looks just like what I need! Pretty sure I'll buy it even if I don't win BUT winning would be better ;)
Thanks for the chance!
nebrocrin@ozemail.com.au
This sounds like the book I need. Commercial patterns are such a mystery to me! Thanks for sharing.
Looks like a great book and I'm going to have to head over to the shop and see what tickles my fancy!!
Thanks Jodie, that looks like a fantastic book.
oy shamoy...143 comments already. Alas...you gotta be in it to win it.
So i offer some prose..
Oh ric rac,
i don't tac
or even know how to baste.
My sewing is limited
to straight lines on printed,
unless this book doth come my way
xx ( :
That book looks lovely. Onto the wishlist it goes!
What a fabulous giveaway. Just right for these hot, indoorsy days.
I am a visual person and this book sounds wonderful :)
i think I need this book! Thanks for the chance to win it!
Wow! This book sounds great. Thanks for the chance to win.
I do sew, but I could definitely use this book to improve my skills. Thanks for the giveaway!!
Looks like a great book!
I'm just starting to build a sewing library (as winging it doesn't always work for me and I'm too disorganised to take lessons). This book looks great!
Now to head over to Etsy to check out the patterns...
What a great book. I think we should never stop learning.
Love your blog!
The book looks like a fantastic read
l.lewis.1988@hotmail.com
I'm a sucker for reference books. Love the pink polka dot cover.
Hello Jodie, a crafty girl can never have too many books.... thanks for the chance..
lgshazza6@telstra.com
Thanks for the chance!
What a wonderful giveaway! I could have used this book this afternoon when I was trying to stumble my way through a new pattern.
Thanks for the chance to win. :)
This book looks brilliant! I definitely need all the help I can get in the sewing department!
Like the look of this book. I really need simple pictures to show me how to do things.
Ernst looks so sad in that picture, he just breaks my heart.
egilberthorpe@hotmail.co.uk
Hi8 Jodie i think you are great have been to a quilt-in at Brown hill where you did a talk and i laughed and laughed you are very clever.
And i would also luv to win this book.
cheers Sheryl
http://shez-enjoyinglife.blogspot.com
Hi
I love your people and would love the book but 169 comments WOW!!!!
wendy
Holy crap! 170 comments! But what the hell, ya gotta be in it to win it. And knowing how badly I sew, I sure could use that book. And by the way, just read Saturdays post- what a scream!
Hi Jodie, I'm almost scared to add another comment to this lot but like the last person said, i'm in it, hoping to win it. I can't help thinking my sewing would get a whole lot better if I had it handy.
I'd be very lucky if I win out of 173 comments... but still it's worth a try. It sounds like a very helpful book.
oh, random number generator, please pick me...my daughter's need a wee bit more practice on their skills before I let them loose on a solo project. (not to mention the fact that I just might want the book for myself, ehem...)
lesfilles (at) lesbonnesideesmag (dot) com.
That book would be so convenient! I try to explain sewing things to my daughter but sometimes don't know myself how to solve a sewing problem.
oooh what an amazing looking book!
Oh how we lurve that cute little turtle!!!! (Just popping in to say hi to him. ;-) )
I always enjoy your blog. Thanks for the chance to win. I would love to give to my daughter!
I would love to win the book, I could definitely do with some tips, especially if it covers quilting. I'm just embarking on my new-years-resolution first ever quilt... Laura
This book seems very helpful. I'm sure it would make my stuff look a billion times better. And your blog is pretty sweet.
Brit
brithansen22@yahoo.com
looks like a really great book!
Put my name down for this give-away.
Hi please add me too, Hoping I can win!!!!!
As a right-brained person I so need pictures to learn. Zippers are one thing I have not done, I'm just not brave enough yet! Thanks for a chance to win.
Thanks for the chance to win!
I would certainly like a book like that! It would make my 'sew-experiments' look a lot better!
I'd love to get my hands on the book just for the extensive zip section.......count me in please!!
I confess to suffering the odd bit of zip phobia every now and then.
Hmmm...I really like the whole explain-with-pictures part...sounds like a great go-to book. Your turtle guy arm is just perfect - I can see him doing the downward thrust of his elbow and saying "Yesssss!"
That book looks fantastic as a gift for my daughters (once I've gleaned a few things - I'm still scared of zippers!) Love your blog, Terri in BC, Canada
Great review, I'm jumping in to win, and if I don't I will definitely be buying. Thanks for the chance!
I am loving your blog! I'm so glad I found it!!! You're hilarious!
Reading about sewing seems to be as close as i get these days - sigh!
Roll on school days...
A great prize!! Even though I've been sewing for quite a while, sometimes the brain freezes up and I need a boost to help with something. This looks like a great resource. Love your blog, your creations and your wonderful way with words!! Thanks for it all!
Looks like a fantastic book; count me in!
Kirsten B
thanks for the giveaway
Oh, wow, I just started sewing week before last and could use this book something fierce! Going on my wishlist for sure.
Thanks for the giveaway. This would be just what I need to put an end to the cowboy sewing I do for my kids. When I say cowboy, I mean rough and ready, not like, sewing them up stetsons and stuff. Yehaaaaa!
What a great looking book!
Looks like a fab book - could even get me making clothes which still seems way too hard!
Ab x
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