Book Blog Bonanza 10/04/10

Anna Maria is one of my favorite fabric designers and I would really use this book because I'm expecting my 2nd grandchild in January

I'm teaching our three neighbor girls how to sew. This book would be wonderful.

After having two boys, I now have a daughter to sew for. Being fairly new to sewing, I have been reading everything I can get my hands on to improve my skills. This looks like a great book! Thank you for the chance to win.

I would LOVE to win this book!
The best apparel advice I can give is to take your time. Draft your pattern to fit you and then make any changes to your pattern immediately. Also- baste, try on, baste.

I hand stitch my quilt binding with silk thread. It's super strong and very fine. The stitches disappear into the fabric, so you can use any color!

Oh, and my favorite sewing tale:
In college, I had started to makeself a red velvet cocktail dress for a wedding that I was attending with then boyfriend. I worked on it for 3 weeks and it just was not coming out right. Two night before the wedding, I sat there with the dress unfinished and crying because I had ran out of time and I was clueless as to how to fix it. I put the dress down and went to sleep. Next morning, the dress was not just finished but fitted me perfectly. My mom had taken it and took it apart and redid the whole dress based on her 'eyeballing' me for size. Not just that, she also embellished the collar and sleeves with a little sparkle since it was a black tie wedding. I was ecstatic! Got a ton of compliments! I always ask for her opinion when sewing now :)

I just spent the weekend sewing. Finished all my Holloween things I was making and started my fall things. Soon it will be time for Christmas sewing..Hope I can find a craft show to sell it all.

I want to win!

My advice is to slow down. It doesn't matter how quick you sew the seam if it isn't sewn correctly.

Also.

Press those seams!

My mom taught me the basics of sewing when I was a young girl on her classic Singer sewing machine. Since then, I have struggled with a few machines here and there and declared myself incompetent to sew. Turns out that it wasn't me, it was just the junky machines I was sewing on. I found a 45 year old Singer at the Goodwill Outlet right up the road from my house. I took it home, cleaned it up, ordered a few parts for it and restored it to its former glory. I sewed my first real "thing" on that machine -- a kitchen apron. I love that apron, and I love the machine. Since then, however, Francine (the machine) has taken a turn for the worst, but my wonderful step-sister let me borrow another one that I have just adored - not to mention my sewing abilities have just taken off! It's like my step-sis said to me: "the world is a different place when you know how to sew!" So, so true!

I would absolutely love to have this book! Best advice for apparel sewing: have fun with your project! Make it your own by changing some detail of your pattern; be creative and let the designer within flourish!

I think one of the best pieces of advice I ever received on sewing garments: always press your seams as you go. It makes your finished piece so much more professional looking. :)

--SEW MUCH HAPPINESS in small squares of fabric...now imagine beauty and artistry of an entire quilt, a holiday vest, a garden flag, comfort pillows for nursing care residents, and gifts made with stitches. Anna Maria keeps handy busy, helps us pass along skills, and inspires hope!

I would love this book!
I have recently started sewing not only most of my childrens clothes but curtains, pillows,etc for our home mainly due to the fact you can find more affordable fabrics to create what you need or want, if you're willing to put the time and work in by sewing them yourself. The best tip I can give is to use steam a seam and lightly spray starch apparel items steam a seam holds seams firmly and thet are therefore easier to sew neatly without pins.. Spray starch keeps cottons slightly firm also allowing you to sew neater and easier.

Have a great niece coming soon and am looking forward to sewing for a little girl, haven't done that for 30+ years! I need to get back into garment sewing from quilting and I would love this book.

I am just getting back into sewing and I have a little boy who is skinny and tall so I always have to alter his clothes to get a good fit. I just love to get ideas all around. My best tip at the moment is don't be afraid to fail! The only way to get better is to practice. I've had to rip out many seams but the practice always makes a better project in the end. Thanks for the tips everyone. I can't wait to read them.

i looooooove Anna Maria
she has a magical touch when it comes to fabric and colour
you may not be attracted to her fabric if you see the picture, but you'll be amazed when see it in real. i've never dissappointed with her choice of colour.

i have not own any of her books yet but would love to since i have 2 little boys who needs constant changing in wardrobe.

when it comes to sewing anything, my best tips is to always do the ironing. it saves you lots of time and the results will look much much better.

Oh I love that book. I have checked it out of the library quite a few times! I love her fabric! It's given me new inspiration. My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 7. She started with sewing doll clothes. Now that my girls are old enough (14 down to 8) I started them out sewing doll clothes too. They are now sewing clothes for themselves. We inherited my grandmother's old sewing machine from the 1920's. It's in good running condition and the wood cabinet is in great shape. I thought it would just be a "show piece" but my oldest actually prefers to sew on that treadle machine than on my "electric" one. It amazes me and I can't help but smile when I see her treadling away. Stacey

My best apparel tip is to have some one else make it for you LOL. One of my favorite fabric designers, I would love to have this book! Thanks for the giveaway :)

I love to sew! I just wish my projects looked a little more professional. Needing all the help I can get!

It´s no real sewing insight, but the most important things when sewing are pressing and basting! I hated both when I started sewing but I learned in a very short time, that these things that cost you much time, save much time (and money for fabric) in the end!

I started sewing becaus I´m very tall and shopping jeans and shirts with long arms is horror! Now I make them at home and the fit perfectly!

Greetz from Germany!
Elke

Love to sew!! I find it relaxing, and if a project becomes frustrating, I walk away and pick it up later!! Love to re-make things into something else and love doing alterations. I'll sew anything!

My grandma taught me to sew many years ago and i love it since she has passed away and i recieved all of machines and fabric and thread i love to use them it make me feel closer to her i would love this book maybe i can learn more and have more fun sewing

I'm just learning to sew & I need all the help I can get!! So, I'm commenting every day for a chance to win a book.
My current project is two 18th century fancy outfits for a ball; a gown for me & a coat, vest, pants for my husband!!

Love Anna Marie and LOVE little tiny clothes, but have so far not been successful at making anything.

My daugther is 9 months old and at about 3 months I attempted to "wing" a little dress for her. It was just a simple summer dress and after getting all the seams sewn up and the sleeves on I was so proud of my little dress. Ha. Little did I know that once I did squeeze my little wee one into it that I would have to CUT IT to get it back off. At that point, I learned I had a lot more to figure out when it came to clothing construction. Would love to have this book to give it another go! =)

The best advice I can give after many years of sewing, embroidery and quilting is to make sure that you understand the directions and just enjoy the process!!!

My mother taught me to sew very young, I'll always remember (first dress made, actually no sewing) I had a piece of material folded in half cut a circle in middle. Has another strip of material, put larger piece over my barbie's head and tied the strip for belt...I was so proud. Always tip-toeing up to watch her sew, later I was able to sew my clothes, in which I did throughout school years. Always had my own unique clothing...like having different items than everyone else. Looking forward to sewing much more...just love it :)

I have two daughters that I sew for. My mom taught me to sew when I was younger and I picked it up again after my first was born. My best tip is to measure twice then cut once. I have learned this the hard way.

I love Anna Maria's fabric and her blog. I have already checked out her book at a bokstore and it has a lot of great projects in it. There is a really cute bag and a wonderful patch work skirt that I would want to make right away. I have put this book on my Christmas list, but it would be great to get it before...

I haven't gotten into sewing clothing yet, but I will with two daughters that fit in nothing correctly when purchased from the store. But I do like to modify existing garments and make them more fun... just be creative and harness your inner child!

My sewing tip, especially for kids, is to reinforce underarm and crotch seams!

It looks like a lovely book! How fun to be able to do projects with my daughter on this one :)

I've only sewn a few garments. I'd say the biggest tip would be to trust your instincts. If something looks like it's going to be huge, don't just expect that the pattern maker knew what they were talking about, adjust it! I spent hours making a flutter sleeved dress only to have the person I made it for never wear it because the sleeve openings were twice the size of her arms and it just didn't work. I thought they looked big, but I went with it because I thought that a professional designer would know better than I would.

A garment tip, hmmm.... Well, the biggest challenge I find in garment sewing is making time to do it. I have four kids at home. In order for me to complete a garment I have to MAKE time to do it. When I worked up the kids' homeschool schedule I made it so that 4:30-5:00 is my sewing time. The youngest is napping and the oldest is supposed to read quietly to the middle children. Other than that, don't skip interfacing if it is called for. It really makes a difference.

I would love this book, my 12 year old daughter is really getting into sewing and quilting this would be an awesome additon to your 'mom and me sew time'.

I am a bit of a newbie to sewing but I'd really love to win a copy of this book. I've learned to keep my fingers away from the needles the hard way, which is my best tip so far. I think with the chance to try some of these patterns I'd be able to come up with many more good points for next time. ;)

I have this book and love it! Im hoping to win this one for my sis in law who is having a baby!

As a new sewer, I'm learning all the ropes and reading as much as I can to learn new tips of the trade. Each new stich I learn, the more I get excited about the possibilities!

I just love Ana Maria's designs - such pretty fabrics for girls of all ages!

I love Anna! Her taste in colors is SUPERB.

My garment sewing tip is invest in a serger. It has added life to all of my handmade garments. Nothing beats the strength and professional look of serged seams.

It looks like a great book! I love to win it and use it with kids.
My sewing tip is use any Pattern adjusted to my body size is the key to a end product looking fitted and secondly it is ok to use as many pins to secure pining down the parts as you need to sew them together, especially for neck and shoulder joining.

That cover quilt is lovely, I am in for this one!! Alison

I sew all kinds of things for little ones and could always use more inspiration! The only sewing tip that comes to mind today is to pay close attention to how you finish your seams, especially in garment sewing. So many times I see a super cute little dress or shortall being sold as handmade, which is absolutely wonderful, so I have to check it out further. Often I am very disappointed the minute I look inside. Raw edges and unfinished seams turn me off of a garment instantly. Not only does finishing your edges and seams make the garment look better, they also help the outfit stand up to active little ones.

I love Anna Marie Horner! Her fabrics and designs are sew beautiful! I would love to win this book!

This book is SUCH a great book! It is so easy to read and the patterns are easy to make & follow. I have make the toddler hoodie for my son, daughter & neice & I can't wait to make more! Anna Maria is so inspiring!

This looks like a really neat book. I'm just getting back into sewing, so am looking for books to help me re-learn the skills.

I have never seen this book, but would sure make a good addition to my other sewing books. I just finished making "pillowcase dresses" for my mother-in-law's church group. They are going to be sending them overseas. They were easy to sew and looks so cute.

eeeek this is awesome!!
my best piece of sewing advice is... just do it! if you have a vision in your heart and head then try it out! you never know what you can make if you don't do it!

I'm just getting into apparel sewing, so I'm probably the last person to give tips, lol. But the tip that has been most helpful to me is to press, press, press, with a good iron before, during, and after sewing. The seams look so much more professional this way. Thank you for a great giveaway and good luck to all!

My favorite sewing tale is actually about my sis in law. She started sewing for her 2 year old daughter. She made the cutest little shirt and dress, but her daughter absolutely refuses to wear them. They tried everything, bringing it home in a bag like it was from a store and everything, but when they put it on her she screams. So they gave that up and my sis in law decided to make doll clothes and made a cute little set of pajamas for her daughters baby doll. Her daughter won't let her baby wear them either. We all had a good laugh over that.

I would love to win this book! My tip is to iron patterns before using them to cut fabric.

I have been giving some sewing lessons to a few young people that want some help getting started-- This book would be great to get them even more excited about sewing!

Sewing can be such a relaxing project. I find it to be soothing.

I love to read sewing books! There are sew many things to learn!

I love everything Anna Maria Horner- Her fabrics are gorgeous and I've browsed this book and it's just so pretty to look at, in addition to the awesome projects!

I would love to win this book. It looks gorgeous!

I sew a variety of items so this book would come in very handy. One thing I learned is to review the pattern especially note what kind of fabric is called for on the pattern and stick to using it most times it can make or break an apparel.

I love sewing and would absolutely love to win this book!

My sewing tip, is TRY IT! I've learned so much just by trying things I wasn't initially sure I could do. Whether it's using a new purchased pattern, copying a garment or other item, or designing a pattern on your own (for me, often because I want something but won't pay the big bucks for it), just give it a shot. What do you have to lose?

~Susan

My story about quilting is my church was having a class on quilting. My response was that I was too busy and never going to do that UNTIL I had a grandchild and wanted to make just one. Well that was about 75 quilts ago. Once hooked, you are hooked for life. I have two I am working on and three in my cabinet ready to start. I still consider myself as learning as there are many things I have not done yet.

My best sewing apparel tip: When using a pattern always iron the creases out with a low heat iron to get the most accurate cut.

This book looks like a great one from any sewing library :-)

This would be a great book to have to help me in my new past time!

Ooooo! I want one. . . I love sewing. And I love Anna Maria Horner. I want to be like her someday. . . only I don't think I can handle quite that many kids! Yikes. Three is enough for me, thank you very much.

My sewing story is about my sewing room. Last Saturday, I spent the ENTIRE day cleaning it-- the entire day. I still can not walk in the room. Too much fabric? Naahhh. . .

Leisel

When making childerns cloths I like to use french seams, but I hem the seam down and press it flat. I like to do this on my things when I'm not in a hurry.
Grandy

I love sewing baby/childrens clothing. My mother taught me when I was 7 yrs old, but sadly she passed away when I was 10. I have taught 2 of my kids to sew, and one was my son. I am still sewing, and my 10 yr old daughter sits beside me with her sewing machine and we sew together. I love that time we have. We go in lots of craft fairs together!
I would love the chance to win this book and thanks for the opportunity to win it.
Crafting in BC, Canada

I have been sewing for about 30 years now and the best advice I would give is to read all the basic directions first so you know how to put the pattern together and then let your imagination take over to make your project truly your own.

My first tip would be to invest in a really good steam iron like the Rowentas. It's a huge time saver. Second, I can't stand unfinished seams, so I ALWAYS takethe extra time to make French seams. I have a serger my husband gave me Christmas 06 that has never had the tape broken on the box.. I just think French seams are so pretty. LOL, anyone looking for a serger in brand new condition? Just kidding I will get brave and break it out one day, maybe!

My neighbor taught me how to sew about a year ago. And I have been doing pretty well for myself. But honestly I do not own the first sewing book. And I am still having some technical difficulties, but strictly user errors! I went to make my son a pair of pajama pants the other day and after 45 mins of trying to figure out why the seams wouldn't match, realized that I cut the pattern on the lines of two different sizes....uuugggghhh!! Back to the drawing board...literally!!

I've only started to make a few apparel items, but am so inspired by Anna Maria Horner's books and lovely fabrics to do more! My advice is to press all fabrics and make sure your hems are consistent and accurate.

My sewing tip - if you make a mistake sewing something don't give up, find a creative way to hide your mistake! I was making a shirt for my DD a few weeks ago, and while I was serging the neck binding on, I accidentally caught the front piece of the shirt in the cutter. I almost threw the shirt out, but then decided to just hide the hole with a heart made from ruffles, which matched anther detail on the shirt. It turned out cuter than if I hadn't made that mistake!

In response to the previous comment from CAPEMAUI who said:

"Oh, and my favorite sewing tale:
In college, I had started to makeself a red velvet cocktail dress for a wedding that I was attending with then boyfriend. I worked on it for 3 weeks and it just was not coming out right. Two night before the wedding, I sat there with the dress unfinished and crying because I had ran out of time and I was clueless as to how to fix it. I put the dress down and went to sleep. Next morning, the dress was not just finished but fitted me perfectly. My mom had taken it and took it apart and redid the whole dress based on her 'eyeballing' me for size. Not just that, she also embellished the collar and sleeves with a little sparkle since it was a black tie wedding. I was ecstatic! Got a ton of compliments! I always ask for her opinion when sewing now :)"

That was one of the most heartwarming stories I have ever heard! Her mother must have stayed up all night working on that dress, too. And to be able to "eyeball" someone for size and get it perfect is truly amazing.

I'm not a designer - I need a pattern (most of the time). My best advice is to be realistic about what's flattering to your figure. Just because it looks cute in the picture doesn't mean it will look good on you, so don't spend the money on gorgeous fabric and your valuable time making the garment unless you are making something that will look good on you and you will love. And another thing that I think carpenters say: measure twice, cut once.

This designer is awesome. The best advice I can give is (when not using a pattern) measure twice before cutting! I had a happy accident with some quilt piecing this weekend BUT it could have been a bad mistake with my precious fabric! Happy sewing!

Just starting a new home business using my sewing & creative skills, and there is so much to learn! I've been sewing since I was a young child, but feel like I have just scratched the surface of what I could be creating. I have been devouring all the ideas I can find! My favotorite sewing tip is to place a piece of tissue between 2 semi-slipppery (not satin) fabrics when sewing to help stabilize them. This may work with satiny fabrics but I have not tried it yet. This works if you don't have a differential feed on your machine.

The best sewing tip I ever learned was "YES, pressing makes a difference. A BIG difference! so press those seams."

Cathi

The best sewing tip - pressing does matter. Press as you go!

I recently made my first blouse from 2-way stretch fabric. Rather than using a serger, I used a stretch stitch on the regular machine for the seams. They came out great! I top stitched the seams using a top-stitching foot.

This sounds like an awesome book! I have been experimenting lately with new ideas, and welcome inspiration from any source. All the tips in this blog are wonderful! I don't have any I can think of, but if I do I'll come back and share.

I have one funny sewing story to tell about my very first sewing project, which was the christening dress for my first baby girl I wanted to make, while I was still pregnant. I got the sewing pattern and stupid as I was, I cut it out directly from the pattern paper. Later on, I met a friend, who is a tailor and I told her about how stupid it is, that I had to cut out the sewing pattern from the original pattern and I had to use the tiniest size, but now I can't reuse it for bigger sizes and that I probably will never ever trying to sew clothes again. She just looks at me funny, starts laughing and says to me: "Why didn't you trace the pattern?" And there I was, eyes and mouth wide open, feeling really, really stupid. That's what pregnancy and euphoria about a new baby does to you. Since then I made a bunch of dresses and other clothes for my little one and every time I cut out the patterns from the fabric I have a little smile on my face, because I remember this story. :D

Best apparel sewing tip: get a serger. I don't have a serger, but if I did, I am just certain my apparel sewing would be quicker and neater. Sigh. Someday ...

I've been sewing for over 50 years. The best thing I can suggest is perfect your hand sewing. Whether I'm fashion sewing, home dec, or quilting, the final hand sewing is what shows first.

Thanks so much for the win on the previous book! I can't wait to get it. You guys are my fav go-to fabric store. :-) I always stick to the rule of press, don't pin. Obviously, some things must be pinned, but I'm always surprised by how many people I talk to pin their hems and such instead of pressing them. If you press and use a starch, you don't have to pin things nearly so much, and it goes much faster to sew.

This book has been on my amazon list since it came out!!

My best apparel tip is: Just because you mess up your original project, do not throw it away. Just look over where the problems are and GET CREATIVE. For instance, I have attempted to make (more than one) tank tops that ended up too small to even get over my head. So I just cut off the side seam (faster this way) and add another piece of fabric down the sides to give it a multi-color look.

What an awesome giveaway!!! I think my best sewing apparel tip is to take it slow and read the pattern fully before getting started! :)

My best tip is to take your time when laying out your pattern on fabric. Make sure to match plaids, stripes or patterns. If you're using a large pattern, you may not be able to match it so make sure the pattern is attractively oriented on the front and back of the garment. Nothing screams home made like poorly matched plaids, stripes and patterns.

I would love to win a book!

I, too, would love to win this book since I have started sewing again after a 20 year "vacation". My sewing hint would be to take your time and read all the instructions.

Who doesn't like to win a book and about sewing, too!

Little Stitches for Little Ones was written by AMY BUTLER. The book cover posted here doesn't match the book title.

I'm sure there are more than 24 reasons to love sewing. I have to know the ones this book has to share! This book would be a great gift for anyone to help encourage them in their sewing adventures. Sewing is a soothing and creative pass time that anyone can do if they really want to. I learned as a small child with my Mother and Grandmother encouraging me along the way. I taught my children and hope they will pass it on to their children as well.

This looks like a totally awesome book! And my one tip for apparel sewing is to press every seam as you go. Makes the finished project look so much more professional.

This is so much fun! All these books are wonderfull! I am so lucky to have been able (with a little help)to have a new sewing machine! It would be awesome to have this book for more ideas . Not to mention I don't have any more money to spend on books now, gotta pay off the machine! LOL .. thank you again for the chance to win! :)

I have gotten back into sewing after 25 years. I am taking lessons with a fantastic teacher at a really hip local studio & she absolutely recommended this book & has it on her shelf:) I hope I win!

Ahh... I have finally solidified the lesson to NOT rush sewing clothes. When I do, I end up frustrated, having to un-sew, and sometimes have even had to simply toss the whole thing. Now I take my time and enjoy completing small steps.

Seams to me looks like a great book! I'm always looking for fun new projects. Thanks!

I am expecting my first grandchild in a few months and I am trying to make him a stuffed giraffe. When you become a grandmother, you should be allowed to do it full time!! lol

Always looking for new projects. I do mostly give away things, donate to fund raisers & Children's Hospital. Also do knitting for knitforkids.org & chemo hats.

What a great looking book. Lots of new projects to do. The best advice for sewing apparel would deffinatly be to press all your seams. It saves so much trouble to just take those extra few moments to press.

My favorite website to browse and order from is fabric.com, hands down! And having the blog as a resource is just frosting on the cake!

This looks like a wonderful book! As far as sewing tips go, I just like to be sure I always press each seam as I go and never leave any raw edges (make a french seam, finish with a serged or enclosed stretch stitch, or include a lining or facing). This will ensure a quality, professional-looking product you can be proud of.

I would love to have a book with ideas and tips for sewing for little ones. "Seams to Me" this one would be great since I have 8 grandchildren ranging from 1 week to 10 yrs; and it "Seams to Me" that is a great reason to start sewing again!! The 3 girls "seam" to need lots of ruffles and rick-rack, and the 5 boys "seam" crazy about adding bears and dinosaurs to their pants and shirts! "Sew", I'm crazy about all the reasons for doing lots of little stitches for the little ones in my life!!

Wow..who wouldnt love this book.Its a great collection in any sewer's library.Tip is just that dont rush while sewing take your time, understand your patterns to create those unique handmade stuff for your loved ones..

Love this book! I'm teaching my granddaughter to sew...this would be a lovely addition to her growing library. We need to pass the art of sewing on to our younger generation....

Here is a funny story and a tip. When I was a newbie sewing, I read a tip in a magazine about using gift wrapping paper to trace the pattern pieces of a pair of pants I was working on. If the paper is opaque enough, you can see enough through it to trace the lines. After making the alterations and tracing out the first piece, I realized I didn't have enough (I had used most of my roll by then) to do the back piece and pockets. So I sent my dear hubby to the dollar store in order to get some more. He returns with the "tissue" wrapping paper instead. Oh well, it was either another trip to the store or deal with it, so I dealt with it. To my delight, I could see through it better and I didn't need markers to trace the lines, only a pencil or ballpoint pen. I now trace all of my pattern pieces (after the shortining alterations as I'm only 5' tall) using the tissue paper. I even save the colored ones from gift bags that I receive. I iron them and then fold them in half and place them in a box for later use.

Sew many fabrics...sew little time!!!

I homestly look at sewing as a bit of an addiction to happiness. I must have a bit of a "sewing fix" daily....even if it is for only five minutes.
:-)

The best sewing advice I've heard is to iron your seam allowance when matching up prints.

Love the book, can't wait to see what other books will be given away. I get a lot of inspiration from these books.

This book looks like a great reference book with the added bonus of lots of patterns. Love it. Want it!

I love AMH!! My biggest tip is to go for it. I meet so many people all the time who say, "I wish I could sew." Well, I didn't know how until I just started doing it. There are great tutorials all over the internet these days and many wonderful books to choose from.

My best sewing advice for apparel is to go slow.
The worst thing I can do is get in a hurry.
Baste- fit- Baste.

Love sewing and trying to teach my daughter this book looks like it would help

Speaking of seams...Well, I'm speaking of seams. One night, recently, I couldn't sleep. This is nothing new, but I don't ordinarily have epiphanies. This night was different!There I was tossing and turning and watching the clock, when all of a sudden, it came to me! How to do french seams! I have been sewing for about 13 years now, and never could figure out how to do french seams. I'm not completely stupid, but the concept just eluded me! Then, VIOLA! I began folding my blanket this way and that and realized that I had made a french "seam"! My seams will be neater! My seams won't annoy the wearer! I am so excited! Yay!