Jun 032008
 

Okay. That’s not entirely true. I can sew. I’ve made a few pretty awesome things in my day. Like that outfit I made for the first day of my senior year of high school with the butterfly skirt and the matching shirt? Funny story about that: while sewing the skirt, I sewed the bottom together like a big, big pillowcase. My grandmother found this hilarious. I, however, did not. (I should scan pictures of the completed outfit, no?)

And, really, I am about to “sew” something for LittleBrother. But it’s not all that complex. I got some fabric scraps from The Goodmama to match a few of our favorite diapers. (Electolyte! Mint Chocolate Zoo! Red & Blue Stripe! Cherry Rickey! Mmm!) I’ll be cutting the scraps into shapes and sewing them on shirts (like she offered in limited quantity with previously retired prints). But that’s the extent of my desire to create things via a sewing machine right now.

Sew UBut, you see, I got this book to review. Sew U: Home Stretch, The Built By Wendy Guide to Sewing Knit Fabrics seems fabulous. Quite honestly, I want to make each and every shirt in the book. I look especially awesome in boatneck tees. And making my own hoodie? That would rock. But the reality remains that I don’t own a sewing machine. And with two brothers, well, my time is limited. And I’m behind on my book reading goal for the year. And the laundry. And the cleaning of bathrooms. And did I mention that I haven’t showered today. And and and. I’m just a bucket of excuses, aren’t I? How about this one? I haven’t lost all the weight that I want to lose just yet and, as such, I don’t want to take time to make myself clothes, however totally awesome they may be. How’s that? Is that good enough? If not, defer to lazy.

And that brings us to the giveaway!

See? PATTERNS!I’m giving away the book to one lucky blog reader! The book not only tells you how to create everything from halter tanks to dresses with knit fabrics of your choice but it includes tips on recycling your old favorite tees (remember all those concerts you went to back in the day?) and tips for the sewing novice. But, wait, it gets better. I know you’re thinking what I am: “How am I going to sew something from a book? Don’t I need a pattern?” That’s the best part! This book comes with patterns! They’re still sealed in the back of the book to prove that this book is new and that I didn’t make myself a new wardrobe and am just trying to pawn something off on you. It’s new! It’s got patterns! And that’s awesome!

So, how do you score it?

Simply leave a comment on this post. Any comment will do. Granted, I’d love if you would tell me why you’d like this book. OR a funny sewing story of your own since I fessed up about my giant pillowcase. Or, if you don’t want the book for yourself but for your uber-crafty sister, you could give me her name and number and I’ll hire her to do these shirts for me. You know, any comment will do.

The contest will end on Monday, June 9 at 1:15pm. (I’ve decided that noon is a bad, bad time for me to end contests! I’m never at the computer.) At that point, I’ll close comments, hit random.org and grab a winner. The winner will be announced (and then e-mailed) on the blog later that afternoon. If you’re interested in purchasing the book no matter if you win or lose, hit it up on Amazon for $17.15!

Bonus points if the winner makes me something. That fits.

  68 Responses to “I Can’t Sew, So It’s a Giveaway!”

  1. Enter me, please. I have had a sewing machine for years. I sew in bits and spurts as the mood strikes. Right now, I am in the middle of a sewing jag. For the first time in my sewing career, I made myself a garment last night. I sewed up an A-line skirt. First time, it was too big, so I took it apart, and resewed. Alas, it was too small….. I will keep trying.
    Shannon

  2. I would love some incentive to drag out the old sewing machine…

  3. I like to think I am an excellent seamstress, but truly, I need help! This book looks amazing. Maybe I can move on from curtains and into clothing!

  4. Sewing is one of my favorite things to do to entertain myself while being a stay at home mom, so I would LOVE this book!

  5. I am really scared about sewing knit fabrics as well-the couple of times I have attempted it have been disastrous!! Thanks for the chance!

  6. Oh, I’d LOVE some tips on sewing with stretch fabrics!!! I have to admit I’m a bit boring on the wardrobe front, but I’m still searching for the perfect turtleneck to fit me. And beyond patterns, the know-how would extend into all the kids’ clothes I’m planning to do! Don’t worry about my housework, it never gets finished anyway, so sewing won’t get in the way! ;-)

  7. Ooo… sounds like fun! Just got a new sewing machine last weekend!! :)

  8. I come from a long line of wonderful sewers. My great grandma and grandma were seamstresses. And my mom made every halloween costume for my sisters and I along with many other great outfits. I have a sewing machine, but not as much skill as they did. I would love to take a shot at some of these patterns. Thanks

  9. what a great giveaway! *crosses fingers*

  10. pick me! my wife got a sewing machine and has made two pairs of pants so far! she is a prodigy!

  11. Oooh–I’d love this book! I love to sew and I’m trying really hard to carve out more time for it in my busy schedule.

  12. I’m new to your blog (via Prizey). I have been obsessively sewing lately and would love to give this book a look. Last night I was just working on a pillowcase and it came out a bit to small. Oops. I guess practice makes perfect.

  13. I haven’t sewed in years, but I bought a new sewing machine recently and I’m ready to get started. This book sounds like a godsend :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!

  14. I AM the uber crafty sister, altho I haven’t sewn very many garments. (just vests years ago from easy preprinted fabric, that was some of the first stuff I sewed)

    I don’t think i have any horror stories, probably because I’ve not sewn clothing. I would like to try tho…

  15. I received a sewing machine for my bday last year. I’m learning how to sew from my mother-in-law. I managed to make a cover for a seat cushion in my baby girl’s room. I’m looking to learn more, so this would be a great prize.

  16. I could ‘sew’ use this, haha. Knits scare me.

  17. so far the extent of my sewing is to make purses. and one apron long long ago. I’ve never ventured to make clothes… sounds like fun!

  18. I’m learning how to sew now, and I think this book would be super helpful! Thank you for this opportunity!

  19. I’m very interested in getting back into sewing for myself. I would love to dive into knits!

  20. I’ve been meaning to pick this book up! I just got a serger and I’m just started out with knits and would love a little guidance!

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