Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Giveaways: Guide to Sewing Book and Shabby Apple Certificate


I have a great couple giveaways for you today. Something to do while I try to get photos of the Easter dresses! I was sent a copy of the book Vogue Butterick Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Techniques and have had a chance to look through it.  You may laugh, but I really found it a good book to curl up with on the couch! I read it cover to cover (while watching TV--I love to multi-task).


It's organized alphabetically so you can easy find a subject you'd like to understand better--different ways of applying facings to collars for instance.


Or the different ways to construct and set in sleeves. I have been using both the "flat" and the "round" construction methods but didn't realize those are the terms.
 
This is a great book for building confidence if you are a beginning sewer. It's so nice to learn about alternative methods of construction or different techniques for finishing. I love a good finish! But there is something for all levels of sewing. For instance it includes instructions for smocking. Something I've always wanted to try. And it defines all the relevant terms. I found I've been using "edgestitching" and "topstitching" interchangeably. It's actually "edgestitching" that I prefer.


Could you use a guide like this? I think anyone who sews could! I've got one copy to giveaway. Just follow the instructions below.

With all of my Easter sewing I was thinking "Mom is the one who really needs a new dress in her closet!" Do you find yourself doing all the sewing for your little ones and never getting to sew for yourself? I plan to do make a few things this Spring but it's often more realistic to buy something. There's only so much time...



My next giveaway is a great solution for sewing moms: a $50 gift certificate to Shabby Apple! They have great dresses inspired by vintage clothing. I love sewing from vintage patterns for my girls (see here for instance) and have been wanting to sewing something vintage-inspired for myself (maybe a shirtwaist dress?), when I find the time. While I'm waiting for that bubble of free time I went ahead and ordered a couple Shabby Apple dresses on sale (coincidentally right before they contacted me about the giveaway) the Casablanca and the Antisuyu.  So cute! Shabby Apple is also offering 15% their vintage pick of the week.

THESE GIVEAWAYS ARE OPEN TO U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY (Sorry).

To enter the Vogue Butterick Step by Step Guide to Sewing Techniques book giveaway:
  • Leave me a comment telling me what sewing term or technique you'd like to bone up on.
To enter to win the Shabby Apple $50 gift certificate:
  • Leave me a comment telling me what you like about vintage-inspired clothing for women.
These giveaways are open until the end of the day next Tuesday, April 9th, and then I'll pick a couple random winners.

Good luck!

 

172 comments:

lori said...

Zippers scare me. I'd love to learn how to do them!

lori said...

I've always loved vintage styles. I love that they look elegant and feminine at the same time.

Little Ella Lu said...

I need to learn more about adjusting patterns to better fit.

Little Ella Lu said...

I love how elegant and feminine vintage clothing is.

RedSparrow said...

I love that vintage styles are more flattering on real women! Women weren't expected to be walking hangers; rather the clothing was expected to accentuate what you already had! I wish modern clothes were more like that.
-Sparrow

Me said...

I will put in a zipper every time over doing button holes! I can't get them right!!!

racheljhunter@gmail.com

zuegerk said...

I'm really a beginner when it comes to sewing clothing, so what I'd really like to do is focus on the basics.

What I love about vintage inspired clothing is that it is so feminine and it seams to be tailored a little better too!

Debbie said...

I would like to learn pattern pattern fitting. Thank you for the chance to win this book; it looks like a great resource.

Amanda said...

Invisible Zippers!!! There's gotta be a better way!!!! :)

Amanda said...

I LOVE how feminine vintage clothes are. So pretty too!
P.S. I'm in love with Shabby Apple. :)

Jessica said...

I would love to sew a placket!

jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I love how beautiful and modest their dresses are

jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com

Doris said...

I like Vintage inspired clothing, particularly dresses and skirts for the longer lengths; above the knee short skirts do nothing for those of us with curves and over 35!

Doris said...

I'm not laughing about you curling up with a sewing book and reading it cover-to-cover, I can completely understand that! Would love to read more about what it says regarding resizing a pattern to suit ones' own fit.

Laura J. said...

I love that vintage inspired clothing is so lady-like and polished. And I second what Doris said about length vs. age!

Emily said...

What a great book! I'd love to learn more about different zipper applications.

Emily said...

I love how lady like and tidy vintage fashions are.

melissa said...

Binding. No matter how good the instructions, mine never looks as good as I think it should.

And I like the feminine quality vintage clothes have.

Nancy said...

Invisible zippers. I just don't understand how to do them!

Nancy said...

I like that vintage dresses are modest

Sherry said...

Zippers, as well as many other techniques!

Paloma said...

I would like to get better at finishing

Sherry said...

Vintage dresses = modest and elegant!

Paloma said...

Vintage clothing is obviously a pretty broad category, but I like the modesty, practicality and fun details. Thanks for the giveaway!

Hillary W said...

I love about vintage design that even casual clothes were tidy and beautiful.

Hillary W said...

I'd like to try putting a side seam pocket in a skirt!

Melinda said...

I think it is the attention to detail and the fit of vintage clothing that I love!

Melinda said...

I need to learn how to add pockets and do REAL zippers in pants!!!

Domestic Diva said...

For the sewing book, I'd like to learn more about putting in zippers. They always give me trouble.

lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com

Domestic Diva said...

For the shabby apple, I LOVE their dresses -- so classy and fun!

I especially like the aphrodite dress.

lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com

Liz M. said...

Zippers! Or bias binding! Either one I constantly live in fear of tasks that require either!

Meghan said...

What a great book! Like a lot of other commenters, I would like to know more about sewing in zippers. They scare me more than button holes!

Paula said...

Oh, I could use that book! I'm really interested in learning shirring methods.

Paula said...

I also like the modesty and femininity of vintage dresses.

Miss Alissa said...

I love that vintage era dresses are more modest...well the eras I like best anyway :)

Tammy said...

I would love to learn different seam techniques.

Tammy said...

Most vintage-inspired clothing is so feminine, and I really like that!

Janna said...

I love the femininity and modesty of most vintage inspired styles.

Janna said...

I need to learn more about blending pattern sizes.

Leigh Anne said...

I'd love to get better at binding. Mine never looks as good as I want it to!

Leigh Anne said...

I love the fit of many of the vintage styles....with the fitted bodice, high waist & flared skirt. So classic & chic!

Rebekah said...

I'm still trying to master sewing in an invisible zipper with a lining/facing.

rebekahricker (at) yahoo (dot) com

Rebekah said...

I love the fit and flare silhouette!

rebekahricker (at) yahoo (dot) com

Zoey Smith said...

Goodness! I don't know if I can pick just one thing I love about vintage clothing. I love how vintage clothing is both feminine, classic, and elegant without being too overdone, especially for every day wear. Vintage styles just seem to have a magical quality to them.
Thank you for hosting this giveaway! I need a new dress for my sister's wedding that is coming up way too fast and while I have time to finish sewing a dress for my daughter, I won't have time to make one for myself. Thank you so much!
My email is zoe.smith06@gmail.com

Mereknits said...

Frankly I would just like to get up enough nerve to sew again, so I need to work on every technique.
Hugs,
Meredith

Unknown said...

i just got my first hand-me-down sewing machine and would love to learn more about how to use it!

Unknown said...

i love how vintage clothes are more modest and feminine

Bea said...

Buttonholes, buttonholes, buttonholes. Can't seem to master them. Thanks for the giveaway.

Bea said...

Vintage inspired clothing is feminine and typically will hide problem areas on your body. Thanks for the giveaway.

Jessica said...

I'd love to have this book! I taught myself to sew, by doing what seemed logical... There are probably all kinds of excellent short cuts and ways to do things properly that I'm missing out on! :)

cali said...

I love vintage inspired clothes because the shapes and lines look so much better on my body!

cali said...

As far as sewing goes, when I attach the top of the dress to the skirt sometimes weird things happen, specifically with what I am making now...is there a better way? Probably maybe that book has the answer :)

Rachel said...

For the sewing there's a lot I could learn. I love doing baby and toddler clothes. I think what I have the most trouble with are hemming necklines and doing collars. They can be frustrating to me. this would be an awesome resource!

Rachel said...

I love vintage clothing because it's so feminine, beautiful, and fun! Thanks for a chance to win some lovely things

easyasbreathing said...

I'm really a rank beginner at sewing, but I really want to learn how to properly fit clothing

Lizzy said...

I would like to become more confident as sewing ruffles/gathering. It never turns out even and cute.

easyasbreathing said...

I love that vintage styles were actually designed around women with curves! Try finding hips like those on modern clothes- not gonna happen.

Lizzy said...

The vintage style is very classic and modest. Something that isn't the easiest to find.

Falafel and the Bee said...

Boob darts! Gah. Even the term scares me.
~Michelle

Falafel and the Bee said...

I love me some vintage styled clothing! It is classic and elegant.
~Michelle

Melissa Palmer said...

I love vintage because it's cute, yet modest!

Thanks for the chance at the Shabby Apple gift card!

Melissa
mjp_0419 at yahoo dot com

Sharon said...

I could use a refresher on just about everything! buttonholes and sleeves and zippers and finishing!!

Sharon said...

The dresses call to mind a more gentle time and feeling. Kind of romantic...

Anonymous said...

I like the modesty in vintage inspired clothes.

Diana C
unachica_latina at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I would love to learn how to tailor something to make a perfect fit.

Diana C
unachica_latina at yahoo dot com

jenicini said...

I'm not sure I even know any terms to say that I would like explained! I'm pretty much a novice....making crafty projects like a tent and a quiet book for my son. Straight lines, zippers, embellishments....maybe I need a tutorial on simply cutting out pieces for a garment!

jenicini said...

My favorite thing about vintage clothes is that they seemed to flatter the feminine parts of a woman which I so appreciate!

Bari Jo said...

Thank you for this chance to win! I would love to learn more about how to fit things like pants so they drape nicely and don't pucker in the wrong places!

Bari Jo said...

What I love about vintage styles is the modesty of them and the longer hem lines seem more elegant - especially love tea length dresses.....

trecib said...

The french seam makes my head hurt. I just learned that there is also a Hong Kong seam that is making my eye twitch. I would like to learn how to do them both without involuntary facial ticks.

Unknown said...

I love the fact that they are classy and modest! I love Shabby Apple. I love the Admiral dress. I would love to win. I want to thank you for the chance!

Best of luck to everyone.

lemongreen915@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Their are so many techniques that I need to learn but the one I am focusing on right now is bound button holes.

Unknown said...

Definitely zippers- not my finest moments

Unknown said...

Love how clean and tailored vintage fashions are

Bekah said...

What I love about vintage is the femininity combined with modesty. Modern modest too often is downright frumpy.

candacek said...

I only know basic stitches, have only done one zipper, and never done button holes. This book would be super handy!

candacek said...

Vintage clothing is so beautiful. I love the shape of vintage dresses.

Pattij said...

I could really use some help with all kinds of zippers!
Evin5 at aol dot com

Pattij said...

I love how feminine vintage clothing is!
Evin5 at aol dot com

Cathy said...

I would like to learn to sew in a zipper better and help with fit.

debrajwebb said...

I love inspiring uniquely creative eclectic arts, crafts, sewing, quilting, fashions, jewelry, accessories, decor, gifts and mixed medias from all eras. I would love this awesome sewing fashions guide book to sew my own things reflecting my personal style and for sharing as gifts! I would also love the Shabby Apple gift certificate as this store has beautiful things!
Blessings!
<3 ;-}
from Debra J Webb

Melissa Hardigree Pilsner said...

I want to master zippers! I understand how to do it, but I haven't practiced!

Melissa Hardigree Pilsner said...

I love the shapes of vintage clothing and the quality in which garments used to be made!

Beth said...

Sewing knits scare me, double needles and sleeves.

Unknown said...

I would LOVE to learn how to complete facings and have them lay flat and look nice!

Unknown said...

I think vintage dresses just look so elegant and classy, even the simpler styles have class!

rads said...

i would like to learn how to sew curves and collars.

rads said...

I love the way vintage clothing styles

charissa said...

appliques

charissa said...

they are just so feminine and pretty!

Rachel Winningham said...

I'm new to sewing and I would love to learn how to hem.

Unknown said...

Would love to learn to do a better job with bindings!

Anita Gambrell said...

I sure would love to learn more on the seam techniques & the the couture.

Anita Gambrell said...

Vintage inspired clothing is so beautiful! I like it best even on my fuller figure!

Unknown said...

Welt pockets freak me out, time to get over it!

amies mom said...

I would love to bone up on adding boning to the bodice of strapless or spaghetti strapped dresses

amies mom said...

Vintage clothing seems so elegant when compared to much of today's clothing

Wylie said...

I am a self-taught sewer, and I rarely attempt anything very challenging. When I do, I always feel like something goes wrong. I would love to win this new how-to book!

Wylie said...

Vintage clothing just seems more beautiful somehow than today's fashions. I also think vintage clothing was probably much better made, and had much more attention to detail, than modern closing is.

Patti said...

When I was at home, Mom made my clothes and I made my brothers' shirts so I got very little practice making "pretty things" like ruffles, covered buttons, etc.

Patti said...

I simply adore the simple, yet elegant styles of vintage clothing. Oh yes, and the fabrics...!

GrayColors said...

Its a little embarrassing but i need to get more knowledge on facing

GrayColors said...

Vintage clothing always looks so elegant! And making your own adds that additional unique touch!

Deb Sweeney said...

I've always been attracted to vintage styles--particularly those of the 50's. They are usually so classic and flatter curvier figures without making you feel exposed.

Kelly said...

I definitely need more information on inserting sleeves and working with knits!

Kelly said...

I love how feminine and classy I feel when I wear vintage!

Tabitha said...

I need help with zippers (and all of the more advanced techniques!) - lifesongmama (at) gmail (dot) com

Tabitha said...

I love the feminine simplicity of vintage clothing--a throwback to simpler times - lifesongmama (at) gmail (dot) com

Elly said...

I would love to gain confidence and make simple projects like bunting, cushions and pillow cases.

Ki Wa said...

I really need to learn how to do zippers properly. Mine never look nice :-(

Ki Wa said...

I love the classy look of the vintage clothing! It is so professional and still a little funky ;-)

Tiffany C. said...

I'd LOVE to win this book! I'm 41 & "trying" to teach myself to sew. I'm sure this book would be so helpful to me as I become more confident in my sewing.

Karen said...

For the book: Like most I would love to get better at putting in zippers. Different ways of lining things would be great also, I think I make it harder on myself than it needs to be!

patriotsgirl4life (at) yahoo (dot) com

Karen said...

Shabby Apple Giveaway: I love how timeless vintage pieces can be. They are vintage, yes, but not at all dated. They have beautiful, classic elements and a longevity that modern pieces just don't give you.

patriotsgirl4life (at) yahoo (dot) com

Tiffany C. said...

I've always loved vintage clothing. Such beautiful lines, more modest but still classy. Shabby Apple has amazing dresses, skirts & blouses!

protestanthedonist said...

I have a super cute blouse that's been lying around half-finished for years, because I just can't figure out underarm gussets.

Thanks for the book review. I might have to buy it even if I don't win. :)

Eleanor said...

I would also love to learn to smock! My grandmother made beautiful clothes for my sisters and me, but her health was too bad to teach me when I was old enough to learn. I'd love to do it for my girls.


practicalpeacesatyahoodotcom

Eleanor said...

I love the classy lines of vintage clothing - sexy with out overly constricting or exposed.


practicalpeacesatyahoodotcom

Anonymous said...

The length is perfect and makes me look and feel like a lady. It is very difficult to find proper length in the stores anymore.My name is Candice>

Unknown said...

I'd love to learn more about seaming. I just mastered the french seam and would like to know what other techniques are out there.

Unknown said...

What I love about vintage styles is the attention to femininity and curves. Fifties clothing has always seemed so glamorous.

Reb Thack said...

I love vintage inspired clothes because they make me feel like a lady. They are sophisticated, sexy and leave much to the imagination - unlike many current styles.

Mary Jo said...

For the book giveaway, I'd like more practice with collars and and sleeves. :)

Mary Jo said...

For the Shabby Apple giveaway, I'd say I love the classic look of vintage-inspired clothing. The dresses seem to make the wearer appear so pulled-together (even if she isn't) and that's totally what I need sometimes!

Breathing In Grace said...

Probably sewing in zippers...make me nervous!!!

Breathing In Grace said...

The vintage inspired clothing remind me so much of pictures I've seen of my Mom when she was young....a real knockout!!!

Deanna said...

I need to work on my zipper skills. I've forgotten how!

Deanna said...

The femininity of a bygone era is intriguing and I'd love more clothes that mirror that.

MinnesotaMary said...

I'd love to learn how to do welt pockets! I'm sure if I looked through the book I'd find another 50 things I'd love to learn more about too!

MinnesotaMary said...

Shabby Apple/vintage dresses are so great because they are still sexy but much more modest than all the dresses out there now. Like a lady!!

Truckredford said...

Shabby Apple...vintage style is so classic and feminine..it doesn't make us look like boxes or show too much off...it's just so perfect.

Trish said...

I'd like to learn more about making sleeves.

Trish said...

I like how feminine vintage/vintage inspired clothing is

rturner said...

I would love to perfect collars with trim.

rturner said...

I love all things old and sentimental so why not clothing too!

Terry said...

I love how vintage dresses are feminine, classy, and sexy without sacrificing modesty. Thank you for TWO awesome giveaways!

Terry said...

I would like to 'bone up', not on boning (ha!, I did that once and am glad it's not a technique that's in common sewing these days), but on inserting invisible zippers and those pockets that are flat with a fabric trim on the outside ... what are those called? Thank you for the giveaways!!

Unknown said...

I'm a beginning sewer and I'd love to learn how apply a zipper



2.I love vintage because it represents class and elegance, women.

jeifner said...

I would love to learn how to smock! It's so pretty and complex.

jeifner said...

I love vintage clothes. They are pretty and feminine and usually have special details that newer dresses and clothes don't have. The construction is all about flattering the figure and who wouldn't want that?

Gabriela said...

I would really like to brush up on facings and also on adjusting patterns, particularly at the bust.

Jessie said...

I want to enter the Shabby Apple giveaway!

I love how vintage clothing is modest and flattering. I don't feel like I have to cover up - in fact, I feel like vintage style clothing shows me more!

jess.alora[@]gmail[.]com

Marchelle AD said...

I would like to enter the sewing book giveaway, I need to bone up on hemming techniques!!

Anonymous said...

I would love to be able to do zippers. ksvos2(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I think vintage clothing is very classy and really says something about the woman who wears it.

Kathy ksvos2(at)hotmail(dot)come

Taka said...

That amazing to learn more about making this blue dress with flower pattern. Is that manual book to create this one.

Lisa said...

Zippers! Zippers! Zippers!

Lisa said...

I think vintage dresses have class!

Adrienne said...

I NEED help with arm holes and sleeves! =]

Adrienne said...

What I like about vintage-inspired clothing?!?! Classic, Sweet, charming & Cute to name a few reasons! =) Thank you for having this giveaway!

Rachel Travis said...

I love that the clothes are adorable and modest!!!

rachelmarietravis at gmail dot com

Sarah Kubinski said...

I love the shapes in vintage clothing. Fully skirts are my friend :-)

Lindsay said...

I need help with zippers!

Lindsay said...

I think vintage styles are elegant and feminine.

Cate said...

Button plackets!! Any assistance in that regard would be wonderful. I definitely need to invest in a quality techniques book.

Cate said...

Vintage styles just seem so much classier than the casual styles that seem to rule the day now. Of course, that's coming from someone who wears jeans and a Gap t-shirt 95% of the time! :)

johnnyp said...

I like vintage inspired clothing for women because I think it makes them look stylish and sophisticated

hdeanna69 said...

i love the classy look of vintage wear

Anonymous said...

I love that vintage clothes are so flattering and feminine!

faydra6@gmail.com

jennifer said...

i love the modesty and femininity of vintage

Deb said...

I would like to review the basics so I can begin teaching my daughter how to sew. She is so excited to learn!

Unknown said...

I love vintage clothing because it is so unique yet classic. I love the colors and the styles. they are so beautify. amypugmire@live.com

Saurus said...

I need to learn how to do pockets! And I love vintage-inspired clothing because they're such classic fashions that never really go out of style. :)

vitabenedicta said...

Uh, I only do embroidery and basic hand-sewing so I have a LOT of sewing techniques I still need to learn.

vitabenedicta said...

Vintage style tends to be modest, which is nice!

Grace Mitton said...

Vintage is my very favorite! I love how it's always so classy and usually so modest.

gracie.rm@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I haven't sewed much for the last several years and would like to start sewing for my 3 granddaughters! So I could use all the help I can get!
Janet
gyoder3@frontier.com

Anonymous said...

I love vintage looking clothes..the love the clean and simple lines and it reminds me of my Grandma who always wore a dress and I thought very put together!
Janet
gyoder3@frontier.com

Meghan said...

I'd like to learn more about reading patterns. I'm a very new sewer.

Meghan said...

I think that vintage-inspired clothing looks better on me than modern clothes.

Mr. Sprout said...

Taking measurements. Seems so simple, but I get it wrong.

Mr. Sprout said...

And vintage clothes: They're much dressier than most contemporary clothes. I like the idea of being more dressed-up more often.

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