Tuesday 30 October 2012

(Belated) Giveaway Monday: 'Sew Over It' Book

*UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*


Forgive the Tuesday-ness of this instalment of 'Giveaway Monday', I've got a shitty virus and was thoroughly sofa-bound yesterday. Anyways! Thanks to everyone who entered last Monday's giveaway which came courtesy of awesome Etsy shop 'The Polished Button'. The winners were selected by random number generator and have been contacted.


Today's prize is the new book by sewing teacher and sewing cafe owner, Lisa Comfort. Named after her South London based sewing shop/cafe/school, 'Sew Over It' the book is just as pretty and well produced. Before I continue, I feel the need to disclose any potential source of bias I may have: I was invited to the launch of this book, given a glass of champagne and a free copy of this book. I think I was chosen to 'represent' for the sewing bloggers (along with Tilly) at the event because I wrote about my visit to the shop last year. However, it takes more than one glass of champagne to buy my favour (FYI: it takes a bottle to do that!) so I think I can remain balanced in my opinion!


'So, what's this book like then?', I hear you ask. Well, it's definitely aimed at beginners rather than sewers with a fair chunk of sewing experience under their belts, which is not to say this book couldn't teach anything to the later category. It's thoughtfully planned out, this book. It starts with the uber-basics (including introducing the needle and thread, basic hand-stitches and sewing on a button) and then encourages the reader to take a look at the clothes already in their wardrobes and introduces some nice ways to customise and jazz-up (did I just write 'jazz-up'? I must still be very ill) your garments.


Next, Lisa encourages the reader to push their developing skills towards more substantial clothing alterations with more sewing-machine action than the customisation section required. She walks you through some clever tactics for making old and tired or second-hand/vintage clothing more wearable and updated. They following step is some basic projects starting from scratch with shop-bought fabric. These tend to be pretty accessories projects, including a 50's style head band that I might have a go at myself. The final section, entitled 'Challenging Yourself', encourages the reader to have a bash at some pattern-free garment and bag making. You are taken through three types of skirt and a reversible bag project by the end of which you may find yourself ready and chomping at the bit to get into more involved dress-making. At that point I'd recommend you attend the 'Introduction to Commercial Sewing Patterns' class I teach at Super+Super HQ in Brighton! (Hahaha! Do you see what I did there?! I sneaked in some subtle self-promotion!)


But back to the book, it really is a beaut, with a very feminine, retro-y aesthetic. If that aesthetic doesn't float your boat, perhaps another beginners sewing book would be more inspirational for you. However, if you are interesting in starting to sew, or know someone else who is, and want a pretty, positive resource to help you on your way, this is a good volume to get hold of. And I have one copy to give away to a blog reader.


To enter, just leave a comment in the comments section of this post telling me why you fancy getting hold of a copy of 'Sew Over It' (no reason, I'm just nosey). If I can't access your email address within two clicks, please include it in your entry comment. Email addresses will not be used for anything other than to contact you if you are the lucky winner of this giveaway. This giveaway is open internationally and winner will receive the book completely free of charge. The giveaway entries will close at midnight GMT Sunday 4th November and the winner will be chosen by random number generator and contacted Monday 5th November October. Good luck, my book-loving friends!

47 comments:

AnnabelVita said...

Oh, I'd love this! I'm getting ok at sewing with patterns but still hesitate over alterations and the like.

Brooke said...

The projects look fun! I like simple things since I don't have much time to sew for my self- I have 3, soon to be 4 kiddos!
brooke at richardchurch dot com

Masustak eguzkitan said...

Thanks for this giveaway!!! I love sewing, but I´m an impatience person, so I like sewing quick and easy projects.

Masustak eguzkitan said...

uuppps I forgot my e-mail:
masustakeguzkitan (at) gmail (dot) com

MParent said...

Houuuu ! What a great idea. I never heard of this sewing book and seeing the images, it looks interesting. I'm in for the giveaway :)

My e-mail : mode_design_@hotmail.com

mpbymaude.blogspot.ca

Domestic Diva said...

This sounds like fun, and I'm always looking to learn more sewing skills.

lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com

House of Pinheiro said...

I am a nerd so I need more books! ;o))

Unknown said...

This looks like an awesome book. I need to reinforce my basic sewing skills. I'm always trying to get ahead of myself.

kayaboodesigns@gmail.com

Rebeccacguth said...

I am not super talented but love learning. This book looks like it cold be a huge help.

MadameRenard said...

I hope this giveaway is opened to readers from all parts of the world (I live in Italy).
if it is so... please, include me. I've been sewing for 3-4 years now, but I'm totally self-taught and I always need good books to improve my skills and learn othe things about sewing.
THank you!!!
Silvia
silviatriv @ g m a i l . com

Katie said...

I need this book because:
A) I am the very definition of a beginner when it comes to sewing, so I'm sure it would be incredibly helpful!
B) November 5th is my birthday, and winning this book on my birthday would be a most excellent present :)

kegross144 (at) gmail (dot) com

Carolyn said...

Loving the headbands and skirts!
carriemak at aol dot com

Tracy - The Material Girl said...

I love the look of the book - I struggle with customising existing garments, I just never know where to start.
tracy@thematerialgirl.co.uk

Emma Jane said...

I love the idea of embellishing/re-styling clothes you already own! Thanks for the giveaway.

prettoej at gmail dot com

Sophie Miriam said...

I would like it because I have lots of shirts I need to redo!

sophie.m.gorman (at) hotmail

Rebekah said...

I like the sound of the alteration sections.

rebekahricker (at) yahoo (dot) com

Miriam said...

love the look of this - I'm a fairly experienced sew-er but I don't do a lot of making over. Also just have to say love the way you 'talk'(write) makes me laugh

jo90 said...

I love just reading books for inspiration. I like the look of the skirt!
joannaelisabethbateyatyahoodotcom

Far said...

I love books!! :) So thank you for this chance (and commenting on my refashion the other day!!!)... I think I would read the book cover to cover and then send it over to my old friend who's just starting to sew, and learning on her own just like I did (and am still doing). I think she will enjoy it!
farsland1979 (at) gmail (dot) com

Lori said...

I'd love to learn how to alter used clothing to make it more modern and more me since I don't like buying anything new. In fact, it's part of the reason I discovered your blog!

Thanks for hosting such a lovely giveaway, good luck everyone :)

I do hope you are feeling better soon <3

only (dot) lori (at) gmail (dot) com

SEW RED HOT said...

I love the look of this book for my daughter who is yo-yo-ing back and forth with wanting to sew, then going off it. She needs projects!!
Thanks for the opportunity.
lore
x

sew rachel! said...

I just stumbled on your blog this past week and love it! I used to sew in high school, but never very well. I was better with design than execution. Now at 25 I'm starting to design and sew again and want to learn to do it RIGHT!

Fiona Parker said...

It looks like there are some really original projects in the book, plus I don't live too far from Lisa's shop and I love it!
parker.fiona@hotmail.com

Miss Emmi said...

I would really love to learn how to alter my clothes! I'm hopeless! This looks like an awesome book for a beginner.

Debbie said...

Looks like a lovely book. If I win I know someone who is learning to sew and would love this book ( if I could part with it!!).

Macska said...

What a lovely looking book! I have a friend who is just learning how to sew, so if I'm lucky enough to win this it would be a fantastic surprise gift for her. :-)

Lois said...

My new obsession is..... sewing books!! I LOVE THEM! They are slowly taking up my bookshelf and bedtime reading has become a shuffling of patterns.
my email is loisstucker@gmail.com

tialys said...

I've seen a review on this book on another blog. Sounds great. I sew but hate altering things so perhaps this might give me a bit of encouragement!
thetialys@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I love sewing, even though I'm a beginner. Bluejennmc@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I'm a complete novice at sewing so this book would be really useful, Thanks!

lolly said...

Another one here that's useless at alterations. Thanks for the giveaway.
lollylocks@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I've heard so much about this book and would love to try some of the projects to build up my sewing confidence. emmaallanaclarke@gmail.com

misscottonandcake said...

I'm addicted to craft books - giveaway excitement!! After my little sewing session with you at the knitting and stitching show I've been inspired to start dressmaking so this will be the push I need. Good luck to all

Polly Primrose said...

I have some lovely sewing books which I LOVE looking at longingly but now Xmas is looming I need a seriously good book for beginners. Hands up - I've finally admitted that's where I need to start!

Lily Bean said...

i am still learning to sew and use patterns and any help is always appreciated. i love turning to sewing books when i get stuck

aprettymess@ymail.com

Carmen said...

I'd love to get the book because I live near Clapham, I've been to the Sew Over it Studio, I think it's just such a pretty place and I believe Lisa is incredibly talented, so I guess the book must be fantastic!

Lotts and lots said...

Oh this book looks great would love to win a copy. Seems like there are some inspiring projects to try out.

Lotts x
Lottsandlots@gmail.com

ldolan25 said...

Looks like a really useful book! Ic ould use a good guide for alterations for sure :-)

lisacdolan at gmail dot com

Umi said...

My mum is an amazing seamstress and so is my sister and a very good friend of mine is also a very talented sewing individual! Now that i am a mum i really think i should learn to sew. There are halloween costumes to learn how to make and summer dresses! Umihawa@rocketmail.com

Hazel said...

Awesome giveaway! Although I'm not a beginner, I love having books like this around incase there's something simple I'm missing when I'm not paying 100% attention to my projects!

Rachael K. said...

I would love to win a copy of this book because they look sewable to a neophyte sewer like me!
riverpurl at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

You sold me in your description of this book. Lately I haven't had a lot of luck with sewing for myself from commercial patterns so I've been altering and refashioning a lot more. Always good to have new ideas/techniques for doing this!
shannandesh at msn dot com

rmf said...

I tried to visit Sew Over It 3 months ago but the shop was closed and I left London before I had chance to return! I've started sewing last year and I've been looking for encouraging books to challenge me. It will be great to win!

Nicole said...

I'm a fairly beginner sewist...at that stage where even the most simple projects are a total learning experience. I don't currently have any books on sewing (other than a corset book that is way beyond my skill level) so I think this book would be pretty awesome. nkbduckie(at)gmail.com(dot)com

Mary said...

I am an experienced quilter but have just started sewing again after many years. I lost some weight and need to make a lot of alterations to clothing this winter and I don't have anything that would help with that. Would love to win this one. marydevol at comcast dot net

Unknown said...

Ooooh, count me in Zo! Although I'd no longer class myself as a beginner sewer, I think inspiration can be gained from simple projects whatever your level. In fact, I tend to find simplicity more attractive than complexity. (That's how I picked my man, he he. Don't tell him I said that though ;)
Px

Water Lily Wishes said...

I would love to win this, I've previously focussed on house sewing projects and would love to start customising my own wardrobe to give it some edge.

Please pick me!! My email address is a.kilbey@hotmail.com

x

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