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Giveaway: The Complete Photo Guide to Clothing Instruction
I’m happy to be taking part in the blog tour for my friend Christine Haynes‘ brand new book, The Complete Photo Guide To Clothing Construction. Today, we’re offering one lucky reader a free copy of the book (see details below).
First, I wanted to share a few pages of this fantastic book with you, to give you a sense of what’s inside.
Personally, I am a big believer in photo-heavy instructional books. I’m a visual learner, and I tend to think that clear color photographs are one of the absolute best ways to demonstrate any sort of needlecraft technique.
And the sheer number of photos in this book means that Christine has fit a huge abundance of information into this slender and beautiful book. There are over 600 full color photos, demonstrating everything from how to install zippers to sewing with knits.
This book is like a an extended class in garment sewing, only in book form. With a wonderful teacher like Christine at your side, you can basically learn anything.
Here’s a preview of the kind of clear, quality instruction you’ll see in this book:
I highly encourage you to pick up a copy, and I say that not only as Christine’s friend and admirer, but as a collector of fabulous sewing books. This is the sort of book you will find yourself turning to again and again.
Giveaway
To enter to win a free copy of this book, leave a comment below telling me one sewing technique you’d like to learn or get better at.
I will choose a lucky winner by random number generator after Friday, March 7 at midnight Pacific time. You have until then to enter.
International entries are welcome, and we will pay for shipping (though if you are outside the US, you are responsible for any local duties that may be charged).
Good luck, and be sure to pick up a copy!
PS: Tomorrow, the blog tour will move to another friend’s blog, Erin of Miss Crayola Creepy fame. Be sure to visit Erin too!
UPDATE: The winner of this book is Stella, who answered our question with: “How to use my serger/overlocker and whip those stretchy fabrics into shape!” Congrats, Stella!
Comments
Tonia Jeffery
March 3, 2014 #
I would like to improve my zipper skills and learn how to do bound button holes.
Mallory
March 3, 2014 #
I’d love to get better at sewing in zippers. I’ve only ever had one zipper (lapped, at that!) that went in how I wanted it. I’d also like to learn how to set in sleeves in an easier way.
cadi
March 3, 2014 #
I’d love to learn fly zippers, welt pockets, and more professional looking finishing techniques!
Rachael
March 3, 2014 #
I would love some tips on nice flat collars and hems on delicate fabric
Mel
March 3, 2014 #
Learn the basics of stitches and their best use
Robin (not ever sewing)
March 3, 2014 #
Sleeves!
AmandaK@whatthebobbin.com
March 3, 2014 #
I really would like to learn more about seam finishing techniques. Looks like a great book. Thanks.
LG
March 3, 2014 #
I have never really mastered bound buttonholes or double welt pockets.
Constance
March 3, 2014 #
Ooo! What a gorgeous book!
I would like to have a better grasp of lining techniques — flat, loose, attached.
Oh, and fly-fronts. Just like everyone else, it seems. :)
Laura
March 3, 2014 #
Collars. I don’t think I’ve ever done one.
Mary
March 3, 2014 #
I would love to get over my fear of sewing knit fabrics with out a serger. I think knowledge overcomes fear almost always (does not work for fear of heights).
Tracey
March 3, 2014 #
I’d love to improve my fly zippers. They never lay quite flat!
Jessica
March 3, 2014 #
I really struggle with sleeves of any kind and would love to finally conquer this!
Amy Clark
March 3, 2014 #
Darts and other pattern modifications for fit. Definitely!
Shelly
March 3, 2014 #
Gosh, it’s a toss up between buttonholes and mastering the gathering foot! In all fairness, I haven’t even TRIED the gathering foot, as it seems way too complicated and somewhat scary, so I guess I’ll go with buttonholes! I would LOVE to have a copy of this book!
Anna
March 3, 2014 #
Pants in general.
Maria Whitehead
March 3, 2014 #
Have been following your blog for a while now and really enjoy it. Learning lots from it. I would love to learn how to sew with knits.
Ping
March 3, 2014 #
I absolutely suck at zippers, especially invisible ones. A friend tried to show me how to do it once but I think I have somewhat of a mental block.
Lisa
March 3, 2014 #
I want to get better with my serger. My husband gave me one for my birthday about 4 years ago, and I have yet to manage a successful projects with it. There’s a class on Craftsy that seems like it’s a good place for me to start, so that’s my goal for this year, to take that class as a birthday present to myself.
Jeanne
March 3, 2014 #
What a great giveaway! This book seems like it is the perfect reference book. I would love to have it in my collection. I would love to be more skilled at zippers, I currently have a bias cut bodice that is giving me troubles when it comes to the zippper.
That Married Couple
March 3, 2014 #
I really want to learn how to draft my own clothes, so I can sew clothes that fit perfectly!
Siobhan
March 3, 2014 #
That book looks fantastic! I’m a bit uncertain about sewing on collars, and that is one technique I would love to master as I wear collared shirts all the time.
Karina Reid
March 3, 2014 #
Pants! And fly – front zippers, I have a few pant patterns that I have to try including Clovers :)
Heather
March 3, 2014 #
Zippers! I try and try and can never get them quite right. I always wish my Grandma were there helping walk me through it!
Jen L
March 3, 2014 #
I would like to learn better fitting, although lots of picture of any sewing step would probably help me get a better finished garment.
Erin
March 3, 2014 #
Zippers scare me: I think this book may cure me of this. Thanks for the giveaway!
Katie
March 3, 2014 #
Pants I really don’t understand the curve thingy.
Taya@TypeB
March 3, 2014 #
I would like to learn more about fit. I haven’t had a lot of luck with getting adult patterns to fit well. Thanks – looks like a great resource!
Kaye
March 3, 2014 #
I really need to work on sewing knits!
angie s.
March 3, 2014 #
I need help with it all. I just started my first garment, but I have only been sewing for two months.
Ledys
March 3, 2014 #
Thank you, Sarai and Christine! I think grading sizes and welt pockets, and bound buttonholes… There are so many techniques to try! I can’t wait to flip through this book!
Meagen
March 3, 2014 #
I would love to learn more techniques for working with knits.
SizeMode
March 3, 2014 #
the real brass tax about working with silks
Tai
March 3, 2014 #
I really want to learn how to work with stretch fabrics.
WendP
March 3, 2014 #
The sewing technique I need to learn is “patience”. Do *all* the steps. Take your time. Double-check. Triple-check. Really, it’s okay. Don’t rush it. I don’t know nearly enough yet to take shortcuts. Especially when I don’t know what the shortcuts are and I just start leaving out things I don’t understand or think are boring. Deep breath, enjoy the journey.
Erica F.
March 3, 2014 #
Like a lot of people who commented before me, I would love to learn how to insert zippers with better results than my current messed up attempts. Learning how to line things without wanting to tear my hear out would also be nice.
Edyta
March 3, 2014 #
I would love to get better at making but to holes
Becky
March 3, 2014 #
Oh, so many techniques I could mention!
I’ll choose understitching, because it seems simple and I’ve had trouble with it. Sewing guides tend to gloss over understitching because it IS a simple concept and I think I need a few more pictures and sentences to help me out!
Toni
March 3, 2014 #
I’d like to improve my installation of standard zippers.
Meredith
March 3, 2014 #
I would like to better with alot if things. Zippers,
Buttons, and achieving a more professional finish to name a few.
Katy
March 3, 2014 #
I want to learn how to properly install a separating zipper.
nakamarra
March 3, 2014 #
What a beautiful and thoughtfully made book! I’d love a copy :)
Essian
March 3, 2014 #
Simple pattern alterations and hemming. Mine always seem to be wonky!
Amanda
March 3, 2014 #
Ooh I can’t wait to get my hands on this book – I would love to win a copy! I think the thing I would like to learn from Christine is how to set-in sleeves properly.. it’s something I’ve yet to learn how to do yet, and would like to read what tips she has on the topic. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win!!
Maggie
March 3, 2014 #
I’ll join the chorus and shout Zippers! I’d also love some advice about different seam finishes, as I only have a regular sewing machine, no serger.
Shannon
March 3, 2014 #
I would love to learn how to sew a fly front zipper and get better at sewing with knits!
Laura Serna
March 3, 2014 #
zippers, my bete noire
Ginny
March 3, 2014 #
I’d love to get better at curved seams. I dream of Peter Pan collars but they need to be symmetrical and properly finished to look good.
Teresa
March 3, 2014 #
I would love to learn more about zippers! Thanks I love your blog!
Megan
March 3, 2014 #
Hmm…… zips and darts.
Kerynne
March 3, 2014 #
I am keen to learn how to sew knit garments.
Joanne
March 3, 2014 #
Even though they usually turn out okay, buttonholes freak me out more than anything. I’m down for any tips involving buttonholes beyond my usual “take-a-drink; it’ll-be-ok” mantra.
Journey
March 3, 2014 #
Working with elastic thread.
Vicky
March 3, 2014 #
I’d love to improve my invisible zippers and seam finishes
Carol G
March 3, 2014 #
I suffer from FOF (fear of fasteners) so buttons and zippers.
Caroline
March 3, 2014 #
I’d love to get better at tailoring or couture techniques. Also special hand-sewn stitches like fancy bar tacks! Thanks for the give away!
Jessie Aucoin
March 3, 2014 #
Thank you for the great giveaway! I could use a ton of more help on my installation of closures. All of them…
yungokie
March 3, 2014 #
Zippers, sleeves, and darts!!
Melanie Rhoades
March 3, 2014 #
I need to learn just about everything, just learned how to sew!
Elizabeth
March 3, 2014 #
Sewing with stretch fabrics is something I really need to work on! I would love a copy of this book.
Bianca
March 3, 2014 #
Sleeves scare the crap out of me…I’ve never really attempted them.
Lisa
March 3, 2014 #
This book looks amazing! I want to learn more about sewing different types of collars.
Hannah
March 3, 2014 #
One thing I have to master is zipper installment. I only sewn one zipper and it was not straight down my back. This book looks so good and i was thinking the other day how i would like a sewing book. Since the only sewing book i ever owned was a childrens one. I really do hope i win.
Mary
March 3, 2014 #
I’d like to make perfect collars.
Rachelle – Warming Crafts
March 3, 2014 #
Padstitching in jackets
Jenelle
March 3, 2014 #
Set-in sleeves are something I’d like to master. Thanks for the chance!
Emily
March 3, 2014 #
wow, this book looks like a fabulous reference tool! I would especially love to learn more about pants construction, especially fly zippers – those completely mystifies me!
Missy
March 3, 2014 #
Gathering and easing!
Ayse
March 3, 2014 #
I want to get better at invisible zippers, like a lot of people.
Stephanie
March 3, 2014 #
Button holes and loops for buttons.. I can never get them to look right or nice.
a.fee
March 3, 2014 #
Zippers! Full bust adjustments! Sleeves that don’t constantly look like you put them in backwards, no matter what!
Wendy
March 3, 2014 #
I’m a relatively new sewist and entirely self-taught, so I’m always looking for good advice in all aspects of sewing. Where I really need all the help I can get is with anything related to finishing. I’ll definitely buy the book even though I probably won’t win the drawing!
Sarah
March 3, 2014 #
ditto on zippers… also… that thing when you wind the elastic on the bobbin and sew… is that rouching? … and naming techniques and construction anatomy! I pick up little bits from patterns and blogs, but it would be awesome to just have a RESOURCE to learn it all… (insert Homer greedy doughnut gargle here)
Stephanie Chen
March 3, 2014 #
Definitely lapped zippers!
CG
March 3, 2014 #
Oooh, love the look of the book. Would REALLY like to learn how to take in ready-to-wear pants at the waist…
Nenny
March 3, 2014 #
Thanks for the giveaway. I really want to hem curve line and sew lining perfectly…
Kelly
March 3, 2014 #
I would love to get better at installing zippers. I have read lots of tutorials but for some reason they never turn out quite right. I must be missing something…perhaps I will find the answer in this book!
rapha b
March 3, 2014 #
Interfacing!
Pamela H.
March 3, 2014 #
I want to make bound buttonholes! They take the look of any garment to another level. I also read several comments about zippers set in front fly pants and would certainly welcome instruction in that area as well.
sherri
March 3, 2014 #
I would like to learn how to sew a zipper fly.
Paloma
March 3, 2014 #
Would love to gain more confidence with collars
Janis
March 3, 2014 #
Fitting pants!
Kayla Ott
March 3, 2014 #
I’d like to get better at sewing darts.
Marie-Pierre
March 3, 2014 #
Collars!
Jessica
March 3, 2014 #
I need to learn more about finishing techniques. I can get 90% through a project and then it just withers away with raw hems and no button holes. Plus, bad finishing just ruins all your hard work. I think that is why I get stuck, I’m afraid I’ll do it badly!
Shannon
March 3, 2014 #
I’d like to learn more about proper fitting.
vivien
March 3, 2014 #
I have only just started to learn to sew, so improving my seam finishes is what I would love to improve.
Joyce
March 3, 2014 #
I’d like to learn more about buttonholes. I find them daunting but desperately want to make Hawthorne!
Therese
March 3, 2014 #
I would like to improve my zipper and pocket techniques.
Lynn b
March 3, 2014 #
I want to master bound buttonholes in a lined garment (think coat) so the buttonhole looks as good on the inside as the outside.
Anna
March 3, 2014 #
Would love to learn how to insert a fly zip on a pair of pants! thanks! :)
meghan
March 3, 2014 #
Button holes!!
Maaike
March 3, 2014 #
I’m starting sewing, so learning all the basics properly is my first goal. After that, getting creative!
Brooke
March 3, 2014 #
I would like to know how to do better alterations!
Sarah
March 3, 2014 #
I am eager for the perfect fit!
Cara
March 3, 2014 #
So many techniques that I need to improve; setting in sleeves and inserting zippers neatly are at the top of my list!
Erin McMahon
March 3, 2014 #
Zippers and buttons!
Lindsay
March 3, 2014 #
Fit adjustments! This gets me every time, and it’s so frustrating to have an “almost” perfect sewn garment, and not know how to fix those final few issues.
Chelsea Cummings
March 3, 2014 #
I would love to learn how to sew zippers. Also (and this is embarrassing) how to sew in a straight line!
Nadine
March 3, 2014 #
I’m a newbie sewist — working on my second dress — and need help mastering the invisible zipper. And I’m a little intimidated by lining. (Basically, any/all construction tips are totally appreciated.)