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Win a copy of Sewing in a Straight Line by Brett Bara

I met Brett Bara at Quilt Market in October, author of the book Sewing in a Straight Line. I knew right away that we were on the same page when it comes to sewing and craftiness, but it wasn’t until I looked at her blog and saw her posts on cats and smoothies that I knew for sure she was a woman after my own heart.

Brett sent me a copy of her lovely book, and I thought I’d share it with you all.

As a person that sews, you probably hear friends and family say they’d like to learn to sew, but don’t know where to start. Sometimes encouraging friends to get started presents a bit of a challenge. You know that you should recommend some straightforward, easy projects for them to get started and boost their confidence, but most easy projects are a bit boring. It’s hard to get excited about them.

That’s where this book comes in. With lovely, clean, modern photography and pretty styling, the simple home and garment projects in Sewing in a Straight Line actually look like things you’d want to make! What a breath of fresh air, and a great way to ease a beginner into the world of sewing. Or for the more experienced sewist to get some instant gratification.

Would you like to win a copy of this book? Simply leave a comment and let me know what your favorite easy, simple, of quick gratification project is. I’ll choose a winner at random on Wednesday, Jan 26th.

I’ll start! My favorite simple project is making napkins and tea towels. They’re so fast, cute, and useful both every day and when you’re entertaining. What about you?

Update: Congrats to JP, who won (via random number generator) with her comment:

“Baby blankets! Just a big square of flannel: finish the edges and you’re good to go!”

Sarai Mitnick

Founder

Sarai started Colette back in 2009. She believes the primary role of a business should be to help people. She loves good books, sewing with wool, her charming cats, working in her garden, and eating salsa.

Comments

Jenn

January 20, 2012 #

I am one of those who love to whip up pouches. I use them to give little gifts to people – particularly the ‘just because’ kind of gifts. They also help keep my purse organized which has a tendency to be a black hole.

Larissa

January 20, 2012 #

I love making simple two-piece felt clutches, especially for gifts. They make great cases for sunglasses or make-up bags for your purse, and only take about 20 minutes to make.

VictoriaR

January 20, 2012 #

My favorite simple project is the Burda Style Charlie bag. I love to make this simple bag as a hostess gift. It is easy and results in a useful, reuseable bag.

NatalieM

January 20, 2012 #

I love making a simple kaftan for instant sewing gratification, especially in a gorgeous printed chiffon..

Mareenchen

January 20, 2012 #

Pillows! It seems I have a pillow project on the side whenever I’m stuck on a big project. :)

Lisa

January 20, 2012 #

I love making hairbands for my daughters. It’s a good way to use up scraps of precious fabric and they are super quick to make.

Peg

January 20, 2012 #

I like making phone cases for myself and friends made from scraps of pretty cotton fabric and felt – they are both pretty and useful!

Jill

January 20, 2012 #

I love making simple cafe curtains out of quilting cotton. They’re easy, pretty and can change the look of the room for very little effort or money.

Kristie

January 20, 2012 #

Simple kids clothes have been my go to- basic skirts and pants. I want to make more of my own wardrobe though. I’ve made a few items, but Sewing in a Straight Line would be good motivation to sew more. Thanks! kristie_keely(at)yahoo(d0t)com

Elizabeth

January 20, 2012 #

My daughter finds easy projects on blogs. She has learned a lot of sewing skills this way.

Ally B

January 20, 2012 #

I love making quick accessories like belts, hairbands, and fabric brooches! So quick and adds a bit of flair to any outfit :)

Andrea

January 20, 2012 #

Cloth bags (drawstring or wrap tie). It’s how I learned to sew in a straight line, and they’re still probably the most common thing for me to sew. Need to wrap a gift? Cloth bag. Housewarming gift? A set of cloth bags with fun colors for veggie shopping. Gift for the outdoors-woman in your life? A set of mesh cloth bags for camping or gathering tasty mushrooms in the woods. Baby gift? A set of oil cloth bags for hauling home dirty everythings after a day out.

Jane

January 20, 2012 #

What a lovely giveaway, thank you. One can always use another sewing book.

Miss Crayola Creepy

January 20, 2012 #

Pouches that can be filled with rice and lavender. I throw them in the microwave and put them at the foot of the bed to keep my feet warm at night.

Thanks for hosting this giveaway!

Mary

January 20, 2012 #

I love to recycle old cashmere sweaters into hats and scarves…………..quick, pretty and warm.

Trisha

January 20, 2012 #

I love to make cloth napkins! But I need to stop because I already have plenty.

This Christmas, I also enjoyed making pretty fabric gift bags (with French seams).

Shannon

January 20, 2012 #

Baby pants! So easy, only a little fabric, and so freaking cute!

DeanaDolar

January 20, 2012 #

Curtains! I have miles of them.

Salma

January 20, 2012 #

Ooh that’s easy, I love sewing up some simple camisoles, tank tops and simple slips! Oh so satisfying and such a wardrobe essential too!

Kat

January 20, 2012 #

I’m all about quick gratification. I love making little zippered pouches or drawstring bags that anything can be stored in!

diana nerys

January 20, 2012 #

a reversible tote and a matching tissue holder! tissue holders take no time at all and they’re very cute and useful. every so often i get to the point where i haven’t finished anything in ages and all the projects are in some stage of ‘production’ – i just need to make something really simple to reestablish that i really am capable of finishing things! rice filled heat pads are quick and easy too!

Miya

January 20, 2012 #

I would love a copy of this book! I am just getting started with sewing, but my favorite project so far is the envelope pillow covers I made with some really pretty coral fabric.

Shannon

January 20, 2012 #

Duvet cover!

Natalie | FrizzyDizzy

January 20, 2012 #

I love making little things like rice packs, coasters, pillows… any small thing I can use as a gift. And they are great stash busters for the small scraps I get.

Robin

January 20, 2012 #

I like to make a simple dolman sleeve top. So simple, just two pieces!

beth lehman

January 20, 2012 #

Brett’s videos on her website are great. I love to whip up a zippered bag/pouch for my kids, their teachers, their friends, and lots of neices/nephews. I love giving something homemade.

Julie

January 20, 2012 #

iPod covers out of felt is my fave. Super easy and quick!

Julie

January 20, 2012 #

Tablecloths! My most recent one was with black and white toile that I got in New York. It sat unused in a suitcase for years. Straight lines, gotta love it.

Janine

January 20, 2012 #

Any kind of cozy. Even my lip balm has a cozy. I love cozies.

Steffie

January 20, 2012 #

I’ve been on a rice-filled microwavable hand warmers kick. I made some for myself, made some as Christmas gifts, and plan on making many more! It’s a good way to use up some extra quilting fabric :)

Margo

January 20, 2012 #

I’m a new sewer and have not made anything yet. I was happy to shorten a pair of curtains. I hope to some day make clothes that fit me.

Elizabeth

January 20, 2012 #

I love to make purses – just sewing a couple pieces of fabric together, adding lining, and using a ribbon strap. I’m all about quick gratification!

Julie

January 20, 2012 #

drawstring bags from the Liberty sewing book, handbags from Emma Brennan’s ‘making vintage bags’ and dare I say it Amy Butlers ‘Anna tunic ‘which I’ve made as tops,knee length dress and even as an evening dress out of a Primark sheet!

Lizz

January 20, 2012 #

Sleeveless blouses! So simple!

Jennifer

January 20, 2012 #

I love making little zipper pouches, for pens, makeup, change etc… They are an easy to make project that is always useful.

Christina Fortier

January 20, 2012 #

My daughter and I love material from a project and cut or rip a strip from it and tie it on our head for a quick and cute headband.

Melissa

January 20, 2012 #

I like to make cute little bags for a quick and easy project and a great way to use up leftover fabric! And because they’re just so cute!

Caroline

January 20, 2012 #

So far I’ve only hand sewn (I was recently given a no-longer-used sewing machine by my boyfriend’s sister, and have just successfully threaded the sucker–sewing world, I will eventually conquer you), and my favorite hand sewing project is making fabric flowers. They’re pretty, they don’t take as long as some of my other go to projects, and I can use them for a thousand different things .

Modern Manson

January 20, 2012 #

I’m kinda into quilt binding at the moment. There’s something about pressing and sewing long, straight lines that work for me.

Jennifer

January 20, 2012 #

I’d love to win! Simple skirts for my little one are probably my favorite( :

Lisa

January 20, 2012 #

Sorbetto, of course. And throw pillows.

Grace

January 20, 2012 #

I love making little bags for pencils, jewelry, iPod etc. I would love to move into making my own garments this year!

lisa s.

January 20, 2012 #

I’d love this! My favorite projects are all super simple because I’m learning how to sew. ;) Napkins are the best!

Dana

January 20, 2012 #

Pillows are always my favorite! Zipper, envelopes, piping or not

Becca

January 20, 2012 #

I checked that book out at the library and have been wishing for a copy!

My favorite quick project is a t-shirt skirt, sewn out of two old t-shirts with a yoga waistband.

Miss G.

January 20, 2012 #

small drawstring bags. I make loads of them! In muslin for reusable tea bags or produce bags or in fancier fabrics for last minute gifts.

Sunny

January 20, 2012 #

Hey,
I just made a trivet out of an old indigo Guatemalan shirt. Actually I made two. I stuffed them with dried rosemary, and embroidered some spot-areas to keep the herbs from shifting. It is a great base for a hot donabe ( aJapanese soup pot.) The heat of the pot sends whiffs of rosemary into the air.

Alicia

January 20, 2012 #

My favorite quick sew is not from scratch, but an alteration. I find sweaters I love at thrift stores, and they are usually too big. I resew them for a smaller size, and within 20 minutes I have a new, snug sweater!

My from scratch item would be a simple apron.

Caroline

January 20, 2012 #

My favourite easy, simple and quick gratifying project is to make bandanas for the dog that stays at my husband work. His name is Sherpa and he is 15 years old. He’s the mascot and people love to see him dressed up when he’s at work.

Chabas

January 20, 2012 #

Simple (circle) skirts

Amber Elayne

January 20, 2012 #

My go-to for quick os to crochet a scarf or grocery bag but making dresses for my neice’s doll is an hour only project and makes her happy :)

Karen

January 20, 2012 #

My favorite quick project is elastic waistband pants for my 2 year old boy!

Mela_D

January 20, 2012 #

The first project I started my kids sewing with was napkins. I like making reuseable grocery bags trimmed in bias tape for a quick project.

Fiona

January 20, 2012 #

One of the first things I made and have continued to make are boxer shorts for my boyfriend from a free pattern at Burda Style. Really quick and simple and you feel like you’ve really acheived something at the end! You can also use some fun and comedy printed cottons to amuse yourself in amongst more serious projects!

Rachel

January 20, 2012 #

My youngest has sensory processing disorder. The quickest most gratifying thing I sew are her taggy blankets so she’s never with out one. They take no time at all and its like a new gift everytime I finish one for her. Plus we always ensure that even if one is lost or torn up she’ll never be without.

janice

January 20, 2012 #

I made a no sew blanket out of fleese cut to size you want ,then cut 1″ into all sides and tie a knot into, makes a great gift. Book looks great would love to try the belt.

CR

January 20, 2012 #

Making beautiful pillow cases is pure pleasure. Quick and they can be made to be beautiful so easily.

Sandy

January 20, 2012 #

Dog bandannas! I have the best-accessorized dogs in town!

Amanda T.

January 20, 2012 #

ribbon hemmed skirts for my daughter.

Amber Snowden

January 20, 2012 #

60’s style dress from Burdastyle. Cute, comfy, and versatile. And best of all, easy
1

Mel

January 20, 2012 #

as a beginner I definitely need all the help I can get; and what cute patterns to practice those new skills!
My favorite project as of late is revamping old sweaters, making pullovers cardigans and adding a little vintage flair

Laura Isabel

January 20, 2012 #

Easy peasy – kids pajamas, napkins, pillow covers!

Betsy

January 20, 2012 #

I love to make a simple mobius scarf out of a quarter yard of liberty and contrasting voile. Makes a simple, beautiful gift that takes no time and doesn’t break the bank.

ching

January 20, 2012 #

Elastic skirts! ^^

Lynn

January 20, 2012 #

My favorite quick and easy top is your Sorbetto top. While not as quick and easy as a simple bag, it’s so gratifying to make something that I can wear!

Jennifer M.

January 20, 2012 #

I like sewing envelope pillow cases because they’re the first thing I made that didn’t suck.

Renata

January 20, 2012 #

I recently discovered how fun to make bow ties are. Another thing I really enjoy making quickly is skirts!

Alicia

January 20, 2012 #

Scarves and basic baby blankets are my easy go to projects. But I do love more detailed projects as well, and taking them slow. . . it makes them feel simple.

Mia

January 20, 2012 #

Beautiful book! Looking forward to reading it!

Michelle

January 20, 2012 #

I like making itty bitty bows. I never wear them but they just look so darn cute! And they’re super simple to make (:

Maria

January 20, 2012 #

I make small drawstring bags from tulle or lace for my earrings, necklaces, bracelets etc!

Jody

January 20, 2012 #

Ooh, I’ve been wanting her book for months! Thanks for the giveaway!

Miranda

January 20, 2012 #

My favorite quick project I’ve done has been making bags for gifts. You can make them exactly the right size, and they add a lot of charm.

MK

January 20, 2012 #

I was making a dress with some knit fabric and managed to get it stuck in the machine in the first minute of sewing it. For a little while I was too intimidated to go back and finish it. Then I I found a pattern for a simple gardening apron with pockets for tools, and it looked so easy I knew I could finish it. I even added a loop out of a printed part of the selvedge to make it easier to hang it up. Easily my favorite easy project!

rebecca

January 20, 2012 #

For me, it is a simple gathered waist skirt. I love skirts, and wear them everyday, and a fresh skirt always improves my mood. a yard and a half of fabric, wide elastic, and less then an hour on the machine, and I am good to go.

Emily

January 20, 2012 #

I love making circle skirts- especially out of knit b/c then I don’t have to hem them.

Jess

January 20, 2012 #

My favorite thing is to refashion something that already exists. As an example, I’ll take a T-shirt (of mine or the hubster’s) and turn it into a tunic or dress for my daughter. A little cutting, a little elastic thread and I’m done! :)

Christine

January 20, 2012 #

You and Brett Bara are both amazing in what creative projects you come up with.

I default to scarves for a quick easy project, simple but so many options and a quick way to change an outfit.

Debbie

January 20, 2012 #

Placemats is gorgeous fabric, these days mostly African Animal prints. Quick,easy and a great gift!

Josanne

January 20, 2012 #

Well I’m a beginner’s beginner, so I don’t have any “quick” gratification projects per se, it takes me a little while to sew simple pillowcases :$ but the gratification follows quickly when I’m done lol…

Catarina

January 20, 2012 #

I love to sew those dresses in japanese pattern books, straight lines, 5 steps and you are done :)

DebbieKat

January 20, 2012 #

I’m still a total newbie, so I can’t say I have a favorite easy project to make yet. But I did make a hamburger pillow when I was in Junior High School and I made a pin cushion and pillowcases for a beginner sewing class a few years ago. We are still using the pillowcases and they are really nice. :-)

Dorien

January 20, 2012 #

I like to take a break from bigger projects by sewing crazy hats or playclothes for my four nieces and nephew, age 2 to 6. I wonder why I’m their favourite auntie :-)

Rachel

January 20, 2012 #

I like putting darts in the waists of my pants. Super quick, and suddenly, they fit!

Alexandra

January 20, 2012 #

Easy rectangle skirts with elastic waist for my girls, and the scallop waistband skirt from Grosgrain last spring. If I have a few more moments, I´ll make a Ginger skirt!

Ama Williams

January 20, 2012 #

For a quick project I like make water bottle holders. With a circle bottom two sides and a bit of batting in between all layers. I then attach a long strap and sometimes embroider the side with a quick design, they’re great for carrying water with you to the gym or on walks and make great quick presents to give. You can use up scraps from other projects, mix fabrics and even upcycle thrift store finds.

Amy W

January 20, 2012 #

I’m all about the oven mitts! Easy peasy gifts.

Lyn

January 20, 2012 #

I love baby clothes, particularly little pinafores – two simple A-line dress shapes with a square neck hole, one side having longer shoulder straps than the other; stitch together and add poppers/snaps to close the shoulders. I made a dress like this on Christmas Eve morning for my nine week old baby to wear on Christmas Day in 2010. Must be easy if I could make it that quickly in my sleep deprived state!

Jessica

January 20, 2012 #

I’ve recently developed a slight obsession with making pieced and quilted potholders. Easy, fast, and so satisfying.

Tiffany W

January 20, 2012 #

Knit tees for my son is so quick and easy to sew. My daughter’s sundresses are fun as well because I can mix a lot of different fabrics together to create a quick and sweet dress for her.

Latrice

January 20, 2012 #

handbags and clutches. I know they might not really be considered simple and easy but compare to a garment they are.

Beth

January 20, 2012 #

Before I had two daughters my favorite thing to whip up was quick and easy shorts or scrub tops for work. Now it crowns or doll clothes- easy, quick, and appreciated.

Amy

January 20, 2012 #

Small felt coin purses with a little applique and embroidery on them is my current quick gratification project.

Sharonnz

January 20, 2012 #

I’m with you on the napkins! Especially done with a serger rolled hem…easy peasy!

Melissa Mindek

January 20, 2012 #

I love making pants for my boys! I’ve made them so often that I can whip them up in an evening after they’ve gone to bed for the night!

Musetica

January 20, 2012 #

I make tiny drawstring bags :) they are always in demand and easy and fun to do

Ashley

January 20, 2012 #

I think my favorite is simple baby or toddler clothes. I love seeing my daughter run around in simple homemade dresses.

Joanna

January 20, 2012 #

Wow, I would LOVE that book! My first sewing project was a cover for my new sewing machine as it didn’t come with one. Very simple and practical too :)

dawn s

January 20, 2012 #

Easily, it is baby receiving blankets. Mine are more generous in size than store bought. None of my 4 kids ever had a store bough tone. Even now, they are great in the car as a lap robe or a sunscreen or even wadded up as a pillow.

Lori

January 20, 2012 #

Pillow shams are great for instant gratification.