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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!”
Comments
Tracey Caveny
January 23, 2012 #
I need all the help and info I can get!!! I’m a beginner & want to start sewing. What better way than mastering a straight line? ;~}
Pauline
January 23, 2012 #
I just love making anything to give to my family and friends. This is what gives me the most joy in my life. For my nieces its the little bows and flowers I sew onto hair clips that are fast and easy, and for my daughter’s teacher it was tote bags. Their happiness is also mine.
Jennifer Lachman
January 23, 2012 #
My favorite quick sewing project is bird seed catchers to put around the bird cage. I love to make them in different colors for different seasons and moods and they save me from having to vacuum around the cage so often.
Sonia
January 23, 2012 #
I love to make a simple charm pack baby quilt!
Danielle M
January 24, 2012 #
I love making simple dresses for my little girl with leftover fabric from making my own dresses. At the moment she loves wearing them – and looks just like my little mini-me. I’m pretty sure she won’t stand for it when she gets older, so I’m making the most of it! :-)
Cheryl
January 24, 2012 #
A simple gratification for me is sewing small stuffed animals for my 18 month old daughter – on my inherited treadle Singer.
Jess Meeks
January 24, 2012 #
My go to project is a cute bag, unless I’m crocheting, then its dish cloths (so quick, instant gratification!)
Lauren T
January 24, 2012 #
I love making wrap headbands from leftover fabric!
christy
January 24, 2012 #
I love to make pillow covers out of cloth napkins. Easy and fun.
Kelly @ Blue Bird Sews
January 24, 2012 #
I like doing simple small things to make me feel accomplished when sewing a big long term quilt! One of those projects is a composition cover, simple small done!
Sue
January 24, 2012 #
I’m a sucker for a bag. Any bag.
Neene
January 24, 2012 #
Just what I need to inspire me to get back on the sewing machine. Hope I am lucky.
Ronnie
January 24, 2012 #
I have no quick, easy gratification craft. Sadly, everything takes me way longer than I expect. Hence, many unfinished projects. Someday!
Bryanna
January 24, 2012 #
I actually really love making (and maybe wearing) scrunchies <.<. They are ridiculously easy to make and useful for wearing around the house when I don't want a bump in my hair after I take it out. Also bows! One can never have enough ;)
Claudia T
January 24, 2012 #
I’m a beginner, so there isn’t a lot of “instant” stuff for me. I have been making a lot of mug rugs and little zip pouches- they make good gifts! For sewing-gratification I turn to patchwork. Even if I’m just sewing random scraps together, I still feel like I’m making something!
Paula
January 25, 2012 #
I learned at Brett Bara’s blog how to make a zippered pillow cover (I believe it’s one of the projects in the book). It’s fun and easy and fast to make. Thanks for the chance!
Susan
January 25, 2012 #
My quick favorite is an A-line skirt. Now that I’ve tweaked the pattern so it fits perfectly, I can cut out and sew one in less than a morning.
AmelieNoMori
January 25, 2012 #
I can totaly see what you mean: these projects are indeed something you’d want to make, even if they’re simpler. I made a book cover, which is the only quick gratification project I can think of. I’m taking the train to go to work each day and I wanted some protection for my books. It was fast and quite fun to make. And I use it all the time! I’m planning to make more and play with fabrics and embelishments. Thank you for this giveaway!
Michele
January 25, 2012 #
I love to make little toys and loveys for my baby girl– so easy to make and I can usually just use fabric scraps!
Cheryl
January 25, 2012 #
My favorite simple project is pillow covers for my couch. I can change the color scheme of my mainly beige apartment living room in an hour.
Sarah G.
January 25, 2012 #
I love the little fixes… sewing on a button, hemming a pair of pants, fixing a pocket my love ripped (and seeing his face light up & be called a genius afterwards!). So satisfying!
Petra
January 25, 2012 #
I love refashioning old clothes. I have a huge pile of dresses-to-do, my wardrobe is full, but I can’t stop. Jeez I might be addicted…
Madscouser
January 25, 2012 #
My favourite easy project is making bags from t-shirts.
Just cut off the sleeves & neckline, then stitch the bottom closed & hey presto a bag! :-)
Anna
January 25, 2012 #
Pillow cases are my quickie project, for sure, although my passion is garment sewing.
sarah
January 25, 2012 #
i would LOVE to make an origami dress. i love brett’s post’s on designsponge and follow her blog. such great ideas from such a great lady!
Joy
January 25, 2012 #
I love making a tea cozy for friends! Thanks for the awesome give-a-way opportunity.
ModernLunacy
January 25, 2012 #
My favorite quick project is headbands from scarves. Sometimes just a little pop of color or pattern can totally alter the mood of my outfit, not to mention help disguise bad-hair days.
Cheers!
1diane
January 25, 2012 #
Lately, I have been hooked on two handed pothoders as gifts.l
Ashley Smith
January 25, 2012 #
I’d have to say pillows, though I’ve learned to stuff them more than I think I should, otherwise they turn into doll sized quilts.
Caroline
January 25, 2012 #
I like making napkins for my son’s lunchbox. It’s so easy with a serger, and I can have fun with different color threads!
Louiz
January 26, 2012 #
My easy quick sewing project is a tote bag from a pillow case! Takes 10 minutes (15 if you want to cut it carefully to re-use any patterns).
Heather
January 26, 2012 #
Adjusting re-used clothes so they fit better.
Violet
January 26, 2012 #
I heard someone ask who wears them? I do! Nearly daily in the summertime.
The ever enduring wrap skirt. More flattering than shorts for me.
lizzy
January 29, 2012 #
I just took this book out from the library today and I’ve already finished a super cute skirt! Anyone would be lucky to own a copy of this amazing book!
Lizzy P
Diane Williams
January 30, 2012 #
Today, I am making tube scarves, fun.
Diane Williams
January 30, 2012 #
Today I am working on two baby quilts.
Evie
March 1, 2012 #
This looks like a wonderful book. I started sewing at the age of 11 and I think this book would be a great way to get my 11-year old grandaughter started in the wonderful world of sewing. We already do baking and crafts together. Why not sewing? sewing cabinets
Harriet
April 29, 2012 #
What a great website you have. So much helpful information. I haven’t been sewing much lately, but this is inspiring. Especially the ideas for simple, interesting projects. Kepp up the great work.
Tanya
August 16, 2013 #
I love to make all sorts of bags and quick quilts from charm packs. I took Ms Bara’s class on Craftsy and I learned so much…..plus she is a super fun instructor!