Sign In
Blog tour and big giveaway for The Colette Sewing Handbook!
All through the month of November, I’ll be participating in a blog tour to help share The Colette Sewing Handbook with the world!
As many of you know, with this book I really wanted to create something that would be a guide to more thoughtful, beautiful, and engaged sewing. That’s why I tried to cover topics that aren’t always well represented in sewing books, such as planning out projects, learning about different types of fabric, and getting a good fit. These are the types of things I wish I’d learned first thing, rather than through years of trial and error. And of course, I wanted it to be very visual and hands on.
You’ll get a chance to see some of that in the posts on the blog tour, as well as some interviews and giveaways.
Giveaway
I’m also doing a giveaway right here, for a copy of the book (signed, of course!) and five patterns of your choice. All you have to do is leave a comment here letting me know your favorite pattern (either from the book or the shop), and I’ll draw a winner on Dec. 5, once the tour is over.
This giveaway is open to everyone, and I will ship worldwide!
ETA: We have a winner! Congratulations to Renee, who was randomly chosen by the random number generator, with her comment:
“I’ve been waiting for a book like this one! My favorite would be……….the Lady Grey coat! I love it!”
Tour Schedule
Here’s the schedule for the tour. Visit these guys for more fun posts, reviews, examples of things they’ve made, and giveaways!
Nov 2: Craft Buds – interview and giveaway
Nov. 3: Gertie’s New Blog for Better Sewing – lace insertion tutorial for the Licorice dress
Nov. 4: Sewaholic – book excerpt
Nov. 8: Flossie Teacakes – Interview with Sarai and book review
Nov. 8: A Fashionable Stitch – book excerpt and review
Nov. 9: Pink Chalk Studio – Book review
Nov. 10: Craft Gossip – Interview with Sarai and giveaway
Nov. 11: Bolt Fabric – book review
Nov. 14: True Up: Fabric Fives with Sarai
Nov. 15: Frolic! – On styling the book’s photos
Nov. 15: Threads Magazine – Giveaway
Nov. 16: Whipstitch – book review
Nov. 16: Honey Kennedy – Styling ideas
Nov. 17: A Dress a Day – Interview with Sarai
Nov. 18: Not Martha – book review
(break for Thanksgiving week)
Nov. 28: Casey’s Elegant Musings – Project Planning, book excerpt and Casey’s thoughts
Nov. 29: MADE – giveaway
Nov. 30: Sew Weekly – book review
Nov. 30: Oh! Fransson – Elizabeth’s version of the Taffy pattern
Dec. 1: Sew Mama Sew – Guest post from Sarai on grainlines
Comments
Maren
November 8, 2011 #
Your patterns are the greatest – my very favorite is the Beignet skirt. I get so many compliments every time I wear it and it’s so simple to sew!
Kate R
November 8, 2011 #
I love your patterns! Esp love the Peony dress, but I’m excited about this book not just for the patterns but also for the explanations and stories about all the many aspects of creating beautiful garments. I am a relatively new sewer and need to remind myself of the basics a lot of the time. Congratulations on a fantastic looking book!
Jacqui
November 9, 2011 #
I’d definitely like to try the Lady Grey, and although I’m intimidated by the amount of fitting and tailoring it requires I know it would stretch me as a seamstress and force me to remember all the great stuff my mum taught me about making a coat way back when!
simone
November 9, 2011 #
What a wonderful book and it gets even better, the more I read about it.
Your lace-tutorial is great! And so are the daisies. How pretty is that.
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of the book!
Caitlin
November 9, 2011 #
I am keen to try Licorice because it has lovely details in the sleeves and collar. My favourite pattern that I already have is the Ginger skirt. So classic and also lovely to sew.
Stefanie Warreyn
November 9, 2011 #
Looks like a great book, and there’s been so much positive buzz about it. Will have to buy it (unless I win, fingers crossed x)
Melissa Q.
November 9, 2011 #
the book looks amazing! good work! can’t wait to catch the blog tours.
Michelle
November 9, 2011 #
Can’t choose between Crepe and Eclair, they are so cute.
Nienke
November 9, 2011 #
My favorite is Eclair! It’s actually on my Xmas wishlist :).
catherine galvin
November 9, 2011 #
I love oolong. I also covet taffy! The book looks amazing and totally on my Christmas list.
This blog is the best. I constantly turn to it for information and inspiration. Lovely work!
Crystal F
November 9, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is the Chantilly though I pretty much like all of your dress patterns. I haven’t tried one yet, but I plan to soon.
Manda
November 9, 2011 #
Your book looks great! Peony is my favourite pattern but I would love to try others too!
Ashlee
November 9, 2011 #
Favorite? ONE? That’s a really tough, next to impossible decision… but I’d have to say the Beignet, because it was the first Colette pattern I discovered, and every, single time I see it, I have to pull out a hanky to catch the drool. It’s really just completely and utterly delicious!!
Lorrie
November 9, 2011 #
I love the Peony dress – so classic and elegant.
Ramona
November 9, 2011 #
I think this book looks fantastic. It is definitely on my wish list. I love Lady Grey and then Peyton next. I really want to sew garments better. Thanks for the chance to win.
suemarie
November 9, 2011 #
My favorite has to be the Lady Grey. And I’m happy that fall has come because I get to wear my jacket every day!
Henria O.
November 9, 2011 #
I still love the Beignet skirt pattern!
Andrea
November 10, 2011 #
I would love a copy of the book here in Oz. Fav pattern- A toss up between peony and rooibos for me. Rooibos by a nose.
Karen A
November 10, 2011 #
This book looks wonderful. Always looking for new techniques and ideas. I like the new Peony pattern.
Linzi
November 10, 2011 #
I love your patterns! I’m only sewing maternity clothes at the moment, but sometime next year (when I have a waist again) I plan on making my first beignet – I’m going to say it’s my favourite because it’s really so hard to choose :)
HollyT
November 10, 2011 #
I can’t choose between the Nutmeg or the Beignet, but both are making me hungry!
Rochelle
November 10, 2011 #
Can’t wait for all the fun new posts! My favorite pattern is the Violet top – I’m a sucker for anything witha peter pan collar!
Amy
November 10, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is definitely the Macaron dress! I just purchased it from my local sewing shop and I can’t wait to get started on it.
Jessie
November 10, 2011 #
So hard to decide! I love the patterns but I think Beignet may be my favorite, I’ve seen it done and styled so many different ways.
Kate
November 10, 2011 #
Well, the Pattern I’d love to sew next is Roibos! I’ve seen so many great ones around the web I really one for advent tea times!
Aimee
November 10, 2011 #
Peony is my favorite pattern!
Sarah
November 11, 2011 #
Macaron is my favourite. It’s fun yet stylish.
Sue
November 11, 2011 #
I really love the Jasmine blouse! It would be great to win the book and patterns as I have been absent from sewing for a while and now that my enthusiasm has returned in abundance I am sewing everything I can think of! I need a little guidance to calm me down and help me make the right choices!!
zilredloh
November 11, 2011 #
I love that you’re doing a blog tour!
My favorite pattern of yours continues to be the Macaron & the Chantilly dresses. They’re classics. :)
Elise Napier
November 11, 2011 #
My fave changes every time I look, but right now its Parfait. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Michelle
November 11, 2011 #
I love the Beignet skirt pattern. Super cute!
Kat Hardisty
November 12, 2011 #
Oh your book looks absolutely gorgeous! I’m looking forward to seeing versions of the new patterns popping up all over the internet. :-)
I think my favourite Colette pattern is the nutmeg, closely followed by crepe – both so pretty, timeless, and versatile.
Angie
November 13, 2011 #
Found you on Gertie’s blog, and have been coveting your patterns for a while. The Jasmine blouse is something I *need*. :-) Have fun on the rest of your tour!
Tanya M
November 13, 2011 #
I love the Jasmine top!
Kimberly R.
November 14, 2011 #
I really like the Macaron dress from your store! thanks!
Lauren
November 14, 2011 #
What a difficult choice! If I had to choose just one, it’d be Peony.
shelley
November 14, 2011 #
I love the peony dress and many more!
Mary on Lake Pulaski
November 14, 2011 #
My favorite pattern from your shop is the Sencha bl0use.
april
November 14, 2011 #
I know ill love the book, but right now I’m wishing for the crepe dress.
Probably because its winter and i’m longing for springy dresses!
Tracy
November 14, 2011 #
I’m in love with the Roobios and Ceylon patterns!
Jill B
November 14, 2011 #
I love Chantilly! Especially the neckline.
mo
November 15, 2011 #
I love the Meringue skirt. Congratulations on the book!
Sew
November 15, 2011 #
Peony!!! Love it so much :)
Jennifer
November 15, 2011 #
I really love Crepe!
Jen
November 15, 2011 #
My very favorite Colette pattern is Peony! If I could, I would make enough of these in different colors and fabrics to fill a whole closet.
Rachel
November 16, 2011 #
Parfait – just like it’s name, it is very sweet!
Heather J.
November 16, 2011 #
My, what a generous giveaway! I love Crepe, but must admit that Peony is catching my eye these days…
Kerstin
November 16, 2011 #
I love the peony pattern, so timeless and chic!
Theresa
November 16, 2011 #
I bought my first Colette pattern this year, super excited about the book!
Kristie
November 16, 2011 #
I love the Peony dress. I’d love to make myself one for the holidays. Thanks!
Camille
November 16, 2011 #
Oh please PICK ME! Peony is my favorite!
Haley Smith
November 16, 2011 #
I lve the crepe pattern! I’d love to make it in black with a vintage cream lace overlay. The jasmine top is great too!
Mary C
November 16, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is definitely the Peony dress. Adorable!
Melissa
November 16, 2011 #
Your book looks fantastic! As for my favourite pattern, I keep looking at Lady Grey and wondering whether I’m up for the challenge. I’d really like to try it!
Laura
November 16, 2011 #
I love the Clover pattern. Those pants look so versatile! I wish I had known about the sew-along! Also Lady Grey is a TERRIFIC piece.
Gabrielle
November 16, 2011 #
I love the Jasmine and Beignet, but there are so many others that I would love to try too!
catherine
November 16, 2011 #
Definitely the Macaron! Such a cute style.
Jamsby
November 16, 2011 #
I love the Peony dress! Gorgeous!
Brianna
November 16, 2011 #
my favorite pattern would have to be violet, so…adorable
Darcy Childress
November 16, 2011 #
I love the new Peony dress, thanks for the lovely giveaway!
Rachelle
November 16, 2011 #
I think I like Chantilly best; lovely dress that hints at vintage origins
Chris
November 16, 2011 #
I have to say my favorite pattern is the Clover because its pants. Cute classic yet current pants. What a generous giveaway!
Michelle
November 17, 2011 #
Oh…I’d love a Lady Grey pattern! I’ve already purchased the Colette Pants ( LOVE LOVE LOVE side zip pants!) and the Violet Blouse. The Book is pre-ordered…it’s not available yet in Germany. :-((
Erin
November 17, 2011 #
I love the Peony dress. So classic and beautiful. I think it would make a great work dress as well as a great Holiday dress.
jes
November 17, 2011 #
your patterns, taste, everything is exquisite. i want everything. twice. but my heart has a little pocket for the macaron.
Laura
November 17, 2011 #
It’s so hard to choose but I really love the Peony dress. It combines my two favorite design elements–a boat neck and 3/4 length sleeves.
Mercy
November 17, 2011 #
My favorite is a close tie. The Ceylon dress is delightful! But as with others, the lady grey coat is beautiful. So excited for you getting the book published! Congrats!
amy
November 17, 2011 #
I love Rooibos. I have no idea how to pronounce the name, but love the pattern!
T. Trieu
November 17, 2011 #
I would love to make Lady Grey. It’s such a beautiful coat. I’ve seen what Tasia from Sewaholic has done with it and I’m in Love.
Susan
November 18, 2011 #
I love skirt patterns so they’re my favorite — especially Ginger for its timeless style. Thanks!
Amy S
November 18, 2011 #
I love the Clover pants pattern! Your book is on my Christmas list, but I’m hoping to win it before that!
Janimal
November 18, 2011 #
What a great giveaway! My fave pattern is Sencha. Now fingers crossed!
Rebecca
November 19, 2011 #
The Ginger skirt was the first thing I sewed and I think it’s still my favourite. Your tutorials were invaluable in helping me to learn to correct the fit (and it does fit me perfectly!). I’m working my way through your patterns, and learning more and getting better every time. I’m hoping to build up to Lady Grey standard one day soon ;)
Adanna O.
November 19, 2011 #
I love the Sencha pattern. That top is amazing! I’ll be sure to check out your tour posts; I cannot wait to read them!
Betty
November 19, 2011 #
I really like the Jasmine pattern. It is so classic, yet modern. Would love to own a copy of the new book.
Rachel Champion
November 19, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is the lady grey. Hopefully one of these days I will be able to tackle such a big project!
jinxwizard
November 20, 2011 #
Congrats on the book! I of course love all your patterns and can’t choose one :) but I just completed a tailored Lady Grey in gray wool that has been garnering me compliments from everyone I know so I’m currently partial to it!
becs
November 20, 2011 #
I absolutely love the macaron, it’s so dainty and sweet, perfect for a summer’s day out with the girls! :)
Sharmond
November 20, 2011 #
Would love a copy of this wonderful book. Peony is a beautiful dress. Thanks!
Megan
November 21, 2011 #
I love the Sencha blouse. I think it would be perfect for imitating a blouse I saw and loved on Pan Am.
Linda
November 21, 2011 #
I would have to say Peony wins my vote. I love the total sleek look it has. It almost has a look that is off the shoulder, and it is so very slimming to the figure. Congratulations on your book and good luck with your tour, I know it will be a success!
Audie
November 21, 2011 #
I think that the Macaron is my favorite of the patterns because it’s so easy to dress up or down depending on the fabric choice. Although I just bought the book and the patterns in there are great and I can’t wait to try them out!
Erin CB
November 22, 2011 #
I love the idea of a blog tour! I’m just about to start Crepe so I guess that’s my favorite, but really, I’m a fan of all the Colette patterns.
Caroline
November 22, 2011 #
I love the sorbetto I made but the pattern I’m itching to try out is the Beignet, as it looks so versatile – I particularly the corduroy versions I ‘ve seen on people’s blogs.
Kinga Piedel
November 23, 2011 #
I love all your patterns, but my number one is for shure CEYLON dress. Sooo adorable :) Lots of greeting from Germany!
dexez
November 23, 2011 #
I love the Sencha, lovely blouse that can turn into an amazing dress :) I can’t believe your giving away a book and 5 patterns. Thumb up !
Jaime
November 23, 2011 #
I love the clean style of your patterns…especially the Peony. Happy holidays!
Karen J
November 23, 2011 #
I like the ginger skirt and chantilly dress.
Eline
November 26, 2011 #
So far I’ve only made the Parfait, but I really love it! I’m itching to make the Macaron dress too, but I can’t decide on the color/fabric combination, so up next is probably another Parfait (in black gingham!).
Nancy Marie
November 26, 2011 #
I don’t have much time to sew and I’m a beginner. That said, I love the sencha blouse. It is easy to sew and looks great in a number of different fabrics, patterns and colors. Because the cut is so simple, it can showcase many different fabrics. The darts provide for a flattering fit. The instructions are fabulous for a beginner like myself. It looks equally wonderful with trousers or a skirt and can be tucked in or not.
Erin
November 26, 2011 #
This is an amazing giveaway! I just love the Rooibos dress, but I don’t think I would try it without the book. I do a lot of sewing, but haven’t tried clothes from scratch yet. It’s like you knew exactly what I needed to be confident enough to try!
Linda
November 28, 2011 #
It’s hard to pick just one, but if I had to, I’d say that my favorite Colette pattern is Chantilly, it’s just so beautiful and dreamy.
Janet Smith
November 29, 2011 #
I LOVE your patterns, choosing a favorite was quite a task. Here they are: Lady Grey, Peony, Clover, Beignet, Cinnamon, Negroni and Oolong.
Katja
November 29, 2011 #
ohhhh, so difficult. I haven’t tried out any of your patterns yet, because a) I’m coming from bag-making and am a bit afraid of making clothes and b) you have just too many lovely patterns to choose from. I think I would try out a dress, and I think I’d love to try “Chantilly”. It looks wonderful, and I sure hope I would be able to make it. I guess winning a copy of your book would help me greatly when I finally take the plunge and try out making clothes for myself :)
Tammie S
November 29, 2011 #
I love Peony and have been watching the clover sew along (maybe I’ll brave this after the holidays). Loving the necklines of your dresses and shirts. New into sewing and have only made items for my toddler — so I’m wanting something for me now!!
Kay
November 30, 2011 #
I think my favorite pattern is Peony. So pretty!
Laura
November 30, 2011 #
I really love your chantilly dress :) Great blog, only stumbled across it the other day.
Hilary
November 30, 2011 #
I want to make Peony. I also like lady gray and ginger!
Janet R.
November 30, 2011 #
This book sounds like a wonderful Christmas gift!
Vanessa
November 30, 2011 #
Thanks for hosting the giveaway! Your book looks to be very useful to a newbie sewer like me. The Lady Grey pattern appeals to me the most and I would love to be able to sew it someday.