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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
April Sensiba
November 1, 2011 #
I really love the mini bloomers. They are just so cute and fun to make. I can’t wait to get the book. The patterns look so cute and I could really use the help on getting a proper fit.
Sunny
November 1, 2011 #
I cannot wait to make Truffle and I am currently working on Peony… Violet and Macaroon are anxiously waiting on my shelf! I love reading your blog every day and getting a signed book would be the cherry on top :) Good luck on your blog tour!
Sarah
November 1, 2011 #
So exciting! My favorite pattern is the Crepe dress! It’s so feminine!
knitmo
November 1, 2011 #
I have made several versions of Sorbetto and love it. I am in the muslin stage of making a Sencha and am thinking that that pattern will overtake favorite status.
Crystal
November 1, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is crepe! The instructions are easy to follow.
ashley
November 1, 2011 #
….uhhh pretty much I love everything! BUT I really want a “crepe” dress. Wait– I can’t commit! “clover” is right up there. So perfectly classic.
PS congrats!
kirsty
November 1, 2011 #
Thanks for such a great give away ! I love the new Peony, its probably my favourite, but I also love the Ginger skirt. I love your patterns !! K xx
Freya Davidson
November 1, 2011 #
I love Lady Gray. A beautiful jacket!
Qui
November 1, 2011 #
Jasmine is adorable, I’d like to make that one up soon!
Meghan
November 1, 2011 #
I LOVE the Lady Grey! So beautiful and classic.
Ink
November 1, 2011 #
I cannot decide: Sencha or Macaron…
If I have to, then Macaron is my favorite.
JP
November 1, 2011 #
Rooibos! So pretty and chic!
JessieRoo
November 1, 2011 #
OOf! It’s hard to decide when they are all so lovely. I’m thinking for the moment i will choose the Beignet pattern-it looks so simple to make and easy to adapt.Infact i already have sketches of multiple variations i would like to try in my sketchbook.(same goes for Ginger)
I also really like the lingerie patterns, especially the Madeleine mini bloomers, which are the only pattern i’ve actually tried thus far. They are so comfy that i wear them under some of my shorter and/or fuller skirts, i wear them for swimming in, and i wear them nearly every night to sleep in.
graciegirlsews
November 1, 2011 #
what a gorgeous giveaway! I am love love loving my rooibos dress which i am just finishing up……
Erin D
November 1, 2011 #
The giveaway looks so good! Lucky to whoever wins it. My favorite pattern in Crepe.
MB
November 1, 2011 #
The blog tour…what a great idea…Looking forward to Casey, who just might be checking in from her new home in Virginia.
Nette
November 1, 2011 #
My current favorite is definitely the ‘Violet’ blouse! I love the collar and also its loose fit. I tried a 60s inspired version you can see here:
http://nettevivante.blogspot.com/2011/05/60s-me-doing-spring-cleaning.html
Congrats on your very first book Sarai! And thanks for having it as a giveaway!
Courtney
November 1, 2011 #
I love the Eclair! First pattern I made from your collection!
Marloes
November 1, 2011 #
I think that my favourite is the Lady Grey patterns although the Crepe comes close… I am still not quite finished with the coat but the main part of it is done and what I loved most about it was that it needed very little alterations!
Kora
November 1, 2011 #
I LOVE the Rooibos pattern. Super cute.
Lisa
November 1, 2011 #
I’m not sure I could pick a favorite pattern. I suppose if I had to I’d say Lady Grey although Ceylon and Peony are close seconds.
Allison
November 1, 2011 #
I love Macaron. I really want to make it! I would absolutely love a copy of your book, it’s so inspirational. Thanks for the giveaway. – Allison
amanda
November 1, 2011 #
You know what I really, really love? The design of the your packaging. I love the elegant book design. The little pocket to keep me organized, the crystal clear instructions and all of the room for notes that allow me to remember what I ‘m doing. The pattern gods answered my prayers when I found you!
And my current favorite is the lady day coat- its a gorgeous flirty cut, and because I learned some new skills with that one!
Hugs!
Victoria
November 1, 2011 #
My favorite patter is the Crepe dress, I can’t wait to make it!
Helen
November 1, 2011 #
Wow, what a awesomeness filled give away, I think my favorite dress is the Parfait, so far I have made 3 of them, which fit amazingly without any extra adjustments. But I have just received Peony and started fabric scouting, I think it might be possible to become my number one if it turns out just as amazing.
Kirsten
November 1, 2011 #
I love the Crepe. I love a lot of the new patterns too, but the crepe is my fave, followed by Lady Grey. :)
Laura Isabel Serna
November 1, 2011 #
I love all your patterns–I’m working on my clover muslin (thanks for all the tutorials and a great community forum) but would love to have the crepe pattern! I already ordered your book but would be happy to pass on that copy to someone else so I could make room for a signed copy on my bookshelf.
Yvette
November 1, 2011 #
I made bothe the Lady Gray and Crepe last year in sew-a-longs with Gertie. I have since lost 40lbs and need to make them both again. Especially love the ease of the crepe. I’m hunting for a good fabric for remaking both now!
The Vintage Sweetie
November 1, 2011 #
My favorite pattern that I am lusting/drooling over is Oolong. The detail…the fabric in the sample photos…oh my.
2nd favorite would be Jasmine. Looks great in the sample photos, but loved the blog post seeing it in the sheer fabric!
Please pick me!
Pamela
November 1, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is the Clover pant pattern! I love high waist pants!!
Amanda
November 1, 2011 #
Choosing a favorite pattern is like choosing a favorite child – it cannot be done! But if I MUST, I choose the Violet because that’s what I’ve been wearing a lot of lately. Congratulations on the book!
Trisha
November 1, 2011 #
My favorites are the Sorbetto and the Macaron! Both so cute!
Rachel
November 1, 2011 #
Ohhh, that’s a tough one. But, if I can only pick one- probably Ginger. I love that skirt!
Amy
November 1, 2011 #
omg this is a crazy awesome giveaway! I think my favorite pattern to sew thus far has been the Negroni. The one I am dying to try is clover!
Elisa
November 1, 2011 #
I’ve always wanted to try Eclair out! Thanks so much, can’t wait to read your book!
Miriana
November 1, 2011 #
Wow what a tour and wonderful giveaway – thank you for offering us a chance to win this great prize!
I think my favourite pattern is Jasmine, I have recently ordered your 3 new patterns and that’s the first one I’m planning to make.
I’m new at sewing but enjoy it so much, and I really enjoy reading Coletterie and all the lovely (and very useful) information you share with us here. So thanks for this as well, and wish you lost of success with the book! The passion and hard work are inspiring!
Alison
November 1, 2011 #
I’d have to go with nutmeg… I won a copy in a competition and it was the first sewing pattern I’d ever attempted (yes it’s intermediate, yes I decided to use a silky fabric, what can I say, I’m a girl with ambitions!)
Monica
November 1, 2011 #
so exciting! can’t wait to check out the book :)
My favorite pattern is the macaron. its just so cute!
Jo
November 1, 2011 #
It’s so difficult to pick a favourite pattern as they are all so beautiful. Having said that though, I do love the Jasmine it’s just so lovely to make and such a cute top when it is done!!
I am looking forward to making the Truffle perhaps the most out of the book, as I think it will make a flirty LBD for dates with the BF.
Allison
November 1, 2011 #
I’m just starting to sew and the Colette Handbook looks like the perfect place to learn some skills and create pretty clothes at the same time. I’m excited to try to the Truffle dress!
Lizzie
November 1, 2011 #
OMG. I’m so excited that I could scream. I JUST finished the Ginger pattern which is adorable. I’d really love to try Peony, Crepe, Jasmine, Violet and Sencha! Please, please, please!! :)
Emily
November 1, 2011 #
Love the Lady Grey!!
Cindy
November 1, 2011 #
I’ve been wanting to get and make the Crepe dress for ages, but my husband keeps reminding me that I have all these other patterns in my box that I haven’t even touched yet.
Jessica
November 1, 2011 #
There are so many great Colette Patterns, but I have to say that my favourite is the Negroni men’s collared shirt. It has been enthusiastically received as a gift by my boyfriend and now father. I’m hoping for more men’s patterns to come…
Lynn
November 1, 2011 #
I bought Peony and Ginger and I think I’m going to love Ginger! I made a muslin, but it was the wrong size.. hopefully a size down will help!
Susan Torres
November 1, 2011 #
I just love the Parfait dress. It is the perfect dress pattern in my view.
Marlise
November 1, 2011 #
Looking forward to the blog tour – congrats to your book!! My favorite is Crepe!
Kerry
November 1, 2011 #
Hi there!
Thanks for a great giveaway. I think my favourite pattern might be Sencha as it’s the one I’ve made most and it’s so versatile.
Michelle
November 1, 2011 #
I am completely in love with the Taffy blouse! I am planning on purchasing your book next month all because of this blouse pattern! I do love the other patterns in it as well, but even if it was just the blouse, I would snatch it up! I also can’t wait to make the meringue as well!!
Thérèse
November 1, 2011 #
My favorite pattern : the Macaroon dress <3
Totally love it !
BeckyMc
November 1, 2011 #
My favorite is the Lady Grey Coat! Thanks for the give away.
Amy
November 1, 2011 #
The Beignet is my most coveted pattern, with the Clover coming in as a new second. I love everything I learn from this blog and seeing others make your patterns. It would be a dream come true to win your book and five of your patterns. I’d be in sewing heaven!
Pietrowski
November 1, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is the jasmine top.It’so cute and feminine.
Annie from France.
Annie
November 1, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is the jasmine top.It’so cute and feminine.
Hello from France.
Charlotte Tilley
November 1, 2011 #
Like books, my fave pattern is always the last one I read/made. That will be a Peony then! Best of luck with the book x
Mimi O
November 1, 2011 #
Love your patterns and the looks they create. One of my favs is the “Parfait” dress. Would just love a copy of your book…right now it is on my sewing wishlist at Amazon.
Pauline
November 1, 2011 #
I love the Sorbetto top, it’s so easy and fun to modify. But I think it’s about to be replaced as my favorite with the Clover pants, now that I’ve learned they can be lined!
Margie
November 1, 2011 #
I love the Sencha blouse … and I am very excited to follow the blog tour. You are such a wealth of information and a total inspiration. Thank you.
Robin Mc
November 1, 2011 #
I am about to cut out a Crepe dress and I can’t wait to sew it up. But right now I think my favorite pattern is the Taffy blouse. I cannot wait to get the book. I forsee having several versions of Taffy in my wardrobe in the new year!
Emily
November 1, 2011 #
My favorite Colette pattern…it’s a hard call. Probably a close run between the Rooibos dress and the Ginger skirt (which I just made up in three different versions & added different mods to each one – super fun). Very much looking forward to perusing the book – it looks beautiful!
Emilie
November 1, 2011 #
My favorite pattern?? Oh, so hard to tell… Out of the ones I’ve made, I’d say Rooibos, but out of ALL of them… Ceylon maybe? (I have it but have now put it together yet) Beignet is close contender…
I’m putting this book on my Christmas list as I think my budget can’t allow it for now, but it looks so great!!
Veronica
November 1, 2011 #
I really have a thing for that Jasmine top! I want to make it in rich colors for fall and winter.
Melissa
November 1, 2011 #
My favorite pattern that I’ve actually made is the Beignet skirt. I usually have to do a lot of adjusting for a good fit, and I didn’t have to change a thing! It’s flattering and versatile, and because it’s so fitted in the waist I never have to worry about tugging it up or down throughout the day. As far as patterns I haven’t tackled, Lady Grey. All the beautiful versions other people have sewn make me super jealous!
Aubry
November 1, 2011 #
I’m a big fan of the Crepe pattern! I’ve made it twice now, and both times I was impressed with how easy it was. Such a comfy and cute pattern!
Megan
November 1, 2011 #
I have been dreaming of a Jasmine/ Clover outfit. I think the challenge of fitting those pants would be great for me. Of course, you have so many beautiful patterns! I’m looking forward to the upcoming tour! Thank you!
Margit
November 1, 2011 #
OH! Since I love dresses these days my most favourite must be Macaron dress. It is just so my style. Looks so cute!
Dayl
November 1, 2011 #
I must admit my fav is the Peony – it’s so very versatile. It’s great for fall in a light weight wool and I can’t wait to try a short sleeve version for the spring with a matching belt that’s been embroidered with flowers.
Can’t wait to get my hands on the new book!!
Elizabeth
November 1, 2011 #
I LOVE the Peony, it just looks like the most versatile pattern and great for work!
Clare
November 1, 2011 #
Wow, so hard to choose a favourite! Right now, I’ve got some teal gabardine and can’t decide whether it wants to be Ginger or Rooibos. Rooibos is currently in the lead!
Andrea
November 1, 2011 #
I would love to have this book. I’m just now getting into sewing and I have no local mentors to help me out. I’m overwhelmed with how much there is to learn, and this book would be a great resource for a beginner.
Can’t pick just one favorite pattern. I’ve been eyeing the Beignet and Ginger skirts for awhile, and of course the Crepe Dress. Thanks!
Amelia Blakeman
November 1, 2011 #
The Parfait is still my favorite, and one of the first Colette Patterns I ever made. I really love the newer patterns I’ve tried but this one remains my very favorite!
Melissa
November 1, 2011 #
My current favorite is probably Peony, I’ve made it twice in the last month!
Tanit-Isis
November 1, 2011 #
Oh, gee, won’t this be the most popular giveaway ever! Yay!
My favourite pattern of all has to be Ceylon, but I already own that one. My favourite that I don’t own yet? Dear, that’s hard to pick. Clover, maybe, but Ginger is a close second.
Patricia Austin
November 1, 2011 #
I have only sewn a couple but I would have to say the Sencha blouse. I made a mock up put of a black bed sheet and it turned out so well that I kept it. Now I have two. I have Peony on the way with a very nice mustard fabric waiting to be transformed. If all goes well Sencha may have some competition.
Alicia C.
November 1, 2011 #
I found the Sencha blouse via Gertie’s Blog For Better Sewing and have been in love ever since. Although, while I’m still working on fitting my muslin, the Clover is coming in a very close second. Thanks for such a generous giveaway! I can’t wait to have my own copy of the book to see if the Truffle can knock the aforementioned patterns out of favor…
Melanee
November 1, 2011 #
I love Macaron. It has so many variation possibilities.I’m so excited to get it and try making things for my teen girls that are modest, and current.
Hausfrau
November 1, 2011 #
The neckline of the Ceylon dress is delicately feminine and the separate waist piece creates a flattering corset-like look. Definitely my favorite.
Anne
November 1, 2011 #
I think my favorite is Chantilly, but I really want to make them all.
Lindsay
November 1, 2011 #
So happy to be a part!
ruth
November 1, 2011 #
It took months to decide which patterns I wanted to order. I love them all, but I love the Macaron dress the most. I actually ordered it for Sinterklaas, a Dutch holiday on the 5th of December. This holiday would be even more fun if I would win your great book!
Jouki
November 1, 2011 #
Jasmine – just the pattern I have been looking for
Cora
November 1, 2011 #
Ohhhh it’s so hard to choose one. Maybe Peony at the moment.
eme
November 1, 2011 #
I love all of them, but since I’m just a begginer in sewing, I’d start with the Peony dress, that seems easy and look fabulous! I haven’t tried any of your patterns yet, but I’m learning a lot just by reading your blog… keep going, girls!
Lynne
November 1, 2011 #
My favourite pattern is Ginger, it’s the first pattern I bought and has got me back into sewing. Good luck with the book! Lynne :)
Latrice
November 1, 2011 #
I look forward to your blog tour. My favorite are Lady Grey and Sencha.
Heather
November 1, 2011 #
Sooo hard! Depends on my mood, but tonight Crepe takes it.
Totally agree about hardly any books covering fabric and fit. They’re the bits I always feel slightly lost over…
yyc
November 1, 2011 #
I love love love peonies, so I love love love the peony pattern! I’m an ardent admirer of your sewing and pattern building skills and am super happy that your company has taken off the way it has. Congrats and it is all well-deserved! You bring something unique to the world of sewing for all of us who have full time jobs but still want to create something beautiful for ourselves.
Kathy M
November 1, 2011 #
This is so hard. I love the look of Jasmine and I have some fabric ready to go this weekend with it.
emily rose
November 1, 2011 #
what an amazing giveaway! My favorite pattern that I have made is Parfait. It fits SO well and was a dream to put together! My favorite pattern that I haven’t made is the newer Peony… swoon! I love it!
The book is on my christmas list already! hooray!
Maaike
November 1, 2011 #
Ooo! That’s very hard to choose! At first I immediately said Crepe but I’m now really hanging out to make Truffle!
Melissa
November 1, 2011 #
I think my favorite would have to be the parfait, I am hoping for that one for christmas! I also would really love to try the jasmine blouse and after looking through the preview of the book on amazon I hope to have that someday, as it looks really helpful. From the book I think my favorite pattern is the pastille dress, I love the horizontal pleats at the bottom.
Anna (of Anna in Technicolor)
November 1, 2011 #
Hands down, my favorite pattern is the Lady Grey. So chic and sophisticated!
Thank you so much for hosting this giveaway, especially for us broke college gals!
Miranda
November 1, 2011 #
I love Ceylon! The collar shape is uniquely gorgeous, and I suspect it would look stunning with some Victorian-style boots.
Shelly
November 1, 2011 #
I love the Macaron pattern! Congrats on the book again, cant wait to have it!!
Fiona
November 1, 2011 #
Amazing giveaway! I love the Peony, it’s such a classic look. All the patterns have such great instructions with them, they are a pleasure to sew!
Casandra
November 1, 2011 #
Well my favorite so far is the ginger. LOVE it…
KhristieB
November 1, 2011 #
I cannot wait to get my paws on this book. If I don’t win it will be on my christmas list. I love the beignet skirt.
Claire
November 1, 2011 #
Oh wow! love all of your patterns, favourite of the moment is definitely Peony! Need to grin and bear the international shipping for it!
lee
November 1, 2011 #
Of the Colette Patterns I’ve made so far, Macaron is my favorite. So flattering!
Sharonnz
November 1, 2011 #
Oh SUPER giveaway! Squeeeee. My favourite pattern that I’ve *made* so far is definitely the Crepe dress.