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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
Melissa
November 1, 2011 #
Amazing giveaway!! So hard to pick just one pattern but I’m going to go with the rooibos dress. It’s just so clean and classic with the right amount of sass! Love it!!
Jaynie
November 1, 2011 #
Rooibos! It was my first (pattern) love…
Thanks, Sarai!!!
Lilly
November 1, 2011 #
favourite Colette pattern? Hard question – they are all so beautiful – I think at the moment its a three way tie – love the ginger, the crepe and the beignet…oh and am loving the sorbetto too…
Kaylee
November 1, 2011 #
Peony is my favorite! I love how flattering the style is and the removable cumberbund is an awesome and unique touch!
Melanie
November 1, 2011 #
I really like Peony and Crepe and Beignet, but I think if I have to choose just one it would be Chantilly. It’s very hard to find a dress that plays up a large bosom in an elegant way!
Quichea
November 1, 2011 #
I first saw the Jasmine blouse 10 days ago, it’s when we begun our affair. It’s been open on my web browser for 10 days. I check, almost daily, at it’s prettiness, planning the perfect fabric, planning when I’ll make it. I know I’m going to buy it, it’s just a matter of when.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Robin
November 1, 2011 #
Thanks for the give away! My favorite is Violet, which I just bought!
aisling
November 1, 2011 #
I hate having to pick just one favourite, but if I was to I would say cinnamon. I can see myself making that pattern over and over again. I don’t usually remake patterns but that one I would.
Brandy Layton
November 1, 2011 #
Well, I just received my copy of the book today!!!! I love the book so far and my favorite pattern I have been watching for a while is Chantilly.
Jasmine was my first completed pattern along with ginger earlier this year. Easy to come together and lovely designs.
Allyson
November 1, 2011 #
So tough to choose just one favorite pattern! I am going to go with the Jasmine blouse… I made one out of Liberty print just last week and it went together like a dream – I love the bias cut and the collar detail!
MissAmy
November 1, 2011 #
Too hard to pick – but if I must then I think it would have to be the Macaron – so cute without being too cutesy.
Deanne
November 1, 2011 #
My favorite pattern would have to be the Beignet!
Amanda D.
November 1, 2011 #
Oh wow, what a response! Not that I’m surprised :) My favorite pattern is the Oolong Dress so far. So easy to put together and is as comfortable around the house as it is flattering to wear out and about! I’m working on a 2nd one now for my cousin’s birthday party. Amazing giveaway!!!
Erin
November 1, 2011 #
Such a toss up but definitely the clover ( or crepe or peony or …… i could go forever)
Amelia
November 1, 2011 #
Peony!! Looking forward to the Taffy too. :)
Anna
November 1, 2011 #
What a hard choice….
The Macaron is my favourite at the moment, but I’m working on the Chantilly in a beautiful printed satin which I’m thinking will bump the Macaron from the top spot! ;)
chibidani
November 1, 2011 #
My favorite pattern in the shop is Chantilly.
I’ve just recently discovered this blog, and I love it. I love the old style made modern again, which is something I wish I could pull off more often.
Liz
November 1, 2011 #
oh my goodness, i would be so lucky to win such a great giveaway from a great company! my favorite pattern (um, right now!) is Peony!
Rachelle
November 1, 2011 #
I like Negroni best; very hard to find a decent shirt pattern for a man.
fiona
November 1, 2011 #
i like all the patterns but the negroni pattern is one I am hoping to do for my hubby soon. and i can’t wait to get hold of your book :)
Carlijn Bakker
November 1, 2011 #
I love the Clover pattern. I need a little bit of Audrey Hepburn in my life! What girl doesn’t?
Katy
November 1, 2011 #
The tour looks awesome! Hard to name a favorite pattern, but I love Jasmine!
koreakiwi
November 1, 2011 #
My favorite hands down is the Oolong dress…I love it!! I’ve made it in various fabrics~cotton voile, crepe and double muslin. It always looks classic, elegant and I get tons of lovely comments :) It’s straight forward to sew to sew with very clear instructions and for cut-on -the -bias fans like me I thoroughly recommend it as a beautiful dress.
Addie
November 1, 2011 #
Wow, the new book sounds so exciting. I really like the new Peony dress pattern and would love to try your patterns because I dig your style. Thank you for the giveaway.
Jodie
November 1, 2011 #
I don’t know if I can pick a favorite, but I’m excited to try out clover. Especially after the wonderful sew-a-long you did on the blog.
javede
November 1, 2011 #
My favourit is Violet. I already have the pieces cut out for it and cannot waitt o finally finishing it!
Alicia
November 2, 2011 #
Definitely the MACARON! It’s sweet, simple and fun – just like me :)
Zete
November 2, 2011 #
My favorite is Crepe dress! It was a hard choice between Crepe and Rooibos though.. actually it’s hard choice between Crepe, Rooibos, Ceylon and Macaron.. or all your dresses. I’m a dress maniac!
michaela
November 2, 2011 #
Oh, this is great!
I really love the rooibos dress – and I would really love to win the book!
emilylang
November 2, 2011 #
I’m so excited about this book, I’ve preordered but not recieved yet (I’m in the UK) my favourite pattern is dedinately the crepe, can’t stop making these, but i’ve just got peony in the post, and can’t wait to get started on that!
Emily
Emma Charlton
November 2, 2011 #
My favourite (so far) is the Ginger skirt. I’m just about to make up a wool one in a lovely pink wool tartan :)
It is difficult to choose though as I also love the Violet and have the Peopny to make too, which could be a favourite too.
Pauchehal
November 2, 2011 #
I love Peony and Sencha! What a great contest!!
Frédérique
November 2, 2011 #
Hard to say, your patterns are so nice! If I have to chose one, I would say the Oolong dress
Amy
November 2, 2011 #
Wow, what a generous giveaway! My favourite pattern is the Chantilly dress. Thank you!
Adriana
November 2, 2011 #
I totally dig the sencha. It’s sexy and compliments my body so well. Good luck on your tour!
Mutz
November 2, 2011 #
MACARON! Ever since I saw that lovely little dress I’ve been dying to make it!! Sadly enough I never seem to have enough money to buy cute things :C
Hopefully I’ll win the giveaway and I’ll have the BOOK and the PATTERNS! yay!
thank you sarai!! best of luck in all of your projects!
Em
November 2, 2011 #
So difficult to choose a favourite! But I’m going to go for one I’ve already made. I adore the violet blouse. Really simple to make and great to wear. Thank you. Really looking forward to reading all the posts on the new book and can’t wait til it’s out in the uk, I’ve got it pre-ordered!
Laurier-rose
November 2, 2011 #
I wait the book as christmas present.
My favorite pattern is Beignet. A skirt so nice to wear every day. I also love Ceylon, my futur purchase…
sorry, I don’t speak english very well…
Louise Kure
November 2, 2011 #
Hey Sarai. I adore your Peone dress and look forward to make it asap! Your Clover pants have inspired me too and I will sew a pair of pants some day soon, even though I have sworn never to engage in pants sewing again:)
Yvonne Izzard
November 2, 2011 #
Oh gosh, the reason I still haven’t got round to making any of your wonderful patterns is because I have been finding it so hard to choose which one to start with. I have been weeks prowling the net looking at all the wonderful creations. The one that caught my eye first and led me to your brilliant site is the one I will probably go for though, and that is the Beignet *heart*
Tricia
November 2, 2011 #
My absolute favourite pattern is Sorbetto. It fits me beautifully and is such a great style. But my favourite from the shop is Sencha. I’ve made it up in a red and white polka dot cotton and it is such a fun, yet beautifully cut top to wear. Thanks Sarai, and congratulations on your lovely book!
Rhiannon
November 2, 2011 #
My favourite pattern (so far) is the Rooibos dress. It’s perfectly flattering for my body type, and I love all the options for special little details.
Kazz
November 2, 2011 #
Yay! This is fab and my favourite Colette pattern is *drum roll* The Peony.
Stephanie
November 2, 2011 #
For me it would have to be Crepe. In my mind it is the perfect introduction pattern for a first time sewer. It’s simple & easy to make, & yet unlike so many other ‘first time’ projects, it leaves you with a lovely dress that you want to wear.
Amy Brown
November 2, 2011 #
The new Jasmine blouse, sexy without being vulgar, and also classic. Very tasteful.
Amy
November 2, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is the Jasmine blouse because of the beautiful neckline and the longer sleeve. Such a lovely pattern.
(It is always frustrating to find so many sleeveless blouses and dresses when most women want to cover their arms).
Hillary Tulley
November 2, 2011 #
My favs are Lady Grey and Sencha. I have several of each!
Siobhan
November 2, 2011 #
Definitely the crepe, with the sweetheart neckline.
Romney
November 2, 2011 #
I figured Rooibos was going to stay my favourite, but I’ve just seen a really great Ceylon…
Mary
November 2, 2011 #
I love clover. I killed myself to get a dead on fitting in my muslins and they look fantastic in the final version. Your fitting cheat sheet was golden. I have been scared to try any type of fitted pants before this but this was a great experience.
Janine
November 2, 2011 #
I have to say that my favourite at the moment is the Jasmine, followed closely by the beignet!!
Awfulknitter
November 2, 2011 #
I’d have to go for Jasmin – as a beginner, it’s hard to find things that are at the right skill level and not deadly dull (not to mention fitted in the kaftan style) . But picking a favourite is always difficult, and given a choice I’d go for ‘All!’
Kira Withers-Jones
November 2, 2011 #
I think that the Peony dress is my favourite as it’s classic in shape and a great wardrobe staple but could also be changed by using different fabrics or altering a few small details to give a very different look.
Mimmi
November 2, 2011 #
My favorite is Violet! I’ve been looking for a blouse like that forever, and finally found Violet!
Deirdre
November 2, 2011 #
I’ve sewn the Crepe before – my first big project, and one of the only things I’ve done for myself! I love it, but I would really love to try the Peony, too!
Emily
November 2, 2011 #
My favorite patter thus far is the Rooibos. It was the first Colette pattern that I worked with and it turned out so well.
Kristy @ Hopeful Threads
November 2, 2011 #
Found you from Craft Buds, what an exciting story you have! :)
Thanks for the chance to win some of your lovely work! Love Peony, love Jasmine and Chantilly is also beautiful, but LOVE Lady Grey!
Anna Roberts
November 2, 2011 #
My favorite pattern in your shop is the Chantilly dress pattern. It’s absolutely amazing!
Niki Dawson
November 2, 2011 #
My favourite pattern would be Clover. I’m fairly new to dressmaking and am in the funny no-mans-land of swinging between wanting to go mad and make make make EVERY inspiring garment i see – to being so scared of screwing it up i end up just pondering on it some more – I love the blog, and love the patterns and am so glad for the inspiration – thank you!
Rhonda aka Quilter in The Gap
November 2, 2011 #
I especially like the Jasmine top. Not only do I love the looks of it but I like that is labeled Beginner – thanks for doing that in your shop BTW. I am a quilter and have never made clothes so your book is something I really need!!! thanks.
Funnygrrl
November 2, 2011 #
What a great tour idea!
I love the Lady Grey. It gave me the biggest boost of sewing confidence of anything I’ve sewn.
Looking forward to the book!
Kerry
November 2, 2011 #
i love the ginger skirt! Look forward to hearing more about the book!
Jasmine
November 2, 2011 #
I love Beignet! I’ve seen so many fabulous versions of it around, and I’d love to try it. But oooh, those buttons! Guess I’ll finally have an excuse to break out the vintage buttonholer, as I do all my buttons by hand at the moment. Thanks for the giveaway, and all your lovely and informative posts…
Amy
November 2, 2011 #
Ooooh.. I’m so excited about the book (I’ve already dropped HUGE hints to my boyfriend that I’d very much like it for Christmas!) I’m quite new to the world of Colette but the Parfait dress is easily my favourite! Good luck with the tour and I’m looking forward to reading all about it! xo
doortje
November 2, 2011 #
A blog tour is such a great idea! My fav. pattern is the Ceylon dress – no doubt about this! Feminine, flattering, vintage comes to my mind when I think of it. And it looks good on everyone, no matter what your shape or weight is!
Yamie
November 2, 2011 #
I think that Peony is my favourite pattern. Love the name and it’s a classic that would look fabulous in all kinds of luscious fabrics.
Karen D
November 2, 2011 #
to pick one is a challenge. I love the classic lines of Peony, the curves of Chantilly, and the femininity of Jasmine. Since the weather is colder and I love dresses, I’m choosing Peony. I hope I win! Thank you for the giveaway.
Katy A.
November 2, 2011 #
I love the Chantilly Pattern!!
Piia
November 2, 2011 #
I reeeeeally really really love all of Colette Patterns dresses, but I still think my favourite pattern is the Ginger skirt. Usually I find it so much easier to wear dresses than separates, since dresses don’t need thinking, you can just throw them on and you don’t need to think about combing them with perfect top/bottom. But Ginger is such a perfect model, and it sews up so easily, that it goes with everything.
Cynthia
November 2, 2011 #
Congratulations on the book again! Am looking forward to getting a copy. I am so in love with the Violet and Beignet patterns. I could sew a different version each week — if I had the time of course. :-)
Lori Ritchey
November 2, 2011 #
Can’t wait to get ahold of your book. You have wonderful patterns that I have so many that are on my list of need to buy that it’s difficult to pick my favorite, I think its probably a tie between Crepe (which was the first to go on my list once I found you) and Jasmine (which I feel in love with during your post about it!!). Keep up the good work! Can’t wait to read your post on these other blogs and discover some more wonderful ones to follow!! Congrats on the publishing!!
Alice
November 2, 2011 #
I could make a million Senchas.
Sara Vinten
November 2, 2011 #
As hard as it is to just choose one, I’d have to say the Lady Grey is my favourite. It was the first advanced piece I’ve ever sewn and I learned a tremendous amount while doing it, which gave me a huge boost in my sewing confidence. I’ve now made two versions of the Lady Grey (a heavy wool version and a light trench-like cotton version) and the compliments keep on coming!
Looking forward to your book – you’re truly an inspiration!
Heather
November 2, 2011 #
Hello,I just wanted to say I’m super excited about the blog tour. Although I have not made much from your patterns except for the simplest/free ones (bloomers and sorbetto.) Okay well I more like drafted a simple pattern for both since I’m a cheapskate and I can’t be bothered to print things out *snicker.*
However I happen to think you’re an amazing seamstress/a pretty damn good fashion designer, and I bet that book is great for beginners such as myself . And believe me I would buy the patterns you have to sell if I could. I really love the simplicity and the effortlessness of each outfit but also the fact that though simple your designs are some of the ones that have sort of stood out from all the rest when I was looking for a project to start sewing with.
If I had to choose a pattern that I thought I would love the most it’d probably have to be clover. Store bought pants are always ill fitting :/
Lorenna
November 2, 2011 #
I love so many of your patterns, Sarai. They are all so carefully and thoughtfully designed. My favorites are the Macaron and the Crepe dresses, but I really want to start trying some of your blouse patterns. Thank you for all your hard work!
Suzanne
November 2, 2011 #
I adore the Sencha pattern. The buttons down the back are lovely. I haven’t made any Colette patterns yet, but I hope to make some Sencha blouses sometime soon!
Maggie
November 2, 2011 #
I love the patterns in the book as well as the holistic concept of sewing in Ms. Mitnick’s book where you learn how to do things correctly from the start and increase your skills as you learn new techniques on the way.
My favorite pattern in the shop is probably The Macaron dress because it is extremely versatile and can go from quirky to sophisticated depending on the fabric choices one makes.
Charlita
November 2, 2011 #
Very exciting for you are your crew. I have already ordered my copy of your book but I would love to have a signed copy and then I will have an extra to give as a holiday gift. And…oh how I would LOVE to choice 5 patterns to start the new year with. My favorite pattern is Crepe. Good luck on your tour and best wishes in all future endeavors.
Denise
November 2, 2011 #
Lady Grey is what first drew me into Colette Patterns. I love it. I can’t wait until I have enough skills to make it myself!
Amanda
November 2, 2011 #
I love Lady Grey the most – so classic and chic – and I believe outerwear should be as flattering and stylish as the clothes you wear underneath it – this is definitely a beautiful example :)
Stacy
November 2, 2011 #
My favorite has always been the Lady Grey – such a fabulous pattern!
Mixolidia
November 2, 2011 #
So hard to choose, they are all so beautiful. But if I had to pick one it would be Ceylon. Then maybe Macaron, Chantilly, Sencha, Violet, Peoni & the list goes on. Thanks for the great patterns!
jes
November 2, 2011 #
To choose just one pattern is difficult. I’ve been drooling over several. But the one I’m thinking of purchasing next purchase will be the Rooibos. I love dresses and I love the silhouette of the dress.
Grace C
November 2, 2011 #
Sencha is my favorite!
Aimée G.
November 2, 2011 #
Ceylon is *definitely* my favourite. I am just finishing up the bottom hem, and I plan to wear it with my Fluevog shoes from his teapot collection, oddly, also named Ceylon!!
Here’s a picture of the shoes:
http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/f0/a/AAAAAuiUx5sAAAAAAPCiyg.jpg?v=1208799285000
Julie Robertson
November 2, 2011 #
How I LOVE the Parfait dress. I did the small bust adjustment but it still made me look bustier! You have such great styling and I’d love to try some other patterns.
Stacie
November 2, 2011 #
I really would like to try a Clover, but I love all your patterns!
Amy
November 2, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is the Peony. Can’t wait to see the book –
Chelsea Seibert
November 2, 2011 #
I absolutly love dresses! Your Macaron and Crepe are especially wonderful! Also can’t wait to try a Clover, in fact if I had unlimited funds, I would go hog wild and make a complete wardrobe of your patterns!!! I also want to say that your sweetness shines through even on my cold computer screen! Thanks for this opportunity!
paisleyapron
November 2, 2011 #
How fun! I would love to try out the Peony pattern…it looks to be a very versatile dress depending on which fabric I made it out of. Thank you for a great giveaway and best wishes on the success of your book.
Lene’
November 2, 2011 #
What a nice give-a-way!
I love the Beignet skirt!! So so cute. Also the Sorbetto top. The Beinet skirt with the Sorbetto top….just lovely! Also I don’t have, but want is the Macaron Dress! So pretty and it looks just like me! Gotta get that soon! Thanks!
polly
November 2, 2011 #
I would love to make the Violet blouse. I have some liberty fabric which was given to me and I think it would be perfect for this pattern. Here’s hoping luck is on my side. Congratulations on your wonderful book.
becky horn
November 2, 2011 #
My favourite pattern is the Crepe wrap dress – so timeless and accommodating!
Christine
November 2, 2011 #
Congratulations on your new book. I love all the dresses, but the Eclair pattern is especially sweet.
Stephanie U.
November 2, 2011 #
I love the Truffle dress from your book. It’s so beautiful and feminine.
Leelalee
November 2, 2011 #
I’m not ready for it yet but I have my eye on Celyon. I’m working on my skills to vias the beginner patterns so I can make it!!! And I can’t wait to get my mitts on the book :)
Ny
November 2, 2011 #
I really like the Lady Grey pattern; it is very sophisticated. Would love to see more outerwear patterns. Keep up the good work!
Jen
November 2, 2011 #
i love the Clover pattern! I’ve been seeking the perfect petite Hepburn fit for some time, this is it!
melissa
November 2, 2011 #
Oh my favourite is the Beignet skirt, but I literally just bought Clover and Cinnamon this weekend, so these might become my favourites very shortly… ;)
Millie
November 2, 2011 #
I love all of your patterns that I own, it’s hard to pick a favourite…but I think the Parfait, which was one of my first of your’s to buy, was a bit of a “light bulb moment” for me…to think that there were really lovely patterns out there to really suit women of my size and shape! Thank you Colette patterns!