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
neemie
November 2, 2011 #
i’m in love with the licorice dress. i can’t wait until my book gets in.
Samantha
November 2, 2011 #
It is very hard to pick one favorite from your collection. If my feet were to the fire it would be a toss up between Violet and Ginger… Or maybe Peony… But I haven’t yet sewn a Jasmine. Oh dear, too many choices. What I can say with no hesitation is that they are all well written, beautiful patterns that sew up into totally wearable garments. Thank you Sarai.
Janet K
November 2, 2011 #
I like Lady Grey the most, but would never start with that one first (absolute beginner) – probably the Crepe dress is favorite “beginner” pattern.
Mary
November 2, 2011 #
Rooibos! I bought it and promptly found out I was pregnant…have to get on it and make it now that the baby’s here!
Lelia Guilbert
November 2, 2011 #
I love getting your daily newsletter and seeing the creations of the featured artist. I have several of your patterns, have been considering the purchase of your book, and if I win I would appreciate the pants pattern – Clover, I think it is – with the book.
What cities are you visiting in your book tour. None of the stores are familiar to me so I am guessing you are on a west coast tour. Would you ever come to South Dakota? I have enough of all kinds of fabric to start my own store (an observation a friend made the other night when I showed her how I was organizing my stash). I am a collector, I need a “maker” to whittle my hoard. Any volunteers?
Curry Made
November 2, 2011 #
Gosh, thanks for the generous give away and a big, heartfelt congrats on the book! I love so many of your patterns, but I especially like Beignet.
Lisa
November 2, 2011 #
I’ve made several Colette patterns but I think my favorite is Jasmine.
Paloma
November 2, 2011 #
So hard to choose! But I think Parfait is my current favorite. Haven’t made it yet but its been high on my wish list for some time.
Annie
November 2, 2011 #
The Peony! I can’t wait to try it.
Katy
November 2, 2011 #
I think the Beignet is my favourite pattern in your shop :o)
Erin
November 2, 2011 #
It was the Rooibos that first drew me to the site, but I think they Ceylon is my current favorite. I really like them all.
Sasha
November 2, 2011 #
Fun fun! My favorite is Ginger, and although I haven’t had a chance to get the pattern yet, all the versions I see look so flattering! It has fun details, but is still simple which is one thing I love in a good classic.
Tina
November 2, 2011 #
I LOOOOOOVE the Sencha. It’s so versatile!
Ruthanne
November 2, 2011 #
Yay, a giveaway open to everyone! My fav pattern has to be Lady Grey, so elegant.
Michelle Sorensen
November 2, 2011 #
I just received my preorderd CSH from Amazon yesterday and I couldn’t be more delighted! It is even better than I expected and I am off to gather my supplies to make the Pastille dress! I can’t choose a “favorite” yet, but this is the one I am starting with. Thanks Ms. Mitnick!
annette
November 2, 2011 #
I have yet to actually stitch up one of your many beautiful patterns. I think I’ve been waiting for the book to help guide me through sewing my own garment. The Sencha and Negroni patterns are sitting in my sewing room waiting ever so patiently. From the book the Truffle dress and Taffy blouse intrigue me most. Thanks for an opportunity to win a copy of what I know must be a FABULOUS book!
Erin
November 2, 2011 #
What a tough question — I love almost all the Colette patterns. I suppose if I had to call one my favorite, it would be Peony. Or Clover. Or Ceylon. One of those three. I think…
Andy
November 2, 2011 #
I <3 Rooibos. And I've been eye-ing Negroni for my boyfriend.
Laurel
November 2, 2011 #
My favourite pattern is the Ceylon dress – I love that it is so classic.
Robyn Dixon
November 2, 2011 #
Such beautiful patterns – so hard to choose just one. I do love Peony which has classic lines and is suitable for all seasons.
Nikki
November 2, 2011 #
Oh, this is such a difficult choice. I’ve made two sorbettos, am in the middle of making Violet, which is going together like a dream and looks fab already… But possibly Chantilly is my favourite, such a classic shape to show off curves and make everyone who wears it feel beautiful and girly!
Kristen
November 2, 2011 #
I love the Peony!!!
Lauren
November 2, 2011 #
what a generous giveaway! i am in the process of getting my book now, but i’d love to give a copy to my sister-in-law as a gift! she really loves colette patterns & is an aspiring seamstress as well :) and she’s ADORABLE. cutest sister-in-law ever!
ahh but to answer your question, i think my favorite colette pattern is the ceylon. i just love it so so much – it’s so flattering on everyone i’ve seen wear it, and it has special details that you don’t see in other patterns. and it can be dressed up or down! it has always been my favorite pattern of yours, and probably always will be :)
PascalefromParis
November 2, 2011 #
How funny is that?! When, I first saw yout blogpost there wher only 17 comments… And known,, when I just have few minutes to add mine they have reached 254 ! Amasing!
Well, my favorite pattern is … Drumroll, please ;-) … Chantilly !!!
Perhaps Taffy blouse, but no, I don’t think so, Chantilly is still my favorite, no doubt!
I know I have to do it for this summer, but I don’t have decided yet one the fabric.
Puffy white embroidery, lace, or something approching in very light coton, or full of coloful flowers on light coton, that is the question ;-)
Pascale
Suzzles
November 2, 2011 #
Lady Grey for me!
Alison
November 2, 2011 #
My favorite is the Peony! I’m working on making a winter version right now.
Congrats on the book! It’s definitely something that’ll go on my Christmas list. ;)
Mary
November 2, 2011 #
Hello – can i be greedy also and have 2 favourites – Chantilly and Peony. Beautiful
Philippa
November 2, 2011 #
I adore collette but i havent made her yet as i keep looking for *the perfect* fabric. Each time i think i have found it, i dont buy it becaue the next fabic may be better. You can see that i am my own worst enemy!
Philippa
November 2, 2011 #
Now i feel silly. I was concentrating so hard typing on my phone on the train. I meant Chantilly.
Amanda
November 2, 2011 #
I’ve been dreaming of Ceylon for the longest time.
Alli (One Pearl Button)
November 2, 2011 #
What an exciting giveaway! If forced to choose a favorite, I’d have to go with the Sencha blouse – it’s simple, but elegant and absolutely lovely.
Dolly
November 2, 2011 #
I know it sounds cliche, but I can’t pick just ONE favorite pattern! But for arguments sake, I’m really into Lady Grey as we head into cold weather season.
Laura
November 2, 2011 #
I have your book on my Christmas list! My favorite pattern (and it is really, really hard to choose) is Sencha, but I really love Peony, too.
miss kate
November 2, 2011 #
I’m most intrigued by the Ceylon and the Lady Grey, though I fear they are both out of my range just yet…
Jeanette
November 2, 2011 #
I’m putting Jasmine next on my list! It’s so sweet and sassy, I’d love to make it for work. I have so many fabric plans, I’ll need to make more than one.
Lakaribane
November 2, 2011 #
I love your dress patterns most of all: the Peony, the Oolong, the Chantilly, the Rooibos, the Macaron, the Ceylon, the Parfait. How does one choose???
Alana
November 2, 2011 #
I would love to make Rooibos. I am really looking forward to your book! Congratulations!!
Melina Glasson
November 2, 2011 #
Hi Sarai and Caitlin. I’ve been stalking both your website and Amazon waiting for the book to be released so congradulations! It’s bloody hard to pick my favourite pattern but since the Macaron was the pattern I saw on the net the led me to Colette Patterns I’ll nominate that one, without it I wouldn’t have found other equally amazing dresses and tops, not to mention the lady grey coat too!
Congrats again
Melina
Tanya
November 2, 2011 #
The first pattern I fell in love with when I discovered your site was Rooibos. So far I ‘ve tried some of the beginner patterns, Ginger and Violet and they get a lot of wear! What a great giveaway to win…
Treesah
November 2, 2011 #
Unbelievably. . . Only a few short weeks ago, I was introduced to Colette patterns and have been reading every blog post on your site! I love the new book. So hard to choose a fave, but I’d have to go with the Taffy blouse!
Renay
November 2, 2011 #
Oh my gosh, I almost fell off my chair when I read this post. Me wanty!
I am in love with the crepe and also my old favourite macaron… although the clover pattern is seducing me also… haha
Congratulations on the book. how exciting!
Can’t wait to read all of the blog tour posts :-)
Angelina S.
November 2, 2011 #
I really love the Ginger pattern. So versatile and easy to wear!
victoria
November 2, 2011 #
I can’t decide!!! If I must I can narrow it down to two -the peony and the clover pants. Thanks for the chance to win your patterns and book. SO excited!
Julie R.
November 2, 2011 #
I really want to make a Rooibos, but I think I need to take a basic sewing skills course first! Or get a better sewing book!
Heather M
November 2, 2011 #
Your work is so lovely. I enjoy your Ginger pattern– classy, versatile and so fun to wear. Cheers! Best of luck with your book launch.
Layell
November 2, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is Ginger.
Cherry
November 2, 2011 #
I would love to make a long, elegant dress using the Peony Pattern with the Silk Cotton Sateen Fabric Pink Item #: 35871 at Harts Fabric! I will just add length to the pattern until it reaches my ankles making it flare so there is room for walking. I thought that would really look simple but elegant. When I am finished, I will wear it with my favorite jacket to match it. It is good to wear for church and/or formal occasion! May God bless you!
Clare
November 2, 2011 #
I love the Peony dress, especially the version with 3/4 sleeves!
Pam
November 2, 2011 #
I think my favorite is the Chantilly dress, but I’ll bet I can find five to choose from pretty easily!
Mama Lusco
November 2, 2011 #
Love the Macaron! Congrats on your new book.
Guinevere
November 2, 2011 #
Just discovered your blog last month and fell in love with all your patterns. The pattern that first caught my attention was rooibos. I have stopped sewing for quite a while and your patterns have inspired me to start sewing again. I live in Singapore and I don’t think your patterns are available here. I have preordered your book and look forward to using the patterns in it.
Kelly
November 2, 2011 #
I love the Parfait pattern! I can’t wait to make it.
*em
November 2, 2011 #
HOORAAY FOR GIVEAWAYS!!!!
My all time favorite pattern has got to be the Macroon! It’s my go to when I want to make something that fits me amazing!
Congrats on all your success and endeavors Sarai!
Linda
November 2, 2011 #
I think I like the Peony the best, I love the neckline, but possibly Clover, do we get to choose one from each category? Then maybe Cinnamon..
Sew Indigo
November 2, 2011 #
Congratulations on the book and the blog tour. I love the Jasmine blouse.
Rebecca
November 2, 2011 #
It’s so hard to choose which is my favorite, I love them all:) I can’t wait to get the book! But one of my favorite patterns is Ginger, simple but so much fun!
Megan
November 2, 2011 #
My favourite pattern from the shop would have to be the sweetheart necklined Crepe, and the one that looks like it will be my favourite from the book is the Truffle dress.
I hope everything goes well with the blog tour, and I can’t wait to read the new book!
Rose
November 3, 2011 #
I really like the girlish look of the crepe. ambrerose at(aol) dot (com)
junespoon
November 3, 2011 #
It has to be the illustrious Lady Grey. I made one in a heavy cream brocade (actually upholstery fabric!!) and feel like a classic filmstar everytime i wear it….I’ve bought a beautiful multicolour chunky wool-silk mix, with highlights of turquoise and pink, with ribbons woven through the fabric and plan to make another version for spring…can’t wait to get started on it.
Siobhan
November 3, 2011 #
I’ve only been lucky enough to try Rooibos but I love it so much, I ordered the book the day it was released, I can’t wait to get it, to keep sewing the rooibos and would LOVE more Colette patterns in my life and stash!
GinaR
November 3, 2011 #
Definitely like the flow and ease of the Licorice dress; I cannot wait to make one of my own!
Tamsin W-P
November 3, 2011 #
I think my favourites are the beignet (I have the pattern but have yet to make it), the Jasmine and the Chantilly (or the Parfait) – I can’t decide! The lace insertion technique on Gertie’s blog is simple yet chic – thank you! hope the blog tour goes well.
Frances
November 3, 2011 #
Wow, I just saw the Peony and love it. Congrats with the book!
Laura
November 3, 2011 #
Thanks for the giveaway! I love Ceylon dress. :)
ladykatza
November 3, 2011 #
Holy smokes there’s a lot of comments! I throw my ring into the hat. :)
ladykatza
November 3, 2011 #
oops, i forgot. My favorite pattern to date is the Chantilly.
Betty
November 3, 2011 #
Tough choice! Clover is the one i’d love to try next so i’ll say that’s my current favourite!
Helen
November 3, 2011 #
Ooh what a lovely prize to win!! Please count me in!
Helen
November 3, 2011 #
I forgot! I just love the Parfait dress!!!
Pamela H.
November 3, 2011 #
I would like to sew the Macaron dress – I’ve seen it in so many lovely variations! Thank you for allowing me to enter in this drawing.
Becky
November 3, 2011 #
Wow, such a generous giveaway! I haven’t actually gotten to try any of your patterns yet other than the Sorbetto, so I’m excited to get my copy of the book and try out more! (And if I happen to win this, I have a friend who sews and loves vintage-inspired styles to pass my pre-ordered book along to and spread the Colette love!)
I’ve been eyeing that Beignet skirt for awhile, after seeing multiple lovely renditions on my blogroll. Though the Taffy looks fun too. I like fun sleeves.
p.s. I love that so many of your designs are named after varieties of tea!
Tania
November 3, 2011 #
My favourite pattern is Peony dress and Jasmine blouse. It’s beatiful, classic.
Deb Cameron
November 3, 2011 #
Oh my! That’s complicated, just like my sewing brain really…LOL! I love the Macaron and I think my new love will be the Peony, but honestly the Chantilly is the perfect all round summer dress here in Australia, perfect in a voile for a summer picnic in the park with a very large brimmed hat and suncream, of course. Perfect in a silk, with a slightly longer skirt, a petticoat and a short evening jacket/wrap for the theatre. Really, really love the Chantilly, it’s a real sleeper of a pattern I think. Can’t wait to get my hands on your new book, have been salivating at the bit waiting for it to be released…for nearly a year now… great concept! Wish me luck!
Amy
November 3, 2011 #
I think my favourite Colette pattern would be Crepe. It’s so gorgeous!
Fabulies
November 3, 2011 #
Congratulations on the book, it’s going to my Amazon wish list as we speak :-) Very hard to choose a favorite pattern in there, but I think my heart goes out most to the Peony dress. Just lovely! And thanks for the lace ribbon tutorial on Gertie’s blog, it’s a great tip. Might just try that out soon :-)
Simone
November 3, 2011 #
As I’m verry much in love with all your patterns it’s really hard to say, but I think my favourite one is Rooibos, very stylish, comfortable and perfect for any occasion. It’s great.
Catriona
November 3, 2011 #
My favourite Colette pattern is the Beignet skirt, because I love wearing it so much. It’s closely followed by the Ceylon dress, but I’ve never worked up the courage to actually sew it! The new book looks excellent, and I will definitely be acquiring a copy when I can in Scotland.
Vibeke
November 3, 2011 #
Love Sencha! Great retro feel to it.
Marike
November 3, 2011 #
My favorite pattern would be Ginger. Although I can’t wait to make a Macaron!
Erin L
November 3, 2011 #
I love the peony dress!
Claire
November 3, 2011 #
I love the flirty-ness of the Taffy blouse, and I love how classic and versatile and the Peony pattern is, but I think if I had to choose my favorite favorite, it would be the Macaron dress. I’ve seen it done up in a hundred different wonderful ways around the sewing blog-o-sphere, and one of these days I will add make my own to the bunch.
Susanne
November 3, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is definitely the ceylon dress. At the moment I try to figure out the alterations I need.
Alexis @ Home in the Straw
November 3, 2011 #
I’m really enjoying your book tour around the blogosphere! I fell in love with the Licorice pattern immediately and can’t wait to make it for the holidays. Out of the patterns I’ve tried so far, Crepe is probably my favorite as a very flattering dress that looks very special.
Marie
November 3, 2011 #
As I am trying to track down a beignet skirt pattern at the moment – ( It seems to have disappeared over her in the UK! ) – I guess my favourite at the moment is my first ever Colette pattern – crepe dress. Beautiful packaging and so much nicer to use than the standard patterns I normally work from. Good luck with the tour!
Angela
November 3, 2011 #
I love the oolong, although Lady Gray is a close second.
I hadn’t seen your book until you were on Gertie’s blog, but I do like it from the previews on Amazon. Looks like a keeper!
Kerri
November 3, 2011 #
I love love love the Lady Grey pattern. Wonderful giveaway – fingers crossed! :)
Tracy
November 3, 2011 #
I love the Crepe!
Katie
November 3, 2011 #
What a generous giveaway! Like so many other commenters, I find it hard to choose just one favorite! I think Ceylon is my absolute favorite, but with Lady Grey and Clover coming a close second (and third?).
Sophie .
November 3, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is the Lady Grey. I made it last year and have been wearing it constantly for the last two months. :)
marlena
November 3, 2011 #
I love the Macaron dress the best. It’s vintage and updated at the same time.
Pin Queen
November 3, 2011 #
What’s not to love about Lady Grey? But I particularly like the Macaron and loved making up Negrori for my partner. It’s great to have this Blog tour – there are a few blogs noted that I haven’t come across as yet. In the meantime I’m patiently awaiting delivery of your book here in the UK, estimated date of delivery – 24th December – happy Xmas to me!!
Louiz
November 3, 2011 #
The Crepe Wrap dress. Just love it!
yahaira
November 3, 2011 #
I’m so in love with the truffle dress from the book! I’m still eyeing the clover pattern from the shop, but I’m scared of pants. I am following the sew-along for encouragement.
Beth
November 3, 2011 #
Love the sencha blouse pattern. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sarah
November 3, 2011 #
My favourite pattern is the Macaron, as it is so pretty and girly.
Marie
November 3, 2011 #
My favorite is maybe Macaron! I will definitely make a Lady Grey this winter.
Thanks for your helpful tutorials – I like the new design of your blog!
Jessica
November 3, 2011 #
The new Peony is GORGEOUS
I’m a huge fan of the Macaron, really love all your patterns though.
Congratulations on your book! Sure to be a great success, I’ve already pre-ordered it!
Shannon
November 3, 2011 #
From the book, I am in love with the idea of the Taffy top. On the pattern front it is all about the Ginger.
KathyK
November 3, 2011 #
This is sooooooooooo exciting — thanks for including your “fans”
Mareenchen
November 3, 2011 #
I really like Peony and the Truffle dress. Tough to pick an absolute favourite. Thx for the chance! :)
Izabela
November 3, 2011 #
I would call CREPE no.1013 to be my ideal pattern among all others. It’s easy to sew (it’s quite important for me as a beginner), it’s classy, elegant and simply lovable. I imagine myself wearing it made in grassy green polka dots – even though it’s November, I feel sunny just looking at it! Cheers!
Sewing Princess
November 3, 2011 #
I also love the Crepe…so classy with its back wrap. I also love the new Peony with its classy belt.
Lauren
November 3, 2011 #
I would say that my favorite pattern is Clover. I have been looking for pants like this for what seems like forever with no luck, so why not just make my own!