Book Giveaway: "Little Things to Sew"

The clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations guide you through the process.

Its good to have a wardrobe of hats in the summer!

Dressing a special doll is great fun for a young girl.

"Little Things to Sew" could be yours!

Photo: Courtesy of Abrams Books

THE BOOK INCLUDES 20 PROJECTS
Oliver + S has been producing contemporary yet classically sensible children's clothing patterns for some time. Liesl Gibson, the founder and creative force behind Oliver + S, has now written a wonderful book to inspire those who love to sew for children. Little Things to Sew (Abrams Books, 2011) includes patterns for 20 classic accessories and toys for children. The instructions are detailed, and the step-by-step illustrations are clear and easy to follow. The book offers a fresh, clever take on a young child's wardrobe and the classic toys children enjoy.

YOU'LL BE INSPIRED TO SEW FOR CHILDREN
The book's photography is beautiful. I found it amazingly inspiring and caused me to want to stitch something special for one of the many children in my life. Two full-size pattern sheets are tucked neatly inside the book's hard covers. Among the projects featured are instructions for an adorable winter hat complete with bear ears, an explorer vest sure to please any young adventurer, and a classic-style tutu that will make an aspiring dancer dream of becoming a prima ballerina. In addition there's an art smock for the artistic "Van Gogh" as well as an adorable penguin backpack and kid-sized messenger bag for the child with treasures to carry. Any youngster would be thrilled to receive any of the items that are featured.

LEAVE A COMMENT TO WIN!
You can win a copy of Little Things to Sew by leaving a comment below to tell us about the child you'd like to sew for. Comment before 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2011, for your chance to win. One winner will be randomly selected and announced on July 20.

Good luck!

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April M. Mohr, contributor
Posted on Jul 12th, 2011 in sewing, giveaway

Comments (80)

1_Artful_Spirit writes: I just got the insider for myself and my daugter for her birthday and this would be a teriffice addition to her present. Cute project for her to begin sewing with awesome thanks for the chance
Posted: 5:24 pm on August 18th

therealmrfixer writes: With a 31/2 yr grandbabi thatI sew for (as well as her momi, my roomie, and a few friends) I would put this great book to good use!

Posted: 11:52 am on July 20th

gibbylet writes: I know this is a preemptive strike, but my best friend is getting engaged in two months, and I am pretty sure it won't be too much longer before they start having kids, and I need to practice a lot!
Posted: 1:45 am on July 20th

mubsal writes: I started taking sewing lessons when I was 15 for a few weeks and then stopped, for some reason. But love for the craft or the desire to learn never went away. Five years ago, after the birth of my son, I started to sew again and sewing means much more to me now than just a hobby. It's become like therapy...plus it doesn't hurt that my family and friends love the things that I make for them.

I love the simplicity and elegance of Oliver & S patterns and with a boy and a girl at home, 2 nieces, one one the way, 2 sisters and extended family, I have no dearth of requests to sew something "special'. I would love to get this book so that I can make cute stuff for my kids and nieces.
Posted: 5:35 pm on July 19th

Kate_13 writes: My best friend has a bright and bubbly 2 1/2 yr old boy called Oliver. I made him a very cute shirt for his birthday and I've got the bug for children's clothes now - it was more satisfying to make that for him than the most complex tailored jacket for myself.
Posted: 5:11 pm on July 19th

Dancing_Leo writes: I started making outfits and accessories for my girls before they were born. My oldest loves watching mommy at work. It is fascinating to her. I need some new ideas for my little ones. I hope to be making more for my friends too.
Posted: 3:08 pm on July 19th

pmkurth writes: my new grandson Jack would love to have some new handmade outfits! i would love to win this book to help me out!
Posted: 8:59 am on July 19th

mamasha writes: Aside from my family, creating is what I love. I am so fortunate that my 3 year old daughter shares my passion and it gives us a vast amount more to do together. She loves wearing our creations, and this gift would give us many more moments of quality time together :)
Posted: 8:18 pm on July 18th

Sewgreen writes: I've perused this book at my local quilting store and it is filled with amazing projects and patterns. It would wonderful to win this book and start on some of the neat projects!
Posted: 7:48 pm on July 18th

mosey14 writes: When my three boys were babies until they were to cool to wear Mom's creations (except halloween), I sewed daily. I have two GRAND-beautuful daughters, and a new GRAND son, and they think I am pretty clever, so I am COOL again! I would love to add to my creativity with the addition of this book.
Thanks
Posted: 2:45 pm on July 17th

Okiestitcher writes: I can't remember when I didn't sew. My mother sewed for me, taught me and I sewed for my girls. I now have my first grand daughter and would love to be sewing for her and would love to win this book. Love Threads Magazine and all the products. Thanks!!
Posted: 9:54 am on July 17th

DK123 writes: some friends of mine have three of the cutest little girls (5,4, and 2). They are always so happy and cheery. Would love to sew for these girls.
Posted: 8:05 am on July 17th

LoracC writes: This book would be a great help in my sewing for my granddaughter plus the one on the way.
Posted: 7:22 am on July 17th

cdntkd writes: I would sew for my 4 year old daughter. I am learning to sew and I get so proud seeing her wear things I make.
Posted: 5:16 am on July 17th

Hippolitta writes: I would like to win this book not because i have any children but because i like to just simply make things in my spare time.
Posted: 12:10 am on July 17th

2534melissa writes: I've sewn my own and my children's clothes, then went on to quilting and then thread painting (using punch needle embroidery) at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA. When the economy took the living away from those of us who were free lance artists, I went back to school and am now a special ed teacher and am about to begin training as a Reading Recovery teacher, working with first graders who are struggling to learn to read. One of the things we get to do is make them books, book bags, hats, any small motivators we can dream up. I'd love some ideas to excite readers and sewers.
Posted: 7:22 pm on July 16th

GenuineJane writes: My daughter of 11 years has finally gotten interested in learning to sew. This book appears to be filled with projects that we could work together on during her learning process.

Good Luck to everyone!
Posted: 10:30 am on July 16th

dpete writes: I would love to win this book. I have two young kids, a girl and a boy, who I love to sew for!
Posted: 10:14 am on July 16th

Dernhelm writes: I do most of my sewing for my 3yo daughter. I love Oliver+S patterns and would definitely use this book to create for her and my 4yo son. Thanks so much for the giveaway.
Posted: 2:45 am on July 16th

LorraineA writes: After sewing for a wedding of a daughter 1 wedding dress, 1 veil, 1 petticoat, 3 other dresses for the bride, 2 little girl dresses and 1 garment bag I am so ready to take up sewing again for children. Why you ask? They don't protest. They like what you sew and there are no fitting problems. Children clothes are so cute and adorable, especially those from Oliver and S. What more could you ask?
Posted: 11:38 pm on July 15th

annielizabeth writes: Hi! I'm teaching my young niece to sew this summer and I bet she'd love to choose something from this book as I'm sure she'd be inspired.
Posted: 8:19 pm on July 15th

mearthone writes: I have 3 little granddaughters. I love making them clothes and sewing for their American Girl dolls. I started teaching my now 7 yo grandson to sew when he was 4! (he asked me to) and he loves making projects. He knows all the parts of the sewing machine, too :-)
Posted: 3:39 pm on July 15th

Irishmbm writes: I am to be a new aunt to 3 siblings who are waiting on final paperwork to be processed before they make the trip from Ethiopia to Wisconsin. Even though we are excited for all three kids to be included in the family tree, I have to say I am very excited to have my first niece!! And to sew for a little girl! (and the boys as well).
Posted: 3:11 pm on July 15th

lapark writes: i am a new grandma for the FIRST time...it is wonderful being a grandparent...i have made several blankets for Harley Jacob but that is as far as i've gotten...i'm itching for ideas to make for a little boy...the more frills the better for girls, but not so for little boys..he is growing so fast, so i'm sure w=once i get started i'll be making something new all the time...
Posted: 2:48 pm on July 15th

Sewkitty writes: The young women in our church are producing babies at such a rate, I'm having trouble keeping up with them all!. I always like to make something for the new little ones and am fast running out of ideas. I have no grandchildren yet, but I'm sure they will be coming soon, so I need all the help with new ideas that I can get!!!
Posted: 12:03 pm on July 15th

Sararags writes: I love to sew for my twin 4 year old granddaughters and the Oliver + S patterns are great. I hate the day the girls grow up and shun my cute little classic outfits and only want to look like Britney Spears or Miley Cyrus. At that point I'll have to find new little ones to sew for! In the meantime, I would love to win this book!
Posted: 11:59 am on July 15th

jjsm00 writes: I need some 'smaller' project ideas, life is so busy, I don't get to spend much time on the sewing room. =|
Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted: 11:56 am on July 15th

SenoraKTS writes: While I am still hoping for grandchildren one day, I have several great nieces and nephews, not to mention the kids I am an honorary "aunt" to, and all their parents love to have hand made baby shower gifts.... and the young daughter of a friend (10) has become fascinated with my sewing studio when she visits with her mom, we have made some items from the Mary Frances Sewing Books and doll clothes, so another resource would be fabulous.
Posted: 11:14 am on July 15th

jjneefer writes: I deserve to win this book because it brings back such happy memories of making my niece's favorite teddy bear when she was a baby. She is 28 and still remembers her favorite toy and she reminded me last year. I am so glad that she remembers that I made it. It made my day!

I also made a gorgeous dress for her all those years ago. I want to be able to make special occasion clothes for my cousins grandchildren, who are all toddlers and babies.
Posted: 11:10 am on July 15th

Zippylady writes: I sew for my granddaughter(8 months) and grandson(almost 6). What a joy this book would be to have when sewing for my bundles of joy!
Posted: 11:02 am on July 15th

Anjanie writes: This book looks awesome. Just the thing I could use for my little baby and toddler nieces and nephew.
Posted: 9:47 am on July 15th

LauraSews writes: My 4-H kids would love to use that book!
Posted: 9:42 am on July 15th

mamabee writes: Oliver + S is so stinkin' cute! What a great giveaway, thanks!
Posted: 9:26 am on July 15th

annenet writes: I would love to win this! I'm all for teaching the next generation and would love to teach my Grand Daughter when she's able to learn. In the mean time I would love to make things for her!
Posted: 9:13 am on July 15th

angelamp1 writes: Me me me! Oh, please! Since I've had my daughter, I haven't had much time for bigger projects! This book would be wonderful for me! Also, my awesome 10-year old niece is taking up sewing and I think this book would be great for us to work on some projects together!!!
Posted: 9:05 am on July 15th

sjune writes: Interesting --good ideas and helps for the seamstress!
Posted: 9:00 am on July 15th

BBarron1 writes: I love Oliver + S patterns! I have a 3 1/2 yr old daughter that I love to sew for, plus several friends with little ones.
Posted: 8:58 am on July 15th

Knitnut writes: I am just now getting back to sewing baby/children's items for my neices and friends of my 27 yr old daughter who are now having children. What fun - and my, how things have changed! I'd love this book! Who knows, maybe if I win the book it will prime the universe to send me a new grandbaby - a girl this time would be fun! Thank you Threads, for keeping us stimulated, inspired and excited about sewing!
Posted: 8:26 am on July 15th

1sewnmama writes: I love sewing...point blank but sewing anything for kids is the best. I make everything from bedding,toys, room furnishings and clothes. My health is poor and I love to show ppl I care abt how much they mean to me. A handmade gift is priceless because it represents not only the sewer but also their feelings for the child. I"m always looking for different things to create for my family and friends.
Posted: 8:20 am on July 15th

sunshine52 writes: I don't have kids myself at this time. However I do have lots of friends and family who have children, and I love to sew new things for them. The backpack is sooo cute...and I know that they would get a kick out of it!!!
Posted: 8:20 am on July 15th

LebecEgirl writes: This book would be great preparation for when I have grandchildren! Hope I win!
Posted: 8:18 am on July 15th

staceyloohoo writes: this book would be wonderful to have! i have a 5 year old son who LOVES penguins and twin 2.5 year old daughters. not to mention 2 nieces and 2 nephews. plus of course there are all of my friends with little girls - and with working at a fabric store i have no shortage of tulle!
Posted: 7:16 am on July 15th

Scarlet_Victor writes: Have you ever purchased fabric that just had to come home with you even though you had no planned !se for it? I have plenty in my collection and would love some new ideas to give it purpose.
Posted: 7:13 am on July 15th

jbquilter writes: So many cute things I could make if I'm the winner!
Posted: 7:13 am on July 15th

extremas4 writes: I love the Oliver + S patterns. I've seen many featured on sew and show forums. I'd love to sew some of the dresses and shorts for my niece and nephew! They'd look so adorable on them.
Posted: 6:18 am on July 15th

betsyb2 writes: Love, love, love Oliver + S! Everything I've made from her patterns turns out wonderfully.
Posted: 6:03 am on July 15th

thatsmyreen writes: Looks wonderful! I used to sew everything for my three daughters when they were young. Now they're grown and I have two infant grandsons to sew for. Of course I would probably have to share the book with the girls- they all sew too!
Posted: 5:39 am on July 15th

Melody58 writes: I have 4 small grandchildren and love love love to make them cute little things. With this book, I could inspire myself with new ideas!
Posted: 5:39 am on July 15th

LizDarkStarDesigns writes: Would love to make the little hooded cape for a friends daughter :)
Posted: 5:34 am on July 15th

Ginghamgirl writes: I love sewing all of my gifts for baby showers and I am starting to fill up a small Grandma hope chest. Is that bad or what? I have seen this book in the bookstore and I love it!
Posted: 4:33 pm on July 14th

ElaineElise writes: I would like to sew for my little cousins that are 4 and 6!

Posted: 3:16 pm on July 14th

EstherH writes: would love to win :)
Posted: 5:22 am on July 14th

lvstosew writes: I would love to have this book it will help me make more stuff for my granddaughter
Posted: 12:57 am on July 14th

Imbusysewing writes: I have many Oliver + S patterns. Each one has helped me make adorable outfits for my granddaughter. I hope I win.
Posted: 8:34 pm on July 13th

CosmicCaro writes: As soon as I've seen this book, I wanted it! I have too young children and would love to sew more for them! Those project are modern and fun! Thank you for the giveaway!
Posted: 6:32 pm on July 13th

kvenkat writes: Since I don't have kids of my own, I get to focus on my little niece and nephew. Winning this book would sure help me in the Ideas Department!
Posted: 6:25 pm on July 13th

jeanw10 writes: I'd love to win this book. My little ones love the stuff I sew for them.
Posted: 3:22 pm on July 13th

knitteresq writes: I would love to win this! My two little ones are starting school this fall and I'd love to make them this little backpack.
Posted: 2:41 pm on July 13th

ReillyO writes: What a sweet book. I would love to sew some of these projects for my wee girl. I see a penguin backpack in her future!
Posted: 12:47 pm on July 13th

tittu writes: woah...i live in India...i have a girl who is just three...its after her birth that i had started to sew...and i love doing it...i feel so proud when my lil girl wear the lil skirts and frocks that i make for her...how i love to dress up my doll...i have been hunting stores to find the perfect pattern book for toddlers...but only internet seems to be helpful...especially this wonderful site...how i love to go through each patterns and tips...i love surfing through this site...
This book seems to be a very helpful one for freshers and learners who are in the lookout for stitching guidelines...i am sure my baby would love everything i make out of it....
Posted: 10:39 am on July 13th

norahes writes: I make clothes for little girls and usually have to adapt basic patterns as it is so hard to find something a bit out of the ordinary. Judging by these pictures the designs look fantastic. This book would be absolutely perfect.
Posted: 10:26 am on July 13th

bobbisew writes: i just thumbed through this book at my local fabric shop, i love it and would love to win it!
Posted: 8:53 am on July 13th

Out_West writes: I would love to win this book. I have 13 grandchildren and would love to sew some fun things for them!
Posted: 7:38 am on July 13th

jarisal writes: After many years of just mending, repairing, etc., I've got the "bug" again, along with a year old granddaughter and great nephew! This book looks like a fun way to create darling items for the babies and toddlers in my family.
My 10 year old granddaughter is wanting to learn how to sew. Already, she loves fashion and fabrics. This would be a great way to introduce sewing to her.
Thank you for the opportunity to enter your contest. Love your website! And I also just subscribed to Threads magazine...
Posted: 7:36 am on July 13th

MamaEuny writes: I would love to use this book to sew for my grandchildren. I have always admired Oliver + S patterns for their wholesome, yet whimsical approach to dressing today's children.
Posted: 6:47 am on July 13th

elizabeth001au writes: Two little girls,....one 3 yers and one one year old. They are a s cute as pie, and need cute clothes to match!
Posted: 3:42 am on July 13th

margiwarg writes: I like sewing for all the kids in my life. More and more of my friends are having little kidlets, and I love making them things.
Posted: 1:45 am on July 13th

2tango writes: so cute!! I love to sew for my friends kids and I also teach them to sew themselves
Posted: 12:00 am on July 13th

ahearta writes: I've just gotten into sewing little things this past year. I'm at that point in my life where everyone is having babies, and I've been on a rampage making baby blankets for each friend's baby. But, the baby that I most enjoy sewing for is my little niece. I'm currently making her Christening gown, and I have two Oliver + S patterns for my next projects. I'd love to win this book so that I could make even more cute little things for my niece.
Posted: 10:16 pm on July 12th

indylove writes: I would love to use this to sew things for my God Daughter. She is as cool and unique as they come and would get a kick out of all these fun ideas!
Posted: 8:40 pm on July 12th

ohsusanna writes: I sew for my two little granddaughters who are 3000 mikes away. Keeping up with their changing sizes is a real challenge! This book looks like a lot of fun.
Posted: 7:00 pm on July 12th

Nightlygardener writes: I sew for my three year old grandson who has lived the past 2 years in Russia and is moving to Mongolia. I would love to sew the things in this book and send them in care packages.
Posted: 6:19 pm on July 12th

sking writes: This book looks like fun. My two young girls love it when I start working on a sewing project for them. This would be fun for my girls to pick out what projects they would like to have made for them.
Posted: 6:08 pm on July 12th

lou19 writes: I like to sew for my boys.
Always on the look out for good boys patterns and ideas.
I get really frustrated by books and articles which claim to be about sewing for children, then I find page after page of dresses. Grrr Grrr
Looking fowward to seeing this book
Posted: 5:00 pm on July 12th

tshipe writes: I'll be sewing for my baby girl -- well I guess she is a toddler now (almost two). Our miracle baby.
And of course there will be some gifts for her cousins!
Posted: 3:56 pm on July 12th

WillaMcNeill writes: I thoroughly enjoy sewing for wee folks! Would love to add the book to my library.......my working library!
Posted: 3:29 pm on July 12th

Debby4 writes: I love making clothes and cute accessories for my grandchildren and other children in my life, and this book looks like the perfect resource for more cute ideas. And I have to admit, it would be so much fun to win this adorable looking book.
Posted: 3:01 pm on July 12th

rainyweather writes: My 2 little nieces live a continent away, and I love to sew for them. Besides, I often go to baby showers.
Posted: 2:34 pm on July 12th

ALR1 writes: I would LOVE to win this book. My oldest son loves all the little toys and the backpack I made for him. He's getting a bit on the big side for the small pack, so a new one is in order to carry all of his hot wheels cars and some books wherever we go.
Posted: 1:52 pm on July 12th

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