BOOK GIVEAWAY: "Deploy that Fabric" by Jen Eskridge

You could win this book by leaving a comment.

The projects include several home décor items.

The projects include several bags and totes as well as fashion-forward accessories.

Also included are quilts and baby items.

You could win this book by leaving a comment.

Photo: Courtesy of Stash Books

DEPLOYED MILITARY PERSONNEL ARE SORELY MISSED BY THEIR FAMILIES
Men and women serving in the military either overseas or stateside are often away from home for months at a time, sometimes with little or no communication with their families. Parents, spouses, and especially children can have a rough time dealing with the absence. Jen Eskridge, author of Deploy that Fabric (2011, Stash Books) suggests a wonderful way to keep a soldier close in heart despite being miles away.

THE PROJECTS INCORPORATE MILITARY UNIFORMS THAT ARE NO LONGER BEING USED
The author created 23 sewing projects including purses and totes, home décor items, quilts, baby items, and fashion-forward accessories; but what makes these projects unique is that they include reused and/or recycled fabric from uniforms and other military items after they are no longer needed for service. If no unused uniform is available, the author suggests purchasing one at a thrift store or Army/Navy surplus store.

THE DIRECTIONS ARE DETAILED AND COMPLETE
The author describes how to deconstruct a military uniform and convert it into something that will be a reminder of the solder and honor his or her military service. The author hopes that these projects will become a comfort to the family. The step-by-step directions are detailed and complete for both the deconstruction of the military garment and the construction of the new items. Patterns are supplied for each of the items and each is labeled with the appropriate skill level. Any of the projects would made a special gift for those waiting for their loved one to return from deployment.

LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST TO WIN
Simply leave a comment telling us the person currently serving in the military who inspires you to sew. Leave your comment on this post before the deadline—11:59 pm, Tuesday, November 1—and you could win a copy of the book. The winner will be randomly selected on Thursday, November 3, 2011.

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April M. Mohr, contributor
Posted on Oct 25th, 2011 in fabric, home decoration, quilting, giveaway, garment, quilting, home dec

Comments (14)

arliesgma writes: What a caring idea!
Posted: 1:01 pm on March 29th

bkay13 writes: Awesome project! I have 2 sons in the military, they would love a piece of home to take with them when deployed. They each have been Iraq or Afgh. 3 times each. thank you, Billie Kay
Posted: 5:05 pm on January 31st

zucchinihead38 writes: I served in the Air Force for 12 years and I still have many friends who inspire me to sew. I think my friend Lynn is the most inspirational one out of the group though. I have a lot of left over uniforms that I have plans to use for sewing projects and this book would be perfect!
Posted: 12:07 pm on November 1st

ElaineElise writes: My Friend is going into the military. She is only 18 and to see how committed and willing she is to serve the country is a big inspiration to me.
Posted: 1:05 pm on October 31st

kmegamom writes: What a GREAT book! I have seen a lot of old military type shirts and t shirts and things at various thrift stores or Army Navy surplus stores, I am sure a lot of the men and women that had them don't want to have to be reminded of any bad times that they had in them or no longer need them once they have gotten out of the military. My Dad was a "lifer" in the Marine Corp and when he passed away, he was in another State and I have not been able to find out what happened to any of his Uniforms or medals (which I would love to have to put in a display case and pass down to my kids). I am now waiting for the Military Vetrans Affairs office to respond as far as getting duplicates. It is not exactly the same, but I can show my kids what medals and awards he DID get, he served in Viet Nam, Korea, and several other places! I missed him terribly as a child, but now as an adult I am honored that he served his Country in that way!
Posted: 3:14 am on October 31st

l3designs writes: I have a number of friends serving. I was also in the Reserves for 13 years.

This book looks like it would have some wonderful projects.
Posted: 6:21 pm on October 29th

Laceelola writes: Hi,
My huusband served 14 years in the Army, was let go on medical discharge, very disappointed, now disabled Vet, I would love to be able to win this to share some of the things i could make to show how much we honor our men and women serving our country, God bless them all, and Safe return.
Posted: 11:31 am on October 29th

Angela64 writes: Oh my, what a great book! My Dad, brother, BIL and FIL all served in the military - my brother was in Iraq and thankfully came home!! My son is planning to join the Marine Corps, so a love of the military is strong in our family. I have several old uniforms, and to make gifts from some of these rather than letting them sit around would be amazing!
Posted: 1:38 am on October 29th

Rogues_of_Thread writes: There is a pretty large part of my family that has served or is serving in the military. Every one of them puts themselves out into danger every time the are deployed or go on patrol. Every one of them has a story, has endured things that people shouldn't have to endure and is a hero. I've been fascinated by military uniforms and gear ever since I can remember. I love to see the old items put to good use as part of something new. The soldier who has most been in my thoughts over the years is one I have never met, my grandfather, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. I think he would appreciate the mend-and-make-do and re-make attitude that transforms old pieces of such terrible times into new and loving gifts.
Posted: 2:23 pm on October 27th

fabricstitcher writes: I would love to have some ideas to use the fabric from uniforms both my husband and I wore years ago, both to celebrate and remember our time of service. Making something to help those at home feel closer to those who are serving now is another way to help honor those who are giving so much while deployed.
Posted: 10:47 am on October 26th

Angela7 writes: My husband has been Active Duty for 14yrs. When it comes to sewing, I am still a beginner. I have sewn patches, embroidered, and tailored many uniform items over the years. During my husbands last deployment, my kids received quilts made for them with pictures of their dad. I'd love to participate in a similar project in the next few years.
Posted: 10:53 pm on October 25th

Andysmom writes: I would be honored to have a book like this. The first thing I would do is create one of the items in the book and donate it to a service member in need.

Posted: 10:51 pm on October 25th

DianaHML writes: My husband is in the Air National Guard and has been deployed many, many, many times in the last 9 years. I am also an honorably discharged veteran, and would love to find a use for all of those uniforms we've been collecting for the last 20+ years. A few of my teaching colleagues are also in the National Guard and have been deployed twice in the last three years for the entire school year. They have small kids and I'd make their children something to hold close and remind them of their dads and moms while they are deployed

Posted: 9:39 pm on October 25th

JMR1986 writes: I don't think there is enough we can do to honor our military. Making a gift using a uniform creates a special connection between someone we love and something we love. Just beautiful!
Posted: 2:01 pm on October 25th

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