FIVE SEWING FUNDAMENTALS
According to Sarai Mitnick, author of The Colette Sewing Handbook (Krause Publications, 2011), the five fundamentals to make any sewing project perfect are: a great plan, a great pattern, great fit, great fabric, and a great finish. Sarai explains how to obtain each of these fundamentals and offers five terrific sewing projects that she uses to guide you through the techniques she describes.
FIVE GREAT PATTERNS ARE INCLUDED
The five patterns are neatly tucked in a pocket attached to the inside back cover. The packet includes patterns for a scalloped-hem skirt, a flutter-sleeve blouse, a sweetheart-neck sheath dress, an asymmetrical-flounce dress, and a lined dress with gathered sleeves. Each project will help you put the fundamentals into practice as you sew. Sarai, an independent pattern designer (Collette Patterns), is known for her comprehensive, clear sewing instruction.
THE BOOK COVERS A BROAD RANGE OF SEWING TOPICS
The topics covered in the book include: sewing techniques, planning and fitting, working with patterns, working with fabrics, working with linings, and finishing techniques. The photos and illustrations are clear and easy to follow. Sarai has commented, “They say that acquiring more things will never make you happy, but that acquiring experiences can. Being able to make your own wardrobe, to dress exactly the way you choose, and the constant learning that accompanies it is an experience like no other.”
LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST TO WIN
Simply leave a comment telling us why you’d love to have this book. Leave your comment on this post before the deadline—11:59 pm, Wednesday, December 7—and you could win a copy of the book. The winner will be randomly selected on December 8.
GOOD LUCK!
This would be a great book to learn the fundamentals and design clothing with these fundamentals. Looks like a great book. Hope I win!! LOL!!
Despite the number of years I have been sewing, I'm always on the lookout for a book with helpful information on fitting! It makes no difference to me that the title says new seamstress :-)
"The Collette Sewing Book" looks so fine--one usually doesn't usually see much time or space devoted to drape or interior finishes for the beginning or imtermediate seamstress. This is an excellent indication for a worthwhile and helpful book, and I would like to win it. Thank you for calling the book to my attention.
Although I have sewn for a few decades, what I don't know is more impressive than stash. This looks like a terrific reference and, yeah, I hope I win too!!! Why not? (grin)
"A great plan, a great pattern, great fit, great fabric, and a great finish." A great fit for my sewing level!
I would use this to fire up my daughter again since she was in 4-H and made dresses, etc. This, I would use to stimulate her creative sewing interests again. BTW, she, though high functioning has Down Syndrome (if you wonder why I need to help her understand the longest words of what she reads).
She can do it, with your help (and mine).
I'm in love with most Colette's pattern... This book is first so beautiful and then would help me so much to be a better seamstress - I would love to own it! Thank you for the giveaway!
I love sewing books and the patterns included in this one look great. I would love to win it!
I'd love to have this book to brush up on my sewing skills. I took home ec. In high school but that was many moons ago. I've been quilting but would love to sew clothes as I have a new grandson.
Thank you for the giveaway and a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
This looks so very interesting. I have sewn since I was a youngster--many years ago! Have not done much garment construction in several decades--discounting a few prom dresses. But garment construction calls me again. This would be a super incentive to get back to it.
Thanks for the chance!
I was JUST considering buying this book, but would have to wait til my income tax refund because I'm po'. In all honesty, their patterns are beautiful and classic, I love their weekly snippets email and after browsing through the book on amazon and reading the comments, would LOVE to have this in my sewing library :-) thanks for the chance, Threads!
I would love the patterns in this book! They are very versatile!
this is on my Christmas list.
Ooooo - cool! I'd love a copy of this book!
I would LOVE this book -- I am already a huge fan of Colette patterns and the Colette blog. What could be better than five patterns and Sarai to walk you through the making of them?
I want to learn the basics. I love vintage/retro style.
I love Colette patterns! This book looks like it would be a great one to add to my sewing library.
Beautiful Book!
Oh I would love to win. It is on my christmas wishlist, but not granted I will get it, since it need to be ordered online.
I've heard nothing but good things about this book and Colette patterns so it would be nice to find out for myself. I always love to check out books that might be good recommendations for my sewing students.
I have very little sewing books and it seems like a wonderful one to learn from. Sure would love to have it.
I would LOVE this book. I have been following several blogs that have RAVE reviews about this book (and patterns!)
I used to sew a lot--but it's been a long time. This book seems like the perfect refresher course for someone like me and the patterns look like things I'd really like to make. Needles (fingers) crossed!
I would love to have this book. I would learn something and it would be a welcomed addition to my sewing books.
I too have heard rave reviews about this and the approach and lay out is different and I think an inspiration. Id LOVE it!
Lovely interesting book! I wish it could boost my sewing skills :)
Sounds like a great resource book, and the patterns would make lovely feminine garments...often hard to find in many of today's commercial patterns.
Sweeeeeeeeet book.If I can not win must go on the Christmas list.
I'd love to have this book because I'm more of a beginner in the world of serious sewing and am completely addicted! This book would give help me out alot! :)
I love Sarai's blog and it would be great if I could read her book also!
I would love to have this book becuase it would give me the opportunity to learn techniques that I don't know I don't know!
What a great early Christmas present! One I would truly enjoy.
I 've been seeing a lot about it on the internet. Unfortunately, due to the economy, I can't afford to buy it right now. So, I would LOVE to win it!!
I learn so much faster through picture instruction and not through written directions; the thumbnails for this book look like it provides tons of pics to explain things.
This book looks like there is a lot of information that is easy to understand a follow with pics that help to get the idea across. Would love to get a copy of this.
I would love to win this to learn Sarai's tricks and become a better seamstress.
I would love to win this book, it would help me become better at sewing.
I would love to win! I love Sarai's aesthetic.
Winning this book would further my sewing knowledge and abilities. Plus, winning is FUN!
This looks like a great book.
Wow, what a nice book, count me in, please.
Would love this book! I have been sewing for years, but would love to move beyond the basics. Thanks!
Oh, I've been wishing for this book!! The patterns are all beautiful and all of the reviews are so good.
Ooooh! This book is on the TOP of my Christmas list! I've been really good this year, Threads! Thank you! :)
ooh i'd love to win this to learn a few new tricks! count me in!!
I am a HUGE Colette Patterns fan! I'd love to win this book, it'd get my husband off the hook for Christmas (more money to spend on fabric, lol)...
I'd like the book because I've kind of fallen into a sewing rut and need to get back into it, I'm totally new to sewing this year and haven't made much yet so I totally need the fundamentals while also having the awesome patterns that are totally my style. Retro/girly/pin-up/modernized victorian are all my style so I kinda like the retro flair to Collete patterns, while still maintaining modern elements as well. I'm having trouble affording the brands of clothes I like: Nanette Lepore, Alice and Olivia, Ana Sui, Rebecca Taylor, Red Valentino, Moschino Cheap & Chic, Akris, Alexander McQeen, etc, etc so I think the styles in here would be the kinds of things I'd like to learn how to make so I can stop drooling over the above as much and still like what I'm wearing every day.
I love Colette patterns! This would be a great addition to any seamstress' book collection.
I can't wait to see a copy of this!!! I've been following Collette patterns for years & am excited to get a hold of a copy of this book.
Would love to win this book. I want to make the skirt and the flutter sleeve top! Thanks.
that good news!
I would love to have the book
I like
thanks!
I'm a new sewer and would love to have this book to help me take it to the next level!
This book looks wonderful. The patterns look intriguing and fun to make. Hoping for a little luck so I can win this book
D.Rose
I would adore having this book. I've made a few simple outfits for my son, but very little for myself, and this would be an excellent way to finally get into sewing my own clothes.
I'm an "old sewer" and in a definite rut. I've recently discovered Sarai's blog as well as her patterns and the designs look great! I'd like to start afresh and renew my skills. This seems like a perfect opportunity. Thank you, Threads, for offering this giveaway!
Crazy about Collette!! I just love the blog and would love to have this book . Sarai and her team are totally inspiring, I wish I worked with them.
I would love to win this book because I love reading books about sewing techniques. Even though I am an advanced sewer I love reading books that break down techniques for a beginner. There's always something new that can be learned in the world of sewing! The best way to keep up is to read what's new! Plus I've had my eye on this book for a while now!
I love the blog and would love the book ... finger's crossed.
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to win this book! Thanks for the opportunity!
I already adore Colette patterns because Sarai has managed to combine retro style with figure-flattering shapes for any size and she really cares about ensuring that the people who use her patterns end up with beautiful garments - both inside and out - that they will wear again and again. I'd love to have this book to polish my skills and brush up on the basics. Sometimes the simplest designs can teach us the most.
Colette patterns are so beautifully and thoughtfully designed with an amazing aesthetic and attention to detail; anyone would be better for having this book :)
i LOVE collette patterns. winning this book would be such a gift! (i am crossing my fingers and toes.)
I'd love to have this book b/c I'd love to learn how to make some of my own clothes! Buying clothes off the rack never seems to fit me right or capture the style I want. Why not make my own?
I'd love to have this book because though I'm fairly skilled at sewing, I'm finding myself very challenged by selecting fabrics and by making my self-made clothes to suit my personal style... I know this book will help with those issues!
I would love to win this book because I love the sewing philosophy behind Colette patterns. In a day in age where so many clothes are fast/ throwaway fashion, the Colette brand inspires people to make their own simple, well-constructed garments. The book is wonderful, and Sarai continues to inspire people to move towards becoming their own personal seamstress in a thoughtful and motivating way by providing further tips, ideas, and inspiration on the CP blog.
I would love to win this book since it has vintage inspired patterns and explains how to fit clothes and gives sewing tips.
I need help with FIT!!! And, how great are the patterns in the book? Really great! ;)
That looks like such a wonderful book to have in my sewing library! I'd love to win it!
I have heard so many good things about this book on the blogs I follow. I would to have the help with fitting that this book has!
I am just learning to sew and after searching the internet for ideas I came upon the Colette website and was instantly impressed by the fabulous patterns, tutorials and of course the owner/designer. This book would be a fantastic book to have as a new sewer for all of the wonderful information and even some great patterns to try! I am hoping to order the Macaron dress pattern soon as I'd love to try and make it!
I have just discovered Colette patterns and I really love them. I have made two items and will be getting another pattern of theirs next week. And I live in the same city as them! ambrerose at(aol) dot{com}
I would love to win this book! I love Sarai's style and I know this book will help me take my sewing to the next level.
I love all the Colette patterns, and the Colette blog with lots of handy tips. This book would be a welcome addition to my sewing library.
This looks like such a good book! I looked at the website and at the pictures of the outfits included in the books, and they look so cute, just what I want to sew for myself!
I love Colette's Blog. Her patterns have got me sewing clothes again because she designs patterns that I want to make
I'd so love a copy of this book but with all the Christmas presents to buy.... I'd love an early Christmas present....
It's been a long time since I made any clothes for myself. I need to get back into sewing for pleasure, and make use of some of my stash. I definitely need a refresher course, for the fun of sewing, and for some free clothes.
Oh, I would love to have this book! I would share it with my 17-year-old daughter, who has recently expressed an interest in making her own clothes!
I, too, would love to have this book!
would love to add this to my stash!
I have been sewing for a long time, but there is always something new to learn.
This book would be a nice present for xmas!!
This book looks great for a beginner like me I hope I win, if not I'll buy for sure as a present for me LOL!!
I would love to own a copy of this book! Fingers crossed I might actually win something! I love to sew!
You can never have enough sewing technique books, they all instruct and show different pictures and different ways, always good to have different references! :)
What a great book! Looks like another great approach to design and fundamentals.
This would be a great book for my advanced students as well as the beginners. Even if you've been sewing for years, you still find valuable info in beginning books.
Every teacher has something new to add to our knowledge of sewing skills. I always enjoy learning new techniques and reviewing things I was introduced to 35 - 40 years ago.
Love her fresh approach to sewing, she is wealth of practical sewing information!
There's no doubt that I would benefit from, "The Colette Sewing Hand Book". Like many others, I too have sewn for decades. However, there are ongoing updates of old and new techniques that should be right at my finger tips, because this brain of mine doesn't remember everything the way it used to. I remember winning only one prize in my life, and it got lost in the mail. Hmmm, whatever happened to that stuffed animal?
Just got my first sewing machine and this looks like the PERFECT introduction to my new hobby!
My sister is finally getting the urge to sew. I just bought her a rotary mat/ruler/cutter as a surprise gift. This book would be great for her.
Every review i've read about Colette patterns has been positive, even glowing. I would imagine the book will be just as good---the photos look great and the included patterns sound super cute. Fingers crossed!
It would be great to win. Best of luck to everyone.
Thanks Threads...I just learned about Colette patterns. I love the Macaron dress pattern. The books looks wonderful.
The Coletterie is a fantastic blog so I'm very excited about this book, as well as the patterns!
I can always use another reference book. :)
I Want this book No I need this BOOK!!!
looks like a good addition to the library.
Love the Colette blog and this would be one of my first books on sewing. I so want. All the best everyone :).
I love Sarai's style, and this must me a great book.
I've been debating taking the plunge into sewing for myself instead of just for my children and I have been drooling over this book for some time... we'll see what happens!
I love the way this book uses patterns as a base for great sewing technique. The patterns are such lovely bases to work from
I would love to hae this book because the clothes look so cute, and it talkes about good fit with phote help!
I have never met a sewing book that I didn't like. It's an addiction, I know. May I never recover!
I'm a longtime fan of Colette Patterns, and love the work Sarai has done over the years. I would love to win this book!
Yay! I have one of the Colette patterns (Sencha) and I'd love to have more in their style. Please???!!!
This book sounds wonderful, exactly what I need to up my sewing a few notches. Keep up the great give-a-ways.
I first came across this book about three weeks ago and liked it so much that I put it on my list of books to buy on my Ipod, on my wish list at Amazon.com and The Good Cook bookclub I am a member of. The reason I have not bought the book yet is because I had already bought my one book a month that my budget allows, therefore, I would really like to win this.
i would love this book because i need a new sewing book and updated one
This book would be a great addition to my sewing library.
This is a book for the "new seamstress". That would be me!
I have hardly any sewing books in my library and this looks like a very useful one to have.
I am most interested in learning more finishing techniques and think this book would provide some great tips.
It would be great to win this book, it looks lovely.
i have just started sewing and i know that this book will be a great assest for me,this book will enchance the knowledge i have on sewing in a wider aspect and will enable ne to be a great seamstress. I am sure it is a marvellous book to have and will be a great addition for me
The book cover has a dress with a high front. I have been looking everywhere to find a pattern where the front is not low and does not she clevage. It is nice to know that they still make these. Perfect.
I've got the book on my amazon wishlist too - Colette's vintagey patterns have interested me for awhile, really I haven't taken the plunge because I haven't dressed my body in those silhouettes before so I have been nervous about exploring them!
I am a follower of Sarai's blog and I love how she is getting young women interested in sewing again. Her tutorials have helped me learn lots of new ways to do the same sewing techniques I've been using for 30 years. And wow, the book is just so pretty to look at!
Okay, all of those are selfish reasons. On a less selfish note, I'm going to start teaching a young friend to sew in January and I think the Colette Sewing Handbook would be a great primer for our lessons.
I would love to win this book to work along with a author who has the vast skills and knowledge to make me a better finisher in my sewing skills. This books looks like a great book to read and not put down :O)
I am a costume designer and am trying to return to sewing my own garments as well. I would love this book as a jumping off point to get back to the basics.
I was able to preview this book, and I like the way it guides you through the construction of your garment from start to finish. Being new to sewing, I find myself getting lost/frustrated along the way and end up with a lot of UFO's. This book could help me to build up the fundamentals of sewing so that I can successfully complete all my projects.
I would love to own this book. The chapter on finishing would be especially useful!!!
So glad to see others enjoying Colette patterns. They focus on construction details that seem to have fallen by the wayside; tucks, and piping, and loops! I love their website and subscribe to the Snippets weekly sewing tips, but an actual book in my hands would be the best!
I am totally new to sewing. Just got my first 2 hr basic lesson. It wasn't easy as i thought but was definitely interesting. I am not sure about where to start, which book to buy, which sewing machine to buy. This book might be an eye opener and guide me through the sewing path :)
I'd love to win because this book looks like a great reference to add to my sewing library =D
I love the Colette aesthetics and their design lines! I hope I win this book or that Santa brings it to me, otherwise I'll have to get it myself in January as I'm obsessed with it! Thank you for this chance!
this is a great giveaway. thanks for the chance.
Why do I want thee, oh beautiful sewing book?
Let me count the whys ...
... okay, I'll just list the number one why, which is:
Something happened to my figure along the road to the half century mark, and I would LOVE to have five new patterns and a book telling me how to making them fit this new, old me. :0
I would love this book to give to my daughter who has taken up sewing. She is expecting her first child (my first grandchild!) and the sewing bug has really bitten.
I would love to have this book, because, I believe I am never too old to learn something new...
Also ,I have a granddaughter that is showing an interest in sewing.It would be awesome for her to learn the right way, the first time....
Can I say that I'd love to have this book?! what a simple fresh approach to sewing. I learned at my mother's knee, altering and adjusting as we went. Draping and fit issues were figured out by "eye", and there were more than a few miss-steps along the way. The styles of the times were so baggy and forgiving that it didn't seam to matter. Now I want impeccable fit, and I'm willing to build my garments correctly, from the ground up. My hairdresser offered to barter some of her services for sewing lessons and I don't intend to pass any of my [past] bad habits on to her! LOL!
I have been a quilter for several years and would now like to return to garment sewing. This book would make a great start. Thanks for the chance.
I would love this book because it is a great resource.
I love the vintage details in Colette patterns and would love the book as well.
I would love to have this book in my collection. I would use the techniques I learn to help me create clothing for myself and for others. I will be happy to learn so I can share what I learn with others. I find sewing very rewarding and am always happy to learn how to make my items look better. Thanks for the chance to win.
I could use this book to my advantage. I have lost approximately 30 pounds and I want to start making my clothes again now that I can fit into a decent size. I need all the tips and information given in this book to help me achieve my projects in making my clothes. I would probably find information in this book that I do not know about.
I would love to have this book in my collection, to learn the proper techniques and be able to design clothing for my grandbabies and myself!Hope I'm the lucky one!
I've been watching bloggers rave about this book and start to use it. So I'd be stoked to get a copy and get cracking. Cheers and bubbles.
This book is so similar to the garments I make everyday - I would die to have it...thanks
Odd coincidence. I was on Amazon tonight and it recommended this book to me so I looked it over and was so impressed by the reviews that I went to the Collette website and spent a lot of time there, which inspired me to check out the Threads we site where I found this contest.
Amessage from the Universe. . .
Odd coincidence. I was on Amazon tonight and it recommended this book to me so I looked it over and was so impressed by the reviews that I went to the Collette website and spent a lot of time there, which inspired me to check out the Threads we site where I found this contest.
Amessage from the Universe. . .
The concept of this book appeals to me: just five classic garments, all teaching modules, and detailed discussion in order to replicate Channel's exquisite craftsmanship. I would be delighted to learn how to improve my garment construction.
I have purchased and made one garment by Colette. It was the Lady Gray coat. I was impressed with the flattering design of the coat, the well-written directions and the pattern/instruction packaging. These patterns ate made by someone who really sews. I'm intrigued by the book as I feel as though I still have so much to learn about sewing and finally have an amazing machine on which to do so. I would LOVE this book. Thanks!
I desire to win this book to create and ndesign my own wardrobes using corture strategies. This book details the proper procedures to update wardrobes and upcycle items for improvement.
I am motivated by all designs and programs that allow people to sew with differenct options.
I love learning. This book could help me grow in my love of sewing.
Everything I've learned about sewing has been self-taught from books. And it seems like your always looking for that "perfect book" that you can use, not only to learn something new, but as your one reference book to keep by your machine. Maybe this is that book!
Wow! What a great resource this would be for me! I am brand new to sewing and am desperate for things like this that could really help me. I live out in the middle of nowhere (30 minutes to the closest small town). There aren't any sewing instructors close to me, so I have to depend on books or videos to try and teach myself to sew. Because I'm so new to sewing, I've spent my budget on the notions that I need, so I don't have any more left over for additional books at this time (I did invest in the Learn to Sew videos - season 1 and 2, bought the back issues of Threads on CD, and subscribed to Threads for the next year). I'm trying to get the best I can with my limited budget right now.
I would love to have this book to help me in making outfits for my teenage daughters!
I would love to win!!
I'm a beginning sewer & have heard that Collette has the best instructions for making beautiful things.
When I first saw Colette patterns online I dismissed them, thinking they were darling, but only suited for the young and elfin, although it was intriguing to see the designs on a model whose figure was more like a regular person...Sarai herself in the first version of the site.
Since then it's been cool watching Colette designs evolve. The fabric advice and sew alongs on their blog( especially for Clover) are very helpful, and prove they are interested in customer success with their patterns. If what I've heard about the detail of instructions included with the patterns is true and based on the clarity of info and visual presentations on the their blog, this book should be pretty awesome.
It would be great to own this book, to try out the patterns (talk about value) and end up with some very nice basic pieces with many possibilities for variation. Brownie points to Colette for showing them on the blog too. Anyway, here's hoping. :)
would love to win this book -
to give as a gift -
so i can give someone else
the skills and love of sewing . . .
Looks like a real cool book! I like the retro design of the cover and the description of the patterns included makes me want to get my hands on it. The author's view that taking care of the basics will provide great results, gives me confidence to explore and start new projects. Keeping my fingers crossed!
After many years, and after studying Home Economics at University, I have started to sew again. I really missed it but because I had a lousy sewing machine that could barely make it through most fabrics (forget heavy fabrics like denim!)I had given up. Currently I feel that the Collette Sewing Handbook is just what I need. I still know most of the sewing basics, but a primer and excellent reference book would help me improve my techniques, and perhaps provide some short cuts; thing that I have forgotten in the past few years. So, I really hope that I win this book.
What a great book to have in the sewing room, sure it will help me to learn the right technique. Thanks I hope I'll win.
My passion for sewing has been reignited! After a few years of some time consuming life changes , I now have a sewing room. I got my 30 year old Viking tuned up, my scissors sharpened and my fabric stash organized - thank goodness for fabric hoarding! I found a Vogue pattern I had saved for a special occasion, some fancy fabric that was love at first site from 10 years ago and made a beautiful jacket to wear to a get together tonight.
I chuckled and pondered my way through parts of it and realized a little bit of retraining and refreshing my dormant skills are in order.
I would live to win the book and take on a variety of garments.
Thanks for the opportunity. N
Sewing is an important part of my life, and I would love to have this book. Hope..........to win!!!
I've heard nothing but good things about this book. Naturally, I'd love to find out for myself if it is as good as I've been told.
Mother always said knowledge is power. Knowledge of fundamentals in sewing makes beautiful garments!
I was just looking at this book on Amazon and came across this website. I have always been interested in sewing but my proportions made it impossible to use a pattern. Short waisted, swayback, sloped narrow sholders, 5'2", 40F bra, short arms, wide hips and big rear. I really need to learn how to make patterns customized for my body.
After tackling a major dress alteration project for my best friend last month, including designing a new bodice without any pattern (on a duct tape dress form, no less!), I realized that while my skill set is good, it definitely needs guidance.
This book sounds like just what I need!