101 PROJECTS TO DO!
Have you ever wanted to try a freeform style of sewing? Nicole Blum and Debra Immergut provide various projects that involve only fabric and thread in their book Improv Sewing: A Freeform Aproach to Creative Techniques (Storey Publishing, 2012). Each project takes less than a day to create, some in less than an hour. Five basic clothing designs become templates to create dresses, tunics, skirts, and tops, all waiting to be embellished as you like. In addition to the wearable projects, you will also learn how to create decorative items for every room in your home. The book was featured in the “Cool Tools” department in our SewStylish Spring 2013 edition which is now available on newsstands and in our online store.
COMMENT BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!
Are you interested in adding this book to your library? If so, what would you like to design using freeform sewing? Submit your comment below, and you will be entered in our random drawing for the book. The deadline for this entry is February 22 at midnight, and the winner will be announced during the week of the 25th and notified via email. Good luck!
That looks like such a fun book - a spur to creativity!
I would love to design a jacket using the freeform technique. This book looks like it would provide all the inspiration to add some freedom to my sewing.
What a fun concept! It sounds like it would jumpstart your creativity. Hope it's me that wins it. 8-)
That book will be a big asset for improving my sewing and creativity. Thanks.
Hi, ich würde gern eine Babydecke , Kissen, Bilder und kleine Stofftiere für ein Kinderzimmer nähen :-) Ich denke, dass ich das tolle Buch gut gebrauchen kann. Danke, für die Möglichkeit das Buch zu gewinnen. LG Petruschka
Looks like a really great book! Thanks for the chance to win.
I NEED this book! Being dependent upon patterns is not only costly, but also frustrating.
i ve tried men's shirt and ladies top using free form sewing.. i find patterns too expensive ... hoping i win this book ..
Id start with accessories! And go from there!!
Really, I'd be open to sewing anything freeform!
Looks like a good book! My fingers are crossed.
I would like to try making a dress using this technique.
I'd love to win this book and explore making some new things for my home.
I already do improv acting. I would love to transfer that over to my sewing.
Love to learn new techniques. Accessories, blouses, there would be many craft items using freeform!!
This book looks like one I would enjoy reading an using for projects for my wardrobe. I would be over the moon to win this book. To help and teach me some more difficult sewing creating beautiful clothes for my fashion.
I'm hankering for inspiration to de-frump my so-so wardrobe. At least half of my frocks could do with some improv.
I would love this book!
At age 60, after many decades of pattern obsession, I no longer have so many years to devote to them! I am curious about the home dec projects, but would also love to create new, time-worthy garments to freshen up my wardrobe! Thank you!
I would love to win this book! I feel a wardrobe makeover and some upcycling coming on! :-)
the topic is something I've just started to be interested in. Would love to know more about it.
Looks like a great book - I am always looking for creative clothing projects!
Looks like a fun book to spark some new ideas!
I love embellishment books.
Once again I am introduced to another "must have" book. Oh, the creative ideas that would come from this book! Sure hope I win !!!
Love Threads and always read it cover to cover including most of the ads. I'd be thrilled to win this book and see what I can create using improv ideas. It sounds really interesting!
I love creative sewing and this book looks like it would get the ideas flowing. I'd love to make a jacket using some new creative techniques!
I'd finally sew the perfect dress for myself!!
That looks like fun, and i'd love a copy!
Love to learn new techniques and I am about to start sewing some new clothes for myself...this would be a wonderful addition to my sewing library!
A different looking book, love them kinds.
I saw someone pull this book off the shelf at a bookstore and watched them go through it and listened to their comments of their choice of books. Not wanting to interrupt them thought I could get another copy off the shelf when they left. And of course, that was the only copy.
I saw someone pull this book off the shelf at a bookstore and watched them go through it and listened to their comments of their choice of books. Not wanting to interrupt them thought I could get another copy off the shelf when they left. And of course, that was the only copy.
I think this books sounds right up my alley. In my case, free-form sewing happens without my even trying! I'd like to sew a pillow or a quilt using this technique. Pick me!
I love books on sewing. This would be great to win and plan some of the projects. Thanks for the giveaway.
I could use an inspirational sewing book. I'm in a bleah rut.
Thank you for making this available.
CarolK
I would love to see how much of this book I could use with my embroidery machine. Inovation for sure
Oooh, I love to learn new techniques, especially when they make you think outside the box! Very intriguing:)
What a great book! It would inspire me to loosen up and let my creative side go to it!!
Thank you for the chance to win this book, it sound interesting.
hope I win that book, I love to embellish stuff...the more glitter and beads the better!!
I need to learn to let go! What a great idea.
This appears to be a fun and creative book; I love free form. I could do so many fun things and gifts.
I'd love to have this fun book!
Sounds very interesting and definitely one to inspire me to think outside the box and be creative instead of following a pattern or design exactly. Need to broaden my sewing horizons a good bit. Thanks for the opportunity to win it and for sure for alerting me to this quite interesting book.
The book sounds like it would be wonderful inspiration for one's creativity!
Yes, I would like to have this book in my library. I'd use the book by starting with making clothes - tops for myself - to see how it all works. Presumably, that will lead to more inspiration and who knows where it will all lead.
This book sounds really interesting. I like the idea of something creative and quick to make to take a brake from long detailed projects. Plus I think it would help to come up with ideas to use all the left over material from other projects that pile up. It sounds like fun!
This is just what we need, when faced with, what am I gonna make with this fabric. or UFO's.
This is just what I need! Would love to have the Book. Very inspirational!!
this book looks like just the thing to jumpstart one of my many stalled projects.
Well, it is hard to say what I would like to freeform from the book when I have not seen it. I would like to do some girl's dresses. Tech cozies. Home dec. I am open to suggestions for sure.
This looks like a great book for making fun gifts for friends and family. I love books that give you a jumping off point to create projects you personalize to fit your vision.
I am thinking of a summer dress and I think the book would give me great inspiration!
Creating something from the book would definitely help chase away the winter blahs. Fingers crossed!
I am up to the challenge of taking on a new sewing project! Reminds me of me ... making something out of nothing.
That is a definitely 'have to have' book. I love remaking clothing or projects from clothing passed on or from clothing that is now too big or too small, but still too new to get rid of. I love the creative process, I am inspired by sewing artists who think outside the box and just give me that motivation to also do so.
I would like to be able to see something , a dress, an accesory perhaps? And be able to make it myself.
Yes, that definitely looks the sort of book I could make use of. Thanks for the opportunity of joining in this give-away.
I would like some accessory ideas for using vintage fabrics.
I love learning and I love creating. This book looks perfect for me!
The book sounds great. I use vintage kimono and obi to make accessories, and can always use new inspiration.
I am still pretty new to sewing. I would love to use this book as a guide for creatively embellishing my thrift store finds as well as for making some tunics. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
I really enjoy creating different kinds of projects. Just being creative
Sounds just fabulous. It goes on my list of wants.
Looks like a great book. I love that the projects can be completed in a day.
Look interesting! I'd like to try it out.
I'm always looking for ideas to upcycle items I find at thrift stores, or creative ways to use stash fabrics that come my way. This book looks like a gem.
I think I would start out with some home dec items using the freeform technique. Then once I got my courage up I think I would like to try some sort of apparel. This book looks like the place to start. Thanks for the chance to win.
I love the idea of this book! I have sewn, designed and made patterns since I was a teenager (and that's been awhile!). I love embellishment, but this is definitely an area that I could use some inspiration in. Good luck to all!
I can always use a kick start to the imagination. All it takes is a different slant on a usual technique or process to get things going...what fun!
Sounds like a great book!
Just getting back into sewing and this book would be a great help
This is the way I love to sew, by winging it, improvising, and using my stash up!
the less structure the more creative I am
With no time for elaborate projects, creating things in a short time is still so rewarding. This book sound like a winner!
Hi, I free sew all the time, whether making something new or improvising an idea, so much fun!
Ellice
I love creating something from nothing. Your book will be just the impetus for new creations.
Sounds Fun! With only 1 day to complete each project, you could design a whole wardrobe within 1 month!
I just took a series of wall quilt classes, and didn't follow the picture on the front as far as colors went, basically I followed the design, but made them each "my own"... The instructor upon seeing my color choices and my plans, would kind of blink, and said we'll see.I and the instructor are pleased with the results. To be able to learn how to apply this to my clothing patterns, or existing clothing and designs around the house would be AWESOME!!!!
I would creat different looks for plain patterns, by applying different patches or appliqué or crouching thread on the garment.
This looks like a very interesting book and to impprovise on a lot of things using your imagination, I would like a chance to win and whoever wins will be very lucky
I love the idea of quick projects!
I sit at my sewing machine late at night for about 1-2 hours at a time, and I'd love to see the finished project sooner.
Outragous. Hope I win
I would love to win this book!! Best of luck to all.
This books looks like fun!
This would be such an awesome book to win!
I would love to learn to sew something basic, yet unique that actually fits me.
Yes, please! I don't want to always have to go looking for a pattern, just so I can make something. And quick projects are great when you've got a busy little boy running around.
Yes! I'd like to make a funky, elogant 2pc. A top and pants, somewhat draped in nature.
I've been bored sewing lately. This book sounds just like what I need!
I'd love a new book to help me sew faster to create interesting new clothes and accessories
I would love to win this book,It would be nice to have a guide for basic techniques to spice up those wardrobe pieces that are getting dull. Chapter 4 on ruffles pleats and trims would be amazing, and I'd love to learn more about Upcycling in Chapter 10. Now that I've looked more into this if I dont win, I'll probably buy it used on Amazon!
There are days when my creative juices just need a jump-start ~ this looks like a fabulous tool-kit-addition!
I would love to win, always looking for new ways and ideas to share with my four daughters who sew, considering we now have added a set of twin girls to our list to sew for and teach in the future.
I love to create things for my home and other peoples homes. But now age is setting in and I need help custom making my own clothes that fit a lopsided body. Threads always has the best books.
I would love to win this book! I love adding my own spin to things & seeing the end results! Good luck everyone!!!!! :)
I can always learn something new and use what I have learn in something new. Books are the forever teachers. They are just waiting to teach you. If you don't learn from them then you are not looking.
I love being creative and trying new things! Good Luck everyone!
I also would love to win the book, love learning new and different techniques, especially things that add to an existing outfit, like vests.
That's my kind of sewing!
My daughter always laughs when someone asks if I used a pattern. Yes, except I wanted it longer, closer, less detail here and more detail here. It's the same way that I cook. Oops, we don't have that, so we will put this in.
Thank you for the opportunity to see new ideas and ways of sewing!
I love the concept of "sewing outside the box" and would love to spend some time with this book!
I absolutely love learning new things! This book sounds great.
I've been sewing by improvisation all along! But your new book might give me a new idea or two.... ;-)
This seems like the perfect book for someone like me, who has little time and likes to create things on a whim from my fabric stash, usually at about 10PM, when it's too late to run to the fabric store for a pattern & some inspiration. I'd love to have this book!
I would make a dress using two or three bright colors of fabric - fun and in line with the current "color block" trend!
This book sounds great and I can't wait to try it by making family gifts and sharing it with my best friend who also sews.
I've done some improv sewing, especially with costumes. This book would be a great resource.
I'd make a colorful scarf.
Intriguing. I'm game for something new.
This book looks like a creative inspiration for clothing and accessories. Often, I head out to the store with an idea and don't find anything I like unless it costs hundreds. The fashion industry and I are usually out of sync by 3 to 5 years. Back to the drawing board to peruse the stash, this book would be a nice source to add to the library for ideas, techniques and inspiration.
This book looks like a creative inspiration for clothing and accessories. Often, I head out to the store with an idea and don't find anything I like unless it costs hundreds. The fashion industry and I are usually out of sync by 3 to 5 years. Back to the drawing board to peruse the stash, this book would be a nice source to add to the library for ideas, techniques and inspiration.
I would love, Love, LOVE to win this book. An avid sewer for years, I am lately enjoying creating something new and exciting from something old and run down. I have the perfect project... a summer dress that has some fit issues and has no style or shape. I would love to be inspired by your book to recreate a very beautiful piece. Thanks!
I would start with pillows and scarves. Always excited for new inspiration!!
I have a new granddaughter and I'd love to knit things for her that are fun and different.
I'd love to make fun and unusual projects for my granddaugher. She's just 6 weeks.
I would love to win this book! I would duplicate the scarf seen on the cover. I have kept some pieces of clothing that has a unique texture so that I can use it for embellishing projects...I would love to have ideas for this. Thank you for the giveaway!
This book looks awesome. I am looking for some creative new ideas!
I saw a top made from one yard of fabric at a department store this week-end. Maybe this book will teach me how to achieve that new look.
What a fabulous looking scarf!
I'm always looking for "patternless" sewing projects, esp. for clothing. This book seems like it might have some things I'd like.
This book looks interesting for me and my sewing students. Who couldn't use good ideas???
I love books that spur new ideas. This books looks fun and creative.
Books that provoke new ideas, are always great, just imagine what you could do, from turning regular garments or accessories in to works of art, as well as something unique to you. I am always looking for ways to enhance garments, I find regular garments uninspiring, what inspires me is finding ways of creating something unusual or different as well as something that makes your personality shine through. You dont want to stop there, you also need the perfect accessory, this looks like the perfect book for both design and creation elements.
I like to re-style fashion that's a bit out of date. I'm sure I'll find inspiration. I want to make some clever tennis dresses.
Have been thinking about recreating and capturing images from a recent trip and making a wall-hanging/quilt. The "freeform approach" will be ideal in providing inspiration and new ideas for this project or many more to come. The book will make a great addition to my growing resource collection. fingers crossed.........
The book review describes it like an inspirational book. This is my kind of book, where you can get ideas, patterns and they do not take forever to finish a project. I would love to have this book in my sewing library.
I would love to add this book to my library. I am really looking for inspiration for mother/daughter items that don't make mom look like an overgrown kid or the daughter look like she is wearing her mom's outfit.
I have basic quilting and knitting skills, with a fair amount of general sewing thrown in. I'm having fun as I am working on re-purposing older garments--whether out-grown, worn-out, or thrown out by others and bought at resale shops!
Of course. It is a sewing book, so, of course, I'd like to have it.
I'm looking for new ideas and creative details in sewing projects.
I pick up this book from the library. Renewed it twice and still paid a fine. Love the ideas in this book. Would make a great addition to my craft/sewing room library without paying fines each time I checked it out.
After surgery, my body changed and swelled up so much I needed a new wardrobe. So many of my recent sewing projects have been complicated to sew and fitting challenges. I would much rather be more spontaneous, mixing and matching with my fabric stash! I would love to have a book of inspiring, simple, fast projects that included patterns, so I could complete some comfortable, interesting, stylish, and artistic outfits to match my somewhat eccentric personality!
I love sewing and always try new techniques and patterns.
I'd make a dress to wear to my husband's symphony concerts- something outrageous to be a counterpoint to his tuxedo.
Many of us sew....but what takes the uninspired to rave comments are the 'finising' touches. The book looks like it will guide us down that road to standout projects....and get us thinking outside of the pattern envelopes. Love to put it next to my sewing machine!
It sounds like this would be a great inspiration for me to get back into sewing after a long hiatus.
I'd love to win this book, and create some clothing designs for summer.
I've just completed taking a couple of sewing classes. I'm interested in learning to sew just about anything. I'm enjoying learning to sew.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter to win this book. I love to sew it is my relaxation and where I get my inspiration thanks
Oh, yes, please pick me!
Just moved house, and donated my stash of patterns and scraps to save on the cost of boxes and mover's fees. A trove of small-and-quick projects would turn my new-to-me house into a real home!
I really do love the freedom of free-form sewing. What a great way to match the favorite fabrics I have hanging around with the perfect project.
It would be great to have some fresh new ideas for spring sewing.
Always looking for ideas and inspiration!
I would love to design some knit dresses.
I sew because (I like to sew) but also because I can have what I want, I don't have to take what I can get. A book like this would enhance the possiblities of what I could do. Always looking for new ideas.
I work with Arashi shibori dyeing techniques and am looking for new desaign ideas.
I love improv and sewing!
As a fiber artist Improv is my middle name. The possibilities for design in art pieces as well as art fashions would be endless with this tool in my tool box.
I want to design a table runner connecting leaf shapes.
This book sounds like just the jump start I need! I have some ideas floating in my head, but not sure how to begin. Thanks for this opportunity.
What a great method of adding to our wardrobes without having to spend tons of money to first buy fabric and notions; Then learn to construct great patterns. I look forward to shopping for a few "new" spring things to start with.
I would definitely want to add this book to my library. Both my daughter and daughter-in-law love embellished clothing and I am looking for something special to wear to two weddings this summer.
Would love this book. I enjoy adding to things I make.
Any opportunity to learn about something that I don't know about is worth while. I learn so much from other crafters/designers and appreciate the really fresh ideas they bring. I will try everything I can get my hands on.
BBilliard
This book must be fun to read for creative people, it would be nice to own it
I have a fabric addiction but for the past year and a half have been battling "sewer's block" -- lack of inspiration, which just keeps me buying more fabric, with hopes that the next one will get me sewing again.
I would really like to own this book with great hopes that it will get me sewing again, especially some new clothes for myself and hubby.
Thanks. :)
I really need inspiration. I'm new to sewing and completing projects quickly would build motivation!
fast and fun is what I like! Can't wait to see what neat ideas the book has to offer
fast and fun is what I like! Can't wait to see what neat ideas the book has to offer
good day to everyone!
It would be great to check out the creations in this book not only to make the items but also to embellish ready to wear. It is a blast to turn something ordinary into a conversation starter =)
i would love to win this to make use of the fabric stash!
I would LOVE this book. It sounds like it brings out the best of creativity.
I'm intrigued. I just looked at some projects in the book and saw a trailer for it. They tickled the left side of my brain and I would like to see more from the book. Thanks for the opportunity.
Oooh, yes please!
This sounds like a marvie book; would love to make a space for it in the Cave O' Crafts!
Sounds like this is just right down my alley!
I need some ideas to use 10 Buttons for a contest with my ASG neighborhood group.
love your magazine.
This book sounds like a feast of creativity and just plain fun.
Tru.
This book sounds like somethng I can do to keep busy in this cold weather. Hoping some thing are simple so my grandaughter can do with me. Thanks for the chance to win because my last two threads book didn't have much.
Am always on the lookout for fun ideas.
I'd love to use the freeform technique to make some home decor items like curtains and wall art for my daughter and soon-to-be son-law's new home.
Looks like fun and a good way to put bit of creativity back into my sewing. bit uninspired at the moment.
This book sounds like something to boost creativity. I'd like to make some interesting vests to wear with turtlenecks and jeans, and use up some of my scrap stash. And I have a variety of decorative threads I'd like to experiment with.
Free Form scares me; but I would try it.
As an impulse fabric shopper (on-line), I have a huge fabric collection awaiting transformation into ??? This book could be the catalyst to get me over the hump and to turn ideas into reality. I'd likely start simple with skirts or decor items -or let the fabric reveal its form. Thanks for the opportunity.
I'd love to maybe try some sort of soft form slouchy hat with the free form technique. It will still be cold here for a few more months but I need to start adding some 'spring' to my wardrobe.
It sounds very interesting and the time to complete the items sounds very manageable for me. I would love to win.
I'm turning 60 this year. I am an accomplished sewer who can execute a pattern but I think the time has come to start flexing my creativity and I mean at the sewing machine! I would love to make an improve tee shirt. I still like the clothes from the 70's. But I need to come up with something with a modern twist and age appropriate ( I don't want to look like an aging hippy!)
This book offers such a variety for creativity! I have an outstanding library right now which would welcome such a new addition.
I would love to design some free flow embellised accessories like detachable collars and cuffs or fabric and notions inspired 'jewellery' to customise my unique wardrobe. Do hope I winn this tome.
I always enjoy seeing new books---it jumpstarts my creativity!
This looks like a wonderful way for me to get out of my sewing box and move through into new areas of creativity
Looks like a fun book! I love fast projects. That seems to be all I have time for. Thanks for the giveaway.
I'd love to win this book! I love juxtaposing textures, colours and shapes. I love the way they play off and support each other. My FAVE thing is taking a very classic silhouette or style and embellishing it in a new way to create something expressive and unique. It takes otherwise predictable garments to whole new levels of style.
The other day I picked up a slightly moth eaten thrifted cashmere sweater. I darned/patched it as needed then added very subtle embroidery and beadwork in a pattern that effectively covered the mending. It was a wonderful project, it saved the sweater from the landfill, and it produced a beautiful garment that I'm sure will be loved by someone else one day. It would be amazing to work with other inspiring projects!
Thank you so much for the generous offer. :)
I would love this book, as it would take me out of my comfort zone...following patterns. And I agree with all my fellow sewers..it looks like fun, it looks easy and painless. And who knows, I may buy it!
This looks like a book I could really use. As a volunteer costume designer for a local theater, I guess I've done quite a bit of improv sewing. It would be a wonderful 60th birthday present for me!
I've been on a personal mission to reclaim my creativity. This book would fit nicely toward that goal! I'm tired of seeing and wearing the same thing as everyone else...I want to be different, enhanced by my creativity!
I would love to create some accessories to go with my work clothes. My wardrobe is fairly basic and I'd like to add some exciting items to it. I hope I win this book.
Age is no limit to free form sewing. Every Artist needs something that helps to set them apart. This book looks like it would be a great addition to my library. Looking forward to adding some more fun accessories and coats to my wardrobe. Thanks for the opportunity.
This book appeals to the part of me that loves to "play" with fabrics.
I would love to drape freeform -- especially dresses!
That book will be a gem for any creativity. Thanks