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Giveaway: The Complete Photo Guide to Clothing Instruction
I’m happy to be taking part in the blog tour for my friend Christine Haynes‘ brand new book, The Complete Photo Guide To Clothing Construction. Today, we’re offering one lucky reader a free copy of the book (see details below).
First, I wanted to share a few pages of this fantastic book with you, to give you a sense of what’s inside.
Personally, I am a big believer in photo-heavy instructional books. I’m a visual learner, and I tend to think that clear color photographs are one of the absolute best ways to demonstrate any sort of needlecraft technique.
And the sheer number of photos in this book means that Christine has fit a huge abundance of information into this slender and beautiful book. There are over 600 full color photos, demonstrating everything from how to install zippers to sewing with knits.
This book is like a an extended class in garment sewing, only in book form. With a wonderful teacher like Christine at your side, you can basically learn anything.
Here’s a preview of the kind of clear, quality instruction you’ll see in this book:
I highly encourage you to pick up a copy, and I say that not only as Christine’s friend and admirer, but as a collector of fabulous sewing books. This is the sort of book you will find yourself turning to again and again.
Giveaway
To enter to win a free copy of this book, leave a comment below telling me one sewing technique you’d like to learn or get better at.
I will choose a lucky winner by random number generator after Friday, March 7 at midnight Pacific time. You have until then to enter.
International entries are welcome, and we will pay for shipping (though if you are outside the US, you are responsible for any local duties that may be charged).
Good luck, and be sure to pick up a copy!
PS: Tomorrow, the blog tour will move to another friend’s blog, Erin of Miss Crayola Creepy fame. Be sure to visit Erin too!
UPDATE: The winner of this book is Stella, who answered our question with: “How to use my serger/overlocker and whip those stretchy fabrics into shape!” Congrats, Stella!
Comments
Lise
March 4, 2014 #
Where do I begin? I’m petrified of collars, sleeves and buttonholes. Oh, and zippers. Pretty much like everyone else!
Bev
March 4, 2014 #
Boy, I’d sure like to make my collars lay there properly. If only.
I’m glad to see this book. It has such lovely clear photos, just the kind I like to use with my elementary students.
Michelle
March 4, 2014 #
I have just recently learned how to sew and I’m LOVING it!!!! So much yet to learn :) but I think the next technique I would like to tackle is zippers.
Laura H
March 4, 2014 #
For someone who isn’t good at visualizing, that looks like the best book ever. I would like to improve my zipper technique. I can do them, but I’m sure I’m doing them wrong.
Christine Zigler
March 4, 2014 #
I need more practice making clothes for myself. The stuff I have made for my girls came out fine, but the stuff for me was off.
Mel
March 4, 2014 #
Looks like a very useful book. thanks for the chance!
Amy
March 4, 2014 #
I would love to learn to make a proper lined blazer. The linings always cause me problems!
krystina
March 4, 2014 #
I would love to learn more about choosing the right seam finishes for the right fabric
Sarah
March 4, 2014 #
I’d love to get better at setting sleeves!
Tanya
March 4, 2014 #
I took Ms Haynes Craftsy class and I loved it. This book would be a great tool. The thing I most want to improve in is fitting a garment. Especially on myself.
Jenny
March 4, 2014 #
I would love to get more confidence with sewing with knits and perhaps different methods of making bound button holes.
Edie
March 4, 2014 #
Top of my list is curved hemlines on knits without a cover stitch machine. A close second would be using my new serger.
Le
March 4, 2014 #
Darts…they do so much and it is so hard to make them look great
kc
March 4, 2014 #
I’d love to learn better ways to make buttonholes. Even when I practice and am patient, they always come out looking insane.
Rebecca M
March 4, 2014 #
I would love to figure out pants: even waistbands, no more weird crotches, butt darts (this is starting to sound really wrong)
amanda
March 4, 2014 #
Anything! I’ve never sewed clothes before… just quilts.
Marnie
March 4, 2014 #
I really want to get better at picking interfacing for projects. It’s rare that a pattern offers much in the way of direction unless it’s a bag or hat or another project that requires a particular type of interfacing. I’ve seen instructions that say to try a sample but I’m never really sure what I should be checking for.
Sara
March 4, 2014 #
There are so many things I’d like to learn! But one major one would definitely be properly easing in sleeves. No matter how many times I’ve done it it still puckers. I really need more instruction on this one…
liz
March 4, 2014 #
I would love to master bagging a jacket lining neatly.
Hester
March 4, 2014 #
i want to learn to do a fly-front zipper; I haven’t quite dared tackle one yet!
Laura J
March 4, 2014 #
I want to learn how fit better. I would love to be able to make clothing that fits me properly and alter what I already have.
Emme
March 4, 2014 #
I’m an ace at zippers after some study and classes, but i want to get better at button holes, IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?!
gabriel ratchet
March 4, 2014 #
finishing the ends of waistbands properly and smoothly. mine are always lumpy and the least professional looking part of anything i make.
seattlerain
March 4, 2014 #
Precise darts! ooooh I’m so excited about this book!
Serena
March 4, 2014 #
I absolutely struggle with neckline construction and putting in zippers! Help!
Anabel
March 4, 2014 #
Fitting!
Rachel M
March 4, 2014 #
I would love to learn how to set in sleeves and make better button holes… I am a visual learner so this book looks wonderful. Thank you for the opportunity to maybe win!
Mimi
March 4, 2014 #
Buttonholes! I want mine to be consistent and pretty, not “spontaeous” :-)
Vicky
March 4, 2014 #
Collars – so that the lining and facing don’t show. Somehow I can never get them to stay under like I want :(
Karen U
March 4, 2014 #
Zippers, zippers and more zippers.
Ahnne
March 4, 2014 #
I would love to learn how to place buttons and buttonholes!
Karen
March 4, 2014 #
I also am a visual learner and so really appreciate 600 + photos.
Stephanie
March 4, 2014 #
I want to learn how to set sleeves better, and to perfect the details that make a garment look professionally finished (like collars and pockets)!
Haywood
March 4, 2014 #
I desperately need to learn to sew flawless curves in fitted tops. Mine always come out too ‘pointy’. I’ve tried using a make-shift ham.. but that hasn’t worked out well either.
Tracy
March 4, 2014 #
Welt pockets. I’ve never had one look good!!
Andrea
March 4, 2014 #
I’d like to learn how sewing beautiful buttonholes by hand!
Kelly @ blue birds sews
March 4, 2014 #
I would love to get that perfect fit by altering darts, changing sleeves, finishing the garment for a professional look.
Susan Walls
March 4, 2014 #
Looks like a fantastic book…sewing is one of my favorite activities and love coming to your blog to see what you’re up to.
Marie Purnell
March 4, 2014 #
I would love to learn more about sewing with sheer fabric, knit fabric and your post has inspired me to now consider swimsuits!! This book looks like it will be an amazing resource. Thank you for the giveaway!!
Mary
March 4, 2014 #
I’d love to learn how to sew a zipper fly. Looks like a great book!
Carolyn
March 4, 2014 #
It’s been years since I’ve sewn garments that could “walk out the door”! Lately I’ve tackled pajama bottoms and the odd skirt (with less than stellar results).
I would love this book to put me on the right track before becoming too frustrated.
Thank you for the chance:)
Ellen
March 4, 2014 #
rolled hems and hand stitching!
Zippy
March 4, 2014 #
I would love to learn how to do mitered corners and bias tape trim properly. The way I do it now isn’t bad, but the end result just kind of looks ick. :(
Betty Jordan Wester
March 4, 2014 #
I’d like to be more confident shortening a zipper. I keep thinking it’ll break my needle.
Dolly Hanson
March 4, 2014 #
I would like to improve my fitting skills and learn to make and apply collars more efficiently. Thank you for this opportunity.
Sarah Correa
March 4, 2014 #
front-fly zippers, waistbands, collars, and pant cuffs! :)
Amy
March 4, 2014 #
I would love to learn more about adjusting patterns to fit me better.
Jessica
March 4, 2014 #
Buttonholes!
Alison
March 4, 2014 #
I’d like to get better at finishing touches and sewing darts! I’m also working at altering commercial patterns to fit properly.
Yoshi
March 4, 2014 #
Sleeves — attaching and altering to fit! Thanks for the giveaway. :-)
Helena
March 4, 2014 #
I don’t know if it counts as a technique, but I want to get better at finishes, not making my garments look too handmade.
RebeccaMarkussen
March 4, 2014 #
how to fit a pattern to body measurements
Melissa S.
March 4, 2014 #
Wow this looks like an awesome book that I very much need. I can sew the basics, but I’d really like to get better at pretty blouses with thin, silky fabrics. Those are the pieces I end up buying because making them seems so far out of my skill set.
tina
March 4, 2014 #
I am self taught and would like to review basics. Little things that the pattern directions don’t tell you like grading seams, overstitching, stay stitching etc.
donna
March 4, 2014 #
Lovely top stitching on uneven, lumpy and curved surfaces!
Jayne Slovick
March 4, 2014 #
I haven’t done welted pockets for a long time. I’d like some information on that and an inspiriting to make one. Hope I win!
Jean
March 4, 2014 #
I really need to learn how to do good looking collars and stands and placket fronts (I think that is what they are called).
One look at the picture of garments and the relevant sewing skills sold me on this book, because I keep pulling out my shirt pattern, shaking my head and putting the pattern back for future use.
Donna
March 4, 2014 #
With 448 comments already, I don’t stand much of a chance (lol), but here goes…
I actually have 2 (they may be related, lol). Invisible zippers and patience. I’ve tried mockups (and a muslin of the Meringue skirt), but it always comes out wonky. I can do a center lapped zip just fine (never had a problem), and even my side lapped zips are not too bad, but I’ve yet to do an acceptable invisible zip.
I also need to work on my patience (not just in sewing, lol) – I have a tendency to just “get through it” when things get difficult, or it’s something I don’t enjoy (like hand stitching). Part of me knows that if I stop and figure out what’s happening (tension off? skipped a step? too far or too close to edge or other stitches?) then the results will be better and the process easier. I just haven’t been able to win that fight with myself all the time.
Kristen F
March 4, 2014 #
Seam, hem, and edge finishing. I want strength but also beauty.
homesteadcat
March 4, 2014 #
seam finishes and sewing with knits.
Maria Shell
March 4, 2014 #
Sewing with knits and fitting pants are my challenges right now.
Beth Staten
March 4, 2014 #
All things stretchy, esp. sewing with knit, altering knit patterns, and attaching elastic directly to fabric.
Thaise
March 4, 2014 #
Buttonholes! I’ve finally somewhat mastered the invisible zipper but buttonholes… They are the bane of my existence :/
llamalpacalama
March 4, 2014 #
Having recently tried to attach elastic to a slip with a zig zag stitch, I know that I’m definitely not understanding something. Would like to know what I should have done to prevent the elastic from being permanently stretched out. Thanks!
Julie
March 4, 2014 #
I would like to get better fits on the things I make. I can see how they could fit better but I don’t know how to make it happen.
Joan G.
March 4, 2014 #
There is so much I still need to learn! I’d really like to learn to finish my seams (without a serger) to look neater/prettier.
Lisa S
March 4, 2014 #
I would love to get better at fitting/altering patterns. I am still too intimidated to try the FBA.
Rita
March 4, 2014 #
Fly Zippers!
Stacey
March 4, 2014 #
I would really like to learn how to do an FBA. Every time I try, I mess up the armscye. Can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong and I can’t find a tutorial that addresses that part of the process (if it is part of the process). The book looks fabulous. Maybe it will finally help me solve my problem. :)
Carrie
March 4, 2014 #
I am really struggling with edgestitching right now. I’m not sure if it is the fabric or me. I’m just now getting back into sewing, so we’ll see!
Elisabeth
March 4, 2014 #
Just one?! Well, that would be the technique of properly inserting an invisible zipper.
Diane @ Vintage Zest
March 4, 2014 #
I have never learned how to install a side zipper. Maybe soon!
Melissa
March 4, 2014 #
I’d love to learn more about handling lightweight, sheer fabrics. They can be such a challenge!
Rachel
March 4, 2014 #
For some reason I have the hardest time sewing plackets! And also collars, I drafted a peter pan collar for a knit dress the other day and it came out ok but it wasn’t super awesome either. :P
edenz
March 4, 2014 #
Welt pockets and bound button holes! I’ve been putting off several projects b/c I’m afraid of those.
Erin
March 4, 2014 #
I’d really like to work on my drafting skills!
Elyse
March 4, 2014 #
I’d like to improve on sewing knits.
Margo
March 4, 2014 #
I’d like to learn more about installing linings.
Tiffany W
March 4, 2014 #
I want to start sewing pants for myself. I need to learn welt pockets and front fly zippers quickly. The book looks amazing!
Emileigh
March 4, 2014 #
I would like to know more about altering and fitting clothing well!
jennifer
March 4, 2014 #
Zippers, zippers and zippers again.
JoAnn
March 4, 2014 #
Lining a jacket
Ruth Procter
March 4, 2014 #
There are lots of things I need to learn, but working with knits and print matching are probably top of the list at the moment!
LM
March 4, 2014 #
Zippers and tailoring :) thank you!
Jen
March 4, 2014 #
Gussets!
Tetyana
March 4, 2014 #
Wow, what a wonderful book! I would like to learn how to attach elastic neatly and to learn about different hems.
Helen
March 4, 2014 #
I seriously avoid set-in sleeves!!! No problem for summer dresses but every winter I add to my pile of UFOs due to bad sleeve setting-in.
Leigh
March 4, 2014 #
I’d like to get better at zippers.
Tara
March 4, 2014 #
Thank you for hosting this giveaway. I am looking for help with hand sewing, so I was happy to see there are some chapters in this book that cover hand sewing.
Patricia Hatfield
March 4, 2014 #
Matching plaids.
laura
March 4, 2014 #
This does look like a good one. I have one of her patterns, the Emery Dress, that I’m dying to try out. Thanks for sharing details about this book.
Kath
March 4, 2014 #
I basically need to learn everything (and therefore need this book) – I’m a beginner and barely master sewing a straight seam :)
holly
March 4, 2014 #
the perfect double welt pocket. the suit jacket. techniques for handling very fine/delicate fabrics. yes.
Veronica
March 4, 2014 #
I’d like to learn how to sew buttonholes on my fabric without having them be the one obvious glaring error on all of my garments. It’s one of the biggest issues I have in sewing right now. Also, I’d like to sew invisible zippers in better, but I think this is because I haven’t had much practice with them.
Kat
March 4, 2014 #
I would love to get better at finishing my seams and fitting. Right now it looks like a rat nibbled at my seams.
Danielle Hildebrant
March 4, 2014 #
There are so many things I’d love to learn. Fitting collars and attaching elastic so it doesn’t show or look funny are the two biggest ones.
Nerissa
March 4, 2014 #
I am attempting to sew knits. Yes, everyone says it’s easy but it is new.
Jenny
March 4, 2014 #
Rolled hems!!! Although the list of things to learn is endless…
fripperie
March 4, 2014 #
I’d like to get necklines to lay flat.
Gretchen
March 4, 2014 #
I would love to learn more about proper fitting and sewing shirt patterns. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway.