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Giveaway! The Sewtionary
I have a sizable collection of sewing books, most of them 50+ years old.
Most of them just sit on the shelf and are only pulled out when I want to grab a little inspiration. The books I turn to again and again are the reference books, the ones you can pull out whenever you’re stuck and find exactly what you’re looking for. They are like trusted friends, always there to help you out of a jam.
Tasia (of Sewaholic) has written just such a book. The Sewtionary is packed with 101 different sewing techniques, all illustrated with clear photos and understandable instruction.
This is an ideal reference book for a beginner, but I think it would be handy for intermediate sewists as well! Want to add a welt pocket to a dress you’re making? Want to change up the type of zipper you’re using? Need a reminder about padstitching? It’s all covered.
Giveaway
Tasia has generously agreed to give away one copy of The Sewtionary today.
To win, leave a comment below letting me know one technique that you find yourself looking up often. I’ll choose a winner at random (using the random number generator) on Wednesday, Sept 17. Good luck!
ETA: Comments are now closed, thanks for entering! The winner is Danica!
The Blog Tour Stops
If you’d like to follow the rest of the blog tour (as I’m sure there will be more giveaways), here’s the full schedule:
- Wednesday, September 10th: Thread Theory Blog
- Thursday, September 11th: Miss Crayola Creepy
- Friday, September 12th: Coletterie
- Monday, September 15th: City Stitching with Christine Haynes
- Tuesday, September 16th: Tilly and the Buttons
- Wednesday, September 17th: Madalynne
- Thursday, September 18th: Closet Case Files
- Friday, September 19th: By Gum, By Golly
- Monday, September 22nd: Lladybird
- Tuesday, September 23rd: True Bias
- Wednesday, September 24th: Four Square Walls
- Thursday, September 25th: Ada Spragg
- Friday, September 26th: Did You Make That?
Comments
Amy B
September 12, 2014 #
How to do a FBA and adjust the bodice length! I am a beginner and am about to move from sewing for the bottom half, and I need to reference that to the tiniest detail. I can’t get away with not doing it (this is the whole reason why I got into sewing clothes!) but it’s so daunting.
Claire
September 12, 2014 #
Plackets! I never remember how to do that! I like plackets, that’s a cool detail but quite painful to sew!
melissa
September 12, 2014 #
I’d say doing a zipper.
Emma
September 12, 2014 #
Plackets for me. Always need to check the correct order.
Ginger
September 12, 2014 #
Before I got the correct foot I would look up invisible zippers each time.
neems
September 12, 2014 #
Bias tape making! especially how to mark the fabric and then how to sew the strips together.
Amanda Renea
September 12, 2014 #
I can see myself using the tutorials on the zippers! I’ve only done invisible zips so far.
Christina
September 12, 2014 #
Making bias tape… I always end up looking at your super helpful tutorials!
Megan
September 12, 2014 #
Fly zips always confuse me.
Rachelle – Warming Crafts
September 12, 2014 #
Inserting an invisible zipper is my bugbear; always have to look it up as I more often put in a lapped or centred standard zipper.
Jessie
September 12, 2014 #
making bias tape
Caroline
September 12, 2014 #
I’m new to sewing so I what I don’t have to look up would be a shorter list!
However how to insert zips while lining a skirt is my number one look up at the moment.
Elena
September 12, 2014 #
I always need to look up the various ways to install zippers. I also need hand-holding for pockets. I’m also always on the lookout for faster, easier ways to do things.
Suzanne
September 12, 2014 #
Understitching a facing! I always have to look up instructions on which way to press and which side of the seam to stitch. Even though once I see the instructions it is so obvious!!
Amber Hunter
September 12, 2014 #
I can’t say that there is any one technique that I look up over and over but I often find that I I have a hand full that I use over and over and never really try anything new. I am self taught and so once I find something that works I stick with it. I am learning a lot from your hem series right now…
Darcy
September 12, 2014 #
I find myself looking up different hems constantly. I sometimes get stuck in a hem rut and do the same one over and over until I find a new favorite haha!
Gretchen Potts
September 12, 2014 #
Zippers for sure. Ive been sewing for 30 years now…..and Im still searching for the perfect technique
Kathy
September 12, 2014 #
I spend a lot of time looking up how to make pockets! I also look up the various techniques for various seams to use in various garments. Different button holes are something I always refer, too.
Molly
September 12, 2014 #
I always need to look up inserting zippers and blind hem stitching.
Susanne
September 12, 2014 #
Always have questions about zippers and finishing techniques. Would love to have this reference book!
meredith
September 12, 2014 #
It’s not fancy, but i always need to double check how to do fly fronts! (And plackets for sleeve cuffs!)
Hilary R
September 12, 2014 #
I am always having to look up how to hand sew blind hems. I can never decide on a stitch.
Deby at So Sew Easy
September 12, 2014 #
I constantly have to look up to remind myself how to sew the invisible zipper. I somehow have a mental block which tries to make me put it in back to front every time unless I triple check it.
Virginia Téllez
September 12, 2014 #
Hand picked zipper, I’m a beginner sewist and find this technique fascinating. Looked up Tasia’s when my sister in laws wedding dress Zipper broke 2 hours before the ceremony.
Fiberdevotee
September 12, 2014 #
I look up zippers the most. Whenever I get a bit intimidated by the next step I pull out my reference books to make sure I understand the process and then I dive in.
Mariana
September 12, 2014 #
I usually search for welt pockets or fly-front zips
Mady
September 13, 2014 #
Very useful book! I’m frequently looking up slip stitch and I’m actually always looking it up on your sewing handbook!
Nicola
September 13, 2014 #
Understirching!! I have to look it up and watch the video every time BUT I have only been sewing for 3 months and am a total newbie so maybe, eventually, it will sink in x
Cherie
September 13, 2014 #
Zippers and dreaded fly front on pants
Jo robertson
September 13, 2014 #
Concealed/invisible zips. I don’t do them often enough to remember!
Kairi
September 13, 2014 #
I haven’t made many pants yet, so a fly + zipper is something that I have to look up every single time. And I have yet to find a simple foolproof method.
Edurne
September 13, 2014 #
I’m focusing on reinforcing techniques, knit construction (still new to me) and handsewing… advice on which the most suitable stitches would be.
Hannah
September 13, 2014 #
I’m funding my way back to sewing after a long break, so am revisiting all the techniques!
Louise C
September 13, 2014 #
I’m a beginner so for me it’s zips.
Anoriell
September 13, 2014 #
I’m a beginner in the sense of ‘at the very beginning’. Very. Beginning. I’m at the stage of still looking up my machine manual to make sure I threaded it right. You know. Just in case. With three very small projects under my belt, everything is new and needs to be looked up. But I can say that the next step will be installing a zipper. That should be interesting!
Tomboy
September 13, 2014 #
I know I mostly know how to put in invisible zippers. But half-way through, I alway whether I really did it right! Then I run to internet, check again for the technique, feel better about what I’m doing and keep going. I’d say Tasia’s book would be great to “hold my hand” while I’m sewing, helping me feel more confident!
Paula
September 13, 2014 #
I love sewing books! I’m always looking up how to do a lapped zipper. I always forget how to do them properly.
Lynn
September 13, 2014 #
Yes, I have to agree about zippers….I always have to remind myself how to put them in!
Melissa Paruzel
September 13, 2014 #
Wow… I would love to get my hands on it.
I won’t say no to any good reference book
OdaO
September 13, 2014 #
It’s something with zippers. The occasional bulking, and possibility of ruining a good piece of work. Which foot, and the fabric.. fold this or that way? I always have to look it up. In my former sewing life I would gladly choose another closing-option than a zipper, but these days.. head on! After years off sewing, I am enjoying the whole process again! I would love to win this lovely book, thank you for offering!
Cat
September 13, 2014 #
Yey! I have so much to learn, still…
andoc
September 13, 2014 #
Since I’m still a beginner, I need help with almost everything :)
Ivory
September 13, 2014 #
Handstitching techniques especially the slipstitch!
Anna
September 13, 2014 #
What a lovely book! Would be so useful in my small collection!
Janie
September 13, 2014 #
I always have to look up information on zippers, and hidden pockets. Thanks for the chance.
Carla S
September 13, 2014 #
One technique I look up alot is sewing on a curve, but I look up everything because I’m a beginner.
Therese
September 13, 2014 #
I tend to look up tips on inserting zippers and pockets
Cassandra
September 13, 2014 #
Zippers. Every single time. I have read every “easiest zipper tutorial” that exists and I still struggle.
Vesna
September 13, 2014 #
Seam finishes, lining, piping.
Every sewing book is just a feast for the eyes and soul. :)
AprilB
September 13, 2014 #
French seams are a big one for me. I find them a must when I’m working on clothes for the little one but I find if I don’t look it up first I mess it up every time.
Heather L
September 13, 2014 #
Zippers…I don’t know why I can’t remember, but I always have to look it up!
holly
September 13, 2014 #
Invisible Zippers. I haven’t done a ton of them, but I’m using them more and more.
Helena
September 13, 2014 #
Lately I have found the necessity to have pockets (comes with having small kids, I guess) so I often find myself studying how to do in seam pockets.
mjb
September 13, 2014 #
I have to look up invisible zippers every time.
Chantilly
September 13, 2014 #
I always have to look up zippers, even though I have done them many times! Maybe after many more, I will finally remember.
Daisy
September 13, 2014 #
It’s a trade-up between the infamous invisible zipper, or how to match my needle size with my fabric type.
Adalia
September 13, 2014 #
I want to master the placket. I have several UFOs that call for them.
Laura T
September 13, 2014 #
Since I’m a beginner garment sewer, I’ll probably be looking them all up!
Hannah
September 13, 2014 #
Zippers! I always have to look up zippers!
Ellen
September 13, 2014 #
Oh this is great! I’d love to read that book! I allways have to look up how to make pockets, haha.
Le B.A.BA de Béa
September 13, 2014 #
As a beginner, I dread having to make an invisible zipper…
Carol H.
September 13, 2014 #
Zippers, it’s always zippers!
Paula Brown
September 13, 2014 #
As easy as they seem, I get mixed up on invisible zippers every time. I look it up just to be sure every time. I love the look but my mind just can’t wrap itself around it without a refresher.
Mary Behrens
September 13, 2014 #
I have a hard time getting rid of books too. I have an even harder time getting rid of reference books. They never go out of print when they are sitting on my shelf. I pick them up at book stores and thrift shops even if I already have a copy. It’s nice to pass on copies and share. It’s like giving the gift of inspiration. Pity so many publishers rush to remainder their publications. Like vintage cook books, sometimes just a quick peruse is enough to trigger a germ of an idea, and from there I can go off flying…
Janet
September 13, 2014 #
Zippers have it hands down everytime!
Jaclyn
September 13, 2014 #
I’m always checking my Reader’s Digest sewing guide for things like how to measure for buttonholes and which hand stitches work best in which situation. Also how to sew knits on my plain old 1960s Sears Kenmore machine…haven’t yet found a method to love, though my stretch stitch seems to work fine for everything except hemming.
Andrea
September 13, 2014 #
I’m a beginner and I’m always trying to figure out which type of thread to use with the fabric I’m using, especially knits.
Mary
September 13, 2014 #
How to install zips for me
Brianne
September 13, 2014 #
No matter how many times I put one in, I always double check the process for installing an invisible zip!
Nita
September 13, 2014 #
I am a complete beginner. Yesterday I looked up the different types of stretch material because I want to sew a wrap dress.
Sophia Rose
September 13, 2014 #
Plackets, urgh! Especially on polo style tops!
Amy Clark
September 13, 2014 #
Zippers. Every single time.
Hanna
September 13, 2014 #
Inserting zippers!! Also, I always have to refer back to how to thread my serger.
Heather McCowen
September 13, 2014 #
As my toddler has gotten more independent, I’ve returned to sewing. For me, it’s a way to be more comfortable with my own body and fight the slide into frumpiness. I am trying to relearn everything the “right” way this time. Seam finishes are my current focus.
Jamie Stowe
September 13, 2014 #
Zippers, how to do button holes, French hems. I’ve only been sewing about a year so there are a lot of techniques that I’m not sure about.
J K
September 13, 2014 #
Bound button closures!
Cyndi
September 13, 2014 #
Always zippers. Anything zippers. This book is on my Amazon wish list – good to hear another recommendation!
Karen Orsua
September 13, 2014 #
Blind hems….I if I haven’t done one recently ( like the last day or two) I always have to be reminded which side to start on. You would think it would be intuitive but no, not this particular technique .
Terri
September 13, 2014 #
I ALWAYS have to look up putting in a zipper!
Daniela
September 13, 2014 #
I’m a beginner, I look up everything! My last project was the Myrtle sew along and I had to look up hemming techniques and how to finish seams on knits.
Lauren
September 13, 2014 #
I’m always looking up hem finishes! Whether done by hand or machine, I’m still trying to master the technique.
Brittany
September 13, 2014 #
Apparently I’m not alone in my struggle with zippers. I also frequently look up which feet would be good to use with different stitches.
Karen Morrison
September 13, 2014 #
I’m joining the club, zippers!
Aimée
September 13, 2014 #
Always, always, zippers. Especially invisible zippers! :)
Cheryl@ Sew Can Do
September 13, 2014 #
Invisible zippers and blind hems. I don’t do them often and always forget what to do.
tina
September 13, 2014 #
I love that the boom is spiral bound! I always have to look up how to do a blind hem.
Kelly M
September 13, 2014 #
I find myself looking up how to do an invisible zipper when it’s been a while since I last inserted one in a garment.
Kezban
September 13, 2014 #
Making Buttonholes by hand would be nice since my machine mades look horrible
Bobbi
September 13, 2014 #
I would constantly be looking up zipper techniques. I’d probably find other bits of wisdom that would fill the sewing knowledge void in my brain, too.
Wendy
September 13, 2014 #
I find myself looking up which way to sew a pillow every time I make one. I forget if it’s “wrong” side to wrong or “right” to right.
emma
September 13, 2014 #
Facings around necklines and armholes!! I am constantly looking for quick methods of making these look flawless!
Lori Fleming
September 13, 2014 #
Thank you for all you do!
Marion
September 13, 2014 #
First, I maintain my two sewing machines and need to look up that info.
Second, adjusting a pattern , matching fabric&thread to the needle.
This type of reference book is a must.
M
Martha
September 13, 2014 #
Eek! I’m a new sewer so I still look up almost everything!
Jessica
September 13, 2014 #
I recently started sewing so I love books like this. I definitely look up zippers a lot!
Rebecca
September 13, 2014 #
Is it ok to say all techniques? Because really, I am a very beginner sewer. I cut out the pieces for the next dress I want to make, but not have it hibernating because it needs an invisible zip and I am afraid to try that. And all those techniques you listed I have never even heard of! So this book would be such a good resource!
Sandra Woerner
September 13, 2014 #
I would love to own the Sewtionary book. I have returned to sewing for too many years to quote. I have to look “Everything” up and I can’t believe how many constructions ways have changed. This book would be my go-to for anything you need to know to construct a garment.
Kadri
September 13, 2014 #
The last thing I remember looking up was how to install a regular zipper. But I’m a sucker for watching youtube videos on how to use different feet! Usually I just look up something once and then remember it well enough to not have to look it up again.
Jessica Hall
September 13, 2014 #
I look up how not to cry while installing zippers.
Cathi
September 13, 2014 #
Zippers especially invizable zippers. I just don’t trust my memory with them.