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Win a copy of Sewing in a Straight Line by Brett Bara
I met Brett Bara at Quilt Market in October, author of the book Sewing in a Straight Line. I knew right away that we were on the same page when it comes to sewing and craftiness, but it wasn’t until I looked at her blog and saw her posts on cats and smoothies that I knew for sure she was a woman after my own heart.
Brett sent me a copy of her lovely book, and I thought I’d share it with you all.
As a person that sews, you probably hear friends and family say they’d like to learn to sew, but don’t know where to start. Sometimes encouraging friends to get started presents a bit of a challenge. You know that you should recommend some straightforward, easy projects for them to get started and boost their confidence, but most easy projects are a bit boring. It’s hard to get excited about them.
That’s where this book comes in. With lovely, clean, modern photography and pretty styling, the simple home and garment projects in Sewing in a Straight Line actually look like things you’d want to make! What a breath of fresh air, and a great way to ease a beginner into the world of sewing. Or for the more experienced sewist to get some instant gratification.
Would you like to win a copy of this book? Simply leave a comment and let me know what your favorite easy, simple, of quick gratification project is. I’ll choose a winner at random on Wednesday, Jan 26th.
I’ll start! My favorite simple project is making napkins and tea towels. They’re so fast, cute, and useful both every day and when you’re entertaining. What about you?
Update: Congrats to JP, who won (via random number generator) with her comment:
“Baby blankets! Just a big square of flannel: finish the edges and you’re good to go!”
Comments
McKenzie
January 20, 2012 #
The easiest and quickest craft I love to make are little shoe clips! I love putting different colored “puffs” on my shoes to give them a whole new look.
Celeste
January 20, 2012 #
Simple a-line skirts. They’re fast and look great in pretty much any material.
Gerry
January 20, 2012 #
Is this just the book to jump-start my sewing mojo ? ? ?
I truly NEED this cardi. I could easily use a half-dozen if not more of these.
You are presenting a wonderful opportunity gifting this copy
would love to win – but will be adding to my library either way.
hugs
Katie
January 20, 2012 #
I love making simple tote bags out of funky fabrics. They make great presents and take no time at all to put together.
Jackie
January 20, 2012 #
Small zippered pouch! Great for using scrap fabric, a nice opportunity to pair fun patterns/prints/solids, super functional, and a great gift.
elliemook
January 20, 2012 #
I love to make aprons. They make cute gifts and I can use up my favourite scraps on pockets and embellies
Angela
January 20, 2012 #
Altering a shirt for my husband is always a quick and easy project that I enjoy. He appreciates it so much that I can’t help but enjoy doing it for him.
noah
January 20, 2012 #
looks like a lovely book…. my favorite quick gratification projects right now are pom pom trim cowls and aprons!
katy
January 20, 2012 #
My first project on my own was a case for my knitting needles. Lots of straight lines and fun fabric choices.
Lisa
January 20, 2012 #
I don’t know how to sew yet…but was looking for a good place to start…I would love to try to learn from this book.
Bobbie
January 20, 2012 #
Curtains & matching pillow covers
caitlin
January 20, 2012 #
i love to make sunglass cases with scraps of extra fabric, for myself or friends.
Jackie
January 20, 2012 #
I love cushion covers! Really easy, and the inserts are quite cheap so they’re both quick and budget-concious!
Anjomo
January 20, 2012 #
Easy, simple and quick gratification? I have to say zippered pouches.
Manu
January 20, 2012 #
Cushion covers are quick and easy and a fun way to change the decoration of a room.
Morganelle
January 20, 2012 #
I love to make simple tanks out of lightweight woven material. The book looks great!
Jacqueline Cherie Moules
January 20, 2012 #
I am finding it such a buzz and completely inspirational reading the other posts/ suggestions. I am a perfectionista ~ a real trip-up trait in the sewing realm; I would love to attempt simpler projects more often to break the curse! Thinking back over my sewing and knitting (does that count?) days, some FUN simple projects: turbans (love that 40s look), knitted mobile phone covers, jabots (many 80s blouse patterns have them; I ignore the blouse and go for the easy peasy neck frill ~ a darling accessory) and modern dolls’ clothes or simple colonial style ones. Not all dolls’ clothes are easy, but pinafores, tees etc out of the girls’ old clothing look adorable and are satisfying to make and present. Like a few of the other ladies I love making petals for flowers, using ‘past-it’ vintage dresses and knitted petals in the same colour / different textures. I am making softies, namely a very sweet rabbit pattern with my daughter these holidays. Best of luck everyone!
Jessica
January 20, 2012 #
I like to make bows out of the scraps of previous projects, you can make them into hair accessories to match your original project. (I recently made a wool herringbone skirt, and I plan to make many bows out of the scraps). You could also make the bows into jewelry, belts, brooches, almost anything.
camille
January 20, 2012 #
Hello!!
My simple things to do are just cushion covers!
I love to change them every 2 minutes, simple to do and you always find THE perfect material which would so perfectly match your sofa!
<there are just no limits in creating them !
With love, Camille
Maria
January 20, 2012 #
Easy and quick – reversible scarves. They make lovely, unique and attractive gifts too! So, you can whip one up for a friend in no time at all.
Yoshi
January 20, 2012 #
I used to love making pincushions, though I haven’t done any for ages… you just get two squares of fabric, sew them up, stuff them, and ta-da!
Magpie Mimi
January 20, 2012 #
A line skirts have to be my go-to quick gratification project, they’re simple and so versatile and PRETTY!
Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
Glamaris
January 20, 2012 #
I love making cute, one of a kind, purses and wallets :) Also fabric jewelry!
Stephanie
January 20, 2012 #
I love making little boxy zipper pouches for gifts. They’re quick and easy and always appreciated!
Rachel
January 20, 2012 #
I love to make rice heating pads. Just as easy to make as a pillow but so useful!
Karen
January 20, 2012 #
My delight is sewing & tying baby quilts and giving them as gifts! The gift recipient usually acts as tho’ I’ve given them an object make of GOLD! They are thrilled with the item I have made with a lot of love and that warms my heart!
Chloe
January 20, 2012 #
My favourite simple projects is bibs for a friend of mine’s baby – they take no time at all but she is a non-sewer and super grateful :-)
Megann H
January 20, 2012 #
I am new to sewing, but love making simple dresses for my girls and pajama bottoms for my boys.
Brittany Ketterman
January 20, 2012 #
My favorite sewing project is making simple pencil skirts. I wear them nearly daily, and I can whip one up in about an hour.
dayna
January 20, 2012 #
being new to sewing, nothing is easy hehe but i am trying my best! i made a little reindeer outfit for our dog for christmas and i have to say it was very fun to do (if a little mean for the dog!)
i imagine with time i will get some better quick-go-to projects…
Karen McNeil
January 20, 2012 #
I love making simple wrap skirts is my favourite fabric. No zip, just a button and a tie and you have a new skirt! This book looks gorgeous.
Ginger
January 20, 2012 #
Heeheehee, this question made me laugh because I realized I don’t have any simple, instant-gratification projects! I only make hard and annoying (by my novice standards) things! I would love to make some quick and easy projects! :) Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Ashley
January 20, 2012 #
Pocket squares!
Becky
January 20, 2012 #
I like to make reusable shopping bags. If I have a little extra time, I sometimes add embellishments and give them away as gifts. Lately, I’ve been converting a bunch of old tablecloths (we don’t have any tables they fit, anyway!).
Tina
January 20, 2012 #
I kinda like easy-peasy two seam skirts (one up the back, one around the waistband). They take a few hours and BAM! New skirt to wear out that night!
Jeanne
January 20, 2012 #
I love to whip up a nice new tote bag from a funky vintage selection….. functional and cheers me up!
Amanda Choo Quan
January 20, 2012 #
Reconstructing vintage…like a dress or t-shirt.
Jeanine
January 20, 2012 #
I adore making reusable grocery bags out of leftover fabric. I embellish them with fancy stitches on my machine that I wish I could use more often!
Greta
January 20, 2012 #
Adding trim/embellishments to clothing or home decor to change things up just enough to make a big impact.
Kaylee
January 20, 2012 #
I love to sew zipper pouches. They’re fast, they’re easy and they’re a great way to organize your purse, your make up, nail polish, coupons, scrapbook supplies, etc.
Lee
January 20, 2012 #
I love a nice pillowcase.
Esther Kidwell
January 20, 2012 #
nesting boxes :)
Ledys
January 20, 2012 #
Thanks for such a cool giveaway, Sarai and Caitlin! My favorite quick prOject is making drawstring bags. Love them! They’re fast and so useful :-)
Lynn
January 20, 2012 #
Even though they’re not as quick to make as napkins or pillowcases (my former favourites), I *love* making jeans. When my sewjo takes a hit, out comes the jeans pattern and denim. I’ve made six pair so far and are working on two more. I’ve got the sewing down to a routine that allows me to make them in a short amount of time.
Sara
January 20, 2012 #
Throw pillow covers. You’re basically sewing rectangles together, and it’s an easy way to redecorate.
Sarah
January 20, 2012 #
I’d love to win a copy of this book as I’ve just started a sewing group and I’m helping friends to sew and I think it would be a really handy resource for the group. My favourite easy gratification project is pj pants. They are so easy to sew and to manner yours with your own personal touches.
Tara
January 20, 2012 #
I have so many projects I want to try on my list – but I’m also a full-time student, so spare moments are few and far between. So far, my favourite quick-grat project is rummaging goodwill for soft knit mens polo’s and transferring them into soft knit knee-length skirts. So quick (just one cut at the chest of the shirt and some elastic thread for the waist band and done) and so comfy! :)
Paola
January 20, 2012 #
My favourite quick make is dirndl skirts.
Cheryl
January 20, 2012 #
Simple a-line skirts in fun prints. Quick enough that I don’t feel guilty if I only wear them a couple of times. Cute enough that they usually get worn a lot more!
Phyll
January 20, 2012 #
I would love to win Sewing in a Straight Line , I am in my 60s but you can always teach an old dog new tricks.
JessieRoo
January 20, 2012 #
My favorite quick, easy sewing fix is to refit/style knit t-shirts, talk tops or hoodies.It’s fast, forgiving, i don’t have to dig around for supplies-i just pull something out of my pile of clothes. And it keeps my soft, comfy, stretched out old clothes wearable.
Cate Glover
January 20, 2012 #
Just call me Bag Lady! Big , small , zippered , totes etc ! I love Brett’s blog and would love her book (your blog is great too! I’ve just cut out my first violet, can’t wait to get stitching !)
ELIZABETH BRADSHAW
January 20, 2012 #
I love the sound of Brett Bara’s book, I have sewed for myself since I was 11 years old, and it is only recently I have realised there is no mystique in making clothes for oneself. (I am 63!) Now, if I want a gathered neck on a jacket I can have it, if I want to pleat the neckline I can. I learnt drafting in high school and HATED it!! I only just passed dressmaking even though I had been making wearable clothes for myself for nearly 5 years. The drafting course didn’t cover any of the exciting stuff like how to alter a basic pattern to something a 15 year old would wish to wear, a bit of basic imaginative design technique would have made the course more interesting. Brett Bara’s book would be invaluable in carrying on with my newly found interest in sewing for myself.
Tricia
January 20, 2012 #
I love elastic waist skirts, so quick and easy
Amy
January 20, 2012 #
I like bags from fat quarters with grosgrain ribbons.
ann
January 20, 2012 #
well, since i am still a pretty big newbie, no projects are instant gratification to me….yet
Miss Prickly
January 20, 2012 #
I’ve recently become addicted to making sock monkeys. They’re so fun and easy to make. I give them away and people love getting them for “just because” gifts.
JP
January 20, 2012 #
Baby blankets! Just a big square of flannel: finish the edges and you’re good to go!
Carmi
January 20, 2012 #
I like making simple vests for my grandson’s boy scout troop.
Jenelle
January 20, 2012 #
I love to make zipper pouches and totes. I have a ton of zipper pouches that I use to organize all my bits and notions in my sewing room. Thanks for the chance to win!
Crystal
January 20, 2012 #
I like to make headbands with scrap fabric. Just one piece with an elastic to attach it and instant lovely.
Jill
January 20, 2012 #
I quilt these days and made my grandson an adorable alphabet quilt for his upcoming birthday. Chase has autism & is speech delayed and I thought he and Mom could sit
and would be a creative way to practice words. I would love to have the book – it looks lovely. Thank you!
Allison Radtke
January 20, 2012 #
I bought myself a sewing machine for my birthday and one of the first things I made was a small zippered pouch/makeup bag for my Mom for Mother’s Day. She loved it and still uses it! It took about three tries to get it right but I still remember the feeling of accomplishment. Those little zippered pouches are still one of my favorite things to make:)
Sara
January 20, 2012 #
When I need a quickie sewing project, I sew little lavender sachets for my own chests of drawers at home or to give away as gifts. I started sewing these little sachets several years ago for winter holiday gifting and I have just kept making them every time I need a project finished in a half hour. Fun, simple, cute, thoughtful.
Deb H.
January 20, 2012 #
I love making little changepurses for fun. I’ve always enjoyed making children’s clothes.
Laura
January 20, 2012 #
I’ve just gotten back into sewing and I made a lot of covers for things like ipods, ipads and kindles for Christmas presents. They were very quick and came out looking so professional my friends loved them!
Patrish
January 20, 2012 #
I found a wonderful apron that fits everyone using an adjustable tie and I copied and tweaked the design. Now every time I find a fabric I especially like I say “that would be a great apron.” The upside is there are always aprons available at my house.
jill
January 20, 2012 #
It would have to be altering thrifted clothing. I just love seeing the potential in a cast off!
Moira
January 20, 2012 #
a bag, infinite possibilities and details
Christy
January 20, 2012 #
I LOVE fabric flowers. So easy to whip up and so many different kinds you make!
Rhonda
January 20, 2012 #
I love making tote bags,they’re useful and the color combinations and styles are endless. Quick gratification and each is a work of love!
Rachelle
January 20, 2012 #
I love making t-shirts; simple, quick and really useful in the wardrobe.
Sarah
January 20, 2012 #
I’m a bit fan of oven mitts as a quick handmade gift, uses up small leftover scraps and at least they’re getting used!
Lydia
January 20, 2012 #
My favorite go to project is a cowl neck, bias cut top pattern I bought over 12 years ago. I have made only four ‘actual’ tops from this, and would have made many more if my husband didn’t tease me about having so many silk cowl neck tops — I have however, made many ‘imaginary’ cowl neck tops in endless colours, with pretty embelishments, and with several variations. I could make this pattern over and over — wish I had more time to sew!
Dina
January 20, 2012 #
I learned to sew from my Wonderful Mom! Admittedly, I am just being hopeful :)
Kelli
January 20, 2012 #
Produce and gift bags. I made a bunch for the holidays!
Jen
January 20, 2012 #
So excited for your new space!
Deb
January 20, 2012 #
My current instant gratification project is to sew infinity scarves out of soft plaid flannels. I have a little obsession with craft/sewing books and would love to have this one as part of my collection.
Joanna
January 20, 2012 #
I love making pj’s out of my husbands old tshirts.
MelodyJ
January 20, 2012 #
An apron. I love vintage/retro inspired hostess aprons. It makes me want to be a better cook and baker.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
Jennifer “Hope” Ogden
January 20, 2012 #
I like embellishing towels, thrift finds, etc.
AmandaT
January 20, 2012 #
I love making cushions. They’re so great and economical, plus they cost so little to make, but so much to buy!
Bridget
January 20, 2012 #
Definitely an a-line skirt for me
Marion
January 21, 2012 #
I make little cotton baby pants in colourful prints to give as baby shower gifts or birthday or Christmas presents for friends kids. It only takes about half an hour to whip up a pair. I love the look of the patterns in Brett’s book!
Gabi
January 21, 2012 #
my quick and dirty headbands are headbands with elastic. Love headbands but love headbands that don’t give me headaches even more.
Gabi
January 21, 2012 #
that’s supposed to say quick and dirty project…better yet quick and sweet. woops.
Kristen
January 21, 2012 #
I LOVE making totebags. They are so fun, quick, useful and make great gifts!
Teresa
January 21, 2012 #
I love making simple straight skirts for my daughters, one seam on the selvedge, elastic at the top and a ribbon hem .
Takes half an hour to make and they love them.
t
Lisa
January 21, 2012 #
Would love to have this! When I think about it, I don’t make a lot of quick and easy projects. I’d love to make some totes, they make great gifts!
Marina
January 21, 2012 #
I really enjoy making simple headbands to go with my short short hair! It’s extremely easy and I can make one in less than 10 minutes to go with whatever I’m wearing!
suubi
January 21, 2012 #
I made a dress out of a skirt I got form my aunt and used one of my dad’s old ties to make the strap! Love it!! So many girls have asked me to make them one :-)
Yvonne Izzard
January 21, 2012 #
Bibs for my 6 month old grandson have been rolling off my sewing machine of late. Simple triangles that velco into a cravat type bib.
javede
January 21, 2012 #
I sew some teatowels that just combined white linen and a wide broder out of printed fabric. They are easy, but so fun to make! Besides making great gifts even from a beginner.
Piia
January 21, 2012 #
I love making lavendel bags for drawers and wardrobes. The are super easy, I can use lovely leftover scraps and ribbons and they keep moths away from my precious clothes and fabric stash.
Mes ptits titis
January 21, 2012 #
Je joue aussi, j’adore la robe origami (dress origami)
Cuckoo, I too play and I odore the dress origami I cross fingers
Liliana
January 21, 2012 #
The easiest garments to sew are (in my opinion) circle skirts. The pattern is so easy to make and I really love the full shape!
Marie
January 21, 2012 #
My favorite quick and nice project is sewing lavender bags out of scraps…
Jenny
January 21, 2012 #
Summer scarves are my favourite instant gratification projects! I just do a rolled hem all the way around a narrow piece of chiffon or light silk and have myself a fun new accessory.
Dalila
January 21, 2012 #
I love all the comments – such a great range!
I like to make my basic dahn dress which doesn’t take much time until it comes to finishing. Grr – I wish I was done before hemming/binding (although that’s kind of what I’m like for all my projects!).
Kristi
January 21, 2012 #
I’m sure this sounds very basic, but I loved being able to fix my sons’ favorite pajama pants when both of them managed to split their seams this week (and my eight year old’s shock when I had fixed it in about 90 seconds). I’m still wondering how they did that…
Alessa
January 21, 2012 #
Knit tops. I converted one that fit me into a pattern, and now the cut-out-to-wear-time is approximately an hour. No fitting. Sewing heaven. ;)