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Blog tour and big giveaway for The Colette Sewing Handbook!
All through the month of November, I’ll be participating in a blog tour to help share The Colette Sewing Handbook with the world!
As many of you know, with this book I really wanted to create something that would be a guide to more thoughtful, beautiful, and engaged sewing. That’s why I tried to cover topics that aren’t always well represented in sewing books, such as planning out projects, learning about different types of fabric, and getting a good fit. These are the types of things I wish I’d learned first thing, rather than through years of trial and error. And of course, I wanted it to be very visual and hands on.
You’ll get a chance to see some of that in the posts on the blog tour, as well as some interviews and giveaways.
Giveaway
I’m also doing a giveaway right here, for a copy of the book (signed, of course!) and five patterns of your choice. All you have to do is leave a comment here letting me know your favorite pattern (either from the book or the shop), and I’ll draw a winner on Dec. 5, once the tour is over.
This giveaway is open to everyone, and I will ship worldwide!
ETA: We have a winner! Congratulations to Renee, who was randomly chosen by the random number generator, with her comment:
“I’ve been waiting for a book like this one! My favorite would be……….the Lady Grey coat! I love it!”
Tour Schedule
Here’s the schedule for the tour. Visit these guys for more fun posts, reviews, examples of things they’ve made, and giveaways!
Nov 2: Craft Buds – interview and giveaway
Nov. 3: Gertie’s New Blog for Better Sewing – lace insertion tutorial for the Licorice dress
Nov. 4: Sewaholic – book excerpt
Nov. 8: Flossie Teacakes – Interview with Sarai and book review
Nov. 8: A Fashionable Stitch – book excerpt and review
Nov. 9: Pink Chalk Studio – Book review
Nov. 10: Craft Gossip – Interview with Sarai and giveaway
Nov. 11: Bolt Fabric – book review
Nov. 14: True Up: Fabric Fives with Sarai
Nov. 15: Frolic! – On styling the book’s photos
Nov. 15: Threads Magazine – Giveaway
Nov. 16: Whipstitch – book review
Nov. 16: Honey Kennedy – Styling ideas
Nov. 17: A Dress a Day – Interview with Sarai
Nov. 18: Not Martha – book review
(break for Thanksgiving week)
Nov. 28: Casey’s Elegant Musings – Project Planning, book excerpt and Casey’s thoughts
Nov. 29: MADE – giveaway
Nov. 30: Sew Weekly – book review
Nov. 30: Oh! Fransson – Elizabeth’s version of the Taffy pattern
Dec. 1: Sew Mama Sew – Guest post from Sarai on grainlines
Comments
Kirsty
November 4, 2011 #
I would have to say Clover trousers, they are the first trousers I have made for quite some time and buying anything that will fit my bottom half gets too tricky most of the time. Damn that bike riding in a hilly city! I made the muslin, made some basic adjustments, and whipped up three pairs in three days. What more could a girl want? Well, perhaps a pair in cotton for summer that is just starting here in the southern hemisphere, a pair of capri length for dressy bike riding to cafes, then some lined wool ones for winter next year…. Oh dear!
Kathy
November 4, 2011 #
I have seen several versions of the Lady Grey, and that is my favorite pattern of yours. It is absolutely lovely.
Natasha
November 4, 2011 #
I think my favourite would have to be Eclair, but it is a very hard decision to make, I don’t think there is a single pattern I don’t like lol
Vivienne
November 4, 2011 #
My favourite is the Sencha. Can’t wait to see the book – looks beautiful.
Anna
November 4, 2011 #
Who doesn’t love Macaron? Congratulations on the book!
kelly
November 4, 2011 #
i die for the violet blouse, its so beautiful yet simple
Christina
November 4, 2011 #
The Beignet for sure. It’s feminine and flattering AND practical. Gotta have those pockets!
Lara
November 4, 2011 #
My husband loves his Negroni shirt, and I’m about to make myself a Parfait. All lovely patterns.
Laurie
November 4, 2011 #
Can’t wait for the book to show up in my mailbox! I love the Crepe dress! Also, I’ve used and re-used my Sorbetto pattern. Thanks for the giveaway and for making your fabulous Sorbetto free.
Brooke
November 4, 2011 #
Oh how to pick a favorite? I think today I will say my favorite is Crepe! I can not wait for your book!
Tipper
November 4, 2011 #
I’m so excited for this book! I have yet to make all the Colette patterns but I really love the Crepe Dress. All of your patterns are so easy to follow and it always helps that you have great tips and ideas on the website! Yay!!
Elisha
November 4, 2011 #
Lady Grey was the pattern that first introduced me to Colette Patterns — so I’d have to say that’s my favorite!
Lorena
November 4, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is the lacy bloomers! So cute and sexy!
Vicki
November 4, 2011 #
I’ve made the Sorbetto 4 times already (variations in binding, one tunic and one dress with a gathered skirt); I also bought the Crepe but haven’t found the perfect fabric for it. I never really noticed the Ceylon until I saw Cindy’s version during our NYC meetup – it was spectacular! Now I want one too.
Anjomo
November 4, 2011 #
I really love the sencha blouse. It’s easy and chic at the same time.
Lois
November 4, 2011 #
My favorite is either the Ginger skirt or the Oolong dress.
Deane
November 4, 2011 #
Oh, I just read an excerpt from your book on Sewaholic’s blog, and so I MUST HAVE A COPY RIGHT NOW. What a tease! The Colette pattern I most covet is Macaron. I say covet because I’ve not yet made it…still waiting for the perfect fabric. Thanks, Sarai, for your inspiring work.
Meredith
November 4, 2011 #
I love having inspiring and practical books! I can’t wait to read more. And I have to say I love the Sencha blouse.
Karen
November 4, 2011 #
I love the Jasmine blouse. I haven’t made much that fit without a lot of alterations. But the Jasmine did! I’ve made the muslin and need to do it up in a pretty fashion fabric!
Amber Elayne
November 4, 2011 #
I can’t wait for this to come out so I can grab it and see what the few who got early copies have been raving about! I love the Colette tutorials and although I haven’t made a pattern yet, I have my eye on Rooibos after seeing all of the amazing versions after the sew along! I don’t have a sewing book yet and everyone keeps discussing how good Sarai’s instructions are so fingers crossed!!!!!!
Rennai
November 4, 2011 #
I just brought fabric today for the Taffy blouse (I hope its enough as I don’t have the book yet) My favourite is the Taffy blouse, Licorice dress and the Truffle dress they tie for first.
Carita
November 4, 2011 #
I love all your patterns – it is refreshing to find patterns and inspiration that are contemporary and creative and are *all* clothes I’d love to wear. I love tailored shapes that take inspiration from the first half of the 20th century and for that reason I love the peony dress pattern from the current collection the most. I could imagine wearing it to work, dinner or out on the weekend or making it in different fabrics for different occasions.
Maggie
November 4, 2011 #
Crepe is my very favorite pattern because it is so versatile! I look forward to knitting my way through each and every pattern you design!
Nicky
November 5, 2011 #
My favourite pattern is Chantilly. It was the first “real” pattern I made (instead of dreaming about) and I made it in a tiny floral print Liberty lawn fabric, in black and purple. I just LOVE it and always have comments when I wear it. It gave me the confidence to go ahead and “have a go” at lots more.
Hilde
November 5, 2011 #
What a great idea to do a blog book tour! I really enjoyed the post at Gertie’s and just clicked through to the first one. My favourite pattern is Jasmine, there aren’t that many blouse patterns (at least that I know) with an open neckline, which I love.
Marccelle
November 5, 2011 #
I LOVE the Peony dress, this blog tour is reet nfty.
ordered off your site from the UK but didnt realise backstitch sell they them too, which is great as its easier to get hold of, but pattern arrived inless that 2 weeks rom the US so thats pretty smart.
good luck with it all.
I Hope I Win!
Piret
November 5, 2011 #
I really fancy Sencha pattern. Big compliments to the design of the book!
Anne
November 5, 2011 #
My favourite pattern is the Beignet skirt as I’ve seen so many fantastic versions being made! I can’t wait for your new book to come to the UK at the end of November :)
Libby
November 5, 2011 #
I love the peony dress. A bit above my skill level right now but it’s my goal dress!
Geri
November 5, 2011 #
I absolutely adore the styling of the Chantilly pattern! However, I also recently purchased Clover & when the fitting instructions are sorted out, I know I’m going to love it too!
Christina
November 5, 2011 #
Oolong has to be my favorite pattern, it is so versatile but always, always elegant. Looking forward to taking part in your give-away – not too many opportunities to acquire patterns in Kathmandu, Nepal where I live! Christina
Sky Turtle
November 5, 2011 #
Love what you’re doing with this blog!
I would really like to sew the Jasmine blouse :>
Pinkshoes
November 5, 2011 #
Oh it has to be the peony dress, simply beautiful!
K. E.
November 5, 2011 #
So far, my favourites are the Jasmine blouse, and the Parfait.
Ali
November 5, 2011 #
Congrats on the awesome looking book. Love the parfait dress! Every one I have seen looks gorgeous.
scuffsan
November 5, 2011 #
It is so hard to choose a favourite pattern, but I think I have to say the Ginger skirt though. I love the curved waistband in version 2!
Shel
November 5, 2011 #
Congratulations on your new book! My favorite pattern is the macaron dress. It looks so elegant and effortless at the same time. Thank you for the giveaway.
Jessica Mullan
November 5, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is Peony – such a classic style, so versatile (cocktail, work, weekend!!!) BEAUTIFUL.
Laura
November 5, 2011 #
It is soo hard to decide on a favorite pattern here… but I would say it is the Lady Grey pattern! I always feel so incredibly elegant wearing my jacket!
Morgan
November 5, 2011 #
I love Lady Grey! It’s a bit too advanced for me, but someday…
Thanks for the giveaway!
Katie
November 5, 2011 #
Chantilly, in a cotton dotty lawn, and I can’t wait to try the Taffy blouse in a lovely cherry print chiffon I’ve had for years.
Nonesuch
November 5, 2011 #
Truffle looks interesting! Lady Grey is a bit beyond me at the min but I’d love to take a stab!
~Nonesuch
Claudia
November 5, 2011 #
From the book, I love the Truffle dress, and from the shop, the Violet blouse is one of my favorites. Difficult to choose, the patterns are all beautiful!
Brumby
November 5, 2011 #
Tasia had my heart a flutter for the Lady Grey for quite sometime, but given it is currently summer down here in the summer hemisphere I may just be swayed to say Ceylon as my current fav. Plus seeing llladybirds latest version has reinforced what an AMAZING pattern it is!
Tammi Johnson
November 5, 2011 #
I love the Ginger Skirt. The curved waistband is an adorable detail. I love all the seperates. They are so versitile for work.
Sarah
November 5, 2011 #
I love Lady Grey, once I move past my beginner skills, I will tackle it!
Caroline
November 5, 2011 #
That kind of book is exaclty what i need! Ive avoided eyecontact with the crepe all summer since im so scared of finding the grainline and cutting fabric, and now its the wrong season for it… Its hard learning all those stuff in the beginning!
And my favourite pattern right now is violet, but im telling myself to finish something i have to justify buying a new pattern… BUT if someone gave it to me, i would have to make it ;)
Eleanor (undeadgoat)
November 5, 2011 #
I haven’t made amy of your patterns (though I’m hoping to “work through” the book when it gets here!), but browsing the store just now I have to say I really love Ceylon, it would definitely be a “wardrobe builder” for me. Also I feel like puff sleeves would give me an opportunity to practice all that “sewing around a tight curve and keeping the edges even” nonsense but without having to worry about “no tucks at all.”
Melanie
November 5, 2011 #
Congratulations on the book! I’m eager to see it. It is so hard to choose just one favourite! I think I have to go with the Beignet skirt. It was my firatintroduction to Colette and is easy to dress up or down.
Stellune
November 5, 2011 #
The book looks amazing! I think my favourite pattern of yours is the Crepe dress–it’s such a fun, versatile pattern. All of your patterns look great, actually!
Lisa Polderman
November 5, 2011 #
Oh, what a great give-away! I always hope I’ll win one of these – I’m a newer sewer and I’m trying to soak up everything I can. I only own one Collette pattern – the Sencha top – which I love and I’d love to get Peony and Oolong and Crepe and Cinnamon and and and . . . Thank you for offering this give-away! Good luck with your book and tour! Lisa
emily
November 5, 2011 #
I have to choose?!
Seriously though I am really liking peony right now. Ok and Rooibos. And Jasmine.
Peony is probably my fave though :)
jadestar
November 5, 2011 #
Yay. Great giveaway. I love all the patterns, but right now I’m dying for the jasmine blouse. The collar is so pretty.
Jodie
November 5, 2011 #
It’s so hard to pick a favorite! I am super interested in trying Clover and can’t wait to read all the tips in your book. I think this book will be exactly what I need to take my sewing to the next level!
adelaide b
November 5, 2011 #
I am very fond of the clover pattern. It looks lovely.
Kat
November 5, 2011 #
I’m so excited that I picked up the ‘Ginger’ skirt recently! It’s my first Collette pattern. I can’t wait to see how it looks in the blue wool knit that I found in the small fabric shop down the street…
Dorothy
November 5, 2011 #
My favorite so far is the Crepe pattern, so easy and so many possibilities! I’m super excited to try the Licorice dress from the book as well (which is AWESOME!)
CrazyVet
November 6, 2011 #
My faorite is definitely Lady Grey. I hope to muster the courage and sew it, it’s just the kind of coat for me.
Vanessa
November 6, 2011 #
Hi Sarai,
Congratulations on getting your book out there.
I have two patterns that tug on my heart strings and they are Peony and Violet.
I think Peony is just one of those dresses that looks fantastic on any body shape.
I hope I win! :)
AmyRS
November 6, 2011 #
Hi Sarai! I’m so excited for the release of this book. My favorite Colette pattern is the Clover pants pattern. Although I don’t own it, I’ve heard that it’s a wonderful, well-fitting pattern and I can’t wait to try it out. Congratulations on the book!
Alison
November 6, 2011 #
As I’m just learning to sew I have only made Sorbetto’s and a pair of Clover’s so far – although I do own another couple of patterns that are sitting waiting for me! I thing so far the Sorbetto is my favourite as it’s nice and easy and you can be as creative as you like with it.
Sarah
November 6, 2011 #
It’s a toss up between the Rooibos and the Lady Grey.
Melissa
November 6, 2011 #
How exciting and wonderful! I would be so lucky to win. My favorite pattern is Crepe, though it’s hard to choose!
Jesselyn
November 6, 2011 #
Macaron is a pattern I have been yearning after for a long time!
Hannah
November 6, 2011 #
Cylon is my current favorite! And seriously, your give always are so generous!
Renee
November 6, 2011 #
Lady Grey and Macaron!
Milly
November 6, 2011 #
The Peony dress stood out because it is so me! The pattern is in my drawer – I just need to get the confidence to make it as I have only just started learning to sew!
Cheri Koford
November 6, 2011 #
I LOVE your patterns! They are so lovely. My favorite, which are hard to pick, would be the Macaron and the Ginger. How fun it would be to win them :)
Cheri
Laura
November 6, 2011 #
I love Parfait. It’s so cute!
Citra
November 6, 2011 #
Congratulation, Sarai !!! for the beautiful book. If I can’t make to win the giveaway, I will surely buy it for myself .
So many people have entered this giveaway, yay ! I know my chance is small, and if you asked me which pattern I will choose, Jasmine is my favorite
amanda
November 6, 2011 #
i just adore the Sencha Blouse!
Marie
November 6, 2011 #
Lady Grey is definitely my favorite.
I’ve been wanting this book. I flipped through it at B&N and there’s so much helpful information. The patterns are cute!
Beth
November 6, 2011 #
Violet was my first pattern, but I think Peony is next — so many fabric possibilities! I will explore them more after the online workshop.
Krysta
November 7, 2011 #
My favourite pattern from the shop would have to be either Peony or Macaron, and from the book definitely Truffle!
Annecy
November 7, 2011 #
Found it really hard to pick one… Love the Peony dress – so classic. Would make it in the exactly same colour as it has on the picture, or maybe powder pink and wear it with ivory Lady Grey coat (Although I’m not sure if my skills are sufficient for this one :)).
On the other hand this classic combination may be more fun in bold colours like turquoise and dark green… Anyway – both pieces would be warmly welcomed in my closet regardless of the colour :)
Rachel
November 7, 2011 #
My favourite is Lady Grey. The first time I made it I had a broken arm, so it was kind of slapped together as best I could. The second time I made it I followed Gertie’s sew-a-long. My second coat is so beautiful and I constantly get asked to make one for others. Thanks for your great giveaway!
Angela
November 7, 2011 #
The Ginger was the first sewing pattern I’ve used where I felt proud of the end result, had the courage to leave the house wearing it, and felt like I was honoring my personal style.
Rachel
November 7, 2011 #
So many amazing patterns to choose from! I think my fav is Chantilly.
Keep up the great work Colette patterns :)
Alexandra Gerull
November 7, 2011 #
Don’t trust my luck in giveaways, so I already ordered the book and contrary to Amazon’s (Germany) first delivery date it arrive in time for a sewing week-end. Yeah! But before I started sewing a very fitted skirt, I reorganized my wardrobe and now do have a plan of attack. Thanks for that wonderful chapter on fit. That really is missing in almost every sewing book (German) I checked out in the library. Thanks also for the delightful art direction in the book. Looks like a Laduree macoroon.
Olga
November 7, 2011 #
What an exciting oportunity! It is hard to choose a favorite pattern, but I think Macaron dress would be that :)
Sarah
November 7, 2011 #
I absolutely love the peony dress.
Kirsty
November 7, 2011 #
As a very novice sewer I’m going to try Crepe when it comes back into stock, but I’m trying to get my confidence up enough to make trousers that fit properly with Clover!
sparkledonkey
November 7, 2011 #
Congratulations! My favorite is Rooibos. It’s my first Colette pattern purchase and I have about four versions planned. I’d love to have the option to choose from five potential new favorites, though. :)
Dorothea
November 7, 2011 #
The Beignet! It’s the pattern that sparked off my interest in sewing clothes and opened a whole new world to me.
Greta
November 7, 2011 #
I love the oolong pattern! I bought it several months ago, but haven’t attempted to sew it just yet. Every example I’ve seen of someone else sewing it has been just lovely though!
claire
November 7, 2011 #
i’ve only made the mini-bloomers and sorbetto so i’ll pick sorbetto as my fave!
i just received the book this weekend but i would LOVE a signed copy as well!
Anita
November 8, 2011 #
I love Jasmine.
Gaby
November 8, 2011 #
I’d love to try the Rooibos. I have ordered some patterns from you before and didn’t choose the Roobios at the time, but now I’m kind of regretting it! It looks lovely. The book also looks amazing, the blog tour is a wonderful thing and it has been great to read book reviews.
Susan Edwards
November 8, 2011 #
Loving the latest blog tour. My current favourite Colette pattern is definitely the taffy blouse but I have to admit that I am a little intimidated by sewing with chiffon and similar fabrics!
Sarah
November 8, 2011 #
My favorite pattern from the shop is Ceylon. And I am also really loving the Meringue skirt from the book as well. Oh, pick me! I am in love with your patterns, and just dying to try them in real life!
Gemma
November 8, 2011 #
Wow, what a great giveaway! I really hope your book does well. Good luck and fingers crossed for me too in this giveaway! As for which pattern I like best – far too hard to choose just one! The first pattern I fell in love with was Macaron (and I still haven’t sewn it up yet!?!) but since then I’ve been enticed by the stunning Lady Grey, the elegant Peony and the classic Beignet.
Jennie
November 8, 2011 #
My favorite pattern from the book is the Licorice dress. Beautiful collar and sleeves.
arlene
November 8, 2011 #
I have just started exploring your site……so far it has been wonderful…
My fav pattern is Lady Grey! very nice..
thanks for sharing
hugs
lorraine
November 8, 2011 #
definitely rooiboos! gotta love piping
Maria
November 8, 2011 #
My favorite pattern is the Chantilly, followed closely by Sencha. But I love all your patterns; very feminine and unfussy.
Liliana
November 8, 2011 #
I’m so looking forward to the pastille dress, it is my absolute favorite!
Also thank you for this great giveaway!
Greetings from Austria,
Liliana
Amber
November 8, 2011 #
My favorite is Macaron! Can’t wait for the book signing @ Powell’s on the 20th!
Natalie
November 8, 2011 #
How exciting! My favorite pattern that I would love to try is the Ginger skirt!
Kim
November 8, 2011 #
I love your patterns! Congratulations on your success. My favorite is the Crepe, which I cannot wait to make.
Debra L
November 8, 2011 #
My favorite is the Oolong Dress!