Book: blog tour: Sewn by Hand {+ a giveaway}

by kath_red on April 19, 2011

I am so happy to have Susan Wasinger visiting today as part of her Sewn by Hand: Two Dozen Projects Stitched with Needle & Thread blog tour. Susan is also the Author of The Feisty Stitcher and Eco Craft, both of which I quite liked.

I asked Susan a couple of questions about her love of hand sewing and her eco-crafting philosophy.

I love the idea of sewing without electricity – the whole concept of slowing down and enjoying the process. Can you talk a little about your ‘slow sew’ philosophy and how you came to it?

It was purely self-preservation–and plain old loneliness–that brought me to the hand-sewing idea. I was tired of being locked away in my sewing room everytime I had a project to finish. I wanted to be mobile and able to mix with people while still being able to engage in my work and get it done. Originally, hand-sewing was merely a way to cut the cord, to make sewing as portable and sociable as knitting is. So I brought my sewing out into the open, to the kitchen table, to in front of the saturday night movie, to the sidelines of soccer and baseball games.

All of that was lovely and fun, but it wasn’t the end of the wonders of hand-sewing.

There is the relaxation, the “slow going” of hand sewing that makes for fewer hectic, stressful moments. You know how it is when you are machine sewing and you have a difficult seam, and there are a million pins, and a tight curve to negotiate, and that needle is pumping away at 20 stabs per second, bearing down on your tender little fingertips. Now that is stressful! In hand sewing, no matter how difficult the seam, or tight the turn, or how many pins, you are just poking along one tiny stitch at a time. It’s just calming, and relaxing, and it makes even the hard stuff nice and easy.

And then there is the silence, which I rhapsodize shamelessly about in the book. But really, when was the last time you had a conversation while you were sewing on a machine? Hand sewing is quiet time, which is something so rare in this clanking, buzzing, shrieking, twittering modern world of ours. It is quiet time that just happens to be engaged and productive as well. This is work that your hands and heart and mind all seem to enjoy at the same time, without any one of them racing ahead or another falling behind. And in our crazy disjointed willy-nilly lives, that gentle balance is a lucky and happy thing to find.

There are quite a few projects in the book that reuse and recycle materials, this eco/green crafting fits in well with your ‘slow crafting’, can you tell us about what sorts of fabrics and materials you prefer to use and what draws you to certain fabrics?

For years I made projects out of junk and trash and recycled materials first for Natural Home Magazine, and then in my book EcoCraft. After hundreds of craft projects inspired by green thinking, it is second nature for me to see possibilities in stuff other people throw away. I have sewn a messenger bag from old plastic sacks. I’ve made chic date book covers from truck tire innertubes. I just can’t help but see possibilities in the lowliest stuff.

Often I find the inspiration right within the thing I want to repurpose, like over-shrunk sweaters or an old vintage shirt. I start looking at the nature and characteristics of the thing, at what makes it still loveable, and then I start looking for another way it can be useful. In the case of old sweaters, it is the color and the softness that inspires me to make a hat. With the old vintage shirts, I loved the soft palette, the practical no-nonsense material, and all the buttons and tailoring. So I made an apron that allowed me to “borrow the seams”. I cut the shirt as little as possible, moved pieces, turned them sideways, to make a very functional apron that uses the old shirt button placket front to make an adjustable neck strap and uses the old shirt pocket to make a new useful pocket on the apron. Form begets function in this funky form of renaissance. It is recycling playing at a little bit of reincarnation.

Your design aesthetic is quite varied – but invariably encompasses natural materials, and earthy raw textures, can you talk a little about your design philosophy and aesthetic?

Natural fabrics, stuff that feels real, and true. That is what I like. Linen is my absolute favorite fabric, especially natural linen. But I also like colorful calicos and shiny oil cloth, and graphic printed stuff. I like when things inherent to one kind of fabric are played up and amplified in the design. For instance, little vintage print calicos are all the rage. Part of their appeal is that they are soft and rumply and remind us of some of the most well loved things of our past like a treasured quilt or a favorite dress. With age, the soft cotton gets softer, and paler, and maybe a little fuzzy around the seams. This adds to its history and charm. I like to design that right into the project from the start.

In Sewn by Hand, I made a hat and some slippers that use a piped edge made from cotton calico that was deliberately frayed and ruffled to bring out its inherent character. I used the same frayed edges to add sweetness to bibs and soft fabric spheres. Cotton and linen don’t mind wrinkles, and a frayed edge is both soft and simple and carefree. That wrinkly, ruffle-y, softly frayed edge is just in the DNA of the fabric itself. When the design brings that to the fore, then the project seems just right….

Follow along with the blog tour
4/4 Blog tour kickoff at LarkCrafts.com and giveaway
4/6 Sew Daily blog
4/8 Click here for a free travel thread caddy project from the book!
4/11 Pink of Perfection
4/13 Artsy-Crafty Babe
4/15 MayaMade
4/19 WhipUp
4/20 CRESCENDOh Blog
4/22 MummySam
4/25 Feeling Stitchy
4/27 Zakka Life
4/29 BurdaStyle blog

~~Would you like one of these books? Lark is giving one away along with a small hand sewing kit, and other bits and pieces. Leave a comment here – you have 48 hours.~~ The winner will be contacted via email.

Disclosure: Lark provided Whipup.net with a review copy of this book. The Amazon link is an affiliate link.

TO PURCHASE THESE BOOKS ONLINE WITHIN AUSTRALIA WE RECOMMEND CAN DO BOOKS.

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Tagged as: book, eco crafting, slow craft

{ 169 comments }

1 Liz April 19, 2011 at 5:47 am: I enjoy hand sewing immensely, especially embroidery and couldn’t agree more with the feeling of calm it brings. I would love to have one of Susan’s books. Liz xx
2 meri April 19, 2011 at 6:31 am: Wow! looks like a great book! and a great giveaway – hope it is worldwide…
3 catherine April 19, 2011 at 6:34 am: It sounds like an inspiring book – I certainly love the idea of making my sewing more portable, and more relaxed… thank you!
4 Julie April 19, 2011 at 6:35 am: Love to recyle and reuse fabrics and this book look as though it could give me some more ideas, would love to have a copy and will be putting it on my wish list- shame Mothers Day has gone.Great Giveaway. Could you please giveaway time as that is what l’m short of at the moment- all these ideas and not enough hours in the day. Julie xx
5 Kate April 19, 2011 at 6:38 am: Love handsewing! Not so much embroidery these days, but I hand pieced, quilted and bound a quilt for my son last year. It was gloriously challenging, although I think a fair few people thought I was totally nuts :)
6 Stitchybritt April 19, 2011 at 6:43 am: I only hand-stitch when I absolutely have to, it would be nice to get back to the simplicity of it.
7 kelley April 19, 2011 at 6:59 am: Hand sewing and quilting is my thing – i would so love to win a copy! This is the first i’ve heard of this book and i’m super-excited to hear something like this is out. Wow!
8 Knitlass April 19, 2011 at 7:02 am: I love the idea of this – and do wonder sometimes about the emphasis on doing things quickly. Only the other day I saw a video about how to speed up your knitting – it might be useful to be able to produce more FOs, I suppose, but for me, it’s the doing which is just as important as the finished item. So, perhaps I’ll hand stitch that pile of bibs which are all cut out and just waiting for a needle to come close.
9 Jenny April 19, 2011 at 7:27 am: i love hand sewing projects!
10 orinda5 April 19, 2011 at 7:29 am: It sounds delightfully inspiring!
11 LindaSonia April 19, 2011 at 7:39 am: I would love to win a copy of this book… count me in!
12 Diana April 19, 2011 at 7:39 am: Sewn by Hand looks amazing!!
13 Sarah Julie April 19, 2011 at 7:45 am: I am loving the idea of slow crafting, and making sewing social. Great inspiration!
14 angela white April 19, 2011 at 8:00 am: cant wait for this book. i also look forward to checking out her other books…
15 Sally April 19, 2011 at 8:00 am: Ahhh…my sentiments exactly about hand vs. machine sewing. The only disadvantage is the speed of completing. I’d love to win! Thank you for the opportunity and inspiration!
16 chandra April 19, 2011 at 8:02 am: I have a friend who would totally love this book. If I win, it will be hers.
17 cheryl April 19, 2011 at 8:06 am: I would much rather hand sew than drag out the machine. My husband thinks it’s crazy — you have a machine and a serger, why hand sew? “it’s traditional”. He says next time he’ll get a rock when he needs to hammer in a nail because it’s traditional. Very funny. Would love to win the book!
18 Deborah April 19, 2011 at 8:12 am: I’m a sew-by-hand gal. I find it very relaxing and rewarding.
Deborah
Homemaker Honey
19 Hilary April 19, 2011 at 8:16 am: I love sewing by hand in a comfortable chair next to the window, with sunlight streaming into the room.
20 Terri April 19, 2011 at 8:24 am: Sewing by hand is so relaxing……thank you for this giveaway!!! : )
21 Gina Power April 19, 2011 at 8:26 am: I love the idea of slowing down with our crafts, we seem too focused on the product and are losing sight of the process.
22 Gweneth April 19, 2011 at 8:46 am: It does look relaxing and I love the idea of recycling or reusing fabrics.
23 Megan April 19, 2011 at 8:48 am: I haven’t done much hand sewing, but I’d love some inspiration to try it out!
24 Cheryl April 19, 2011 at 9:03 am: Absolutely love the idea of slow stitching and having a portable project. Fascinated to see the projects in this book and gain some more inspiration.
25 Susan April 19, 2011 at 9:07 am: hand-stitched with love =]
26 amy April 19, 2011 at 9:11 am: I’d love a copy of this book, yes please! (I really like Eco-Craft, too.) I love my machine, but it’s often just as easy to hand-sew a project, because I can just *do* it, without all the fuss of clearing space to use the machine and finding time to sew when it won’t keep any of the children up. There’s only so much time in the day and space in the house!
27 Jo April 19, 2011 at 9:11 am: Hand-stitching is tough to do – I could use some tips. Everything I do seems to be uneven. This book might help.
28 Colleen April 19, 2011 at 9:12 am: I love hand sewing! I’m learning everything I can about sewing and embroidery and this book looks essential!!! :) Thanks so much for the giveaway! Fingers crossed….
29 Lorrie April 19, 2011 at 9:13 am: I could definitely use this book! It looks great!
30 Coco April 19, 2011 at 9:14 am: Oh, I love Lark’s books! I love hand sewing as well as machine sewing. The book seems have lots of good ideas for repurposing fabrics. That’s great!
31 Liz April 19, 2011 at 9:15 am: I would love that book!
32 Amy April 19, 2011 at 9:16 am: I’m so glad hand sewing is being acknowledged like this. It’s so much more accessible. Thanks for the generous giveaway!
33 Anne April 19, 2011 at 9:29 am: I just love hand sewing. It’s always there when I have a spare moment. I carry it with me always. I would love to win the book. It’s always great for more inspiration!!!!!!! I’ll keep my fingers crossed
34 Audrey April 19, 2011 at 9:29 am: I love the idea of little projects that I can work on wherever I am! Thanks for the opportunity!
35 Anne April 19, 2011 at 9:33 am: I love hand sewing. This book looks beautiful. To me hand stitching is even more calming than knitting . . . And that’s saying something. Hooray for projects we can take with us.
36 Kylie C April 19, 2011 at 9:33 am: I’d love to get into hand sewing, and the Pilot Hat is adorable. Thanks for the great giveaway.
37 Pattij April 19, 2011 at 9:39 am: Love this idea! Great Giveaway!
38 Vicky April 19, 2011 at 9:41 am: I do love the idea of having portable sewing projects, but I would actually love to give this book to someone who loves hand sewing (she hasn’t mastered machine sewing yet)
39 radioactivegan April 19, 2011 at 9:45 am: I haven’t tried hand sewing since my Home Ec days (quite a while ago). I’d love to pick it up again!
40 suesue April 19, 2011 at 9:51 am: Love the worn look of the frayed edges-looks like it’s been loved! Thanks for the chance!!
41 Julie L. April 19, 2011 at 9:56 am: How lovely! I’ve been meaning to get back into sewing.
42 Diane L. April 19, 2011 at 9:58 am: I love to handstitch hems – that’s the way my mum taught me. :)
43 Grace April 19, 2011 at 10:02 am: I love handsewing although it takes a lot of patience, I find it’s more personal. I would love to win the book and try out new projects.
Thanks for the chance!
44 Joanne C April 19, 2011 at 10:03 am: As a knitter, I also love hand sewing and the process of making with hands. The portability is super-awesome, but mostly I find that handwork touches me deeply.
45 Katie April 19, 2011 at 10:03 am: Huh. I hadn’t really thought of all those reasons to hand-sew instead of machine-sew. But it’s true…I tried watching a movie with my sweetie last week while machine-sewing a bag. Epic fail. I could only stitch during the action sequences.Sounds like a wonderful book!!!!!
46 Jillian April 19, 2011 at 10:07 am: Yes, please -I’ve been too attached to my machine of late and have been thinking about doing more hand sewing!
47 Kristi April 19, 2011 at 10:07 am: I’ve been wanting to learn to hand sew. This looks pretty cool.
48 Silvia April 19, 2011 at 10:09 am: Awesome giveaway, thanks!
49 Rebecca April 19, 2011 at 10:10 am: I love that the projects are sewn by hand as I’m nurder with a sewing machine. ;) Plus hand sewing is a peaceful past time. Thanks for sharing!
50 Sue D April 19, 2011 at 10:19 am: Looks like a fabulous book–I like that she uses recycled materials.
51 Catherine O. April 19, 2011 at 10:19 am: This book looks great! I only sew by hand, though I just recently bought a mini sewing machine for mending that absolutely requires it. There’s not nearly enough books out there that glorify hand sewing.
52 Lori April 19, 2011 at 10:25 am: These look like such neat projects. I don’t hand sew often these days, but when I do there is something soothing about it. Thanks for this giveaway!
53 Kim April 19, 2011 at 10:32 am: What a great concept and the book has such great projects in it. I would love a copy
54 thebigmango April 19, 2011 at 10:35 am: I didn’t think I had the patience for hand sewing but reading this has made me reconsider. Some of the reasons the author gives in favour of it make a lot of sense. Thanks for the interview and for the chance to win te book.
55 Maya April 19, 2011 at 10:50 am: I already said on maya made’s that I’d die to have it! While my machine was broken I hand sewed clothes and accessories and must say loved the experience!
56 Caitlin April 19, 2011 at 10:51 am: I’m loving the practice of slow crafting!
57 Lotus April 19, 2011 at 10:54 am: O please enter me for the drawing! I’ve never really considered hand sewing, other than quilting and embroidery, for a complete project. I would love to give it a try!
Lotus
58 Coco April 19, 2011 at 10:56 am: I’ve been teaching my 4th, 5th and 6th grade students to hand sew. It’s a great way for them to practice their fine motor skills and create something unique at the same time. It’s a great feeling to hear a 4th grade boy say “I can’t wait to see what comes after the fern stitch”. I would love to be able to share this book with my class.
59 Anna April 19, 2011 at 11:01 am: I am very eager to see this book, and would love to win a copy. I am more drawn to handsewing since making a skirt and t-shirt last summer (a la Alabama Studio Style). I love the compliments!
60 Michele April 19, 2011 at 11:05 am: My sewing machine has always scared me a little…but hand sewing, I love!
61 RachelM April 19, 2011 at 11:08 am: This book looks lovely. I love hand sewing. :)
62 SusanM April 19, 2011 at 11:15 am: Over the last few years, I have been decorating felt balls with seed beads by hand to make jewelry – it is time consuming but very relaxing. I have sat thru many school meetings with my little projects – it is also a good way to meet people, as inevitably someone asks me what I am doing,
63 Gillian April 19, 2011 at 11:18 am: This looks like a great book with some fun projects! I really gotta get back into some more hand-sewing and stop relying on the machines so much!
64 Vicki K April 19, 2011 at 11:18 am: Just reading Susan’s descriptions of hand sewing is soothing and calming…I love to have a portable sewing project that can fill any expected or unexpected “wait times”. It just looks like a wonderful book!
65 kelli April 19, 2011 at 11:20 am: I would love inspiration to get back to handsewing. The projects look lovely!
66 Joy April 19, 2011 at 11:28 am: Thanks for the thoughtful interview. The book look delightful…thanks for the chance to enter the giveaway!
67 Lorrie April 19, 2011 at 11:31 am: I’d love to win one of Susan’s beautiful books. Handsewing can be contemplative as well as social.
68 Jennifer April 19, 2011 at 11:32 am: I love when I have a hand-sewing project that I can grab when on the go … great for keeping hands busy while listening at meetings and such, and I have something wonderful to keep or give away when it’s done … much better than doodling LOL! I need to get a new project together soon … been missing it …
69 Lindsay April 19, 2011 at 11:40 am: I think this book looks adorable, from the cover to the sneak peeks! I am a huge fan of the hand-sewn look.
70 Serena April 19, 2011 at 11:43 am: I enjoy hand-sewing projects. They’re usually something I can set down or pick up whenever I have a spare moment, which really works for me!
71 sylvie April 19, 2011 at 11:44 am: Wow! How inspiring! Great giveaway!
72 Gayle April 19, 2011 at 11:55 am: I do a bit of hand sewing every single day – it’s my therapy!
73 wendy April 19, 2011 at 12:05 pm: This book looks lovely!!!
74 Sharalee April 19, 2011 at 12:09 pm: I love hand sewing and embroidery. It is so therapeutic and has a calming affect on my churning thoughts. This book looks really neat.
75 Marie April 19, 2011 at 12:10 pm: What a wonderful review and book. I have been looking for some instruction on hand sewing, but everything seems to be machine oriented. It is nice to know that, yes, it is still possible to sew by hand. There also seems to be a bit to figure out: starting and securing threads, ways to hold your fabric in place while you hand sew (not so much an issue if using a machine). We live in a tiny old house and I contend that you don’t need to make a big investment (money or space) to do something as simple as sew by hand. My current project is felt (good felt) Easter egg bags – great fun to sew.
76 Deidre April 19, 2011 at 12:21 pm: The book looks lovely — and I could use some more hand sewing ideas! Thanks for the chance to win!
77 Jennifer April 19, 2011 at 12:25 pm: I just handstitched a patch on my daughter’s pants last night, heartshaped, reverse applique. Want to do more handsewing.
78 Anna April 19, 2011 at 12:34 pm: I don’t have a sewing machine, but I’ve been wanting to get more into sewing. I love hand sewing, but most patterns require a machine. Thanks for the giveaway!
79 Naomi April 19, 2011 at 12:39 pm: Learning to hand sew is on my list of things to learn. And learning to reuse is always good. Pick me!!
80 Merryn April 19, 2011 at 12:41 pm: I have started hand-sewing while out at the playground, with my kids. At the moment I am making hexagons for a quilt (13 flowers to date). I would enjoy getting inspiration about other projects, particularly re-using materials. THanks for the give-away.
81 Seanna Lea April 19, 2011 at 12:51 pm: I have a sewing project that I just started. I’m thinking that despite the speed in using the sewing machine that I will be happier if I use my hands and companionably sit with my husband in the living room. I definitely put off sewing more if I have to pull out the machine!
82 Ruth April 19, 2011 at 12:52 pm: That pilot hat looks AWESOME!
83 Megan April 19, 2011 at 12:55 pm: I love sewing and learning new techniques. Hand sewing makes gift giving so much more personal.
84 Muireann April 19, 2011 at 1:09 pm: I’d love to win a copy of this book. I love the idea of portable sewing, especially when the good weather means more picnics and outings. Thanks for the chance to win!
85 Stella April 19, 2011 at 1:17 pm: I love this book. I’ve always been intimidated by hand sewing…I’d love to conquer the fear!
86 Michelle April 19, 2011 at 1:21 pm: I absolutely love hand sewing, it’s always been my preferred method. Nice to see that there’s some clothing in the book, too, not just trinkets. Cool!
87 Nancy April 19, 2011 at 1:26 pm: I totally agree that machine sewing can be isolating, and stressful. It’s hard to find time to do it, actually – because it means being away from everyone. And, it’s noisy. I love being able to do something with my hands while hanging out with the my family. Also, slowing down is sooo important – we are hustling along so much of the time. I’d love a copy of the book – looks inspiring!
88 224u April 19, 2011 at 1:26 pm: This is what I love about knitting and why my love for sewing is so fickle. I’d love to have this book!
89 Lynn April 19, 2011 at 1:32 pm: I have never tried hand sewing, except for buttons. It might be interesting!
90 Leslie April 19, 2011 at 1:36 pm: These ideas/crafts looks wonderful!!
I love getting ideas for repurposing things and making them myself. I’ve just finished some basic lessons with my 8 yo using felt. I’d love the chance to receive! Thanks so much for the generous offer!
91 Sonja April 19, 2011 at 1:43 pm: Like the idea! What a nice giveaway!
92 Amber P April 19, 2011 at 1:52 pm: OH! I love this book. I love hand sewing and embroidery but I can never get my friends to understand. Why would you do something by hand when you have a machine? But I love it. And I think the silence has a lot to do with it. I love using up old shirts too.
93 Jen April 19, 2011 at 1:56 pm: Looks like a great book!
94 Heather M. April 19, 2011 at 2:08 pm: I loved The Feisty Stitcher and that sewing kit in the book looks awesome.
95 Shannon April 19, 2011 at 2:18 pm: Great giveaway! I would love a copy of this book!
96 heleen April 19, 2011 at 2:28 pm: that concept fits in this time of going back to basics. I love that!
97 Ellen April 19, 2011 at 2:29 pm: Yeah! A giveaway! I would love to improve my hand sewing projects.
98 Antonia April 19, 2011 at 2:35 pm: What a nice giveaway!
99 Alicia April 19, 2011 at 2:41 pm: This looks like a wonderful & inspirational book!
100 Lyndah April 19, 2011 at 2:46 pm: YES!!, I would LOVE one of these books! One of my greatest pleasures of all time is recycling, upcycling, repurposing something which has lost it’s appeal, and creating something visually appealing and practical and useful. Often the new item is loved far more than the original item(s). :D
101 Cindy April 19, 2011 at 2:53 pm: I love to do hand sewing, there is something very satisfying when you look at all the wonderful stitches that come together in amazing patterns and designs. I have to admit I don’t do as much hand sewing as I would like, but if I won the book I would have to start on of the projects in it. I love new ideas!!
102 Thu April 19, 2011 at 2:58 pm: This is a wonderful looking book! I sew by hand exclusively because I don’t have a machine.
103 Kristin April 19, 2011 at 3:00 pm: This book looks adorable! I really need to improve my hand sewing skills. I love taking projects with me.
104 Johanna April 19, 2011 at 3:00 pm: Love the idea of “social sewing”! I also find it boring to be tied in your craft room from time to time. Enjoying of the mere work of your hands in all peace is very fullfilling and pure lurury in these hectic times.
105 Dhonna Schwertl April 19, 2011 at 3:12 pm: would love to get my hands on a copy of this book! hand sewing is so rewarding!
106 Trisha April 19, 2011 at 3:13 pm: Hand sewn items, to me, show just how much thought and time went into making them. So much more personal than something stitched with a machine. I would love this book. Thanks for the chance.
107 alisa April 19, 2011 at 3:15 pm: wow… this would be a test in patience for me… maybe something I just might need. Thanx for the opportunity!
108 kristen l April 19, 2011 at 3:32 pm: I learned to sew on a machine when I was a child, but I have to say I’ve only used one maybe twice in the last 15 or so years, and both on my mother’s machine – once to sew side seams in a halloween costume (which the rest was done by hand), and the other to attach two pieces of fabric together to make a long curtain.
I have owned a sewing machine myself for 4 or 5 years, and it still sits never used in the back of my closet. Everything I do is handsewn, whether it is repairing something, repurposing and upcycling, or just modifying or adorning something I already wear.
The book sounds wonderful.
109 Ann April 19, 2011 at 3:35 pm: Love! Nothing I’d rather do then sit outside with a good sewing project and a sunny day.
110 Patti S April 19, 2011 at 3:37 pm: Oooh, I love the sneak peek inside the book! Makes it that much more tempting! I’ve gotten to where I dread sitting at my machine and find it much more relaxing to grab some thread, fabric and a needle and just sit in my favorite chair…sometimes watching a favorite movie, sometimes simply enjoying the quiet. The best part is sitting there stitching away while my little boys watch intently. It’s amazing how mesmerized they get.
111 plushpussycat April 19, 2011 at 3:45 pm: I love the idea of this book! I hand-sew all of my recycled soft friends (plushies!) and would love to do more hand sewing projects. Wish me luck–my fingers are crossed! :-)
112 gwyneth April 19, 2011 at 3:49 pm: love it!
113 Nova April 19, 2011 at 4:03 pm: what a wonderful interview, thanks. Hand sewing is one of my absolute favourite things, for all the reasons Susan talks about here. What a beautiful concept for a book.
114 sangeetha April 19, 2011 at 4:03 pm: Nice book – definitely has some cool projects in it worth trying out
115 sofia April 19, 2011 at 4:19 pm: i dont have a sewing machine, so i try to do this by hand, i wish i could do more, love the pictures , love the concept of the book, love whip up,, kisses from greece
116 Becky April 19, 2011 at 4:22 pm: I think recycling clothing is such a great idea! Thanks for the chance to win!
117 Marie April 19, 2011 at 4:29 pm: I love handsewing and totally agree on the social aspects…being able to take my projects whereever I go, to talk and craft at ounce is so great. I also love to watch others sew, stitch and knit on trains, in parks: it’s so inspiring!
118 Sherri S. April 19, 2011 at 4:46 pm: Ooh, lovely! I love hand sewing…it connects me to those who’ve come before (plus I don’t have a dedicated craft room so the machine has to go onto the dining room table, not always convenient!). Thank you for the giveaway!
119 Nicola April 19, 2011 at 5:00 pm: Would LOVE one of these books please!!!!!
120 Julie April 19, 2011 at 5:00 pm: The book looks great!
121 Kat April 19, 2011 at 5:01 pm: Looks great! I would love to try them. And thanks for the chance!
122 Beth April 19, 2011 at 5:07 pm: This looks like a wonderful book. Thanks for the chance to win!
123 Doris April 19, 2011 at 5:17 pm: I recently started hand piecing a quilt, and I love the process! Would love to have a copy of this book.
124 Becky April 19, 2011 at 5:27 pm: Sounds lovely. I used to hate handsewing and still love my sewing machine, but I’ve gained a much greater appreciation for handsewing as I’ve gotten older.
125 SewLindaAnn April 19, 2011 at 5:46 pm: I would love to win a copy of her book. I have The Feisty Stitcher, so I already know what a wonderful author she is. I love hand sewing and feel very inspired by all the interviews and pictures.
126 amy lou April 19, 2011 at 5:48 pm: The whip-up Fun packs are great…and the tye die silk tie eggs work like a charm..thanks for the tip. Hand sewing rules! been waiting for a book like this.
127 dmeredith April 19, 2011 at 5:56 pm: Looks like a wonderful book, full of inspiration. I love sewing & quilting by hand. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
128 andi April 19, 2011 at 6:01 pm: Looks like a wonderful book.
Thanks!
Andi :-)
129 Martina April 19, 2011 at 6:06 pm: Hand sewing. It’s the next step I need to make in my crafting efforts.
130 melanie April 19, 2011 at 6:14 pm: thanks for this awesome chance!!!
131 Bridgette Cronin April 19, 2011 at 6:28 pm: i love to turn something old into something new…especially with sweaters…i like to revamp them into teddybears :0)
132 jojoebi April 19, 2011 at 6:51 pm: looks like a lovely book, I rarely leave the house without my mini sewing kit so I can stitch on the train or in a cafe.
133 tundragypsy April 19, 2011 at 6:58 pm: i would love to get my hands on that book! thanks for the chance!
134 Karen L. April 19, 2011 at 7:18 pm: Yes, please, enter me in for the book drawing. Looks like an inspirational book to get one hand stitching and away from the sewing machine for a bit.
135 ayu n. laraswati April 19, 2011 at 8:30 pm: this book is really cool.
it should be a lot of inspire idea to hand sewing.
and if i win this give away..
i really the luckier crafter in the worls :)
thank you. .
136 LH April 19, 2011 at 8:36 pm: I’d LOVE a copy of this book! I do mostly hand-sewing because I can do a few stitches at a time while watching my toddler play, so I’d love to get some more ideas of things to make!
137 Beth April 19, 2011 at 8:49 pm: This looks great–thanks for the giveaway!
138 brittan April 19, 2011 at 8:54 pm: this book looks so amazing! i would be so excited to win this, i do a lot of things by hand and sewing is one i have been wanting to go towards! good luck to everyone!!!
139 Kathy April 19, 2011 at 9:14 pm: How lovely! I really enjoy hand-crafting and the slower pace involved.
140 Jenny April 19, 2011 at 9:25 pm: After speding the day organizing and assessing my sewing supplies I sure would love to win some inspiration. Thanks so much.
141 Miss T April 19, 2011 at 9:44 pm: I love hand sewing, particularly embroidery. This looks like a book I have to check out!
142 Jen R April 19, 2011 at 10:13 pm: Thanks for a great giveaway! Hoping I’m lucky….
143 Jane T in NW Louisiana April 19, 2011 at 10:53 pm: Really great giveaway. I like the looks of that book.
144 Amy P April 19, 2011 at 11:12 pm: This looks like such a lovely book.
145 Tina April 19, 2011 at 11:13 pm: Found the article very interesting. I have always been inspired by portable handwork. My favorite way to spend a day is in a nearby park along the river with my knitting or handsewing watching the riverboats go about their business.
146 Jen S. April 19, 2011 at 11:31 pm: This is a fantastic idea now! I love to stitch by hand. It reminds me of when my mom and grandmother first taught me. They are wonderful embroiderers in their own rights too. Plus since I’m with out a sewing machine currently I could use a few new patterns for hand stitching. Thanks.
147 Valerie April 19, 2011 at 11:39 pm: Great blog! Great book! Thanks for the give away!
148 Mei-ling April 19, 2011 at 11:44 pm: This looks like a gorgeous book that’s grounded in an appreciative and genuine concept/philosophy. One of the things that most inspires me about hand-sewing (I am a textiles artist who works in embroidery) is that the finished piece is not only an object in of itself, but also an index of the entire process. The crafter is literally present in every stitch, which infers a mindfulness of the action, labour, and passage of time. Simply stunning, gotta love it!
149 seaweedandraine April 20, 2011 at 12:24 am: The idea of taking your sewing with you, of the peacefulness, and of not becoming a consumer in the DIY-buy-it-new-designer crowd, but being more green is quite freeing.
150 Jaki April 20, 2011 at 1:03 am: I LOVE that pilot’s hat. I’ve never done any sweater recycling yet, but that may just inspire me. Beautiful – the whole book looks beautiful.
151 Mariona April 20, 2011 at 1:29 am: Nice! I want to start immediately! Thanks for sharing!
152 colleen s April 20, 2011 at 1:45 am: When I was a teen, I sewed a long, blue, flannel nightgown all by hand. I just wanted to know what it felt like–sort of a Little House on the Prairie experience. I also thought it would be good practice for quilting. I have not followed through on the quilting in the years since, but I’ve done a lot of other handwork. It would be a new challenge to hand sew a garment again!
153 Katrina April 20, 2011 at 3:33 am: i would love this book in my collection! Pick me, pretty please!
154 Jayme April 20, 2011 at 3:50 am: I am looking forward to checking this book out! I’d love to make something by hand and savor the process!
155 Beth April 20, 2011 at 6:20 am: Having just started back to work full time, this book is just my style. I often want to be with my family now that I’m not home so much but I still want to be creative. This is definitely the idea. I’d love to win a copy.
156 Lynn April 20, 2011 at 7:54 am: What a lovely book!
157 Katherine April 20, 2011 at 7:58 am: I’m only just now getting into hand sewing but love my machine too, I’d love a new book to motivate me some more :)
158 electricbluebird April 20, 2011 at 8:33 am: I almost always look for handsewing projects over machine stuff. I love the Zen-ness of perfecting my stitches.
159 Corene April 20, 2011 at 9:42 am: I’d love a copy of this book!
160 Sadie Fox April 20, 2011 at 9:52 am: This book looks lovely and the projects very inspiring. I would love to win. Thank you for the chance!
161 Betty Anne April 20, 2011 at 11:58 am: Just doing some handsewing – would love some inspiration.
162 Jill Luigs April 20, 2011 at 1:12 pm: beautiful book! thanks so much for sharing!
163 TerryF April 20, 2011 at 1:31 pm: With steadily decreasing central vision, hand sewing has been my saviour in the past 2 years. It is also my “zen zone”. Would love to have this book – and will order it if I don’t win it! (“;)
164 Jodie April 20, 2011 at 3:24 pm: Looking for some inspiration for new and improved projects.
165 Sarah C April 20, 2011 at 4:38 pm: One of my favorite aprons I hand sewed while living with friends, looking for a new job. It was a great way to de-stress, and didn’t require a lot of “stuff” that would get in the way!
166 Nina April 20, 2011 at 4:52 pm: This is awesome. I want one!
167 Alejandra April 20, 2011 at 6:06 pm: This book looks amazing, I would love to have a copy.
168 Paula L. April 20, 2011 at 6:34 pm: I enjoy handsewing very much but I tend to sew more by machine. This book is a wonderful reminder of how enjoyable is to sew and embroider by hand. Thanks for the chance!
ap_lemos at yahoo dot com
169 Diane April 20, 2011 at 6:41 pm: I love the idea of bringing sewing out of semi isolation and into our public lives. I really do hate being locked to my sewing machine. The project I am most interested in is the one that transforms a few old shirts into a apron. Too Cute!