Book Review and Giveaway: Sew What You Love
Last week I received a lovely surprise in the mail. It was a copy of the new book by Free Spirit fabric designer, Tanya Whelan.
Sew What You Love: The Easiest, Prettiest Projects Ever
I love Tanya’s fabrics so I couldn’t wait to read through her book.
There are 30 projects ranging from wonderful bag designs, projects for babies and kids, clothing and projects for the home.
I’ll be making this Amelie Bag soon- I love the style, shape and roominess of the bag. I really love that the templates for each project are in a pocket at the back of the book. (Books that make me enlarge templates at the copy store are such a pain.)
How wonderful would this be as a top made with one of the cute cotton knit fabrics out on the market right now? Each pattern includes clear diagrams and tips.
Apple Pie Ottomans? Yes please! I would love a few of these pretty ottomans stacked in the corner of my family room.
Tanya even gives tips for using scrap fabric to make your ottoman. Which brings up another point I loved about this book. It includes good advice for how to use scraps and for reusing and recycling items.
I made my first little project from the book over the weekend. It only took a few minutes to whip up this wonderful, pieced pincushion. I made it to sit at the end of my ironing board… and because a girl can never have too many stylish pincushions.
Tanya is sharing a free pattern for Travel Checkers from her book for the readers of Make it Do. If you’d like to download the pattern click here.
She is also giving away a bag pattern to anyone who twitters or mentions her book on Facebook. All you need to do is provide a link to the Sew What You Love page on Amazon.
And last but not least, today on Make it Do, you can enter to win your very own copy of Tanya’s book.
To enter leave a comment on this post answering: “What projects are you most inspired to make right now?” Are you focused on quilting, projects for your home, sewing for the little ones in your life, clothing or bags…. or if you’d like, just say hi!
The Rules:
- Contest closes on Thursday, January 26, 2012 10:00 MDT
- Only one comment per person please.
- Random winners will be announced on Friday, January 27, 2012
Ok, ok, I will leave the first comment : ) I would love to win a copy of this wonderful book. I have been consindering purchasing it for a while.. but, the beautiful fabric at the store always wins out..Thanks for the opportunity!
I’m loving making bags right now! I can’t get enough!
I have to definitely check out this book.
I would LOVE to win this book. Thanks for your great blog!!!
i would love to make that dress! what a great book!
I love sewing for my home and my kids. Wish I had time to do more of it….
As soon as I get my sewing machine back (sad face!) from repair I am going to get cranking on projects for my family–first a robe for my significant other!
I have been focusing on making charity quilts right now. I feel like that is a good way to de-stash ;-) Thanks for the review on this book. It looks awesome.
What an inspiring book for the grey days of Jan/ Feb. I would pik a project for the home to brighten things up!
One of my goals for this year is to make a dress for myself. So, I’m learning to take measurements on how to make it fit well, and taking note of what fabrics look best for a dress! I’m pretty excited!
Great inspiration book! Thanks for your generosity!
If her book is anything like her fabrics… I’m inspired to finish any Christmas projects I haven’t finished yet, as well as sprucing up with some home-dec projects. Thanks for the chance!
I keep knitting. I do have 20 bags to sew. I matched up fabric with patterns a long time ago. I’m thinking I should sew one of them so I have a new bag for my knitting retreat this weekend.
What an inspiring book! I’d love to win it! Right now I am searching for the perfect fabric for a sewing machine cover. That’s my next project!
With a grandbaby on the way in 8 weeks or less, and not knowing if it is a girl or boy (50/50 chance eh?) I’m thinking of a minky dot simple baby quilt with a sonogram photo in the middle, with some simple Bible verses.
Oh, I like the photo of the simple dress/top. I could probably make that!
Otherwise, I’m just altering my youngest pants, as her size 6 x is a bit too big, but size 6 is too small. Just need a little dart!
http://singerfeatherweight221.blogspot.com/
Gaileee
My current projects are all food related, but sewing is a tradition in my family so I’ll soon be getting there and this book would be a great place to start!
The book looks great! I would love to win this to add to my other hoard of sewing books (to go along with my fabric, paper, ribbon…and other stuff hoards!!!) Thanks for the chance!
I recently taught myself to crochet, so I’m currently making myself a blanket out of granny squares! They’re so quick to whip up :)
I love that we have the same first name! All of my current projects are centered around the home and/or organizing!
This book looks like some great inspiration! I just set my sewing machine up after a long time being packed away. I really want to make some shopping bags and some felt monsters for my little guy!
I have many current projects. My mom always waid if you have a project going by every chair, then if you are lucky enough to be able to sit down for a few minutes, you have something to keep your hands and mind occupied :)
I have a few pieces of clothing I want to mod. I’m inspired to use stitching to add design to garments.
I just had a baby, so I don’t have any projects in my mind right now. My daughter would love a project though and that dress pattern is so cute!
I’m working on art smocks for the kids. Thanks for the giveaway.
twelve30(at)gmail(dot)com
My current projects are all centered around baby. Baby #3 is coming in seven weeks. I still working on his bedding, hope it all gets done.
I’m a super beginner-level sewer (I can do buttons, pillows, and mending but that’s about it). My pride and joy was making my own couch cover my sophomore year of college. I would love to start learning how to sew things the proper way, especially so I can make my own clothes. I find more and more that I can’t find the types of clothes I want in stores, so I would much rather just make them!
I would love to make myself a new bag. I have one that I use at Christmastime that would be a great template, but I also love love love the one in this post.
Well, I am definitely most focused on quilting right now….but I confess that my interest is also peeked by clothing. I’d just love to make myself a simple dress or top!
I would love to win this. I’m always looking for great new projects. Sew many and give them away!!!
I am working on quilting at the moment.
I am dying to make some fun whimsical summer dresses!!! I’m a “field frolicker” at heart so it’s never too early for me to start thinking about making some ;)
Right now I am trying to get a few things for my home done…….but my mind keeps wandering………. :-)
would love to win this book it is full of fantastic ideas and it is the kind of book which would get me back in front of my sewing machine, and away from my knitting needles xx
wow…I loved the review and I also like to sew bags.
I Think this book could teach me a lot of new tricks……every picture is so beautiful.
Thank you for this giveaway.
I really need some pillow covers right now, but that dress in her book is super cute!
I am inspired to sew several things right now. Clothes for me and my children. My first quilt from a Fat Quarter bundle, and then a little quilt and doll quilt as valentine’s gifts for my daughters. So many sewing projects all around that inspire me to create it myself instead of buying a ready made version.
Thanks for the opportunity. I would love to win the book! I am just learning to see but am most inspired to make things for my home or for my toddler daughter.
Everything you have shown from the book is beautiful—I would love to make the purse and that dress–what fun….
I like to balance small projects that I can finish fairly quickly with larger, year long projects. And, I always like to have something going.
The book looks beautiful!
I am all about stuff for the home right now. The long, cold, dark winter days of Minnesota are making me want to change things up around here. A new pillow, a nice table runner, some new napkins, you get the idea. :)
I have two cute boys and a girl on the way, so sewing for little ones is on my mind right now.
I would love to win that book. Have been wanting to make some bags. Thanks for having the giveaway.
Because I am new to sewing I and short on time, I like to sew small usable items like bags and the pin cushion shown above. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love Tanya’s stuff more the more I look at it! :)
My current projects right now are:
1) Teaching my girls how to begin sewing by hand. They are starting with a felt needle book.
2) Working on a embroidery picture I started several years ago with hopes to finish it this year.
3) I’d love to make dresses for my girls.
Finished up all the holiday stuff I had going, now I am looking for a new project.
The book looks so fun and of course we can never have enough bags. Dana
I am so, so new to sewing that I don’t actually have a current project. I just got myself ‘Sewing in a Straight Line’ and am trying to work up the courage to pick something to start on. The Go-To Dress or Top in this book is exactly the style of top I wear all the time and I can see myself getting a lot of use out of a pattern like that. Thanks for the chance to win this incredible looking book! :)
Would love to sew with this book.
I am actually using fabric I got from my grandma when she passed away. About time to use it. And it is so awesome, totally vintage fabric, and in style. I made my sisters little zippered pouches using the fabric, so they have something to remember grandma by.
I really want to make some fun zipper pouches!
Oh yes, I would love this! I need to work down the fabric stash so I can go and buy more. I’m totally inspired to sew bags/purses. And how about a nice summer dress!
I am getting ready to retired at the end of the school year and am longing to get back to sewing. This book looks like something that I’d love to look through and get the inspiration to get back to my long ago hobby.
I’m all about purses rightnow! Just opened an etsy shop, but am still trying to figure out what I’m doing!
I am working on an embellishment sample binder. I would love to win this book. Great blog and thanks for the give away.
Spring dresses for girls! I am SO DONE with fleece!
I will be making my daughter a pillowcase with a pocket for her upcoming birthday. The book looks like it has lots of nice projects in it. Thanks for the giveaway!
I have been sewing a lot of baby items for all of my pregnant friends and family! Car seat tents, blankets, washcloths, bibs, and personalized onesies. It is so fun to give them a bag full of handmade items!
I am working on a purse for myself right now.
Oh boy lets see I have 2 shirts in progress to try to accomodate my post baby chest size, a pillow animal for my 3 yr old girl, a new hat for my rapidly growing baby boy, my first quilt from all of my scraps and if I ever get all that done a few dresses for me and my girl. I would love to make one of the dresses from the book if I win it, thank you for the opportunity to.
I’m searching for fabric to make a Mei Tai for my next baby.
Serinda
It looks like there are a lot of fun, modern sewing projects in the book… right up my alley!
I would love a few of the ottomans in the nursery to plop down while baby is playing on the play mat.
Projects for home. I feel like my house needs some pops of color!
I’m working on a spring themed quilt right now with many colorful flowers set in a white background. In two weeks I get to go pick out fabrics for a new baby quilt! Just gotta figure out if it’s going to be a blue or pink quilt!
Right now I am finishing up a quilt for my first grandson’s first birthday. I am ready to “sandwich” and “quilt”. And I want to make a bag with clear vinyl for a window to gift the quilt in that he could then use for toys or whatever. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Im really wanting to quilt, but I have 8g-kids with two more on the way, so I’m also really into making little cloths .
I am trying summon the courage to start my first quilt! Amy @ gasudimack(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Right now I am into making small bags/pouches and wristlets – fun and easy projects! Love you pincushion – that would be a fun project for sure.
My current sewing project is adding ribbons to the bottom of my granddaughter’s pants so she can make it through winter.
I’m a beginning sewer and always looking for new projects! I’d love this book!
I don’t comment often, but needed to this time. I’ve started sewing again and this made me ache to start a project like the bag shown. Beautiful fabrics too!! I truly hope I win this time!!
I am working on projects for my kids right now and a couple for me.:)
I am venturing into making clothes for me!!! That is a super cute dress.
I started sewing when my daughter was born, almost two years ago. I started with baby slings, but have moved on to purses, and most recently clothes. Who would have thought?!
I have been making tote bags for a church mission project. would love to have this book to get some new item idea’s.
I have two nieces/nephews being born this year as well as four other abides from friends, so I’m most excited and focused on making baby things. Bibs, blankets, everything!
I’m just getting into quilting, and always have multiple sewing projects going on…but otherwise I have been knitting baby hats like crazy this winter :)
I’m all about lap quilts and cowls at the moment, since we find ourselves without heat (and in the Northern Hemisphere). But I feel a burst of bag sewing coming on…just give it a month or two!
What adorable ideas! These would be so much fun to decorate with!
I would love to check out this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
I would love to win this book! Thanks for the giveaway, and keeping us up to date on great things!
Oh, I’ve been eyeing this pretty book! Sure would love to be the lucky girl!
What a cool book! So many fun projects. I’d love to do more sewing projects for my family and home…I just have to have some cute ideas! ;)
I just started to learn how to crochet.
I started with little flowers. Now the flowers want to decorate a shirt or a dress or a bag ;-)
Would looooooooooove to win this book.
My project right now is making fleece snuggies to donate to our local no-kill animal shelters in the Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Love the furry babies….
Ive become addicted to paper piecing and its wonderful items for the kitchen as well as getting a headstart on this years Christmas gifts :)
There are always so many projects on the go! Right now I’m teaching my youngest to sew! So much fun, and what a beautiful & inspirational book.
Oooh! I’d love to win this book! I definitely need step by step directions for anything sewn; knitting is usually my go-to project, since I can take it with me! Right now it’s freezing and wet outside, so it’s all about knitting and crocheting blankets and scarves – love ’em!
I love the ideas I have seen from this book. I am soon going to attempt to make a diaper bag for my sister in law. I need to do a couple of practice projects before that happens . . . love the bags pictured in this post ;)
I’d love to make the travel checkers for my granddaughter who will be visiting from Europe this summer. It’s a long way to and from anywhere (we live rurally), so a game like this would be lovely to have.
I recently “retired” and am SO looking forward to sewing for my 3-year-old granddaughter. For some reason, I just couldn’t find the time to sew for her before. Thanks for the chance to win the sewing book!
This looks like a fun book!! I am working on a braided rag rug that I started before Christmas. Hopefully it will be done by next Christmas! Thanks!
The book definitely looks interesting!! Currently, I’m cross stitching the final panel of a full-sized quilt top for my middle daughter. I need to finish it BEFORE I start sewing a table runner for my breakfast nook. I really want to make this runner, but I must finish the quilt top first.
lovely looking book, i would love a chance to win x
This looks like an awesome book! Right now my focus is totally on quilting. Four couples I know will be receiving baby quilts in the next few month (that’s not even all the babies I know or will soon know! Don’t drink the water ;))
I would LOVE to win this book! I have been sewing more kid’s stuff lately – a fort kit for a bday gift this week, including a drawstring bag, which was a first for me.
Thanks for a chance to win!
I have been enjoying making quilts recently, but little people clothes seem sneak in fairly often!
I love it!!!
I am making quilts right now but will start sewing clothes for my 2 grandkids soon.
For some strange reason I find myself wanting to work on Christmas sewing projects. (Weird – huh..) Maybe it’s because I never have time to complete them before Christmas because I’m busy shopping or planning the Christmas dinner.
I am currently working on leather booties, soo cute. However this book would be a great addition, without getting myself in trouble for buying another “craft” book. Love your blog, it is so inspiring.
I’m inspired right now to make a bedskirt for my daughters crib, curtains to match, and to recover the glider in the nursery. Yes I know most people put a nursery together before the baby comes, but I never had the nesting stage of pregnancy and well my sewing machine needs to go to the shop for servicing so I couldn’t even if I wanted to at that point!
Oh & I also need to make a 9-square quilt for my newest cousin!!! I made her sister one when she was born and it’s only fair!
:)
The book looks fantastic – thanks for the chance to win it.
This book looks fantastic. . . another one to add to the project pile that presents my daily quandary: What should I work on today (if I have time)? I’ve been alternating items for my Etsy shop with gifts (quilted coasters, a wall hanging, a little monster, pj pants) for upcoming birthdays and even Christmas! (I hate trying to do it all at the end of year.)
Enjoying your blog!
Dropping by to say “Hi”, working on a little quilt and its borders right now…stay blessed!
Lately, I have been inspired to make throw pillows, & matching tea towels / Aprons.
Thanks for the chance to win, I love inspirations.
Would love this book. Mainly working on my home right now but the checker board for my grandkids would be awesome. love the bagtoo.
Right now I’m into making sun hats for my baby Girl! It’ll be a few months before she’ll be able to swap her winter hats for them, but they are cute and fun to make!
I am focused on getting my space organized so I can make my daughter some jumpers, and I am saving up for a serger. This looks like an amazing book, I was immediately drawn to that bag!!
i really like the go to dress! thanks for the giveaway!
I’m seriously looking at making dryer balls using the scraps from the felted sweater projects I did for Christmas gifts.
I have so many unfinished projects I want to work on, but mostly right now I’m focused on mending things.
I love sewing bags, but I am also trying to sew some dresses for my daughter. Thanks for the great giveaway!
I’m working on squirrel pillows to get up my nerve to start a quilt.
I am most inspired at the present time to make my daughter a dress and tote bag to match. I would love to win this book. It looks great!
Thanks for showing us shots from the book, I’m really wanting it now, more than ever!
I am off of work for the first time in sixteen years and have never made much of anything. (As a mater of fact, my husband always asks “Can your Mom hem these for me?” However, after seeing all of the neat, crafty, cool and usable things on this blog, and a few others, I have been inspired to see if I can find my sewing machine in the back of my closet and make something. It will have to be something simple, but I am hoping that baby steps will lead to big steps later! Love your blog…thanks for sharing it with all of us!
This book looks great! Right now I’m working on sewing things for my little ones. I just made a flannel blanket for my daughter, am working on some fabric letters for her room, and have plans to make some sort of Valentine mailboxes for them. I have fun sewing whatever, as long as I have fun fabric. My love for fabrics is why I started sewing.
I’m searching for a pattern of a one-shouldered dress. I’ve never worn such a a style but I feel like I’ll enjoy wearing it!
Great ideas to keep one motivated to keep on being creative. Dress and bag are a must have!!!
Love this book! It looks like it has darling, easy-to-follow patterns too. I’m sewing it all right now- quilts, pillows, bibs and bags! This book will just add more to my project list, but it’s too fun!
What an awesome book! I have been wanting to get started on a quilt and would love to make some summer dresses for my daughter. This book would definitely inspire me to get in gear :)
Right now me and my sister are talking about going in total craft mode….which will require some organization and yes patterns…looking at making bags for one…hairbows..pincushions…basically looking to stay busy…also looking at getting the teens involved as well. So if I win that would be SWEET!
I own a gym and one of my members/employees (Mags Klein) said that she was related to you and told me about this book…would love to make the dress shown above as well as some of the purses..I am getting pumped up to have a booth at craft fair in December, would love all the new projects.
Just starting to teach my daughter to sew. . .these look like projects that would be fun to work on together. Thanks for the chance to win!
This looks like such a great book filled with projects I’d love to do! I’m most inspired to make tote bags
I hoped this year to make a quilt a month- small quilt though!!! (And I learned to crochet the other week- I have cutsey projects lined up)
My 22 year old daughter is home with us for 3 weeks before she goes traveling/working in Bolivia and she needs a small passport purse to wear at all times. Had fun designing a pattern and sewing it. Now I can’t stop, they’ll be cute little bags to give as gifts.
I love to sew for my two grandchildren girls ages 2 & 5..Would love the book.
I am going to be working on some projects for my home. It is time to update and refresh. Would love to win this book.
First time poster, longtime reader, but super excited to try out the Travel Checkers pattern and then hopefully more!
Baby things for my first soon-to-be-born grandson!
I’m making scarves right now.
I have just celebrated my lunar chinese new year and I am most inspired to do up new cushions for my home and office! That, and a pair of really comfy silk pajamas!
This would be a great book – I too love that she gives full-sized patterns right in the book along with the instructions.
I’m picking up the projects I put aside pre-Christmas as well as starting a few new ones for my daughter.
What a great book with lots of great sewing projects. As for me I would like to make a tote bag and a small quilt. Thanks.
I would love to make more quilts.
I’m trying to make our apartment more cosy and I’m hoping to build up to a quilt this year. Thanks for the chance to win!
Since we bought a new home 4 months ago, I am totally into house projects. Next up is curtains I hope.
I am knitting right now, for the first time in years!
Thank You for the chance to win a great book!
I’d like to make some thing for my 1 year old boy!
I’m doing some small embroidered projects-door knob ornaments, covered button hair barretts and wool applique.
Love to do all the projects in this book. Sounds wonderful!
I would love to book, so I can learn to sew more than curtains. I may just sew some bags for my kiddos soccer stuff. Thanks for the chance to play. I enjoy reading your blog.
From sunny Cali,
Jill. Mama of 4
Would love to have this book. What a fun giveaway and it looks like a fab book as well.
I’ve just gotten a machine for Christmas. I’m working on projects that are functional & made with recycled clothes. I started cutting tshirts today to make myself a skirt! I’m thinking of pants for my toddler & infant as well! Frugal, green, & crafty. I’m excited.
What a great book! I would love to try and make those ottomans, and the dress :)
Thanks for the givaway.
I am going to make a cover for my e-reader!
What a beautiful book! I’m deep in the midst of sewing costumes for a production of Beauty and the Beast that my son is involved with but I’ve got my eye on new projects so I’ll be prepared when the costume mania dies down!
I am inspired to make a quilt and burp cloths for a dear friend that just adopted a baby. I am so excited for her! I would love to check out this book!
Thanks you
Hi! I love to sew for my girl, but I also like to make things for my home.
I am working on projects for my baby room right now !
Thanks
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pipianhandmade
http://www.facebook.com/pipianhandmade
Lately I have been sewing a lot for my home. Curtains and soon, a shower curtain. Right now, however, I am (quite shockingly) sewing a little something for myself! A robe!
This book looks great!
I have just started sewing, and I’m mainly focused on projects for my friends new babies!
Lately, I’ve been slacking on my sewing! But I have just started an apron that’s been long in the works, and I am terribly excited about a couple quilting projects!
I’m new to sewing and have recently joined a local guild. What a wonderful place for learning and sharing. Wish I would have done it sooner. Building my stash and taking baby steps on my first quilt.
thank you for the giveaway!! I am focused on working on blocks for two separate quilts (rotating thru a few of each at a time) and clutches and purses for upcoming presents. And there are too many ideas floating around in my head too!
Wow! Looks like a super fun and useful book! Would LOVE to win a copy! The last project I’ve sewn was a new cover for my table top ironing board. Would love an excuse to make some clothing or accessories!
I am trying to organize my sewing supplies and use up fabric that I already have. That pincushion is so cute that I might have to make one to use up my scraps!
Oh my I love Tanya Whelan. This book looks great, whoever wins it will be so lucky!!!
You and this book really are saying to me….start sewing again…you need some fun girl!!!!
Right now, I’m inspired by crocheting (a potato chip scarf for my niece and a summer purse for me) and beginning a knotted comforter for our son as a graduation present. He’s big into the environment so I’m making it out of thrift store flannel shirts and jeans that I’m cutting up into blocks. I can’t wait to put it together!! I’m also inspired to finish a ton of WIPs this year!! This book looks like it could creat more WIPs for me. I love it!!
we just moved to a new home and my daughter has french doors in her room. I’m inspired to make curtains for her. also, I’ve got a baby shower to make something for! thanks for the chance!
I love the go-to dress, I would love to make that project!
I normally sew for my 2 girls but for the moment, I am making a purse for me :) I would love to make the go-to-dress from this book!
I would love this book! Thanks for the opportunity to win! Money is tight right now, so I’d love some ideas to piece things together from my stash- without having to go and be tempted with all that lovely fabric….. Although I think I’d like to make my little girl some summer dresses!
Hi, I would love to make cushions and curtains
Oh-o! I’m getting in on the tail-end of your very generous giveaway! I LOVE this book! I’m on a mission of making bags right now . . . bags to carry my groceries in, knitting bags, casserole totes, etc. I’ve even made a bag to carry several of my bags in!! hahaha Love your blog — thanks for the giveway. Here’s hoping I win!!
I am just beginning a fabric book for my granddaughter with the learning pages-lacing, buttons, snaps. etc. I will applique a little girl on the front cover with an outfit made from fabric I have and then I will make that same outfit for my granddaughter. My mother did this for my daughter and I wanted to pass on the tradition. Maybe some day this will take another generational step for another child. The book would be wonderful inspiration for future projects.
Yep, I continue to be inspired by quilts! I have 2 WIP right now and several others planned (some with fabric purchased and some not).
I REALLY want to make that dress/top. So adorable. Otherwise, I am really inspired to finish the quilt I’m making for my two-year-old’s big girl bed.
that looks like a great book! thanks for this giveaway!
I’m loving sewing up bags as gifts for friends. What I’ve seen from this book looks wonderful!