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Exclusive Interview & Giveaway for Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love!

December 3, 2013 by AllFreeSewing 30 Comments

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Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love

AllFreeSewing is so excited to have Kerry Goulder, creator of Kid Giddy to talk with us today! In addition to running a blog, shop, and more, Goulder is the creative genius behind the new book, Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love: 18 Toy Patterns for the Storytelling Sewist, which was just released this year. True to its name this book offers a fantastic journey that any imaginative sewist should take. See what Goulder has to say about what inspired her to create this collection, the challenges she had while creating it, and more!

When you’re through reading, find out how you can win your very own signed copy of Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love: 18 Toys Patterns for the Storytelling Sewist.

 

Kerry Goulder from Kid Giddy1. Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love is your first sewing book. What inspired the topic?

Everything we do in life has a story behind it. I wanted to capture some of the stories from my own life in a fun and meaningful way for my kids, to have and share later in their lives. I knew I wanted to write a story to go along with each pattern, and wanted the book to have the appeal of an old (but new) story book to be shared with loved ones while making their projects or giving them.

2. The variety of characters and elements in this book is incredible; do you usually design with someone specific in mind to give the toy to, or do these creations come to life as you sew?

Many of the patterns have been inspired by different people, places, or times in my life, as well as from my dreams. Some patterns have also been inspired by trends popping up all around, like the hot air balloon. I have never been in one and probably never will, but the beauty of them floating in the wild blue yonder is certainly tempting.

3. Do you have a favorite toy from this collection?

I’m not sure I can pick a favorite. I tell my girls that it’s not nice to pick favorites because it could make others feel left out. I will say that although some are easier and quicker to make than others, it doesn’t always mean I love those more. Many of these patterns I have held onto for years in the hopes of putting them all together in one book.

4. What was the biggest challenge for you while creating this book?

Keeping the family, church, and life balance was by far the hardest challenge. There were many days I woke up and fell asleep crying from the stress of deadlines and the feelings of being unbalanced in my life. I wondered often if I was doing the right thing, but couldn’t throw in the towel. I’m a perfectionist and wanted what was in my head to show in the book. For me that meant not just one gnome, but four, not just one mushroom or buoy, but multiples of each. I didn’t want the photos to be limited to single samples, so I made a ton of extra pieces for many of the patterns. Looking back, I wouldn’t do anything differently regarding the book or the samples, but would def bring in a sewing helper to help balance my time with my family.

5. Do you have any creative role models?

Other than my retired art teacher mom and my twin sister artist…there are a few designers I have kept tabs on since learning about them many many years ago. I discovered Heather Bailey and her invention, the Trash Ties™ when I invented the Tuck ‘n’ Go™. At the same time, I found her Nicey Jane™ and Pop Garden™ fabric lines which I still hoard in my studio. Around that same time a friend had told me about this fabric she saw recently and thought I’d like it. It was Amy Butler’s Midwest Modern™ fabrics, and yes, I hoard them too. In the past few years I’ve discovered SarahJane – she’s such a sweetheart and her fabrics are equally hoarded here. All three of them have inspired me for years to find my own voice.

6. Do your kids have a favorite toy that you’ve made (either from Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love or otherwise)?

They love all of the patterns but the Gnomes are most loved by all. When working on new patterns I don’t make anything with muslin (I guess you could say it annoys me because it is a boring color). I make all of my samples and patterns in beautiful fabrics, so my girls get to keep any “misfits” and love them despite their quirks! When a pattern works the first time, they are sad they don’t get to keep it.

7. In terms of being a published designer, what’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

I think the best advice I have ever gotten as an artist (not just a published designer) is to be true to myself. There are so many ideas out there, and so many artists are being copied left and right. We each have something to offer without having to copy someone else’s work. Learn new skills and techniques, but stay true to you and your own style. Be original so others can’t help but notice.

Thank you, Kerry!  All of the editors at AllFreeSewing are beyond excited about this treasure trove of toy patterns. If you’d like your very own copy of Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love: 18 Toy Patterns for the Storytelling Sewist, we’re giving away a copy! Even better about this copy? It’s signed by Kerry Goulder herself! Enter once a day, every day until December 16th! Best of luck to everyone!

Tell us, what was your favorite toy when you were little?

Filed Under: Contests & Giveaways Tagged With: Book Review, craft books, Designer, handmade toys, interview, sewing book, Sewing Books, toys

Sockology Book Giveaway

July 10, 2013 by AllFreeSewing 4 Comments

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Sockology Book GiveawayWe’re all familiar with the sock puppet. Perhaps it was the mediator between you and your parents, or maybe you used it to coax a one year-old into eating their peas. However you’ve encountered it, you’re sure of one thing: there’s little to be done that could improve the classic look of the sock puppet. That is, unless you happen to have Sockology.

Brenna Maloney presents 16 sock creatures in her book, Sockology. From a rooster to a shark, these are forms you’d never expect to see emerge from a sock. The last time shapes this varied formed from hands was when shadow puppets were invented.

Here at AllFreeSewing we’re far from unfamiliar with Maloney’s talents when it comes to creating creatures. Nevertheless, Sockology never ceases to amaze us. Whenever someone here cracks Sockology open it attracts a buzz of onlookers, waiting to be amazed. We dare you to browse through Sockology in a crowded setting; chances are you’ll end up with passersby leaning over your shoulder, wide-eyed, asking a greater, unseen force, “How did they do that?”

These creatures are truly surprising. If the design element of these sock puppets isn’t enough to tempt you into buying this book, we ask you this: do you have kids? Nieces, nephews? Do you babysit? At any point in your day do you interact with children or at the very least with a childish, yet loveable, friend or roommate? Sockology doesn’t only challenge you to craft creatively, it challenges you to play creatively. These sock puppets transcend the often base video games or apps that attract so many young people. Instead of mindlessly making digital toast or topping ice cream, kids will engage with their motor skills and imagination when they make and play with one of Maloney’s 16 puppets.

Don’t be swayed by their fine knit appearance either. You can create these creatures without picking up your knitting needles. AllFreeSewing fans are sure to love this bonus. Merely take a sock, follow Maloney’s tutorials, and create a creature of your choice. Houdini couldn’t have achieved such a transformative feat.

If you’re at the very least curious to browse through Brenna Maloney’s, Sockology (which you should be), why not click to enter our book giveaway and chance winning your own free copy? If you’ve read our review on Sockology before and are absolutely determined to win your own copy, you can even come back every day and enter to increase your chances of winning. You have until July 22nd to try your luck. It’s been done before; it could happen to you.

Did you have a sock puppet when you were little?

Filed Under: Contests & Giveaways Tagged With: book giveaway, Book Review, giveaway, sewing book, Sewing Books

Craft with a Friend with Giveaway from FaveCrafts!

October 9, 2012 by FaveCrafts 1 Comment

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If you ask me, one of the best things about making my own projects is being able to give them to someone else. There’s a special thrill that comes with hand making a quilt for a friend, putting together a book for a family member or giving the gift of a handmade cake.

For author Chrissie Grace, creating one-of-a-kind sewing projects is the name of the game…and, like most things, they’re so much better when they’re shared!

Sharing Stitches is filled with wonderful and unique sewing projects that are meant to be stitched and shared with others. You can craft notepad covers, wall art, aprons, jewelry, and more…all with fabric scraps and a little creativity.

Each project in Sharing Stitches has detailed step by step photos, as well has helpful tips on how to alter the project to fit your needs or style.

There are also great resources on how to find your own craft swap group or how to start your own. Craft swapping is a great way to make new friends and learn new techniques that you may have never even knew existed!

 

Wanna win Sharing Stitches?

Head on over to the giveaway page and register to win today. You have until October 23rd to enter, and you can enter to win once a day…so the more you return, the greater your chances of winning this awesome book! You can also gain additional entries by blogging about this giveaway or talking about it on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. Get all the info at the Sharing Stitches giveaway page! Good luck!

Filed Under: Contests & Giveaways Tagged With: book giveaway, sewing book, swap

Creativity on Display at the BurdaStyle Book Launch Party in NYC + Giveaway!

November 21, 2011 by FaveCrafts 22 Comments

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[Edit: Congrats to Margaret, the winner of the book giveaway!]

This guest post was written by Rachel Johnson for Rachel & the City.

BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook

BurdaStyle.com is an online community for people who like to sew. The website, which has more than 600,000 members, offers free and inexpensive sewing patterns, step-by step sewing tutorials, skill sharing, and inspirtional project ideas. Last Thursday they launched their very first book, The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook.

BurdaStyle projects

BurdaStyle co-founder and author of the new book, Nora Abousteit, and her staff hosted a large and exciting book launch party Thursday night at the Housing Works Bookstore in New York City. Examples of finished items created using sewing patterns from the new book were on display throughout the loft-like space. There were snacks and drinks, craft tables with make-and-take projects, and a photo booth from HaveBoothWillTravel.com. There was even a cake printed with the Sewing Handbook cover image!

BurdaStyle cake

My first stop at the event was at the Singer make-and-take table. I used a Singer sewing machine and Spoonflower fabric printed with the BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook cover to make a quick, little, drawstring bag. I was nervous to put my sewing machine skills on display since I was surrounding by so many talented and creative seamstresses, but the project was easy and basically error-proof.

BurdaStyle glitter tattoos

Next, I headed over to the glitter tattoo table. Megan Nicolay of Generation T and ILoveToCreate.com was applying sparkly designs to any willing party guest using stencils and Tulip Body Art Glitter. I played it safe and got an abstract flower on my hand.

Copies of the The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook were available to purchase at the event. The 200-page, spiral-bound book contains over seventy step-by-step variations of five basic patterns: a blouse, skirt, dress, bag, and jacket. It has a large intro section that can help those new to sewing get started using patterns. There are also plenty of full-color photos of the finished projects, plus profiles of BurdaStyle.com members from all over the world. The full-size patterns are also included in an envelope inside the back cover of the book.

BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook

It was exciting to meet the people behind the huge BurdaStyle community and to see much of the creativity from the website translated into book form. The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook is a fun project book for both beginners and experienced seamstresses that will help you endlessly customize your wardrobe.

We’re giving away a copy of The Burdastyle Sewing Handbookto one lucky FaveCrafts Blog reader!

To Enter:

First enter by leaving a comment below answering the following question:

Which project from the book would you sew first?

We can’t wait to hear from you on this one! This will give you one entry. But wait, there’s more…

Optional Bonus Entries

Earn additional entries for each of the following:
■ Tweet about the giveaway using the share button below or writing your own tweet to tell all our friends! (example): I entered the @Burdastyle #giveaway from @FaveCrafts and you can too! http://bit.ly/rB35au

■ Link to the this giveaway on Facebook! Here’s the link for you – http://bit.ly/rB35au or click the Share Link at the bottom of this post.

■ Blog about this Giveaway.

Please enter one comment per entry. So, once you have done any of the additional entries remember to come back and comment to let us know. Contest closes on Wednesday, November 23rd at midnight CST. One reader will be selected at random. Good Luck!

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: book giveaway, burdastyle, giveaway, sewing book, sewing patterns

AllFreeSewing Book Review and Giveaway: The Perfect Handmade Bag

January 24, 2011 by FaveCrafts 6 Comments

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You’ll always need a go-to bag in your life, as well as bags for all of your peripheral daily activities. This book includes projects for grocery bags, evening clutches, everyday purses totes, kids’ bags, and more.

Learn more and enter to win a copy here.

Contest ends February 7, 2011. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning!

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: book giveaway, Book Review, DIY bags, sewing book

AllFreeSewing Book Review and Giveaway: Sew It, Stuff It

January 10, 2011 by FaveCrafts 8 Comments

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Put your sewing skills (whatever level you may be!) to use making homemade toys with the adorable projects included in this book. Inside you’ll find 25 soft toys to make, from homemade dolls to stuffed animals and baby toys.

Learn more and enter to win a copy here.

Contest ends January 24, 2011. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning!

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: book giveaway, Book Review, handmade toys, sewing book

AllFreeSewing Book Review and Giveaway: Made at Home

December 27, 2010 by FaveCrafts 2 Comments

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Learn how to sew while decorating your home with handmade, personalized items that are as functional as they are lovely. The best part about this book is that beginner sewers can easily choose a pattern and start sewing without worrying about getting in over their heads.

Learn more and enter to win a copy here.

Contest ends January 10, 2011. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning!

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: book giveaway, home decor, sewing book

AllFreeSewing Book Review and Giveaway: All Dolled Up

December 13, 2010 by FaveCrafts 7 Comments

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Sew clothing and accessories for girls and their 18-Inch dolls with the patterns and instructions in this book. You can sew an outfit for a doll or a little girl, or both–girls will love matching their dolls, and this book includes patterns for both sizes. Learn more and enter to win a copy here.

Contest ends December 27, 2010. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning!

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: book giveaway, Book Review, Sewing, sewing book

AllFreeSewing Book Review and Giveaway: Pattern Fitting with Confidence

November 29, 2010 by FaveCrafts 1 Comment

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If you’re going to sew clothing, you’re going to need to know a thing or two about pattern fitting. Nancy Zieman, author of the “with confidence” series, guides beginners and experienced sewers alike through the fitting process in her highly organized and visually appealing book. Learn more and enter to win a copy here.

Contest ends December 13, 2010. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning!

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: book giveaway, Book Review, Sewing, sewing book

AllFreeSewing Book Review and Giveaway: Craft Candy

November 16, 2010 by FaveCrafts 1 Comment

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Multi-talented sewers will love this book because it incorporates sewing with other craft media, such as painting, beading, and other methods of embellishing. All 30 projects included in this book show you how to create or alter wearable crafts, from clothing to jewelry and other accessories. Learn more and enter to win a copy here.

Contest ends November 29, 2010. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning!

Filed Under: Contests & Giveaways Tagged With: book giveaway, Book Review, Sewing, sewing book

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