Monday 12 November 2012

Giveaway Monday UK-only Edition: 'Just Sew Stories' Book

*** UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS IF YOU ENTERED ***


If ever the was a publication that proved craft and sewing has moved on from it's stuffy, old-fashioned image it's 'Just Sew Stories' by Katie Allen. It would take a week to explain to your grandma all the influences and cultural references behind the projects in this neon-hued book.  It is interesting that Allen (who is a regular contributor to Mollie Makes magazine) references her grandmothers as her source of inspiration in the introduction of this book, but you cannot deny that she has taken the techniques they taught her (cross-stitch, patch work, hand embroidery etc.) and translated them in a direction that is very much her own and for her generation. 


The design of this book is delightful: cute collages of inspiration, clever typography and geometric elements make flicking through this book a joy. As with most books of this ilk, she starts by imparting some basic techniques that you'll need to complete the projects within. But this is no detailed 'How to Sew' book: mastering skills is not the objective here. You get just enough under your belt to get going with the projects, so if you are looking for a comprehensive sewing guide, you'd best look elsewhere. But in this sense it is perfect for it's intended audience.


The projects include appliquéd glasses case, sequinned hair fascinator and bloomers. They are cute, fun and quick. But I'm not going to pretend otherwise: this book probably isn't for the readers of my blog, not even the younger ones. This book is for their teenage-ish daughters or little sisters: individuals who have expressed an interest in making stuff but don't currently have the patience and/or desire to master a sewing machine or figure out sewing/knitting patterns. Obvs I'd like to say this book would appeal to sons and little brothers too, but alas vintage-style aprons, retro head bands and puffy bloomers are unlikely to draw many young creative dudes. However, the projects are 'cool' enough for the teen market who would like to have a bash at them (I'd imagine) but also quick enough to get a finished result before Hollyoaks or Skins comes on the telly.


The eagle-eyed of you will have noticed that this post is another instalment of my Giveaway Monday series, so it may not surprise you to learn that I have one copy to give to a lovely reader of my blog.  And with Christmas coming up, this giveaway could be a great opportunity to encourage the creativity of a young crafter or crafter-to-be at no expense to yourself! Unlike the 'Sew Over It' book I gave away a couple of weeks ago, I don't have the publisher stumping up the postage this time, and because books are heavy and I am skint, I'm afraid this week's giveaway is UK ONLY. Sorry overseas-peops. 


To enter, just leave a comment in the comments section of this post telling me why you fancy getting hold of a copy of 'Just Sew Stories' (no reason, I'm just nosey). If I can't access your email address within two clicks, please include it in your entry comment. Email addresses will not be used for anything other than to contact you if you are the lucky winner of this giveaway. To reiterate, this giveaway is open to residents of the UK only and the winner will receive the book completely free of charge. The giveaway entries will close at midnight GMT Sunday 18th November and the winner will be chosen by random number generator and contacted Monday 19th November October. Good luck, my UK-based, book-loving friends!

19 comments:

AnnabelVita said...

Bloomers! That's why I'd like to get my hands on a copy of this book!
(my email is annabelvita@yahoo.co.uk)

House of Pinheiro said...

I'm a book worm I cannot get enough of crafty books

Sew little time said...

love it. i'm always looking for ideas of things i can get my 4 year old to help with (she loves crafts - takes after her mummy!) and sounds like this could have some great ideas in!

jessiekays said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jessiekays said...

I love crafty books! I always flick through them at bookstores but can never justify spending the money.. great giveaway! My email is jmacaak@gmail.com as I have had trouble in the past with linking it to my profile.

Hollyrolly said...

it would be a perfect stocking filler for my 12 year old daughter who LOVES to craft!

Kate said...

It looks like a great book, would be a toss up as to whether to keep this for myself or give it to my niece as a Christmas gift...

http://goodnightprudence.blogspot.co.uk/

kfneill@gmail.com

jo90 said...

Because I love reading craft books and my daughter would rock some bloomers (probably in some sort of skull themed fabric!)E mail is joannaelisabethbatey@yahoo.com as I am not sure how well it links.

Sew Oklahoma Savvy said...

Zoe, I need to tell you that I look forward to your posts. I don't want to win the book, but I wanted to let you know that because of your inspiration, I bought a second hand vest and skirt and reworked them both to be more modern and up to date. This made me think of my mother who always reworked clothing because of world war II and the shortages. My mother is German and lived in Berlin at the end of the war, and I feel that I am paying homage to her (and you) by refashioning clothing instead of buying new. Love you for helping everyone reading your blog in seeing the value of this.

MelBee said...

I think this would a fab chrimbo pressie for my lovely niece who always crafts and sews and inspires her Auntie! And just to say thanks to your lovely blog I never view thrifted t shirts in quite the same way anymore. Thanks xx

Olivia said...

Oh that book looks beautiful! I love glossy craft books :) h(d)olivia(d)hart(a)gmail(d)com x

Anonymous said...

Thank you for introducing me to this book but most all, thanks for your honest opinion. Although the tutorials are juvenile, I still think they are inspiring.

Kay said...

It looks great and a girl can never have too many craft books. Thanks for the giveaway.
ks(dot)eyles(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

SuBoo said...

Sounds fantastic - thanks for the opportunity :)

The Rented Garden said...

Right well I'll give this a go... the book wouldn't be for me but for my sister-in-law who I "talked" into getting a sewing machine and now needs something simple and fun to help her learn the ropes.

atherton"dot"kate"at"gmail"dot"com

Anonymous said...

I would like to thank you for a fantastic book giveaway! I have a pen-pal friend who loves crafting and is always busy sending me handmade cards, wrapping paper and knitted items that are just wonderful. I would love to win this as a Christmas present for her, but *ssshhh!* don't tell anyone! Thank you for the giveaway. x

Email: lfountain1(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk

craftyclaire said...

What a cool book, I need all the inspiration I can get for me and my family!

Doki Doki said...

Because I want to dress up all of the Groom's party at my wedding in hand made bowties and I know there is a great pattern in this book!

Great blog! Great giveaway!

Sarah

Sarahlcobb@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hi there! I would love to win this book because 1. It looks amazing! And 2. I really want to learn how to sew nice things, little baby will be joining my family soon and would love to be able to sew different kinds of things.

Thanks for this opportunity :)
Leylv(at)live(dot)com

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