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Giveaway: The Complete Photo Guide to Clothing Instruction

blog-tour-banner

I’m happy to be taking part in the blog tour for my friend Christine Haynes‘ brand new book, The Complete Photo Guide To Clothing Construction. Today, we’re offering one lucky reader a free copy of the book (see details below).

CPG Clothing Contruction High res

First, I wanted to share a few pages of this fantastic book with you, to give you a sense of what’s inside.

Personally, I am a big believer in photo-heavy instructional books. I’m a visual learner, and I tend to think that clear color photographs are one of the absolute best ways to demonstrate any sort of needlecraft technique.

And the sheer number of photos in this book means that Christine has fit a huge abundance of information into this slender and beautiful book. There are over 600 full color photos, demonstrating everything from how to install zippers to sewing with knits.

This book is like a an extended class in garment sewing, only in book form. With a wonderful teacher like Christine at your side, you can basically learn anything.

Here’s a preview of the kind of clear, quality instruction you’ll see in this book:

page 58

page 59

page 62

page 63

page 87

I highly encourage you to pick up a copy, and I say that not only as Christine’s friend and admirer, but as a collector of fabulous sewing books. This is the sort of book you will find yourself turning to again and again.

Giveaway

To enter to win a free copy of this book, leave a comment below telling me one sewing technique you’d like to learn or get better at.

I will choose a lucky winner by random number generator after Friday, March 7 at midnight Pacific time. You have until then to enter.

International entries are welcome, and we will pay for shipping (though if you are outside the US, you are responsible for any local duties that may be charged).

Good luck, and be sure to pick up a copy!

PS: Tomorrow, the blog tour will move to another friend’s blog, Erin of Miss Crayola Creepy fame. Be sure to visit Erin too!

UPDATE: The winner of this book is Stella, who answered our question with: “How to use my serger/overlocker and whip those stretchy fabrics into shape!” Congrats, Stella!

Sarai Mitnick

Founder

Sarai started Colette back in 2009. She believes the primary role of a business should be to help people. She loves good books, sewing with wool, her charming cats, working in her garden, and eating salsa.

Comments

Starly

March 3, 2014 #

zippers =)

Theresa

March 3, 2014 #

I would really love to learn how to sew better exposed zippers. Perhaps collars, too…better Peter Pans for the wardrobe.

Carol

March 3, 2014 #

Shortening a zipper would be great to learn. I usually ruin it and thus avoid making anything that doesn’t use a standard size.

MadeByMeg

March 3, 2014 #

Uh, yes please!! I am currently working on mastering my zip fly – and it seems like zippers are a popular one!

Angela eyer

March 3, 2014 #

I need help with fly-front zippers!

Susan

March 3, 2014 #

Sleeves!

Penny hooper

March 3, 2014 #

I am trying to talk my self into doing Fly zippers!

Miriam

March 3, 2014 #

I might have to join the chorus and say that zipper insertion is something I want to conquer. Also, edgestitching. It’s so beautiful when well done!

Jean Kenny

March 3, 2014 #

I’d love a copy of this book. I dream of sewing my own clothes and clothes for my kids! I’m having trouble with zippers so I’m looking forward to checking out Christine’s instructions. Thanks so much!

Erica

March 3, 2014 #

I would love to get more comfortable with sewing knits and slippery fabrics!

Penny K,

March 3, 2014 #

Zippers, zippers and zippers. Invisible zipper tips and tricks

Christy

March 3, 2014 #

I need to work on installing a fly zipper and welt pockets.

Karlene

March 3, 2014 #

I would love to improve on my zipper installation!

Joelle

March 3, 2014 #

Darts!!

Juniper

March 3, 2014 #

Set in sleeves always give me trouble. I’d love getting better at easing them in.

Renee

March 3, 2014 #

I would love to master the Zipper but also the overall fit – Everything seems to look like a sack once finished so it has got a lil disheartening :(

Courtney Ostaff

March 3, 2014 #

I would love to get better at set-in sleeves!

Victoria

March 3, 2014 #

I’m hoping that a serger will mysteriously appear on my doorstep one day (I’m too poor to buy one) so I can lose days of my life working out how to thread it :p

Libby

March 3, 2014 #

I need to work on stitching ruched pieces together!

Paceda

March 3, 2014 #

beautifully sewn sleeves, including plackets.

Jennifer Brandenburg

March 3, 2014 #

I would love to learn more about welt pockets!

Christine

March 3, 2014 #

Grading sizes or getting a better custom fit :)

Ana

March 3, 2014 #

Zippers… and matching prints, I haven’t even attempted that one…

Marie Linehan

March 3, 2014 #

Seam finishes… French etc…

Bree Crocetti

March 3, 2014 #

Perfect sleeves

Me Pendleton

March 3, 2014 #

I would like to learn to insert a more profession looking zipper .

Carlee

March 3, 2014 #

Set in flippin sleeves all the way!!!! I’ve done raglan on a knit, but I am dying to figure out set-ins on a woven!

Mady

March 3, 2014 #

I’d like to get better at fly-front zippers!They are a tricky thing!

Katie

March 3, 2014 #

Looks like a lovely book! I would love to learn how to sew a fly zipper.

Sarah J

March 3, 2014 #

I had some issues with understitching in a recent pattern, so I’d love to see that. Also setting in sleeves because tanks and kimono sleeves can’t do me forever :)

Linda`

March 3, 2014 #

Bound buttonholes for that polished look!

KJ

March 3, 2014 #

I would really love to learn to do a jeans fly better. Sounds like that’s a lot of peoples’ goal from the comments above!

Kelly

March 3, 2014 #

I’d like to work on sewing with knits. Specifically, hemming them is a nightmare!

Delana

March 3, 2014 #

I keep meaning to work French seams into a garment, but I have yet to do so! So my answer to your question is I would like to learn how to incorporate French seams into a garment. Wonder if that’s covered in this book. Hmmm….;-)

Marissa

March 3, 2014 #

I would love to master pleats

Lisa S.

March 3, 2014 #

I definitely need to work on fly zippers!

Sue

March 3, 2014 #

Invisible zipper.

andrea

March 3, 2014 #

Zippers! I just started sewing and mine never come out right.

annie

March 3, 2014 #

I want to learn more about lining and how to do it better, prettier.

andrea

March 3, 2014 #

Oh and darts. I am not very precise.

Samantha

March 3, 2014 #

I need some serious help with inserting linings….

cyndi

March 3, 2014 #

sewing knits! and improving everything.

Jaynie

March 3, 2014 #

Fly zipper! I’ve yet to make some pants/shorts!

Susanne

March 3, 2014 #

I need a refresher on sewing button holes-picture instructions would be awesome!

Kristie

March 3, 2014 #

Darts. Seems so simple but mine always end up too long, too pointy, and somehow–uneven!

Amber

March 3, 2014 #

Zippers!! I’m making jeans right now and it’s frustrating me so much.

Saedi

March 3, 2014 #

Front fly zippers!

Heather in Oregon

March 3, 2014 #

Only one thing? I’m self taught and relatively new to sewing so there are tons of gaps in my knowledge but most immediately I need help with zippers, buttonholes by hand, and hemming knits and rounded/circle skirt hems.

Hannah Johnson

March 3, 2014 #

I would like to improve my zipper installations. I feel pretty comfortable with an invisible zipper, but the transition between the zipper and the seam below gets a bit tricky and I usually end up with a wrinkle, gap, or something awkward like that.

Pamela

March 3, 2014 #

Pleats….. and slick fabric! I love photo books, and will have to add this one to my list of “must buy”

Mary

March 3, 2014 #

The two things I would like to conquer are: bound buttonholes and matching plaids.

Veronica

March 3, 2014 #

Zippers!! I’m getting better but they still intimidate me..

Kate McIvor

March 3, 2014 #

Welt pockets!

Hannah

March 3, 2014 #

Zippers! Invisible and fly-front. They are scary!! Thank you.

Patricia

March 3, 2014 #

I’d love to learn how to make changes to patterns to better fit me.

Jennifer

March 3, 2014 #

Sleeves :)

Talia van der Wel

March 3, 2014 #

I’d love to learn how to set in sleeves better! My attempts always look so average.

Fiona

March 3, 2014 #

I’d love to attempt pants or shorts one day, so clear info on inserting a fly zipper would be very handy!

Show and Tell Meg

March 3, 2014 #

I’ve always been interested in shirring, but I’ve never had the guts to try it out – maybe this book could boost my confidence :)

Ashley

March 3, 2014 #

Hemming knits. I just finished up a shirt and it looks great! but I’m afraid to hem it for fear that I’ll ruin it… I’d love to learn some foolproof tips on that.

Elaine

March 3, 2014 #

I always have SO much trouble with set in sleeves! would definitely appreciate some (more) tips on easing those in!

Far

March 3, 2014 #

That Is A Lovely Book! I’d LovE To Get A copy For Reference. I ToO Am A Visual Learner :)

I Think Prick Stitch/Picked Stitch For Zipper And Bound Buttonhole Would Be Something I Would Love To See A picture-Heavy Tutorials On :)

Thanks!!! ~far

Karen

March 3, 2014 #

I would really like to start making my own clothes. I’ve been quilting for years but know very little about garment construction.

Honora

March 3, 2014 #

I could use lessons on all techniques! But, I’d really like to master French seams

Melina

March 3, 2014 #

I’m still very much a novice sewer, and I have tons to learn. To break up “everything” into a slightly more manageable chunk: I really want to learn how to do set-in sleeves!

Teri

March 3, 2014 #

Sewing knits!

Rebecca Pelletier

March 3, 2014 #

Pattern drafting is on my list and this book looks just the ticket!

Nina

March 3, 2014 #

Buttonholes – machine- and hand-sewn. It always feels completely random with the machine, whether it’ll come out right or not. And my hand-sewn buttonholes are just embarrassing!

Debra

March 3, 2014 #

Matchup prints / pattern / plaids in fabric- it makes my brain hurt

Julie

March 3, 2014 #

French seams…I’ve been wanting to try them but have yet to work up the courage!

colette

March 3, 2014 #

I need to learn more about zipper insertion!

Alison

March 3, 2014 #

Darts. The last time I made a dress with darts, I had to redo them because they weren’t quite right.

Vanessa

March 3, 2014 #

What a great book for visual learners like me! I really need to get better at zippers: both invisible and lapped zippers.

Joy

March 3, 2014 #

As a new sewist, I want to learn EVERYTHING! :-)

Heather

March 3, 2014 #

I want to have beautifully finished garments so the insides look as great at the outside.

Beth

March 3, 2014 #

I recently had a total fail with my first blazer. I’d love to learn techniques for jackets.

Erika A.

March 3, 2014 #

Handstitching hems! I always ignore this and just use a machine, but this silk chiffon sitting in my stash deserves better.

Anna

March 3, 2014 #

This book looks fantastic. As a new sewist, I have so much to learn but I’m most eager to learn to set in a sleeve properly.

Marie

March 3, 2014 #

Hello!
I would to improve à lot of things ….. my making of a classic man ´s shirt for example
Hugs from France

Katelyn

March 3, 2014 #

Perfecting fit. And choosing the correct fabric for a project. And a hundred other things:)

Jennifer

March 3, 2014 #

It would be nice to finally make a sleeve that looks professional. Actually, I’d settle for non-amateurish. Thanks for introducing the book and the blog tour-what a great idea.

Shannon

March 3, 2014 #

I would like to learn how to sew an exposed zipper.
Thanks for the giveaway!

Vicki

March 3, 2014 #

PANTS all parts pants! And sleeve & bust grading!

Nicole

March 3, 2014 #

Sleeves and zippers

Linda

March 3, 2014 #

How to perfectly match collar stands on a tailored shirt!

Louisa S.

March 3, 2014 #

All things pants, especially fitting tips and fly front zippers; also tips on when to use what types of seam finishes and how to work them in as you sew!

Nicole

March 3, 2014 #

What a beautiful book. I feel certain it could help me overcome my fear of learning how to attach sleeves to garments.

Lisa

March 3, 2014 #

Buttonholes!

Sueann

March 3, 2014 #

I would like to get better at fitting.

Zahraa

March 3, 2014 #

I received a gorgeous yard of silk as a present, but I have no silk sewing skills/experience. I would love to learn how to handle and sew with slippery fabric.

Lianne

March 3, 2014 #

Well, I just finished putting in probably my 25th invisible zipper and I’m getting better, but still not satisfied with the results! I would love a good resource, and this one looks excellent. I know you said ONE technique, but here’s a second: mitering hems–confusing to me!

Sarah

March 3, 2014 #

Oh I still struggle with fly zippers, and I’m determined to conquer welt pockets this year. What a beautiful book. Thanks for the chance to win it – it’ll go on my wish list if I’m not lucky enough to win it!

Virginia

March 3, 2014 #

I’d like to learn more about fast, accurate cutting techniques.

Miranda

March 3, 2014 #

It may not be a technique, but I struggle with fabric choices for clothes. After quilting for 15 years, I focus on color and pattern and don’t realize until I have a finished garment that the fabric doesn’t drape enough or hold it’s shape well enough for the pattern I chose. I can check for fiber contents and hold up yardage to see how it falls, but I can’t make the conceptual leap to what it will look like as a fitted garment.

Stacie

March 3, 2014 #

I would LOVE to learn more about seam finishes, from super easy zig zag stitches to the Hong Kong seam finish!

Tracy

March 3, 2014 #

I’d like to learn how to set the perfect sleeve without any visible puckering!

MindyZW

March 3, 2014 #

I want to start making my own clothing again. I did for most of high school and college. Then work got in the way. I now have the time again and would use this book to refresh my skills.

Carolyn

March 3, 2014 #

I still struggle with attaching elastic – would love to figure out how to do it properly!

Danica

March 3, 2014 #

Darts and sleeves. I could really use this book!

julie

March 3, 2014 #

Interfacing and neckline construction!

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