Sew What You Love, by Tanya Whelan Review and Giveaway

I was given the chance last week to read and review a copy of Tanya Whelan's new sewing book, Sew What You Love. First of all, let me say, I am a fan of Tanya.  I've used a lot of her shabby chic prints and fabrics in my daughter's room, including the recent hoop wall. So when I heard fromTanya, I was a little star struck.

One of my sewing goals this year is to break out of my quilting-comfort-zone and sew more bags, and get more comfortable sewing clothing.  I have multiple reasons for this - partly to just expand my sewing skills and partly because I think I'll be able to quickly burn through some of that fabric stash as well. :)

Feeling somewhat timid about where to start, Sew What You Love arrived like a burst of inspiration and motivation. Definitely one of the main things I look for in a pattern book, is multiple good patterns so that I really get my money's worth out of the investment.  There are around 30 patterns in this book and I can honestly say I want to make almost every one of them.  I love these cute tops (above) - the Lila Shirred Blouse and the Go-To Top or Dress. Both are on my list for spring wardrobe updates for me and my girls.

Also included are 5 really simple but good-looking bag patterns. Two cute clutches and three large tote bags. All with very clear and simple instructions. 

Saturday night I whipped out this City Tote so quickly. And I LOVE it. It's now my new winter go-to bag for hauling all my 'stuff'.  The handles are integrated - meaning the handle is part of the bag, instead of cut and sewn on separately - making the project a really quick one.

All of the projects and patterns in this book are for very simple, but darling projects. The instructions are well written with clear diagrams. Even with my fear of "3-dimensional" sewing (clothes, balls, etc.) Tanya's designs and instructions make me feel confident that I can make any of these projects. And do them in a reasonable amount of time. I'm so excited to try many more - and I'll share the results.

Finally, I love that the patterns come drawn to full scale in a handy pouch at the back of the book. I have to say, anytime I see a pattern that requires me to make a trip to the copy place for enlargements, I know right then and there the chances of me actually making that extra effort are very slim. Because multiple patterns are printed on the same page (to conserve space and paper) you will need to trace the pattern you plan to use.  I just used my giant roll of freezer paper to trace my bag patterns and was able to get right to work. Also, the fact that this book has a spiral binding makes it so easy to leave open on my work table.

Tanya is offering a free download of the Travel Checkers pattern to all of you. 

Download available here.

Tanya is also giving away a free bag pattern to anyone who wants to Tweet or mention Sew What You Love on Facebook. All you need to do is provide a link to the Sew What You Love page on Amazon. Go here to find out the details on Tanya's Share Program.

Lastly, Tanya has kindly offered to giveaway a copy of Sew What You Love to one of you readers! Just leave one comment on this post. If you want, you can share something you'd like to try to break out of your sewing comfort zone. Giveaway closes Friday, Feb 3 at midnight, MST.  GIVEAWAY CLOSED

WINNER:  Amber said...  I would love this book!

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Thank you so much for all the love on the HST Spectrum quilt - esp for reassuring me about the 'bleeding' triangles and the binding.  Sometimes after working so long on a project you need a fresh perspective from someone else.  I'm resolved to leave the quilt as it stands. :)

Also, the ADORNit giveaway winner has been announced. It's Paula. I have emailed you Paula!