Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Make It Sew Modern review and Giveaway!

I was lucky to get my hands on a copy of Vanessa Christenson's new book, Make It Sew Modern last week. (It even arrived on my birthday. How's that for awesome timing?) I've been so excited to peruse the projects in this book ever since I first knew of it's inception.
 
And let me tell you, there are some beauties. 
This book is all about creating with texture.
 
And there is a big variety of projects to choose from: bags, wreaths, quilts, home decor, rings and bracelets...
 
This throw pillow is on my to-do list now. I love the simplicity of the two solid fabrics and the pop that little bit of pleated texture brings.
 
The book itself is so pretty - lots of eye candy to get those creative juices flowing.
 
And guess what? Vanessa is generously offering to give away a copy of Make It Sew Modern to one of you readers. It doesn't even have to be your birthday.
To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this post. If you want to, share which of these projects intrigues or inspires you most.  Giveaway will close Saturday, March 24 at midnight MST. GIVEAWAY CLOSED.

WINNER:  vintage greyMar 21, 2012 10:07 AM
Happy Belated Birthday!! :) I hope you had a wonderful day! This seems like a great book! Thanks for doing a giveaway! Hope you have a beautiful day! :) xo Heather

Good luck, and thanks again V!
Posted by amy smart at Wednesday, March 21, 2012

337 comments:

  1. using pleats looks like it can be a lot of fun!

    ReplyDelete

  2. Sooo many great ideas I would love this book.

    ReplyDelete

  3. I love the ruffled trim on that quilt!

    ReplyDelete

  4. I love this! Having homemade touches around the house makes my heart so happy!

    ReplyDelete

  5. I'm with you; I love that pillow!!

    ReplyDelete

  6. yes please! I follow both blogs. there is not a project in this book I don't want to try, but am especially excited about all of the different flowers! thanks so much

    ReplyDelete

  7. I love the white and grey blanket. Chic yet precious!

    ReplyDelete

  8. The book looks absolutely beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win it!

    ReplyDelete

  9. Oh, love that bag with the big pink bow, it just screams spring!

    ReplyDelete

  10. I would love to learn how to do all those gathers and ruffles!

    ReplyDelete

  11. Holy cow! Sew much to choose from... sew little time ;)

    ReplyDelete

  12. Oh, I love the gathering on that bag! So cute.

    ReplyDelete

  13. There are so many projects to choose from. I would love to make the yellow wreath. It looks fabulous. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete

  14. I love the pillow! But everything looks so pretty, hard to choose!

    ReplyDelete

  15. I must make that bag in the last picture. Love it!

    Alexis
    frogsarecool at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  16. I would love love love this book! I love the tote with the gathered accent and the grey and white baby quilt.

    ReplyDelete

  17. The book certainly looks like it has some lovely fresh ideas...and my Birthday IS next month. = )

    ReplyDelete

  18. I really love the pleats on that quilt! Awesome!

    ReplyDelete

  19. Ruffles, pleats & gathers??? I'm in love! I really like the bag with the big pink bow.

    ReplyDelete

  20. Looks like a great book~

    herd1fan87@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  21. I love the gathered blue flowers and the baby quilt. Actually all the project are very appeling and pretty, but those two are the ones I could use the most right now. Thanks for the opportunity. I'll buy the book for sure if I don't win!

    ReplyDelete

  22. Loving that last shot, the bag with the bow!

    ReplyDelete

  23. Good Morning Amy. :o)
    I have this book and may I just say *I love it*.
    Vanessa did an amazing job with her gorgeous creations
    and instruction, so that we too can create something
    lovely. :o)
    Have a wonderful day.
    hugs, Trish

    ReplyDelete

  24. I love the gathered blue flowers and the baby quilt. Actually all the project are very appeling and pretty, but those two are the ones I could use the most right now. Thanks for the opportunity. I'll buy the book for sure if I don't win!

    ReplyDelete

  25. The bag on the cover is my favorite! I've been wanting to make myself a fun bad and this looks perfect! I especially love the flower detail.

    ReplyDelete

  26. I love the pillow! It would go great on my ruffled bed!

    ReplyDelete

  27. I like the cushion and the pleated finished of the quilt... the book looks great. thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete

  28. I'm always looking for a new idea for a bag and really...that pillow with the ruffled insert would be an amazing bag...making the ruffled part a pocket!:)

    ReplyDelete

  29. Loving, loving, loving the preview of this book already. :)

    ReplyDelete

  30. Now that my little one is 6 months old I finally feel I have time to sew, this book looks like its chocked full of ideas!

    ReplyDelete

  31. Pick me!!! This book looks wonderful!

    ReplyDelete

  32. Love, Love, Love the pleated edge on the quilt! Looks like a great book! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win it!

    ReplyDelete

  33. I love the pleated edging on the quilt. That would be so adorable for a baby quilt :-) Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete

  34. Looks like a lot of great projects! Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete

  35. I love the idea of a pleated ruffle instead of plain binding! On the other hand, that is a lot of work when you are nearing the finish line!

    ReplyDelete

  36. I just love the bag with the pink tie - I would make that first. Thanks for the give away!

    ReplyDelete

  37. I'd love to try the pleated edge quilt or that cute bag with the big bow..... super cute!

    ReplyDelete

  38. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete

  39. neat book, I wouldn't mind making a few of those pillows.

    ReplyDelete

  40. I absolutely love the pillows. I would love to make some for my couch! I really appreciate the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete

  41. I love that little pillow with the ruffles!

    ReplyDelete

  42. I am with you on the pillow! I am dying to make it now. I would love to win this book. (It was just my birthday too!)

    ReplyDelete

  43. I love the grey and white quilt. The subtle details...too cute. I would be elated to win! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete

  44. Please enter my name in this special giveaway..I would love to have this book. I am trying to adjust a pattern for the perfect handbag for my daughter. This book would help.

    ReplyDelete

  45. I love the bag with the bow in the last picture. That would be such a fun summer bag. My daughter is learning to sew and we might try this as a fun project. A girl can't have too many bags, right? ;)

    ReplyDelete

  46. That gathered square pillow is a real beauty! Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete

  47. Ruffles! I Love Ruffles! I so need a granddaughter so I can ruffle all kinds of pretties! Thank you for the giveaway! I am a follower of V and Co. blog.

    ReplyDelete

  48. Love the projects in this book. Lots of inspiration. Thanks!

    barberg@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete

  49. Definently the gathered throw pillow. I have never tried gathers and this would look great on my couch. Thanks for the giveaway!!

    ReplyDelete

  50. Oooooohhh... the bags! I love the bags!
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

  51. I LOVE bags. And the 25th is my birthday. How awsome it would be to win. Thanks

    ReplyDelete

  52. I just love bags, but I also love pleats and gathers, so combine the two and I'm all in! Great projects!

    MGM

    ReplyDelete

  53. The pillow was love at first sight, and the pleated edge on the quilt is adorable!

    ReplyDelete

  54. I love the tote bag that is on the cover. Great looking projects. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

  55. I love pleats and ruffles in bags! I would love to win a copy!

    ReplyDelete

  57. The bag on the front of the book is really cute. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete

  58. Thanks for sharing these sneak peaks! I am inspired to try more ruffles after using a bit of gathering to fit the skirt to the bodice of a dress I am making ( my first!) this is quite a leap for me since I love the neatness of rotary cut squares and HST's.

    Thanks,
    Sarah

    ReplyDelete

  59. Wow, thanks for the opportunity to win this givewaway! I've been looking for a good pattern/tutorial for gathered throw pillows. I can't wait to get my hands on this book!

    ReplyDelete

  60. Yay! I love the pleats. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete

  61. I like the fabric flower and that totebag with the bow is so cute! Thank you for the opportunity to win!
    missysaprons@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

  62. I like all the bags shown! (and the ruffled quilt...and the pillow...) I'd love the book! Thanks for the chance

    ReplyDelete

  63. I'm really liking that pleated trim on the quilted baby blanket!
    lisamcgriff(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

  64. I'd love to win this book. I love Vanessa (as only one can from reading another's blog) and was sooo excited to see she is know a teacher on Craftsy!

    ReplyDelete

  65. I love the pleated pillow! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete

  66. This looks a great book! I love the bag on the front cover!

    ReplyDelete

  67. I'd love a copy of Vanessa's book. The only thing that would make it more wonderful is if Vanessa was the model. She is so pretty, they really should have used her. (although the model they chose is beautiful too!)

    ReplyDelete

  68. i love the trim on the quilt! beautiful!! thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete

  70. that quilt with the pleated ruffle binding is amazing!

    ReplyDelete

  71. The throw pillow is adorable, as is the tote with ruffle, etc. Thanks for the chance to win this book.
    ~Terry~

    ReplyDelete

  72. Oh, I love pleats! I need to learn to use them more in my own sewing!

    ReplyDelete

  73. I have this book and LOVE it! My favorite project is the pleated edge baby quilt. :)

    ReplyDelete

  74. That grey and white throw with the pleated border is GORGEOUS!!! Want it.

    ReplyDelete

  75. I'd love to win! The ruffle trim on that quilt is adorable.

    ReplyDelete

  76. I love the ruffled edge of the quilt. So pretty!

    ReplyDelete

  77. I like the pleats on the edge of the quilt or any kind of pleat at all!
    thanks for the giveaway! I'd love to have the book!

    ReplyDelete

  78. I would love to win the book. There are lots of things I'd like to make, but the tote bag would be first.

    ReplyDelete

  79. I love her stuff! So cute and fresh. Hope I win!

    ReplyDelete

  80. Exciting! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete

  81. I'd love to be entered in your generous giveaway! I think I'd love to try making that pillow. The idea of adding ruffles to quilt squares is something I've always wanted to try. (I saw a pattern once that intrigued me!)
    Thanks again!
    Donna

    ReplyDelete

  82. I'm all in. :) The real question would be which project would I make FIRST.

    ReplyDelete

  83. Ooh, I've been wanting to get my hands on this book! Thanks for the chance to win it. And Happy Birthday!!!!

    ReplyDelete

  84. Love Vanessa's gray & white quilt. Thanks for the giveaway.
    twelve30(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

  85. Hmm....bags always grab my interest.

    ReplyDelete

  86. I'm intrigued by the pleated edging on the quilt! The bags look great, too!

    ReplyDelete

  87. I love Vanessa's flowers, and the bag on the last page you showed, awesome.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

  88. The pleated pillow is super cute, and I love the bag on the cover! Fingers crossed....

    ReplyDelete

  89. I really like the cover bag, the design and colors of it. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

  90. I like the bag on the cover. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete

  91. I read her blog and so impressed with her projects.

    ReplyDelete

  92. Wish it was my Birthday but I'd love to win a book anyways!
    jenn dot barclay at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  93. I love all of the bags Vanessa comes up with. The two pictured here are no exceptions.

    ReplyDelete

  94. I like the pillow - I've been meaning to try a textured quilt top for a while and just haven't found the right project.

    ReplyDelete

  95. Oh, I love it all! I really like the pillow or the bag, so fun! pfh04@msn.com

    ReplyDelete

  96. I love that quilt towards the bottom with the ruffly edges. So pretty! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete

  97. Love that pillow. The added textures are so fun.

    ReplyDelete

  98. I just love the preview of this book already! I want it!!!!

    ReplyDelete

  99. Love that pleated edge quilt!

    ReplyDelete

  100. I like the pillow, it would look great on my couch.

    ReplyDelete

  101. also love that pillow, but I may have to add some stripes...

    ReplyDelete

  102. I think that pleats can look amazing but I am truly scared of them!! I would love to attempt either the cushion or the quilt

    ReplyDelete

  104. I like the pillow and also the little flower pin. Too cute! Do I get extra points if my birthday is next week? Maybe it would arrive on my birthday :)

    ReplyDelete

  105. I would try to make the purse from the cover first! mredmond@swrsd.org

    ReplyDelete

  106. I LOVE the 2 solid color throw pillow with the POP the pleated fabric in the middle it gives out. WOW, I have to have this book and go crazy making these beautiful items in it. Thanks for the opportunity to win it!! :)

    ReplyDelete

  107. Looks like a wonderful book! I would love to make some of those ruffle pillows-so frilly and cute!!:) Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

  108. I have been ooggling her book ever since she posted it on her blog. There are so many thing I want to make in it that it is hard to pick one. Right now however, I am thinking about a quilt so the quilt with pleats intrigues me. Tell Vanessa thanks and thanks to yourself as well. -Nancy (blackie_85@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  109. Gathers for ruffles I can do. But I've never done perfect pleating! That would be an awesome thing to learn!

    ReplyDelete

  110. Looks like a beautiful book full with wonderful ideas!

    ReplyDelete

  111. I have a bag fettish what can I say? That's what inspires me from this book, you can never have too many bags right? deanie.dreams@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  112. I'd love to get my hands on this book! The pleated pillow looks interesting to me.

    ReplyDelete

  113. I really like the bag on the cover. Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete

  114. The pleats on the blanket look so lovely! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete

  115. I am a fan of pleats and in a quilt!

    ReplyDelete

  116. Love the flower! crossing my fingers. March 24th is my birthday! Thanks for a chance.

    ReplyDelete

  117. Love the pleating and ruffles!!! Would absolutely love to win this book !!! :)

    ReplyDelete

  118. I adore a good pleat. The pillow with the inset pleating is lovely. I beleve ruffles are truly a girl's best friend.

    ReplyDelete

  119. i love the pillow! thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete

  120. EEK! This book looks amazing! The ruffles on that quilt are so clean! But i'm also loving that gathered/ pleated pillow! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete

  121. I like the bag with gathering. It would be really great to combine aa bag like this with spring clothes.

    ReplyDelete

  122. Such a great book! But, pleats on a blanket's edge?!?! YES please! haha

    Thanks for doing this giveaway!

    Andrea - prajaline (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete

  123. love the pics of the ruffles. i've always wondered how those can be accomplished! thanx for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete

  124. I like the quilt with the pleated edge. Very nice.

    ReplyDelete

  125. Happy Belated Birthday!! :) I hope you had a wonderful day! This seems like a great book! Thanks for doing a giveaway! Hope you have a beautiful day! :) xo Heather

    ReplyDelete

  126. That looks like an awesome book - I'd love it!

    ReplyDelete

  127. I love the pillow with the pleated center!!

    sue
    legato1958@aol.com

    ReplyDelete

  129. Ruffles make me so nervous! This book would certainly make me feel more comfortable working with them. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete

  130. Thanks for the giveaway! Amy @ gasudimack(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

    ReplyDelete

  131. Wow! There look to be some great projects. Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete

  132. I have been eyeing V's book & would love to win a copy. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

  133. I adore the gathered trim on that quilt! Thanks for the chance to win what seems like a great book.

    ReplyDelete

  135. That throw pillow is gorgeous and the pleat-edged quilt is awesome! Happy b'day!! :)

    ReplyDelete

  136. I love this book and I don't have the confidence to do ruffles, gathers, and pleats. I think I need it so I can learn. I would have so much fun learning ALL of it!!!

    ReplyDelete

  137. Wow, the pleated trim on the quilt looks awesome.Thank you both for the chase to win!

    ReplyDelete

  138. I love that throw pillow, too! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete

  139. Oh gosh, those bags are *hands down* the very items that are inspiring for me! I just made my first bag and feel the need to make more! :-) Thanks to both of you very much for doing this giveaway! :-)

    ReplyDelete

  140. It was my birthday on Sunday - does that count?

    LOVE that bag on the cover. My daughter wants one. Okay, I want one too. So pretty - thanks to you and Vanessa for a fabulous giveaway!

    ReplyDelete

  141. I love that little grey and white quilt with the pleated edging - so very chic! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!!

    ReplyDelete

  142. I'm intrigued by the ruffles on the quilt! It really adds spice to the binding! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete

  143. Oh. That pillow does look great, doesn't it! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete

  144. I really like the pillow with the gathered fabric in the middle and the bags are all cute!!! This book looks like a definite keeper with a ton of cool projects to make :)

    ReplyDelete

  145. thanks for the giveaway! looks like a great book! the pleated pillow looks fabulous, and would probably be at the top of my list if I win :)

    ReplyDelete

  147. I like the ruffle on the baby quilt....that's a great idea!
    and my birthday is coming up.......teehee

    ReplyDelete

  149. I love the pleated edge on the grey and white quilt. So fun!

    ReplyDelete

  150. Ruffles are SO cute! I love the idea of a gathered print on the solid bag, especially with Farmer's Market time coming!

    ReplyDelete

  151. Cool book! And the blue pillow! I love the idea of the pleated patch! Thanks for the nice giveaway!

    ReplyDelete

  152. Can I just say that ruffles are totally my favorite? And pleated quilt binding? Yes please.

    ReplyDelete

  153. Love the pillow that is gathered in the center...

    ReplyDelete

  154. I love the baby quilt with the grey ruffled edge! thanks!

    ReplyDelete

  155. That sounds like a good read. Thanks for the giveaway :)

    ReplyDelete

  156. Beautiful projects! I would love to try some of them. Thanks for this great opportunity to win the book.

    ReplyDelete

  157. Eu ando de olho nesta bolsa da capa,os plissados também fazem cócegas.Obrigada.tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  158. Oh that ruffled pillow looks like something I would like to try.

    ReplyDelete

  159. The ruffle trim is awesome. Would love to try it

    ReplyDelete

  160. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete

  161. The pleated cushion looks so luxurious, and the bags, and the quilt - in fact I want to make it all!

    ReplyDelete

  162. so pretty I love the ruffles section, I want to make ruffled shams

    ReplyDelete

  163. I kid you not I just sketched out a quilt that looks almost exactly like that pillow, but 50 of them all together!

    ReplyDelete

  164. the pleated flower or the cushion. I'm generally not much of a ruffle fluffle fan - but I like to pin flowers on my bags and jackets and that would be a new way for me and the cushion is not overly ruffly as it's enclosed and I quite like that effect.

    ReplyDelete

  165. Hello Amy - thanks for the opportunity - I think the shirred pillows are a great idea - and one I will make for our master! - what a brain spark can do for your outlook on a dreary day! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete

  166. I think the bags and pillows would interest me first because that's out of the norm of my usual sewing. I would love to win! If not I hope to get it for my birthday...in July. Now would be more fun :)

    ReplyDelete

  168. The pleated trim on that quilt is so delightful. I love the attention to detail. Funny you should mention birthdays- my 30th is on Easter this year!

    ReplyDelete

  171. The pillow is really special, lovely to dress a bed. Thank you for reviewing the book, it looks excellent.
    Carol xx

    ReplyDelete

  172. Oooh, I've been eyeing this book on Amazon; after your review, I'm even more convinced I want it! I love the bag on the cover!

    ReplyDelete

  174. What a clever concept to organize the projects by technique. I am really interested in pleats--I used to love pleated skirts but that was a long time ago! I'd like to pleat some other projects.

    ReplyDelete

  175. I love pleats...pleats in anything are timeless and cool!

    ReplyDelete

  177. I just saw this book in the store and loved it!

    ReplyDelete

  178. What a pretty book! I see lots of things I would like to try. I love the bag on the front cover. Thanks you for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete

  179. I think it's all intriguing. I really like the pleats and gathers.

    ReplyDelete

  180. So many gorgeous projects! Thanks for the lovely giveaway.

    ReplyDelete

  181. I like the pleated "ruffle" on the quilt. Would love to try that.

    ReplyDelete

  182. Oh, very cool. I want to know how to do that pleated quilt binding. How cute would that be on a baby quilt?

    ReplyDelete

  183. I can see many inspiration being taken from the book. Thanks for the introduction and the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete

  184. I like the idea of learning how to use the pleats. I have an old comforter of my Mom's I need to fix with pleats.

    ReplyDelete

  185. I am still a very basic quilter so all of these techniques would be amazing to learn!

    ReplyDelete

  186. I'm loving that pillow too! This book might go on my amazon wish list.

    ReplyDelete

  187. I love the projects on the ruffles page. The middle one looks really fun. I love that she talks about how to create texture!

    ReplyDelete

  188. So many things I NEED to make. A beautiful book.

    ReplyDelete

  189. Oh how sweet! I love the pleated quilt binding and would try that one right away on a doll quilt. I love texture! Thank you for the chance!

    ReplyDelete

  190. I love her pillows, especially her gathered one.

    ReplyDelete

  191. I love the look of the gathering section, not least because I'm looking for an excuse to get a ruffle foot ;o)

    Thanks for the chance to win :o)

    ReplyDelete

  192. I just love that pleated pillow. I've got some ideas for incorporating pleats into an all solids quilt now. Plus I just have to make new pillows now!

    ReplyDelete

  193. I would so love this book - I love her blog and all her projects. Right now learning to quilt is inspiring me.

    ReplyDelete

  194. Love the quilt with the pleated edging... After making a Kilt, I'm not sure I'd attempt a quilt with all that pleating though.

    ReplyDelete

  195. It looks like there are a lot of really fun projects in that book. Way to go Vanessa! :)

    ReplyDelete

  196. Would love to make the bag on the cover!

    ReplyDelete

  197. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

  198. the projects look so fun!! that pillow is so cute

    ReplyDelete

  199. I like the pillow and that bag with the ruffle. Very cute!

    ReplyDelete

  200. I would love to have copy of this book! The pillow would be my first project with many more to follow! Thanks for the opportunity!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for your comments - they make my day! I try to respond to as many as my 'mommy' time allows, but life sometimes gets in the way. Please know how much I appreciate each of them.

I apologize for the current comment settings that require a registered user account. They are the only way that I don't get tons of gross spam. I'm hoping Blogger will make a way where people who are not registered users, but would like to leave a comment can do so. Please, Blogger! In the mean time, thanks for your patience.

I also love to respond to questions. If you are a no-reply blogger, please leave an email address so I can get back to you. Or you can email me directly: amy @ diaryofaquilter.com. Thanks!

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)