Thursday 6 January 2011

My first giveaway! 1940's simplicity sewing book.



And lo, I have reached 250 followers.  Wow!  Thank you everyone.

To celebrate this and also to strengthen my sewing resolve I have decided to give away a copy of the Simplicity Sewing book.

I have two copies of this and am giving away the mint condition copy, it is a stunning magazine - 88 pages of real vintage sewing instructions including:

  • Make the most of your figure
  • Basic sewing tools
  • How to measure yourself
  • Pattern alterations
  • The best colours for your type
  • Embroidery
  • Buttons and trims
and so much more!





It really is a marvellous publication and should answer all your vintage sewing questions.

So, what do you need to do to win?

Mandatory entry: Follow my blog and leave a comment below about why you learnt to sew or want to learn to sew.  Something to motivate me please too - haha!

Want more chances to win? Additional entries:
  • follow @LisaSmuts on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (including a link) and leave a comment below to confirm
  • Blog about this giveaway (including a link) and leave a comment below to confirm
  • Post this contest to your Facebook page and leave the link.

You have to leave separate comments for each entry. In other words, if you become a follower and tweet about the contest at the same time, leave one comment saying you're following and another saying that you tweeted it. This helps me count the entries!  Also, be sure to leave your e-mail address in your comment so I can contact you if you win.

That simple! This contest is open to readers worldwide.

This contest will run until January 21st. After that a winner will be chosen using a random number generator. The winner will be the person with the comment of the corresponding number. I will then contact the person via the email left and announce on my blog.

Ok - well good luck my dearies!

77 comments:

  1. What a great looking book! I want to learn to sew because authentic vintage is getting really expensive, and it would be nice to be able to visualise a blouse or skirt that would complete an outfit and not get frustrated when I am unable to find anything that matches my vision in the size or colour I want.

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  2. I learned to sew because my mother couldn't sew. She tried and tried to learn, but ended up barely passing home ec (in highschool) because she just couldn't do it. So when I was younger she put me in sewing classes for a year so I could learn the basics.

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  3. Such a great giveaway! I always wanted to learn to so, but more so now that I'm into vintage clothing and styles. It's much more affordable to make clothes from a vintage pattern!

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  4. This book looks so great! I learned to sew because I like to customize my clothing. Also, my clothing budget is rather small and trying to get vintage or vintage reproduction clothing on a budget is rather difficult. I was able to make a circle skirt for under ten bucks, buying one just as cool would cost way more and would not be tailored to fit my body. Even with the time I have had to put into each item it is so worth it when I have the finished project.

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  5. What a great giveaway! Learning to sew is one of my projects going on. I used to be pretty good at the basics 15 years ago, but I've forgotten so much... I've been thinking of taking a class or buying a book, but I never seem to get anything done...

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  6. Congrats on the followers! I started sewing when I was 5. My grandma taught me. I also took a sewing class in middle school (back when they offered that kind of thing). But, I am not really that good. All of my clothing is basic, and less then perfect. ha ha ha. I like it still though. It makes me feel more like a woman. :)

    XOXO
    Dollie D
    Missdolliedeville@yahoo.com

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  7. http://missdolliedeville.blogspot.com/2011/01/snoodlebug-my-first-giveaway-1940s_06.html

    I blogged about it! Yippy! I sure do need this! :)

    Dollie D

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  8. I blogged about your give-a-way over on my blog...http://ramblingsfromagirliegirl.blogspot.com/2011/01/1940s-simplicity-book-being-given-away.html

    Thanks for such a generous give-a-way.

    Tiffany

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  9. oooh great book! COngrats on 250 as well.

    I learnt to sew because even when I was thinner I've always been busty and if something fit my bust it was enormous on the waist so I was forever taking clothes apart on the waist area, increasing the darting and put it all back together.

    Also vintage blouses have always been hard to come by, even in the 80s when I first started wearing vintage so I've always made blouses as vintage material or vintage style material is not so hard to come by.

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  10. With sewing, I am able to create unique dresses or to convert the old ones to the appropriate size for me.

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  11. Congrats on 25o followers.

    I learnt to sew and make my own clothes because basically I really don't like high street fasion plus the clothes never fit right. Also it means now I can make repro vintage clothing in the colours and patterns that I like.

    Also I think it is fundamental to have basic skills like sewing as you will always need them.

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  12. I have also blogged about the giveaway

    http://tealoveanarchy.blogspot.com/2011/01/snoodlebug-giveaway.html

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  13. I learned to sew because I am in a band and I needed kickass clothes to wear; and I was not finding them in plus size stores!

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  14. I came from a long line of seamstresses and my Great Grandmother and Grandmother taught me to sew when I was a teenager. I wanted unique clothing that other people weren't wearing, which still holds true for me today! I ended up teaching sewing for a Singer store in my late teens/early 20's.

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  15. Beautiful! I learnt to sew because Im an odd combination of sizes, It reminds me of my grandmother and I love that comforting nostalgia and reflection time you get when your sewing on your own. As well as the fun and laughter you get when you do it in a group! It allows me to represent myself in a way I have designed and fabricated, gives you an enormous sense of wellbeing and... Its bloody fun! x

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  16. and i posted your bloggie on my FB http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/inkchick

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  17. This book looks amazing! Sewing for me is being unique. Being able to create a vintage piece and looking great in it. It's a chance to be unique and one of a kind. I'm addicted to it.

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  18. My NY resolution was to learn to sew. I have two vintage machines that were my grandmother's and it eats me up that I cannot make more than a pillow. I also want to make my own dresses because I have trouble finding the right dress to fit my body. And all the ones on etsy or other sites that I like are $200+. Finally, my grandmother was a very accomplished seamstress and tailor (alterationist?) and I want to follow in her footsteps.

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  19. beautiful book! I learned to sew from my grandma and greta grandma when I was about 12 and have been sewing ever since! When I was a little girl, my mom sewed all of our halloween costumes so we always had the best outfits! I've always loved fashion and never liked modern stuff that you can buy in the stores so through sewing, I was able to sew my own clothes and be as unique as I was on Halloween night as a kid. Now, I'm a momma and I sew clothes and costumes for my whole family. Being a curvy gal, it's important to know how to sew so that I can always have beautiful clothes that fit my shape. My husband always says "I love when you sew- you always look so happy!" and he's right!! Congrats on your milestone, sweetie!! xoxo

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  20. I love to sew.
    I don;t think I had a store bought dress until I was probably 50...it was just as easy to make something of my own. If I could see it, I could make it.
    Between my typing class, my shorthand class and my sewing class in high school, that is pretty much all I did learn in high school. And I'm pretty confident that in the real world, algebra is totally unnecessary.

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  21. Great giveaway! I learned to sew the same age I learned to play piano- 25. That year I returned to college for music and started performing at a renaissance faire. I had to provide my own historically accurate costume and I couldn't afford the hundreds to have someone make it so I learned to sew my own. I was lucky that my aunt who was a fashion designer also did ren faires in CA and she helped me quite a bit my first year.

    I would love to win this book because I may be able to whip up a corset in a day or so but I am not as good at regular clothing, especially vintage fitted.

    Fingers crossed!

    Steph @ Tart Deco
    tartdeco at gmail dot com

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  22. Great giveaway!
    I began sewing with me mam when I was very little, took a break for a few years and chose to do a textiles A level at school - the most useful subject I did! I love the process of sewing, though it does cause me the occasional tantrum. There's nothing more satisfying than creating something beautiful just for yourself.

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  23. Great giveaway! I already wrote in my blog that one of my resolutions for 2011 is visiting sewing classes :-) When I was 14 we had sewing lessons in school, but I wasn´t interested, now I regret my disinterest. I wanna be more independent of todays fashion industry and hunting for unique vintage pieces takes a lot of time. So maybe my sewing will be faster than some ebay auctions ;-)

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  24. Congrats on getting to 250 followers.
    I would love this book as I really want to learn to make my own clothes and today I obtained a sewing machine from a work colleague so this would be perfect for me

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  25. I would love to learn to sew more that way I can refashion my kiddos clothes rather than buy new ones. I would love to make some vintage inspired clothes for myself as I don't like to pay an arm and a leg for repo clothing.

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  26. Oh! How delightful! I can sew, but I really need to do more/practice.

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  27. I want to sew because there's a 13" difference between my natural waist and my hips. Sewing will let me make clothes to fit me, AND alter all the clothes I have that are cute, but make me look like a sack of potatoes. Thanks for holding this giveaway!

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  28. I already follow your blog :-)

    Many moons ago I went to fashion school but left because I just couldn't sew, i never understood patterns. For years now I am so regretting the drop-out, I really want to sew! Why? Well for obvious reasons - so many beautiful frocks to make! :-)

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  29. I follow on GFC and I have been sewing since I was 7 LOL

    freebiegoddess03@aol.com

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  30. I just got a new sewing machine so that I would sew up some of the vintage dress patterns that I have but secretly I don't really feel like I know what I'm doing and I am worried that I don't remember much from high school sewing class! A sewing book might be just what I need especially one about vintage patterns! Great giveaway!

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  31. Wow! What a generous idea. I would like to learn to sew to make my own vintage-style clothing, as it is rather expensive and I would rather have the power to do custom-looks, and make an outfit truly my own. I just don't know if I have the patience to learn!

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  32. What a fascinating book - especially since I am vintage 1939! My mother is 94, I know she would really enjoy reading this book also, and seeing some of the clothes she sewed for us in those early days. Pat, pcjorgensen@msn.com

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  33. I learned sewing a couple of years ago with alot of clumsiness and a patient grandma at my side. Finally I got the feeling for it, and nothing could stop me from sewing....until my sewing machine broke. I now, finally, have a new one and I want to sew again to my hearts content, and what's greater than a kickoff with this sewing book?

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  34. I've also blogged about it;

    http://petticoatsandpinup.blogspot.com/2011/01/snoodlebug-giveaway.html

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  35. here´s my blog about the giveaway :-)

    http://susansdiaryvintagestylemeets.blogspot.com/2011/01/snoodlebug-giveaway.html

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  36. Congrats on 250 followers, Lisa! What a wonderful giveaway...

    I've had a perfectly good Singer sewing machine sitting in a dark closet for years, just dying to get out in the open air and start sewing again. I used to sew a bit when my first child was little, but I just didn't have the patience back then. I think I'd be better at it now - I just need a nudge or a swift kick to get me started!
    - Susan

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  37. I absolutely love the look of that book! And your blog is wonderful, by the way :) I am teaching myself to sew on my mother's old Bernina machine because I love vintage but can't afford it. Also my mum used to make all of our clothes as well as her own when we were young. We have some great photos of all us girls in matching dresses.

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  38. congrats on 250!! This is such a fantastic giveaway!!! i just adore it!!!!

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  39. Hello! I discovered your blog a few days ago and I think it's amazing.
    I am learning to sew because I'm a member of a community theatre group, and I'm in charge of the costumes; I've taken a few sewing classes, but I'm always wanting to learn more!

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  40. I am currently teaching myself to sew, it's bloody harder than I first thought...
    I decided to learn because I saw a child in a play recently (over Christmas) whose costume was made using wonderweb and it was falling apart, I don't want my child to be THAT child in the future, I need to be able to sew awesome costumes so that my children don't get picked on and also be able to make dresses to fit my massive hips in that still fit up top.

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  41. I am currently teaching myself to sew, it's bloody harder than I first thought...
    I decided to learn because I saw a child in a play recently (over Christmas) whose costume was made using wonderweb and it was falling apart, I don't want my child to be THAT child in the future, I need to be able to sew awesome costumes so that my children don't get picked on and also be able to make dresses to fit my massive hips in that still fit up top.

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  42. Also, I've put this on Twitter because it's awesome! (@geekachu)

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  43. I should learn to sew so I can use up all the beautiful fabric I keep buying with the thought that maybe SOMEDAY I will do something with all of it! :)

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  44. As a vintage enthusiast and feminist i really love the idea of being self sufficent like generations before us. Yes my darts arent perfect but im learning something new about sewing everyday and blogs are a huge help with this. Thank you lisa for providing a avenue for some real retro inspiration, keep up the good work.x

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  45. I would adore learning to sew because I love vintage clothes but being plus size its very difficult to find stuff in my size.


    amyamort@yahoo.com

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  46. I learned how to sew years ago because I wanted to be a fashion designer. I went to college to major in fashion design but unfortunately I couldn't continue on after 2 years. I really want to learn pattern drafting because the thought of making clothes that is one-of-a-kind and handmade is so appealing to me. I have so much more to learn about sewing. How cool it would be to learn some techniques from a vintage sewing book like this. Thank you for the giveaway. :)

    ai_lotus[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  47. Oops! I forgot to include in my mandatory entry that I am following your blog via GFC, so please consider that as part of my 1st comment. Now onto my extra entry:

    I am following you on Twitter @lotusearthlight and I tweeted this giveaway: http://twitter.com/lotusearthlight/status/27219024626585600

    ai_lotus[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  48. I learned to sew, but only in a very 'functional' way (as in I can mend, darn, re-size etc'- useful but not that fun). My sis is an artist who works with embroidery and it would be so wonderful to work like that. I would LOVE to have the confidence to make something new and creative!

    I follow and twitter you and below is the link to my blog link to you! :)

    http://perditaspursuits.blogspot.com/2011/01/snoodlebug-my-first-giveaway-1940s.html

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  49. I'm fourteen and in Textiles ( Year 10) this year the upcoming theme is "What's Old is New Again." Finally! Something I enjoy and love! Vintage. You see, we are meant to interpret this in any way we want, and that's my interpretation - vintage. So I've found a great shirt-waist dress pattern at an op shop, but I have know idea how to use it, what the directions are talking about, etc. etc. This book looks like the Bible of sewing books. I know that it would help me so much with research in Textiles this year and many more years to come.
    I've sewn pj's and a jumper, but never something decent to wear in public, and I really want to achieve this. I'm really short so everything I wear needs to be taken up (I'm still practicing getting the hemming right) and shortened so that it doesn't look like I'm wearing a tent.
    Thank you for the opportunity!

    megeileenrox@hotmail.com

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  50. Extra comment: I have posted on facebook the link to your competition, but I don't know how to put the specific link proving it here.
    I don't have Twitter though, sorry.
    Thanks again.

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  51. What a gorgeous book! And a fabulous give away item. Congrats on 250 readers too!
    I taught myself to sew because I used to get bored of high street clothes and used to alter things or make myself thiings to wear with nice fabrics I'd pick up from fabric shops on the weekend. Then I did textiles at school when I was 14 and that concreted my love of making my own cothing!
    xxx

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  52. I have blogged about your giveaway too! Follow the link below xx

    http://rosiealia.blogspot.com/2011/01/snoodlebugs-fabulous-giveaway.html

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  53. I just noticed your blog as an ad on FB. I'm 51 and have been sewing as long as I remember. My first memories I was about 5 and kept messing with Mom's machine. She got me involved in 4-H and have never put down my scissors. I just love sewing, embroidering, quilting, crafts - you name it! I love the vintage look. I especially love how the waist lines look so THIN! I am currently dieting and would love to make one of those awesome vintage dresses to show off my new waistline! Glad I stumbled on your blog, look forward to reading everything!

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  54. I learned to sew on my grandmother's treadle sewing machine and have been hooked since. I LOVE VINTAGE CLOTHING, but the vintage techniques still somewhat elude me. I would also like to show my daughters what sewing skills were taught in their grandmother's time, as well as interest them in learning more sewing techniques, especially since there's no longer any home-economics classes in our schools!

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  55. I'm learning to sew because I want to make my toddler sweet clothes that are worthy of her cuteness. All my life, I couldn't sew. Was accused by my home-ec teacher of breaking all her machines. I always had problems. I literally started sewing two weeks ago today. I am so excited. I made 3 dresses for my daughter's Groovy Girls dolls, a bunch of cute double sided napkins for my family and I'm about to attempt a pillow case dress. My 13.5 year old said she'd like one, too. I really hope I can do this. I bought an inexpensive machine and I haven't broken thread or a needle yet. That's a huge accomplishment for me. I have had "Learn to sew" as a new year's resolution for about a decade and I'm finally doing it. I'm so joyful about the whole thing. Each new seam is such an exuberant accomplishment for me. It's all very exciting and I'm happy to find a new sewing blog to follow. Thank you for making this one. Joy! Joy! By the way... I'm 42. Yeah, most women my age know how to sew very well, or not at all. I'm starting fresh and I'm very happy with myself for doing this.

    Nichole Fausey-Khosraviani
    Denton, TX

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  56. Fantastic! I've posted this to the Simplicity Facebook page and also on our Twitter account! Thanks so much for sharing and good luck with the giveaway as well as your blog! -Kristen, Simplicity Patterns
    http://www.facebook.com/simplicitypatterns
    http://twitter.com/#!/TweetSimplicity

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  57. Love the book! I have a Simplicity Sewing Book from 1975 published by Simplicity in London. I refer to it whenever I have a sewing dilemma.

    The book has fabulous info on tailoring techniques for jackets - just love it!

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  58. This is a great item to giveaway. It will be an added treasure to any collection.
    I started sewing when I was a young girl.
    My Grandmother was a seamstress for the Levi company in San Francisco, CA, and she taught me how to sew, crochet and knit. I picked up on sewing and crocheting, but knitting was not for me.
    My Grandmother taught me how to sew dresses, tops, skirts, pants, etc, and was always available to help me fit patterns to my body, guide me during the sewing process and praise me at my completion.
    I took sewing classes in Junior High School and High School. It was during this time I was able to expand on the instructions my grandmother taught me.
    I continue to sew and crochet in my spare time, and will always be grateful to my Grandmother for the help and guidance she gave me.
    If I am awarded this book, I will truly treasure it.

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  59. I'm learning to sew because I always wished my Mom would sew me pretty dresses, costumes, accessories, aprons, doll clothes...but she couldn't sew. Now that I have a little girl I want to make her lots of pretty, frilly, sweet little outfits and she is always requesting matching outfits for her little dolls. I also want to be able to teach her to sew when she gets older, something else my Mom wasn't able to do with me. I would LOVE to win this book as I'm in love with the 1940's and with everything vintage, and to be able to sew vintage items would be a dream!

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  60. when I was six or seven my mother used to have me thread her needles for her. I was enthralled with the seemingly magical workings of her Pfaff machine. I had a fascination with how machines worked and by that time had taken apart the clock radio, a toaster and several other small devices around the house (much to my parents chagrin and some ineffective discipline). By the time I was in grade eight I new everything I needed to about wood shop tools and making coat hooks. I took home economics instead. Plus, that's where the girls were and we learned how to make cookies. The boys could have their saw dust.
    When I entered high school and embraced punk rock, making my own clothes was the only option for satisfying how I wanted to express myself.
    By college I was making fetish wear. Again, that's where the women were and the boys could have their sports talk.
    So in a nut shell, I learned to sew because I love the company of women and the technical details of creating.

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  61. Sewing is very peaceful and it's one of those hobbies that you something to show for the time you spent doing it when you are done!

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  62. I learned to sew in 4th grade in Lawrence, Mass. It was required! We did EVERYTHING by hand the first year! Made a whole dress by hand!!!!In 5th grade we learned the machine. I'm the only one in my family that sews. I swear it was because I learned it so early. What memories.....

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  63. I learned to sew in 4-H because my mother made me. I now have 2 daughters of my own both teenagers who marvel at my sewing. I hope they catch the fever someday. :)

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  64. I learned to sew so that I could eventually design my own clothes and have something unique to wear. It's been fun!
    wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  65. I follow you on Twitter - @lemonslippers - and I tweeted!
    http://twitter.com/#!/lemonslippers/status/27562873874022401
    wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  66. Ohh! I love the book! I have a large collection of antique and vintage sewing machines and I also collect some sewing books and ephemera. I often use a Singer Featherweight machine when my very modern and very expensive Pfaff doesn't have a capability I need.

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  67. I taught myself to sew, so I don't really know how. Everything is trial and error, so I've had some big failures, but I've also had some awesome successes. I've been trying to find a sewing class in my area that teaches fitting and dress-making, not making pillows and cushions!

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  68. I follow and I learned to sew from my mom!

    nancymeyer1 at gmail dot com

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  69. This would be for my friend Carole, who is the sewer!

    edgenemmers@gmail.com

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  70. I'm teaching myself to sew right now! When I was growing up my Mom made all my clothes, she could copy anything she saw in a store, and she's my inspiration. I want to make cute clothes for my grandkids, and be able to make clothes in the styles and colors I like, which I can't always find in the stores. And save money!

    nblexp ( at ) gmail (dot) com

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  71. I am a GFC Follower! I learned to sew with my Mom and 2 older sisters. We learned to sew our own clothes, we also sewed for money at home. I sold Doll clothes and crafts for extra income. This book looks unique and would be a fun win!!!


    lknott@partnercom.net

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  72. i am a follower, i learned to sew because i had to make clothes for our children, we didn't have a lot of money, times were hard
    susansmoaks at gmail dot com

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  73. I'm not THAT ambitous about sewing, but being short with small hips and broad shoulders, I ALWAYS have to have most everything I wear altered - which is quite expensive. I would love to be able to at least do hems and take things in - or sometimes let them out...

    Public Follower via GFC - Now you have 304!

    jessterlyn(at)aol(dot)com

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  74. I would love to learn to sew. My grandmother taught me a few things when I was younger but at the time..I wasn't really interested in it. A book like this would be great! Thanks so much for the contest and good luck to everyone who has entered.

    kylie8cake (at) gmail (dot) com

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  75. I want to learn how to sew because I want to create some of my own unique clothes for my daughter. garrettsambo@aol.com

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  76. Oh Crumb! I was hunting the internet for this book when your blog came up. I missed the giveaway, but was hoping you might consider uploading this book to the internet archive http://www.archive.org/ for all of us to access. I teach beginning sewing, and that Simplicity book is referenced in this movie I show from the same site: http://www.archive.org/details/Patternf1948
    Sewing isn't just about technique, it's also about choosing styles that look good on your shape. I thought that book would be a great reference for my students. Please let me know if you decide to do this! Thanks.
    http://www.sewchicpatterns.blogspot.com/

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  77. Hi Laura - i can try and scan at work and send it to you. I'm not too intrnetly enabled but if you can e-ail me at lisaprest at hotmail dot com with your details I can do my best.

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