Sew Illustrated Blog Tour + Giveaway!

That day when I told my kids "Hey loves, Mom is going to draw with my sewing machine.", they looked up from their books almost instantly. Well, I have to admit that I love the surprise twinkle in their eyes. Then, they started crowding around me and asked if I could sew their drawings too. Suddenly, I felt like a wonder-mommy who can do something so special. It made my heart sing!

So I got to work that very night to learn how to draw with the sewing machine. I mean, sew illustrations. I read through every single page of this super amazing book "Sew Illustrated" and I could feel my adrenaline rushing through my head. This book actually spoke my heart about creativity and not being afraid to try.

My dearest friends, Minki and Kristin, did a really fantastic work creating this book to teach how to turn drawings into useful sewing projects. I think Minki has super talents to design so many beautiful yet functional projects and Kristin wrote the book in the clearest and most straightforward way with her super writing flair. I tell you, this book is worth to keep forever.

In the book, they introduced us to use iron-on transfers, wash away stabilisers, tracing paper, heat transfer pencil, fusible web, freezer paper etc. to help us in sewing illustrations. I used non of the mentioned to sew the projects. Nothing at all. Not even glue! You may be surprised but I don't have any of them. But well, I still managed to sew everything without any problem. Since mine is an e-book, I enlarged the page to the correct size, placed the fabric on top and traced with water soluble marker. Or, I just drew free-hand by eye-balling the picture!

The projects are just so unexpectedly do-able, even without any sewing aid.

Oh yes, this time I made everything for myself. For myself to use or admire. And I have to say this out loud, I did not unpick a single stitch. I kept sewing non-stop. All because Minki and Kristin wrote:

"Let go of perfectionism! Each project is a unique work of art. It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful! Enjoy the process, practice, and it will get easier. It is often the imperfections that create the charm." 

A hundred YAYs to that! I finally can sew whichever way I like!^_^

Project 1: Pin cushion

This pin cushion was my second sewing because I just couldn't resist. The sewing machine illustration is way too adorable.

Never mind the frills and not so perfect stitches. I had so much fun making this one. And finding the right cherry picture.

I added my favourite lace detail as always.^_^

Project 2: Coasters

This set of coasters are the most exciting to sew for me. They are my first try in sewing illustrations and I had a blast of time working on them. Together with using my favourite floral fabrics "Memoire a Paris" from Lecien and linen. Both are from Ministry of Fabric. Including that very cute strawberry button.

The first time I tried cutting a really tiny oval and stitch it, pretending to be tea in the cup. How yummy is this tea?

When Minki and Kristin asked if I would love to join the blog tour, I was hesitant because I didn't know if I can work well with the sewing machine. And that I don't have any sewing aid to be honest. Handsewing is also something I prefer so I raised my concern. Kristin was very nice to reassure me that the projects in the book are actually suitable for handsewing too! It was a pleasant surprise for me so I agreed straightaway. This coaster is completely handsewn. I used embroidery floss and back stitches to sew everything. All the hand quilting are also done with embroidery floss.

This purple one I almost ruined it by sewing too much on the body of the flask. So I cut a small piece of fabric to cover it up. And also a word tag that I love. I think it looks much better this way.

Close up on the hand stitches.

And of course, the back of the coasters must be also as pretty as the front! So now, they can be reversible too!

Project 3: Crochet hook case

I had planned to make the fabric basket but changed my mind to this crochet hook case (supposedly a pencil case) because I think it's time my crochet hooks need a home. This case was so interesting to sew. I didn't quite follow Minki's illustrations as I got lost during sewing trying to figure out my own marker lines. And then I shamelessly added my initials like the way Minki does. Can you see..?

My most accidental find, the "handmade" leather tag, that I bought a couple of years ago. To add some charm to my crochet case. Hey, I had to make it pretty for myself as a reward for crocheting almost every night.

The case is made to my own measurements to fit the crochet hooks. See how versatile the projects are.

Handquilting is what I do with a lot of love. And I'm very happy to add to the case.

The inside of the flap. I had to sew the heart doily to cover up the hand stitches for the "handmade" tag. It looks like an added delicate touch to handsewing.

I love little details like this.

The back of the case. In pretty pink with fabric tag and hand quilting thread.

I really enjoyed this book so much that I'm planning to sew more illustrations from today. First, my children's drawings!

Thank you (from my heart) Minki and Kristin for inviting me for this wonderful blog tour! Below is the list of other talented ladies joining the tour:

August 15: C&T Publications

August 16: Amy at nanaCompany

August 17: Wynn at zakkaArt

August 18: Sedef at Down Grapevine Lane

August 19: Lisa at A Spoonful of Sugar

August 20: Amy at chick chick sewing

August 21: Stacy at Stacy Olson

August 22: Debbie happy little cottage

August 23: Generation Q Magazine

August 24: Faith at Sarana Ave

August 25: Ayda at  cafenohut

August 26: Melissa at Oh, how sweet

August 27: Jemima at Tied with a Ribbon

August 28: Veronica at Vivid Felicity

August 29: Sharon at Lilabelle Lane Creations

August 30: Nadra at ellis & higgs

August 31: Kristyne at pretty by hand

September 1: Elnora on Instagram

September 2: Jennie at Clover and Violet

September 3: Auribuzz

September 4: Minki at Minki’s Work Table and Kristin at They Grow Up Too Fast

And now for a giveaway! C&T Publishing has kindly offered to giveaway one copy of this book to one lucky reader of this blog. Simply leave a comment below. Opens international. Comments will close on August 24. A winner will be chosen randomly and announced soon thereafter. Good luck!

xoxo

Comments closed! Phoebe from Richmond VA will get a free book, courtesy from C&T! Congratulations! I'll drop you an email soon!x