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 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

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

No Comments Yet, Leave Yours!

Dixie Torrech said...

I've been eyeing this book almost daily. Would love to win a copy. Standing by.

Jojo N. said...

Thank you for hosting this giveaway I'd love a copy of this fab book! Your projects are gorgeous xx

Terry said...

I have plans to buy this book but, winning it would be even better.

diapeters said...

Thank you for showing your first experiences drawing with your machine.

Helga said...

It´s beautiful, what you have created. Cuteness pure. I could watch it over and over again all day long. This book is a master piece, that´s for sure. Have a nice day! Helga

Mila said...

Es muy bonito lo que has hecho, me encanta ese libro

Monica said...

Wow I love all the hand sewing. I just did several coasters that would have been much easier if I had hand sewn them. I love all the projects that you did.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Sweet coasters. Thanks a lot for the giveaway.

Maria said...

You did such a beautiful work on everything. Your details are lovely.
And make even more envy for the book.

BarbaraThompson said...

Your work is beautiful!! I would love to win the book!!

Sandee said...

I adore everything you made the details are amazing💞

Heather said...

Looking at your beautiful work, I am inspired to try doing this method of "sewing machine drawing". Your samples are charming!

Chiara said...

Your projects are adorable : )!! Thanks for this opportunity!!

Dana (familytreeknits@outlook.com) said...

Your projects turned out beautifully! I would LOVE to win this book, thanks for the chance!

Danette said...

Charming projects! I cannot draw at all, but this book looks like it will fool people into thinking I can draw. It's always nice to receive compliments.

Kathryn said...

You really went to town with these projects. They all look delightful.

Linda Edwards said...

I love your creations and would really like to have the book. Thank you for posting your work and for the opportunity to win.

Jill said...

I've dabbled in sew illustrations however I was calling it free motion embroidery. :) I would love to win a copy of this book. It would be a great boost and reference.

Unknown said...

Lovely! Love everything you made!! Would love to win:)

Elise Baek said...

Love all your makes for this blog hop! Especially how you customized the pencil case to become your crochet hook case! And yes, crochet hooks need a pretty case too!

LJ said...

All the details you added to your projects are wonderful; I do think that adds such character to them. It's hard for me to realize that you were new to this process, you did it with flair. Cute, cute.

JanieS said...

Love everything you make. I would love to win this book!

Unknown said...

Such adorable creations you have made, they are all very sweet. this is one book I would love to have.

Kristy said...

Your work is wonderful! I am an artist, that is brand new to fabric art. I'm bookmarking your blog, because it is so inspiring. Thanks!

Britiney said...

I just purchased some of these patterns online and would love to win the book. Thanks for a chance!

Nancy said...

I love this book and really really want one! LOL!

Katy M said...

Beautiful projects - you'd never believe it was your first time!

Tamie said...

I'm so inspired by your work. This looks like a great book.

christine said...

How fun! These projects look doable and potentially addictive.

Kathy E. said...

Such pretty things! This book looks like one I'd love to have on my shelf to supply me with small, quick projects for those times when I just want to sew something fun. Thanks for sharing your photos!

Denise said...

The projects in this book look delightful! I can't wait to try them.
flgirl1987 AT yahoo DOT com

Dani said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dani said...

Cute, cute, cute! I would love this book so I can make each of these precious projects. Thank you!

mumbird3 said...

Love the sewing machine pin cushion best! Absolutely adorable! Thanks for sharing! mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com

@lutzcats said...

Beautiful work here! Such a personal touch with the lace too!

Dixie Torrech said...

I"ve been eyeing this beautiful book. Hoping to win it.

Miriam said...

Beautiful job on your projects. Now I'm wanting this book to make Christmas gifts and some to keep for me!

MandyG said...

Such inspiration, I love it ! : )
All the way from the UK

Unknown said...

You do a beautiful job! I'd love to learn from this wonderful book.

Mara said...

Such great projects, can't wait to get this book!

whale said...

Holy cow, you've made so many amazing things here! I've been eying this book for a few weeks now and I'm so excited to see someone review it and say that the techniques are approachable. I can't wait to get my hands on it - thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

Such sweet projects! I'd love a copy of the book!
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

OhioLori said...

Your Projects are ALL soooo Awesome!! Would love to win this book! Tahnk you for the chance! :)

Mokki said...

I love all of your projects. You did such a good job. They are adorable.

Sandy said...

Just love all the cute projects!!! Thanks for the chance!!!

Lee said...

What adorable projects- you are very inspiring! thank you!

Kathleen said...

Beautiful work! Thanks for introducing me to this awesome book and thanks for the chance to win a copy.

Milla said...

Love the projects you made with this book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book.

Anonymous said...

Lovely!!

Rachel said...

All of your pieces are lovely! The projects in this book look so fun!

Cecilia said...

Your projects are really great! You are a Super Mom! Thanks for reviewing the book and for the giveaway.

Michele T said...

I love all the tiny and special details with each project!!! Fingers crossed xx

Dawn said...

Such cute projects!! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.

leanne said...

really like your projects and so wonderful that your kids show an interest in your sewing !! thanks for the chance to win a copy of this fabulous book !

Susan said...

I've been waiting for this lovely book to come out and all of you are sooo talented! I'd love to try the raw edge embroidery so, winning the book would be awesome! Thank you for the chance to win!

Erin said...

Can't wait to sew up all sorts of sweet things from this book for my daughter.

Annika said...

Your coasters are adorable. I love your work.

Beth said...

Really excited about this book!

LaurieG said...

I love your projects. You are too humble. And this was an encouragement to me to try some of these projects, too.

Gill said...

Gorgeous!

hueisei said...

Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful book.

Indianna said...

Such fun to transfer your children's drawings to fabric.

Shelley E said...

Your photos of projects are wonderful.I love them all. Thanks for hosting this giveaway and sharing ideas from the book. What I especially love about these projects is the combination of bits of fabric and embroidery to make the designs really "pop".

Bttrflywmn said...

Great projects, would love this book!

sisylyn2 said...

I really like your projects and would enjoy doing things from the book.
gandn74@ymai.com

sewpsyched said...

Such cute projects. The book looks great!

tac73 said...

These projects are adorable! Can't wait to see more from the book.

Anna-Marie said...

Your projects are beautiful, it's good to know that the designs can be hand stitched too. Thank you.
annamariehlustik@googlemail.com

asteride said...

Love your coasters! Too cute!

kimiki_straw2000@yahoo.com said...

I really like to do hand sewing, and coasters are the perfect project for me to do. Thank you.

Stitching Hen said...

So good to know that everything can be done with hand sewing. Your projects are adorable!

Cheryl Loves Quilts and Dogs said...

I love the sewing machine pincushion and will have to make one!

Cecilia said...

So fun and beautiful! I love her work and I am so excited for this new book!

Wendy said...

I have been wanting to learn to do this!

Marilyn McLeod @ Pink Paper Cottage said...

Such a darling book. Would love to win it! and love all of your sweet projects too. It must be a ton of fun!

Sharon said...

Such sweet illustrations. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I might win.

Diane Beavers said...

Wynn, it's so wonderful to meet you and view all your artistry!
I love that you create (draw) w/your machine. So cool. I love the pinnie the most, and hand stitching is something i need to get back too. After all one of these days the weather will be cooler and I'll enjoy some time in the evening sun w/my hand needle and threads. THank you for sharing .

bluestarof2(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I love the pincushion. It's so adorable!

apple blossom said...

what a lovely project book. love your pincushion

Anonymous said...

I love the project book.

Charo said...

I absolutely love the coasters!