Book Tour – Love at First Stitch (and giveaway!)

It’s here, it’s here you guys!  Tilly’s book Love At First Stitch is state-side, and I was tickled pink when asked to review her book (and got an extra copy for a giveaway, more on that later!).  This book is everything I hoped for when I first learned about her book and more.  It’s true Tilly-style, from her patterns, friendly and familiar voice, and even down to the color scheme and design elements of the book.

I mean, how cute is that skirt??  And it’s styled just how Tilly would wear it in real life.

This book is a book I wish existed when I first started to sew, because it covers everything you may be wondering about when first starting out: what kind of machine should I get?  Why should I give a hoot about pressing (yawn)?  How do I figure out what size to make and get this thing to fit?  And I could go on…but really, everything is right here.  The beginning starts out with basics like how to thread the machine and projects gradually progress from easy to more complex.  I love that after each pattern, she includes ways to customize the pattern, like adding pockets or a cute faux placket.

The photos are clear and make it really easy to follow along, especially when doing something that could be tricky like adding a lining to a garment.  It’s one thing to have illustrations, which can be difficult to interpret, and it’s another to have pages chock-full of photos that make it evident what a step should look like.

She also goes in depth on topics that may make new sewists scratch their head, like what the heck is ease and how to select the best fabric for a project.

My favorite part of the book, other than her patterns, are the sections that discuss the “sewing lifestyle” throughout the book.  She offers words of encouragement when mistakes happen, tips on setting up a sewing space, how to find time to sew often, and ways to make a handmade wardrobe that fits your lifestyle.

Love At First Stitch is definitely a book geared towards beginners, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t value in it to more experienced sewists.  I’ll admit it: I’m a Tilly fangirl and love her patterns, so to have a collection of her patterns in a book is worth it for me.  So even if you’re not a beginner, there’s definitely some cute clothes in here worth stitching.

Ok and now the fun stuff: I have a copy of the book to giveaway to a reader!  Entering is easy: leave a comment below on why you want Tilly’s book and follow me over on Blog Lovin’.  Use the Rafflecopter widget below for multiple chances to win!  Since this is a launch of the book in North America, the giveaway is only open to US and Canada peeps.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

From Love at First Stitch by Tilly Walnes, © 2014 byTilly Walnes. Reprinted by arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications Inc., Boston, MA.www.roostbooks.com  I received a copy of this book from Roost Books, and all opinions are my own.