Last year, walking the show floor at Quilt Market (a trade show for the consumer fabric and sewing industry), a fresh, bright and hip-looking booth caught my eye. Lo and behold, it was the Colette booth, the company that produces a popular line of garment patterns for fashionable sewers–an adorable collection of retro-inspired pieces that are classic and hip at the same time. I’ve always been a fan of Colette patterns, so I was thrilled to meet the company’s founder, Sarai Mitnick, and discover that she was just as lovely as her designs!
Sarai and I got to talking and discovered that we both had our first sewing books coming out. (We also learned that we are fellow catladies.) Today, I’m thrilled to feature Sarai’s just-released book, The Colette Sewing Handbook! Congrats, Sarai! (Fifi loves it.)
Now, I don’t say this often about a craft book, but when I sat down to flip through this book and check it out, I found myself reading every single page from cover to cover. This book is packed full of information to help you learn everything you need to know to sew garments. It really has everything the newbie or intermediate sewer would need to either get started or take their garment sewing skills to the next level.
I love that Sarai really breaks down everything you need to know to start sewing garments–she gives you all the basics, but also goes into enough detail to make sure you’re learning how to do stuff right, and get super-professional results. There’s everything from basics like how to sew darts to learning how to use a pattern…
To really great step-by-step instructions taking you through each portion of creating the garments…
To my personal favorite, a fantastic section on learning how to alter patterns to fit you perfectly. (I learned so much in this chapter!)
And just as you would expect from Colette, the garments themselves are totally cute. As a bonus, each one is designed to help you build your skills (love that).
I totally want to make this skirt this weekend.
And good news! Sarai’s publisher has offered one copy of The Colette Sewing Handbook to giveaway free!! To enter, leave a comment and tell me, do you currently sew garments, and if so, what do you sew? And if you don’t, what would you most like to learn to do?
Sorry, this contest is only open to those with a US mailing address. Winner will be determined by random number generator on Tuesday, January 24. This contest is now closed.
Congrats to winner Megann H, who reports she is a newbie who’s sewn basic garments for her kids. I hope this book inspires you to keep on sewing. Megann! xo
To pick up a copy of the Colette book right now, you can buy it here.
Oh, and happy Friday, all! (If you’re new here, don’t worry–this is her happy face.) xoxo
{ 121 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve not sewn garments for myself for a number of years and one of my goals for this year is to get back to doing that. It would be awesome to win this book!
Garments are basically the main thing I sew but I’m still a total beginner. I have a vintage jacket pattern that I’ve been plotting and planning for ages now. I want to get that done this year. Colette’s book looks amazing, it would be great to win one!
I love sewing clothes! Kids clothes are usually quicker but there’s nothing more satisfying than sewing something for myself. I’m currently working on your button up skirt pattern from your book and can’t wait for it to be finished!
I am a new sewer and have not made any garments but that is my goal.
i have JUST started to get into garment sewing…i took a pattern 101 class at a local sewing studio, i have my vogue and mccall blockers ready to go, got my books lined up….just need to actually get started, lol….i am most interested in making myself some cute tops and skirts which is why i’ll be purchasing your book next! thanks for the giveaway!
I haven’t sewn any garments yet but I’m making a peasant shirt pattern from a shirt I already own so I’ll tackle that first. Fingers crossed. :)
I learned to sew by making a simple drawstring skirt and ever since I’ve hardly sewn anything but garments. I made my prom dresses in high school and I’ve even made myself a blazer, but I technically have no training. A book like this would really help clean up my technique and hopefully lead to less ripping out seams and more confidence in my sewing! Learning how to properly custom fit dress patterns would be a dream!
I sewed clothes for years – mainly dresses for holidays (Easter/Christmas) and cocktail dresses to have something different to wear to an event. Then the family came along and sewing was Halloween costumes and home decor, but I would like to get back into sewing for myself. I only wish I had a dress form so the pattern and item could be fitted correctly. Maybe the book lends a hand in teaching how to fit without one. Thanks!
I used to sew a lot in my younger days. My favourite was making a quillow (a thin quilt that folds up into itself to form a pillow). Haven’t done any tailoring though I have modified patterns and done Beladi costumes.
I love to sew, and mostly sew garments, along with the occasional stuffed animal. I am currently in school studying for a degree in fashion design, and I am always looking for new tips and tricks! (Such as what you can make by sewing in a straight line ;) This book sounds amazing!
I have sewn garments for myself, but I get very frustrated because the don’t always fit correctly. I would like to learn more about tailoring and tweeking the pattern, so I can WEAR my garments. Lol
The only garments I’ve sewn lately have been for little girls but I really want to get back into sewing for myself. I really want to sew a tailored jacket because I can’t find any I like that fit.
I like to sew skirts and dresses for myself. I find I have to do a bit of altering and I’m not always happy with the results, but I am learning and it’s so much fun to wear something you’ve made yourself!!
I love to sew! My favorite thing to do is re-imagine existing garments, but it’d be great to have a bit more practice with creating things all my own.
Just finished a pair of recycled wool mittens.Now I am supposed to be finishing some curtains for a friend, and adding darts to some jammie bottoms so they will stay on my tall skinny 9 yr old. Then it will be chair cushions & dog pillows.Spring will bring back skirts…cant wait!
I’m an avid knitter, but I’m really looking to expand my sewing abilities. This book looks lovely! Thanks for the giveaway!
I have sewn a few really easy garments, like refashioned T-shirts turned into kids’ PJ pants or something, and a gathered skirt or two. But I’d really love to get more experience with garment sewing b/c right now nothing about garment sewing or construction is intuitive for me, and I’d like to change that.
I am a complete newbie at sewing. I just got your book Sewing in a Straight Line for Christmas and am completely mesmerized by it. My goal is to make some seriously cute skirts, so I would looove to have another reference book for sewing to nudge me in the right direction. PS Love your cat lady friday posts!!
Fellow Cat Devotee,
Amanda
I learned how to sew last summer, so that’s about half a year. I’ve only sewn one garment so far but I hope I can get much better at sewing!!
I DO currently sew – I tried out a beginner dress from Colette this summer, and loved it! It was a ton of work, but really helped build my skills, and I’m itching to try this book out!
I have sewn garments for years, but one thing I struggle with is fitting properly. I think I’ve only mastered fitting pencil skirts and loose garments… I would love to check out that fitting chapter in Colette’s book!
Also, I found your website via DesignSponge and thank you so much for all your tutorials (sewing and apt design)… I’m currently decorating my studio apartment, and loveeee seeing your design process, I’m actually going to CB2 today to check out that clear coffee table!! :)
Would love to win this for my fashionable daughter who would love to sew something “cool” & trendy. I have never seen Colette’s patterns. Need to look for them in the future.
I am starting to sew and am very excited thinking about all the things I want to sew. I love some of collette’s patterns! Thanks you two for such a lovely giveaway.
I first started sewing by making scrunchies!!
I’ve never seen Colette’s patterns before, but they look great. I’ve done some sewing from patterns but would definitely benefit from the chapter on how to alter garments to fit. I’m terrible at picking out the best size pattern.
I don’t make garments at the moment – well except for your simple skirt – I have done that and loved it! I really need to learn how to alter pattern to fit me, I have a hard time finding ready made clothes that fit me really well so being able to make them would be awesome!
I would love to win that book! Fingers crossed.
I used to sew clothes (from store bought patterns) all of the time! But, somewhere along the way, I got more into “crafty” sewing (stuffies, tote bags, pillows, etc.). One of my goals is start sewing some cute clothes for myself (once I drop a few more pounds), and I’d love to learn how to make clothes that actually fit my shape!
I’m learning to sew anything and everything I can get my hands on. Right now I’m focused on dresses and skirts… and blouses….. and pants.
The only thing I’ve ever made is a small kitty quilt…and I would love to try to make a dress for myself. So if Fifi recommends this book, that’s good enough for me.
I am a newbie, but have made some simple dresses for my girls and some pajama pants for my son. Looks like a great book!
I mostly sew for my 7 yr old daughter because I don’t like most of the stuff they have in the stores nowadays but would love some new ideas to try out for myself! This book looks awesome!
I mostly sew for my children, a 2 year old girl and a 4 month old boy, but I did make a skirt for myself for Christmas using your one-hour skirt tutorial!!
I used to sew as a HS and college student… mostly Vogue patterns (so much fun!) but pursued other interests over the last few years until I picked up your book “Sewing a Straight Line” and started making those projects. Then I picked up books by Japanese designers and one by Cal Patch on designing your own patterns and I am TOTALLY hooked on sewing again. I can’t wait to get home from work & start the next project (mostly garments, but I’ve also make baby gifts). I have browsed this Colette book on the internet several times and would love to add it to my quickly growing collection of sewing treasures!
I haven’t sewn garments in a while, all my first attempts were japanese tunics, with various success. My new goal is to try to sew slightly more fitted dresses (including the Colette Peony pattern)… and coats. I can’t seem to find decent spring/autumn jackets or coats anywhere, so obviously the only solution left is to sew them myself! I’m a little scared, though. But my cat loves the pattern tracing phase, she’s always here to help, so it should be OK, right?
I have sewn garments in the past, but nothing that I have liked enough to keep wearing. I am very interested in learning how to make thing fit me well!
I’ve never sewn a garment, but you’d never know that from how many patterns I have! It’s about time I just dive in. I’m excited to be able to make tailored clothing with a flattering fit, which I have a lot of trouble finding off the rack.
I don’t currently sew garments but would sure love to learn!
I am sewing little things for my granddaughters. Just bought a new bootie pattern that I can’t wait to try out. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book!
So many patterns are confusing and frumpy. These are super cute and just what I need to make the leap from home goods to clothing! xo
I am a quilter but since my granddaughter was born a year ago, I’ve been sewing lots of cute dresses for her.
I’ve sewn a simple pillow case dress but I wish I could sew more intricate garments
I am a suuuuper novice sewer, but I’m about to move into a new house with a designated sewing area! I can’t wait to improve my skills.
I took sewing lessons when I was a kid and used to sew all the time. My husband’s grandmother gifted me her serger and I still haven’t managed to use it once. I would love to get back into the habit of at least doing my own alterations and this book might actually push me to start making my own clothes again too.
I took sewing lessons after college and made some jumpers (heavens) and skirts. And really, Sewing in a Straight Line has me gearing up to try a little more clothes sewing (and a lot few jumpers)–plus there’s a new addition in the household that I’d like to sew for. I want to make some skirts and learn how to make more fitted clothing.
I have been a sewing since I was a teen–had to learn so I could make ANYTHING I bought fit–that was back in the day before stretch fabrics and elastic waists. I love the look of the garments in the book and I am always looking for new techniques. I have never heard of Collette Patterns, but the book looks great.
I sew garments for my little munchkins, but I would love to sew more for myself! The chapter on fitting patterns sounds like a hit to me. :)
Heya! I sew a teeny bit, mostly altering garments I pick up at Thrift Town. I’d love to learn to sew an item from scratch, though — my ideal project is a dress with a Peter Pan collar :)
I’m just starting to sew garments so this book would be a huge help! Thanks!
I do sew garments for myself, mostly easy-to-make skirts and such. I would love to have this book to gain the knowledge to make some more interesting (and better fitting!) items.
I have been sewing garments for a few years now. My mother made most of my clothes when I was growing up, but she didn’t teach me. I would love to improve my skills with a book like this. The clothes are so cute!
This book looks beautiful! I would love to look thru it! I love sewing apparel for myself. I also sew tons of handbags and other accessories.
I’d love to sew garments, but haven’t done any for years. I’m a bit scared, so this book sounds like a beauty for me!
I love sewing dresses. Its very hard to find the right design and fit, so sewing dresses solves that issue!
I’m just barely a beginner, but taking the plunge and sewing a wrap skirt (out of a vintage curtain from the thrift store, haha) has made me brave enough to think I can actually sew clothes! And I love clothes…
I sew garments and would love to learn to alter patterns to sew for my daughter – she is quite tall and broader across the shoulders – loved the review of this book! thanks!
I ‘sew” straight lines…pillows, scarves, etc. I would love to learn to sew something really cute, like a skirt or a top that would make me proud. Not apologetic for the wonky sewing!
PS Just found your blog and I really love it!
I have tried to sew a few skirts, but they never turn out quite right … I think I need help adjusting patterns to fit me. This book very likely could help!
I haven’t done any garments. Yet.
I would love to learn to do pants! I’m short in height, but my legs are longer than the store “short” lengths. But not long enough for “regular”. I’d rather fit them EXACTLY to me!
I learned to sew from my wonderful mother, but would love to have sewing handbook! I made clothes for my daughters when they were young and some for my son. An aunt of mine has recently requested I do copy cat blouses. So I will working on that soon and I sew bags and purses most of the time now to sell and for gifts :)
I’m new here! I watch you on Knit and Crochet today and saw you on the Martha Stewart show. I found your blog and am really excited! :)
I have always wanted to learn to sew, and with a lot of help have managed to make a hot plate runner (not the cutest, but it still sits on my table!) I would love to be able to make clothes for myself, because at 5’8″ it can be a little tricky finding skirts and pants that fit the way I would like them too. I also would really love to thoroughly learn how to use the sewing machine that was gifted to me 8 years ago!!!
Now that I’ve finally learned to sew (and still in my thirties for another year), it feels like an important appendage has been returned! I’m excited about all facets of sewing, but the merry thought of clothes made to fit me and my personality makes my heart sing!!
This is so perfect! I do a lot of sewing, but a lot of it is eyeballed. I don’t know any real technique, and have always wanted to be able to make my own clothes, but lack the knowledge to properly make them.
I mostly sew kids clothes at this point, and mostly with patterns I have made. I would love to learn new skills and perfect (or correct!) some old ones for sewing clothes for me!
I call myself a 90% sewer – I would love to master that last 10%!
I sew quilts and purses, tote bags. I’d like to make simple dresses and skirts.
I made myself a cute cape this fall. It was fun and turned out pretty good. I would like to make more things besides pillows and purses, and it seems like this book can help.
I’m just beginning to look into sewing clothes… I’m working on a simple skirt right now, but I have dreams of sewing much, much more! On the horizon I’ve got plans for making my own cape – the ones in stores these days are just so expensive!
I haven’t sewn clothing since high school, but I’ve sewn curtains and small quilts. I think it’s time to give it another go! I’d especially like to learn to sew tops, because I can never find them in the exact style and fabric that I have in my mind!
My most recent sewing projects were to sew spiral skirts for my daughter. The last sewing project I did for myself was a one piece sleeper.
I’m a brand new sewer…I’ve started with pillow cases, bibs, aprons and, of course, Sewing in a Straight Line! Love the pillow covers. Can’t wait to try clothes. . .
I love to sew but don’t have a dedicated space any longer which makes it hard to actually to larger projects and things that take more than a day… which is almost any garment! When I do have time I love formal dresses. I love the fabrics, the details and the beautiful finished project.
I just taught myself how to sew, and so far it’s been a bag and some hankies. But I’m hoping to move to garments soon! I have a long torso and short legs, so I’m looking forward to finally being able to have clothes that fit right.
I’m so curious about this book! It looks so fun. I’ve only ever made really simple dresses before and would love to learn how to make something more fitted like these cute ones.
I just started sewing – made my first two dresses for my daughter. A lil two piece jumper and a pillowcase dress. This book sounds like what I need when I can’t find my mother-in-law!
The only apparel I’ve sewn so far is a belt I made in college and a pair of zebra print slipper boots. Lol. I’m short and busty so nothing fits though, so I’d really love to learn to sew my own clothes. This book sounds awesome!
I’ve sewn a Halloween costume for my niece (Cindy Lou Who’s pink nightgown!) and curtains but I’m up to the challenge of learning to sew my own clothes. The Collette book looks like just what I’ve been seeking!
I love sewing! What else is a girl to do when her three teenagers are out with friends until curfew. If I try reading I fall asleep. If I watch tv, again I fall asleep. So, I sew! I have done every project in your Sew in a Straight Line book. I am always looking for new projects, helpful hints and someone to receive them…any takers? Thanks for inspiring me.
I have sewn garments for myself and my daughter but have never been happy with the results. I would love to learn the techniques correctly.
I’d love to win this book for my dear daughter-in-law who wants to learn how to sew. I’ve been sewing for over 50 years but I’m afraid I’m not a very good teacher. After she learns though, I’ll still be making dresses for my darling granddaughter, and costumes for her and her brother. Making little-girl dresses is so much fun!
I sew skirts and dresses, mostly out of two-way stretch fabrics. my mom taught me how to sew a bag, and i took off teaching myself from there. i haven’t mastered pants or shirts with sleeves and/or darts yet, but i hope to!
I’ve made some things for my daughter, but my goal this year is to learn how to make things for myself too. The book looks great for that!
i like to sew garments, but am afraid of sewing ones that are too fitted. on my queue is a knit wrap dress, which is my way of easing into this concept (haha).
also, i made my friend a zippered pillow cover for x-mas following your tutorial, which was super simple. she said, in a hushed voice, “you’re really getting good at sewing, with the zipper and all.” i smiled and nodded, giggling in my mind…
I haven’t sewn a garment for myself in a long while but there is an A line skirt that I would love for the spring. I can’t find anything similar in the stores so I am going to go for it. This book may help it go from just ok to fab. I hope I win.
Oh, I covet this book. I’m more of a crafty sewer than a clothing sewer, but I want to start making my own skirts and dresses, and I LOVE Sarai’s style.
So far I’ve only sewed baby clothes. far less intimidating than grown-up clothes (with an easy-to-please recipient). but my, oh my would I love a book like this!
I’m currently a quilter but would love to make some dresses!
I would LOVE to learn how to sew garments. It’s the entire reason why I saved up my pennies and bought myself a sewing machine. While I’ve sewn some pillowcases and tote bags and learned to put zippers into little pouches, I’m reading to tackle something a little bigger. :) I would love to sew myself a simple dress. something like that polka dot one pictured above….
I don’t currently sew garments but I would love to learn so that I can make dresses for my 2 princesses! Thanks for the giveaway and the very inspiring blog!! Have a great day :o)
I’m a complete beginner sewer but the main reason I decided to learn was to sew garments! Right now I’m building up my skills with smaller projects and aside from a few “One Hour Skirts” from your book (2 for me, 2 for my 4 year old niece, one for a friend) I haven’t made any garments. I’d love to tackle more complicated projects as my skills increase and this book looks wonderful!
I am new to sewing and have only done things like ottoman covers, cushions, and valances. I figure that is all practice and the final goal is to do garments. I intend to take a garment constructionclass but a primer for when I’m at home would be really great! I love Colette patterns and can’t wait to learn to make cute clothes for myself.
I am a brand-new sewist. So far, I have sewed a few of your one-hour skirts (shameless plug, I totally love your book!) and a tablecloth for my sewing table. I love Colette patterns and would love being able to make those lovely clothes myself!
Sewing!
I’ve been eyeing the Colette Handbook for a while because, while I don’t lack inspiration or motivation, I could use a few tips. This year I decided to hand-make all of my Christmas gifts, most of which were first-time trials for me–a button-down shirt, a quilt, an embroidered journal, embroidered reusable produce and grocery bags, and design-sponge-inspired coasters. I even decided to make my winter coat. WITHOUT a pattern.
All this to say, I like to make stuff, and I’d like to make it better. And I think this would help, and … yes.
I’ve been sewing for a couple years, mostly garments and simple things like tote bags. I’m working towards sewing things I would wear on a regular basis (instead of getting swept up in how cute the pattern looks and ignoring how practical it would be), and Colette patterns definitely look wearable. I’d love to win this book!
This book looks fantastic! I’ve made some garments, but always felt that they didn’t quite fit or didn’t quite hang correctly — definitely “homemade” rather than “handcrafted.”
I don’t currently sew clothes – I would love to be able to make myself a dress. I am still learning my way around my machine and I find that sewing patterns, like knitting/crochet patterns, take some getting used to.
I LOVE sewing but I’m a really ‘hacky’ sewer – see something I want to try and just go at it. My mom is amazing and a pro and I’d love to learn from her but we live too far away! I’m finally ready to buckle down and learn some legit techniques – this book looks perfect!
Self taught sewer! Love learning new techniques to reuse old items. My favorite is sewing vintage tea towels into hostess aprons, but right now I am sewing these old leather boots that finally died. I am reusing the leather and making two new clutches. The boots had these cute little buckles and I am using them as the wristlets….not done yet, but hope its a success. ps. I love your site and your book and would love to add a freebie to the ol’ collection!
I actually found your blog through googling your book, Sewing in a straight line- its amazing! I think its exactly the type of DIY book that should be out there right now, informative, stylish, great pictures!
I just started sewing as i got a sewing machine for Christmas- I’d love to win this book to find out more about how to fit garments.
Thanks!
I am really interested in learning how to sew pillows. With the cost of pillows online, it seems like a worthy investment to learn how to do it myself! :-)
I have zero experience with sewing. But I have my mother-n-laws sewing machine and since I have started watching Knit & Crochet I’ve started wanting to tap in to my creative side. I have started to crochet a blanket. You say this book is perfect for newbies……well I’m about as new at sewing as anyone. Gonna be fun!!!
I currently can’t sew (but am looking to learn!) and I would love to eventually sew that polka dot dress that’s in one of the pictures in this post – its so cute!! – Chrissy
I am working on learning how to sew again. I used to sew a lot of things for myself and re-purposed things from the thrift stores for myself when I was in high school. I got out of the habit quickly in college and through new motherhood after. I enjoy making clothes for myself since nothing on the shelves seem to fit me (ie I don’t like my momma belly hanging out). I would love to have some new ideas and re-learn some techniques!
my sewing skills are really elementary so id love to learn how to take it to the next level in terms of fit and technique :)
What a cool book! I really, really hope that I learn how to sew dresses and skirts at some point in my life.
http://thephilosopherscupcake.blogspot.com/
I have yet to sew any clothing, but one of my goals for this year is to sew and wear an outfit start to finish. I’m really hoping to learn how to make some cute skirts to wear while I sew more cute skirts. This book looks great!
Amy
I sew fun stuff (like capes and costumes on the fly–no directions to live up to) and things with straight lines like quilts and tote bags. The last time I made myself an outfit, I was twelve (ahem, no curves to worry over) but I would love to make MYSELF a dress..with the curves.
I haven’t sewn a garment since I was in 4-H in the late 80s/early 90s…and I only wore that outfit once! I would like to learn to sew some basic skirts and pants.
I barely sew, and my daughter is just starting. What I can teach her is pretty limited. I think she would LOVE this book, and I could steal it to learn some great stuff myself from time to time :-)
I hope I made it in time to enter. I’ve been eyeing this book!
I have just started to sew in the last year and have recently branched out into clothes. My only experience sewing for myself has been a great (and easy) wrap skirt. But I made boxers for my husband that actually fit! I’m ready to take on sewing for myself and the book looks terrific.
I love to make skirts!
2012 is the year I start sewing. I love knitting and crochet, but I want to add sewing to my list of accomplishments (all self-taught, with help from good books). The dress on the cover is gorgeous. I might start with that one.
I don’t currently sew garments but I am excited to learn how to make a skirt!!! Thanks for the chance to win!
Though I haven’t sewn garments lately (I’m learning to quilt), I do sew them. I usually make skirts and dresses and knit tops. I just bought some denim to sew up a pair of dress jeans…fingers-crossed. Great giveaway! Saw your tweet. Happy Tuesday :)
I sew sun dresses and skirts pretty often, but I’d love to learn some new techniques and try some beautiful Colette patterns!
:)
I’ve been wanting to learn to confidently sew well-fitting clothing. RIght now I mostly do accessories and quilts.
Right now I’m only brave enough to see my own garments. But I’ll be an Aunt soon and can’t wait to start sewing for our future family members!
I used to sew most of my own clothes and got so sick of it I stopped for years. I recently started sewing again and am enjoying it again.
I love to sew outfits for my little girl – skirts, dresses, pants and bloomers are especially cute! Love the site!
I haven’t sewn clothes for years, but I’d love to make shirts or dresses for myself.