I’m so excited to be offering Anna Maria Horner’s new book Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing for give away. Remember when I made the pledge to give away all the gratis books I received from publishers? Fortunately for all of us, two copies of the book arrived yesterday, one from the publisher and my pre-order from Amazon. Ethical dilemma disaster avoided.
Equal parts inspiration, sewing fundamentals, and fresh patterns, I thoroughly enjoyed sitting down and reading every page of Anna Maria’s first book. In the introduction she shares some thoughts on writing the book and her preference that she “would rather just invite you here for the day to show you how to make something.” She further writes “My greatest hope for this collection of projects, ideas, tips and tutorials is that you’ll feel as though you have been here and also that you would want to come back.” This guiding philosophy is evident throughout the book.
Anna Maria’s love of sewing comes to life as the pages are turned. An easy going writing style creates a warm and inviting tone that compels one to make another cup of tea and continue chatting. Groceries and laundry can wait till tomorrow.
New sewists will find the chapters on sewing basics to be a fabulous learning tool. It’s comprehensive and well written.
The second part of Seams to Me is jam packed with projects organized into 4 categories: Organize, Stylize, Decorate, and Domesticate. The book includes full sized pattern pieces for 10 of the 24 projects.
The clothing projects are especially fun and unique. I’m always inspired by the way Anna Maria mixes prints and colors in her clothing designs. The Smashing Smock for grown up girls and the Bo Peep Skirt and Prarie Blouse for the little ones are several of my favorites.
Color theory is tossed like sprinkles throughout the book. A section up front is devoted to the basics. Each project contains Anna Maria’s color notes. A peek into the creative mind of someone so very talented at mixing a palette.
And if all that wasn’t enough to Wow, the photography credit for the book is none other than Anna Maria Horner herself.
Yes, I felt as though I’d spent the day hanging out with Anna Maria in her studio, watching her work and listening to her thoughts on the craft of sewing. Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing is a grand achievement and sure to inspire your creative muse.
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I’ll draw a name for this book on Monday, October 20. Leave a comment telling me one reason you love to sew!
I love giving gifts, and it makes me so happy to pick out just the right fabrics and pattern for someone!
I love to sew because I LOVE FABRIC, I love the feel of fabric, and once it is in a quilt all quilted up, I just love running my hand over it…therefore I buy and buy and buy fabric and then I cut it up and sew it back together
I love being able to get my creative juices flowing into something that will (hopefully) be a prized possession long after I am allowed to spend in this great world that we live in!!
I enjoy sewing because it is MUCH quicker than my other project-knitting.
r
I love to sew because it is something I do to unwind and escape from all lifes “have to’s…” something just for me, which I dont get a lot of…Melinda
I love sewing because I love playing with fabrics and matching them up. I love how placing a piece of fabric next to different fabrics can create a whole lot of new possibilities!
I’m returning to my sewing roots this year and its been a pleasure to read your blog. Thanks for the book giveaway opp!
I started sewing as a young girl as a way to afford current fashion or to make a creation I saw only in my head. Now i sew for pleasure, to make clothes that actually fit, or just as a creative outlet! i have tried teaching both of my girls to sew, but they have no interest! One of the greatest failures of my life! LOL
I love sewing because I LOVE fabric!!!
I love to sew because I get such satisfaction from using the things I made myself!
Hi – I have been sewing for as long as I can remember. There have been periods of time when knitting, crafting or painting took center stage – but sewing has always been my real love. The enormous variety of textiles, the sounds of the machine and the ability to use my creations keep me going !
I love sewing for the “Zen” state I sometimes get into. I love the colors, the feel of the fabric, the lovely things I can make. I love the fact that I don’t have to rely on other people or companies to make everything for my home and family. I love to create things to delight or provide comfort to others.
It has been so neatly said in all the previous comments:) But I’ll add that I like to sew because I can and I’m greatful to those who taught me through the years.
I love to sew and being a perfectionist, get a real bang out of it when all my seams/intersecting points match! Since I have a room FULL of fabric, the visual joy of putting together different fabrics of color and texture make me swoon.
I love to sew…..because it keeps me away from house work (which I don’t love to do)
Kerry
I hope I make it into the drawing — this book looks stunning, and I love Anna Maria’s blog!
Hi – I hope I am not too late for the drawing. It is so exciting to see pictures from the inside of the book.
I love to sew because I am 3 dimensional minded and when I see finished projects, I feel satisfied!
I feel “special” when I sew, like I’m unique and what I’m doing is out of the ordinary. We could all be very down on ourselves, but there needs to be aspects of our lives that are unique and that set us apart, sewing is this for me. Others have other means of identification, each individual needs something. I don’t mean this in an arrogant sort of way… Thank You. Oooo, …would love AnnaMaria’s book!
when my daughter was born i learned how to sew. i havent looked back once, what a creative and fun outlet. now that se is 9, sewing is something we can do together!
I love sewing because it feels like making something from “nothing”. Starting with a flat, lifeless piece of fabric, and turning it into something useful, pretty, new, and different from anyone else’s. It thrills me!
I love to sew because it makes me take time to relax. It also gives me a chance to hang with my grandma, the quilting and sewing expert.