PAGES

Thursday, April 12, 2012

my new favorite sewing book {giveaway}

I've mentioned a couple of times that we're renting a furnished house for a year. We didn't bring a stick of furniture or any home decor items. Needless to say I got busy really quickly adding some fun accents to make the place feel a little more like our home. I bought fabric to make a bunch of throw pillows for the sectional, and I finished a couple, but until last month still had a pile of fabric and pillow inserts sitting in my craft room.


I visited my friend Vanessa of V. and Co. the last time I was up her way (she's another recent Iowa transplant) and she was sweet enough to give me a copy of her new book, Make It Sew Modern. Lucky me! It is amazing. I love every project and all her little sewing tips and tricks. She is such a pro (check out her newest venture--online sewing classes!). I love the little bits of texture she uses in her projects, and the book was just the inspiration I need to finish my pillows. . .

 . . .like these cute rosettes! I knew I wanted this design, but I didn't know exactly how to sew them on as I went. She had a similar project that showed it step-by-step. Yahoo!
 

And her perfect pleating tutorial helped me with this one. She did it waaay better than the way I was going to do it.


If you don't own this book yet, it's your lucky day! Vanessa gave me a second copy of Make It Sew Modern to giveaway to one of our darling readers! Check out Vanessa's blog (as if you haven't already), and leave us a comment with your favorite V. and Co. project and you'll be entered to win. Yea! Do it by Wednesday, April 18, 2012 or you'll be too late!

160 comments:

  1. I LOVE the houndstooth quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would love a copy of the book! My favorite V and Co project is the Baby Life quilt. So sweet!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I really liked the hand appliqued petal tote! I am just learning to sew and her site is awesome. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I really like the Faux Pleated Pillow. It looks like it would take some time but the pay off would be great to add color and texture. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love Vanessa's Eat, Play, Sleep, Repeat baby quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I absolutely love Vanessa's work. Her ruffle skirt is on my current spring to-do list, but I love all her projects.

    ReplyDelete
  7. My favorite is the Shag Pillow! Love how your pillows turned out!

    ReplyDelete
  8. don't even have to look...it's the hounds tooth quilt hands down...love that thing!

    ReplyDelete
  9. i love her houndstooth quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love her faux pleated pillow! It's amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Enter me please! I love their heart printed bag, it's such a gorgeous statement piece!

    ReplyDelete
  12. What? No comments yet? I love V&Co. I have been a follower of hers for a while and love her quilt patterns.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love the Abby Bag and the Just Dandy Quilt. Thank you!

    Erin.e.caple@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Those pillows are amazing! I would love the book so I can learn to make that beautiful rosette pillow.
    - Rachel F

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have, also, been dying to make a rosette pillow for our master bedroom. I have attempted it but have been unsuccessful. Would LOVE to win Vanessa's book so I can get my craft on! :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Her houndstooth quilt is my favorite! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love V and Co! My favorite is her mini zigzag quilt, I have been planning on doing it myself. It's adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I LOVE the gathered heart pillow. So gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love the rosette pillow that you did! I'm excited that it's in her book!
    Count me in!

    ReplyDelete
  20. My favorite is the argyle quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Your pillows look great! Making your own throw pillows can really warm up your space, and make it your own, and these definitely do that! Love the chance to win this book looks like something I need to add to my sewing library!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oooh...I would love to win this book! What beautiful projects and patterns! I love that rosette pillow!! I also love her Abby bag pattern, and the valentine's pillow she made...I'm going to make one for my baby girl's room. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love the gathered pillow with flowers tutorial. Thanks!

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love the gathered pillow with blue flowers is so very lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love the V and Co blog and tutorials. The hand appliqued petal bag is on my crafty queue!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Honestly, I love just about everything she comes up with! I've made the baby life quilt for a really nice baby shower gift, and I LURVE the flower pin tutorial she's got. Baby Life Quilt, if I had to pick one.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I fell in love with the houndstooth quilt the first time I saw it!

    ReplyDelete
  28. My fav V&Co project is the Houndstooth Quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Okay, if I wasn't already impressed with the rossettes and the bag she's holding on the cover, when I looked at her blog and saw the amazing quilts, I was done. I'm in love! I hope I get the book, it's just amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I've been drooling over Vanessa's book for some time now. I love seeing some new "sneak peaks" and what you have done with her ideas. Your "home away from home" looks beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I want to be able to make the same pillow you did with rosettes because I have the perfect fabric for it in my stas and it would look great in my living room!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love the "go anywhere bag". Super cute!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Your pillows are so pretty and the purse too. Good for you! I think about making things far more than I do make anything. But, tonight I did some carding and spinning, which is very enjoyable.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I love her purses, but probably my all time favorite is her composition book cover.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I loved the Abby bag! So pretty!
    Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I've been dying to get my hands on this book. I love all things V&Co. I hear the girl ruffled dress is really cute and fun to make and would LOVE to make one for my daughter.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'd love the book - that green pillow is very cute!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love the gray houndstooth! It is really different and you could do so many color combinations.

    ReplyDelete
  39. As I have over half of the tutorials bookmarked in my "to make" folder I think you could say I am a fan. However, I just saw the fabric ornament and LOVE that so I am claiming that one as my current favourite. I would love a copy of the book as I love her tutorials as they are so easy to follow.

    ReplyDelete
  40. oh I love a nice crafty book! This one looks lovely

    ReplyDelete
  41. I'm really liking her argyle quilt right now. But I love her purse pattern on the cover of the book too.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Me, Me, Me!!! I need that pleated pillow! (loves the fabric, too!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Oh I'd LOVE to win this book!
    I subscribe to V&Co. so am a fan already :)
    My favourite? Hard to choose! I am a bit of a bag nut - so any one of her bags!
    I'm also keen to make her little ring :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. I like the hand warmers and the easter eggs she made this year.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Love the flirty skirt and ruffle pillow! Oh, and the houndstooth baby quilt! And the eat, play, sleep, repeat quilt... and pretty much everything!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I love the Houndstooth Quilt pattern!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  47. The pleated pillow is so pretty, and the green pillow with the roses too!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love hand appliqued petal bag and shag pillow.

    Would love to win this book. Good luck everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  49. love the baby life quilt for moda! I'd really love the new book!

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love the Abby bag that has the scarf as well. What an awesome site. I love it. thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I love so many of her projects, one of my top favorites is the baby life quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I love V&C and have had my eye on Vanessa's book for some time. My favorite project is the gathered pillow with blue flowers.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I would love to get my hands on her book. I have been following her for a while. I love all the quilts (baby eat play and sleep) and her accent pillows. They would be fun to make!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Ahh! My favorite? I can't choose--the quilts, the bags, all so darn cute. Would love one of these books!

    ReplyDelete
  55. The Just Dandy Baby Quilt caught my eye. I'm itching to learn some quilting techniques. Thanks for the giveaway!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Like the practical ideas one can sew. Faux pleated pillow and love the purses!!! Would love to win the sewing book!! Thanks for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  57. that Abby bag is very cute!
    and the Just Dandy quilt is very stylish. Love them both!

    ReplyDelete
  58. love those ruffle rose pillows!!!

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love ALL of her quilts! Would love to win a copy of her book, she is so talented.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I love the Abby Bag and the Just Dandy Quilt. Gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  61. I'm pretty excited for the introduction to her blog. Thanks! That book looks great. She has so many things I'd love to try. The first thing I'd like to try from her blog is the "favorite purse."

    Oooh, I hope I win! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  62. Without even looking, I can tell you it's the houndstooth quilt! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Wow, how to choose one project, they are all so lovely. I think I'll choose the little sprouts as I'm really into gardening as well.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I love the pinwheel quilt. She makes it in a doll size but I'd love to make it bigger.

    ReplyDelete
  65. I love the Houndstooth and Just Dandy quilts. Her pillows are so pretty. Yours too!

    ReplyDelete
  66. V&Co. has so many amazing projects but I love bags and the Abby bag is just my style. Ty for the opportunity to win this book!!!!!Smooches

    ReplyDelete
  67. I really need to get back into sewing. I miss it when I see projects like this.

    I always gravitate towards scarves, and I love her argyle scarf. It has a fun lattice look. Pretty cool!

    ReplyDelete
  68. love the Just Dandy quilt! so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Wow! So many gorgeous projects! I love the bags and cushions but I am drawn back to the Just Dandy baby quilt :)

    ReplyDelete
  70. I so want a copy of the book! I love all of her stuff, but probably my favorites are the flirty skirt and the faux pleated pillow.

    ReplyDelete
  71. LOVE the ruffled scarf! It's perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  72. I just bought her Houndstooth Quilt Pattern and can't wait to make a cute quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  73. I love the Abby Bag!
    mommy.2kidsnc(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  74. Ooh I love her blog, and have always loved her houndstooth quilt. I really want to try dying something Ombre like she did on the onesie.
    lizzykealamakia@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. How can I pick just one thing, her work is amazing? But if I must it would be the ruffled argyle quilt, I think my preteen dd would love if I made that in her favorite colours for her bed.

    ReplyDelete
  76. I really like the Abby Bag, I love bows! It would be great to learn how to not only know how to sew pillows!

    ReplyDelete
  77. I LOVE her argyle quite!!! They are all GREAT ideas and just in case I don't win, I'm already planning to get her book because I'm always looking for fresh and exciting ideas for my craft room!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Oh my gosh, would so love to win this book!!!

    Her blog has so many wonderful projects, that it is hard to pick a favorite, but I love the heart pillow, so cute!!!

    All her bags are wonderful too!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  79. I love all her pillows, but I'd really like to make her braided rag rug!

    ReplyDelete
  80. i fell in love with her blog a couple of months ago. the first project of hers that i tried was the painted heart valentine tote, that i made my daughter.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Love the shag pillow. Thanks for the giveaway.
    twelve30(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  82. As for projects - I really like the green shag pillow with the hamster trolling through it. Her site is hilarious! :-) My most most favorite is the image of her with the 2 bags of Nestle Toll House Morsels at her behind! Amen sister! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  83. Love the houndstooth quilt but all her projects are amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  84. I love her flower pins and her ruffled pillow and her Valentine's pillow and... she is hilarious! Please pick me! Lisal
    trevordrn (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  85. Thanks for the chance to win - So hard to pick just one fav but I am a houndstooth fan - so the houndstooth quilt wins it hounds down. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  86. I love V and Co. It's been awhile, but I loved her "get the crap out of my house" post/series back in '10.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  87. What a neat giveaway! The gathered heart pillow just makes me ready to sew! Really want to do this project. Blessings

    ReplyDelete
  88. I adore the braided pillow, the totes and the flirty skirt! Would so love this book and get back to my sewing machine!

    ReplyDelete
  89. Love,love, love the ruffle fabric projects and the abby bag!
    Raquel

    ReplyDelete
  90. She has so many great things-- but I really love the Ruffle Argyle quilt! I've never quilted-- but it makes me want to start!!

    ReplyDelete
  91. the carry all tote with ruffle fabric- wow- what a great blog!

    Thanks!
    Nancy
    schaeferclan(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  92. I like the tutorial on reverse applique, super cute pillow.

    ReplyDelete
  93. I have wanted to make her houndstooth quilt from the first time I saw it!
    ericwin99atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  94. I hope I'm the lucky girl as I adored the Abby bag .

    Houseofpinheiro(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  95. I love all the pillow patterns! So cute.

    ReplyDelete
  96. I loved the Abby Bag, so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  97. I love all her projects! The rosette pillow is a favorite!

    ReplyDelete
  98. Love so many of her projects, but I need a new bag and think I may have to make myself an Abby bag.

    ReplyDelete
  99. She has so many beautiful projects. I like her dandy baby quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  100. There are way to many that I have been swooning over. I love the canvas tote with ombré petals and the Tshirt ruffle skirt. Oh I hope I win :)

    ReplyDelete
  101. Jersey knit bracelets! So fun and baby friendly!!

    ReplyDelete
  102. I love the beach bag and would love to make it, I also like the houndstooth guilt (although since I am an Auburn fan I can not say that I LOVE it). I would however love to make the houndstooth quilt for my sister since she is a HUGE Alabama fan.

    ReplyDelete
  103. I'm planning to make my daughter a quilt for her new baby doll and was just going to throw something together, but now I can't decide between the Little Sprouts or Dandelion patterns! Guess it's going to be a little more than a basic block quilt . . . ;0)

    ReplyDelete
  104. Really hard to pick, but i like the applique petal tote! so fresh and springy.

    ReplyDelete
  105. I just love her blog!
    I think my favorite is the houndstooth quilt. I think I have a thing for houndstooth..:0)

    ReplyDelete
  106. I love the Abby bag pattern and hand appliqued petal tote.

    ReplyDelete
  107. I am a huge fan of V & Co! I love her Shag Pillow and plan to make one (or two) for my summer's decor. Last year, I was lucky enough to win a set of her first paper patterns which I have enjoyed! No doubt this new book is fantastic just like Vanessa. AJ@queenofmynest

    ReplyDelete
  108. love the rosette pillow you featured! I'm dying to try one! hope I win!

    ReplyDelete
  109. Oh, I love this book! I recently checked it out of my library and made the Picture Perfect Dress and the Market Tote. I'd love to own my own copy!

    ReplyDelete
  110. My favorite is the Abby Tote! What a great looking bag! Thanks for a chance to win! :)

    ReplyDelete
  111. Oh, I love that rosette pillow - that is really cool. I love the bag on the cover of the book too! Thanks so much for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  112. I love V and Co.! And there's no way to just pick one favorite, there are too many! I really like her mini zig zag quilt! And I've been waiting for her book! I just checked my local Barnes & Noble and they didn't have it yet. Bleh. So thanks for the chance!!

    ReplyDelete
  113. I love the hand appliqued petal bag!

    ReplyDelete
  114. I adore the ScrapBuster Banner...perfect for all those leftovers!

    shel704 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  115. I first saw Vanessa's work when she did a quilt tutorial on Moda Bake Shop. While I loved it, her houndstooth quilt completely knocked my socks off! I love how she gives really easy to understand directions for her tutorials--I'm sure her book won't disappoint! Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  116. I love all of the quilts, especially the houndstooth!

    ReplyDelete
  117. This book looks like it would be an awesome addition to any sewer's library. I have a blog friend that is currently working on the hounds tooth quilt. It looks awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  118. The Abby bag has been on my to-sew list forever! Love the design and the size!

    ReplyDelete
  119. Oh I need this book! I'm getting new couches any day and I need to make some new pillows and other decor for my room. This book would be such a great help.

    I LOVE her dandy baby blanket. It would be so cute on a nursery wall!

    ReplyDelete
  120. I have been a V and Co. follower for a long time, and her ruffle fabric skirt tutorial has always made me swoon! SugarMamaShop@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  121. Love the Abby Bag, and the "create your own wall art." I've been meaning to do that project for years.

    ReplyDelete
  122. I really like the leather cuff bracelet tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  123. The houndstooth quilt is always the first thing I think of when I see Vanessa's name somewhere - I just love it.

    ReplyDelete
  124. It would be between the Just Dandy and Little Sprouts quilts. Simplicity at its best!

    ReplyDelete
  125. I love her fresh ideas, but especially the Little Sprouts quilt. Thanks for sharing another great idea resource!

    ReplyDelete
  126. I just found your site and love so many of your projects and would really really love the book.

    ReplyDelete
  127. Awesome giveaway! I love all her projects but my favorite is the houndstooth quilt. So cool! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  128. She's pretty amazing! That book looks so fun.

    I don't know if this qualifies as a "project," but I love her dining room before and after. So inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
  129. I love the rosette pillow, perfect for our bedroom!

    ReplyDelete
  130. I am in love with all of the patterns. I am a newbie so I'd like to try the Ruffle Scarf. Thanks for the giveaway
    tanyainjville at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  131. I love the faux pleated pillow! Or, maybe the shag pillow! thanks for a chance to win this great looing book!

    ReplyDelete
  132. It is hard to say which is my favorite! I like the appliqued petal tote I think the best! Very cute things!

    ReplyDelete
  133. I loved her just dandy quilt -- wish I'd thought of that . . . :)

    ReplyDelete
  134. I love the ruffle pillow and the bag on the cover of her book!

    ReplyDelete
  135. i like her houndstooth quilt. great project and great giveaway. thanks....

    ReplyDelete
  136. I love the Argyle Ruffle Quilt. I love her whole blog!

    ReplyDelete
  137. I love her "Painted Heart Bag" project. My daughter's birthday is in February and she loves making stuff like this. Great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  138. I would love a copy of this book. I love the rosette pillow. So cute!

    ReplyDelete
  139. I want to do everything vanessa does! But my first project will probably be the canvas bag with the applique flower petals, so beautiful and customizable.

    ReplyDelete
  140. I love the make a cuff out of a leather belt tutorial and the Houndstooth baby quilt

    ReplyDelete
  141. I love the hounds tooth baby quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  142. i love the notebook cover tute, i have a feeling i will be making quite a few of these covers to give as journals

    ReplyDelete
  143. There are so many projects I like. If I had to choose, the Abby Bag and the Just Dandy baby quilt are two of my favorites.

    ReplyDelete
  144. The ruffled pillows are awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  145. Lovin' the Just Dandy Quilt. It matches some artwork that I have in my bedroom. I just completed 16 pillow covers for my daughter's outdoor wedding ... sure could have used those rosette instructions'!
    Karen L 1020 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  146. Love the wedding ring pillow... It would definitely spice up my drab couch!!

    ReplyDelete
  147. I like any of the bags - it was hard to choose just one ;)

    suzyqt927@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  148. I like the bags - it was hard to choose just one ;)
    suzyqt927@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  149. I love the Ruffle Fabric Carry All Tote! I think I will put this on my project list :-)

    ReplyDelete
  150. First choice is the tote made with the ruffle fabric. But it was almost a tie with the skirt made from a tshirt. I never sew for myself! :)

    ReplyDelete