I’m excited to have the chance to share this wonderful new sewing book with you! Improv Sewing, written by Nicole Blum and Deborah Immergut and released this past May by the amazing Storey Publishing, is a beautiful and inspiring book packed to the brim with an incredible amount of how-to information. Let’s get right to it — the focus on unfinished edges and imperfect lines speaks directly to my imperfect heart. I love how they embrace simplicity and that imperfection is seen as a beautiful stylistic choice. This is my kind of sewing book! It is an especially great resource for anyone who enjoys (or dreams of) transforming thrifted materials (oversized t-shirts, old sweaters, etc.) into gorgeous clothing.
The projects throughout are beautiful and intriguing with clear instructions and friendly little tips. Nicole happens to be a good friend of mine, and through her, I met the lovely Deborah. Because I know them and their creative ways, I knew this book was going to be amazing. And, of course, it is, but what I hadn’t considered is that it would leave me feeling so set-for-life when it comes to making clothing for myself. I really, really feel that way. Skirts, tunics, and dresses have never felt so accessible and doable. How beautiful is that yellow dress? And, that girl (Nicole’s daughter)?
What I love most about and Nicole and Deborah’s approach is the way they encourage readers to have confidence and to trust in their creative intuition. Yes, it is no surprise that this way of thinking resonates with me. I’m such a passionate believer in individual expression and remaining true to your creative instincts, which is why I love that the instructions are less about rules and more about doing what feels right.
Photograph by Alexandra Grablewski 
A wee note from Storey Publishing about Improv Sewing:
Improv Sewing is about “pursuing joy, not pursuing perfection”, Blum and Immergut explain. There are no patterns to follow, and hardly any rules. The authors embrace forgiving fabrics such as knits that invite wavy hemlines and raw edges. They encourage readers to look at solid fabric as a blank canvas. With this inspirational approach to sewing, crafters at any level of experience will be confident as they create these fast, fun, and fearless projects.
The folks at Storey Publishing have generously offered to give a copy of Improv Sewing to one lucky Red Bird Crafts reader. Simply, leave a comment on this post from now until Tuesday (6/26), I will choose a winner using a random number generator, and announce the winner on Wednesday (6/27). Please be sure to leave a way for me to contact you. And, good luck!
xo e
Oh my, this is just the confidence-booster I could use these days. I’d LOVE to win a copy of the book and make myself some of these gorgeous designs!
perfectmummy (at) gmail (dot) com
this book looks and sounds amazing! thanks for the chance to own a copy
stinksopurdy at gmail dot com
This looks like just my sort of book! What gorgeous photos. Pragmatism meets style, perhaps. JJ
Do you think I could squeeze into that orange dress? Because I’d like to. 🙂
And of course I want to win a copy! C’mon lucky number four….
This looks like a great book. I’d love a little sewing inspiration.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
Looks like there are some good ideas in this book.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
As a nervous beginner sewer, I reckon this’d be helpful for me.
mollydot (at) livejournal (dot) com
This book looks so cool – I want to sew, but sewing intimidates me! I’d love to make something and feature it on my blog at http://MyCreativeMommy.blogspot.com
I put this book on my Goodreads account and Pinterest! I love the ideas plus the philosophy. Well done Emily for being another self-employed, make a go of it Woman!
This book looks like just exactly what I need, sewing-wise. I have lots of drive to Make but life with small kids doesn’t lend itself to time-consuming, perfectionist projects. Would love to have a copy!
ctreacylenda(at)gmail(dot)com. Thanks!
While I’d enjoy feasting my eyes on this one, and will buy it for my library (I’m a librarian), I know my sister who does this sort of thing herself would just love it! She’s come to sewing and textiles as a way to pursuit her art while caring for young children.
byroade (at) comcast (dot) net
Thanks!
Lovely!! Perfect for busy life… 🙂