Sew U Home Stretch: The Review & Giveaway

One of my favorite books that is on my sewing bookshelf is Sew U“ (you can read my review of Sew U here). Not only did I find it jam packed with lots of great information, but it was very inspiring as well – especially when it came to taking a basic pattern and altering it into something that looks completely different than the original design. So when I got my hands on Wendy’s newest book, Sew U Home Stretch: The Built by Wendy Guide to Sewing Knit Fabrics, I had HUGE expectations – and I wasn’t disappointed.
Once again, Wendy seems to understand what the novice seamstress needs to know about working with knits and writes in a way that anyone can understand. She devotes much of the book to the basics – what supplies you’ll need (by the way, a serger is recommended by not necessary for the projects in the book), identifying and selecting stretch fabrics, how to work with the patterns in the book (selecting the right size, pattern making basics), tips and tricks for knits, how to prepare your pattern and fabric for cutting (with important information like matching plaids and stripes, how to find the right side of the fabric, how to make and work with several styles of binding), and even a section on recycling your old tees. And no matter what your sewing level is, from beginner to advanced, you’ll find that there are instructions tailored to your skills – for example a beginner may opt to make a tee with a rolled hem while someone who has a bit more experience may try their hand at a shirt with a coverstitched hem.
Of course, my favorite part of this book are the designs. Included in Sew U Home Stretch are 3 full size patterns – a crewneck, raglan sleeved shirt, and a dressskirt. Each pattern has a section of the book with details how it can be morphed into 6 different looks. For example, the Crewneck can be changed into garments such as a tank, v-neck, boatneck, and even a dress; the Raglan into a hoodie, halter, or even a beach cover up; while the dress can be made into cute halter or even a pretty baby-doll. Now my biggest decision is what to make first!
In my opinion, Sew U Home Stretch is another ‘must have’ on your book shelf… and here’s your chance to put one on yours. I have one copy to give away to a lucky reader – just post a comment in this thread by midnight on Sunday. I’ll select a winner by random number generator on Monday morning and Wendy Mullin’s latest book will be all yours!

65 thoughts on “Sew U Home Stretch: The Review & Giveaway”

  9. Marsha

    I’m a new reader of your blog and I’m hooked! I’m an experienced seamstress, but don’t sew a lot with knits–would like to though. I’ve notice you repeatedly use Jalie patterns–I haven’t tried one yet, but I love the styles! This book would be perfect for me!

  12. Aimey

    I’ve always been a little jealous of those who can sew well with knits! I will admit I’m a little intimidated by them – this book should come in handy! Thanks for the contest stacy.

  15. Martha

    Thanks, Stacy, for the review. I was particularly interested that a serger is not required, as I am still researching that purchase! I was hesitant to get this book for that reason, but you addressed my concern. That, to me, is what makes a review useful.
    Have a great holiday weekend.

  16. Rose

    This sounds like an absolutely lovely and useful book. Thank you for bringing it to my attention!

  17. Julie

    Fantastic!!! Thank you Stacy (and Wendy too), what a find! It’s nice to know I’m not the only one terrified of working with knits 😉

  21. KarenP

    Thanks for the great review! This one is going on my Amazon Wish List (if I don’t win it first ;).

  23. Abby

    That sounds great, I’d love to have a book like that. Knits are some of my favorite clothes to wear, but my making skills definately need work!

  24. tillie vuksich

    I’ve been reading your blog for a little while now and have to say you give great tips, links and inspiration. Thank you!

  26. Leesa Miller

    I just love reading your blog Stacy. I love the linky Thursdays and your occasional give aways. And I am a craft bookaholic. I have lots but I just know I need more.

  27. Valerie

    I have the first book and love it. Thanks so much for the chance to win her new book.

  28. Sarah

    Hi there. I found your blog about a week ago and LOVE it! Thanks for the links and book reviews. I’ve learned a lot about sewing in the short time I’ve been following your blog.
    Thanks!

  31. Kris C.

    Hey! I’ve been eyeing those books with interest but haven’t yet succumbed. Maybe I can win one, instead! 🙂

  33. Cindy

    I’ve heard lots of great things about this book. Thanks for writing a great blog. I learn a lot.

  35. Libby

    Great review. I’ve been looking at this book at the store and wondered if it would help me. I need lots of help. Enter me, please.

  36. Marcy

    Oooh I can’t wait to get this one. Thank you for the review Stacy, I have been waiting for this book for about 2 years now! I can’t wait to work on my sewing skills for knits.

  37. Anary

    I know I can count on you always before I buy a new sewing book. Thanks once again! I am visualizing this book in my shelf already! I am keeping the positive thinking to win!

  39. Mary

    I’ve been reading about this book and I’ve picked up some soft and wonderful moss green and lavendar cotton knit fabric at my local creative reuse center. Would LOVE to have the book to play with it! 🙂

  41. Sheila

    When I saw all the posts I knew something was up. My bookshelf has room for one more book. Enter me in your game of chance!

  42. Thien-Kim

    I’ve been thinking about making more tops for myself and knits seem easy and quick. I’m glad a serger isn’t necessary for most of the projects. I have a serger but I don’t always like fighting with it.

  46. shorty

    So I don’t have either book but am thinking I really need the stretch one. I have made three shirts now out of stretch but can tell I have NO idea what I am doing. It would be nice for some help! Thanks for the review, it is always nice to read a review from someone you can trust!
    Shorty

  47. Sandy in w

    Well, I’ve been walking around the earth hoping I might be the winner of this book, and when I checked today, I didn’t see my “entry” so I’m trying again. I’m nervous about sewing knits. I have some things I’d like to make, but I avoid starting for fear of “curly” edges, stretching and stuff like that. I went to Barnes and Noble a week or more ago, but they didn’t have the book.

  48. Stacy

    I have been wanting a copy of this so bad! I don’t think I’ve ever commented on your blog, but I’m a regular reader. 🙂

  49. Kelly H.

    Hi Stacy, I linked here from Average Jane Crafter. I have this book on my Wishlist, and would love to win your copy! Pick-me!

  52. kathie

    ooh funny! i was busy coveting this book yesterday when i found a link to your blog on rachel’s average jane crafter blog… crossing my fingers!

  54. Katie

    Found you via average jane crafter–and had to laugh, because I often go to Barnes and Noble just to look at this book! I am trying to work up the guts to try a pattern from the first book (or this one!) but as of yet haven’t quite convinced myself. Thanks for the opportunity to win one!

  56. Ruth

    I bought “Sew U” and made the pants (my first ever pair of pants, some errors made along the way but overall wearable), so I would love to try out this book. Anything that helps improve the sewing process is a good thing. Thanks for holding this drawing.

  57. kyla

    Ooooh, I hope I win. I have a lot to learn about working with knit fabrics. A whole lot.

  58. Mary in AR

    This sounds like a great book! Please enter me in the drawing. I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now and it is a must read!
    Thanks,
    Mary

  59. Mary Claire

    I loved the first book. This one sounds great too! I am just starting to sew with knits and would love to learn more!

  61. Kim

    I picked Lotta Prints instead of this book for my every-so-often craft book splurge. I think once it comes together with the serger I haven’t yet used, I will be unstoppable!

Comments are closed.