I have been sewing up a storm and it's all Heather Ross's fault. Weekend Sewing is a fantastic book. Not only are there many clothing patterns included, there are lots of small, quick projects, too. I am completely impressed by Heather's attention to detail in her directions and illustrations. Additionally, the clothes fit the sizes they say they should. That makes sewing clothes for myself so much more fun. I was lucky to have the chance to share my finished projects with Heather and asked her some questions about these designs.
. . . . .
Erin: Hi,
Heather! I am so excited that you are
here today. Your new book, Weekend
Sewing, is fantastic! When I saw the
project photos on Melanie Falick’s blog a few months ago, I couldn’t wait to
get my hands on it. Now that it’s been
out for a few weeks, I can’t get my fill of sewing from it. Immediately, I knew that I wanted to make the
summer blouse. It looks like a great
between-season wardrobe staple or something you would throw on after an entire
day at the beach. What was going through
your mind when you designed this shirt?
Heather: I started with a very basic bodice pattern
with soft darts and a nice high flattering neckline, which is where you should
always start when designing a dress or blouse.
I wanted to introduce sewers to an inset sleeve in a way that made
sense, and I wanted to make it a slightly shaped. I love the way that vintage
tunics from the sixties and seventies are more fitted around the shoulders and
chest and upper arm but then have a full, relaxed fit around the waist.
Remember the way that Lily Pulitzer dresses and tunics fit? With a high, pretty
neckline and and shaping through the chest? Marimekko was the same way, they
both knew how to get the best shape from crisp woven cottons. It’s a shape that
is so much more flattering than a blouse that is baggy everywhere, but just as
comfortable.
With some added
length and no sleeves, this pattern will actually make a lovely little
sleeveless shift! I added some photos below of one of my versions of this
project. I made a little dress out of some of the fabrics from my Mendocino
line, with an appliqued contrasting panel. This is just the summer blouse, but
with armhole facings instead of sleeves and extended to fit me through the
hips. This is what I mean about how great a simple bodice is: you can make it
into anything!
Erin: The
next project I made were the Pajama Pants for Everyone. Well, actually, I adjusted the pattern to
make pajama shorts for Jane and Kate. I
think having this pattern on hand is going to come in handy. I can see myself sitting down and making them
assembly line style as gifts for my nephews.
Or a whole winter’s worth for the girls. Are your clothing designs influenced by
items you already own or ones you would like to have or something else
entirely?
the house wearing them this evening. Having a dog is such a great fashion
accessory. It really ties the whole haven’t left the house in days look
together so nicely. I like pajama pants that aren’t all floofy in the front, so
I designed these to lie flat. Its as close to wearing real pants as you can get
without… wearing real pants. How cute that you cut them into shorts! I would
highly recommend cutting them into shorts with the pattern pieces on the bias,
you would get the cutest little fluttery pj shorts ever, with a lots of drapey
curves around the leg and a nice flat front. An added bonus is the way that
bias cut shorts and pants stretch, even when sewn in woven fabrics. Maybe in a
nice linen or lawn?
Erin:
One thing I love about your book is that there are so many clothes
patterns in it. I haven’t had much
success sewing garments for myself in the past.
No longer! I think you have me on
a selfish sewing roll! Did you start
writing the book with clothing in mind, or did the projects fall into place as
you went along?
Heather: I knew from the very beginning that I
wanted Weekend Sewing to be the book that propelled sewers from the “straight
lines” stage of tote bags and pillow covers to actual garments. I had a vision
of someone completing a dress or blouse and then saying “So THATS how you do
it, I thought it was so much more complicated!” I focussed on pieces that did
not require complicated steps or closures and hoped for the best. I also wanted
the projects to be grown up, wearable styles that were meant a real, albeit
casual, lifestyle: Things you would actually make more than once, things you
would wear.
Erin: I
really liked the wide straps and square neckline of the trapeze sundress, but I
didn’t think I would wear it as a dress.
So I cut 12” off of the bottom and made a blouse. And I adore it! It’s sure to be a summer staple for me. I like that this, and other patterns, can be
changed or adjusted to make them entirely different. Was that intentional on your part or just a
happy accident?
purpose! I love this dress too. I wanted to design a sun dress that felt right
in the city, where summer is oh so sweaty and miserable. I needed it to cover
as little as possible while hiding a bra strap. I think the possibilities for
this style are endless. You could make it ankle length and add a really wide
belt (If thats your plan, move the pockets down at least six inches) or add
tiers of ruffles from the chest down. I also had a second motive: I wanted to
show everybody how easy adding pockets can be!
I should point out
that for those of us who are more curvy, moving those pleats into the center of
the blouse will slim down the silhouette and create a less dramatic “trapeze
shape”.
You look so cute in
it!
Erin:
Thank you!
There are so many patterns for different bags out there, but I really
like the shape and size of the everyday tote.
I love that it can fold up nice and flat, but still has good style. Even though I sewed my handles wrong (oops!), the fact that they are folded and then open
flat makes them incredibly comfortable. Where
did you come up with that idea?
Heather: I should say here that I believe that there
is a typo in this pattern: I think it should call for 1 yard of each fabric,
not 1/2 yard. My apologies.
This bag is my
personal Farmers Market bag. I wanted one that would hold everything from fresh
eggs to big bags of apples and berries while still allowing for a huge bouquet
of flowers to ride on top. And yes, I love how it stuffs into nothingness too,
and I can toss it n the washer. I really love how yours looks with thinner
straps. I like wide comfy straps because I always put too much weight in my
bags, but its nice to see that it works both ways. I love what you did with the
pocket, using just a little bit of the horses over the floral lining. The
pockets are so key. I am forever losing my phone and my keys inside every bag,
so can’t ever skip this step.
Erin: The pocket is key for me, too! I also purposely chose the horse fabric because I knew I would be able to spot that dark green easily against the white lining. So far, it's working great.
I
made the yard sale wrap skirt in an afternoon.
I remember having a skirt similar to this when I was a child. It was one of the most comfortable things I
owned. My new one is no different. I think you have a knack for designing
practical yet stylish clothing.
Heather: This skirt is based
on a wonderful old wrap skirt that wandered around in my family for about
twenty years. The wrap skirt, made from printed indian cotton, was such an
ubiquitous style in the 70’s, remember? I have extremely fond memories of
someone, maybe an aunt, holding hers up poolside around my cousin as she
changed into her swimsuit, like a little changing room. I updated the hemline
because I can’t stand that “thick calf” length, but otherwise its pretty true
to form. This is, without a doubt, the most wearable style in the book. Its
also the most versatile, because you can make it as big or as full as you want
by adding more panels. I worked for a long time on the shape of the panels, I
wanted them to create just the right amount of drape so that it would be flat
against the tummy and hips and then melt into a big swoopy hem. It’s tough to
do this without making something that looks like a poodle skirt, but I am happy
to say that i think I nailed it here. I would also suggest adding a piece of
interfacing to the center front waistband, the result will be a nipped-in waist
and flat tummy. I’m getting reports that people are having to add an additional
panel to this style in order for it to fully cover their backsides. Sorry,
ladies!
Erin: I was happy I had some extra fabric on hand because I did add an extra panel to my skirt, too. People might want to remember that if they are purchasing fabric for this skirt.
After the success with the wrap skirt, I
went ahead and made the all weekend sundress.
I didn’t have high hopes for it – I just wasn’t sure how if it would
flatter me or not. Guess what? I like it.
I still need to add the spaghetti straps, but otherwise it’s ready to
wear. I can see myself throwing this
over a swim suit as a glamorous cover-up.
I had forgotten how much fun elastic thread is, too. So cool!
A good number of projects in Weekend Sewing use elastic thread. Why do you like it so much?
Heather: I did use it a lot, didn’t I!
The kimono dress and all weekend sundress are great examples
of why I did this. By using stretchy rows of elastic thread to join the bodice
and skirt on both of these styles, I brought in the waist with lovely even
gathers so that it would fit the wearer perfectly without requiring a zipper or
other closure. I wanted this stuff to fit, and elastic gathers really make that
possible! Also, I really wanted everyone to see how easy it is to sew with
elastic thread, and how it can be employed to make very cool looking, great
fitting garments without a lot of work.
Your rows of elasticized stitching look so even and
perfect!!!
Erin:
Thanks – I am really proud of how that dress came together. Next up for me: the town
bag. First I need to find the right
piece of leather and then work up the courage to actually sew with it. I think that if my success with these other
projects is any indication, it’ll be a breeze.
seeing it! And if you can’t find leather, try using a really heavy velvet for
the town bag. Really unexpected, but really amazing.
Erin: That’s a great idea – I can just see it in a
soft pastel color. Once again, you’ve
got my mind spinning.
Thanks so much, Heather.
. . . . .
OK – that was so much fun. Heather and the nice folks at STC Craft are giving away a copy of Weekend Sewing to one lucky reader. Comment on this post before 12:00 noon EST, Wednesday, March 18th for a chance. Also, don't forget about the design challenge Heather is having on her blog.
Now I am going to clean up my mess and then take a nap. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
First time I have seen all the things made out of this book and they look great. I have got to have that wrap skirt, that certainly brings back memories. Would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for hosting this.
These projects all came out so beautifully. I’ve really been in the mood to make most of my spring and summer wardrobe and this seems like the perfect book to guide me.
This was an awesome post – congrats on the lovely work!
count me in on the drawing 🙂
I knew you were busy, as you weren’t posting very often. I adore your blog and had a great time a while back on a snow day with coffee reading old posts. I haven’t bought the book yet, but if I don’t win the give-away, I’ll have to! Great tips on the sewing and thank you for sharing!
That whole thing was so full of awesome, Erin! Thanks to both you and Heather.
I have the book and have to go get my roll of paper to start tracing away! Yay! Summer is rolling around here already and I need some new things to wear.
I want it. I need it. I need it now! Fun post, Erin and Heather.
Great interview! I love all the projects you made from her book – they all look so great! I think I need either the trapeze dress, or the tank top version (or maybe both!)
What a great interview! You make me want to make some clothes for myself Erin!
OH, my. Even better and more amazing than I’d hoped. Now I *really* have to buy this book. Thanks to both of you!
xox, K
whoa, erin. great interview. fun projects. i’m so very inspired!!
Wonderful interview, Erin! I didn’t even know this book was out until I read about it here. I’ve been drooling over a Lilly Pulitzer dress for a while now, and I think the summer blouse pattern just might do the trick – I was so happy that Heather mentioned the connection. I think there are quite a few things in this book that I’d like to try. I’m off to order the book NOW!!
It’s very inspiring to know these patterns were created with the thought of moving a novice sewer (like myself) into the next non-intimidating level, and STILL be able to finish it in the same season (maybe even the same week!) that I start it! ~H
wow, that’s inspiring. I’m such a beginner and getting clothing to fit me is not something I’ve done a very good job of so far since I’m always in between different pattern sizes.
Thanks for this great interview and inspiring sewing ideas! Such simple projects and so useful. Cheers~
wow. you did a great job on all the projects. I love how you took the patterns and made them your own. Thanks for the chance to win this great book and thanks for all the inspiration you share!
Erin, your interview made me want to skip work and go buy the book. Now I HAVE to have it. Thank You.
This book has not come out in the UK yet. I think Amazon are shipping it 27th March. I’ve been counting the days for ages. It’s really encouraging what a lot of projects you’ve managed to make so successfully and what a lot of brilliant extra tips Heather gave out in your interview with her. I’m sure I’ll come back to this post again and again to remind myself. Thanks for posting all your inspiring work.
Thanks Erin for the wonderful interview with Heather Ross. I love all of your projects, especially the trapeze shirt. If I don’t win this book, I will certainly purchase it.
Wow! You have been a very productive gal! I love all your projects. I’m actually going to see Heather this weekend at a book signing. Your interview with her made me even more excited for it!
Oooh, I would really like to make that skirt! It looks like you did a great job (as usual) on all the items. Please enter me in the drawing.
Erin, I love your blog! I’ve been reading it for a few months now. You are so inspiring. Thanks for posting all of these wonderful projects and then giving us a chance to win the book! Now, that’s a good deal. 🙂
Wow, everything you’ve done is fantastic! I love the summer dresses, tank, and pj pants. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
great interview! your new wardrobe looks great!
“I knew from the very beginning that I wanted Weekend Sewing to be the book that propelled sewers from the “straight lines” stage of tote bags and pillow covers to actual garments.”
I think I need this book. Count me in on the drawing.
wow! great interview. i really enjoyed seeing your projects and am thinking i might need to buy this book after all. (or win it?!) 🙂
dang, girl. nice work.
Like Bernadette just said, I can’t wait for it to be out here in the UK. I’m counting the days! Great to get a preview of some of the things all sewn up first. Thanks!
I already have the book, so no need to include me in the drawing. I just wanted to thank you for the interview – it’s always nice to read a little more about what a designer was thinking when she came up with certain patterns. I love the pajama shorts you made. I think those pants may be next on my list.
Well done!
I am absolutely one who is intimidated at fewing garments. I might just have to get the book now.
Also, Heather’s comment about the velvet bag has me dreaming.
typo above. oops.
Yeah for selfish sewing! These projects turned out fantastic Erin! Too much fun! Thanks for such a great post.
I finally took a beginner sewing class a couple of weeks ago to help me get over the fear of breaking in my new machine that has been sitting in it’s box since last Christmas (yes, that’s xmas 2007) and I’m suddenly wanting to sew everything I see. How is Weekend Sewing for beginners?
Great interview Erin!
Erin, everything you made turned out so lovely! Great job! This interview was very helpful. I found myself taking notes. Thank you!
What a cool interview! Thanks for sharing!
the wrap skirt is on my list for sure! if i’m not the lucky winner, i’m hitting the book store! beautiful work erin!
Fun interview – thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks for posting this. It is fabulous! I always wonder if I should buy a book with the patterns included but I never know how they will turn out. I guess I am afraid to commit to it (the book, the fabric,the time). This was great!
All of your projects look great! I really need to make a wrap skirt one of these days.
wow…beautiful work! I need to get this book!
What a fun interview! thanks for letting us in on your chat.
The projects from this book look really fun to make, I would love to win this giveaway.
this book is next on my must buy list. but maybe i’ll just win it instead!
thanks for the interview.
wow, you’ve been busy! everything looks great. plus, hm, I’m interested in that book now…
Great projects – all of them – I love how they turned out! You must have been very busy. And yes please I’d love a copy of the book. It’s just what I need … projects must be done in one weekend otherwise they’ll end up in the unfinished projects basket … and who knows when (or sometimes if) they’ll reappear from there. Thanks for this lovely blog.
Everything turned out amazing Erin, and what a treat to find out more about the inspiration behind the design. Looks like a great way to start spring with a fresh new wardrobe.
This book is going onto my wish list immediately.
What a fun interview and what lovely things you’ve made. I’m determined to conquer my fear of my sewing machine — your blog is so helpful! — and so I’d love to win a copy of the book!
i love the look of that bag and the weekend blouse…i think i could live in it. i would so love to win that book.
Kelly
Love that trapeze top and wrap skirt. Makes me want to start sewing!
sold! I’d pre-ordered my copy (in the UK) before I even reached the end of your post.
I have read your blog for quite awhile now and really enjoy it. Your projects all look wonderful!
Love it, so much! Summer blouse – finished, wrap skirt – next up. I hope I don’t need an extra panel though…
Great interview! Great sewing too – what an energizing springtime show and share! I especially like the skirt and the totebag – well done!
You’ve left me with an itch to sew some clothes for myself. Can’t think of the last time I felt that. Must. Scratch. Now.
I glanced through this book over the weekend and it’s at the top of my list to buy…though I’d love to win it!
I have had my eye on this book- great interview and inspiring examples!
Now I see why you have been so busy! I love the skirt! It looks great. I bet I know a few things you will pack for your trip!
Wow you did alot of sewing! It all looks so great! I can’t wait to check out the book.
I really should not have looked at this while at work!! You did such an amazing job on all the items you sewed (and the interview) and now I’m dying to get my hands on this book!!
Wihout having the book, yet, your interview really told where she got the ideas- thanks Erin. i love how these look great, and you make it seem like there was no hair pulling in the sewing process! Looking forward to seeing the book.
Erin, that was a GREAT interview. You did a wonderful job w/ all the projects! Busy lady!
I would love to try some of these patterns. Please enter me in the drawing.
Thanks for a great interview! This book would make an awesome birthday present for me 🙂 I love sewing clothes, this is just the inspiration I needed!
what a fun interview! and it is so great to see all your projects, erin… you did a beautiful job on everything! the bag has got to be next on my list (and the trapeze dress, and, and… 🙂 )
xo
Wow, great stuff! I am just learning the basics in sewing and would love to move on to clothes this year.
Erin – all your projects look fabulous! Weekend Sewing will be my Mother’s Day gift, if I don’t break down sooner that is…there is so much I want to sew right now!
What a great interview, and what great clothes you made! It certainly has me wanting to take a look at this book and maybe get over my fear of making clothes. (Yikes.)
Enjoyed your interview! Everything was so pretty!
Wow Erin. You are a busy bee 🙂 The book looks soooo good. Fun to read the interview.
Wow!! You really make sewing garments look like a very easy work. I feel inspired, and I want to sew all the projects in the book. But if I don’t get the book through you, I for sure will get one. Thank you!!
I love all of your projects they are just adorable. I was thinking that the everyday tote used more than a 1/2 yard of each fabric when I made it but I was using 60″inch wide stuff and wasnt sure. (I guess I was just too excited to make it) I am planning on making the wrap skirt now it looks so adorable on you!
I must try that wrap skirt! I just got a new sewing machine and these would be great projects to christen it with. Thanks, Erin, for hosting Heather and sharing all of your finished projects.
All your projects look great – well done! Great interview too – thank you.
That was such a fun read, thank you! Love the jammie shorts, so cute and practical 🙂
I was eyeballing that book last week at the fabric store! I am tickled to know that you found the projects so easy to sew. I adore the weekend wrap skirt.
Thanks for the fun interview!!
so fun Erin, you’ve been busy!
wow, everything you made is so cute! And this is a great interview! I really want a copy of the book, now! I’ll have to add it to my library list.
I want to give the book to my neighbor so she can sew me something!
what a fun post. I am always iffy about sewing garments because of the weird-ish fit. All of your prjects came out so cute!!
I need this book!!
You did such a nice job with all of those projects. I think I will definitely make the first blouse/tunic and the wrap skirt.
Wow! I was so excited to see this post today, I couldn’t wait to get a sneak peek of this book. Your projects came out great. I think I’ll need some more practice before attempting any of these, but the book will be great motivation for that!
so cool that you made so many clothes!
I used to sew almost all my clothes, but I haven’t done anything in years. This book, and seeing what Erin has made from it, has made excited to get back into sewing again.
I’d LOVE to win the book!
Count me in! I would love to make that wrap skirt my official summer skirt.
-Violet
What a great interview! I’m excited to hear about such successful projects from this book. I peeked at it in the store but wanted to hear how others liked it before committing to the purchase. If I don’t win it I’ll definitely be buying this book soon.
Thank you Erin for this wonderful post! It is great to see so many finished projects and examples. I wanted the book before and now I really want it! Thanks for the giveaway. jill
If I don’t win – the book is sold. I NEED this! You did a great job – both with the sewing and the interview!
I love all of these projects…looks like a great book. The interview was fun!
Loved seeing how all the projects turned out. I want the book more than ever now!
i perused a friend’s copy of this book and it looks brilliant. i can’t sew (yet) but i’d love a slew of those wrap skirts. maybe it’s the push i need to learn to sew!
I just returned from the local bookstore where I held this book in my hands and drooled over the cute patterns!!! I could not afford to buy the book right now, so winning one would be awesome! Loved the interview!
Every project is so wonderful! 🙂
thanks so much for the interview and showing off yourself wearing the clothes you made! such courage, and you look great! it is nice to see that the clothes look good when sewn by a real person and worn by a real body, that is always my worry, especially when fabric is so expensive! thanks again!
Beautiful projects! I’d really love this book.
Nice exchange between you two. I’ve always been intimidated by sewing clothes, but you and Heather make it sound worth a try. The wrap skirt caught my eye. And the pj bottoms. And the blouse/dress…
I can’t wait to get a copy of this book. Erin, all of your projects came out perfect!! I especially love the weekend sundress. I think I need one of these…and everything else! I just love everything.
Thanks Erin for alerting me to the book blog tour, it’s been great following along. The outfits you have made are really inspiring me to get this book, so I do hope I win!
I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Angela
accoupons at gmail dot com
sounds amazing – i’d love to have a look at this book!
Great post Erin and Heather! These projects look wonderful!
Oh my goodness, every one of those projects is something I’d make! The book looks fantastic!
And such fun to read the interview!!
I really hope I win since my book budget is currently zero. 😉 (Especially after James’s dental extravaganza today. Eek.)
Wow! I’m so inspired now! I particularly love the pajamas. My kids never have enough pajamas and I hate so many of the ones out there. I have some old sheets that are dying to be pajamas! Gorgeous work!
Wow Erin! I can’t believe you completed all of those projects not only quickly, but also so well. I can’t wait to try some projects myself.
Erin – I just love all the questions you asked! They’re just the sort of things I would have wondered about, so it’s just perfect!
And, P.S., I just adore so many of your fabric choices. Stellar!
I seem to recall a wrap skirt very similar to that was my first sewing project at Home E at school! I’d love to have a copy of the book…
Thanks so much for posting this and for sharing all the things you’ve made already–so ambitious! They’re lovely and make me even more certain I’m ready to buy this book!
Wow, you have been busy! Love the wrap skirt as it reminds me of “back in the day” times!
What an awesome post!! Thanks for taking the time to put it all online. It was so neat to see all of your nifty summer duds and to hear answers to your questions for Heather. I dare say your blog is surging ahead to my absolute favorite online spot.
this has given me spring fever bad-I’ve got to get that book!
awesome, terrific, fantastic post! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this book– thanks so much for sharing your projects, and for having Heather Ross on your blog. Very fun read!
All of your projects look great. It is so nice to hear Heather’s take on each pattern and how much thought went into each one. I can’t wait to start a project from the book. Please enter me in the drawing!
Very timely, since I just rearranged a room in my house to facilitate more sewing and bought some Heather Ross fabric just yesterday! I’d love to win the book, but if I don’t I’m going to have to buy it – I love that skirt!
I’m so excited. I must get this book even if I don’t win. I love pjs, but I want to pick the fabrics and adjust them to fit perfectly. I can’t wait.
Great interview and I looooove that green dress! :]
WOW! What great projects you made, I love them all.
everything looks wonderful! and now i need to get this book. i’m looking forward to wearing that wrap skirt all summer long.
This really does seem like a great book. I will have to add it to my wish list
would love a chance to stretch myself beyond the ‘straight lines’ sewing. these projects look like a lot of fun. thanks!
shift dress, pajama pants, and wrap skirt, oh my! Can’t wait to dive into this book!
I adore the weekend sundress! That is my color green. I can see it dressed down as a cover up at the beach or a date night dress with some cool beads & bangles. My crafting goal is to get my two big projects done (1 down, 1 almost done), and then sew clothes. This book sounds perfect. Dittos on the great interview.
I’ll throw my hat into the ring for the book, because I’m exactly the type of sewer that Heather designed the book for. I’ve done quilts, coasters and bags, but clothes are still a bit scary…
I love everything!
Oh I would love to be entered please.Does it come with a babysitter to keep my kids entertained whilst I sew???
great job on the clothes Erin.
This is one book I would love to own, especially after this review!
Such a great post. Lovely work Erin. I am all inspired now!
All the best,
Dawn
I’ve got some leather on hand. Can’t wait to see the Town Bag pattern and see if it’s a good fit for me. Must go find a copy of the book…
Ok, you just made me REALLY REALLY want this book!!!
This post really made me want this book! I hate sewing clothes for myself, I’d like to get better at it.
I love that skirt and must have this book! It’s definitely on my “to get” list.
what a great post! i thoroughly enjoyed reading it! nice projects, erin!
Wow – great projects. Now I really have to go get this book ASAP! Thanks for sharing!
What a lot of lovely greens!
Ohhh…the skirt…and you’re right — the sundress would be so cute over a bathing suit! I must get my hands on this book!
This was awesome! and so is your sewing Erin! Thank you for the chance to win this exciting book.
I need this book. I want to make the bag and the wrap skirt the most, but the white shirt is awfully tempting.
Wow! So many cute things! That book is on my Amazon Wish List.
How fun, Erin … everything looks so great. Lord, you’ve even inspired me to sew: from scratch, not just cutting up men’s 70 trousers into knickers! I especially love the dress & want one.
PS: for leather, the Tandy Leather outlet is down Bardstown Road – toward (or in) Fern Creek … it’s way out there, on the right in a strip mall just behind Ryan’s Steak House.
Thanks for sharing that fun interview! I wish I could have you and heather ross in my living room- in a fun crafty way, not in a creepy way… Nice work on the projects too!
What an excellent interview! And thanks for sharing your “real life” experience with the book’s projects!
I would love to have this book, all of your projects look great. I would love to make these for myself.
Great pictures and great sewing! I am wanting to get my hands on that book!
Wow, you’ve got your sewing groove on!
Wow, what a beautiful review. I’ve just woken up from my nap and would love to win this book.
Wonderful!
What a great interview. I’m always wondering what inspires people to create or design something wonderful. Also, pick me!
What beautiful patterns! (And beautiful execution, Erin!) Count me in on the contest!
When I read that Heather was “stopping by” here over on her blog, I could.not.wait! This was an awesome interview, Erin, and your things came out wonderfully!!
Such beautiful projects. Makes me want to get the sewing machine out right now!
Love your blog too.
wow, you’ve been a busy girl! everything looks great!
Oh wow, this really makes me want to sew!
Thanks for sharing about the book and your conversation with Heather!!
erin. i am trying to figure out which item you sewed that i like the best. and i think i will have to go with heather’s sundress. it is so cute. and looks so comfortable. whoohoo.
Your projects look amazing. Thanks for sharing them.
125 to go.
(um, I’m not entering myself)
those all look great! It just leaves me wondering are any of these projects good for beginners?
Great interview and lovely projects!
Wow, I want to run right out and buy this book!!! I’ve wanted to get some good clothing patterns for some time… sounds like a wonderful book!
Great interview, beautiful work on all of your clothes! I am so excited to work from this book in the near future!
Thanks for posting the interview. Erin you did such a wonderful job on your projects. I’ve been so reluctant to sew anything other than a quilt, but this has encouraged me to tackle clothing.
what a fun post! you are one productive woman. I definitely want to try the wrap skirt.
Great stuff, nominated you for Sisterhood award, if you haven’t gotten one yet.
Fantatsic interview and *excellent* sewing – you are talented seamstress!
I would be grateful if you could enter me in the draw. . . I am excited about all of the projects you have tackled here. This looks like an absolutely amazing resource!
you sold me!
Great inspiration. Makes me want to get past pillows and aprons.
What great interview…. I have the book on my list, but don;t own it yet. I can see myself creating all those garments for summer.
Erin, This was a great article. It makes me want to sew clothes again. I have been concentrating on quilts for the last few years. And, I should win this book as it is my birthday on the 18th, hint, hint. 🙂 Take care and God bless, Cory
*fantastic* sewing!!! and interviewing! i am taking my first sewing lessons at the end of the month…i can’t wait to get going on that everyday bag!
What agreat interview! And that wrap skirt is fabulous.
I’m new to sewing (just recently started using my thrifted sewing machine 🙂
This book looks great-and your sewing projects turned out wonderfully!
My oh my – such fun stuff. I always love to see the fabric choices other sewers make. Thanks for offering the give-away.
I wondered why I kept hearing great things about this book… Now I know! I’d love a copy!
Great interview and your projects look amazing! I can’t wait to see the book.
I love that bag you use for the farmers’ market. And the different fabric for the pocket adds a nice touch.
Everything you made looks so fun and comfy! I have not had much luck making things for myself… Sounds like I need Heather’s book! Thanks for the peek and interview!!
I really enjoyed the interview erin and all your pieces look great. It’s so fun to sew for yourself when you actually want to wear what you make:)
I enjoy sewing quilts and other projects, but haven’t sewn a piece of clothing for me for over 15 years. More than a little tempted after reading your post.
As for the short pj’s. Am loving that idea!!! I could see how those could become very addictive.
It looks like a wonderful book!
I love the trapeze top. The book seems to be a winner. Love your blog!
Wow, what a great and informative interview. I was trying really hard to not buy another sewing book but the projects and your review have me sold.
I really love seeing how projects come together from new crafty books. I am definitely a see it/try it before you buy it type person and it is so nice to have real examples from this book. thank you! Also, everything looks really lovely.
I would love to make a few of the shirts from this book!!
Great interview and it appears to be a great book. I have been plotting how I am going to get one of my friends to get it down to me in Panama sooner rather than later.
I have this book on hold at the library, can’t wait to see it!
Lovely interview with Heather. Thank you so much!
This book looks like it has a lot of doable, wearable projects. I haven’t liked anything I have made for myself since high school. It looks like this book might change that.
The wrap skirt looks like a fun skirt to have on hand for the summer. Thanks for doing the interview!
Erin, I love how you customized the projects, especially the trapeze dress/top. I would love a copy of Heather’s book!
Wow! That was a really inspiring post. I am still in the straight line phase in my sewing but would love to branch out and try to make a few clothing items. Can’t wait to check out this book.
That was fun!
Your completed pieces look great!
I love the pieces you made! This book sounds fabulous–I would love to win a copy and get started on some sewing-for-me projects. Thanks for sharing.
I recently discovered your blog and must say you are very inspiring. I love all of your projects. Thanks for the chance to win Heather’s book. I’m ready to sew!! 🙂
Thanks for this! I saw your post the other day and reserved the book from my library… it already had a massive waiting list for it – so please pick me!
I loved this interview. It has fueled my NEED to get this book. I’ve already ear-marked a gift certificate I’ve just been waiting to use, but I’d love to win a copy instead. 🙂 This is really inspiring me to do more sewing.
Even if I don’t win I will absolutely be looking to buy this book! As if I need more projects on my table! 🙂
Very inspiring! I love that summer blouse!
all of your projects turned out great! (and i can’t believe there are so many!)
i keep looking at this book in the store and trying to convince myself that it’s ok to buy it (“i can make this for so and so, and this for her” and mostly “and this, this and this for me!”). if i don’t win, i’m going to go grab it once and for all. i need to get back into clothes sewing!
I definitely want this book now! I love all of your own examples – it’s nice to see “real” versions of the projects and I love your variations!
all these things are really beautiful! would love to see a picture of the “whole” blouse.
count me in for the give away.
I’m going to need this book, just sayin’. I love the pajama shorts and that blouse…well, I’m already ordering fabric.
Great interview, Erin! After seeing and hearing about the projects you’ve made, I really want a copy of this book!
What a great interview, so enlightening to see Heather’s responses to her designs and her choices she made. Thank you Erin, plus your sewing has certainly got me adding this book to my wishlist!
seriously erin, you rock the sewing world and this interview! well done, you!!!
Wow I am very inspired to buy the book, I love everything you have made! -kb
Love the patterns in the book, so practical and fashionable. I love just about every one and can’t wait to try some of them out! Thank you for giving us a peek at how these actually look once they are made.
What a wonderful interview! The projects in this book look amazing!
Thanks for posting the interview. It was so interesting to read the designer’s viewpoints on the various projects, as well as the design process behind them. I think I liked that part especially. The give-away is such a bonus!
Wow! I am amazed and impressed by all of your clothing sewing!
oh i hope i win, all the things you made look great.
Thank you so much for this insightful interview!
Oh all of your projects look wonderful!! I just can’t wait to get my hands on this book and start sewing.
Those look so simple and pretty, it makes a non pattern sewer think she can tackle them!
Thanks for sharing this with us. It was so cool!
It’s all so cute! I really love those pj shorts! And that everyday tote is pretty adorable, too! Thanks so much for sharing all of your photos. This looks like a great book!
I have the book already – so don’t count this as a vote…but I just had to comment on your super industriousness. Wow woman! That’s a lot of sewing!
I have a huge crush on this book. We keep making eyes at the bookstore and I’d love to win a copy.
Thanks for a great post and always lovely blog!
OH! I LOVE several of the patterns you’ve made up. I used to sew almost all my clothes, but haven’t done that in years now. I think this book will get me back into it.
Nice work!
Such gorgeous projects. I am SO impressed.
Don’t include me in the giveaway – the book should go to someone who will be at least half as prolific with it as you were. I just couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw that hook with all of your finished projects on it. You are a machine, woman!
How motivating AND inspiring!! Now I’m off to my sewing room!
Lovely idea to combine the interview with your own sewing. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad to have read about Heather’s creative process on these projects! Yours turned out so lovely as well. The wrap skirt looks fantastic.
I almost didn’t want to read this, because I knew it would make me want to run out and buy Weekend Sewing even more than I already did! Great job by both of you!
This was so fun to read. I am a touch addicted to Weekend Sewing right now and seeing your projects didn’t help. 🙂 Beautiful!
I’ve been wondering about her book…I love that you tested it for us! Thanks! Your projects all look great!