Monday, January 19, 2015

Sewing to Sell - Book Review and Giveaway (giveaway closed)






Have you ever dreamed of making money from your crafty/sewing hobby? If you have then you will want to pick up the new book Sewing to Sell from gingercake's Virginia Lindsay


This book is a great resource for those just thinking about starting a crafty (not just sewing) business to those who already have one and are looking for some new ideas and inspiration.  Virginia goes through all aspects of  starting and running your business, from coming up with your brand and vision (VERY important),  planning, materials, all the way to pricing and packaging.

The book is full of beautiful photographs and a TON of helpful hints (Lots of things I WISH I had been told when I started! :) )

Once you have got your inspiration flowing, and a plan in place, She even includes 16  unique projects to start with, and encourages you to make them your own.


It was hard to choose just one to sew up (they are all pretty great) but I settled on the Kid's Messenger Bag.





I love that all the projects are great 'blank slate' patterns, that really allow you to use your style to make them your own.  I also love that most of them are unisex and work for a diverse customer base (important when sewing for craft/trunk shows)

I made two (although I have a TON of ideas for more) with woodland animal appliques.




The only change I made was to omit the trim and add the applique rabbit and deer in felt. I have included the applique pattern for you to use to make your own! You can download the applique pattern here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_8Gt0xYcWcccTlqNzV0NzMtbm8/view?usp=sharing




 Virginia takes the guess work out of some of the most challenging aspects of starting your business. Each project comes with suggested pricing, ideas for packaging and even how to photograph each item! (super helpful)  
Here is an example of my photo set up , She mostly shows you setups using natural light (which I agree is the best), but I had to use my lights since it was a rainy day out. 

I also LOVE that she includes projects to make the most out of your fabric. This is especially great for those that are starting out and do not want to make a huge investment in the beginning. This bag used every bit of the needed fabric, with only a small scrap left over!

I recommend this to everyone who needs a push to get their business started, it is great for inspiration. And to seasoned business owners, it is a super way to rethink your business and to reevaluate your process.


Want to win a copy of Sew to Sell?  Of course you do.  Just leave a comment below by the end of Wednesday, January 21st!  (**Open to American and Canadian residents only)  And follow along on the tour for more chances to win  ***GIVEAWAY CLOSED***


 **thank you to Virginia Lindsay who graciously provided me with an e-copy of the book for review, all opions are my own :)

~Christine

54 comments:

  1. Thanks for the review. Anyone who has their own business is amazing. I'd love to read about it. It might just be the push I need to take the next step.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heidiandfinn Modern Wears For Kids: Sewing To Sell - Book Review And Giveaway (Giveaway Closed) >>>>> Download Now

      >>>>> Download Full

      Heidiandfinn Modern Wears For Kids: Sewing To Sell - Book Review And Giveaway (Giveaway Closed) >>>>> Download LINK

      >>>>> Download Now

      Heidiandfinn Modern Wears For Kids: Sewing To Sell - Book Review And Giveaway (Giveaway Closed) >>>>> Download Full

      >>>>> Download LINK xu

      Delete
  2. Thanks for the chance to win! This book will be a great resource!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'd love to read through this book!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This book does indeed sound like an excellent resource. I would certainly like to read this book.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Would love a copy of this book and one of those bags! So cute!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love the bags, especially that bunny.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love your version of the bags- so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I would love to have another resource for starting a crafting business! Thanks for a chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  9. So cute. Thanks for the chance and the great applique.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'd love to win this book! Thank you for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  11. finally a chance for Canadians!!! I've been eyeing this book in most of the blog tour and now I can enter! Yay! It looks like a great book!

    ReplyDelete
  12. This book sounds fantastic! Would love to get my hands on a copy!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This sounds like something I need! ☺

    ReplyDelete
  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  15. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I LOVE your appliqués! Thanks for providing them.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I would LOVE to get my hands on a copy of this! Sounds great for people getting into selling their handmade lovelies!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I would love to get all the tips and tricks in this book. Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Ok, I really need this book! It looks fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I would definitely try some of these projects.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Cute bag and appliques. I would love to win.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Looks like a very inspirational book! - Thanks for the chance to win...

    ReplyDelete
  23. Very cute bags and appliqués. I'd love to win this book!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I want to win one of these copies so bad! I keep entering, maybe I will win? Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I just received a sewing machine for Christmas and want to start a home based business since I'm a SAHM. This book would be perfect to help me start out! Thanks for the chance to win! :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Looks like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway and chance to win. (debbie at wowilikethat dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  27. I would love to win this for a good bag making friend who lives in Ohio

    ReplyDelete
  28. I would love any advice I can. I am starting my business this year.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Always great when you can get advice from someone who has been there

    ReplyDelete
  30. Would love to win - some great ideas

    ReplyDelete
  31. I LOVE the stitching around the bunny appliqué! French knots? And this book looks like a great one to have. Thanks for a chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Oh my I LOVE your appliqué animals. Such a great way to show an project and how to make it your own. I am drooling over this book!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I have checked this book out at the library and it's great. It's on my list to buy, but it would be even better to win it. Have a great day! dawnm1993(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. i have this book on hold at the library - it sure would be wonderful to have my own copy:) Thanks for sharing your beautiful messenger bags - the appliqués are adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Id love a copy of this book! Sounds like it'll take much of the guess work out of getting started with selling your handmade goodies!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I'd love to have this book! Sounds like it'll take much of the guess work out of the process!

    ReplyDelete
  37. This book sounds great, especially the photography help. Also, I love the animal appliqué thanks for sharing the pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love your versions of the bag! Thank you for the chance to win. sarah@forussia.org

    ReplyDelete
  39. I really need to learn more about business as what I'm making is growing into a small business and I'm not sure how to handle it all! I want to still love what I do and not feel pressured.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'm trying to start my own business and it's so overwhelming, all the different aspects you have to know

    ReplyDelete
  41. Love you bag with the deer! I could really use a copy of this book - thanks for the chance to win!
    jacklynnsteven at netzero dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'm really excited about this book and even more excited at a chance to win a copy! Thank you so much! Nicole at lillyella dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Would love a chance to read the book!

    ReplyDelete
  45. This would be amazing to win! Thank you so much for the chance! :)
    heatheranne99 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Come and see how 1,000's of people like YOU are working for a LIVING online and are living their dreams TODAY.
    CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT

    ReplyDelete
  47. Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors. Tote bag for girls

    ReplyDelete
  48. Heidiandfinn Modern Wears For Kids: Sewing To Sell - Book Review And Giveaway (Giveaway Closed) >>>>> Download Now

    >>>>> Download Full

    Heidiandfinn Modern Wears For Kids: Sewing To Sell - Book Review And Giveaway (Giveaway Closed) >>>>> Download LINK

    >>>>> Download Now

    Heidiandfinn Modern Wears For Kids: Sewing To Sell - Book Review And Giveaway (Giveaway Closed) >>>>> Download Full

    >>>>> Download LINK

    ReplyDelete