By now most of you have heard about the fabulous new book by Sarah Gunn and Julie Starr, “A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing”. Can you tell by the picture how thrilled I am about this book?!!!
The book explores 30 classic garments by providing history, characteristics, sewing tips, fabric suggestions, design variations, styling tips as well as who has famously worn the garment. Illustrations drawn by Beth Briggs add a touch of whimsy throughout the book.
Below is the table of contents that I photographed. The book is published on beautiful quality glossy paper which unfortunately I had issues photographing. The colors are much more vibrant than represented in my photos.
The book includes a Classic Garment Gallery. This section features many talented sewists wearing their timeless creations. I was honored to be featured in this section. One of my garments pictured in the gallery is the Sewaholic Robson trench coat I made a few years ago.
Below is the feature page as well as the corresponding illustrations by Beth Briggs for the trench coat section. The pages in-between contain styling suggestions as well as the information mentioned at the beginning of this post. Here is a quote attributed to Angela Ahrendts that accompanies this garment in the book: “Everyone in the world should have a trench coat, and there should be a trench coat for everyone in the world. It does not matter your age, it doesn’t matter your gender.” I concur!
“A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing” would be a great resource when planning your sewing projects. It would also be a wonderful pick-me-up when you’re low on sewing mojo. I would even recommend the book for non-sewists who are interested in learning more about classic garments.
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE… This book is not only informative and visually pleasing, it also has a sewing pattern in sizes 2 through 22 for “The Modern Classic Pencil Skirt”. I have already made two skirts with this pattern and it has become my TNT (Tried ‘n True) pattern for this style of skirt. The curved waistband, dartless front and slight bell shape are details that help create a flattering skirt.
Pictured below are the two skirts I made using the pattern included in the book. The skirt on the left is a boucle and the skirt on the right is wool gabardine. Both fabrics were in my stash just waiting for this pattern to come along.
***BOOK GIVEAWAY ***
C&T Publishing is offering a free book to one of my blog readers. If you are interested in being entered in the drawing for a copy of A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing, please let me know by writing a comment on my blog no later than December 7th, 2019. The winner will be announced December 8th on my blog. The winner will receive their book directly from the publisher. If the winner lives outside of the United States, they will receive a digital copy of the book. This contest is closed. The winner is Karen Eckert.
Blog Tour Schedule: The following sewists are participating in the blog tour. Visit them for a chance to enter in the drawing and find out about their thoughts on A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing.
December 2 Lori VanMaanen
Blog girlsinthegarden.net
Instagram @girlsinthegarden
December 3 Andrea Birkan
Instagram @andreabirkan
December 4 Anita Morris
Blog anitabydesign.com
Instagram @anitabydesign
December 5 Karen Helm
Blog fiftydresses.com
Instagram @fiftydresses
December 6 Alex Florea
Blog sewrendipity.com
Instagram @sewrendipity
December 7 Cennetta Burwell
Blog themahoganystylist.blogspot.com
Instagram @mahoganystylist
December 7 Lucy van Doorn
Blog myloveaffairwithsewing.com
Instagram @myloveaffairwithsewing
December 8 Manju Nittala
Blog sewmanju.com
Instagram @sewmanju
December 8 Dorcas Ross
Instagram @lonestarcouture
I can’t resist including one more illustration. They are magnificent!
Can’t wait to read this book!
How exciting to be featured in this book! It looks really lovely and your trench coat is a stunner.
Thank you Marianne.
I am always so excited to see you have a new blog post and the fabrics you choose and all your details or mods you make. I am just getting back into sewing after a very long time and you inspire me to make again!
I always enjoy seeing what you’ve made, and reading your in-depth pattern review complete with adjustments. Well done!
Thank you Susan.
Thank you.
Congrats, I look forward to exploring your blog. Please add me to your giveaway.
Thank you!
How fun to get “in print”. Looks like a beautiful book.
I always look forward to your blog! Your pattern and fabric choices are always “spot on” and have inspired me to purchase for myself, a few patterns you have featured. I would love to add the book and skirt pattern to my collection. Congratulations on being featured in the book the trench coat is truly “ classic”
Thank you Kitty. So happy to hear that I can inspire you. I love the online community for that reason.
I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for the opportunity. Love your posts.
Thank you Adecia.
Love your coat! And would really appreciate the book as I describe my clothes as RTW Talbots (can’t get more classic than that!)
Thank you Ann.
Ooh – so anxious for a chance to see the book in person after seeing your beautiful skirts. 🤞
Karen
@intostitches
Thank you Karen. I’ve hardly put the book down since I’ve received it 🙂
Hi Lucy and thanks for all the great sewing ideas and photos. I would love a copy of the new book.
Thank you Shelby.
I would so love to win this book as a companion to my copy of the Tunic Bible. Such inspiration! I live in New Zealand and the cost of buying, or importing, books “Downunder” can be quite prohibitive. Keep up the great work — I love your blog!
Thank you Christine.
I could use a pencil skirt project. Your Robson is super cute!
Thank you Suzanne.
This looks like a great book. Can’t wait to see it in person.
Hi Lucy, How exciting to see you included in the book. I have followed your sewing journey for a few years and many of your garments have been an inspiration to me in my sewing journey. Although I live in New Zealand I would love to win a digital copy of this book.
Thank you Kay. Glad to be able to inspire. The online sewing community is wonderful.
Love your blog and congratulations on being part of this book. I would love to get a copy of this book. Thank you!
Thank you Shirley.
J’ai toujours su que tu étais une star ☆ Bravo pour ton excellent travail!
Merci Lise! J’apprécie encouragement.
Thanks for the review. I hadn’t heard of the book, but would love a copy
How lovely to be included in the book. I agree a trench coat is a very handy garment to have in the wardrobe as is a pencil skirt. Good luck to the girls with this new book.
Thank you Vicki.
I’m glad to have found your blog. I really like your style. Would love to have this book.
Thank you Susan.
Love classic sewing. The Fabulous Mrs Maisel is wonderful for wardrobe inspiration.
Love the clothes on that show!
I have The Tunic Bible by Sarah Gunn and Julie Starr and can’t tell you the hours I’ve spent with that book. And of course, Lucy, you had to be a part of this. I would love to add this book to my collection! Please and thank you 🙏
Thank you Jin. I was honored to have been included.
Hi Lucy how exciting being featured in this wonderful book. Your skirts look spot on I really like the waistband. I always look forward to all of your creations thanks for sharing and also thanks for the opportunity to win this fun book.
Blessings,
JL
Thank you JeriLynn.
Your skirts and trench coat are gorgeous! I would love to have a copy of this book- classic fashion is what I prefer. Thank you for the give-away, and congratulations on your inclusion in the book.
Thank you Lisa.
What a wonderful addition to Christmas !!
Looks like a fun read. I like the idea of putting together a classic wardrobe. It will be interesting to see how the authors define the classics. Thanks.
I am continually inspired by your sewing. This book looks like a wonderful resource for stylish and classic clothing and I could use the guidance!
Thank you Bonnie-Rae.
Your sewing talents are exceptional. Always looking forward to the next garment. I also follow Goodbye Valentino so having this book would be a great Christmas present.
Thank you Catherine.
Your makes are always so spot-on. What a great sewing book idea.
I had trouble signing in so I hope this comment doesn’t duplicate.
Thanks Kathy. Sorry to hear you had issues signing in. I only see one comment so it looked like it worked.
Looks fantastic, no wonder you’re so pleased to be featured in it. I’d love to be in with a chance to win a copy, I live in the UK. Thanks!
Hi Lucy,
Read about Sarah and Julie’s new book @ “Goodbye Valentino” — would love to win a copy!
And wonderful that your work was included!!!
Oh how I love classic clothes… clothes that remind me of Audrey Hepburn. You did a wonderful job reviewing the book and it was fun seeing a picture of your classic trench coat. Please enter me in the drawing. I have some beautiful wool in my stash that would be perfect for the pencil skirt.
The book is very inspiring. I have fabric for another trench coat. It is a wonderful pattern.
I would love a chance to win this book. The tunic bible is a constant source of sewing inspiration for me.
I love your blog! I grew up on the Central Coast and always like seeing your lovely weather and your clothes! Would love the book:)
Thank you Claire.
Congratulations on being showcased in the book! Can’t wait to see a copy….sure would love to win it!
Thank you Cinda.
I love following you on Instagram- very inspirational and classic- just what I need!! Thanks for offering the giveaway. Happy holidays and keep up the wonderful work- so fun to watch
Thank you Amy. Happy Holidays to you as well!
You certainly deserve to be in the book, since you create so many beautiful clothes! I would love to have this pattern for a pencil skirt.
Thank you Becky.
I would be thrilled to have a copy of this book!
Thanks to C&T and you for this opportunity! I always find inspiration here, and I have been working to reframe what I choose to see, and to keep in my wardrobe. This would’ve a fabulous resource to align my goals. Love both skirts…now to work on filling my stash so I can make similar classics.
Thank you Chris.
Looks like such a fun and useful book. Congrats on being included in it! 🙂
Thank you Melissa.
I would love to own a copy of this book. Please enter me in the drawing.
IThe more I read about this book the more I look forward to enjoying a copy. You do this style so well.
Thank you Mery.
This looks like a very useful book, as well as being fun to read. I would LOVE to win it!
Thank your for your book review! I would love to be entered into the giveaway! This book is definitely on my Christmas wish list!
Your welcome Kati. I’m enjoying the book very much.
Lucy-
What a great follow-up to the Tunic Bible by Sarah and Julie! Would love to own a copy of this new book. I remember that adorable trench coat-you inspired me to make my own! Of course, I love all of your creations- your closet and skills are enviable.
Best, Bernadette
Thank you Bernadette.
I’ll definitely have to add that book to my sewing library. Thank you for your blog; it never fails to inspire!
Thank you Stephanie.
This book is just what I need to re-fire up my sewing mojo which I am struggling to get back after a really tough year. Sarah Gunn was my inspiration when I decided to dive in to sewing years ago. Your talented creations, Lucy, inspired me to perfect my sewing ability. I love to sew. It has been a wonderful way to express my creativity. I am ready to re-focus and dust off my sewing machine. Thanks for your wonderful blog.
Thank you Janeice. This book should help with your sewing mojo. I enjoy it very much.
Hi Lucy, I love your blog and am delighted that you have been featured in this book. I think I would definitely benefit from the styling advice given as I need to develop a capsule wardrobe – I have far too many garments which don’t go with many other pieces!
Thank you Anne.
Oh, how wonderful this book looks. I admit that I am guilty of sewing garments on a whim…. Just whatever takes my fancy, or been impressed by other sewers versions, which although fun doesn’t always produce a wardrobe of garments that work together. Sounds like this book is just what I need to organise my projects better. Love your trench coat Lucy. I made one many years ago which I loved and still have but the styling of it is very dated now. One day I should make another more modern version.
Thank you Mary Anne.
Congratulations on getting your trench coat in the book!
Thank you Aimee.