mc9900 launch leaderboard

Facebook Twitter Sew4Home RSS Feed Follow Me on Pinterest

Sew4Home

Book Review, Free Project & Giveaway: Precut Patchwork Party by Elaine Schmidt

Printer-friendly versionSend by emailPDF version

THIS GREAT GIVEAWAY CLOSED 03/01/13. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED. 

Think precuts are only for quilting? Think again! In her new book for Creative Publishing International, creative dynamo, Elaine Schmidt shows how you can make home décor projects, wearables, accessories, gifts and more... all using precuts. Precut Patchwork Party starts with the basics of the shapes and sizes available, the best tools and supplies, and general techniques. Then, it rolls right in to 18 inspired projects. Today, Elaine and her publisher have allowed Sew4Home to feature one of those projects as a free download! Plus, they've provided a copy of the book for us to giveaway. 

We first met Elaine Schmidt through her book, The Complete Photo Guide To Ribbon Crafts. It was, hands-down, the best book on working with ribbons we'd ever seen. You can find our original review here, and the book is still widely available, including through Amazon.

Based on her combination of inventiveness and expertise, we knew this new book would be a must-have as well. The comprehensive getting started section is fantastic just on its own. We especially loved all the techniques; Elaine's process always shows us an easy way to get a great result. Take a peek at her rolled rosette made from a jelly roll strip.

The variety of project options is very nice. You can make a trendy yoga mat bag from jelly roll strips cut into small squares and patchworked together. Elaine has good notes on balancing color and pattern.

Or, how about a set of soft blocks and a snuggly blanket that mix charm squares and super soft Minky?

The project we chose, and which Elaine and her publisher so graciously agreed to let us feature for free, is the Tisket Tasket Fabric Basket. This woven wonder is made from just 10 jelly roll strips. What a great way to showcase ten different patterns from within one colorful collection.

The project is provided as a downloadable .pdf file. Click the image below to download. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is a free program. Be aware this PDF file is 2.8MB, so please be patient with the download process.

Since this sample project will only whet your appetite for more, check out your favorite retailer for your own copy of Precut Patchwork Party: Modern Projects to Sew and Craft with Fabric Strips, Squares and Fat Quarters. And, of course, enter for your chance to win a copy. Want another chance to win a copy of Precut Patchwork Party and see a tutorial for how to make that rolled rosette fabric flower? Visit the publisher's fun blog, Craftside!

How to enter to win the Sew4Home copy of Precut Patchwork Party

THIS GREAT GIVEAWAY CLOSED 03/01/13. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED.

1) Leave a qualifying comment that meets the criteria of the giveaway.

See description below under the heading "Qualifying Comments." 

2) Tell us how to contact you should you win. While you can leave your email address with your comment, we highly recommend you register with us and login (top of the page) before you comment; your email address is then hidden from view. You are also free to simply make a comment and choose not to be entered.

Having trouble?

The links below should help.

How do I register

Forgot your login?

Get a spam notice on your entry?

We have worked diligently to fine-tune our spam filters, but on occasion spam filters classify perfectly legitimate comments as spam. Don't take it personally – some complex bit of software didn't get it right. Our goal is to open filters enough to let in comments while blocking the millions of spammers who use commenting forms to spread disreputable links and malware. It's a fine line, however, and no system is perfect. Please try your entry again. If you still have trouble, contact us and we will manually post your entry. 

Other issue?

Our support email is info@sew4home.com.

Qualifying Comments: Join Our Social Media Community

To enter to win, if you don't already, please take a minute to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and/or follow our boards on Pinterest

This task completed, come back to today's article and leave us a comment. Tell us what how you mix sewing and socializing.  

We will draw one person at random from everyone who posts a qualifying comment on this article as of midnight PT March 1, 2013. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited.

We will contact our random winner by email to coordinate shipping.

As we mentioned above, make it easy for us to notify you should you be our lucky winner. Simply register with us and login before you comment. Your email address is then hidden from view.

NOTE: Due to complex contest legal restrictions and customs requirements that differ from country to country, we are currently able to accept entries from and send prizes to a USA postal address only (cannot be a P.O. Box). Good luck to everyone!

Remember, join our social media community then post your comment below to enter.

Scroll to the BOTTOM of the page to find an empty comment window. After you post, your comment will automatically display at the TOP of the comments on the page.

Section: 

Comments (184)

Allison C said:
Allison C's picture

I get together with a group of friends every month or two for craft day/night.  We bring hand sewing projects, eat, and gab.  It is always fun and most of the time productive. 

gussek said:
gussek's picture

I haven't sewn socially yet, all my friends just want me to make them stuff!

kelleymo said:
kelleymo's picture

Today, informtion is at our fingertips. While people may not have time for a sewing guild, we can share projects with people all over the globe in a matter of seconds. I love Sew4Home projects on Pinterest or through my inbox & the wonderful ways it can help us connect, serve one another, & brighten our lives. I learned about Sew4Home from a friend who made a gift for me! Now I tell others about the clever, do-able projects. Socializing at its best!

Kreative Kathy said:
Kreative Kathy's picture

I sew many things including curtains and purses.  By showing them to friends, I believe I allow others to know the joys of sewing and how it can help you mentally and physically.  I love this giveaway, and have already followed your Pinterest boards and follow you on Facebook. 

Jane Coombs said:
Jane Coombs's picture

Several times a year, my bff and I get together and embroider. We are obsessed with a Japanese show At Home with Venetia in Kyoto. She is a big supporter of the fiber arts and introduced us to Semamori. I belong to our local Quilters Guild which has some of the finest people on the face of the earth. Once a month they have a Sew Sew Late. I have yet to attend but if I do a workshop it is all day, sewing and kibbutzing.

4crooks@comcast.net said:
4crooks@comcast.net's picture

I currently don't do any "social" sewing as it's "me/mom" time.  I do, however, want to start going to charity sewing events such as for Project Linus, etc.  The most social my sewing gets is that I sew things for gifts and charities while listening to talk or music radio. 

Lori Martin said:
Lori Martin's picture

I often take classes at one of the local sewing shops just to have a fun time making projects with like minded folks!

gibbylet said:
gibbylet's picture

I do all those things now, though previously I was just subscribed to your newsletter.  So far my socialization has been mainly commenting on peoples great projects and interacting that way, but my sister and I have started spending time together to sew and craft every couple weeks, it just started several months ago, but it's been a blast!

cynfll said:
cynfll's picture

This book looks awesome!!  Thanks for the basket download.  I have a co-worker who got me into quilting and I have just gone crazy doing all kinds of sewing.  We work on prayer quilts together and get each others opinions on different projects.  I also teach my daughter and granddaughter how to do sewing crafts.  Glad to have found this site.

Dottie M. said:
Dottie M.'s picture

I mix sewing and socializing in several ways.  First, I belong to a quilt guild; we meet monthly; have annual retreat weekends and bus trips; and I get together individually with various members of the guild at my house to sit and sew.  Second, I take classes, and I get to meet a different group of people in this way; very fun!  And finally, my sister and I meet occasionally to do some embroidery or other handwork projects.  I like to work alone on complex projects where I really need to concentrate (!) but it's fun to work together on projects or at least sit and sew on our own projects while catching up on all the chatter! 

I would love to win this book!  I am always buying precuts because they look so darn pretty and coordinated, but so far I haven't opened any of them!  Maybe this book would encourage me to do so.

cathie giambalvo said:
cathie giambalvo's picture

Love it...I'm always looking for something to do with friends...I like the idea of setting them up and giving them a project...I wish someone would do this for me. LOL, Cathie

cathie giambalvo said:
cathie giambalvo's picture

Love it...I'm always looking for something to do with friends...I like the idea of setting them up and giving them a project...I wish someone would do this for me. LOL, Cathie

goonybird said:
goonybird's picture

I'm in an informal quilting group that meets once a month, and I'm always reading blogs on the 'net! LOL!

Addicted2Fabric said:
Addicted2Fabric's picture

Great inspirational ideas for gifts. Can't wait to try the yoga mat bag and the woven fabric baskets!

Jan Sutter said:
Jan Sutter's picture

We have a group of ladies who meet at my church once a month to work on projects, but it's mostly for the social aspect. And I am always talking to my mom on the phone about projcets we are both working on or dreaming about.

I follow you on facebook and pintrest.

mwlipari said:
mwlipari's picture

I mix sewing and socializing in a couple of ways. I make things to enhance my get togethers like table runners, aprons, table clothes etc. I also sew things to give as gifts and I trade ideas and patterns with my mom, sister and other people that I know enjoy sewing.

I have also attended quilt camp at a sewing school and my mom hosts a quilt camp for my sister and me in the summer.  I would challange anyone who enjoys quilting to come up with their own version of quilt camp. Invite a few friends or many. Have your camp last a day or a week and make it a day camp or an over night camp. Every one can make the same project or different projects. What ever works for you.

chrissherman said:
chrissherman's picture

My sewing/socializing is all done online. Pinterest, FB, and blogs. I live in the boonies and have no friends that sew.This book looks great!

Jenelle Boxberger said:
Jenelle Boxberger's picture

When I lived in Portland, OR we had a group that meet once a month. We had a great leader and usually 50 plus women would be there. Of course we would have to have our gab time after the meeting. My oldest sister and her daughter who is 10 years younger then me. We got together at least 2 times a month to have a fun day of sewing, talking, laughing, and of course eating. Love the book and basket is too darn cute. Now that I live in Kansas I go to what the quilt shop calls the $5.00 Club. This is my second year attending this club. I went to FB and "LIKED".

PS. I got a message that I needed to copy/paste into a new box. I hope I did this right.

Wanda Phillips said:
Wanda Phillips's picture

I mix sewing and socializing by quilting gifts for friends and family and taking classes, meeting new friends.

Judymo said:
Judymo's picture

I like to do small projects as I live in a mobile home and not much room to spread out. this basket looks to be a very easy and interesting project for me, I don't do classes out side of my home due to the fact I wear hearing aids and trying to sew and listen to directions or talk is almost impossible as I read lips, would love the book,

judymorse7@gmail.com

 

Margaret Stone said:
Margaret Stone's picture

I mix sewing and socializing mainly through Pinterest.  Lots of great ideas there!  Thank you for another opportunity for a wonderful give-away!

Mary Cohen said:
Mary Cohen's picture

I socialize with my sewing by going to Sew days were bunches of women get together to sew all day.  Other methods of socializing are getting together in smaller groups to sew and share and talk about the projects that we all have in common.  I also attend retreats that are a great time to socialize and also to get a head start on projects that I can sew on uninterupted.  I have never sewn from the precuts before and would love to win this package to help me get started.  Thanks Sew4Home for all the treats that you bring us!

Bluemoon said:
Bluemoon's picture

My friends and I get together to do some sewing and quilting on long weekends a few times a year.  It's also been fun to take some classes to learn new techniques and meet new folks!

dharrisc said:
dharrisc's picture

through fb, pinterest and online friends, i can mix sewing with socializing ... i also belong to a couple of online fabric groups and spend an inordinate amount of both time (and money) *sewing and socializing* ... i post pics on flickr and keep in contact with people who also sew .... wold love to win this amazing contest .... darlene

ewp313 said:
ewp313's picture

Fabric Stash + Wine + Best Girlfriends = Social Bliss!

dbakerintx said:
dbakerintx's picture

that basket is so FUN looking!!  I wish I mixed sewing and socializing more but as it is, I haven't made time to sew in over 8 weeks since we are new adoptive parents!  In the past, I had a few girlfriends over for Friday Night Sew In hosted on line, that was a blast!  wish I could sew socially more!!  I already follow on FB 

shugharz said:
shugharz's picture

We entertain friends on some saturday evenings and I find this time a good time to sit and do repairs on our dog's toys. They ALWAYS need some stitching.  I have also been trying to restore an old quilt top and find this time to do the stitching and talk to friends about the top.

Savannagal said:
Savannagal's picture

I have taken sewing classes many years ago with a fun group of women. Sadly, they changed the class time and I can no longer attend.  So, I now sew alone at home.  It is still very enjoyable, but I do miss the cameradie of class.

minniemyrtle said:
minniemyrtle's picture

I have sjogren's sydrome and pulmonary fibrosis. Having my wonderful Janome and the Sew4Home website improves the quality of my life.

ggiffinrao said:
ggiffinrao's picture

I mix sewing and socializing by making gifts for friends/family.  Right now I'm making a lot of aprons which also come in handy while hosting get togethers! :-)

tpillepich said:
tpillepich's picture

I socialize with sewing by posting pics of my projects on FB which generates questions and gets others to try their hand at the same project. I teach sewing lessons to both teens and adults and I also sell my products at local vendor events. I love meeting new people and talking about all of the different projects they make as well as encouraging newbies to continue to try new things.

Country crafter said:
Country crafter's picture

I  love the precuts since it saves so much time on doing my projects for charity. Women and children in shelters love to receive handmade bags with personal items in them that is all theirs to keep. Thank you for all your inspiration on the crafts and quilt makings.

killari said:
killari's picture

I have finally been able to get back to sewing and now expanded it to quilting and machine embroidery.  You guys are great with ideas and informaition. Keep going :)

Patti Levine said:
Patti Levine's picture

I love to sew and quilt.  So I combine both through our quilt guild and 2 quilting bees.  I get all the sewing fun I want (and need) each and every week.  I follow blogs and quilting on Facebook.  Most of my friends having the sewing bug too....so it's constant inspiration.  Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful book!

plautumn@yahoo.com

GingerC said:
GingerC's picture

I mix sewing and socializing by reading lots of blogs.  :-)

evamarielucina said:
evamarielucina's picture

I got back into sewing about a year ago after a long hiatus.  Starting up again with some basic patterns and simple quilting blocks, I'm now looking forward to trying out your free basket pattern and more.  Thank you for the freebie and the opportunity to win more!  

Momo said:
Momo's picture

I follow you on Pinterest, and I combine sewing and socializing in several ways!  I belong to a craft forum of over 7500 owners of digital cutting machines, and I share the sewing patterns which I design that can be cut out on our machines!   The pattern itself, the interfacing, and the fabric can all be perfectly cut by our machines.   I also share photos and items of sewing interest which I print with cousins who don't use computers by snail mail.  I share leftover or unused fabrics with women in my community who sew for Operation Shoebox, and send their creations to our troops, and they also make walker bags for the elderly in our over-55 community.  Of course I share the things I really want to make myself on my Pinterest boards that I find at Sew4Home with friends and family, too! 

Nel Fraker said:
Nel Fraker's picture

I tune the tv to my favorite program and the time flies as I complete project after project.

Bev Weis said:
Bev Weis's picture

I have really "liked" Sew4Home for quite a while. I sew & socialize often, whether it's in a class, at a guild meeting, esp at sewing/quilting getaways. Also while working on charity projects. It's great fun to meet new people and to share ideas & tips. We can always learn something from each other.

bevweis@gmail.com

sara_mcfall@yahoo.com said:
sara_mcfall@yahoo.com's picture

My best friend and I sew and share projects with eachother. We have also opened an Etsy store where we sell some of the projects we have come up with. 

Jan G said:
Jan G's picture

My quilting friends and I all try to get together 4-6 times a month!  We sew @ various churches, community centers, wherever we have the space to get together!  All of the social media sites, Facebook, Twitter and Pintrest all provide inspiration and we have all @ one time or another gotten inspiration or projects from them.  It's sew much fun to sew with others who share your interests or want to learn a new craft.  Quilters are always willing to share their skills, talent and time with other quilters...both old and new.  Keep up the good work Sew4Home!

Lynn Dix said:
Lynn Dix's picture

I just found Sew4Home a week ago and I follow your blog via email and your boards on Pintrest. I especially like the clear directions that help make your projects fool-proof.

etchedinthread said:
etchedinthread's picture

I love your site! I was already following on FB, but am now following on Pinterest as well. Just yesterday I was in JoAnn's, standing in line and there was a lady in front of me, buying an apron pattern and fabric. She said her adult daughter was interested in learning to sew now, so I gave her your website addy :-) I teach sewing and embroidery machine guide classes, and am now getting the "quilting" bug, so hope to add some classes teaching anything I learn. What did we do before computers? I love being alive in this era!

evamarielucina said:
evamarielucina's picture

I got back into sewing about a year ago after a long hiatus.  Starting up again with some basic patterns and simple quilting blocks, I'm now looking forward to trying out your free basket pattern and more.  Thank you for the freebie and the opportunity to win more!  

Swolcott said:
Swolcott's picture

i follow you on pinterest and my bff and I love to sew and quilt together, we may spend time on phone chatting about your wonderful ideas, this would be a great addition to our library of crafty ingenious books that give us wonderful ideas of things to make to give to others who are in need. 

Cecilia said:
Cecilia's picture

I already like you on Facebook. I like to follow quilting blogs and find new patterns.

Connie Testorelli said:
Connie Testorelli's picture

I love to share ideas with my friends during lunch. This is an excellent time for us to destress!! Just liked Sew4Home on pinterest and facebook. Love to win the book but even if I do not, I will continue to enjoy the many ideas!! Thanks :)

Rebecca said:
Rebecca's picture

I would love to win this!  I actually need to make/buy some small containers like this to do some organizing with my girls.  This would allow me to use some of my fabric stash which would make my hubby happy.  Tried registering today, certainly hope it worked!

LaRae said:
LaRae's picture

I am just re-learning to sew.  I keep your projects close, so one day I can tackle them.  I also share your site with anyone who might be interested thru the embroidery group and sewing group I belong to.  There is always a few who want more info on your site.  I love sharing what I can accomplish and these baskets and the book would be lots of fun!  Keep up the great work you all do and thank you to all who donate and help me to have more confidence to try to be bigger and better at what I do.

Pages

Add new comment

*Sew4Home reserves the right to restrict comments that don’t relate to the article, contain profanity, personal attacks or promote personal or other business.
By submitting this form, you accept the Mollom privacy policy.