How to make a 9-patch potholder and win a copy of Sew Retro along with a bunch of fabric!

Fabric and sewing junkies rejoice! A DOUBLE giveaway for you!

Craftside has the pleasure of partnering up with the wonderful on-line (and local) fabric store Sew L.A. to bring you 2 chances to win the new book Sew Retro:25 Vintage-Inspired Projects for the Modern Girl & A Stylish History of the Sewing Revolution and some beautiful fabric.

Leave a comment about "fabric" or "sewing" or "retro" here to win a copy of the new book Sew Retro and the 4 fabrics (1/2 yard each) pictured above.

(From top to bottom)

Canyon Flutter - Green Tonal

Fordwych - Mauve

Plumes - Green

Sewing - Oatmeal

 

and

pop on over to the Sew L.A. Blog and leave a comment there to be entered to win a copy of Sew Retro and the 4 lovely fabrics (1/2 yard each) pictured below:

 

Gallo- Tea Dye

Rabbits & Race-Cars Traffic - Yellow

 

Rabbits w/Waves - Indigo

Mossy Floral - Cream

Leave your comments here and there for 2 chances to win by Midnight ET Thursday July 29, 2010 and you will double your chances to win!

Now onto the fun 9-patch potholder project from Sew Retro I made with all the fun fabrics from Sew L.A.!

Click on the image and enlarge to read these easy to follow directions for sewing a 9 patch potholder.

Here is what I did:

First I gathered everything together and decided I actually was going to make a bunch because you know Christmas is just a few months away and it's never too soon to start making gifts!

So I cut 3-inch strips of all the fabrics. I stacked the strips and then I cut those into 3-inch squares.

I arranged my squares as randomly as possible but I do have to admit I did rearrange a few times; I just can't help myself.

 

Following the directions I stitched one all up! Only 3 more to go. I think I will make it by Christmas. :)

If you like sewing and reading about other sewers you will love:

Sew Retro:

25 Vintage-Inspired Projects for the Modern Girl & A Stylish History of the Sewing Revolution

By

 Judi Ketteler

Sewing never goes out of style, and today it is more popular than ever!  Sew Retro offers twenty-five stylish, vintage-inspired sewing projects—beautiful bags, essential skirts, unique pillows, and more—that are a pleasure to sew, thanks to easy instructions, helpful diagrams, and a pocket of ten full-size patterns.

 

This fun, inspirational book also uncovers sewing’s colorful history, from the introduction of the sewing machine to the modern DIY movement, and features interviews with today’s hottest fabric and pattern designers, including Amy Butler, Betz White, Barbara Brackman, Emma Brennan, Judie Rothermel, and Kathy Miller of Michael Miller Fabrics. Filled with gorgeous project photography and quirky vintage illustrations that bring the 1920s, 1940s, 1950s, and beyond to life, Sew Retro celebrates sewing yesterday and today.

 

Learn more about  Sew Retro  and enjoy bonus projects and tutorials at www.sewretrothebook.com!

Judi Ketteler is never happier than when she’s merging her two passions: sewing and writing. Judi is a regional contributor for Better Homes & Gardens and has written about sewing, decorating, and other inspiring DIY projects for magazines including Creative Home, Decorating, Do It Yourself, and Quilts & More. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband, son Max, two cats, and a basement full of fabric and glue guns.

 

Learn more about Judi at www.judiketteler.com.

 

Comments

[Siri Kaur]

This retro sewing book is right up my alley... I've heard that the instructions are pretty clear... and those potholders will make great presents!

[Connie]

Your potholders look fabulous with those fabrics! I can't wait to get a hold of the book!

[Sunny]

omg, i LOVE your blog! I would be so incredibly happy and grateful to win this giveaway! I'm obsessed with everything retro (and everything handmade). I desperately want make those potholders - they're too cute!

[Deb]

I have to make a gift for my sewing guilds Christmas in July and I found your potholders...good thing, as the meeting is tomorrow...guess what I'll be doing today :-). Would love to win your beautiful fabrics and the books. Thanks.

[Jilly]

Those retro fabric potholders are too cute! I don't think I would want to use them, lest they get all gunky. Anyway, cute and great blog too. Will be back for more.

[Lynda]

Those retro potholders are great! Love the fabric and would love to win this giveaway.

[Nancy Johnston]

OMG! The retro colors are the bomb! And who doesn't need beautiful potholders? Cannot wait to see the book and fabrics both.

Will be watching my local stores as well.

Nancy Johnston

[Teresa K.]

I really want to work on improving my sewing skills and these retro projects look perfect for doing that!

[Barbara Hagerty]

You saved me! I actually almost bought a pot holder. Bought? How crazy to think of buying something that begs to be handmade! And as far as retro goes, I'm such a retro fabric junkie that my breathing actually changes when I'm in a fabric store that has a great selection. So I will definitely be checking out the Sew Retro and the Sew L.A. blog as well! Thanks!

[Renee G]

I absolutely love retro --- even better than I did the first time around.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(Dot)com