March 12, 2015

GIVEAWAY: Win a copy of The Magic Pattern Book by Amy Barickman


Earlier this year I had the great pleasure of reviewing and giving away a copy of the book Vintage Notions by author, entrepreneur, and esteemed sewer, Amy Barickman and today's I'm delighted to be teaming up with Amy's publisher again for another exciting book giveaway.

In connection with Vintage Notions, I was sent a copy of The Magic Pattern Book, which was also written by Amy. Not being a sewer myself, I will admit, a wave of panic washed over my soul when I heard that this book was en route. How, I wondered, would I explain or properly access the integrity and merit of a book about sewing, when it's an art that I only know the very basics (think high school home ec level) of myself?

Thankfully, all it took was flipping through the pages of this lovely hard cove book to instantly put my mind at easy. Much as how Ms. Barickman centered Vintage Notions around the work of famed home economics leader Mary Brooks Picken, so too did she turn to the Women's Institute for inspiration with this book. Even the title itself comes from the term "magic patterns" that was coined by the Institutive in the early 20th century (so-called be it was nearly magical how one pattern could create so many different garments when altered a touch or done up in a different fabric). Though it should be noted that patterns contained within, which are of a fairly beginner level and thus ideal for sewers with a wide range of skill levels, are not vintage themselves nor intended to create vintage style fashions.

Chalked full of clear, beautiful photographs and illustrations, this helpful, well laid book presents readers with a series of six different sewing patterns (in sizes small to XXL) as well as six different variations and six assorted fabric suggestions for each (the patterns come on a CD that is included with the book, but can also be downloaded from the web, if desired). Thus The Magic Pattern Book, which was released in 2014, aims to provide readers with the ability to make a whole wardrobe thanks to the fact that between all these options, one can, in theory create 216 or more different garments.

Though that may be a bit of a stretch (being a complete wardrobe, I mean), particularly depending on your personal style, it does unquestionably provide readers with a wealth of different, straightforward, engaging sewing patterns and variations on all of them that could easily help just about anyone enhance and grow their wardrobe and skills at the same time.

While I don't foresee making any of the lovely modern - but generally quite classic - fashions or accessories in this excellent book anytime soon (again, I'm not a sewer), I was still able to enjoy it cover to cover, learning more about both sewing and garment construction in the process. As a passionate fashionista and more recently as an Etsy vintage shop owner, I find these points to be invaluable and loved the take away lessons I picked up from The Magic Pattern Book for this and many other reasons.

I know that scores of you are sewers and that is a huge part of the reason why I agreed to read, review, and giveaway this wonderful book. I love being able to provide one lucky reader the chance to win a copy of The Magic Pattern Book, and if you'd like to try to be that person, please read on for the details of this giveaway.


How to enter


Definitely free to do as many of the following seven things as you'd like to gain entry in this giveaway. I just ask that please ensure that you leave a separate comment for each method that you enter with, so as to increase your odds of winning.


1. Leave a comment on this post letting me know what you might like to sew first from the book (the options are a dress, a tank top, a cardigan, an accessory such as a hat, a skirt, and a coat), if you win.


2. Blog about this giveaway on your own site, linking back to this post.


3. Like Amy Barickman on Facebook and post about the giveaway on your own Facebook page.


4. Follow Amy on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway, including the hashtag #TheMagicPatternBook in your tweet.


5. Sign up to follow Amy's blog by email (you can do so at the top of the right hand sidebar).


6. Follow, or be an existing follower, of Chronically Vintage on Instagram.


7. Like, or be an existing follower, Chronically Vintage on Bloglovin'.


Giveaway details


This giveaway is for one copy of The Magic Pattern Book by Amy Barickman. It is open to readers from Canada and America, at the request of the publisher (apologies to my wonderful international readers), and will run from today (March 12, 2015) until Friday March 20, 2015.


Once the giveaway has wrapped up, I will select a winner using a random number generator and announce that person's name on Facebook and/or Twitter shortly thereafter. If doing so is possible, I will also try to contact the winner directly by email or Facebook private message to let them know that they won and to obtain their address, which I'll pass along to the publisher who will send your prize to you directly.



♥ ♥ ♥


I was genuinely impressed and inspired by this book. I learned from it, smiled over the tidbits of history and vintage quotes from the Women's Institute that it included, enjoyed the modern, highly appealing format, and don't doubt for a nanosecond that if I was sewer, I'd be powering my way through some or all of the patterns house between its covers.

Thank you very much to Amy Barickman and her publisher for the opportunity to giveaway a copy of The Magic Pattern Book here on my blog and also for sending a review book my way, too. Far from trepidation, reading this book filled me with happiness, got my creative juices flowing in general, and ensured that I will always have a great title to turn to if I want to purchase a fantastic, very useable book for any of my awesome sewing friends.

Best of luck and thank you very much to everyone who takes part in this fun sewing pattern book giveaway!

57 comments:

  1. Hm, I think I'd want to try a skirt.
    It looks like such a fun book; thanks for the giveaway!

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  2. I follow Chronically Vintage on Bloglovin.

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  3. I'm entering the contest because I have a good friend with a young daughter who wants to learn how to sew. I know Willow will want to sew everything in this book and will learn a whole lot in the process. Thanks for having this contest!

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  4. I spread the news on Facebook, does that count?

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  5. And I've liked Amy on Facebook! WHEW!

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  6. I follow Chronically Vintage on Instagram: thelittlegreenden

    satsukirebel AT gmail DOT com

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  7. I follow you on bloglovin: https://www.bloglovin.com/people/thelittlegreenden-2980993

    satsukirebel AT gmail DOT com

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  8. How fun! I'd try the vest first--been having difficulty finding just the right fit in ready-to-wear.

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  9. I also follow Chronically Vintage on Bloglovin (email).

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  10. I visited Amy Barickman's Facebook page and of course liked it. Lots of variety!

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  11. I'd like to try a skit. Thanks for the great giveaway. I've also shared your giveaway on my Giveaway List for sewers & quilters at wowilikethat.com. Thanks again. (debbie at wowilikethat dot com)

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  12. I would love to make a coat. Thanks for the prize!
    merryorganic@gmail.com

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  13. I would sew a dress! I LOVE dresses! Thanks!

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  14. I liked Amy Barickman on facebook

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  15. I blogged about it here: http://sarajoliesews.blogspot.com/2015/03/pick-me.html

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  16. How have I not heard of this book!? Sounds right up my ally! The cardigan coat pattern caught my eye first, but I could certainly do something with ALL of the patterns :)

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  17. Would love to try a skirt or top! Thanks for the chance to win! Sarah: crjandsbj(at)netzero(dot)com

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  18. I'd start with the easiest pattern. I've never sewn clothes but really want to learn.

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  19. I liked her FB page and posted your giveaway link to my FB page: QuiltItBaby

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  20. Hi Jessica,
    I already follow Amy on Facebook and Twitter. I did add the post to my blog: https://tambranicolekendall.wordpress.com/2015/03/13/the-magic-pattern-book-giveaway-from-chronically-vintage/

    Thank you! Another amazing book!
    Tambra

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  21. I would probably make a skirt first, but the dress looks comfortable.

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  22. Very cool giveaway!
    http://inkandlacedesigns.blogspot.com.au/

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  23. I'd like to try a skirt and then a dress.

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  24. 1. A dress. One can never have too many dresses. :)

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  25. 6. I've followed you on IG since I got my smartphone last summer.

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  26. 7. I have followed your blog for years now, and will keep doing so. :)

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  27. I'd probably start with a skirt, but I'd most love to be able to make my own coats. Thanks!

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  28. Oh my goodness! I love your vintagenous and just recently found and am following you!!!; )
    Then, you 'introduce' me to Amy!!! Anothre, Oh my goodness! I love her posts!
    now to post more...
    ~ ti

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  29. And I would first sew a tank top... Spring is finally breaking here in Indiana!!!!
    ~ti

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  30. And then, I liked Amy on Facebook!!!
    ~ti

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  31. And, I am following her blog too!!!
    Thanks again for that hint and for the chances to win! I am sure the book will be phenom!!!
    Spring blessings!!!
    ~ti

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  32. I've sewn for myself and others since 1964, as an 11 year old. Married in 1974, raised three boys (sewed for them often when they were small, and did some shirts and ties once they were older), I still enjoy sewing. Since I am old enough to have experienced many decades of fashion, I often "browse" through time using thrift store finds or vintage patterns, mixed in with newer items. This pattern offers endless possibilities, and I'd love to have it. Thanks, Jessica, for all you do for your readers.

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  33. This book should be wonderful, illustrations should be awesome. A big dream is to have a sewing machine and learn to sew, so books are a great inspiration. A big hug dear friend and wish much luck with this lovely giveaway!

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  34. My first project would definately be a dress for a trip to Gatlinburg with my husband in April.

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  35. I would make the dress first so I can wear it on our trip to Gatlinburg this spring!

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  36. I also subscribe to the newsletter.

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  37. I visited Amy Barickman's Facebook page and liked it. Neat variety, and some great tips!

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  38. I'm following Chronically Vintage on Instagram: vgpritchard.

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  39. Happiest congratulations to the winner of this exciting sewing pattern book giveaway, comment number 27, which belongs to Kylie. I've sent a private FB message your way to notify you of your win.

    Thank you very much to everyone who took part in this great giveaway! Fear not if you didn't win, I have a different giveaway (this time for an awesome pair of vintage inspired shoes from the UK brand Born Bad Betty) coming down the pipeline this week.

    ♥ Jessica

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  40. I think I would like to try sewing one of the dresses. Looks like such a useful book!

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