It’s the Cargo Cult Craft 1000-comment giveaway!
Hey! CCC has reached 1,000 comments!
This is a bit of a milestone. After all, your comments — insightful, sympathetic, witty, wise and supportive — are what make this blog (and the sewing that drives it) worthwhile.
I have a talent for picking enthusiasms that are practically a passport to social isolation in London — poetry, liberal Christianity and lesser-known American indie bands spring to mind. Making clothes is also very much a niche interest (I dubbed it the Lonely Crafter’s Guide to London because nearly everything in it was learned the hard way, on my own), but blogging about it has turned what was once a solitary pursuit into a rewardingly social activity. And I have you, dear readers, to thank for that.
To celebrate, I’m giving away 2 copies of Make Do & Mend and 1 copy of the new edition of the Reader’s Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing .
To enter, just leave a comment on this post telling me which book you’d like to add to your library and why. The giveaway is open to readers anywhere in the world and closes at 11:59 pm (London time) on Thursday, June 17.
I look forward to your comments!
That Reader’s Digest sewing book has been on my list for a while. I have another of the RD series covering knitting, crochet etc, about 20 years old, bought from a charity shop for a couple of pounds. So comprehensive and brilliant value.
Loving the blog, btw.
I would love to own a copy of Make Do and Mend because it would stop me wistfully fingering it in bookshops and sneakily reading it in John Lewis when I have no intention of buying it due to a dire lack of funds!
As someone who does a lot of historical costume, there are a lot of modern techniques that I simply don’t know, and what’s worse is that I don’t know I don’t know them! The Reader’s Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing is probably the one I’d need more, though I do have to admit that Make Do & Mend appeals to me as a professor….
I just found your blog through Family Trunk Project, and I love your Fashion on the Ration project! I’m a knitter by nature, but own a sewing machine, accessories, plenty of fabric, and apparently no book to guide me through the basics. At some point, I picked up a thrifted book on how to sew Vogue patterns, but it assumes that you have also bought Vogue sewing patterns! I live in central Africa and have a growing collection of bright cotton prints that I would love to put to use, so I would probably benefit most from the Reader’s Digest guide.
What a lovely giveaway! And congrats on the comment count, too
I’d love to have Make Do & Mend… it would come in very handy as I try to make a small income go farther than it otherwise might.
Thanks!
You know, I’d love The Reader’s Digest guide, but since today is the first time I’ve heard of your blog, it would be rude.
But really, I’m just getting back to sewing, and I bet I don’t remember anything, so I could really use it.
(Wow, look at that. I can whine.)
Make Do and Mend!!! I’m a history buff and I just love all things vintage so I would love that book!!! I also love the idea of learning all that knowledge of how to take care of everything that I wish had been passed down!!!
Congrats on the blog milestone!!!!
What a sweet giveaway, Susannah
I am going to host a giveaway soon and put some of my Simplicity patterns up for grabs.
I’ve already got the RD book, and I think “Make Do and Mend” would be a wonderful addition to my library. Thanks for the chance to win and congratulations!
I would love a copy of Make Do and Mend! I’ve had it on my Amazon wishlist for quite awhile as I love to see how things were done in the past and how I can use those methods now. Also…I already own the other one
I’d love to have a copy of Make Do and Mend. I’ve been sewing for a while, but you’ve really piqued my interest in how women especially managed to look smart whilst dealing with the rationing and general hardships during WWII. I’m fascinated by your Fashion on the Ration challenge, and I enjoy reading your blog so much. Keep up the good work!
hello,
as everyone here i enjoy a lot reading the blog and i just started sewing clothes last year with noone bute the internet for help (well, that actually is a great help)
I would love to own Make Do and Mend, as I have read a lot about it and every time wish to have a copy of my very own.
Ooh, goodie! I love Make Do & Mend! That would be the one I’d like to win.
Why? Several reasons: 1) it fits perfectly with my Thrifty365 Pledge (http://www.rhinestonesandtelephones.com/2009/12/thrifty-365.html), 2) it will be a huge help with my Handmade Closet project, as well as my everyday sewing. I really want to focus on making things last.
I love your blog! Your Fashion on the Ration project is really inspiring. My grandparents lived with rationing and my Granma was especially savvy.
Sarah
Ontario, Canada
Oh, I would love the New Complete Guide to Sewing. I’m still a beginner and I’ve been having so much fun experimenting and creating items. This might keep me from buying a new seam ripper every few weeks.
Love your website and the challenges you’ve set. I’ve been lurking for a while and thought it was time I came out of the shadows.
I’d love a copy of the Make Do and Mend book. Like so many others I have real fascination for how WW2 impacted the daily lives of ordinary people and love the fashions and looks from the 1940s.
Your web site has revitalised my desire to sew again – I’ve been sidetracked by knitting and trying out WW2 tips such as unravelling garments and reusing the wool. What I’d like to understand better is how to recyle and refurbish fabric garments. I think the Make Do and Mend volume would be a great way to start.
You’ve also made me re-evaluate the way I buy clothes. I’ve gone back to buying fewer but better quality after several years of being seduced by cheap, cheerful and disposable.
I would love Make Do and Mend. I love old books, the 40′s and I am living on a budget now that the hubby is back in school (and he’s really hard on clothes), so it would help out there.
Congrats on 1000 comments!!! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts since I discovered your blog.
I think I’d probably pick the Make Do and Mend booklet. It’s been on my wishlist for ages, and since the whole mentality of MD&M not only appeals to me from a historic standpoint, but also a practical and necessary one (I make/remake most of my own clothes simply because it is more economical and less wasteful!), I daresay it would get a lot of reference!
♥ Casey
blog | elegantmusings.com
Congratulations! I really love your blog and getting a 1000 comments is a mark of our apreciation.
I learned to sew with my Mom’s Reader’s Digest, it would be a great addition to my library. Are you sure you want to part with it?
Great giveaway! I would love a copy of Make Do and Mend. I’m trying to refashion my old clothes into new items, and I’d welcome any suggestions on how to do that. Thanks for the chance to win!
I’d love make do and mend! My favorite decade is the 40′s and when making clothes I like being as authentic as possible, so learning the tips they had would be so interesting and would definitely go to good use! Thanks for this great give away!
“I have a talent for picking enthusiasms that are practically a passport to social isolation.” Truer words have never been spoken, although in my case I would substitute poetry for cooking. Which, as I do not have enough people to share it with, leads to deeply unfortunate results. I really enjoy your blog and am looking forward to reading more about Fashion on the Ration!
Wow! Congratulations, no small feat. I am a recent addition to you followers but I am here to stay. I love the history of this era but have learned a lot from your posts and research on wardrobe and fashion of WW ll. I would love the Make Do and Mend, ’cause with boys I’m always mending something and could always use more tips in that area.
Again, congrats!!
Jilly
Fun, fun, fun. I’d like a copy of Make Do and Mend. I hate throwing away or even giving away perfectly good clothes that just need to be mended. I’d like to learn more tricks for what to do and how to do them. Thanks!
You made me laugh.
I like the Make Do book because I’m fascinated by thriftiness!
Wow, what a generous give-a-way!
I’d love a copy of the Reader’s Digest reference book: I’m pretty new to sewing but rather ambitious with what I think I can achieve, so would really appreciate having a reference book to refer to when my projects don’t quite go to plan!
I just found your blog a few weeks ago, and am enjoying perusing your archives: I love your written style as much as your sartorial style!
ohhh, make do and mend please.Ive hunted everywhere and haven’t found a copy out here in new zealand and so many sites wont sell to other countries.please,please,please pick me:)
I would LOVE to own Make do and Mend, I am in love with the war years, and I am trying to find books that relate to this time but its a bit hard to find in good old Tasmania. I really enjoy fictional books set in WW2 but I love reading about reality too and how hard it must of been yet the Brits came through in all different ways.
I also love your blog due to the fashions and how the austerity years affected fashion as a whole.
Oh, me me me, I want Make Do and Mend! I love this blog. I’ve been reading “In Search of London,” which was written post-war and which any London-ophile will LOVE, and this blog and that book are two great things that go great together.
If you’d like to “live” the backstreets of London just before and during the war or during and after, I’m not sure, see if you can find a copy of “Mister God This is Anna”. It’s actually about a young man’s experiences “raising” a street child. but his descriptions of their wanderings and the people they meet are so poignant and evocative that I think you might enjoy it.
I’d love a copy of Make do and Mend, I keep trying to justify buying it then my boyfriend points out that we’re supposed to be saving to move so it goes back down the list (the Readers Digest book is great, I found an old copy in my dad’s loft and I’ve had more help from that than all the other books in my library put together). I love reading your blog and find it really inspirational, I also appreciate the feelings of isolation you have. At the moment I’m living in the back end of Essex (the part which is not an easy commute from London!) and reading blogs like yours reminds me that I there are like minded people in the world, and eventually I’m going to get out of here and meet them.
Congratulations,
Bridget
Oh, I feel the same way about blogging, it has really helped bring my passions forward and turn them into sociable rather than isolating activities.
I would LOVE a copy of either of these fab books but I really must add a copy of Make Do and Mend to my collection given my obsession with the 1940′s and commitment to making do and mending. In fact if I don’t win it’s time I bought a copy.
Hope you get another 1000 comments very soon
Lottie -x-
I’d love the Reader’s Digest one as I already have “Make Do and Mend”; bought that one a wee while back.
I would love the copy of the New Complete Guide to Sewing, because…I need it!! I’m new to sewing, and still find myself having to look up techniques as I go along pretty constantly. As such, I’m on the hunt for every reference book I can get my greedy little hands on.
Congratulations on the comments milestone! And thanks for running this giveaway.
I’d love the Make Do and Mend. I try to maximize the use and joy I get from things, and not over-consume (Make Do). I’m seeing the sense in fixing things, but don’t do it nearly enough (Mend). The perfect book for me! Also, I share your sentiments on blogging. Now, to find the perfect balance between sewing and reading blogs!
Congrats with the 1000 comments! I would love to add the make do and mend book to my library. It’s a subject I don’t know much about, except from your blog and I would love to learn more about it. If it has a bibliography that would be really a great resource too!
Hey hun. I’d love to add make do and mend to my library. I looked at a copy of it a few months back but couldn’t justify the expense then. The whole philosophy of make do and mend appeals to me and I’m trying to really live it. Not quite as well as you are
)
Congratulations! I’d love a copy of Make and Mend, lately I’ve been more interested in altering and remaking clothing than starting from scratch. Also, has anyone else noticed that the tags list on the right reads like a very artsy poem? Style sustainability, Underwear utility, Victorian video.
Thanks for the giveaway!
What a great idea about the giveaway! I just recently discovered your site and have been enjoying it greatly (and love all the videos you post). Thank you for sharing so much!
I love the WWII era and have been learning so much by sewing clothing from the 40s. I would love have Make Do & Mend! I am from the US, but love learning about rationing and fashion in the UK (in fact I am heading over in the fall on a historic clothing tour). I love booklets like that and would love to add it my 1940s era collection and of course use it!
I discovered your blog just last night and I must say, I LOVE it!
I recently got my hands on a 70s edition of the Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing, but I have been trying to find a copy of Make Do and Mend for quite some time now. This is a lovely, generous giveaway.
Cheers!
Karen, from Canada
I’d love to add the Readers Digest book to my library as I used my Mother’s copy as a reference when I was learning to sew as a teenager!
Yay! Congratulations! You deserve it, your blog is always an inspiration and full of fascinating historical facts!
I would love to add the Make Do & Mend Book to my library. I love learning about rationing in the WW eras and as I am destitute and out of work I need all the tips I can get!
Keep up the fab work
Toria x
I just recently discovered your blog and have been enjoying reading back through your historical-cultural, hands-on sewing posts. I just had to comment that my mom, who has been sewing since the 1940′s, would never even look at Simplicity Patterns because, as she said, “they don’t fit together.” So I grew up Simplicity-free–a ban that I am just now beginning to (furtively) break.
Anyhow, I would love a copy of that Make Do Mend book as I am interested in refashioning history.
Thank you for the chance to win one of these books. I would love the complete guide to sewing as I’m still learning.
Your blog is very inspirational. Keep up the good work. I agree that it is kind of a lonely activity if none of your friends are into it. I’m in the same boat.
lets face it, sewing is relatively lonely work no matter if your friends sew or not. very rarely do women lug their sewing machines to their friends homes to sew. Who’d have the room? Sometimes I got to my friends homes to work on their sewing machines, sometimes I help them alter a pattern, but it’s still lonely most of the time. That’s why we love a TV in the room with us, right?
And you deserve all the comments and accolades! I’m so glad you’re sharing your research with the rest of us. As for me, the last thing I need is another how-to-sew book, but I have recently rediscovered my love for WWII era material (alas, I donated most of my book collection on the subject to a library ages ago!) and I would love the Make Do and Mend book. I have only US-based material like this, so I’d love to have some UK reference in my library to go with it.
Make do and Mend,simply for necessity. I understand your predicament. I moved to Colombia two years ago. It’s the land of cumbia and giant fake boobs. Hardly the place to find a culture of sewers or people who understand why my major crushes are Eddie Izzard and Tom Waits.
As an avid hoarder of all types of books, I would definitly love the Reader’s Digest book. I can’t get enough books about sewing, there are so many useful things hidden in them sometimes! Thanks for doing a giveaway for us all!
Thanks for the giveaway.
While I can heartily recommend the RD sewing guide, I have so many sewing books that I don’t need that but the Make do and Mend would be a book(let) that I would read repeatedly and perhaps actually use, since I mend for three boys and a girl age 10 and under. LOL
I like taking old clothes and making something new out of them too, so that sounds exciting.
Thanks, Kitty
Well, my library has Make Do and Mend, stunningly enough. There are a lot more books on the history of fashion then how-to books in there, let me tell you! This actually might be my problem.
But as to why the Reader’s Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing would be a treasure in my home, I submit the existence of my latest sewing disaster: Simplicity 2614, which is completely unwearable because I know how to do a curved seam, and I know how to do a French seam, but no one ever told me that you can’t do a French curved seam.
(It should be unwearable, rather, but I’m stubborn and am making a large sash to obscure exactly how bad the side seams are.)
OOh, Make Do and Mend would be great!! I find myself doing lots of that these days. Congratulations and thanks for all the super posts.