24 Feb Our New Book Reveal!
Question:
What never goes out of style?
Answer:
The Classics…… and we’re here to celebrate these lasting garments which have endured the test of time and will always serve you well!
Julie Starr and I are delighted to announce the title of our upcoming book:
We invite you to discover the secrets to sewing a stylish wardrobe with staying power!
Through the years Julie and I have sewn hundreds of garments from commercial patterns and countless tunics from our book, The Tunic Bible. We conclude the key to sewing a successful wardrobe is constructing pieces you will wear over and over again, and we begin with the classics.
We wrote A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing to trigger the sewing mojo and awaken one’s personal style by presenting 30 timeless garments which have carried dozens of trends through the decades.
Every prominent designer understands the concept of classic garments before stepping on to the runway, and we continue to be influenced by their countless contributions to the world of fashion.
When we know how to adapt garments to suit our style, age, shape and size, we are a step ahead of seasonal trends. Sewists get the best of both worlds by applying the designer’s essence to clothes that work for their life.
Think about it….that cute blouse with the sleeve of the moment began as a classic button up shirt….
…. and that chic little top is an upscale classic t-shirt.
We had the honor and privilege to work with fashion illustrator, Beth Briggs, whose imaginative images capture the classics with both traditional and modern adaptions of the garments! (Follow her on Instagram 😊)
Julie and I also had the privilege to work with seventeen sewists from the online sewing community whose lovely clothes featured in our gallery, demonstrate the beauty and functionality of classic style. We can’t wait for you to learn more about each!
Also included in the book is our Modern Classic Pencil Skirt with ultra subtle shaping! (Sizes 2 – 22, more details soon).
Through a conversational narrative, A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing traces the origins of the 30 garments along with providing sewing and styling tips.
Did you know Emilo Pucci, and Coco Chanel designed flight attendant uniforms featuring trendy A-line skirts…. or that King George would not allow Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret wear fit and flare dresses fearing the voluminous clothes would give the appearance of waste while fabric rationing was still in effect?
Knowing what to do with a pattern is the first step in developing one’s personal style. When you combine the principals of classic design, and proper fitting with the fabrics and details that reflect your personality, your comfort level will skyrocket, your wardrobe will change, and you will walk through life with originality and runway confidence!
A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing is now available for pre-orders on Amazon. We’re grateful to C&T Publishing for the invitation to write our second book and a million thanks to you, Dear Readers for all of your support through the years!
Best wishes for a Happy Sunday 😊
Janice Poda
Posted at 07:45h, 24 FebruaryCongratulations! Can’t wait to see the book in print.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:54h, 24 FebruaryUs too, Janice! We were quite surprised to see the book on Amazon pre-order without seeing the layout of the book yet, but we certainly can’t control the publishing world 😬
Andi b
Posted at 07:57h, 24 FebruaryWhat is the size range for the patterns?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:05h, 24 FebruaryAndi ~ The skirt is offered in sizes 2 – 22. 😉
Molly Hayden
Posted at 08:23h, 24 FebruaryThis is so wonderful! I am so happy for both of you and excited to see the book! I have been telling my students for years that you must start with the basics and grow from there-you will never go wrong! Thank you for putting it print! More sewing, YES!
Molly Hayden
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:45h, 24 FebruaryThanks for your wonderful comment, Molly! Basics need not mean boring – right?😉
Sara McIntire
Posted at 08:25h, 24 FebruaryRecently I have read posts on various social media on the lack of diversity in craft. While I applaud your important part in reviving sewing garments, your post about the new book emphasizes the invisibility of people of color in the world of craft. Why not include Olivier Rousteing, Tracy Reese, or Carly Cushnie in your set of designers?
I am glad your size range goes up to 22 but I must ask, why do the illustrations on your announcement portray only a certain body type?
Respectfully,
Sara
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:44h, 24 FebruarySara,
Thanks so much for your comment. Actually we dedicate the book to Tracy Reese as one of our inspirations for her fresh take on the classics.
The fashion illustrations represent people of many sizes, shapes, races and ages as does our gallery. Please note the cover features three women of color.
We are conscious of this stereotype and selected models of diverse ethnicities and body shapes.
Sarah G
Paula DeGrand
Posted at 08:43h, 24 FebruaryI think what you are doing in this book is what I have been trying to define for myself, and I’m very excited about what you have to say, as it will be grounded in lots of experience both sewing the clothes and wearing the clothes. I’m interested in self-expression, timelessness, and currency in my wardrobe, and it’s a tricky balance, trying to achieve all three goals. I see the publication date is in November. It’s not going to be easy waiting for your book to appear!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:40h, 24 FebruaryPaula,
Many thanks and it won’t be an easy wait for us either!
I think many sewists are on the same page. Sewing is an investment of time and we want our makes to be worthwhile and wearable. We hope you’ll enjoy it 😊
Jacqueline Harris
Posted at 09:04h, 24 FebruaryHello Sarah!
Congratualtions to you and Julie on the publication of this book. I look forward to reading it!!
Jacqueline
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:43h, 24 FebruaryThank you so much, Jacqueline!
Yolanda Fastle
Posted at 09:12h, 24 FebruaryI can’t wait to get mine! What an awesome idea!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:43h, 24 FebruaryThank you so much, Yolanda!
Karen Mulkey
Posted at 09:21h, 24 FebruaryCongratulations, Sara! I just pre-ordered this and am sure I will enjoy it as much as your Tunic Bible book.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:45h, 24 FebruaryKaren ~
Many thanks for the pre-order! We eagerly await your feedback and hope you enjoy it 😉
peggy leah
Posted at 09:23h, 24 FebruaryWHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT! Applause to you! I’ll definitely be
a customer! Love your blog! You’ve been such an
inspiration to me.. Classics always win!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:47h, 24 FebruaryThank you, Peggy! A book is an achievement for sure and we so appreciate your support. Cheers to the classics!
Linda LaMona
Posted at 09:41h, 24 FebruaryThanks for the great reveal! Congrats to you and Julie for created a new book that I look forward to reading.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:47h, 24 FebruaryMany thanks for your comment Linda and we hope you will enjoy it 😉
Lynn Pias
Posted at 10:23h, 24 FebruaryHow exciting! I’m anxious to see the book. Does it include any patterns?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:49h, 24 FebruaryLynn ~ The book includes The Modern Classic Pencil Skirt pattern in sizes 2 – 22. Skirt details available soon 😉
Lucy van Doorn
Posted at 11:08h, 24 FebruaryCongratulations to you and Julie! I love the concept of the book and can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the reveal. It’s a great way to start the day.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:22h, 24 FebruaryThank you, Lucy! We were surprised that Amazon listed it so early, but we’re ready to go with the flow😊
Many thanks for your wonderful support.
Tina Dyer
Posted at 11:35h, 24 FebruaryLove the illustrations! Does the book suggest patterns for achieving these looks?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:40h, 24 FebruaryThank you, Tina! Yes, our photo gallery is loaded with sewing projects and the pattern is identified. Taking it a step further we also discuss that the patterns we use are not crucial since many pattern companies continuously offer classic patterns 😉
Katy
Posted at 11:43h, 24 FebruaryI’ve admired the classic styles you’ve written about on your blog for years. I’m looking forward to your book!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:56h, 24 FebruaryThank you, Katy! The subject was a natural for us both and the book was very enjoyable to write!
Jean OReilly
Posted at 12:10h, 24 FebruaryCongratulations! Your blog and book have been such a great inspiration, so much so that I just made a tank-top-like top out of long haired, sapphire colored, alpaca wool that gotten me some crazy looks and lots of compliments. Can’t wait for the book!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:09h, 24 FebruaryThank you, Jean! I’d love to see your awesome top 😀
Kathleen A Kolb
Posted at 12:20h, 24 FebruaryYou and Julie are Class Acts, so excited to get this new publication of yours. It will be so hard to wait till November, but my order is placed and before I know it the box will be on my front porch. Thank you for your constant inspiration and Congratulations!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:13h, 24 FebruaryWhat a lovely comment, Kathleen 😊 Many thanks for your order – we too are going to have a hard time waiting until November!
Rosalind Clayton
Posted at 12:24h, 24 FebruaryMANY congratulations to you both on yet another successful book endeavour! You are both very talented as well as being committed to empower sewers everywhere to do things better & with super style! I look forward to getting the book when it is available! Thanks again for your tireless efforts!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:14h, 24 FebruaryIt is our sincere pleasure, Rosalind! Many thanks for your support and nice comment 😊
Marianne Johansson
Posted at 14:14h, 24 FebruaryOooh ! Fantastic book 📚 I guess ! Want that!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:16h, 24 FebruaryLOL – We think it’s fantastic, Marianne! Many thanks😉
Carmen Salome
Posted at 14:21h, 24 FebruaryYay cant wait to get it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:25h, 24 FebruaryMany thanks, Carmen!
Linda Ferris
Posted at 15:12h, 24 FebruaryI have made 17 tunics from your Bible and graded the pattern down to make 4 more for my grand daughter. I can’t wait to get my hands on your new book!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:19h, 24 FebruaryYOU’VE MADE 17 TUNICS + 4 for your granddaughter??? Linda, I am amazed and would love to see photos. Thank you for your comment!
Vanessa Thomas
Posted at 16:51h, 24 FebruaryCongratulations on the newest book! I love sewing classics! My own personal style is classically chic with a bit of trend. So, I am excited to see what this book is about, and sew some of the patterns inside.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:20h, 24 FebruaryYou have a wonderful classic style, Vanessa! One pattern is included in the book – The Modern Classic Pencil Skirt. Many thanks for your comment 😀
Irene Mischkinis
Posted at 17:26h, 24 FebruaryHow wonderful! Can’t wait to hold it n my hands and have a good read.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:20h, 24 FebruaryThank you so very much, Irene!
Sandra Woods
Posted at 18:34h, 24 FebruaryThe book sounds interesting–AND I must say I am disappointed that the illustrations show a stylized skinny figure, with a Barbie Doll figure. Why does this continue to be the norm? Why not make the illustrations more normal?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:24h, 24 FebruarySandra,
We are very cognizant to be inclusive. Both the book’s ilustrations and modeled gallery offer a wide variety of shapes, sizes, ethnicities and ages.
Jan Pitts
Posted at 18:43h, 24 FebruaryI am so looking forward to this book. I have always admired your style as well as Julie’s. Pre-ordering now.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:25h, 24 FebruaryThank you so much, Jan! We hope you’ll enjoy it 😊
Sheila Moller
Posted at 00:27h, 25 FebruaryWow……can’t wait. You have been a real inspiration. I think reading your blog convinced me to keep trying. The RTW fast afforded an opportunity to learn from a very encouraging and expert group of sewists as well as transformed my whole relationship with clothes, both RTW and me made. I am finally, after many, many fails, beginning to sew things I love. So, thanks a bunch.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:33h, 25 FebruarySheila,
Your comment is truly meaningful to me ❤️ When I returned to sewing in 2011 and did my first RTW Fast I had to overcome a host of sewing issues, but I keep trying just as you did. I’m delighted you found the RTW Fasters’ group to be so helpful to you, and that you have achieved confidence and a new outlook on clothes and dressing. Congratulations and thanks so much for your comment!!
Mary Anne Chambers
Posted at 08:10h, 25 FebruaryMany congratulations to you both. This is a wonderfully exciting venture and I look forward to seeing the book in November. I think seeing classics is a very popular subject. I have pre ordered on Amazon UK.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:00h, 25 FebruaryMary Anne,
Thank you so much for ordering the book! We agree with you about the classics being popular right now, and I’m delighted to know the 😊
Marie Barrese
Posted at 13:48h, 25 FebruaryCongratulations to you and Julie! You are both rock stars in our sewing world. Anxiously awaiting this new book to inspire me further.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:55h, 25 FebruaryThank you, Marie! We’re looking forward to the book’s release 😊😊
Maryellensews
Posted at 20:00h, 25 FebruaryI’m anxiously awaiting your new book – congrats to both of you for always providing such great inspiration! I’m stunned at the woman who made 17 tunics ! That must be. A record – a great record 💪💪
Kathleen Wille
Posted at 20:04h, 25 FebruaryI was so excited about the book. I wish it were coming out sooner. I did pre-order, so I will be surprised when it arrives! Yay.
Hanh-Trang Ginocchio
Posted at 23:10h, 27 FebruaryAwesome! Kudos! Congratulations, ! can’t wait to see the book!
It should be a must have on the sewist book list, especially for the RTW Fasters as one should get the best outcome after investing precious sewing time. Frankly, I’m quite amazed.
Kathy
Posted at 09:19h, 23 MarchSarah, is there any benefit to pre-ordering the book? It’s just a long time until November and I hate to pay for something that far in advance. Who knows what tomorrow brings? Kathy
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:52h, 18 AprilThe only advantage to pre-ordering is the receive the book the day after it’s available. The Tunic Bible sold out before it was published, and customers had to wait for a reprinting.
We assume the publishers will be better prepared this time!!!!