Girl's World Review and Giveaway!

--Melissa

I have never met a book put out by Chronicle books that I didn't like, and Jennifer Paganelli's, Girl's World: Twenty-One Sewing Projects to Make for Little Girls is no exception. Jennifer created a sewing book that is unapologetically girlie with patterns for dresses, dress up clothes and accessories to decorate with or to give away.

When you look past Tim Geaney's beautiful photography, you'll find detailed sewing instructions and solid patterns suitable for those starting out, and those of us needing some fresh inspiration. The patterns are full sized and individually printed out on sturdy newsprint style paper (so no tracing, if you're in a hurry!). This is a book you'll be able to use for years and years thanks to sizing that ranges from XS (2) to XL (12-14). Jennifer has years of experience in the textile industry as the creator of Sis Boom fabric, and all the samples in the book feature her much loved fabric.

I chose a cotton lawn from the Japanese company Yuwa to sew together Mary's Fancy Sash Dress pattern. Even though it might seem "fancy" it is suitable for a beginner and would work just as well as an every day dress if you leave off the sash and shorten it to suit active play. The back features a bit of elastic that makes the dress a snap to pull on and off, and the skirt is perfect for twirling. Of course, depending on your fabric choice, this would also make a simple but stunning flower girl or party dress. This pattern is the perfect use for a border print.

We should be getting more books in this week (we sold out of the first order!) and Chronicle has generously offered us a book to giveaway to one of our readers. Leave a comment (US addresses only please) before Saturday afternoon and we'll pull a winner! Check out all the entire blog tour for more photos and chances to win-- Susan will have a post up tomorrow!