Growing Up Sew Liberated Blog Tour: review and giveaway!

Growing Up Sew Liberated is hot off the press, and I couldn't be more excited to be a stop on the blog tour. I remember the day when author, Meg McElwee, first announced that she was writing a book about sewing thoughtful children's clothes, that respected a small body's need for independence and total comfort. I recall thinking what a perfect concept to focus an entire book on. That could be incredible. And it is! INCREDIBLE! Congratulations Meg! She has merged her early childhood education background, with her pattern making skills and mothering experience to produce a book that is filled with gorgeous clothing destined to become your child's favorites...

 and delightful play items that will really, truly be used... and loved. 

My little you know who has already put in a request for the hideaway play tent on the book cover and the little amigo doll that comes with patterns for clothing and a papoose (see the top photo). Someday soon, I hope.

Meg divided the book into sections to match the rhythm of the day for a small child:

• greeting the morning
• bread sharing & homemaking
• inside play
• outside  play
• goodnight,sleep tight

Woven throughout the 20+ sewing projects are thoughts and gentle reminders about how to help children to gain a sense of independence and self worth through involving them in their world by "learning through everyday tasks". An embroidered placemat is so much more then a place setting  "it provides a guide to help the toddler remember what has not been retrieved from the cabinet". Because even a tiny person can set the table... given the right tools.
Meg and I share so much: an appreciation for the Montessori approach, a delight in Waldorf traditions and aesthetics, a desire to create peaceful and enriching environments for our family, and well there's that love for sewing, too. This book was destined to become one of my favorites, but I'm pretty sure it will be one of yours, as well. As with Meg's first book, Sew Liberated, the instructions and patterns are always straightforward so even if you don't have lots of sewing experience you can go forth with confidence.
 
 Stretchy, soft knits are what my children have always been drawn too... most kids are. So, I was so happy to see lots of designs incorporating this kid approved fabric without the need for sergers or fancy equipment. My only peeve about  is that my kids are too big for the clothing. That is the nature of mothering... we can't make them stop growing, can we? The sizing targets the 5 and under crowd. Luckily there are always babies needing gifts, right?
 
My half sister has twins turning one this month, so they were an easy inspiration. I loved these All By Myself Bibs. Older babies can't unsnap it or whip them off (as they are prone to do,) and a toddler can slip it on all by them self. Every one year old needs a couple for their birthday, no? Added bonus, they sew up quickly, so making multiples isn't daunting. I used a thick interlock polo shirt in extra large from the thrift store for both. I didn't have the"called for" ribbed jersey for the binding strips, but the instructions said I could substitute jersey... although it might not be as stretchy. We tested it over a 6 year old's big head and no problem. Yay!
 
 My birth father (the twins' grandpa/abuelo) gave me a little bird printed t-shirt on my 5th birthday. It was a favorite I remember well. I thought it fitting to print one of my own birds on at least one of these bibs. The little blue bee wanted to land on the other. Now they are both flying over the ocean to Puerto Rico and two birthday babes.

So, "yes" you say... sounds great and sign me up! If you leave a comment in this post, you'll be entered into the random drawing to win a free copy of Growing Up Sew Liberated. Please make sure you leave your email if it's not linked through blogger. Comments will close Friday at 9PM EST, and I'll announce the winner on Saturday. Good luck!  Comments are now closed.

Congratulations goes to:

jill said...

the book looks so wonderful! what a great prize to win. thanks

 I will contact you to get your mailing info.


 For everyone else, don't forget:
In addition, Meg is offering my readers 20% discount to anything in her shop (including her books) through June 23. Use the coupon code: MayaMade.

Here are the rest of the Blog Tour dates if you'd like to read more about the book and author:
6/6         elsiemarley.com
6/7         made-by-rae.com
6/8         artfulparent.typepad.com
6/9         rhythmofthehomeblog.com
6/10       uncommongrace.typepad.com
6/13       simplehomeschool.net
6/14       BurdaStyle.com
6/15       mayamade.blogspot.com
6/16       blairpeter.typepad.com
6/17       jchandmade.typepad.com
6/20       frontierdreams.blogspot.com
6/21       dana-made-it.com