Sewing for Boys – a review + giveaway!

You know I like to sew right? On occasion I even like to sew clothing! I’ve been excited about the prospect of making a lot of clothes for Max, but I’ve quickly come to realize how hard it is to find good sewing projects for boys.

And this is exactly why I was so excited to have a chance to review this book. Sewing for Boys is written by Shelly Figueroa and Karen LePage (they also have a very popular pattern company, Patterns by Figgy’s), and is published by Wiley Publishing.

Shelly and Karen have done a wonderful job in creating fun and interesting patterns, and as I flipped through the photo portion in the beginning, I could imagine myself making many of these items to add to Max’s wardrobe.

I kept coming back to this page, and these fabulous Treasure Pocket Pants. I love the contrast side panels, those great gathered pockets, and the fun elastic waist detail. The smallest size for this pattern is 18 months, and even though I knew that would be too big for Max, I had to make them anyway. (As a side note, I’m thrilled that the pattern goes up to size 7 – hope Max doesn’t get bored with these pants before then!)

I’m not very good at following patterns, but I must say, I followed this one precisely (I think!) and I’m pleased to say that I learned some new techniques along the way. I don’t have a lot of experience making clothing from patterns, but even so, these directions were well-written and I found it to be a very manageable project. And I’m so very pleased with the results! These pants are adorable and have lots of great details and finishing techniques that make them look quite professional.

And even though they’re not a perfect fit quite yet, they still look pretty darn cute on him!

I’m really excited about this book, and I can’t wait to try out many of the other projects. Next on my list is the Raglan Tee – maybe a little something to pair with these pants?

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So, do you know a little boy (or girl! many of these patterns would be equally cute for little girls) who might need some new duds? Wiley Publishing is offering a copy of this book to one lucky commenter. Please leave a comment here (one per person, please!) for a chance to win. If you’d like, let me know what’s next on your sewing to do list! I’ll select a winner sometime tomorrow.

Edited to add: Comments are now closed. I’ll be announcing the winner shortly!

The blog tour continues on! Be sure to check out these other sites for more information about Sewing for Boys –

September 5 Made by Rae
September 6 Sew, Mama, Sew
September 7 The Southern Institute & Film in the Fridge
September 8 Elsie Marley
September 9 Noodlehead & Oh, Fransson!
September 10 I Heart Linen
September 11 Anna Maria Horner
September 12 Craft Buds, Pink Chalk Fabric , Prudent Baby , Sew Much Ado
September 13 Very Purple Person, Quilt Story & Sew Sara
September 14 The Long Thread
September 15 Susan Beal
September 16 True Up
September 17 All Buttoned Up & Bolt Fabric Boutique
September 18 MADE & Wiley Craft