Sewing

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Book Review and Giveaway – You And Your Sewing Machine

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YOU AND YOUR SEWING MACHINE

A Sewist’s Guide to Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Tips & Techniques by Bernie Tobisch

From the sewing machine whisperer, Bernie Tobisch comes this in-depth, visual guide to how a sewing machine works, how to keep it in good working order, and how to solve common problems. Learn what questions to ask when buying a new sewing machine, what sewing machine foot to use for different projects, what regular maintenance you need to perform, and more. Perfect for sewists and quilters of all levels, this friendly approach to learning about and troubleshooting YOUR sewing machine gives you the tools you need to sew and quilt with less frustration and better results!

• For any brand of sewing machine
• Written by an expert sewing machine technician with over forty-two years of experience
• Learn how your sewing machine works, how to keep it happy, and how to troubleshoot common problems

This sewing guide is filled with tips and tricks on how to get along with your sewing machine, I mean there has been a few times when I have wanted to chuck my out the window. With this book your sanity will remain as Bernie guides you through all the common and not so common sewing machine dramas. We love this book and we are giving 5 lucky Sewing Craftgossip readers the chance to win a copy of their own.

We are giving away 5 copies to 5 lucky Craftgossip.com readers (US address only)

For your chance to win a copy all you have to do is comment below.

Want an extra chance at winning? Signup to our Newsletter and join our Facebook page. 

Entries close on the 30th of October 2018  – Winners will be contacted via e-mail at the close of the giveaway.

 

Comments

  4. I’m 68 and been sewing since I was a child. My grandmother was a professional seamstress. I’ve been nursing an old Janine for a few years. I’d love to learn how to keep her going a few more!

  5. Just got a new sewing machine
    and this book would be wonderful
    to win and have to use!
    Carla from Utah

  19. I would love to win this book for my sister. She has just received an used sewing machine and it didn’t have the book with it. Thank you.

  27. I’ve been sewing for 50 years but I’m always anxious to learn something new. Thanks for the opportunity!

  28. I so need this!!! Every sewing machine I’ve owned has had problems, especially with the tension feature. I cannot decipher anything from the self-help manuals. HELP!

  31. This book would be great for me, being a new sewer and learning about my machine. I need to keep my machine happy.

  36. I just started sewing a few months ago and have been borrowing books from the library to learn techniques. Would love to have my own copy to always have on hand!

  38. Looks like a comprehensive book on sewing. It seems to give a very clear view of what is going on while
    sewing a project. Great!!!

  42. From the pictures on the front of the book, this looks like a really good visual aid. I would love to win a copy of it.

  48. I know exactly who I would give this book to. They are a new sewer and this would be a great reference book for them.

  54. Oh wow, that would really guide me. I haven’t done any sewing since before my son was born and lets see, he will be 47 next month. I just can’t do it. I have tried. I have purchased 3 new sewing machines and lets see, 2 I gave away as I couldn’t get the tension right and found a great big mess on the inside of the material. I blamed it on the machine of course. Then I purchased another machine 6 months ago and am afraid to take it out of the box. Please help, I really need this.

  56. I haven’t actually sewed anything in over 30 years and have recently gotten back into it (new grandson) so a updated reference book would be awesome.

  60. You can never know too much about your sewing machine or in my case machines. This would be a great addition to my sewing library.

  62. I inherited my machine from a friend and I don’t have a clue how some things work. I’ve tried Google for some help to no avail. This would be an awesome opportunity for me to learn. I didn’t think there would be a sewing machine book out there. Thanks!

  63. This would come in handy right now. I have two sewing machines that are not sewing correctly. This sure would save me a lot of money if I am able to troubleshoot the problem myself.

  64. Well, this would be helpful! I just semi-retired and am looking forward to really getting into sewing, plus I just “inherited” a great quality – but old! – Viking machine that I want to get into good running condition again. By the way, I get the newsletter and follow on Facebook as well!

  65. This would be a great book for me. I bought a sewing machine 15 years ago. Had problems with threads and stopped. Now I am terrified of my sewing machine. I need a good push start.

Have you read?

Sewing Pattern Saturday: Comfort Blanket 2-in-1 Sewing Pattern Review

There’s something especially meaningful about sewing for babies — and comfort items sit right at the top of that list. The Comfort Blanket 2-in-1 sewing pattern stood out because it’s designed to become that item. The one that gets carried everywhere, washed a hundred times, and quietly becomes part of a child’s everyday routine.

This isn’t a decorative nursery piece meant to sit untouched on a shelf. It’s a practical, thoughtful design that understands how babies actually use comfort blankets — for cuddling, soothing, and familiarity. Patterns like this always catch our attention because they’re about function first, with handmade heart woven all the way through.

Quick Pattern Overview

  • Pattern type: Baby comfort blanket / lovey

  • Skill level: Beginner

  • Format: PDF sewing pattern

  • Sizing range: Baby / infant

  • Designed for: Comfort, soothing, everyday use

  • Where to find it: Etsy (PDF sewing pattern)

Skill Level – What You Really Need to Know

This is a very beginner-friendly pattern, making it an excellent choice if you’re new to sewing for babies or want a gentle, satisfying project. The construction is straightforward, with no complex shaping or garment techniques involved.

Accuracy still matters — especially with neat seams and soft finishing — but this is absolutely a pattern you can enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. It’s also a lovely option if you’re sewing during nap times or want a project you can complete in short bursts.

Fabric & Material Suggestions

Fabric choice is especially important here, as this is something babies will cuddle and handle constantly.

  • Best fabrics: Cotton muslin, cotton jersey, soft flannel, bamboo blends

  • For texture: Mix smooth cotton with a slightly textured backing

  • Fabrics to avoid: Anything stiff, scratchy, or heavily embellished

Softness and washability are key. Choosing fabrics that get better with washing will ensure the finished blanket holds up to real use.

Fit, Sizing & Wearability Notes

This comfort blanket is designed to be easy for little hands to hold, fold, and cuddle. The size is intentional — not too large, not too small — making it suitable for prams, cots, and everyday outings.

Because it’s not size-dependent in the way clothing is, this pattern offers a lot of flexibility. It’s also a great option if you’re sewing gifts and don’t know exact measurements.

Before You Start Sewing This Pattern

  • Pre-wash all fabrics to avoid shrinkage

  • Read instructions fully before cutting

  • Choose thread suitable for frequent washing

  • Take time with finishing edges neatly

  • Double-check PDF print scale if templates are included

These small steps help ensure a soft, durable result.

Customisation & Styling Ideas

This 2-in-1 pattern is easy to personalise and makes a wonderful handmade gift.

You could:

  • Use contrasting fabrics for visual interest

  • Personalise with embroidery or appliqué

  • Coordinate fabrics with a nursery theme

  • Make multiple versions for rotation

  • Pair it with a matching bib or blanket

It’s a pattern that encourages thoughtful fabric choices rather than complicated sewing.

Who This Pattern Is Best For

This pattern is a great choice if you:

  • Sew for babies or new parents

  • Want a quick, meaningful project

  • Enjoy beginner-friendly sewing

  • Like making handmade gifts that get used

You may want to skip this if:

  • You’re looking for a garment project

  • You prefer complex construction

  • You dislike repetitive stitching

Why We’re Sharing This Pattern

We love sharing patterns like this because they highlight the emotional side of sewing. Comfort blankets aren’t about fashion or trends — they’re about familiarity, softness, and care. This pattern is simple, thoughtful, and designed for real use, which makes it incredibly rewarding to sew.

It’s exactly the kind of project that reminds us why handmade matters.

About Sewing Pattern Saturday

Sewing Pattern Saturday is a regular series here on CraftGossip where we highlight sewing patterns created by independent designers, with a strong focus on Etsy sellers and small businesses. It’s our way of supporting talented pattern makers while helping sewists discover patterns that are practical, well-designed, and genuinely enjoyable to make.

Find the Pattern Here

You can find the Comfort Blanket 2-in-1 PDF Sewing Pattern on Etsy ?