Book Review & Giveaway: Sewing To Sell by Virginia Lindsay
I’m so excited about this new book that I get to review. Virginia Lindsay of Gingercake has given away all her secrets… this is seriously the most practical and beautiful book about running a sewing related business that I’ve ever seen. Sewing to Sell is an instant classic.
Virginia has lined up lots of amazing bloggers to share about the book for this blog tour (see the image below), so I just wanted to share 3 things that really make the book stand out for me.
1. The practical advice. Not kidding. Like she’s your very best friend and she wants you to be successful. The first half of the book contains chapters on knowing your customers, selecting fabric, packaging, photography, pricing, and the nuts and bolts of how to sell craft items. Invaluable.
2. The projects. In the second half of the book, your best friend Virginia Lindsay will hand you the patterns for all her best-selling craft items. She gives you permission to stitch them up and sell them exactly as-is, or if you read the first part of the book, she has already taught you how to tweak patterns to make them your own. Did I mention already that she’s your best friend?
3. The interviews with other sewing businesswomen. I love reading these. I don’t sell the things I make, but I love seeing sewing studios (there’s pictures sprinkled throughout) and reading the experiences of women who have made their business work. I always find something that I can apply to what I do. In this book, its like the icing on the cake after Virginia has already taught you so much.
So whether you are already ‘sewing to sell’ or you are thinking of starting a sewing or crafting related business, you will find this book to be invaluable. Did I say that already? Well, it is.
But don’t take my word for it, check out the other blogs in the blog hop!
So… who wants to win a copy? Enter below!
Happy Sewing!
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂
ruffled bed skirt
Love this giveaway, I really need this book. Thanks for the chance to win.
I’ve been making a lot of makeup cases- so far just as gifts, but they’ll be going on my Etsy store soon! This book looks so great.
I finished 2 quilts my sister in law asked me to make for her nieces. She gave me a really nice wool fabric in burgundy that had been on a pool table, and wanted it used in the quilts. Difficult but done. Now I have my own Christmas sewing to finish.
The last sewing project I completed was pincushions- one for your Christmas pincushion swap and two others trying out patterns! Loved doing my very first swap!
I am learning to sew and did some practices with sewing on cards 🙂 This is just the book I need, thanks a bunch for the chances to win!
The last sewing project I completed was making some burp cloths for my niece’s baby shower. This book would be soooo perfect for me because I’m in the process of sewing a bunch of stuff to open an Etsy shop. I could definitely use some help and this book looks like it would be super helpful.
That looks like it is full of great information. Thank you for the give-away!
Recently I finished up some boudoir pillows sewn from antique, Italian, silk hankies. I love them. So delicate and pretty. 🙂
Just last night I finished up a pair of flannel pajamas for my 10 year old. Her smile makes it all worth it.
What a great looking book and I love your review. I can’t wait to read it. 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
This book looks really useful, would love to win a copy!
I just finished hemming some curtains for a friend.
I just finished two darling little pillows, made out of satin & embroidered with Thank Heaven for Little Boys and Thank Heaven for Little Girls. Naturally, one was pink, one blue. Used a new-to-me font, a zipped back and a flat flange all around, and they were adorable!
Yesterday, I embroidered a new baby’s name on the tummy of a pre-made giraffe stuffy – he was a BEAR to get under the needle. I just crossed my fingers and hoped the name was centered and straight….came out pretty darned close!
This book sounds like a real winner! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!!
Last thing I finished was a baby quilt for my nephew… I started a hashtag quilt after tar but haven’t had the chance to finish it yet.
I finished a Coraline wristlet as a gift for a craft vendor I adore! She & her husband recycle license plates into art and so I found some license plate fabric! I hope she likes it!
I would love to know some tips on sewing&selling! My girls are older now&it would be easy for me! I sewed a lot when they were younger but mostly for them.
Last thing I finished was a quilt. Looks like a great book! Thanks for a chance to win.
Awesome! Have been thinking about doing this and would love to get your tips!
I finished a quilt for my mother 🙂
I finished some scarves made from some vintage fabric a customer had and I embroidered a Longhorn with Chase County Wrestling on shirts for the coaches.
Just finished a Beattle Bag!!! Love it!!! Fits all my stuff!!!
I just finished a baby quilt and a dozen burp clothes for a friend’s baby shower. I would love to win the book.
I am starting and I would love some help!
I am starting and I would love some help!
I just finished 3 infinity scarves made from 2 yards of cotton knit. Easiest project (and handmade gift) ever!
I’m a sewing beginner, and I really would like to start my own little business!!!
I finished a bag and am makkng another as a gift for christmas.
I made deer heads for my Christmas decor
I just finished an Elsa and an Anna (Frozen) plushie dolls.
Bags! Draw string bag, reversible tote bag, now making quilted zipper pouches…
A hand-quilted big tote bag, which becomes my diaper bag currently 😀 The cute farm print always makes me smile whenever I’m carrying it!
dieni.rachmawaty at gmail dot com
The last thing I FINISHED was a breathing mask for a child with cystic fibrosis.
A punch card holder
The last thing I’ve sewn is 8 zipper pouch clutches for my sisters bridesmaids
That looks like a great book to have, I hope I win!
Small pleated purses. Just did my last art walk for the year. It’s been a great year crafting.
And, I just finished pattern testing a hi-lo tunic!
Thanks for the giveaway, looks like a cool book!
Christmas presents… Lavender neck pillows (3), tiny stuffed owl ornaments (24), and a door draft blocker (1). And there’s more to go!
Aprons for my mum, and heat packs for everyone!
Thanks for the giveaway!
microwavable bowls!!!
My last project was a lined drawstring bag and I think it turned out great!
I finished a dress for myself to attend a wedding!
A sleeper sack for a newborn many moons ago!
I made my mother a quilt.
I made 20 quilted microwave bowl mitts for a craft show I did last month. They were a big hit as I was the only one who had them. I found most people said they were cute but didn’t know what they were until I explained it to them. I found that interacting with customers helped me sell them better.
I have been tossing the idea of sewing to sell for a few years – this would be invaluable!
The last thing I finished sewing were quilted stocking ornaments for a family I know. Each one had the name of a family member on it.
Haven’t done any projects lately due to being in grad school, but planning to as soon as I graduate!
The last thing I finished was a banner (bunting).
I finished one wallet… 6 more to go, and snuggies – 3 left – all for Christmas gifts! Everything hand made this year!
This book would be amazing!
I finished one wallet… 6 more to go, and snuggies – 3 left – all for Christmas gifts! Everything hand made this year!
This book would be amazing!
Latest thing I’ve finished was a pair of pj pants for myself…that ended up not fitting!
Hello Caroline, this book sounds like a great gift for that friend who is hemming and hawwing about wanting to sell their crafts….I just finished quilting a large buffet sized hot pad for the lady that organized my daughters wedding in just 2 days…….Wow..she is special, so something special for her…
The last thing I sew was a warm vest fot my almost 8 months old son! The pattern was my own design, I’ve made applique with his letter ‘V’ on the right side and put 3 snap buttons 🙂 I just wish I’ve made it a little bit bigger, because he’ll not wear it for too long 🙂 I’ll love to have this book! And you’re great! :-)) kiss kiss
The last project I finished was a hand embroidered & appliquéd "Winter Wonderland" quilt that I donated to the Salt Lake City, Festival of Trees (proceeds of quilt auction going to Children’s Hospital). It felt so good to do this, and the bonus was that I was able to take my two little grandkids to the festival and have a photo taken in front of my quilt!
nettiecrain@live.com
This one looks current and useful – I can’t wait to read it!
This book sounds amazing! It may help me decide if I want to take my crafting tot he next level, or at the very least help me answer the question of "how much" when people ask me to do things for them!!
shirt for myself
I am just finishing a tote bag for a music director in our church. Great fun!
I would really like to get this book for my sister, who is just entering the craft fair world. It would be a perfect gift!
I have just finished a Wendy costume for my children’s Christmas play. And next I will try your Bike messenger bag!
The last thing I finished sewing was a custom order purse. I am currently working on five more!
Comfy pajama pants for my kids for the coming cold weather!
barbie doll dresses
the last i finished sewing is a sewing machine pincushion and a Christmas stocking
The only sewing I’ve finished lately is doing things like fixing seams in a pillow.
I’ve been hand sewing cat toys for my neighbor’s cats for Christmas ^_^
Pants
The last thing that I finished sewing was a "craft clutch" for my 5 year old niece – it holds 12 crayons and has pockets for paper/colouring books and stickers!
I just finished some Frozen blankets. Some are gifts some are for sale.
recently finished hemming some pants and making a heat pack
A quilt for my daughter.
I finished a quilt.
Finished repairing a pair of jeans that ripped along the waistband
I just finished an awesome purse that will be a Christmas present 😀
Doing various things a the moment! But I just finished hand embroidering a lovely heart!
The last thing I finished sewing was my first quilt I’ve ever made. It only took me 6 years of procrastination between other projects. 😚
Boy, I had to think for a minute there! I finished two mini quilts for my sewing wall, one is the Aurifil block that looks like a button, and the other a mini Red Letter Day quilt. Thanks for the chance to win this book, every year I think about selling things at our employee craft sale, maybe next year will be the year! jacklynnsteven at netzero dot com
A quilted purse and wallet.
I just sewed a bunch of things for a craft show I was in, but the last item I sewed before heading out was a set of cotton flannel animal masks.
I sold a number of Christmas stockings this years, but I wish I could do this year round!
I finished an outfit for our elf on a shelf last night. She looks low a cowgirl now!
This would be great ~ my daughter is almost graduating and would love to be at least part time self employed ! This book would be great for her.
Oh, we were supposed to say the last thing we had sewn ~ an apron and my 11 year has been sewing Comfort Bags 🙂
I just made up two little dolly’s for my girl. The Scrappy Little Miss from Rabbit Rabbit Creations.
I have just finished a couple of cushions for a gift for my daughter’s teacher. She is leaving the school at the end of the year and we are so sad to see her go.
Quilts for 3 of my nieces and my son.
Quilts for 3 of my nieces and my son.
I just finished a snowflake necklace to wear to a holiday "fun run" event for charity.
I sewed a dog bed for my puppy with a removable cover.
Hi there Caroline,
The last thing I sewed(and finished!) was a scrappy pouch with handle that I made to carry my camera in. I used a tute from Clover & Violet and tweaked it to make it mine!
I am in desperate need of this new book as I have started to accumulate and price-check supplies for items I hope to make and put in an Etsy shop, as well as for craft fairs. Being that I am in Canada, supplies and fabrics cost more, so I am really kean to see if there are hints on how to make money(not looking to be a millionaire here) to help out my family’s bottom line. I am on a Disability pension and my Hubs has to shoulder most of our household costs.
Thanks so much for the giveaway,
Jacqueline in Pitt Meadows, BC, Canada
snausages22@yahoo.ca
Great giveaway – I can always use a new best friend!!
Great giveaway – I can always use a new best friend!!
Oh…last thing I finished was a pincushion for the Sewcanshe sewcialites!
Messenger Bag as my sisters christmas gift
The last thing I finished sewing was a jumper for my 2 yr. old’s Halloween costume. She was a porcelain doll for Halloween.
The last thing I finished was a free-standing lace embroidery tree ornament for a guild exchange.
This looks like an interesting read. I think I need to put it on my list – if I don’t win a copy : ) Thank you!
I definitely need this book! It looks like a must read. Thanks for blogging about it!
I made my kids matching shirts for our Disneyland trip.
last thing i finished sewing was last friday at 3am – three pairs of pyjama pants for my kids for our santa pictures later that day 😀
Christmas pajamas!
This looks awesome! I need this . thanks for the chance to win… the last thing I finished was minky baby blanket.
The last think I sewed was a cape for a costume last Halloween.
The book will be so helpful! The last thing I sewn was a cute dress for my Grandaughter to wear on Thanksgiving.
I sewed my daughter’s cheerleader costume for halloween.
I sewed my daughter’s cheerleader costume for halloween.
I’ve been selling my sewing for a couple years now, I would love to read this book, see if I can get that extra boost I am looking for. Thank you so much for the giveaway! I think this would be ever so helpful! I am currently sewing for my next craft fair, after that I have to bust out two new Christmas dresses for my little ladies. 😀
I just finished a ITH Embroidered Door Hanger for a friend as a Hostess Gift at her Christmas Party! I would love to read this book. I have been sewing, quilting, and embroidering for 10+ years and have sold some of my quilts. But I would love to be able to sell more, and I think this book would give me the info I need to to better! Thank you Sew Much, Jan
I have been selling my quilts/embroidery for many years now! Would love to read this book and learn some insight on what is hot sellers!
I just finished a quilt for a customer. I need all these great tips in the book!!
A Christmas wall hanging.
Yesterday I made a pillow from a cute, clearance Christmas t-shirt, 10 boutique tissue box covers (they end up looking like wrapped presents), and a Date Night Purse from DogUnderMyDesk.com. Whew, a busy day of sewing. Now on to 6 pair of PJ pants!
This book looks awesome!
The last thing i sew is a handphone pouch .it turn out to be a glasses pouch..
The last thing I finished sewing was a top and pair of pants for my future granddaughter. I did them in four different patterns of fall fabric and ruffled and layered. Turned out pretty good…in my opinion.
I finished sewing a zipper pouch! My first time and it was better than I expected! Lol! Thanks for the giveaway!
tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com
I’m new to more serious sewing and look forward to learning more.
These weren’t for my shop, but I made Christmas bags for our Advent ornaments. 🙂
I just finished a zippered box bag and love it! I can’t wait to start another one.
The last item I sewed was a Santa bag with baby minky fabric for the beard for a gift.
I finished a Christmas wall hanging for my mom’s December birthday.
I sewed a small Ohio State University billfold for my grandson. He loves it!!
I sewed a small Ohio State University billfold for my grandson. He loves it!!
My last project was a three compartment pencil case with loops to go in a folder, that I jazzed up with lace medallion. Although I did quickly stitch up a ribbon lanyard for my cousin’s birthday- which is probably more recent : )
I made an apron for my sister’s great granddaughter. It was pink flowers for the skirt and orange for the top part with pink flower ties. My next project is a jean purse for my daughter…using the top part of the jeans.
I just finished a plush minky baby/toddler blanket in red and white ~ so cozy!
I think the last item I made was a mini version of a birth-ball cover… (I was testing out a pattern design without wasting a TON of fabric!)
I’m a total newbie in sewing and I just finished 2 skirts for myself and my sister 🙂
I have just finished sewing several Christmas tree ornaments, which I’m giving as gifts this year. 🙂
I just finished a set of potholder and some mug rugs. Now on to the next project
In the hoop coin purse.
kitchen towels embellished with embroidery and trim on the bottom edge.
embroidered Christmas ornaments also
last project i made owl keychains for my sisters babyshower, and also sewed a plush owl for the center piece
A table runner!
I just completed for 12 1/2 quilt blocks for a friendship block drawing!
I last sewed a purse for my friend for Christmas
I just finished sewing 226 dribble bibs for my home hobby. This book would be perfect for me to expand my homemade business.
I just finished two gathered clutches to give away for Christmas. The book looks great!
I would love to win this – just starting out with my sewing business and need all the help I can get 🙂
I sewed up a stack of bibs and burp cloths 🙂
I finished a crochet bag to give to my Mom and sister.
I am finishinishing some craft aprons for a cllient.
Just finished a crazy crumb peg bag valerie.boudier@ntlworld.com
A reversible holiday apron for a customer.
*sorry if this is a re-comment. I’m having difficulty with my tablet today.
I just finished sewing a cow plushie for my son’s teacher for Christmas. His idea. 🙂
Just beginning to think more seriously about selling. This sounds like the perfect book for me! Thanks
This is just what I need! Thank you for the chance to win it.
Looks like a great book. I just finished a paper pieced mini wall hanging for a hostess gift. It turned out to be real cute.
Fantastic book – can’t wait to read it
Karen
I just finished a HST project. A twin size quilt
I just finished a lolita style jumper skirt for my daughter.
I made a pair of baby slippers 🙂
I made appliqued towels for the family for Christmas
hmmm some felties for hairbows!
Super hero capes and a couple holiday dresses for my daughter.
I just finished a bunch of embellished hand towels in time for Christmas gifts! Thanks for the great giveaway…my little Etsy shop could use some help! 🙂
The last thing I finished yesterday was a Remote Holder that goes on the edge of the mattress so you won’t lose your TV remotes. You can also hang them on the arm rest of a couch or chair. They are great.
This sounds like a book every sewist needs. It can be a tough business without guidance.
I just finished making a bunch of pet bow ties and bandanas for Christmas presents. I have a lot of pet lovers in my life.
looks like an awesome book!
I just finished a homemade hot pad, and am nearly finished with it’s twin.
This sounds like a wonderful book. I would love to have a copy! I have a sewing business creating children’s clothing so that last thing I sewed was a cardigan.
The last thing I made were 20 mug rugs/coasters for Christmas gift. That was how I spent yesterday 🙂
The last things that I remember sewing were some matching Christmas aprons for my sister and myself. I also made a cute little fall purse. I have had to leave my job due to the fact that our mother is in the last stages of Alzheimer’s and our father is in extremely poor health. It’s just my sister and I to manage things for them. I would love to be able to start some sort of home business and I think this book would be an awesome guide to help me achieve my goal.
The last thing I sewed was 8 little fabric zip pouches!
I made a Tote bag and an iron caddy which is a ironing pad its so cool since i don’t have and ironing board that sure comes in handy. Im heading out to a sewing class today 🙂
The last thing I sewed were 3 little girl aprons for our annual Christmas Cookie Bake Day! If I don’t win this book I’m going to buy it! Looks like some great information and I’m always looking for new ideas! Thank you!
I just finished a bib order last night for a customer who wanted it embroidered with the name "Seeley". I also added an applique blue bird and it turned out so sweet!
The last thing i finished was a apron for a friend. I made a copy of it for the state fair and got a blue ribbon for it. Ty for the giveaway!!!!
Advent calendar
A little purse
I just finished a vest onesie and matching baby kilt for a customer. It was sooo fun! Thanks for the giveaway. I definitely need this book!
Some doll clothes for my daughter
I made a Totoro stuffed plushie for my boyfriend. Totoro is a Japanese anime character, and is one of the most lovable things I have ever seen.
What a great giveaway – and at just the right time too! I’m just finished making a spool mini-quilt for my MIL for Xmas. First time quilting anything at all.. had a blast!
My daughter’s prom dress last spring. Oh my. Has it been that long since I finished anything?
The last thing I made was a dog bed. The base is made from clothesline and the pillow made of solft fleece with Diva Dog embroider on the pillow
I like to make small items to sell. Would love to read what you do and recommend.
I would love a copy of this book because I would like to formally open a craft based business.
Would love to win this to get more insight to becoming more successful with my dream of doing what I LOVE SEWING!
I’m finishing a memory quilt today!! Wish I could post a photo, I’m so proud! Will be completely bound by midnight (if I get off the computer!)
I just finished my third quilt in time for Christmas. I am working on my fourth for a daughter that lives at home. I’m very excited about sewing this time around.
I finished a zipper bag for a friend for Christmas!
Christmas stockings
I just finished the cutest little teddy bear for my brand new baby nephew who is the joy of the family. He’s the first grand baby too, so he’s kind of a big deal.
I sewed several fleece blankets for family for Christmas presents.
I sewed a little bird to play with for my son. now they sleep together 🙂
Been sewing here and there for a while, last thing I did Christmas stocking, love to make Christmas stuff. I would like to have your book!!
I’ve been finishing off some hand embroidery for Christmas. Next year is going to be MY year – my youngest has finished high school and is heading off to a university interstate. So, this book would be the best to help set me up with my new beginnings 🙂
I just finished a book cover! 🙂
Love getting your daily newsletter with fun projects and information. Would love to know more on how to help my crafting business.
I finished a tote bag but not quite 100% happy with it because the handles were shorter than I like. Next time I will be sure to change the pattern!
This sounds like exactly what I need. 🙂
I’ve been thinking how to turn my sewing into a business for a while now, it would be a great way to get it going.
The last thing I sewed was a knee length yellow skirt.
Last thing I made was a Super Tote (Noodlehead pattern) about 3 weeks ago.
I made a bag as a gift!
The last thing I finished was 2 pillow cases for a sick little girl and her brother..
The last thing I sewed was a little triangular shaped thread catcher that I gave to my friend just before she left on her car trip to Texas and Florida for the winter. Hopefully now her hubby won’t complain about her little loose threads in the car since she does a lot of cross stitch while he does the driving.
The last thing I finished was a fabric book bag for my nephew.
This book is on my Christmas list for sure. Thanks for the great review.
This is an awesome giveaway. Definitely on my wishlist. I think that there’s nothing more important that any tips that anyone can give to assist in making a living doing what your heart desires and what makes you happy!