Today I’m excited to introduce a new book to you all, Create the Perfect Fit by my friend, Joi Mahon! I met Joi several years ago when we were both 1st time teachers at the Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion. I was teaching children’s garment construction and Joi was teaching an incredible draping class. Everyone who took Joi’s class raved about it and everything in her classroom looked straight out of Project Runway (I’m pretty sure if she were on that show, she would win)………she is the real deal. Anyway, fast forward and now Joi has released her first book and several printed patterns with the McCall’s Pattern Company. I’m so thrilled for her and I wanted to share a little bit about her book and giveaway an autographed copy to one of you!
I don’t sew very many clothes for myself. Why? Well, I’m pretty busy sewing for my own little ones and I also feel like I don’t want to spend the time making something for myself that won’t end up fitting anyway. The only clothing I’ve sewn for myself is my Washi Dress because I knew that all I had to figure out was the fit for my bust and the rest would fit. But I can’t imagine trying to sew something like pants, a jacket or something with a fitted waist. But ‘Create the Perfect Fit‘ solves all of these problems. Joi’s down-to-earth approach to fitting real women’s bodies makes me feel like I could tackle all of these things.
Measuring is key to fit. If you don’t have your appropriate measurements, your garment is certainly not going to fit. However, if you have your exact measurements, ‘Create the Perfect Fit‘ will show you how to create a garment that actually fits. No more sewing something for hours and hours, only to end up throwing it in the trash. I know many women have dreamed of taking a true fitting class, but honestly, this book offers you so much information that it’s like having Joi give you a private fit lesson of your very own.
Every woman is created in her own unique way in all shapes and sizes. Figuring out what is unique about you is key in creating the perfect fit when you are sewing for yourself. For me, I have a larger chest, longer torso, smaller waist and more narrow shoulders. I’m always worried that things are not going to fit in the chest. Most people who meet me in person wouldn’t guess that chest is an issue for me because I know how to dress my body and I don’t appear to be large chested………but again, that’s why I don’t sew for myself. I know how to dress my body, but I don’t know how to sew for it. Also, wearing proper undergarments underneath your clothing is going to make them fit so much better.
Joi offers you detailed instructions and diagrams showing you how to measure your body and applying your measurements to commercial patterns so that you have a base pattern that you can use for the future garments you sew. Just because a pattern looks like it won’t work for your body, ‘Create the Perfect Fit‘ will show you how it can be adjusted for any body type. I think this book is incredibly user friendly and is a must-have addition to your sewing book collection……..especially those that love to sew women’s clothing!
So how would you like to win your very own autographed copy of ‘Create the Perfect Fit‘ by Joi Mahon? Well, this giveaway is easy……..leave me a comment and let me know why you would like a copy of this book. That’s it! One easy entry. **THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW ENDED**.
The giveaway winner is………
And if you are just so excited about this book that you want to go buy your own copy right now, you can do so by clicking HERE.
Happy Sewing!
Lindsay Wilkes is the owner and designer behind The Cottage Mama. She creates timeless, vintage inspired sewing patterns for children’s clothes. She is also a fabric designer for Riley Black Designers / Penny Rose Fabrics, author of the book ‘Sew Classic Clothes for Girls’ and can be seen teaching nationwide and online in her video series ‘Lessons with Lindsay’ sponsored by Baby Lock Sewing and Embroidery machines.
I would love to win this book! I have participated in her Craftsy class and have been waiting for this book to arrive. Pick me!!
This book would be awesome! People always assume that because I wear a small size it is easy to find clothes! My sister and I tried this a few years ago, but after 3 kids my body has changed shape 😉
Hello! I would love to win. I’m petite and no longer a skinny 0-4 after having my two kids. It is super hard to find clothes off the rack that fits well and still feels comfortable.
I would love this book. I have not been sewing for myself much lately, my apple shape is hard to fit. This book just might help.
I would just love, love, love to have this book. I have no idea of what my size really is. I’m constantly sewing ill-fitting things that I never wear and can’t figure out how to fix. It takes a lot of the joy out of sewing and adds a lot of extra body image stress. I’ve been trying to come up with some ways to improve, but haven’t had any luck so far.
I made a dress similar to the pink one in the photo to wear to a wedding this summer. I had to practically re-draw the pattern, I guess I’m just not shaped like modern patterns! I’d love some help fitting my next dress.
This book would be great for me. Almost every time i sew for myself, the fit is not good. I hate it when you put so much effort in a garment and you just don’t get to ware it because it just is not perfect.
I love to sew for my daughter, but I’m too intimated to sew for myself. I have sewn a couple of pieces, but the fit wasn’t quite right. Sounds like a book that I could really use!
Since having my two girls, my body obviously has changed and I haven’t figured out to get the right fit yet. This book would be a great help to fixing that.
Even though I’ve only been sewing for a few years, I’ve really enjoyed making clothes, unfortunately my measurements are always off! I would LOVE to be able to create clothes without all the back and forth!
I would like to win the book because I have a ton of patterns for me laying around I can’t sew because I know they won’t fit me well enough so I will actually were them.
Like having wrinkles coming from the armpit because I need to make a bust adjustment.
sigh.
I’d love to win it to give to my daughter who loves to create her own clothes.
What a great book I would love to have to be able to know how to measure to ensure a nice fit. Sewing is fun and having something turn out to fit nicely, is super fun! Thank you for the chance to win the book.
I’d love to win this- thanks for the chance. Just recently started sewing again for myself . Would love to know more fitting techniques !
Thx
would love to learn how to measure myself more accurately and become more knowledgeable about sewing!!!
have been working on my fitting technique so this would be very helpful!
Would love to win this book. I’ve been sewing more clothes for me recently, but would like to try making more fitted items!
I would love to win this book. As a plus size woman, it is always a challenge to make clothing that fit properly. I would love to learn how to measure my body properly and adjust patterns for my size. Being in a wheelchair, I also have the added challenge of making sure clothing is comfortable and not constricting, and still looks good.
I love the idea of sewing for myself, but not everything turns out as great as it looks in my mind. I would love to improve my sewing and be able to wear the garments I make with pride.
I love seeing clothes for myself. But I have the same problem. I am large chested with a small waist and I often fall into 2 or even 3 sizes on the back of the pattern. I would love this book so my clothes will fit me perfect when I make them.
I would love a copy of the book! I don’t sew for myself anymore because I’ve had 1 too many pieces that just didn’t fit. …and then to buy off the rack–IF I could find something I like, it needs altered/adjusted anyway. I’d love to sew my own wardrobe if I had the tools to create the perfect fit!
Wow, sounds like an amazing book! I would love to win it as sewing for myself is so frustrating, I have so much to learn about pattern fitting & it sounds like Joi has all the answers.
I would love this book. I have not been sewing for myself much lately, because i am a plus size and the patterns avaliable are hard to fit me properly. This book would be the help i’m looking for.
I am new to sewing clothing and have a lot to learn. This book would be great because I am a small person and most purchased patterns are too big for me and I don’t know how to resize.
Figuring out your body type and a lovely style is a lost art for so many young women. To have all the information and helps so readily available is fabulous. I sew for myself, a few other women who ask, and my growing teens. I am nervous every time I pretend to understand the process.
I would to learn how to finally fit garments well. It always seems tricky to get just the right fit.
Would love to win a copy of this book!! I would love to sew more for myself, but have found fitting a problem. Sounds like just what I need:)
I would love to win this book! When I first learned to sew as a teenager, I sewed a lot for myself. Four kids and several full time jobs later and I don’t sew much for myself these days. I’m petite but curvy. With kids grown and now grandkids on the horizon it would be fun to sew for myself again. Thanks for the chance!
I have a wide back, which makes me nervous about sewing tops. This would certainly help to make the leap!
I haven’t tried sewing myself a garment since having 3 kids in 5 years – if there was a serious need for adjusting patterns, I’m it! Looks like a great read, I’m adding it to my birthday list if I don’t win!
Wow! WOuld I love to win this book! I really want to learn how to fit patterns to my crazy, short, lopsided body!
I would love this book. I want to start making clothes for myself, but am concerned about fit too. It’s hard finding clothes that are stylish, but modest… I’m not 20 anymore or 50 yet.
oh boy, do I EVER want to win this book. And really? I think if Joi ever took a look at the clothes I had sweated blood and tears over to get “right,” she would agree that YES! this woman needs her help! LOL! so happy for her accomplishment of getting the book out and into the marketplace. Congratulations Joi!
Every woman should have a copy. It would save hours of redo time.
I would love a copy of this simply because, well, I am probably the world’s worst measurer!
Well,I have the same reason why I don’t sew for myself only for my daughters.I don’t want to waste time and fabric to sew a not well fiting dress.This book could be my dress savor! Thanks for the opportunity !
I would like to win this book because I don’t have a “cookie-cutter” body. I always need to make adjustments on patterns to be sure of a good fit. Nothing is more frustrating than having to rip out and try to add fabric to make something fit. Ugh.
Pick me!pick me!
I would love to have this book to solve my fitting problem.
Thanks for the chance.
I would love to win this book because I want to be able to make a garment and be confident that it will fit properly BEFORE I even get it all sewn together. It’s so frustrating to have to take things apart and redo them.
This book is exactly what I need. I’ve been that person who has sewn a blouse or pants only to find that it doesn’t fit right & just give up on the project. I want to be able to wear my creations out in public. I hope I win & if not I’m definitely buying this book
This would be a heaven sent! I am a tiny woman. Regular patterns never fit. NEVER!! I always have to take out at least 3 inches in the hip, 2 or more inches in the waist and I have to redo the entire bodice. It would be great to sew something that I don’t have to alter.
Thank you so much!!
I haven’t sewn clothing for myself since I was in college. I feel a bit rusty even though I have fabric and patterns I would waiting to be sewn. I am petite in height, which makes finding clothes that fit well difficult.
I would love this book. I have a hard time sewing for myself, because I am rather curvy, and I find that the sizes I wear in ready to wear clothes, don’t always fit me when I try to sew that size pattern. I hate to put a lot of effort into sewing something, and end up hating to wear it.
This book would help me save so much money!
I don’t sew a lot for myself because it’s hard to find patterns that fit properly. I could both save money making my own clothes and have better quality clothes if I could make them so they fit. It would also save the cost of the expensive mistakes – every now and then, I persuade myself “This time it will be different – it will fit.” but it rarely does. I wear the thing a few times and it goes in the back of the closet, is given away or I cut it up and re-use the material for something else.
I have just started making adult clothes and this book being available is a real Godsend. It would be so helpful as I try to unravel custom sizing and fitting.
I would like to start making clothes for myself again. I have made them in so long, I am afraid to pick out a pattern size for proper fit!
I would so love to win this book! If her book is half as good as your patterns, I’d be in heaven! I primarily see fort grandchildren. I do like seeing for my daughter & myself and getting a fitting correct is always so frustrating! I’d be very grateful!!!
Thank you!!
Paula
Oh! Why? Because I never won anything like this book before. I enter Every competition and never win anything 🙂 so this would be A PERFECT GIFT TO ME ♡♡♡♡
I need this book! I’m one year post partum, and my body is NOT the same! I’ve lost all my weight and then some, and patterns that were once flattering, just aren’t the same. I’ve tried making modifications, but I definitely need more direction for a better result. 🙂
I am a pretty competent sewist…however, fitting has always been one of those skills I just have’t been successful with. I would love to win this book to help me to unravel the mystery of pattern fitting.
I would love to win the book. I have attempted sewing for myself on a number of occasions and each time, it just wasn’t quite right. I would love to have made something that fits and people ask me where I bought it from. I am hoping I win, if not, then this book is going on my Christmas wish list! Thanks for the chance and fingers are crossed!
I would love this book because I can’t figure out the small bust adjustment thing and I have a long body. This will help me tons!
I have been attempting to sew my own clothes but have a very difficult time finding patterns that fit . I would love to learn more so I can do a better job and make lots more clothing for myself.
I would love this book because I do not like sloppy looking clothes and tend to sew things to large because I don’t understand how to achieve the perfect fit well. This book would be such a help!
I would love to try this book out! I love the confidence I feel when wearing a garment I made that fits well. Unfortunately I’m hesitant to try anything with any real shape because I don’t want to waste good fabric on an outfit that ultimately doesn’t fit! So everything I’ve made for myself recently is loose fitting. I would LOVE to use the book to make myself some awesome pants and dresses!
I have conquered all of my sewing fears EXCEPT clothing. I would love to try this book out and just do it!
I would love this book. I have been sewing for a long time, but nothing seems to fit like it should. This is a self-help go to!!
This book sounds perfect! I have sewn many, many garments for my children that I am very confident about. Throughout the past year or so, I have begun four different garments for myself that are all lying incomplete because I got to a place where I just didn’t know how to make it work.
I would love to have a really great book on fitting in my collection. I want to do more sewing for myself but have no clue how to fit my difficult shape.
it would make sewing for myself a lot easier with this book
I would love a copy of this book! My measurements and torso length make it difficult to find clothing that fits flattering. I’d like to get out of the stretch materials and make some things that are structured and actually fit!
Hi there! Thanks for this chance. I would use this book to craft for my daughters in law; one is expecting and one is trying… it would be so fun to make stuff ‘custom fitted’ for them!
I’d love to win this book for my sister who has just started sewing. Not only would it make a perfect gift, the book will definitely be a great resource for every project that she makes, especially in this beginning stages where she needs all the information and guidance there is, so her finished garments come out as she envisioned.
I would love this book! I have long legs, but a very short waist and can never find clothes that fit without pulling here, or sagging there. Thanks for the chance!
I’d love to win this book! To be able to sew something, let alone own something, custom made just for me would be incredible and I’d love to know how to do it. Thanks for giving us this opportunity!
I love to sew but 2 kids later i feel like my body is an hourglass gone wrong. Definitely feel this book will make clothes look flattering on my body
I would love to win this book, measurements are the hardest for me, set aside too many things I made for myself due to incorrect fitting… 🙁
Oh I would love to win this book! I have been sewing garments like dresses, blouse and skirts but I have NO IDEA on how to alter the patterns so it can fit better. I don’t wanna make Muslims because it’s more expensive (have to buy Muslim) and probably takes a lot more time than Joi Mahon’s method.
Oops I meant muslin, it was autocorrect. I accidentally posted 2 comments. Can you delete this one please?
Oh I would love to win this book! I have been sewing garments like dresses, blouse and skirts but I have NO IDEA on how to alter the patterns so it can fit better. I don’t wanna make Muslins because it’s more expensive (have to buy Muslin) and probably takes a lot more time than Joi Mahon’s method.
I’ve just been sewing children’s clothing but recently I’ve been thinking about making something for myself. This would be a tremendous help in getting me started.
We just moved to nyc and being so close to the garment district has inspired me to start sewing my own clothes but I am so intimidated to start! This seems like the perfect book to help.
I love your site and you give so much for us to follow thank you. I would love to win the book so I can show my daughter who is now having my first grandson. She just started sewing last year when I got her first sewing machine and I’m teaching her through Skype. I would like her to learn ideas and things from someone else also, so she has choices to do. Thank you.
i’m addicted to sewing in my spare time and this is the next step… my kids have long torsos and short legs, and I have broad shoulders with curves all the way down… i’d love to learn the science of this to make better clothes for us! 🙂 thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to win this to make some clothes for my college daughter – very tall and long arms and legs – nothing ever fits her correctly! thank you!
I would love to win a copy of Joi’s book. I am learning how to make my clothes fit properly and could really use the help and guidance. Thanks, Lindsay, for this opportunity.
I would love love to win this book!!! I am constantly sewing for myself to varying success, but as I am just plain scrawny, garments sometimes come out kind of funky, and so I think a book like this would help.
I’d love that! I just purchased my first fitting class on Craftsy, but I was disappointed and didn’t find it particularly comprehensive. I have 20 things I made that don’t fit right hanging on a rack and just this month I decided to stop that silly behavior and learn how to fit things correctly to my body!
I would love to win a copy of this book!
I would love to sew for our daughter who has Down syndrome. The clothes we buy in the store never fit her correctly. I love to sew but I always use patterns. I would love to be able to measure her and sew something that fits her figure. I know she would love it too!
I would love to win this book and be able to figure out how to fit my clothes to me. And not just be kinda happy with how they turn out but love how they fit.
I would love to win.. I’m just trying my hand at designing and making clothes from scratch and I would love any help I can get. this book looks great!
I already made some skirts for me and the main problem is everytime the fitting. Now I want to try a blouse and perhaps a coat. It would be very very helpful to have a good book by my side with explications how to fit it well. It wpuld be great to win this book. It could also help me while sewing the patterns from your book for my nice (5 years old) ;).
Greetings from oversea!!
I would like to start creating my own clothes and think this book would be a huge help.
I’m new to garment sewing and would really love this book, as I need all the help I can get =)
I would LOVE to win this book. I have mostly sewn girls clothing but have begun sewing more for myself in the last year and I still have a hard time adjusting things for myself..especially curvy areas like the hips. I always seem to end up with some funky point no matter what I do. I could really use some good step by step how to directions on getting the perfect fit!
Like so many people, my body isn’t a perfect off-the-rack size. I’d love this book!
I just retired and am an avid quilter. I would love to get back into sewing for myself and my grandkids.
I need to sew for myself occasionally AND have whatever it is, fit!
I have scrapped clothes I made for myself because of fitting issues. This book would help me not to waste time and materials.
This book sounds great. It would be wonderful to make clothes that actually fit well.
Winning a copy of Joi’s book would make my year!
I would love this book. There is always so much to learn and this book would be a great learning tool and inspiration.
The fitting methods I’ve used have worked, but are time-consuming. If this is a faster/more intuitive approach, I’m in!!
I have a hard time finding ready to wear clothes that fitmy broad shoulders, small but long waist and long arms. So, I like to try to make my own. I tend to figure things out as I go, but I would love to have a reference to learn from! This book sounds amazing!
I would love to win this book because I personally have so many fitting issues and I also want to make items for my mom and she has different fitting issues – small waist and torso but very large bust (I know what an issue to have LOL) but it does make for fitting difficulties. Thanks for the chance to win!
I haven’t sewn for myself in nearly 20 years, and only clothing that didn’t require a lot of fitting (gathered skirts and such) as I have never really known how to get a good fit. Joi’s book seems as though it would really help get the perfect fit from a pattern.
I have stopped sewing for myself, after 40 years of loving it, because I can’t get the fit right for my now-mature shape. My confidence is shot after too many bad experiences- I miss the thrill of creating. Joi’s book sounds like the thing I need.
I would love to get this book because I have always trouble fitting my clothes. This would be a great help to get the right fit.
Wow. I sew like crazy and hate to waste time and material making muslin. I would love to learn her methods. Please count me in the giveaway
I’d love to move on from making P.J’s and basic kids clothes, to making something for myself. All my efforts so far have been a fitting disaster.
I would love to win this book. I have a “mature” figure and have such a difficult time finding ready made clothes that fit and making my own clothes that fit.
Sounds like it could be a very useful addition to my sewing room library. Fit is my No. 1 obstacle to actually getting on and sewing for myself. Thanks for the opportunity you are giving us sewers..
Fit is the biggest hurdle for me in creating garments I LOVE to wear. I especially hope that there is something in this book that will allow me to create the perfect pants pattern.
I would LOVE to win a copy of this book! I am NOT a “shop the rack” body type!! I’m petite w/ very short legs a large bust & small waist. I have found better “length” pants in the children’s section but they don’t usually have my hip capacity in children’s pants! Ho-Hum! These are just a couple of reasons it is hard for me to find RTW clothes. This book would be a perfect jumping off point in sewing my own wardrobe! Thanks SEW much for this opportunity to win a copy!!
I recently tried to recreate my favorite worn out shorts, which ended up with new fabric and the old shorts in the garbage – a book like this could help me recreate my second favorite worn out shorts ; )
Why do I want to win the book? Because I have never, ever, ever had an article of clothing fit right, that’s why!
I seem to be long where I should be short and short where I should be long and go in where I should go out and out where I should go in. or something like that.
I love to make my own clothes, which helps, but to actually know what I am doing? Sounds a whole lot better than the diet and exercise and surgeries needed to make me fit the clothes off the shelves!
I would want this book to go with her Craftsy class!
I’m with you. I sew for anybody else but myself, would love love love to figure how to get the perfect fit! I have extremely broad shoulders, large busted, small butt. I would love to figure out how to sew clothes that would finally fit. please pick me!!! =)
thank you
Theresa
Would love this book. Fitting is not something that comes to me naturally at all however boobs are, fba is still a mystery. Thank you both.
I would love this book, I’m an odd size, always inbetween and not a confident dresser ESP my body type. Small ish chest n big hips n bum just makes me fat in everything! I would just really appreciate to learn how to love my body again with clothes I made n feel confident. Thank you
I would love this book! I have the hardest time buying clohes that fit me and have started trying to sew. But I keep having fitting issues, too! My goal is to learn to sew clothes that fit and flatter my body.
I’d love this book. I’d love to win it, my budget is so limited!
I have been eagerly awaiting this book since she announced it! I have taken both her Craftsy classes and would love to have this available to sew for my wonderful kids and husband. And maybe just maybe make time to sew for myself:-)