Monday, March 7, 2011

MISS SCARLET’S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING BLOG TOUR-REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

 
 GIVEAWAY ENDED
MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING


BY KATHY CANO-MURILLO

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sometimes to find your life's true path, you have to stray outside the lines . . .

Scarlet Santana is never happier than when creating fabulous fashions for women of all shapes and sizes. Now, after years of hard work, she finally has the chance to live her dream and study under the hottest designer in New York. To raise money for her move, Scarlet opens an after-hours sewing school in a local record shop, teaching a type-A working mom whose rigid parenting style is causing her family to unravel and an enigmatic seamstress with a mysterious past.

But as stitches give way to secrets and classmates become friends, the women realize an important truth: There is no single pattern for a good life. Happiness is always a custom fit.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With a life motto of “Crafts! Drama! Glitter!” Crafty Chica Kathy Cano-Murillo is a creative force of nature. A former syndicated columnist for The Arizona Republic, she is the founder of the award-winning Web site, CraftyChica.com and the author of seven nonfiction craft books and a Web series on LifetimeTV.com. Kathy has a Crafty Chica line of art supplies that are sold nationwide. She also has been featured in numerous media outlets such as The New York Times Magazine, NPR’s Weekend Edition, USA Today, Bust, and Latina magazine. She has shared her crafty ideas on local television, as well as on Sí TV, HGTV, and DIY network. She has been writing stories longer than she has been crafting. Inspired by Judy Blume and Erma Bombeck, she caught the literary bug in grade school, where she used to draw a picture and then write a colorful story to go with it. It’s a creativity exercise she still practices to this day! Kathy lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband, two kids, and five Chihuahuas. This is her first novel.
WAKING UP IN THE LAND OF GLITTER:
Last March, I was fortunate to be introduced to the work of "Crafty Chica" Kathy Cano-Murillo when I read and reviewed her book WAKING UP IN THE LAND OF GLITTER. You can see my review and about the book HERE. I hope you will check it out if you missed it BECAUSE, winners in this Blog Tour Giveaway will not only win a copy of Kathy's new book, MISS SCARLETT'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING, but also a copy of WAKING UP IN THE LAND OF GLITTER- a double treat from Kathy and the Hachette Book Group!

MY REVIEW: 
KATHY CANO-MURILLO shows how very crafty she can be in her first novel, MISS SCARLET’S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING. In this book, readers will meet the delightful Scarlet Santana who quickly becomes someone you think you have known a long time. Scarlet has a degree in engineering but the only thing she wants to engineer is a career as a successful fashion designer. Her idol is Daisy de la Flora who was a designer ahead of her time back when Scarlet’s Grandmother, Nana Eleanor, was young. Nana is the person who took Scarlet as a child and started her sewing and taught her all the style and sewing techniques that Scarlet grew up and perfected.

Scarlet wants to take on a bigger role in her current job, like becoming a partner, where she works for Carley Fontaine. Carley refuses saying Scarlet doesn’t even have a design degree. Actually, I found Carley to be cold-hearted and even a little bit jealous of the unusual talent Scarlet has. As for a degree, Scarlet’s fondest dream is to be accepted at the prestigious Johnny Scissors Emerging Designers Program where many famous designers have gotten their start. When she is surprisingly accepted, the final hurdle is the cost which is so high that Scarlet must come up with a way to finance this dream.

Scarlet decides to teach classes in patternless sewing which she learned as a youngster. She can reproduce a style just by looking it over even with no pattern. When Carley backs out of an agreement where Scarlet could use the shop to hold her classes, the alternative is holding them in a record shop which brings with it the love struck owner. The classes are filled with different kinds of women who for the most part each have a story and eventually find themselves melding into a support group of sorts. These “students” are so nicely developed by Kathy Cano-Murillo, as well as all the characters, especially Scarlett, that you root for them and feel like you know them personally. With Scarlett’s hope and dreams comes a character for readers who like some chick lit centered around sewing and design. I am not interested in sewing at all but found the story a nice light read for a change of pace. While not my usual choice of genre, MISS SCARLET’S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING was still an entertaining read. 

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO BRIANNE AND THE FINE FOLKS
AT HACHETTE BOOK GROUP, I HAVE ONE
SET OF KATHY CANO-MURILLO'S BOOKS
TO GIVE AWAY TO ONE LUCKY WINNER!

--U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES, PLEASE
--INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS IN COMMENT
 --ALL ENTRIES/COMMENTS MUST BE
SEPARATE IN ORDER TO COUNT
AS MORE THAN ONE ENTRY

HOW TO ENTER:
+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ABOUT YOUR SEWING EXPERIENCES AND IF YOU LIKE TO SEW. TELL WHY YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN THIS SET OF BOOKS.
 
+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTING ON AUTHOR KATHY CANO-MURILLO'S WEBSITE HERE. THERE IS SO MUCH TO SEE...ENJOY!

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON ANY KIND OF CRAFTS YOU LIKE TO DO, OR WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO DO

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND LEAVE A LINK I CAN FOLLOW IN THE ENTRY

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, MARCH 31
GOOD LUCK!
CHECK FOR HERE FOR THE OTHER BLOGGERS WHO WILL BE PART "MISS SCARLET'S" BLOG TOUR UNTIL MARCH 11!

66 comments:

Karen B said...

I learned to sew back in the 50's and made many of own clothes. I wore out my first sewing machine!
kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com

Karen B said...

"Watch your stuff around me, because I’m bound to glue sequins on it." I love that!!
kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com

Karen B said...

I like to crochet and do crewel and embroidery.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com

Karen B said...

+5 March Bonus for FB fans.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com

debbie said...

I taught myself to sew when I was very young. I actually started my own folk art business, it was one of the ways I put myself through college. I would love these books, I like the idea of sewing bringing people together.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I can do just about everything from quilting, needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, painting, woodworking, you name it. I have always wanted to learn tatting, it is a very old craft.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I learned she has her own line of craft products- they are really nice.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I am not very good at sewing but like to learn how. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Julie P said...

I love the idea of sewing--creating your own personal wardrobe would be pretty cool, but I do not sew! :(

Julie P said...

The craft that I enjoy is counted cross-stitch. I really love creating beautiful wall hangings!

bunnymom1970 at aol dot com

Margie said...

I sewed alot when I was in high school and college. I actually made most of my clothes. But later, I just made a few things for my kids. And now I just make a few smaller, crafty things..like tote bags and purses. I think I would enjoy this book...for the sewing connection, and the quirky characters.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

The website gave some interesting crafty ideas. Her quirky (but very clever) artwork was also on display.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Now I really enjoy knitting and crocheting. I have too many projects going on!
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

FB March Fan Bonus entry
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

bermudaonion said...

I am hopeless when it comes to sewing. When I took home ec, we had to sew a tote bag - I think I'm the only person in the class who got an F. I do enjoy crafts though, so I think I would like the books. milou2ster(at)gmail.com

bermudaonion said...

I learned that Kathy's crafts have been carried by major retailers. milou2ster(at)gmail.com

bermudaonion said...

I like to do needlepoint and papercrafts, but I haven't done much of either lately. milou2ster(at)gmail.com

traveler said...

I sewed when I was a teen so that I would have unique clothes. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I embroider. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Her crafts are available at many stores. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

petite said...

I am creative and did a great deal of costume sewing for parties and my daughters. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I sketch, sew, draw, and make tapestries. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Her successful line of crafts. How creative and talented. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

My mother was a sewing teacher in Home Economics. She could make draperies, suits, you name it. When I was learning how to sew, I always felt that I had to compete with her! The funny thing was that she was proud that I could sew anything. Usually after spending a long time with any material, I got sick of it. Now knitting is different. I would do more of it if the skeins didn't costs so much. So I have been cross stitching more with free patterns from the Internet.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

PoCoKat said...

I learned to sew in junior high but have not made anything since then.

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

PoCoKat said...

I design and make my own jewelery.

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

Carol N Wong said...

I loved the video on collaging a plain notebook. Going to try it with different stuff. Why have plain stuff when you can have fancy?


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I love doing intarsia knitting. I think it is fun to make up your own patterns and carry them out. I love design and color fun of intarsia. I have made several purses, a vest, and eyeglasses holders with intarsia.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I tweeted:
My Twitter name is Carolee888.
http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/? Giveaway of 'Miss Scarlett's School of Patternless Sewing'

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Connie said...

Hi! I can't sew very well...I do okay if I use a sewing machine. I think these books would provide a different view of sewing and crafts in general. :)

aliasgirl1976@yahoo.com

Connie said...

I know how to paint, make potholders with a loom and do calligraphy as well. I also do light scrapbooking. :)

aliasgirl1976@yahoo.com

Pamela Keener said...

I learned to sew in high school but I truly cannot sew a straight line to save my life. I'd love to read these books for the friendship stories among the sewers.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

holdenj said...

I haven't had much sewing experience of late (I had a grandma who tried to teach to me to sew!). The family joke is that I'm able to mend. Would love to win and read these, they look great!
Thanks!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I tend to spend most of my spare time reading, but have been known to break out my stamping supplies for some card making once in a while!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

heavenisabookstore said...

I have always wanted to learn how to sew. The thought of making my own clothes is simply irresistible, but finding time is so hard.

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/44952689653723136

(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

While I wouldn't know how to be crafty if they were giving away million dollar prises, I have a friend who sees every bit of junk as a potential treasure and she would love this book.

(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

captainliss40 said...

I have a sewing machine and enjoy sewing, but not so good at it. I like the theme of these books. Sounds like a bit different take on a common theme. captainliss40(at)gmail(dot)com

Linda Kish said...

When I was young, I sewed a lot. Then, work got in the way and it was easier to buy clothes.

I think these would be interesting books to read.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

Again, when I was younger, I did needlepoint, cross stitch and crochet. Unfortunately, I have upper extremity disabilities which preclude me from doing them anymore.

I wish I could knit.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

The crafty ideas link takes you to crafty chica where she has a new project with instructions for DIY oilcloth sneakers.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

rubynreba said...

I like to sew but only very simple projects and mending.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing looks like a book I might enjoy.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I would like to be able knit and crochet.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Laura H. said...

When my kids were small I used to sew a lot of their clothes and some of mine. I haven't sewn clothes in years but I still pull out the sewing machine every now and then for crafts. I would like to win this book because I can relate as a former "Type A working mom".

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

From her website I learned that red lipstick is the key to Kathy's mojo.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

I do a lot of counted cross stitch but would like to learn how to crochet and knit.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/45962767450128384

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

#1 March FB fan bonus entry (Laura G. Henderson).

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

#2 March FB fan bonus entry (Laura G. Henderson).

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

#3 March FB fan bonus entry (Laura G. Henderson).

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

#4 March FB fan bonus entry (Laura G. Henderson).

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

#5 March FB fan bonus entry (Laura G. Henderson).

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

MRWriter said...

I can't sew but I love fashion.
AlexDean03(at)yahoo.com

MRWriter said...

I like her craft and Etsy shop.
AlexDean03(at)yahoo.com

MRWriter said...

I create eco-art professionally and have sold my work in galleries.

AlexDean03(at)yahoo.com

M. said...

I never learned to sew and am in awe of people who can. Knitting is more my thing, though havne't prodcued anything in a long time...

mayamissani AT yahoo DOT ca

M. said...

the author's examples of her art are making me itchy to be creative myself

mayamissani AT yahoo DOT ca

M. said...

recently, my own creative outlet (other than coloring with my preschooler) is scrapbooking their photos. great stress relief

mayamissani AT yahoo DOT ca

DarcyO said...

I don't like to sew much. The most I've made recently has been a couple pillow cases.

dlodden at frontiernet dot net

DarcyO said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/darcy1956/status/50008333066838016

dlodden at frontiernet dot net

Me said...

I was a terrible sewer as a kid - but as an adult I learned to knit and love it! Though I'm not that good and wish I had more time - I still dream of making beautiful scarves, sweaters and dresses...one day...

cgraceh at gmail dot com

Me said...

Just posted link to the giveaway!! Thanks so much for sharing with us all!

http://lipglossandliterature.blogspot.com/2011/03/spring-fever-steals-chick-lit-book.html

Misusedinnocence said...

I always wanted my Mom to teach me how to sew, and kept putting it off, she would have taught me whenever. She died a few years ago, it's been strange trying to learn without her, but I like hand sewing. Will be learning from my soon to be Mother In Law how, not missing this opportunity twice!

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Misusedinnocence said...

I would love to make the Gnomeo & Juliet flower pot crafts listed on her blogger!

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Misusedinnocence said...

I love stamping and making greeting cards, my future Mother In Law does it every winter with a bunch of gals, and I went last year and it was so much fun! I felt like maybe I didn't suck at the artsy stuff.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

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