It’s been a while since I’ve done a giveaway, hasn’t it? As it turns out, I was wildly optimistic about my ability to juggle a book, illustration clients, a blog, other secret projects to be revealed soon, and teaching. Not to mention this somewhat important factor called family. I had to hang up my cape and retire the chipped faux-superwoman badge and reassess the situation.
After some serious analysis of weighing pros and cons, I opted to let go of teaching sewing classes. Keli of Drygoods was incredibly gracious as always and has extended an open invitation for me to teach at her lovely studio when I’m ready, but for now, I’m taking a sabbatical from my short-lived career as a sewing instructor.
This means that I have a couple of extra Japanese sewing books to give away which were originally going to be part of my class. Again, in my wildly optimistic way, I was planning on providing a comprehensive translation of the steps for all the patterns to go along with the giveaway, but I was clearly delusional. BUT. The winners should definitely contact me with questions any time (in fact, I hope you all know that if a Japanese sewing book stumps you, I’m always happy to translate/help). And I mean that. Who knows? I may still have time to include translations to ship out with the books. Famous last words…
The book comes with 20 patterns, and I’ve made variations of the dress from the cover three times here and here and here. These are quick, simple and stylish dresses and come in three sizes (9, 11, 13). The 11 fits me well, and in terms of western commercial Big 4 sewing sizes, I’m between a 12 and 14.
A while ago during one of my sewing marathons, I listened to a podcast or interview or something that now escapes me, but what I do remember is this one statement: “I chose to do art because it was the one thing I knew I would never get bored or tired of. That it would always surprise me.” I chewed on that and decided that for me, writing, sewing, photography and drawing made the cut.
So, to enter the giveaway, please leave me a comment answering this question: What is something that you know you would never get bored of? More than one thing is perfectly fine too!
There will be TWO winners which I will choose randomly, and the giveaway is open until Friday, April 18th (updated!). As always, I’m happy to ship internationally. Good luck!!
My husband! That’s how I know he’s a keeper! Lol! A slightly more serious answer would probably be books, daydreaming and making things though 🙂
I definitely go through phases where I am temporarily uninspired to sew or knit, but I always come back to them. So I guess those are my answers. That and faith.
For me it’s definitely gardening. I love planting, tending, and watching my flowers and veggies grow!
geoscience and as i discovered two years ago: sewing. never thought that i was a maker, but i definitely am…
I don’t see myself ever getting tired of knitting and sewing. Although I am tired of sewing for myself right now. Boobs and hips are the worst.
Sewing
Oooooh, those dresses look gorgeous – I’d love to try making them:-) I find I always come back to knitting, sewing and photography. And babies. I have never-ending patience and fascination with all of these, and they fill me up!!!! Wish I could say the same about house cleaning , would be so much more practical:-)
I never get bored of hearing the new phrases my kids come up with. Or with sewing.
I will never get tired of create. Right now is sewing and baking, and they have changed through the time and my family’s needs, but i know i will allways be making stuff. What a generous giveaway, thank you!
Wow, there are so many things: creating and designing, cooking, decorating, studying (I just started studying Japanese…), to name a few!
Thank you for this lovely giveaway, I truly hope I win!
Gardening.
Unlike sewing (which may be a more appropriate answer in this situation), projects grow by themselves when you’re not around.
Wonderful giveaway! I know I’d never get bored of baking/cooking. I read cookbooks like they are novels and spend wayyy too much time on food blogs when I should be working. I cram as much baking as I can into my weekends! I also will probably never tire of growing food– always more to learn!
I love cooking. I love hearing my young children ooh and aah over the fact that a pile of ingredients turned into something amazing.
Wow, that book has some great looking patterns! Glass, sewing and reading are things that will never bore me. Thanks, Sanae!
I never get tired of sewing & all that goes along with it. Choosing a pattern & fabric & notions- it’s so much fun & I get such a feeling of satisfaction when I finish a project. 🙂
Riding my bike? I love crafts, but I tend to find some physical activity more refreshing. Maybe I should say walking instead, as I see a time when I might be to achy and creaky to ride, but if I couldn’t walk I may still look back and say to myself, “remember how great it was to just get up and go?”
I will never get bored or tired of sewing! in all of its facets–clothes, quilts, embroidery etc!
Hmm…. All I can think of that I would never ever get tired of is a bright blue sunny spring sky. Other than that I like to mix it up 🙂
I never get tired of books and reading.
So a slightly different answer here: the ocean. I’m continually fascinated by the ocean. Aquatic things, ocean based activities, beaches, all of it.
hmm, I don’t think I will ever get tired of sewing or reading a good book. And good for you for knowing your limits! If it was too much to do on top of everything else, it would have just been stressful.
I don’t think I will ever get tired of sewing. Or cooking. Always new things to try with both!
Something I would never get tired of… probably sewing and reading (and reading other people’s blogs, it’s just so inspiring!) Thanks for this chance Sanae. 🙂
Oh my…a book! And what a good thought proving question. I think it would be for me: taking a walk by myself whenever and wherever. I truly *love* walking. 🙂
I know I’ll never tired of making my daughter laugh!
Dream! I will never be bored to dream!! Thank you!
what a great book and some gorgeous dresses. the one thing i will never get bored of is waking up and snuggling with my two little ones.
You sound so incredibly busy! I hope that with all you do you take time for yourself too. Because of my illness I am not able to do as much as I would like to anymore, but I like to spend as much time as I am able to with my 2 year old granddaughter. Then, if I have any energy left, I sew. Sewing relaxes and calms me, and I love creating a garment from a flat piece of fabric. To me the process almost seems magical. Take care and thank you for hosting a lovely give away!
I always need to be doing something creative. In the past that has been art, writing, home décor and cooking. At the moment it’s sewing, but if I am not doing something which allows me to use my creatively I get antsy!
Aside from sewing the other thing I never get tired of is reading a book – I will always love losing myself within the pages of a good ( or even not so good!) book 🙂
What a neat-looking group of patterns! I hope I never tire of sewing and reading. I used to think that teaching would always be a part of my life, but for now teaching my own children seems to be enough.
I actually don’t know how to be bored. As a creative person, I always have more ideas in my head that I’d like to do than the time to do them. So, I guess LIFE is the thing that I’d never get bored of! (If I won the book, I’d have even more reasons not to be bored of life)
sewing!! I love the creative outlet it provides.
Wow gorgeous!
I never get tired of crafting; whether it be sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidering, etc the list goes on.
I never get bored of sewing, reading, playing with my kids and so many other things that occurs to me, I really never get bored…since I’ve been sewing for my kids mainly, a sewing book with patterns for myself would be very welcome! thanks for the chance to win!
I’ll never get tired of creating, whether it be sewing, crocheting, drawing, cooking, gardening, or whatever craft strikes my fancy. Making will always be at the heart of my world (along with my beautiful family, of course).
Hmm well I alternate between knitting and sewing. I tend to get bored if I just do one so I alternate between the two
I would say reading novels is the one thing I have been doing since I was a kid that has never lost its magic and appeal.
I never get bored with… to be honest, I very rarely get bored. I find this world endlessly fascinating and surprising. I seem to find something new to learn about the people around me, the hobbies I’ve acquired, the skills I’ve chosen to hone, even my own body has surprised me now and then! Sorry if that’s an obtuse answer, but it’s true.
I think i have found a true love in sewing, and, though i go in and out of sewing phases, I think once my kids are a bit bigger, I will actually find more time to indulge. I have been wanting to try more sewing for myself, and because so many of the clothes I made last year for my daughter still fit her this spring, I might have some time to make something for myself. Could there be a better way to get started than with this lovely book? Oh how I hope I’m randomly the lucky reader….
But, if there’s one “hobby” that I think I will never tire of, it’s skin care and makeup…..I’m always reading about ingredients (and secretly formulating plans for other people’s skin) Haha!
I love sewing and lots of other stuff (I’m rarely bored), but I’ll never ever get tired of cats. They amaze me. Maybe that’s a weird answer, but they just draw my attention, always 🙂
kissing and hugging my kids. even though they’re starting to feel embarrassed when i do that in public.
🙂
Paper dolls with ornate hair and costumes ! They have always been, and will continue to be my window into fantasy.
Cop-out answer: the Internet! Absolutely no way I’m ever getting bored of it.
Non-cop-out answer: Hard to choose, but probably learning new things. Be it about cooking, sewing, or life in general, I love to learn! Probably why I love the Internet so much.
Is that possible? to never get bored of something? I am way too cyclical. I tried to broaden my categories, but truth be told, I just need a switcher-oo, even if something is my favorite. ex. chocolate – too narrow. sweets, even I get bored of sweets, sometimes! spring, my favorite, yes, i get ready to move on to summer. reading vs. making/doing, etc. etc.
I never get bored of sewing either. It’s my treat when I’ve done all the other boring things that have to be done everyday like tidying up the perpetual mess that is my house and sometimes when I haven’t! I love reading too.
I never get bored of writing. Sometimes it’s hard–it’s almost always hard–but it’s the best way for me to be me.
The ocean.
And white shirts.
Hiking. Yoga. The sea. The sun. My cat. Crafting.
:-))) thanks for offering this beautiful book! Fingers crossed!
I never get tired of shopping for fabric. And a nice cold Canadian beer. Two kinda diverse answers!
I’ll never get tired of the beach, knitting, sewing & chocolate 🙂
I would never tire of sitting on the beach drinking a hot cup of tea.
Great question. I think I would never tire of being inspired. A beautiful day inspires gardening and playing with the kids. Gorgeous fabrics inspire sewing goals and challenges. I could go on and on. It’s nice to find inspiration in all the little things around me. Some days it’s harder than others and I don’t always motivate to do anything, but it’s not for the lack of inspiration.
Reading, crafting (sewing, card making, etc), eating yummy food and fabric shopping. Thanks for the giveaway!
Ok, first I have to ooh and ahhh over the book! So cool! I hope I win!!
Second, I wanted to thank you for your honesty in sharing you couldn’t do it all; then you took steps to change your life so it wouldn’t be overwhelming and you would be able to do things well. I applaud you!
Lastly, Ooh what a thought provoking quote… sewing, music, travel and books.
My family – of course! And animals, I will always work or play with animals 🙂 Love the book, seriously in need of some tunics and dresses!
What a lovely book!
For me, I never tire of sewing and knitting. And sweets. And being in love with my daughter, of course!
Sewing and crocheting, watching random movies with my husband, playing with my daughter and traveling will always keep me relaxed and content. I have been extremely ill over the past year, but getting back to my love of sewing and crocheting, and being home to spend time with my family, that’s what fulfills me. Cold, hospital rooms and being away from home got old pretty quickly, but thankful for that time because it showed me how grateful I am to have everything I have.
I love to draw, paint and art journal. And dream about what I could sew.
I am also a passionate runner.
loving my daughter, reading, teasing my brother, reminiscing about college days with my friend. It always surprises me that even though we friends talk frequently, whenever we get to the college days we always giggle and laugh like kids.
For the moment I don’t get tired of my little daughter (2yo), and I don’t get tired of sewing! Just the opposite, I would like to have more and more time to combine both things!! 😀
Thanks for the give away!!
Hugs from Spain!
Ingrid
That book looks great! I don’t think I will ever get bored of writing. There is always more there, even when I feel like I have “writer’s block” it just means I am scared to write what I’m really thinking/feeling.
living! Even with the difficult moments it brings.
For me it would be sewing and reading! And generally beeing creative with my hands – sewing, pottery, gardening… Also being outside, nature and especially the ocean! And talking and being with friends and family – and my crazy dog, I can never get tired of watching her.
Thank you for the giveaway and I can´t wait to hear about your secret projects! Have a lovely weekend!
I never get tired of making things with my hands – it keeps me calm and grounded every time.
thanks for sharing
I never get bored of reading, or making things with my hands,and making connections with new people. Everyone has a fascinating story.
Wow. Some of those dresses make me want to tear up..as in..i need to make that..(cry). Haha.
As far as something i don’t see myself getting bored with: i’d say sewing and knitting..although knitting can be seasonal. It’s hard fot me to knit in the summer. I can’t see myseld getting bored with travelling to new places either. 🙂
I never get bored when I’m with my kids. They make me laugh and see everything in a new light but I’m also never bored sewing. No matter how mindless the project it satisfies my creative urges:)
To me, music is the one thing I can never get bored with. There are so many emotions, journeys and stories being told that I could never ever tire of it.
(Family definitely but that is a given). Sewing and knitting are the other things I couldn’t do without.
Great topic and giveaway.
Gorgeous pattern book, would love to sew these dresses. I never get bored of my children, my dreams and I never get bored of fabrics and their patterns, feel and opportunities to create. I could spend forever in a fabric store…
I think I’ll never get tired of creating – whether it be from sewing, baking, cooking or some DIY. The whole idea of making something by myself is satisfying.
Thanks for hosting an awesome giveaway!
I never tire of the planning stage…planning projects, planning meals, planning vacations. 🙂
I never get tired of sewing sweet little baby dresses. I like to imagine their sweet little faces wearing them.
Reading! I have loved it since day one (that being the day that I learned how). “Crafting” in more general terms, but I have a large arsenal of crafting interests and I tend to cycle through them – sometimes a decade passes before I get back to a craft again.
My kids, sewing, reading, bacon, my bees, camping, coffee, Wes Anderson movies, Chacos… once I love something, I am very loyal. 🙂
I can’t resist such a question (or, um, giveaway)… Photography and sewing, I would say. Although, saying ‘photography’ is overstating things a bit. But I love how picking up a camera made me see the world, and sewing, well…that must have been in me all along.
Im having a hard time answering this one, as I’ve been around long enough to know to never say never:) Since a small child, I have created – paper, wood, fabric, etc. The medium might change throughout the years, but the need to create is like an underlying current that continually flows. Right now I love to sew and can’t imagine not doing it, but I’m also aware that there may come a time when my passion for creating manifests itself in a different or altered form. The same for dark salted chocolate – can’t ever imagine not loving it, but perhaps the unthinkable will happen one day:)
Eager to hear about your secret projects – you always have such good ones:)
So far Knitting, Sewing and Baking have all made the “never get bored of” cut. There’s always something new to try and even though sometimes there are failures (like yesterdays attempt at sewing a t-shirt!) that just makes the successes that much more appreciated.
Dreaming. I never get tired of dreaming. Dreaming about how to turn a piece of fabric into something wearable, loveable or practical. Dreaming about how an area of dirt could be transformed into a beautiful flower bed or something edible. Dreaming of how to turn reclaimed wood into an eclectic potting bench, picture frame or piece of furniture. Dreaming of how to redesign a room through furniture, paint and personal touches. Dreaming of what amazing women my daughters will become and what adventures await them in life.
I commend you on taking another look at the priorities in your life. I am sad to hear that your days as a sewing instructor may be done. I was really hoping to attend your last class highlighting the women’s dress, but my schedule conflicted with the date. Thank you for hosting the giveaway and thank you for providing us all with your unlimited creativity and inspiration!
I think I will never tire of just watching my toddler daughter run around and interact with people especially my husband. It makes me so happy I could burst and reminds me that life is precious. Thanks for the give-away and don’t feel bad about cutting down a bit- even super woman needs a break now and then! xx
My great passion that comes and goes in waves but never leaves my heart is photography. i started out when i was 15 and the discovery of this art form probably literally saved me from sure ruin and steered me down a more inspired path in life. over time i dove into it as an art form, transferred it to film studies, worked as a medical photographer in a hospital and then more recently did a grad program in photojournalism which took me to Nepal to do a documentary project on women and children living in poverty for my thesis. and now, another great lull as i dedicate my time to caring for my little one. but after almost 30 years (!) at this i am never bored by where this medium brings me. i hope that as my boy grows and i have more time to pursue other loves i’ll get back into doing some documentary work- i so love the worlds i discover through the camera and how my perceptions of reality always heave and crumble and rebuild themselves humbly when i experience the privilege of entering people’s lives through photography.
For me, it would be yummy food. I particularly love Japanese food since they are pretty as well!:)
Running and reading. I used to read everything I could get my hands on and until late at night, but these days it takes me months just to finish one book – not enough free time. So I always have to bring something to read with me if I think that maybe I will have the chance to read a little, on the train or in the doctor/dentist’s waiting room…
Thanks for the giveaway. I’m pretty sure sewing is it for me, I do some knitting and crochet, but sewing is my heart. I love to make something for someone special and then watch them enjoy it.
What a lovely book! Well, I can’t imagine EVER getting bored with crafting. There are so many things that I love to do — just not enough time to do them all! I SO enjoy your lovely blog, Sanae. You shine through as such a real and pleasant person! Love to see all the beautiful things you make and wish I could be half as productive!
Just to be a brown noser: one thing I’ll never get bored of is your blog 🙂
But other than that, I’ll never get bored of reading and learning new things (I hope).
Very cool words to live by!
Reading books and sewing. I would love to try some Japanese patterns!
I’d have to say my dogs and crafts! I never ever get bored hiking with my dogs in wild nature, admiring scenery and peace. Crafts – no matter what kind; sewing, woodcrafts, scrapbooking, painting and drawing, knitting – give me the needed and longed break from hectic day-to-day-life with studies and work. These two things keep me no less than alive :).
I have the same list as many others: knitting, sewing, gardening, cooking, reading. The have ebbed and flowed over the years but are always there. However, I would like to add entrepreneur; I always seem to be brewing an idea or working on a project or business idea. Right now I have three ramping up. It’s just a part of me
Sewing & quilting for sure!
I never get bored of watching the sky as the sun sets and evening falls. I love that my sewing room has a west facing window. I love the questions you ask. Now I have one for you that maybe you can address a bit more at some time. I picked up a sewing book at a big box sewing store called I am Cute Dresses by Sato Watanabe. I think maybe I was inspired by you sewing out of all your japanese sewing books. As I looked at the patterns I realized they were all designed for someone with normal bust measurement and have chickened out on trying to sew any of them so far. I run 4-5 inches larger than the bust measurement listed, but have narrow shoulders. Have you done a lot of adjusting of the patterns you have made, and if so how do you do that while maintaining the integrity of the original design? Thanks!
A good book, I may read on and off depending on what I’ve got going on, and sometimes even step away from any books for months at a time, but when it comes to wanting to sit down and tune everything out just for a little bit of relaxing time I will always turn to a good book 🙂
Beautiful book!
My top 3 never-boring list is:
Making things–clothes, quilts, food . . .
Hanging out with my husband
Hanging out with my dogs
At any given time I am probably doing at least one of these things 🙂
I really enjoy your blog, Sanae!
I never get bored of creating. Sewing, knitting, cooking, baking….just making something. I’m always happy and satisfied when I’ve finished making something, even if it doesn’t turn out as expected.
Walks in the woods! We moved to the country so our kids could grow up closer to nature and it’s the best decision we ever made. I love having so much natural beauty right outside my door.
This book looks just lovely. 🙂
definitely: my children. Watch them play, listen to them, kiss them goodnight, watch them sleep. I will never get bored of those little moments of complete happiness
Reading is definitely the one thing that I will never get bored doing. Getting lost in a good book is like heaven to me. Sewing is another thing I never get bored of, maybe uninspired to sew sometimes but never bored 🙂
i never get bored of the baltic sea! whenever i go back there (at least twice a year) i calm down immediately.