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Apr 21, 2016

My Birthday GIVEAWAY -- 1940's Draping Book!



It's my birthday today and I'm celebrating it with a giveaway!

I've owned this reissue of the wonderful 1948 draping book, Precision Draping, for years, but last week my friend Johanna gave me a second copy.  I asked if she minded if I offered it as a giveaway and she didn't, so here we are!

Precision Draping is a very easy-to-understand book that would be perfect for anyone with a passion for Forties style and an interest in crafting your own patterns (or in making changes to the ones you already own).  The concepts aren't difficult to grasp; anyone with a little draping experience -- or none -- will be able to figure them out.  This slim softcover book is full of charming illustrations that will inspire any Forties fashionista/sewista!

Some images below:



























This giveaway is open to everyone the world over.  To enter, simply leave a short comment below before midnight (EST) this coming Sunday.

I'll be announcing the winner, chosen at random, on Monday morning, April 25th.

Ready to start draping?

Good luck, everybody!

127 comments:

  1. KrisApril 21, 2016 at 11:29 AM

    This looks like the perfect asset for my sewing room!

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  2. SewgrannyApril 21, 2016 at 11:32 AM

    Looks full of info even for those not interested in 40's style.

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  3. UnknownApril 21, 2016 at 11:33 AM

    Love the vintage stuff so I would love this book! Love your blog and you're the reason how I got into collecting vintage sewing machines!

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  4. KurosakuranboApril 21, 2016 at 11:44 AM

    Oh my! That book looks absolutely fabulous!

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  5. LinBApril 21, 2016 at 11:45 AM

    Happy birthday, friend Peter! Am so glad that 1940s fashion is seeing a return -- those wartime fabric restrictions led to some very clever variations on dress and blouse designs for females, at least!

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  6. KnitwitsowlsApril 21, 2016 at 11:52 AM

    Happy birthday! I'm making my mum a forties style dress and this would really help!!

    Frankie
    X

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  7. AnonymousApril 21, 2016 at 11:56 AM

    Happy birthday, Peter! Seems like a wonderful book to give away, lots of inspiration material. Thank you!

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  8. tessApril 21, 2016 at 11:58 AM

    Aw, happy birthday and year, love the illustrations!

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  9. HesterApril 21, 2016 at 11:59 AM

    Happy Birthday! I hope you're having a wonderful day.

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  10. AntheaApril 21, 2016 at 12:02 PM

    Happy birthday! Wow, that book looks amazing! A real treasure!

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  11. WoodyApril 21, 2016 at 12:04 PM

    Happy birthday! Like you, I too have a "cousin" who loves vintage-style outfits! Now that she knows I'm learning to sew, she's becoming a bit annoying and impatient. Maybe this would help?

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  12. TaraApril 21, 2016 at 12:04 PM

    Happy Birthday! 🎂

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  13. Nano for MaxApril 21, 2016 at 12:19 PM

    Happy Birthday Peter~ Let there be cake and joy!

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  14. NicolettaApril 21, 2016 at 12:22 PM

    happy birthday!!! so nice from you creating this giveaway!
    this book is so precious, I wish I could be the lucky winner to improve my skills with it!thank you and happy bday again!

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  15. TurboApril 21, 2016 at 12:32 PM

    Happy birthday! That book looks delicious. Thank you :).

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  16. UnknownApril 21, 2016 at 12:40 PM

    Happy birthday Peter!

    I've never won anything, and I don't expect to start, but that book looks amazing. Where can I find my own copy of that to purchase please?

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  17. SebastienApril 21, 2016 at 12:48 PM

    Happy Birthday. This book seems like a real gem. Thanks for the entry.

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  18. AnneApril 21, 2016 at 12:56 PM

    Happy birthday, Peter. I would love to win your book as I'm doing an evening course in flat pattern cutting and a little draping and this looks a lovely book, which would certainly add to my repertoire.

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  19. UnknownApril 21, 2016 at 1:06 PM

    Happy Birthday and all the best! Keep sewing those beautiful garments.

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  20. UnknownApril 21, 2016 at 1:13 PM

    Happy Birthday. the book looks wonderful

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  21. UnknownApril 21, 2016 at 1:29 PM

    Happy Birthday and take care
    Claire

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  22. paloverdebloomsApril 21, 2016 at 1:36 PM

    Why did I not know about this book?

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  23. Kristin at SunnySewing.comApril 21, 2016 at 1:48 PM

    Happy birthday and those illustrations are so pretty!

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  24. aelithApril 21, 2016 at 2:19 PM

    wow this book looks so cool! so much so that i who am trying to to acquire more things want to enter this giveaway. thanks for offering and many happy returns on your birthday!

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    Replies
    1. aelithApril 21, 2016 at 2:19 PM

      trying *NOT* to! lol maybe that was freudian

      Delete
  25. SJ KurtzApril 21, 2016 at 2:32 PM

    Happy Birthday, sweetie! All the best and then some!

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  26. UnknownApril 21, 2016 at 2:36 PM

    Happy birthday!! It is my birhday too to-day. April 21 is a good day for sewers evidently...The book looks lovely....

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  27. SewfarsogoodApril 21, 2016 at 2:55 PM

    Happy birthday, love your blog, book looks really interesting

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  28. Monica DApril 21, 2016 at 2:56 PM

    HBD ... FIESTA ;)

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  29. EmmaApril 21, 2016 at 2:57 PM

    Ooh, yes, please! I'm totally digging the 40's look right now.
    Happy Birthday, Peter!

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  30. LyndleApril 21, 2016 at 3:00 PM

    Don't enter me in the draw, though the book looks awesome, but I just wanted to delurk to say Happy Birthday! I hope you and Michael have something nice (well, something you like) planned.

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  31. ralanApril 21, 2016 at 3:07 PM

    Dear Peter First Happy Birthday. Second, I don't know if it just me or my computer, but I'm having problems in your blog site with too many pop-ups. It is making maneuvering around the blog very difficult. Strange things keep popping up or it takes me to a new page of ads. Hopefully others are not having the problem. I might have to get another Pop-up blocker.
    Thank you for your time, I really enjoy your blog and have been reading it for years. Alan

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  32. Nikki ResendesApril 21, 2016 at 3:34 PM

    Happy Birthday! What a great book, maybe making my own 40s patterns would cut down on my vintage pattern buying sprees :P Doubt it though ;)

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  33. LauraSewsApril 21, 2016 at 3:45 PM

    Happy Birthday to you! Monday April 25th is my birthday. In fact, I turn 50 on Monday..boohoo. I think this would be a lovely birthday gift and help me to forget how old I am.

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  34. CassaraApril 21, 2016 at 4:30 PM

    Happy birthday! Here's to learning how to drape.

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  35. D.April 21, 2016 at 4:36 PM

    Happy birthday!

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  36. Leigh-AnneApril 21, 2016 at 4:39 PM

    Happy birthday! Thanks for the opportunity! I discovered your blog just a few weeks ago. Enjoying your posts about FIT a lot��

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  37. UnknownApril 21, 2016 at 4:47 PM

    Happy Birthday. I watch your posts always and I am inspired to sew better by you. Thanks

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  38. RhiApril 21, 2016 at 4:48 PM

    Happy birthday! That looks like such a cool book, I love the silhouettes of that era but wouldn't have the foggiest where to start drafting them myself!

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  39. Claire GawneApril 21, 2016 at 5:01 PM

    Many happy returns! Hope you had a great day :)

    Won't lie, crossing my fingers for that book, it looks amazing! So nice of you to share!

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  40. LucyApril 21, 2016 at 5:17 PM

    That's stunning, like a whole book of vintage pattern covers! Happy birthday :-)
    X

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  41. nancy@firstcongApril 21, 2016 at 5:25 PM

    Happy birthday! It's my daughter's birthday too! (She's 14 and wants to celebrate by going to IHOP for dinner. LOL). So nice of you to give away presents for your birthday.

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  42. Historical HousekeeperApril 21, 2016 at 5:29 PM

    Happy Birthday, and many more of 'em!

    This book would be the perfect kickstart to my new life, having moved away from everything I knew to a new home, with a man whose idea of housemoving was to say, "now right in front of the window here is the best place for your 1903 treadle Singer, isn't it?" and made sure I have all the space I need for all my sewing stuff, bless him!

    Now I'm just struggling to bring my own haphazard sewing standards up, so this book would be ideal!

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    Replies
    1. HelenApril 21, 2016 at 5:33 PM

      Happy birthday Peter! I wish you a lot of happiness, love, and anything else that you would like to accomplish this year.
      What a lovely book.

      Delete
  43. AnonymousApril 21, 2016 at 5:46 PM

    Happy birthday Peter, and thank-you for sharing the joy. The draping book looks like lots of fun.
    Best Wishes,
    Gail from Schwenksville

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  44. ChattyApril 21, 2016 at 5:50 PM

    Happy Birthday!

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  45. MelwykApril 21, 2016 at 6:06 PM

    Happy Birthday! What a charming book that looks to be - love the 40s style, and it seems like there is a lot to learn about draping.

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  46. UnknownApril 21, 2016 at 6:14 PM

    Very Nice!!!!!! Happy Birthday to you!!

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  47. Enby AntoneApril 21, 2016 at 6:46 PM

    Lovely! And happy birthday! Sometimes it seems like you're the luckiest guy ever.

    Antone

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  48. Laura HApril 21, 2016 at 7:01 PM

    I love it! 1940's illustrations take mysteries out of many things. Happy birthday, and thanks for allowing me the pleasant thought that I might someday own a book like this.

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  49. Greg OberfieldApril 21, 2016 at 7:05 PM

    Happy birthday!

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  50. AnonymousApril 21, 2016 at 7:16 PM

    Happy Birthday!!!

    -LS

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  51. geralynApril 21, 2016 at 7:45 PM

    Happy Birthday! What a fun book and giveaway.

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  52. NiqueknacksApril 21, 2016 at 8:16 PM

    Happy birthday 🎉

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  53. MouseApril 21, 2016 at 8:23 PM

    Happy B-day, Pete!

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  54. RichardApril 21, 2016 at 8:32 PM

    If I don't win this book, I will have to buy it. Because it looks awesome!

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  55. Rosa QuiñonesApril 21, 2016 at 8:36 PM

    Happy birthday, Peter! This would be great paired with my Lutterloh patterns from the same era. Assuming I don't win, this is one I should look up! Hope you're having a splendid day.

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  56. UnknownApril 21, 2016 at 8:44 PM

    What a treat! Thank you for sharing.

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  57. EllyseApril 21, 2016 at 8:54 PM

    Happy Birthday!

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  58. Andrea CornellApril 21, 2016 at 9:15 PM

    Happy Birthday Peter! I wish you a great day!

    I never win Giveaways, so I never comment even when the present is such a great book. In the past I had some basic course about drapping, because was part of my grad. course but never tried
    put it to praxis. I found complicated at that time, but this method looks quite simple!


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  59. ClaireApril 21, 2016 at 9:15 PM

    Hello, Peter, and a happy birthday to you. Wonderful book, love the yoke treatments.

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  60. CathieApril 21, 2016 at 9:40 PM

    Happy Birthday! Would love this book! Cathie!

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  61. baldguyswifeApril 21, 2016 at 10:33 PM

    Oh, how exciting!! This book looks fabulous!! Have a wonderful birthday...You're the best!!

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  62. baldguyswifeApril 21, 2016 at 10:33 PM

    Oh, how exciting!! This book looks fabulous!! Have a wonderful birthday...You're the best!!

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  63. KayeApril 21, 2016 at 10:43 PM

    Awesome! Happy birthday to you and thanks for thinking of your fans!

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  64. WickedPixieApril 21, 2016 at 10:47 PM

    Wow! That book looks amazing! Thanks for the chance to win it, and Happy Birthday!

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  65. AnonymousApril 21, 2016 at 10:53 PM

    Hope you are partying Boxtop style! Thanks for all the fun posts--

    Brenda

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  66. Phyllis in IowaApril 21, 2016 at 11:04 PM

    Your post and the book photos brought back happy memories of classes in Draping and Flat Pattern making at Iowa State University during the middle 1960s. I enjoyed the draping class, but absolutely loved the Flat Pattern class.
    Thanks triggering for my trip down memory lane.

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  67. Julian CreatesApril 21, 2016 at 11:06 PM

    Happy Birthday!!! Looks like a great book!

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  68. TestosteroneApril 21, 2016 at 11:24 PM

    It's official, the woodwork is now empty.

    All good things to you, Peter!

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  69. pink flamingoApril 21, 2016 at 11:43 PM

    Birthday greetings from Australia! I have literally just "discovered" you and I am very much looking forward to reading your blog and learning about your sewing adventures over the weekend.
    The draping book looks divine. What a fantastic way to celebrate your birthday by giving away such a gem.
    Enjoy your day!

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  70. RebeccaApril 21, 2016 at 11:52 PM

    What a cool book. I would love a copy!
    Happy Birthday!

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  71. donugeneApril 21, 2016 at 11:56 PM

    Birthday greeting Peter. Love the blog and enjoying seeing what you are working on. This book looks great . Hope I win..
    Don

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  72. Chris HApril 22, 2016 at 12:27 AM

    Happy birthday! I'd love to add this book to my knowledge arsenal.

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  73. trudys_personApril 22, 2016 at 12:29 AM

    Happy birthday! My husband thought your posts on the boxtop/calchemise were hilarious! (And no, I'm not making him one ...)

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  74. MichaelApril 22, 2016 at 1:37 AM

    Happy Birthday, you and Queen Elizabeth! With a draping primer I might venture into womenswear !

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  75. drPmakes.wordpress.comApril 22, 2016 at 2:06 AM

    Happy birthday! Mine was on Tuesday 19th, when I was a small child it used to really annoy me how she would have such a fuss for hers and I would have considerably less fuss.


    My 6 year old self really resented how she had an official and unofficial birthday....I tried doing that too but strangely it didn't catch on.....imagine!

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  76. OnePerfectDayApril 22, 2016 at 2:14 AM

    Happy Birthday, Peter! May it be a great year for you!
    The book looks wonderful!! Thank you so much for the giveaway!!

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  77. FrancescaApril 22, 2016 at 4:01 AM

    happy birthday! May you have as long and as healthy a life as QEII! an may I say how sweet it is of you to give a gift on your own birthday:).

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  78. jenniferinOmanApril 22, 2016 at 4:33 AM

    Happy Birthday from Oman. I love reading your blog - keep up all the good work^^

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  79. dareApril 22, 2016 at 6:02 AM

    Happy Birthday Peter! I hope you have a great year!

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  80. UnknownApril 22, 2016 at 6:30 AM

    Happy Birthday! This book would be a great addition to my library.

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  81. jujuApril 22, 2016 at 6:59 AM

    I enjoy your blog and your Instagram feed. Hope your birthday was great.

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  82. ElleCApril 22, 2016 at 6:59 AM

    Happy Birthday to a fellow Taurus! Thank you for making this giveaway international! ♥

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  83. GailApril 22, 2016 at 7:36 AM

    Happy birthday!

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  84. BobbiApril 22, 2016 at 7:49 AM

    Happy birthday! I hope you had a wonderful celebration with your family.
    Neat book! I imagine it would really get the creative juices flowing overtime.

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  85. EmilyApril 22, 2016 at 7:53 AM

    Many happy returns, and thanks for the giveaway!

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  86. BetsyJaneApril 22, 2016 at 8:17 AM

    Happy birthday Peter!

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  87. annApril 22, 2016 at 8:21 AM

    Happy birthday from one April baby to another!!! What a great resource this book looks like, if love to win!

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  88. JustGailApril 22, 2016 at 9:15 AM

    Happy Birthday! I hope you receive as nice a present as you are giving for the occasion.

    This book looks great - I'm not into 40s fashion to make full garments, but they had so many wonderful details. And I'd love to learn draping. I may be hunting this book if not so fortunate as to win.

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  89. iluvsweetsApril 22, 2016 at 9:19 AM

    This book would be a lovely addition to my sewing library. Each book I acquire provides new insight into the complexities and joys of clothing construction. I love you and your blog Peter and you inspire me to be a better sewist.

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  90. iluvsweetsApril 22, 2016 at 9:20 AM

    Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETER!

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  91. backwoodsmamaApril 22, 2016 at 9:34 AM

    Happy Birthday! I would love to have this book.

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  92. AnonymousApril 22, 2016 at 9:47 AM

    Happy Birthday! I adore the book's cover! She has some serious attitude :)

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  93. Renee JonkersApril 22, 2016 at 9:47 AM

    Happy birthday Peter! And what a nice thought of younto give this book away. It would be a major asset for my sewing studio.

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  94. UnknownApril 22, 2016 at 9:54 AM

    Happy Birthday! What a great book for any sewers collection. :)

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  95. Allie CaseyApril 22, 2016 at 10:03 AM

    Happy Birthday, Peter! Great looking book. Forties style...that's got my sister written all over it!

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  96. MichelleApril 22, 2016 at 11:28 AM

    How kind of you to offer a giveaway on your Birthday. I am a new blog reader. Your blog is so interesting. Thank you for writing.

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  97. CindyApril 22, 2016 at 12:19 PM

    Happy Birthday!! This book looks amazing! Always looking to learn more and beef up my sewing skills. This will be a great gift for whomever wins it.

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  98. EApril 22, 2016 at 12:32 PM

    Happy Birthday!

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  99. JosetteApril 22, 2016 at 1:03 PM

    First, I don't want to be included in the giveaway, secondly I want to wish you a HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and I hope you have an amazing day. Can't wait to see who the winner is.

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  100. Rain JeppsonApril 22, 2016 at 2:54 PM

    Happy Birthday Peter! I've been addicted to your blog ever since I first stumbled upon it looking for vintage slips. You have great talent. Thank you for sharing it with the world.

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  101. UnknownApril 22, 2016 at 3:03 PM

    The 40's are my favorite era! Everything is so classic and timeless.

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  102. Dorothy DApril 22, 2016 at 3:24 PM

    Happy birthday Peter. This is my first ever comment. I may write again soon as I am thinking of making my husband a shirt (a first for me). But I am on holiday in Germany at present and my sewing machine broke the day before we left!!!!!!!

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  103. TeresitaApril 22, 2016 at 3:44 PM

    I would love to win this book.Looks great.

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  104. Easily AmewsedApril 22, 2016 at 8:25 PM

    Many happy returns of the day to you! : )You just gave me a present since I didn't know this book was in reprint.

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  105. Stephanie - Siouxzeegirl DesignsApril 22, 2016 at 11:20 PM

    Happy Birthday Peter! I hope this is your best birthday yet!!

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  106. All SetApril 23, 2016 at 1:47 AM

    Congratulations! I really would love to learn draping, so....
    Greetings from The Netherlands!

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  107. AnonymousApril 23, 2016 at 5:03 AM

    Hope you had a lovely birthday. The book looks fascinating - I have a dress form but haven't actually used it for draping yet as it seems rather intimidating, but I am keen to learn!

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  108. UnknownApril 23, 2016 at 5:33 AM

    Hoping you have a unique and blessed birthday!!!! Enjoy it with love ones and doing what enlightens your days 🎂

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  109. GracaApril 23, 2016 at 9:15 AM

    Happy Belated Birthday, hope you are still celebrating!

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  110. JenneApril 23, 2016 at 12:39 PM

    Happy Birthday :))

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  111. ChrisApril 23, 2016 at 12:52 PM

    A belated happy birthday to you!

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  112. erinApril 23, 2016 at 1:06 PM

    Hope you had a wonderful birthday. I love old books like this - they have amazing tips in them that often seem to be missing in more modern books. Plus when it boils down to it the basic techniques haven't changed much.

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  113. RitaSApril 23, 2016 at 2:32 PM

    Happy birthday! Love the book. You can't find information like this anymore. Enjoy.

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  114. RoseApril 23, 2016 at 2:53 PM

    Happy Birthday! Thank you for the opportunity!

    Rose in SV

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  115. UnknownApril 23, 2016 at 5:02 PM

    Happy birthday to you! I was just on your blog to see if you posted any more tutorials for our tailoring class. Wow you sure have a lot of followers! Anyway I'd love to be in the lottery for that book. 1940's style dresses really suit me. Enjoy your birthday weekend.
    -Gaby

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  116. AnonymousApril 23, 2016 at 9:28 PM

    Happy Birthday Peter!

    A(nonymous)

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  117. AnonymousApril 24, 2016 at 5:52 AM

    Happy birthday Peter!
    -LH

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  118. poolgaaraApril 24, 2016 at 6:59 AM

    Happy Birthday! Just finishing up my draping class as part of my degree program.Hard going back to school when in your 60's but enjoying it.

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  119. LoriApril 24, 2016 at 7:09 AM

    Happy Birthday! I've always wanted to learn how to drape.

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  120. SueC56April 24, 2016 at 10:54 AM

    Happy birthday and thanks for sharing.

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  121. UnknownApril 24, 2016 at 8:21 PM

    Happy Birthday, Peter.

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  122. AnonymousApril 24, 2016 at 9:43 PM

    Happy birthday - looks like a cool book!

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  123. BarbaraShowellApril 24, 2016 at 11:19 PM

    Happy Birthday to you! I thoroughly enjoy your blog and when I'm done reading it I get joy reading the blogs on the right that I'm not subscribed to. Would love to win the book!

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  124. Alyssa JacksonApril 28, 2016 at 1:27 PM

    Happy happy birthday! That book looks amazing!

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  125. UnknownMay 10, 2016 at 8:59 AM

    Hey! I've been a fan of your blog for yonks. You've given me so much inspiration to sew vintage fashion. <3 That book looks beautiful!

    ReplyDelete

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