Recently, I was contacted by Jimmy Beans Wool, to explore the book Sew Red by Laura Zander of Jimmy Beans Wool. I was enthusiastic about the prospect as it is a sewing and quilting book dedicated to raising awareness of Women’s Heart Health. Approximately 5% of the proceeds from Sew Red will be donated to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) in support of The Heart Truth.
“Worldwide, 8.6 million women die from heart disease each year, accounting for a third of all deaths in women.” (Women’s Heart Foundation).
Leading Causes of Death for American Women
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/educational/hearttruth/about/index.htm
The book includes sewing project contributions from 27 different designers, fabric designers, sewists and fashion designers, including Amy Butler, Brett Bara, Ty Pennington, Tula Pink, Nancy Zieman (from Sewing with Nancy) and Suede (from Project Runway).
Sew Red Table of Contents Page
The table of contents excited me (and I mean, really, who gets excited over a table of contents??) because it listed a picture of every complete project.
Kay Whitt’s Sweet Sixteen Skirt
The book includes a little blurb about the contributing author and instructions, diagrams, patterns and photographs of a sewing or quilting project they have created. Most of the projects have you draft your own pattern, such as Kay Whitt’s Sweet Sixteen Skirt, named for the 16 panels sewn around the skirt. Step-by-step instructions are included along with numerous diagrams to help you with your self-drafting endeavours.
Amy Butler’s Drawstring Dress
Patterns are also included with the book for some of the projects, such as Amy Butler’s cute and flirty Drawstring Dress.
Anna Cohen’s Petal Dress
A pattern and instructions for a gorgeous evening Petal Dress, aptly named for the undulating ‘petals’ that make up the entire skirt of the dress, by Anna Cohen is also included.
For Project Runway fans, the full Simplicity Suede Says Pattern for Suede’s Kimono Sleeve Tunic is also included in sizes XS to XL.
Simplicity Suede Says Kimono Sleeve Tunic
This one is in my sewing queue!
Quilters will also be excited with the patterns included for the beautiful pieced quilts as well as the quilted applique motifs.
Marcia Harmening Queen of Hearts Quilt http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/details/sewRed/
Quilted pillows, bags and pouches are also featured.
There are also contributions from folks who have created their own fabric lines, such as Ty Pennington. Remember him from Trading Spaces and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition? He has designed a fabric line for Westminster Fibers called Impressions, “inspired by the resilience he witnessed in our [USA] nation’s…communities when filming his shows.” (Sew Red, p.74). He includes instructions for a practical yet stylish backpack.
One fun thing about the book is that every single project was sewn in red coloured themed fabric. No matter the pattern or style, all the beautiful fabrics featured were dominantly red, which nicely reinforced the reason for the book, heart health.
For more book reviews, go to the Book Review section, here.
Update: This book review/preview has been featured in Stitching the Night Away Craft Daily, issue: April 21, 2013.
Gjeometry 
I had no idea that heart disease was so prevalent in women! And, had not heard of this book. You learn something new every day! The sewing projects in it look just wonderful. I’m going to have to look into it. Luckily, red is my favorite color, so I would like to look into the fabrics as well.
I originally saw this book advertised in a sewing magazine and was very curious about it. So, I was happy that Jimmy Beans Wool contacted me to provide a copy for me to peruse.
This looks like a fantastic book. I have just ordered it from amazon 🙂 after reading this review!!!
As a nurse I know that research and focus on women and heart disease is necesary. There are so many symptomes overlooked with women because we are not exactly like men. There is a need for women research in this area!!!
Thanks for a wonderful review- inspiering 🙂
That’s right, you are a nurse! You must see first hand the effects of heart disease. I’m so thrilled you enjoyed my review and have ordered the book. I think it’s great they are raising awareness of heart disease in women, especially because, as you say, the symptoms are different than in men, and I think women don’t realize how prevalent a disease it really is!
I hope you enjoy your new book. Next in my sewing queue is the Suede Says Kimono Sleeve Top and the Amy Butler Drawstring Dress.
Looks like a good book to have! Thanks for the review, I’ll add it to my wish list.
You are most welcome for the review! I’m enjoying the book, for sure.
Wow! I had no idea heart disease accounted for the majority of deaths among women. What a beautiful book and a beautiful colour to help bring awareness of this. Every time I wear read, I’ll be thinking about this!
I know, right!? I think so many women don’t realize the prevalence of this disease and how it affects them and NOT just men. I have a few of the projects from the book lined up in my sewing queue and am actually tempted to sew them in a red fabric!
Such a great review, Catja! That table of contents is fabulous.
Thank you so much Charlotte!! I know, I think every book should have the TOC with photographs. And, did you notice the chart? (CHART!!) Lol. I don’t think a blogpost can go by without the addition of a chart or graph. And this one, is quite revealing!
CHART!! indeed. I’m telling you, the fact that I can leave the house without some sort of infographic is a modern-day miracle. Love it!
Well, I now know what I’ll be asking for, for Mother’s Day! Thanks!
Hey, good idea! This would make a perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day, Destini!
Thanks!
What nice projects! I like that there is a mix of clothing and accessories and home decor.
Yes, I think the book did a great job of providing a little something for everybody who stitches. Clothing, bags, purses and quilts and pillows. And, the projects are not too difficult, so even if you are a fashion sewer, you could easily tackle one of the quilts. Which I think I may do!
I love that the table of contents has thumbnail photos! More books should use that format!
Sounds like an interesting book. I will see if there is a copy to browse at my local B&N. Thanks for the preview! =)
I know, I think the table of contents is my favourite part of the book! I don’t know why more books don’t do this. You are so welcome for the preview! I thought it was also a good cause for which to help raise awareness.
I have my sewing machine set up right now and want to finish my dress for holidays…times running out, yikes. Thanks for sharing the book. It looks like a neat format.
Go, go, you can finish your dress! And, when you do, and if you need more ideas, this book certainly has them.
I just ordered the book also. I had no idea it was out there. I loved your preview and and love the table of contents. What a great idea to have all the pics layed out like that!
Oh fantastic Jodie, thanks for stopping by the blog and reading! So glad to be able to share information with you!
Maybe other publishers will see all our comments about the Table of Contents and set up other books that way!
I hope you enjoy your new book when it arrives.
Great review! That petal dress is so interesting! I might have to browse that book to see a front view. Looks like there a few good projects in here!
Thank You! I’m liking that petal dress, as well. In the book, they made the petals out of felted wool/silk, but I think I would use a softer cotton or silk so that the skirt was flowing and billowy.
Very interesting to know that heart disease is such a major cause of death in women. We all have to find out more about prevention & the symptoms that affect women. This book is a good way to inform women of the problems at the same time as they can have fun sewing some great projects. Thanks for the terrific review.
Yes, essential information to know, for sure. And, win-win situation with the sewing projects!
I just added it to my wish list. =D
Excellent! I think it’s a good one to list.
it sounds very interesting and very important topic. I am missing red dress in my wardrobe so it will be time to make and I will add this book to my wish list as well.
Glad you found it interesting! I don’t have any red dresses in my wardrobe either so when I make something from this book, I’m definitely going to make it out of a red fabric.
I have to put it on my list for wednesday fabric shopping! 😉
This ted talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/noel_bairey_merz_the_single_biggest_health_threat_women_face.html
is literally all about what you’re talking about. She says it so well. I’m studying in a field that deals a LOT with this kind of thing, so it’s great to see that there are groups out there trying to raise awareness of the issues we as women face today.
Good luck with your sewing!
Hi there, thanks for stopping by the blog and for the great information! Yes, I was quite excited to know of a book that combines my love, sewing, with such a great issue to raise awareness of and contribute to. What field is it that you are studying? And, good luck with your sewing, as well!
Thanks 🙂 I think it’s a great talk. I’m studying physiotherapy- I think it’s called physical therapy over in the states (assuming that’s where you’re from!) so we do a lot of work with people who have suffered from heart attack, stroke etc, trying to help them with their rehabilitation. It’s pretty cool stuff.