When I heard about Wren and Rook’s number one bestselling book You Are Awesome from author Matthew Syed I couldn’t have been happier. I’m a big believer in the power of hard work and embracing failure. Hey, do you think I’d sew if I couldn’t embrace failure? I just ripped out a collar TWICE this morning!
I LOVE this book! It could have been written for people just like me, as well as its target audience of 9-13 year olds. Just look at the brilliant advice and nuggets of wisdom.
The base premise is that with enough application, you can achieve your dreams. Success has nothing to do with natural talent, who you marry or the privilege of birth. It has everything to do with passion, preparation and perseverance. These are the three Ps that will make you Prince or Princess Awesome.
Awesome enough to deserve a little treat…
To enter, simple leave a comment below telling me ONE thing that makes you awesome. I wanna hear how brilliant you are!
Included in this giveaway:
A copy of You Are Awesome
A Stoff & Stil pattern for a toilet bag
A 20-cm gold and leopard print zipper
An adhesive bug badge
A piece of sewable and washable gold paper (yes, you read right)
This giveaway is open in the UK only and closes on Monday 21 May at midnight GMT.
Right, I’m off to sew that collar for a third time…
Yesterday I finished my 2nd year of Uni at the grand old age of 37, and my tutor has nominated me in the “best of the best” category at an upcoming award ceremony. That a massive achievement compared to some people but my goodness am I proud of myself 😊
Yay! Now I want a trophy inscribed with Best Of The Best! Massive congratulations.
Thanks. And great idea I might make myself one even if I don’t win!!
Loving those words of wisdom! I can never get enough of finding ways to stay positive and confident through anything. The one thing that I feel makes me awesome is my need to be fearless (even when I’m scared shitless). 🤷🏽♀️ Great post!
https://www.bluelabelsboutique.com
https://www.fashionnotfear.com
I have a niece about to turn 10 and I would love to gift her this book and keep the sewing goodies for myself!
But you haven’t told me how you’re awesome!
I’m awesome because I run a Guide unit and give the girls opportunities, independence and adventure (while raising an army of baby feminists!) and because today I went to the doctor and admitted for the first time that I’m having mental health problems
Well, you just became my hero! On both counts.
Good for you, I took the same trip to my GP 4 months ago. I’m on anti depressants, not ashamed to admit it. I feel better then I have in years. I hope your feeling well soon 😊
I’m awesome because I run a knitting group that helps to keep me and my friends sane, as well as making awesome stuff for others. And I’ve started sewing for me too, ‘cause I’m worth it! 😉
You’re totally worth it!
So intrigued about the washable paper, what do you use it for?
By the way I’m awesome because I never give up trying to get a young person through GCSE Maths – even if they stretch my patience to its limits! Eighteen year olds are tricky creatures…
Ah, failure – my old friend. I’m not sure about awesome but I’m certainly persistent. A couple of years ago I decided to create my own fitted-shirt block as the book I used (Pattern Cutting by Dennic-Chunman Lo) made it seem quite easy. When I eventually finished, months later, I told my friends, none of whom are sewers, that it “took a few goes” to get it right. In fact it took 27 goes. Twenty. Seven! And quite a few of those got ripped up and thrown around the room. It’s great to have but if I had to do this again I would choose a really well-fitting shop-bought shirt and simply lift the pattern from it. Ha ha.
It looks like a cool book! I am awesome because I am me and happy to be me. To be happy in your own skin is awesome enough in my book.
Hmm, its not very British to toot our own horns is it, but I think I’m raising a pretty awesome human so perhaps I’m awesome by association! My little wannabe medical research scientist/footballer/street dancer/news reader/country music singer of a gal rocks my world and may one day change everyone’s, who knows? Awesome right???
Yes, I thought my Brit readers would enjoy this particular challenge. Your daughter sounds AWESOME!
It looks a fabulous book for.mu 12 year old daughter who has struggled a lot in her first year of high school and I am awesome because I get up every morning and tell her she is beautiful, bright and kind and I believe in her
As everyone else says it’s hard to big yourself up. I’m awesome because I cleared something off my to do list and now I get to spend tonight and tomorrow with people I love without that hanging over me.
(I’m other side the pond, so not competing, just thanking you for being such an awesome & inspiring person! del xx)
Aw, thank you!
I have a 13 year old daughter and we have a great relationship although it’s not always plain sailing. I’m trying to instill in her that she needs to love herself for who she is and not compare herself with others. I am awesome because I haven’t torn all my hair out from the frustration of trying to deal with a teen in the age of social media.
Even though I fail every day to be as kind and patient as I should be(and swear a lot) maybe I could be awesome as I am sole carer for my husband who’s had Parkinson’s for 15 years and needs a lot of help. This will spur me on to be more patient and kind!
Are you sure you haven’t already reached Peak Kindness? You are definitely AWESOME.
All my love, empathy and support. You are definetely AWSOME. And your hubby too.
I’m awesome because I was voted Most Valuable Player by my lovely work colleagues. It came at a time when I was feeling unsure of myself both personally and professionally, so gave me a real boost!
You know, I really need to start awarding myself something as I don’t have colleagues to do it for me. Most Valuable Player sounds AWESOME!
Wow this is hard – every time I think of something a little voice says ‘how big-headed does that sound?’ So i’m awesome because I’m good at maths & make great cakes!
I stink at maths so you are already way more AWESOME than me!
Love that zip! I am awesome because everyday I get more like my mum ( she was proper awesome). I am also raising 2 awesome girls; they know what is important in life.
Mums are the best!
I am awesome because despite all my internal neuroses and insecurities I am managing to raise 3 kids who are turning out to be really nice people!
Nice is under rated. Nice is AWESOME! Well done, you.
I am awesome because I still try to face my fears on a daily basis by trying to believe in myself that I can do it😊 and working hard at myself in the process!
Daily bravery is the best bravery. Kudos!
I wish I could think of something awesome to say about myself but I am very ordinary. However, I have had some great jobs during my working life, in spite of my terror at interviews so I suppose I am brave too.
No such thing as ordinary and you didn’t get those jobs by mistake or because someone felt sorry for you – clearly interviewers can see your INNER AWESOMENESS shining through. 😉
Oh unpicking the same thing twice! I made an elephant soft toy and sewed the tusks in upside down, really easy to do. I unpicked them got them right side up… and managed to sew them upside down a second time! Good luck to you.
Wish I’d had that book at 13! Still, at 49 I’m awesome because I’m getting better at not caring about failure and helping my friends to do the same, asnd instead focusing on the pleasure of learning….which currently is how to weave.
Weaving!
I am awesome because after staying home for 12 years and poor to be a single parent, I started a degree at 49 and finished with a distinction, and concurrently took my property settlement to trial on my own…and won. It was a business not law degree, LOL and I didn’t know anything, but what I learned is “I will not be beaten” I learned what tenacity really was.
I wish I had that tenacity – I don’t think I do, quite. You are officially AWESOME!
Thank you!
You are an inspiration!
That is so kind and a really humbling comment.
I feel awesome when I leave chocolate on the shelf in the supermarket. I love your blog and the great encouragement it gives us average sew it’s.
I am awesome because after five and a half years, and with another two years to go, I sm still plugging away at my professional accounting qualification self-study. During that time I’ve been fighting with bad depression and there have been many months when just holding down a job has been a big enough achievement in itself, but I have come too far to let this thing beat me.
(Not entering the giveaway because I have No Time! but needing to give myself a little pep talk as my next exam is now in two and a half weeks and I am massively stressed about the whole thing. All calming thoughts welcome.)
You can do it, Lucy! Look how far you’ve come! I’ll pray for you. Hang in there!
You are gonna win at the end, baby!
Oh look you can do it. When I was really snowed under with my legal things and degree (and I didn’t do anything for these when I had my son with me week on/week off), a friend said “how do you eat an elephant?” “one bite at a time”… that made me realise I will do what I need to do today for tomorrow, and then tomorrow I’ll work on the next day… that stopped me feeling overwhelmed and also to let it go when it’s day was done. GOOD LUCK!!!!
I’m awesome because I’m on a journey to better myself, actively losing the weight I need to lose, starting to embrace yoga, and in the middle of a qualification in childrens mental health so I can support my own children and the ones at the school where I work.
From a mother with a daughter with mental illness and substance abuse and a mother with dementia, a father and brother with severe depression, I thank you for working in mental health, pediatric MI particularly. It’s difficult, but very rewarding. Bless you.
I can sew stuff!
I’m awesome because for the first time in weeks (who am I kidding? It’s months!) I have an empty laundry basket!! Three children under the age of five makes a lot of laundry, so I like to celebrate the little victories in daily life haha!
You are awesome indeed! Enjoy the empty basket while it lasts.
Yes! Celebrate the little things!
An empty laundry basket with three children is not a little thing!!!😂😂
I am awesome because I have survived the emotional roller coaster of pregnancy without my anti anxiety medication (because it’s better for the baby) and with just a week to go I’m still feeling fairly relaxed ( most of the time)!
Well done! And good luck for the happy event, hope all goes well X
I’m awesome because there is only one me! I sometimes let life stresses; grandparents being unwell, searching for new jobs, money worries etc get to me but then I remember I have so many things to be grateful for. I’m a teacher and get to teach awesome kids exciting things that they will use for the rest of their lives, I get to spend quality time with my family and have amazing friends. I’m awesome because I’m a family orientated, sewoholic, fitness freak and adventure loving geek 🙂
I am awesome because I’m a doctor, doing an M.D., who tries to be the best role model to her little daughter, whilst trying to sew as much as possible in little pockets of spare time. My husband and parents are also pretty awesome in helping out!
I’m awesome because I went to college and uni after 14 years away, got my degree, and have survived in teaching fro over 20 years now [and a few of my students have told me I’m awesome, no mean feat]. I’m awesome because my awesome wife loves me and tells me so, giving me the nerve to apply for a better job at 57. I’m awesome because I can make clothes that make me feel awesome, and sometimes make them for others too. Now I’m cringing because ‘awesome’ is such a wince-makingly american word lol
DF I agree you are awesome cos I have seen photos of your awesome sewing skills applied to awesome costumes and am full of admiration/awe.
aw bless! thanks
I’m awesome because I make my maths lessons inspirational and exciting for my students!
I am awesome because despite my only beautiful daughter dying three years ago I have carried on living. I look after her 2 wonderful sons age 10 & 12 years who are left without a mummy. I sew in her old bedroom in my home and there I am close to her and i can feel at peace. Not only do I carry on but I am a midwife of more than 30 years and this time last year I was elected as the President of the Royal College of Midwives by my fellow midwives. I feel blessed to have this honour but I want my lo lovely daughter’s boys to believe in themselves too. My daughter overcame so much to live that I want the world to know how awesome she was through me but also her boys. Awesome is a choice we make and she did it despite her life being shortened.Rebecca my darling girl I am now your awesome mum and I am helping Sami and Luca be awesome too. Shine like the stars you are. Mum .
What a beautiful post. You are amazing – “awesome is a choice we make” is such a brilliant foundation for living.
Thank you
I am awesome because, in spite of being abandoned by my birth family, I have created the family of my dreams – a real prince of a husband and 5 great children. I love them deeply and I think I’m loved by them too.
I am awesome because I’d like to read this book to my 12 year old niece who is visually impaired due to a (currently stable) tumour on her optic nerve. She inherited the awesome gene from her aunty… when, at the age of 5, she was bullied for having no hair due to chemo, she insisted on standing up in school assembly and explaining why to everybody ❤️
THAT ZIP IS AWESOME. Where did you get it?
You can click on the link.
On my 64th birthday I have just played the part, in a play, of someone who is described as smart, sophisticated , effortlessly chic and carrying off her alcoholism with a certain aplomb, non of which I am, and I remembered my lines! That’s awsome!
Yes, it is!
Love your blog!!! I live in the US so I can’t enter to win, but heck, I’m awesome because I’m a single mom who just successfully got my fourth, and youngest, child through high school. All are great kids!! It was so difficult at times, but I persevered. Even went back to college to get my BSN 15 years ago…super scary to not have any income for a year! Congrats to everyone who is awesome and has replied here!
Go, Mama Sue!
I don’t qualify, because I live in the U.S., but for once, I’m going to pat myself on my own back. I’m awesome. At the age of 52 and my husband 75 we adopted our four special needs four year old grandson who was in a HORRID situation (my only child is a drug addict). He’s now 8 and is thriving, against all odds. He has therapy, Gymnastics to help with focus, and other appointments. My husband is now developing memory problems and I care for him. I also provide care for my two elderly parents who live five miles away. I rise at 5:00 a.m. and drive one mile to wake my grandson who ro make sure he is dressed, fed and put on his school bus, then return here to do the sam for our grandson. I take all of these family members to their medical appointments. Sometimes three different ones in a day! I’m blessed to be a retired registered nurse. I pray daily for strength, that I can continue to be what my family needs. When I can grab a bit of time, sewing is my escape, as well as reading blogs!
You are awesome and you have my admiration
Full-time carers are society’s unsung heroes, so I am very glad indeed that you have sung your own song here!
I have a happy life, with family I love and like and a job that satisfies – and sewing, obviously. I’m not entering this giveaway because I’ve just read through all the comments above and am sat here with tears running down my face in awe at the strength and awesomeness of those readers. Feeling might impressed.
Yes, hosting this has been very humbling indeed.
I am not at all awesome. Just wanted to say that I am so lucky to be happy, healthy, loved and privileged to share in looking after identical twin grandsons, now 10 months, each week and my 3-year old grandson whenever I can.
Speaking as a twin mum, anyone who helps to look after baby twins is automatically AWESOME.
I’m awesome as I teach crochet and can sew my own bra’s…..yay me! Awesome giveaway 🙂
I’m awesome because my friend asked me to make her wedding dress, and I did! And it was AWESOME and she looked radiant.
old me ……I retired before Christmas and after working full time in a very taxing job For the first few months I found myself feeling lost. I then had to give myself a shake as I was starting to feel sorry for myself, I started to look around to see what life had to offer.
new me…. I started reading sewing blogs, bought myself a new machine, joined a sewing and knitting group, began sewing classes, attend the weekly ladies swimming class at the local baths , joined a silver screen social club at a nearby cinema and assisted with the Christmas Day lunch at a homeless shelter, all the things I didn’t have time for before. The people I have met along the way have become friends and have inspired me. No matter what you read in the papers or watch on TV there are some lovely people out there who are awesome and I hope others think I am too.
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