A Milestone and a Giveaway!

In the greater scheme of the world of Pinterest I suppose it's a minor accomplishment at best... I've reached the milestone of 150 followers!  In a world where some are followed by thousands (and even 10s of thousands) this may not seem like a very big deal, but to me it's fantastic and unbelievable!

I've always been the shy one - the wallflower, the shrinking violet - so for 150 of anyone to pay attention to me is truly astounding... SO, to celebrate, let's have a giveaway!  Up for grabs are these fab vintage patterns, courtesy of my good friend, Adorna (I got a box of Adorna's patterns at an estate sale, which you can read about here.).

First, there's Simplicity 7512 in size women's 38 (bust 42).  It seems Adorna and her mom really loved shirt dresses. This one is from 1967, and features a special how-to guide on setting in sleeves.  There are both full skirt and a-line skirt options.

The second is Simplicity 4213, a cool vintage apron pattern, also from the 60s,  Aprons are so popular right now, and this apron could be adapted so many ways!

To enter to win these lovely patterns, simply follow my pinboard Sew Inspired, or if you prefer, my inspiration pinboard Seams Sustainable, and leave a comment below.  The winner will be chosen at random on April 28th, one week from today.  As always, thanks for coming by!

My Memories Giveaway Winner

Hi everyone! The winner of the  My Memories Suite™ scrapbooking software is ..... Jennifer! Jennifer, please contact me so that I can pass along the details of how to collect your prize! Happy scrapbooking!

Scrapbooking Software Giveaway!

If you're like me, you are interested in multiple other crafts besides sewing… but, if you're like me, sewing is your first love.  Recently, because of my wedding, I've been doing a lot of photo journaling and scrapbooking.  This used to mean getting out the glue, scissors and boxes of paper bits to incorporate into your design. It also used to mean spending tons of money on papers, embellishments, photo prints and albums. Not anymore! With today's digital scrapbooking options, you can have all of the fun with none of the mess, and very little expense.

But what does this have to do with sewing, you might ask.  Well, sewing is never far from my mind. Remember all those cool vintage patterns I got at the estate sale? I need a means of cataloging them so that I can minimize handling them unless I'm tracing them for use.  So, I used My Memories Suite™ to create scrapbook pages which I can use to organize and catalog my patterns.  When shopping, I can bring a printed page with me, rather than trying to jot notes in my unreadable chickenscratch, or bring the actual pattern envelope and risk damage to already fragile goods.

Best of all, this was so easy! I just scanned the pattern envelopes (something I'm still in the process of doing) and used the scans as pictures in my design. I added places to make notes. One about the pattern itself, and one to notes dates I made up the pattern, what fabric I used and the results.  I added some sewing clipart from my collection, and voila! I'm really excited about this because it helps me stay organized on several fronts.

This isn't the only application of digital scrapbooking software for the sewing room, I'm sure… I have another few project ideas up my sleeve! And, I'd like to share the software with you.  I'm giving away one free copy of the software right here.  Simply go to the My Memories site and look over all the scrapbooking kits. Come back here and leave me a comment, letting me know your favorite kit. I will select a winner at random on September 25th!  Good luck!

 

Also, how do you organize and track your patterns?  Especially the delicate ones? I'm always open to suggestions!

100 Posts (and a giveaway)!!!

Just last week I celebrated one year of blogging fun!  Today I'm posting my 100th post!  Due to some technical difficulties relating to my camera memory card not wishing to speak to my computer today, that 100th post will not be what I had planned to talk about.

First, the fun part.  In addition to sewing, I dabble in a bunch of other crafts, including jewelry making.  I especially like to use upcycled materials in my creations. To celebrate 100 posts, I'm giving away a pair of handmade (by me) earrings, just like the ones I made for the wedding.  They are reclaimed faux pearls with reclaimed faceted glass beads, on sterling silver ear wires.  Just the thing for a dressy occasion.

To enter, leave me a comment telling me what sorts of posts you'd like to see more of on this blog.  This giveaway is open to anyone, anywhere.  Please also be sure that your e mail address is there someplace so I can contact you for the shipping particulars. 

Now the not so fun part.  Lately it seems that I'm not getting many comments on the blog.  Is it because of the preoccupation with the wedding preparations?  Sorry for that.  It'll all be over after August.  Is it because I'm too shy to post too many pictures of myself in my creations?  Is it because I'm an old lady and I'm out of touch with what real people wear?  Please let me know so that I can serve you better, cause I'm really getting a little down about it.  I sincerely want your opinions.  Thanks!

The deadline to enter the giveaway is midnight EDT on July 21st.  Good luck, and thanks again for your suggestions!