Winners and Sewing Book Giveaway

Yes, there are winners from week #2....Ruta, the Vogue coat pattern is yours, Vicki, Points and Pleats will be heading to South Carolina, iluvsweets, the Kwik Sew coat pattern is coming your way, Linda the Sewing Workshop Sandra Betzina coat is yours, and NRF the Sewing Workshop pattern is heading out to you.  I will email each of you to get your mailing address and will send the packages out by the end of the week. (or you can go ahead and send me your address by emailing me at janem1960@gmail.com)   Thanks again for reading, for commenting and for being part of making my pattern collection more realistic and less overwhelming.

In other news, my cousin loved, loved, loved her new apron/smock and I was thrilled that my sewing skills were put to good use for something that she wanted.  I still want to tweak the neckline and offer her some other over the head alternatives.  Isn't that the way it is, when we sew we always know that we can improve our design, our technique, our fabric choices, etc.  

Now for the week 3 giveaway.  How about some books for your sewing reading pleasure?  Once again, simply make a comment about which one appeals to you...or email me with your choice.  Postage on me anywhere in the world this month.  I'm going to extend this giveaway until Boxing Day, December 26 at 9pm EST to give more people time to enter.

Two books, both winners in my opinion...

book giveaway

The first one, by Susan Khalje, (who I was fortunate enough to run into last week at the Association of Sewing Professionals local session) is not just about fabric but is filled with her fine sewing details.  Don't know why I have two copies in my library but this one needs to find a deserving home.

In a similar vein is book selection number 2, another Taunton Press publication by someone who wrote frequently for Threads Magazine and does the most exquisite embellishments.  Again, I have two copies so here's one to teach you how to take a simple garment to couture.

Now I'm off to the Christmas luncheon with another one of my sewing groups today.  So grateful to have so many creative people in my real life as well as on my sewing blog list.  Here's hoping you have people who inspire, challenge and encourage you and your sewing projects.

New Dress, Three Year Blogaversary and Giveaways

I'm happy as can be with the result of all that pattern adjusting to this Vogue 8828 dress pattern.

Vogue 8828

I have a black cardigan and a turquoise one that looked OK with this print but I'm enjoying the shock of this chartreuse yellow.  Not exactly autumn seasonal sewing but I plan to pack this one for our Florida rental in March so I'll be wearing it in sunshine eventually.
It would be fine for a summer wedding, too:

Very hot weather version    

I like the lowered neckline and think that a variety of shapes could make this very versatile dress pattern in my repertoire.  I'll share more about the stretch silk charmeuse lining in a future post.  

Now let's celebrate something and give gifts.  How about my three year blogaversary?  Hooray!  Yes, it's true, I will use any excuse for a party.  Sorry, I can't serve most of you drinks and cake but I can offer you some giveaways, one for every year of my blog life.  

Giveaway Number 1

Giveaway number 1 is the hardcover first edition of Fit for Real People (FFRP) one of the most referenced fitting books among sewists around the world.  I'm also including a lovely Taunton Press book on fitting upscale lingerie and loungewear.

Giveaway Number 2

I buy Clare Schaeffer's Vogue patterns mostly for the sheer joy of reading the couture version of their instructions.  Maybe you don't have these in your collection yet.

Giveaway Number 3

Here are five more Vogue patterns with wonderful details...generally sizes 12-14-16 is what I buy in a multi-size pattern.
Drop me a comment about which giveaway you would like and your email address so I can contact the winners.  I'll pay postage in the US or internationally.

I didn't celebrate year number two of blogging last year.  I was way too preoccupied and anxious about some unkind, petty people in my life who took up way too much mental time.  Hooray, they are no longer around and I feel like me again.  My celebration, therefore, isn't really about three years of blogging....I do that erratically and merely adequately.  But I am celebrating hope and perseverance and love and friendship and nature and support.  So here's to all the things that keep us moving forward through pain and angst.  You, my lovely readers and fellow creative artists are part of why I am celebrating today.  Here's a toast to knowing that we are wonderful people and today feeling wonderful as well.  Now hurray and enter....I'll pick the winners on October 1.