Lillestoff winner!!

I'm so excited to announce the two lucky winners of the Lillestoff fabric giveaway!

For the Holland and Lara fabrics, the winner is Tia R, who said that she would make a tank top for herself! I have emailed Tia and as soon as I hear from her, her fabrics will be on their way.

For the Summer Forest and rib knit fabrics, the winner is Diane D, w ho said that she would make new tshirts! I have emailed her as well.

I hope both ladies really enjoy their new fabrics! Thank you so much to everyone who participated!! It was really fun to read through your entries and see what you were thinking of sewing.

You win!!

Wow! Y'all really love sewing books and fabric! I was totally blown away (in a really good way) by the amazing response to my giveaway. Thanks so much to everyone who came by and entered.

But that isn't why you're here, is it? :)

I thought it would be fun to do an old fashioned drawing, rather than a computer randomizer. So I printed out all the comments and cut them up. There were so many, I had to get a bigger bowl!

I asked Myra to draw our winner...

She chose...

Ellen!!

I'll email you for your info so that I can get your package in it's way.

Then this cute guy wanted to help, too.

So I let him...

He chose...

Angela!!

I'll be putting together another sewing book, fabric and pattern combination for Angela. I may have a few more tricks up my sleeve. 

Again, thanks to everyone who entered. This was so fun, we'll definitely do it again soon! I have a lot of fabric and patterns...

Awesome Mail Day, and a Giveaway!!

Thanks to all who entered!! This giveaway is closed, but stick around. You never know when there will be another.

Yesterday I had an awesome mail day. It was one of those days when everything arrives at once. I had used a gift certificate and then a few days later placed an order for a couple of sewing books at amazon and my Ottobre magazine was expected any time. Well, they all came together!!

First USPS brought my books, bought on a whim, and my Ottobre. Oh my goodness, y'all. This is an adorable issue! And I was really excited about these books, particularly the pants fitting book.

Then my box from Mood arrived. Mmmmm, yummy camel hair and zebra print silk. Yes, there is a coat on the horizon.
Anyway, I was looking through my new-to-me books excitedly, when I realized that one looked awfully familiar...

Wait a minute...

D'oh!! Same book, slightly different title. But, y'all, this is a great book! I've learned a ton from it, and I continue to use it all the time. I find it really complements the other major fitting books, offering alternate methods for doing things. So, my absentmindedness is your gain. I'm offering this book up as a giveaway.

Since we all know that sewing supplies don't like to travel alone, I'm also offering 2 3/8 yards of yummy mint green linen and a New Look wardrobe pattern (uncut and factory folded) that includes a cute v neck or pussy bow blouse and pencil skirt. They'll be a perfect jump start to your Spring sewing!

Here's a better shot of the fabric. It's really lovely with enough drape for a top, but also would also work for a skirt or pants.
So, to enter this giveaway, just leave a comment on this blog post before next Tuesday, the 22nd. Make sure that you leave me some way to contact you. I will not enter you in the drawing if you don't include contact info. I'll ship anywhere in the world, but if you are overseas, I'll ship parcel post, so it won't be fast, but it'll get there!

ETA: I understand that there has been some difficulty leaving comments. Oh, Blogger... If you are having trouble commenting and would like to enter the giveaway, please email me at katiedeshazer (at) gmail (dot) com. 

3 Decades winner!

And the winner is...

Kyle!!

Congratulations! I'll email you for your info so I can get the patterns to you.

Thank you to everyone who played along!

And don't forget that you can still get 15% off of all of the patterns in my shop, using the coupon code HAPPYBDAY.

ETA: Kyle has expressed the wish that another sewist receive the patterns, so the second winner is ...

Rebekah!

Congrats and I'll be emailing you straightaway!

Celebrating 3 Decades Giveaway - closed

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Kyle for winning!

I mentioned recently that I had been having some really good luck at the thrift store lately. And yesterday was my 35th birthday. So, I decided we should have a giveaway celebrating the 3 decades I've been on the earth. And what better way to celebrate than with 3 decades worth of vintage patterns??

Iconic looks from the 50s through the 70s, up for grabs for one lucky reader. All look pretty much intact, although I didn't count all the pieces. They are all size 12, bust 32.

Can you get more 1950s than this full skirted confection?! It has a lovely bateau neckline with a sneaky vee in the back. The sleeves are cut on, so it's an easy sew. The jacket has short kimono sleeves, a peter pan collar and pockets. I love that the fashion illustration shows the jacket lined with the dress fabric.

For the 60's, we have a seriously fab, Mad Men style wiggle dress. That collar!! I die. No waist seam, so you could get creative with dropped waist options too, just by hacking it off at the hips and adding a skirt. (Tanit-Isis, I'm looking at you!)

Oh the 70s. Y'all, I'm not gonna lie. I have a soft place in my heart for crazy 70s fashion. And these bell bottoms are screaming "crazy 70s fashion". Can't you hear them?! I love that they illustrated them in bright oranges and pinks. A-may-zing.

Since I'm not a fan of complicated giveaways, I'm making this easy on everyone (especially me!). To enter, leave a comment on this post. Be sure that your profile links to your email, or you leave your email so that I can contact you if you win. I am happy to ship anywhere on planet earth, but if you live across the waves, I don't promise fast. But it'll get there. Good luck! I'll close the giveaway, Wednesday June 27th at 8PM (Mountain time).

This is just a few of the patterns I've been finding lately, and since I can't sew them all, I've put quite a few into the Etsy shop. Since we're still celebrating here, how about a coupon to the shop for all of you lucky readers? Use the code HAPPYBDAY for a 15% discount on everything there. There are a ton of sweet patterns to choose from, and I'm still adding more! I'll leave the coupon active until July 23rd, so we can celebrate my birthday for a whole month!

And the winner is...

Thanks so much to everyone who commented on my blouse and who entered the giveaway. After wearing it all day, I find I like it rather more than I thought I would, so everyone wins!

Without further ado, the winner of the pattern (Simplicity 2614) is...

House of Pinheiro!!

And if y'all haven't been by her blog, be sure to click on that link. She does magic with her sewing machine.

She said,

I love a challenge to make a pattern look more exciting. Im in !

I can't wait to see what you do with it! Send me an email with your mailing address at katiedeshazer (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll get the pattern out to you.

Congratulations!

Simplicity 2614 giveaway!

I was stitching away on my fun springtime dress, when I decided that I needed some trim for the neckline and front band. I didn't have anything in stash that spoke to me, and I didn't have time to run to the fabric store, so rather than waste good sewing time, I grabbed one of my SISC projects to do up. I had white thread on the machines, so that determined my choice.

The winner was Simplicity 2614, and y'all, I'm just not thrilled with it. I really like the IDEA of this top. It's woven, but bias cut, so that it can fit nicely without needing closures. It has 45 reviews on PR as of this posting, and they are generally positive, and I like all the blouses that I see there, but I don't think this one is for me. When I put it on, I feel like I'm wearing a scrub top, which is something I spent far too many years avoiding to enjoy now.

It's too bad, as the pattern is really well designed and nicely drafted. The back is cut on the bias, which is shapely, even without darts, as is the lower front panel. One note about fit (and several reviewers on PR noted this as well) the underbust seam is a bit high in the larger cup sizes. In the top picture, you can see that it doesn't even come below Sandra Dee's (perky and youthful) bustline, and I sewed the seam with a 3/8 allowance to get some extra room.

The major change I made from the pattern was to omit the facings and use bias tape to finish the neckline. The tie conceals the topstitching, so it looks pretty nice, although if I were not making a view with a tie, I would probably line the front bodice instead. I also skipped the cuffs, as by the time I got to that step, I had tried it on a few times, and was sure it wouldn't be in my closet long. I just made a plain hem on the sleeves.

So, on to the giveaway!

I think this is a good pattern, even thought it is not for me. It is now OOP, but if you would like this (uncut) copy, it is yours for the asking. It is a size 6-14, and I will happily ship anywhere on the planet. If you'd like to enter the giveaway, just leave a comment saying so (and be sure to include contact info, so I can find you if you are selected!). I will draw a name from those who are interested on Wednesday, April 11th.

** This giveaway is now closed. Thank you!*

Do you see the sneak peek of my seersucker dress in the background? I think it's gonna be awesome, y'all.

Belated Winner

Oh my goodness! I totally forgot to pick a winner for my 200 Followers giveaway!!

Via the highly scientific Eenie Meenie Miney Moe method, I have chosen.... Marjie!! Congrats, Marjie! Shoot me an email with your mailing address to katiedeshazer (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll get that in the mail to you this week.

200!!

When I started this blog, it was with the intention of chronicling the sewing I was doing. I never would have imagined that 200 of you would want to follow along with me! I'm amazed and honored that so many are interested enough in what I do to follow. So, as a big Thank You, I thought a little giveaway would be fun.  ETA: Jo pointed out that my Google Readership is actually 368! Wow, even more reason to celebrate!

Up for grabs is an early 80's Vogue Designer Pattern by Renata. It is a size 8 and all of the pattern pieces are intact. I am in love with the top view with all of the tucks across the bodice - fabulous!

Of course with your lovely new pattern, you'll need some fabric. I'm offering a generous 3 yards of poly/lycra crepe in a lovely creamy beige. It has a lovely soft hand and would be stunning made up into any of the views in this pattern.

To go with your fabric, you will also receive 5 yards of lace in a shade slightly lighter than your fabric. Although the pattern is unembellished, a little lace never hurt anyone. I'm sure it will make a lovely addition to any project.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post. Be sure that you leave a way to contact you if your profile does not link to your email address. Anyone may enter - I am happy to ship internationally. You don't have to be a follower, but hey, it would be cool. I'll close the giveaway at 8PM (Mountain Standard Time) on August 5th and announce the winner on the 6th. - This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who participated.

Thank you!

I have been a seriously blessed girl this week! My coverstitch machine is here and happily installed, and I won 2 giveaways from a couple of seriously awesome fellow bloggers.

From Heather of Heatherty Featherty I received this wonderful knitting book. I've seriously wanted this one for a while. Now I can take it out of my amazon cart. The projects are so beautiful. I've already picked out a few I want to cast on NOW NOW NOW!

The from Jane M of Lucky Sew and Sew I received these two gorgeous vintage Designer Vogue patterns. How fabulous are they?! The Pierre Cardin jacket will be so wonderful once fall hits in Salt Lake. I'm seeing it in a deep purple ponte knit. Yummy!
Thank you both so much!
Now, I'm off to sew! Mitch is keeping the monkies under control today, so I get to sew all day long!! I'll have some fun things to show you soon. If you are following me on Flickr, you might get a preview...

Kitschy Coo Reversible Hoodie - the reveal!

Now that the testing phase is done, I can show you my super secret project from earlier this month.  I was so excited to get a chance to test out this pattern for Amanda at Kitschy Coo!  She's been making these adorable reversible hoodies in the most drool-worthy fabrics, and I finally got to try it out myself.

How flippin' cute is that???  I really enjoyed sewing this hoodie.  I don't make a ton of reversible garments, although I do a lot of lining.  I thought it would be more labor intensive, but it went together like a dream.  I had it finished after only a couple of naptimes.  Awesome!  And Myra LOVES it.  As you can imagine, she really doesn't need to wear this at the moment, as the recent cold front took us down into the low 90s out there, but every time we head out, she wants to wear it.

This side is a fun fleece print from Hancock.

And the reverse is flannel from Joann.  Cozy and warm!

Here we have theatrical Myra, showing you how well the hood fits her ginormous head.

The Great Fabric Disbursement

Want some fabric?  Willing to do a little work for a good cause to get it?

Pop over here to check out this one of a kind fabric giveaway.

Come on people - FREE FABRIC!!!

Winners and Thank you!

Congratulations to the two winners of my pattern giveaway!

For the 8-16 size patterns the winner is Cheryl, who said

All I have to say is oh, dear! If you have too many patterns, I worry for myself. I organize my patterns similarly though, in the plastic drawers. Each drawer is then sorted by type (top, dress, pants, skirt, children's, men's, home decor) I also have one for costumes (love those!) sorted by style and type. Since the Vogues won't fit into these drawers, they have there own box. BWOF are just on a shelf for now, but I have copied all the line drawings into a folder for easy flipping. Most of my patterns have also been scanned into the computer and sorted so I can easily flip through them to find what I have.

For the 12/14-20 size patterns the winner is Shiny Green Penny, who said

I just have boxes on a shelving unit - a box of kids patterns, a box of home dec/misc and my women's patterns are by type - tops, bottoms, jackets. I put all my pattern envelopes and pieces into plastic page protectors (the kind you insert into a binder) and therefore eliminating the need to jam them back into the envelope. Nothing fancy, but it works.

**Random numbers generated at randomizer.org.**

Ladies, please shoot me an email at katiedeshazer (at) hotmail (dot) com with your address and I'll get these posted for you.  I can't wait to see what you make from them!  I wish I could have given them to all of you!

I really think I was the real winner here, since I got some great organization tips out of the deal.  I definitely need to find some sort of indexing system that will work for me.  Thanks to everyone who played along!

I also want to thank Sister, for nominating me for the Sunshine Award!  We doctor-sewists got to stick together!

Stay tuned for some actual sewing.  The final reveal of the EKG jeans is coming up tomorrow!

Patterns to give away!

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks to all who played along!

My patterns were overflowing the 3 drawer file cabinet in which they were stored, so I got a new one, which led me to contemplate my organizational methods (or lack thereof!).

The top set of drawers is the original - note the duct tape to keep out wee hands.  Within size constraints (why does Vogue and Jalie have to use giant envelopes??), my patterns are organized so that I can choose them based on the fabric I am using, since that is generally how I plan my sewing.  The patterns are divided first into broad categories (Mens, Misses, Childrens, Unisex, Sleepwear and Maternity), then within the Misses and Mens category into subcategories.  Menswear is divided into activewear, pants and shirts and misses is dived into knits and wovens, and within those subcategories into tops, pants, skirts, dresses, jackets and wardrobes.  Children's is divided up just by size.  Other than that they are just sort of thrown in within each subcategory, so if I'm looking for a specific pattern, I just have to rifle through the entire category.  And this doesn't include the large envelope patterns or the magazines, which are in their own areas.  This is beginning to get cumbersome as I continue to acquire patterns, which I will!  Despite my recent forays into patternless sewing, I love patterns.  Aside from the fact that I'm just not as creative as a fashion designer, I'm just to lazy to draft something from scratch every time, and I like variety.

Of course, as I rearranged all my patterns, I found a few that I knew I wasn't going to need, for one reason or another.  Many are from the days before I knew how to do an FBA and was still basing my size on my full bust, which actually put me in a larger size category and a few I have many of the same style and know I won't sew them all.  So, up for grabs are two sets of patterns, one in each size grouping.

In the 8-16 size group is Simplicity 2590, a peasant style dress (easily converted to a top just be leaving off the skirt!) and Butterick 5191 which is a wardrobe with a sleeveless wrap top, kimono sleeve shrug, full legged pants and straight skirt.

In the 12/14 to 20 size group is McCall's 5936, a cute lined jacket with peplum, McCall's 5522 an empire waist, princess seamed top with tons of sleeve and ruffle variations and Butterick 4686, a full skirt with yoke that includes a pleated and unpleated version.

So to enter the giveaway tell me, how do you organize your patterns?  Do you have a method that works for you?  Be sure to let me know which pattern size range you'd like (both is OK, too!) and contact information if your comment doesn't link to a profile or blog.  I'll close the giveaway on Monday the 22nd  at 6AM Central Time and announce the winner later that day!  Sewing buddies from all over the globe are welcome to enter - I'll ship to you.

Sew Chic!

Look what I won!

It's an original design from Sew Chic Patterns.  I love the shape and the retro vibe it has.  Did you click on the link to see her other patterns?  I'm also in love with the Southern Belle.  Give me a big swishy skirt and the raglan sleeves are so fun!  Actually, I think all of Laura's designs are amazing!!  Be sure to bug her to get the Fantasia going.  Isn't is fabulous?

Ooh, but what shall I make this out of???  Pink and brown wool herringbone?  Black and white tweed?  I need to re-explore my stash.  What would you do?

Thank you!

Look what came in the mail the other day! I won it in Rae Gun's giveaway, and it is going to be a perfect birthday gift for my almost 3-year old little man. I envision hours of quiet coloring in church (although I'll happily accept just a few minutes!!). Thanks, Marissa! It's perfect.

Looky, looky

...what I won!! I know, it's not nice to gloat, but I can't help it!!

I am so excited to have this pattern! I have been thinking about it for days. I may even be ready to cut up some of my pretty Woodland Friends mushroom fabric for it. I must REALLY like it...

You know that you want one of your own. Well, you are in luck. Go to Kitschy Coo's shop and buy it! You can't have mine.

Thank you!!

Today has already been so wonderful! I've been dreading this birthday for some reason, but so far it is shaping up to be great! I picked up yesterdays mail this morning, and look what was inside!!Aren't they the cutest!
They are my Pay it Forward gift from Sarah! While I do think they will make sweet chip clips, I also will use them to hang up new creations so that I can photograph them, so y'all will be seeing a lot of these! Thank you so much, Sarah!!

Would you like a free handmade goodie, too? Click the link and leave me a comment. I can still do three more!
And look! My Mother-In-Law brought me a giant bag full of cute fabric that has been hanging around (getting more vintage!) for years. I got it all washed and folded. Isn't it lovely!

Happy Birthday to me, and we haven't even had presents yet!!

I won!

I know, two posts in one day, but I am so excited to have won Myra's giveaway! I am so excited about this pattern and can't wait to get sewing for Mitch.Especially since I just got a giant bag of wonderful old fabrics from my Mother-In-Law, which I am currently washing, folding, admiring. I'll show you all those tomorrow! What a great week! And just in time for me to get one year older, too. Maybe I won't be bummed on my birthday after all. New fabric and patterns heals all manner of ills.

Giveaway - with twist!

Random acts of kindness have turned into little gifts for you. A great opportunity to get some MoXie swag and pay it forward. I would especially like the opportunity to create for people I've never met (but I'll make stuff for the people I love too!!)

The first five (5) people to respond to this post will get something handmade by me.
This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. Whatcha get is whatcha get.

2. What I create will be just for you, with love.

3. It'll be done this year (2009).

4. I will not give you any clue what it's going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be weird or beautiful. Or it may be monstrous and annoying. Heck, I might bake something for you and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!

5. I reserve the right to do something strange.

6. In return, all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to blog. (So obviously you have to have a blog. If your blog is private, tell me so in your comment and I will trust you.)

7. Send your mailing address - after I contact you. (Be sure to include some sort of contact info if your blog profile doesn't link to your email or blog.)

IMPORTANT: This offer is null and void if I do not see you post your own blog to pay this forward.