Sewiversary + Giveaway
GIVEAWAY CLOSED: CONGRATS MEGS!
Four years ago this week I graduated from college. My mother in law and sweet husband teamed up and got me a sewing machine. While i was going to school full time I was also working full time. And so was Scott. I started work at 5 in the morning and worked till 1. Then I came home and ate a quick lunch and went to class from 2 till 6 ish. Then I came home and did my homework and went to bed.
[What a difference our new camera makes! This look like we are cutouts stuck on a backdrop!]
We were busy people and the day I graduated I didn’t even know that I wanted to sew. Well, I did. And I do. Of course I didn’t really start sewing for real for almost three more years. And now the sewing machine lives on the dining room table for 80% of the year. And we are all OK with that. These next pics are a few of my very favorite things I’ve made in the past year(ish). (There is a giveaway in here. I promise.)
The pillows and cushions on our outdoor storage bench/summer reading spot.
My bedroom duvet, shams and headboard. Still looking for the perfect fabric for a bedskirt and some throw pillows. And the walls aren’t really this green.
Creamie’s little black dress. Well, my mom found the onesie and I just made her a little chiffony skirt trimmed with ribbon for a wedding. She was adorable with little tiny ballet slipper socks
Creamie’s Blessing dress. I made this out of batiste. My grandma who died a few months before I got pregnant with Creamie used to make gorgeous lace trimmed hankies out of batiste. I made this dress just as she would have, with all the seams inside covered with bias tape and everything finished by hand. You can’t see it, but there are tiny little pintucks on the bodice and little pearl buttons. This dress deserves it’s own post. My cousin took the photo.
Three little polka dot dresses for my sister’s wedding. (One polka dot dress clearly missing…)
Halloween Costume for Creamie. Twink and Rainbow, it doesn’t get better than that.
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[A bunch of Christmas presents that were awesome and which I have no pictures of.]
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Charlotte the adorable pachyderm made from a thrifted felted cardigan
Creamie’s Easter dress made from some thrifted sheets.
All that and it’s not even the half of it. Those are just the things I have semi-decent pictures of. I’ve made dozens (literally) of baby blankets and little girl skirts and aprons as well as a few little stegasaurus’s and baby toys. I love the creative outlet that sewing has given me. And I am particularly thankful to Amy at Sew+Tell for the virtual deadline each Friday to finish a project. It has helped me more than anything to push myself to finish. And I LOVE it. I’ve met so many talented people through Sew+Tell and seen so many great projects. And I don’t know that I can ever go back to life without Sew+Tell. Anyway, to celebrate my Sewiversary (a holiday I kind of just made up) I am having a giveaway!!!
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You knew if you held out through all my reminiscing something good would come of it, right?
First up is two fat quarters printed with images from vintage 1950’s children’s patterns. My mom had some dresses when she was a little girl that looked just like these!
And then you’ll win a hand drawn original black and white sewing machine (5×7) to hang in your office/bedroom/crafty space/dining room/front hall/laundry room/kitchen. Where ever it is you need a little reminder to make stuff everyday. Plus a cute little pink pair of thread snippers and the cutest little needle book I’ve ever seen (which now that I look at the picture needs some more pressing. I’ll press it before I mail it. Deal? It is made from this free tutorial and I whipped this little book up this afternoon and it literally only took 30 minutes. I’m making one for me next!
See I told you it was the cutest thing ever. The little stamp + the little envelope = LOVE
So to win my Sewiversary giveaway (fat quarters, scissors, needle book and original sewing machine drawing) all you have to do is tell me your favorite thing you have sewn, or someone has sewn for you, or favorite thing you’ve seen that was sewn for someone else, or something you would love to sew for yourself or someone else. Good luck! I’ll leave this open until next Saturday night (May 8, 2010) at midnight and my friends at Random Numbers Anonymous will pick a winner on Sunday. Happy Sewiversary to me! (And you too.) GIVEAWAY CLOSED
pinksuedeshoe 
My favorite thing I’ve sewn is a primary quilt for my kids. I can’t find pictures of it online anymore, but trust me, it’s beautiful. They don’t appreciate it now, but I just know someday they will!
I would have to say my favorite thing that’s ever been made for me was a cross-stitch card my daughter made for Valentine’s day one year – she hated doing cross-stitch but knew I would love it so she persevered through it! My favorite thing I’ve made changes the more I make things, but I think the current one would be the quilt I made for my granddaughter for Christmas – lots of beautiful blues and greens and chocolate browns!
Happy sewiversary! I’m glad you’re celebrating. 🙂
My favorite things I’ve made change regularly, too. I love our felt playhouse, Breanne’s quilt, and my diaper bag. I think when I’m done with my quilting class, the matching toddler-bed sized quilts I’m making will probably be my favorite thing. But who knows what it will be that. I’m just glad I’ve learned to love sewing, it’s such a wonderful outlet.
I’m glad you’ve learned to love sewing, too–your costumes and baby girl dresses are definitely my favorite things you’ve sewn, though your bedding is lovely too. Your stuff is just beautiful. Glad we worked those 5 ams together so we could become friends. 🙂
Super happy sewiversary to you!
I just found your blog via the Flickr Red Velvet Art pool. I LOVE all your pages. Every single one. So I thought I’d come over here and have a look at what else you’re doing. And then I see you’ve talked about my needle book tutorial! Coolness. I love your version! (Would you consider adding it to my flickr pool? 😉 )
Anyways, it would be silly for me to enter to win my own needle book, but I just want to say, I LOVE your sewing machine drawing! Where can I buy a copy?
The favorite thing that I have sewn was a bedspread for my sister.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(dot)com
Ohmygoodness pleasepickme!
I make stuff as much as I possibly can. I have so many favorites:
-my amazingly talented aunt made my wedding dress for me. It was gorgeous and so professional looking and holy cow am I in awe of her skills.
-I made some dresses for my daughter using some tshirts I never wore anymore. They are seriously addicting and I’m going to make more more more when I get the time.
-I’m working on making my first ever “legit” dress for my daughter to wear as the flower girl in my brother-in-law’s wedding this summer. Just started cutting the pieces out tonight. Oh my . . . I hope I’m not in over my head on this one!
Happy sewiversary! Everything you’re giving away is so sweet . . . I’m eyeballing that artwork like mad. New sewing room coming up, remember?! 🙂
Love the costume super cute! Fun giveaway crossing my toes!
awwww, this is fun!!!! ❤
the favorite thing i have sewn so far is my iphone pillow: http://www.flickr.com/photos/maedchenmitherz/4392419958/
❤ loves,
katja
My favorite thing is always the last thing I made. (Unless it’s that stupid pinwheel quilt that didn’t turn out right.) I loved reading more about you! Your blog is one of my favorites to visit on Fridays. 🙂
I made this awesome short sleeve jacket in high school sewing class. It had welt pockets (probably the hardest thing I have ever sewn) fabric covered buttons (covered by yours truely) and cute little puffy sleeves. I even made some matching dress pants to go with it. Oh I miss those days when I had 2 whole hours every single day to sew. Now I am lucky if I sew once a year. Every time I read about you sewing it gets me inspired to make something. Right now I am trying to alter one of my ugly work shirts into something flattering and amazing…instead of a man’s button up dress shirt that makes me look like I am wearing a tent.
Wow all those projects are wonderful! Especially her blessings dress. 🙂
My favorite sewing project was my daughter’s first quilt. It was new to me then, and she would just sit with me while I pieced it together. She couldn’t wait to wrap it around herself. I had to finally put it away for her or she would of loved the heck out of it.
Happy sewiversary!
My favourite sewing projcet has to be my first quilt as it led me to a new and totally unexpected path of life.
Congratulations on your Sewiversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You certainly have created some fantastic things!!! Love all the cute clothes you have made. I am so not a clothes sewer. Creamie’s reversable apron would have to be my favourite. She looks so cute in it.
Happy Sewiversary. You sure have made good use of your sewing machine.
Favorite thing? Hmmm. Quilts for my girls.
I havent seen that fabric on the right before. Cute.
Happy Sewiversary!!! The first pair of pj pants that I made would definetly have to be my favorite thing. I still look at them and think,…wow!! I made these and they fit!
your blog is lovely. I love making quilts for babies that my friends have. They are well appreciated and I love the process of making them.
I made a beautiful flock of birds of out felt. Definitely my fave.
What a fab history of your adventures in sewing! A couple of weeks ago I bought some vintage curtains at a thrift store and I have been meaning to make a bag out of them….someday!
love it all! congrats on your blogiversary!
Happy Sewiversary!
My favorite thing is currently in progress. My mother is making me a gorgeous quilt, and I can’t wait for it to be done!
i made a rag quilt for my baby and my sisters new baby. i would love to be able to make my little Halle a skirt.
happy sewiversary!!
just found you through amylouwho.
my favorite thing i’ve sewn is flowergirl dresses for my twins who were in my sister-in-law’s wedding last october.
You have made some very beautiful things! You ought to be so proud of yourself. Love Creamie’s blue dress.
Thanks for your kind words on “Gwen’s Stars”… 🙂
I am new here, and I am new to blogging, your blog is adorable..
Happy Sewiversary!
My favorite of my sewing project so far is my batik bag, this is the first finished bag I sewn.
Thank You for the giveaway.
Happy Sewiversary!! You’ve made some lovely things since you started sewing. I love the little polka dot dresses yuo made for your sisters wedding and also the cute little apron too. I think my favourite thing that I’ve sewn is a quilt for my daughter Caitlin. I made it up as I went, searching through magazines for ideas. You can see it on my blog if you’re interested
http://thesewingattic.blogspot.com/2009/05/caitlins-quilt.html . Thanks for hosting such a lovely giveaway!
happy sewiversary! all of your projects are so cute, i especially like the little reversible apron. my favorite thing i’ve ever sewed was my first ‘pretty ditty’ apron. thanks for offering up such a nice giveaway.
Happy sewiversary and thank you for leaving a comment on my blog! I’ll have a giveaway, too! 🙂
My favourite project is Aita reversible pleated shoulder bag, I developed the pattern on my own, and it was a challenge, I must say. It’s gone, though, I sold it in my land-based shop. I’d love to make a second one this month.
Thanks for a chance to win 🙂
xo,
Sardana
When I grow up, I seriously want to be you. These are all so adorable!!! Major props.
For me, I have been tinkering with sewing since Girl Scouts in kindergarten (I’m in college now), so I haven’t really developed a ton of skills. I do really like the pajama pants I’ve made, but my favorite thing would have to be the book mark I sewed and embroidered for Mothers’ Day a few years back. It wasn’t the best looking embroidery, but it was for my mom, so it carried so much extra meaning in context.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Happy Sewiversary! I enjoyed looking at all your pictures. Great projects. I especially love your daughter’s christening gown! I love all the goodies you are giving away! Too cute. My favorite thing is probably all the projects on my every growing list of things to make inspired by all the Sew and Tell Friday finishes!
Happy Sewiversary!
My mother made me a Care Bear costume when I was about 4. It was amazing. She has never worked with furry fabric again.
My mom used to always make my sisters and me easter dresses with fun hair accessories to match! I enjoy sewing, but am by no means a super-sewer. However, I am gearing up to make a million fun throw pillows for my house. Know where I can get some great, cute fabric?!?
My favorite thing I’ve sewn/sewed is the Lion King costumes for HHS. Mostly, because they were complimented by the wonderful people at Disney. Yep, I’m a RockStar.
xox
Awesome bunch of pictures! Those are all cute. You have the cutest ideas. BTW that dress does need its own post and that bed set is so chic!
Congrats!
I would love to sew a cute little dress for my daughter, but fear I lack the skills. Maybe one day!
Lovely giveaway, by the way 🙂
I just began sewing a couple weeks ago. I LOVE it! I’m working on a quilt at the moment. Would love to learn to make skirts for myself and little girl dresses.
My favourite thing is all the stuff for my son’s nursery! After what I thought was a brilliant theme idea I worked really hard to find Guess How Much I Love You themed items and fabric. It was nearly impossible to find. But then I lucked out with the publisher and managed to find and create everything I needed. I’m hoping to box it all up once he’s done with it and save it for some grandchildren.
Love the Rainbow Brite and Twink costumes!
I wish to sew a quilt sometime in the future… hopefully!
Hmmm favorite think I’ve ever sewn would have to be all the t-shirts I DIY. But I did receive the cutest handmade baby doll shirt two summers ago from my grandfather’s girlfriend; it made me want to learn to really sew with a machine (that’s arriving in the mail soon!)
happy sewiversary! and thanks for the giveaway!
my most favorite thing i’ve sewn is the first thing i sewed, which was a doll for my one of my daughters. i pretty much winged it and so the quality isn’t so great, but there was a lot of love put into it! and i know that my little girl loved it so much!
holy moley you are super talented!!!
that rainbow bright costume is my favorite!
the best thing anyone ever sewed for me are my raggedy anne and andy dolls my great-Aunt Opal made me. they still sit on a shelf in my house.
this is a great giveaway!
My favorite thing that I sewed was 28 yrs ago. I made my wedding dress. I constructed three patterns to get the look that I wanted and of course after I made my dress, a pattern came out that was pretty close to what I wanted . But still I was glad I did it. It only cost me approx. $50 . I used some heavy ivory satin that was given to me by a cousin (they eloped, so she didn’t need it for her dress) for the under skirt, since it was a very heavy satin. then I used a white lighter weight satin for the top layer, alot of lace on the bodice with pearls hand stiched on. The veil also had alot of pearls sewn on the headpiece.
I have always loved to sew my own clothes, I just don’t do it as much any more. I do alot of quilting and sewing totebags/purses now.
I just came upon your site and I just love what I’ve seen so far. I look forward to spending more time coming back to it.
thanks for this chance to win something.
Karen
One of my favorite things to make are baby quilts. But I just can’t pick one things… I also LOVE making dolls (old fashioned Raggedy Annies). Sometimes I fall in love with them so much that I have a hard time giving them away.
Thanks for the opportunity to win your adorable giveaway and for the inspiration!
~Alex
This summer, I’m going to be sewing a quilt for when my fiancée and I get married.
It’s going to be a queen size, simple, blue and brown quilt with fleece on the inside to keep us warm on cold nights.
I’m very excited about this project. I also plan to sew matching pillow cases, maybe work some hearts in here and there.
I love diy, and want to incorporate that in our wedding and home.
My favorite sewing project is a quilt I made for my grandson – bright primary colors – so cheery and fun. Love your blog.
I am waiting for my daughter (almost 4 months old) to grow bigger so I can make a baby quilt out of her old clothes.
I think your give-away is adorable and would love to win. 🙂
Happy Sewiversary!
-Kate
My favorite thing I have sewn is a bag I made last year. I used Amy Butler fabrics and everyone wanted one! They also loved that I made it with my two hands, and I’m very proud of that bag.
my most recent favorite thing was that skirt you made me!!! Awesome giveaway! (You should put a link to this post in your sew & tell post for tomorrow.)
My favourite thing was my daughters christmas quilt. I designed it all myself and it came out so well even I was impressed….a whole quilt of christmasyness!!
LOVE your sewiversary giveaway! That is totally a holiday! And I love the way you’re celebrating!
I’m really bad at picking a favorite, but I’ll try to narrow it down. I love to make aprons — I’ve made 95 of them (really). I use the same pattern for all of them and match fabrics to the people that I give them to. They are fun and fast and amazingly, I’m not sick of making them yet.
Congrats on your sewiversary. I loved looking at all the amazing things you’ve made. My favorite was the cushion covers and pillows for your outdoor reading spot.
My favorite thing that I’ve sewn so far is a toiletterie bag for my mother. I had near zero experience and I am still amazed at how well it turned out.
umm everything you made is adorable making little girl dresses scares me to death. Now I want to sew right this second. Too bad all my stuff is in the moving truck.
okay my favorite thing I have sewn is a queen size quilt I made for my sister. It was the first non baby quilt I made and it cost like a little over a hundred dollars but i loved it and secretly wished I could keep it for myself.
awww, what a saweeeeet giveaway!!! that little sewing book IS the coolest!!
I love your beautiful projects too, thanks for sharing them with us!
Ok, it’s so hard to choose just one thing…. hmmm, I just can’t! Arghh! Ok, well, I love scrappy quilts, and most of mine end up being kind of scrappy. So can I just say that’s my favorite?
My favorite thing I have ever made was a mod-style hot pink paisley dress with a black patent belt for my 2 year old cousin when I was in the sixth grade. It was my very first sewing project. My second favorite thing is a pink orange and gold brocade dress I am making right now for myself from a sixties Simplicity pattern reproduction. I can’t wait until it is finished!
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