Sewn and other things

Hello there.  Rainy cloudy day here in my neck of the woods.  Again.  Boo.  No dancing in this post. hehe.

Anyhoo, I'm gearing up for a shop update in the next week or two or three.  It's been quite a while since I've updated the ol' shoperoo.  I just got a shipment of watercolor palettes in the mail, so guess what I'm making! ^_^ 

I've got a lot of catch up sewing to do, so that's what I've been busy doing lately. I basically put everything off so that I could finish my book.  I've got quilt blocks for two quilting bees to finish, gifts for a handful of friends, projects for the Fall issue of Stitch, stuff for the shop, stuff for my children, stuff for my home and a partridge in a pear tree.  My machine will have lot's of smoke coming out of it from being overworked I'm sure. I love it though!

As promised, the Sewn Giveaway update.  Since the May Giveaway Day went so well, I decided to do the same prizes, different pincushion, but same prizes otherwise. But this time there will only be ONE winner. Yay! *pretends to do a cartwheel since she can't do one in real life*  Woot!

Just a recap for those who missed the last giveaway.......

The first item up for grabs is this lovely pincushion!

A copy of the new issue of Stitch featuring these lovely projects .........

Can I just mention that Malka is my new idol.  Love her work! How great is this pillow?

A pillow by the awesome Amy Karol.

A too cute skirt by the also awesome Chelsea Anderson.  Add this onto my list of things to sew for Bella please!

The tote bag I designed for this issue. 

There's also a nice little write up about The Workroom in Toronto.  I'm still trying to convince my husband we need to move to Toronto just so that I can shop there all the time.  He's not buying it though. Is there something wrong with that logic? *shrugs*   Anyhoo, If you haven't been to Karyn's blog yet, you are soooo missing out!

And the final prize is a copy of my book, when it releases in the Fall! YAY!

So there you have it folks.  All three goodies for ONE lucky winner. 

To make it more interesting, I mentioned before that I'd like to post a few project tutorials here, but I'm not sure what you'd be interested in seeing here. I think the book sucked all my creative juices out.  Well, okay not really, but I just want to be sure I don't post something people won't like. :P 

So please help me out and you can win something super duper too!  And I may or may not pick some random surprise winners as well.

Let the games begin!
I will leave comments open until 9AM EST, Monday, June 8th and I'll pick the winner (or winners hehe)
later that day! Good luck! ^_^   *running man* okay, so I lied about the dancing. :P

Comments

[Sora]

YES! It IS a lovely pincushion.
I love your blog and handmade stuff. :)

[saganaga]

very generous !
please enter me ! thanks !!!

[Nova]

I have that issue! Um maybe a patchwork top? I've seen some for skirts, but most of the tops are little kid sized. And usually just done in squares.

[Molly]

I really can't imagine any tutorial of yours would go unused! Sometimes my favorite tutorials are little sewing tricks. Things that people use regularly but that other folks may not know about.

[Erin Compton]

I love tutorials for useful things, such as sewing room organizers or notepad holders. Things that would make such great gifts I often make one for myself first. (You know, to test it out. *wink wink, nudge nudge*)

[kelli w.]

thanks for the chance to win - again!

[The 6 O'Clock Stitch]

Oh, you are too generous!!! Thank you so much for the opportunity. I'm completely smitten with pin cushion!

[Erika R]

Your pincushions (and all your work) are so beautiful! Thanks for being so generous!

[Kim]

I like tutorials for accessories, either to wear on my body or use around the house. Like that cute pin cushion! :)

[Christina]

Such a generous giveaway! I love tutorials that make quick gifts. Someone's birthday is always right around the corner. Thank you for the chance to win.

Christina
cmatthies@hotmail.com

[Kaye Prince]

Hi from Toronto! The Workroom is amazing, isn't it? I would love to win one of your beautiful pincushions!

[Christie]

Super cute! What a great prize.

[Diane]

What a fantastic giveaway! I simply love the pincushions!
Have a Blessed Day,
Diane

[amanda]

These are great prizes! Thank you for the chance to win! :)

[Kelly]

I would love another chance to win! Hmmm, tutorials. Some things I have been wanting to learn lately: rag rugs; how to make my own bias tape; how to sew pockets; lampshade covers. Thanks!

[Leigh]

I would love any tutorial from you. I love all your things! So beautiful.

[Erin]

please enter me. I love your pin cusions!

[Linda]

Oh what fun--another giveaway! Thanks!

[Brooke]

I love tutorials for small practical things -- bags, doorstops, pincushions, coasters, etc. I find I actually get around to making those! Thanks for the great giveaway!

[Katie B]

I'd love any simple tutorials. A tote bag tutorial would be great! Still loving that pincushion.

[Stacy]

I think a tutorial for boxes made out of upholstery weight fabric would be great! I've been thinking about making some lately to hold.... wait for it.... fabric. ;-)

[sherri]

Another wonderful giveaway! I'd love a pincushion tutorial...or a tutorial to make things to organize my sewing room!

[tracy]

fingers crossed!

[Dewdrop]

I really like tutorials for bags. I've got the magazine already (I went searching for it as soon as it started popping up on blogs) but can't wait until your book comes out.

[Stefanie]

I think anything you make a tutorial on will be great but I am a sucker for purse tutorials so I will throw that out there!

[Sam]

Love love love all of you ideas and creations. Thanks very much for the opportunity.

[jodie]

How about pin cushion tutorials? Thanks for the chance to win such lovelies!

[yahaira]

a pincushion tutorial or how about something to store scraps in? you can use scraps and store scraps (it boggles the mind!)

[pamela]

Is there a tutorial for these adorable trivets? http://iheartlinen.typepad.com/i_heart_linen/2008/10/mmmmlavender.html Is there any color that natural linen doesn't go well with? OR maybe it's just your fantastic ability to combine prints! Thank you!

[Emily Flippin Maruna]

I like the idea of doing a teaching tutorial on sewing tips or perhaps fabric care. I've never sewn with linen. Is there anything I'd need to know before I did?

Something I haven't seen around, but would love to, is tops for kids. Pants and skirt and aprons galore, but where are the yoke tops and pinafores?

[hanamik]

I doubt there could be a tutorial I (others) wouldn't like from you! I can't think of anything specific, but pouches are always great and varied. Thanks for the extra chance!

[marné]

Oh how great! I only just recently found your blog, but I have to say, I heart linen too! If I don't win I guess I'll just have to buy your book :o)

[Kate]

Hi - it's pretty generous to ask US to suggest a tutorial!! Thank you. I don't think you can ever have too many bags or pincushions. Instead of project based, how about a technique based tutorial? Say - tricks to stuffing a pincushion (how to get it looking nice, what stuffing you use etc); or the best handles to make for bags? Or how to get bags to keep their shape (stiffenings, types of fabrics etc??). For a project - how about a soft sculpture (pear or an apple or something?) you can use as a pincushion??

[Jennifer]

OH MY! I wanted to win that pincushion for the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway - so I really hope I get to win it this time! Wonderful giveaway! Thanks! :)

[Suzanne]

What awesome treats! I cannot imagine writing a book. I'm always looking for projects that use scraps/small amounts of fabric or can be made quickly as last minute gifts.

[jen]

I am so very much looking forward to your book. And I want that issue of Stitch too!

Thanks for the opportunity to win!

[jaybird]

i'm hooked on pincushions... and yours is too cute!

[leslie]

i just want to see more of your work and your fabric stash! and, you know, giveaways are always good too... : )

[Louisa]

I like tutorials for little treats I can make for friends. Things that are lovely, maybe useful, and quick or easy to make. Like your palette pincushion, but not necessarily sewing related. Thanks!

[Tamara]

I love tutorials that provide tips about sewing...so not necessaruly how to make something but finishing techniques...am I making sense here? Although without sounding *sucky* anything you come up with will be great I am sure.

xxxxxx Everything's crossed xxxxxx

Tam xo

[amanda]

oh oh oh, I can't believe you're having another giveaway! I'm loving tutorials for things I can make for myself. sometimes a mama needs to be selfish, you know? so maybe a bag or a skirt?

[shannon]

another fun giveaway? yeah! thanks so much, you've made my day. I love tutorials for useful items...gifts for friends are always great.

[Marisa]

Oh how I cover your pin cushion...I am so happy for your book again, congrats!

[danielle]

yay another chance! thanks again : )

[Brittany]

Yay another giveaway! I love second chances at these, you always have such great items! I'd love a tutorial for a meaningful, giftable item for the home. Too many of my friends are getting married this summer, I need more ideas for wedding shower gifts!

[Melissa]

Hoping against hope that I might actually win sometime. I'm a tutorial junkie, so on the tutorial question I think anything would be great.

[Jocelyn]

Wow what a GREAT giveaway. This is my first visit to your blog, but I can see that it looks really great. I too love tutes and use them regularly. I love the Tote bag you had in the magazine. What I'd really love to see is a tutorial to make a scrappy vest :-)

[Lorajean]

I'd love to see any kind of patch work tutorials. Sewing little bits of fabric together is very intimidating.

[Amber]

Everything is so gorgeous. I love your blog - it's so fun and your writing style is great :-)
Tutorials really are a lot of work so I just love seeing your creations and things you are working on!

[Deborah]

Lovely, lovely, lovely! Thanks for the heads up email. I came running over as soon as I read it. I have to say, I {heart} that pincushion. So sweet!

Deborah
comfortjoydesignsATgmailDOTcom

[Corry O]

I'd love to win. I would be thrilled with any tutorial you have to offer. Thanks for the wonderful giveaways!

[christie]

How good are all those projects in Stitch!?

Lovin' your pincushions :-)

[Casey]

any tutorial you came up with I would love! I love all your work :) winning a copy of your book would make my year!

[Shannon]

I love all sorts of tutorials, but I think the ones I'm most likely to use are ones for bags or containers of some sort. I liked what someone else said earlier in the comments about a tutorial for a quick gift.

[Amelia]

Oh goodie, I want it all! You've had some great tutorials and pictures of organizational, zakka type stuff for making life better in a beautiful way. More please!

[Helena]

I'm rather new to quilting, so I've been reading every tutorial I can find that has anything to do with quilting.

Love our pincushions. They're adorable!

[Claudia]

Of course I'm in love with your pincushions...can anyone have too many?! I think a tutorial for a patchwork bag/tote would be a lot of fun. I love poring over the bags in Japanese craft books but those little illustrations are nearly incomprehensible to me. I need written descriptions as well I suppose. =) I think any tutorial you do would be awesome to try. Thank you for such a generous and lovely giveaway!!!

[amanda]

Amazing giveaway - and right after the SMS giveaway - seriously!

I love tutorials for practical, pretty things...bags, potholders, notebook covers, quilts, and especially little girl clothes!

[Kelly]

Lovely prizes! So many great ideas already, but I would love to see tutorials for simple gifts. I am more likely to make something if it uses a small amount of fabric and is simple to do, and if I can give it away.

Also, I love the ideas about doing technique tutorials, I can never get enough of those!

littlefishtextiles(at)gmail(dot)com

[Cassie]

I really love that pincushion. Thanks for doing the giveaway!
Cassie
cmdoduck(at)gmail(dot)com

[Sandy]

I love second chances! How about an apron tutorial with matching potholders?

[Kim]

Sooooo glad that you're back in the swing of non-book things, though I'm equally excited to buy your book! Tutorials ... um, how about one for you legendary, superawesome patchwork bias tape :-)?

[Arizona]

That's the cutest pincushion! I'd love to win it! And the book!!

[Kim]

You're soooo generous. I am an intermediate sewer but so keen to try just about anything. I love too love tips and tricks such as how to choose fabric. Your colourful goodies makes my eyes water!

[Ashlee]

What a lovely giveaway! I have not yet found a tutorial that I really like showing how to make bias tape, especially with one of those little metal thingies.

[natasha]

great blog :) I love tutorials on softies mostly, but also the normal everyday things made special, bags, etc

[montsepb]

Great, another giveaway! Any kind of tutorial by you is great! Whay about a simple summer tote?

[jaya]

thanks for this opportunity!

[anita]

Hi!

I didn't win the first so maybe at second time(I'm not very lucky person but I don't give up)
I love tutorials and I really curious about how you make your mirrors(which u can open it).

[Lyn]

You're wonderfully generous :)

Tutorial ideas: Anything with linen + patchworky will be excellent. I love your pouches (the springy ones) on Flickr. They are so zakka :). Tutorials for simple* zakka totes are excellent too :) You're the bomb when it comes to making zakka + linen + pretty handmades! :D

* And 'simple' (aka beginner level) because I am still learning to use the sewing machine :P

Thank you, Rashida!

[Sue]

I love the quick and easy project tutorials. I am a procrastinator of the worst kind(is there one of the best kind?) so I am always making gifts at the last minute. Great giveaway!

[Maggie]

Oh I would love another chance to win. That pincushion is divine and I can't wait for your book to come out. Thanks!

[Robin]

I just started reading your blog a few weeks ago when I saw your lovely calendar on the May 14th blog post on indiecraftshows.com. I would LOVE to see a tutorial on that, but I'm guessing it's in your book (which I definitely plan on getting). I'm always up for new apron ideas, too! (Please enter me in the contest! pretty please!) :o)

[Plumtickled]

Oh... I just love you!!

I'd love to see your Sweet Springy Pouches as a tute but would love to just buy one ..... wink, wink, nudge, nudge!

I'm preordering your book.... I've been waiting very patiently to see it..... it's not been easy!!

And the pincushion.... I'm just dying. I must have one!!!!!!

[kelli]

I need some tutorials for organizing items -- boxes, totes, containers.

[Allison S]

Pick me!! I love the pincushion!

[Veronica]

Thanks for the giveaway. That's so nice of you! I love seeing anything you make, so a tutorial for anything your made would be great. But I would especially like to see a tutorial for something practical or useful that I could use or make for a gift like a placemat, coaster, pincushion, pouch, handbag, potholder, etc. I would also like to know how to do techniques that they never explain how to do in books; little tips or secrets that make creating things easier.

[karen]

Oh please oh please oh please choose me! If you're so inclined, a tutorial for any of the bags you create would be wonderful.

[L]

Yay! Another chance to win fabulous stuff made and written by you! I'm so in! I would love to see things that not everyone is already doing (like pincushions, totes, fabric pouches) like a quilted pocket wall hanging organizer thingy, a steering wheel cozy, a fabric collage on canvas, window curtains for windows that will almost always stay closed.

[Nglalala]

Thanks again for another giveaway opportunity! Some tutorial ideas could be pincushions or bags or anything that would use up scraps. :)

[Curry]

Can't blame a gal for trying again! Love the spring tote! A tutorial for a sturdy wallet would be fabulous. Thanks.

[Jeannine]

I love tutorials of little things you never knew you needed, but don't want to now live without.

[Doris]

I'm asking for a tutorial on those super clever and gorgeous palette pincushions...I need to take a new look at my old art supplies!

Doris
auntiedart(at)yahoo(dot)com

[Margaret]

You do amazing work! The bag featured in the magazine is so cool! You have a lot of talent.

[Tiffany]

I think just incorporating patchwork into our everyday items - embelishing with patchwork on items in the kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms.

[Angie]

Wow Rashida! Another giveaway? Wahoo! Let's see- I love anything, ANYTHING you do...so this is hard! You are so creative. How about make it yourself shopping bags for grocery shopping/save the earth/don't use plastic ones? I have seen some tutorials on these, but I have a feeling your take on it would be the one I would want to make!

[Melissa]

You know I can never think of suggestions for tutorials but here are some things I'm sucker for when it comes to them... bags, purses, pouches, reusing things (that I usually don't so i must find some first) like new uses for pillows cases or tea towels... Or cute dolls face instructions... I'm embroidery clueless so doll faces become a challenge!

[Ana Lilia V.]

oh! your pincushions are so unique and so very lovely! i look forward to your tutorials and i love reading your blog! thank you!

[Jennie F.]

Maybe some sort of clothing for little boys? It's always difficult to find cute things for them.

Very generous giveaway. Sign me up!

[Jasmine]

Hi! I'd love to see a tutorial for gifts that can be done in 3 hours or less. Very simple little things that also have that pretty zakka aesthetic. :)

[Margie]

you are amazing! I am so excited.
I would love to learn more about linen and how to choose the right one for m projects ...or is that in our book?!

[larissa]

just delightful. I'd be ever so happy to win. thanks!

[JJ]

Wow, what a generous giveaway! I would love your book...tutorials are so much fun and very helpful. My son is little so I love to make him little animals, play food, etc. Maybe something along those lines?

[Eve]

Oh wow. What do I want you to teach me? Anything, please! I love your home projects and patchwork, maybe some cute patchwork napkins and placemats? Or kitchen towels?

[Becky]

Yes! Another giveaway! I would like to see a tutorial on the cute patchwork checkerboard you made. A bag, wallet, pincushion, coasters, pillow etc. would also be great. Anything in linen to tide us over until your book comes out.

[abcgirl]

How about a patchwork sunshade for a car?

[kima]

the pincushion is great. I cannot wait to get my hands on your book!

[Brina]

I would love a doll making tutorial...anyone game?
Your blog is crisp and clean, really like that...it's like linen! ;)

[Katherine]

Your book look amazing, adding it to my wishlist now! As for tutorials, I'm very new to quilting and patchwork so I'd prefer smaller projects that won't make me tear my hair out. All types of bags, notebook covers, anything that has tips for improving my skills would be great :)

[Renee G]

I'd love to have a tutorial for tote bags/purses or aprons.

rsgrandinetti@yahoo.com