Black Friday Sales

First of all, I'm having a sale!

Hop over to my Craftsy shop to get 15% off.

Or, use the code BLACKFRIDAY14 for 15% off my Etsy shop.

 

The next are all affiliate links--I get a small commission on purchases made. It helps keep my blog going! Thanks!

 

 

Brindille & Twig has 30% off using code BLACKFRIDAY2014 (Friday only!)
 

 

Terra's Treasures has 50% off using code  BLACKFRIDAY



Go-To Patterns has different sales all week!



Lily Bird Studio--Save up to 50% on Lily Bird Studio sewing patterns this Black Friday through Cyber Monday 2014! Get a 20% OFF on your order using the code PRBLACKFRIDAY OR use the code PRBLACKFRIDAY40 and get a 40% OFF on orders of 15 USD or more. Valid from November 27th through December 1st midnight. Extra 10% off to mailing list members!

 

 

 Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop--11/27-12/1. Save 20% on ALL patterns. Code "jingle20". Save 30% when you buy 5+ patterns. Code "jingle30". Save 15% on all in-stock fabrics. No Code Needed.

 

Craftsy has classes ($19.99 or less!) and supplies (up to 70% off!)

Girl Charlee has some great sale items--more to be added daily!

Answers in Genesis has 25% to 80% off storewide using code BFSW2580 plus free US shipping over $50!


Amazon also has some great deals!


 

 



Aspiring Designer's Challenge Final Giveaway

It's been another great Aspiring Designer's Challenge by Betties Basket Sales and Promotions, isn't it?

Lots of new patterns were released, a new giveaway everyday...

what if we do another HUGE one, where one lucky reader can win THE ENTIRE COLLECTION

(and more...)?

Yeah, you heard right!

The ENTIRE November Aspiring Designers Collection which includes the new pattern from EACH of these designers:

PLUS, get BONUS patterns from these great designers:

 

That is a CRAZY total of 19 FREE patterns!!

• MCM Studio Designs, The Gingersnap Dress and Tunic
• Striped Swallow Designs, Soho Maxi
• AimerLae & Finn, Heartthrob Henley
• Just Bananas Over Soft Toys, Finger Pocket Fish "Net All Three"
• Golden Rippy, Calrose Skirt
• Koda Baby, Koda Bustle
• Swoodson Says, Little Artist Palette
• Sew Get 2 the Point, Hannah's Give and Take Handbag
• Sew Pandi, Asymmetrical Skirt
• FABulous Home Sewn, Zippy Keepers
• Kelly J Designs, Sweet Pea Sleep Sack, Jacket, and Vest Pattern
• Serger Pepper Designs, 1 pattern of choice
• Muffin Head, the "Carol" pattern in the size of choice. 2-8 or 10-16
• Zuzzy Patterns, 1 pattern of choice
• GYCT Designs, 1 pattern of choice
• Mandy K Designs, 1 pattern of choice
• Dandelions n' Dungarees, 1 pattern of choice
• Rose & Lee Designs, Grace pattern
• Sofilantjes, 1 pattern of choice

Enter to win the ENTIRE Collection w/ Bonus Patterns Below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Aspiring Designer's Challenge--Zippy Keepers Pattern!

Yay!

I'm excited to be part of the Aspiring Designer's Challenge.

 

 

 I'm even more excited to introduce my newest pattern--Zippy Keepers Pattern.

 

 

"A versatile pattern with 2 size options, wristlet option, and 4 different center panel options! You can make an improvisational pleated center, a measured pleat, gathered, or pieced. It is a quick sew--perfect for gifts. Use them as coin purses, make-up pouches, pencil cases, sewing supply cases, personal hygiene pouches, for crochet hooks, etc.! So many possibilities in one pattern."

 

This pattern is great for stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, party favors, etc. as they are quick to sew up!

 

Hop over to the Pattern Revolution blog to see some amazing tester photos!

 

Enter to win a copy of the Zippy Keepers Pattern!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can buy a copy of the Zippy Keepers pattern here!

Around The World Blog Hop

I had read and seen a couple of these posts--'Around the World Blog Hop.' But, I never really read how they worked. Then, I got an email from Starly of www.sewstarly.com asking me to play along.

It sounded like a fun thing to do, so here goes!

1. What am I working on?

Right now I'm working on making this into a pattern! (It'll release on the 20th, so stay tuned!) 

I'm quite excited about it, especially since there are going to be a good number of options.

I'm also working on sewing up a number of rag blankets and other goodies for a table I rented at a Bazaar in December.

Finished stack

Needs snipping and washing

For the Bazaar, but all are options in the Zippy Keepers Pattern!

 

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I'm not 100% sure if it is so much different than what's out there.

I use fabrics that I love--whether they are 'in-style' or not. If I like them, I'll use them!

Tough and durable for the boys, pretty and practical for the girls.

Generally, I don't make one-time outfits--to me that is a waste. They need to be able to wear them--over and over again.

 

Much of my sewing is tailored specifically to my own children's likes--they inspire me with the things they love. 

 

 

 

 

3. Why do I write/create what I do?

Part of the reason I create is because it's relaxing.

When the kids are in bed, instead of turning on a TV, I start creating--my sewing machine gets used almost daily, and if it's not being used, I'm scheming either on paper or in my head what my next project will be.

And, I write about it to share and inspire others.

I know that I love to see what other people make--I only wish sometimes I could hold the items in my hands, inspect the seams, and see how it's put together...I love learning new techniques, and want to be able to pass on these techniques and ideas to others. 

 

4. How does my writing/creating process work?

Generally, I make clothing for the kids when they need it, or if I've signed up to pattern test.

For myself as well. I really, really dislike shopping for clothes. Seriously.

So, when I can make my own wardrobe at home with fabric (which I really, really like shopping for), it makes things so much easier.

I often buy fabric thinking, 'this will make a nice top/dress for me.' Or 'this is perfect for my daughter.' Or 'the boys would absolutely love this fabric!'

I then find a pattern or make a pattern to fit the picture that is in my head and sometimes sketched onto paper.

And, now, I pass the baton onto Mel from Filles a Maman and Karly from Paisley Roots.
On the 17th, hop over to their blogs and see what they're working on!
 



Handmade Saturday--Guest Post at Fleece Fun

Today I'm over at Fleece Fun for Handmade Saturday!

Hop over to get the full tutorial to make a fun Ribbon Book Mark.