I guess it pays to be 1st once in awhile...because the first to enter a comment on this giveaway is the winner! Angie H. - that's you! I've emailed the details to you! Congrats...and keep watching as I'll be giving away a few more classes!
: : Two-fer two peas e-course giveaway : :
I'm giving away a free seat in BOTH my sewing e-courses. Join me on-line to sew two great projects. Simply leave me a comment here about what other courses you would like to see me offer from my pattern line and I will draw a winner who will receive ONE free registration to both e-courses. Read on...
Last year, my cousin Andrew and I put together my first e-course, the Tie Tote. It's been super popular and the paper pattern for the bag followed this Spring. And now, a crowd pleaser - the Hazel Hipster, is the next in our e-course series.
Both courses offer you a 3 video series that provides an hour or more of instruction broken up into manageable parts. You get supporting text to go along with it on the project page. I share my tips for putting the bags together and using:
- magnetic snaps
- fusible interfacing
- topstitching
- gathering stitch to create a ruffle
- and more!
With all the hard work that Andrew and I have poured into these e-courses - we would love to have you try them out and spread the word. They are a great value. The e-course is $20 / class. It's like you are there with me on my back porch and I'd love for you to join me!
What happens after you purchase the course? You will then receive a password so that you can access the class content. (The course will not be LIVE until August 1st – pre-orders will be accepted, you will receive an email confirmation of your purchase and your access will be sent to you August 1st.)
(Here's a secret...if you are on our newsletter mailing list - a special coupon code AND and early access pass was made available. Over there on the right - you can sign up too for the next special bargain)
If you purchase the Hazel Hipster AND the Tie Tote course, order both at the same time and we will give you a 15% discount when you purchase both classes at the same time. (Sorry, does not apply to for previous purchases – only same day purchase of both courses).
Gets even better…if you purchase either course, you can now also get the associated paper pattern (the Fit to be Tied Tote or the Hazel Hipster) as a companion for $8.99. Just put a note as you check out via Paypal that you would like to add a paper pattern to your order and we will invoice you and send it right out.
And this week...I'm giving away a Two-fer deal.
Simply leave me a comment here about what other courses you would like to see me offer from my pattern line and I will draw a winner who will receive ONE free registration to both e-courses.
Want extra entries? I'd love if you'd like our Facebook page. Leave 1 comment telling us you've done so. Share this post about our e-course giveaway on Twitter and tag me - I'm @trishpreston. Leave 1 comment telling us you've done so. That's 3. Andrew and I sure do appreciate your support, love, and excitement about the patterns and classes.
Here's the fine print : this giveaway will be open until midnight EST, Saturday July 28th. I'll announce a winner on the 29th - using random.org to pick one of you to get the Two-fer two peas e-course giveaway.
Can't wait to register ? You'll find our course registrations there in the right side bar. Excited to sew with you on the back porch! Thank you, thank you, thank you for being wonderful you. Passionate about sewing as much as me!
: : by mary : :
I can't honestly say when Mary and I "met" online because I'm pretty sure...it's been years ago. Mary Emmens is from Exeter in the UK and another one of the wonderful sewists who have been reviewing patterns for me this summer. She is a busy Mom with an etsy shop - selling her wares both online and locally at various events in the UK. That amazing chevron quilt up there...she has made that using vintage sheets and has a kit available in her store. Isn't it absolutely gorgeous?! I'd love one king size for my own bed!
Her blog is full of fabulous photographs of her creations which also includes, now and then, baked goods. Mmmm! But I love looking at her photos...so colorful, fun and inspiring. Such a joy to read. Fun to see what others sew for their families...love this little on the go car play station!
Mary chose to review my Hazel Hipster pattern, my all time most popular pattern (I even have a NEW e-class for the Hazel coming out VERY soon!). She made an adorable version that you'll just have to see for yourself! I love that she made the addition of making an adjustable strap for her daughter to get longer wear out of the bag. Mary also has a giveaway going on for some Two Peas patterns until Wednesday and until Sunday...you can hop in on a giveaway she is offering on that chevron quilt kit up top!
I know you'll enjoy Mary's blog as much as I do...and will enjoy her creations. Thanks so much Mary for being a part of our summer review team!
:: geeky and sassy ::
I've been a follower of Virginia's for awhile now. She never fails to inspire me in my faith and lift me up. She's been through a lot. A lot recently and I know that God uses people to inspire us and encourage us. Even when bad things happen, there can be beauty blooming. And that's Virginia. Beauty blooming.
She writes at Geeky + Sassy. One you will want to add to your reader - it's a wonderful read. She sews beautiful things too. A gift she started to hone when she was just 5 years old.
I was so pleased she answered the call when I asked for pattern reviewers this summer. Virginia choose the Ava pattern and I love how she made it her own. Read more about Virginia, her Ava pattern review and jump in for the giveaway she is offering of Two Peas sewing patterns so you can sew one up for yourself.
Thanks Virginia - sending hugs and many blessings for your family. You are perfect in every way.
happy earth day giveaway winner
Thanks so much for joining Jan and I for our fun Happy Earth Day giveaway. Jan gave away a lovely bundle of her fabrics and my patterns on her blog and I am giving away THIS...
...and HELEN, #98, this package is just for you! Congrats and thanks again for sharing your great Earth Day Everyday tips with us! My favorite I think was the worm composter someone had in their kitchen!
If you'd like to learn more about textiles and the environment...join Jan on her blog for her series of conversations , Growing Organically.
I have a fun "makeover" of a thrift store find coming up next on my blog...
{happy earth day giveaway}
I'm a tree hugger at heart. Truly. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in environment and natural resources and spent the first part of my career working in park law enforcement aka Park Ranger. Carrying a gun, making arrests and riding horses, mountain bikes and boats in lots of beautiful parks across the US. Protecting our resources and spending my time in the great outdoors. Dream. Come. True.
And so, I carry this love for the environment with me, forever. And into my sewing business too. Which is why when I meet people in this industry who are like minded - it just makes me very happy.
Back in 2010, I had the pleasure to meet Jan DiCintio of Daisy Janie at Quilt Market in Houston. Kindred spirits. Jan and I chat frequently about kids, health, business and our shared love for the environment. Jan is an amazing designer who self produces an organic fabric line. Any chance I can get to support what she does for the love of our earth...I love to do it!
As a sewing pattern designer, it is such a joy when I get to feature amazing fabrics in my projects. Even more amazing when they are GOTS certified organic fabrics. It is of no surprise that I have used two of Jan's latest lines on two of my newest patterns.
Here's the best part about this fabric and pattern relationship Jan and I have...to celebrate EARTH DAY...we are giving away a fat quarter bundle AND patterns! We are giving two packages away : one on each of our blogs.
Shades of Grey is such a great line. I can find a million ways to use this line - if you follow what I do, I'm not shy about color. Which is why I love pieces like this that balance out those pops of color - I love it to create monochromatic themed projects too! I used this line on my new pattern, The Date Night Clutch. Check out the cover photo on my facebook page for another peek at this bag. Here's one of our giveaway packages:
Giveaway Package #1: - 1 Date Night Clutch pattern - 1 fat quarter bundle of Shades of Grey - 1 surprise home dec pattern from Trish - 1 surprise scrap pack of fabric from Jan
Then Jan came out with Tilly! Oh, sweet wonderful Tilly! Hard to resist with great colors that just happen to match just about all of my home decor! I see new curtains and chair covers in my future with Tilly. I was super excited to feature Tilly on my newest pattern...and come to think of it - I haven't even introduced this pattern to all of you yet.
So here is her grand debut (although, she started shipping to stores almost 3 weeks ago) - Always a Bridesmaid Clutch. Giveaway package 2!
Giveaway Package #2: - 1 Always a Bridesmaid bag Pattern - 1 fat quarter bundle of Tilly - 1 surprise home dec pattern from Trish - 1 surprise scrap pack of fabric from Jan
Of course, you need not have a wedding or prom in mind to make either of these bags. They would make great date night bags for dinner out with your favorite guy and being a Mom of a toddler - either bag could also make a super stylish diaper / wipes accessory bag.
The Date Night Clutch comes with a version with a zipper and one with a tabbed magnetic snap closure. The Always a Bridesmaid bag folds open to create a larger bag, tuck the flap down behind the tie or secure it with a snap and add a lovely fabric flower brooch.
(you can also catch a glimpse of another sweet friend of mine and fav designer, Jennifer Paganelli of Sis Boom whose fabrics are featured on version B of this bag)
How to enter our Happy Earth Day Giveaway...
1) One entry, leave me a comment sharing your best every day earth day tip that you and your family live by.
2) Extra entries - like Daisy Janie and Two Peas on Facebook. Leave a separate comment for each.
PLUS - Jump over to the Daisy Janie blog and enter there too!
- Giveway ends on Sunday, 4/22 at midnight EST.
- 1 winner will be chosen from the Two Peas entrants to win Package #2.
- Winner will be chosen by a random number generator
- 1 entry per person. Dupes will be deleted.
- Open to US & International entries.
- Fabric not to be resold!
- Winners will be announced on Monday, 4/23.
(Earth Day is on Sunday, April 22nd!) Maybe celebrate Earth Day by making up some of Jan's produce bags (and say no to plastic!).
Our family's best every day earth day tip :: Compost! We compost food scraps and recycle most of our waste. It takes us 4 to 5 weeks to actually fill our garbage can for trash pick up. Typically, we have one kitchen trash bag per week from our entire house of 5, working to make that even less. We start with a sink side compost container. We dump that daily into a larger container off of our back deck. And then the Gardener (my hubs) rolls that one down to our garden and dumps it onto our compost pile to make garden gold!
With any luck, this giveaway will at the very least teach you a little more about why purchasing products that support sustainability are important. Be sure you read HERE - all the great things that Jan has shared about why this part of sustainable agriculture is critical in her Growing Organically series. I could go into all of the science of it - this stuff I roll around in at my day job working at the university in environment and natural resources - but the reality is that our global population is growing and in order to feed the world we need to take care of our soils, our water, our air, our planet. It's that simple. Be good to the planet. In everything you do.
Happy Earth Day!
{schoolhouse clutch sew along}
Last weekend, Sprout was invited to a birthday party and I made one of these little notebook take alongs for a gift using my Schoolhouse Clutch pattern. This small simple project is a bonus included with the clutch. Not only does this size make great gifts for kids but it's really a great teacher gift too.
And...since we are on the downward slide towards the end of the school year, oh yes I am, I am suggesting you make some of these for your favorite teachers.
Here's the fun part, let's do it as a sew along. Starting TODAY through February 10th, I'm going to offer this pattern at 40% off. Just mention SCHOOLHOUSE SEWALONG in the comments section at purchase and I'll send you back a refund via paypal. SALE has ended. You can also check with your local quilt shop for a copy if you want it RIGHT NOW.
I'll also send you a link to a password protected page here on my blog where you'll get the bonus instructions for how to add a zipper pocket into the little notebook size.
Then, starting on March 1st, I'll post a Flickr page for you to show off your projects. You'll have from March 1 - 7th to post your project. On March 8th, I'm going to randomly choose one of those project submissions to give a $25 shop credit good for anything in my etsy shop.
(*edit 2/27/12 - not a lot of people signed up for the sew along but if you have the pattern and participate, send me a picture of your completed project plus info about you, your blog or shop - and I'll do a feature post on everyone later in March)
Sound like fun? I hope so. It's a fun small project and nice to have some premade for ready to go gifts. I love the small one for my purse. But a I carry a big one to work with me. Hope you'll join along!
{the elves did it, I swear}
I know! I know!
I've been waiting for days and days to see who won the Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway but the elves:
a) Hid my computer
b) Changed my password
c) Downloaded an "elves only" secret site that totally crashed my whole system
THEN...
...they dumped all the spices out of my cupboard, spilled my flour and made snow angels.
...they hid in my freezer and set up camp in my ice maker (I think they were homesick for the North Pole).
...went to a drive in movie.
They also unrolled an entire roll of toilet paper and pulled it all through the house, drew silly faces on all of our family pictures, pulled down my lights in the sunroom (still not happy about that one), and they went repelling off of one of my husbands deer mounts on the wall. (thank you Blossom Bunkhouse ).
Actually, we have been super busy round here. Family birthday get togethers, swim practice and meets, work, and to top off...I enjoyed my annual "Christmas bug" I get every year. It never fails, right during crunch time, I get sick - a cold and a little stomach bug all rolled up in one. Yeah, my favorite too.
So, I'm a few days behind.
I had 4 fab prize packages to give away. I'll be email the winners here shortly...but they are:
#230 -
Your bag is adorable! I would love to give the gift certificate to my cousin Alicia. She is just starting out sewing and I hope she catches the bug like I did.
#216 -
I’d give the store credit to my step mother in law – she’s trying to find a new hobby and handmade goodies may inspire!
#201-
My friend Karla recently lost her house, got pregnant (yea), and her dog got pregnant with 9 puppies. She needs a treat right now and loves to sew. Thanks for the giveaway!
We loved reading about who would gift the shop credit to - you all love your Moms, and sisters and girlfriends and grandmas a lot! I was surprised how many of you love your Mothers-in-law...you know what they say about Mothers-in-laws. I happen to have a very good one as well so I guess there isn't a lot of truth to that rumor...because many of you wanted to share your credit with them.
In the end, after reading all of your comments, the peas and I decided that the $20 shop credit would go to:
Shop credit to my best friend, busy creating memories for her three girls. Second BC diagnosis in three years, this time Stage IV.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to enter!
I think the peas were touched by the mention of 3 girls - just like our family. And reminded of a dear friend of ours, a mother of 5, who is also suffering from cancer right now. I hope this shop credit will be enjoyed by your friend - thanks Lynne for nominating her for this gift.
And thank all of you so sincerely for sharing your heart and for all of the incredibly kind words you had for those you love, appreciate, respect and admire. Reading your words really made my heart happy to see so much love.
Our family arrives in town this week and can't wait to see them (and their adorable dogs - Tucker and Starbuck!). AND we are having a North Pole Party this week too!! Seriously, I followed THIS BLOG's ideas to the "t"! I'll share more later!!
{sew, mama, sew giveaway day}
Let the "giving" continue! I've done not much blogging this month but a whole lotta giving and that dear friends, is a good thing. Our family has been busy with the season and family time and I'm not one to miss out.
SO...back one post, you'll find the giveaway I'm doing with Where Women Create and their 12 Days of giving series...and here I am, playing along with Sew, Mama, Sew.
If you are new here, nice to meet you. Take a gander over there to the right side bar and browse around. You'll also find up there links to chat with me on Facebook and Twitter (I'm on facebook...way too much...good chance you'll catch me there more than here).
So let's get to this whole giveaway thing, shall we? Go HERE to see the full list of all of the Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaways. Happy Holidays to YOU because it is awesome!!
Today, I'm giving away several things. Some supplies, patterns, a bag and my e-class. Keep reading!
Here's the deal...I'll be giving these away as 3 separate prize packages.
1) the supplies including my score (ok, my parents scored this stuff at an auction - I'm sharing with you) of the vintage silk spools, brooches, yarn and patterns. I love to display old thread spools and buttons in glass jars in my sewing space. And I LOVE using brooches on my bags
2) The design sample - Tie Tote bag.
3) A seat in my e-class so you can make a Tie Tote for yourself.
and one more....
4) A $20 shop credit. There's a catch to this one...
The giveaway is open until December 16th at 5pm PST.
I'm happy to ship internationally so this is open to everyone!
To enter, please tell me who YOU would like to give the $20 shop credit to and why.
Who in your life has done something special for you or is deserving of an extra treat? We will let Random.org choose the prizes 1-3...and for the shop credit, we will let my "two peas" choose the winner of that one and we will award that shop credit to the person you indicated you wanted to gift this surprise to...sound good?! (I'll have something for the winner of that too!)
One last special treat, for our friends from Sew, Mama, Sew...if you're interested in the Tie Tote Sewing Class for yourself...today through December 16th we will have them discounted and available for only $14. (That's $6 off! and the price of a paper pattern in the store only this one you get 45 minutes of video instruction from yours truly that you can view anytime you want from the comfort of your sewing room, jammies and all.)
Happy Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway Day!
the 12 days of christmas {where women create style}
Oh how I love this time of year.
love.
love.
love.
The fabulous ladies at Where Women Create asked me to participate again this year in their 12 Days of Christmas celebration. You guys, this is so much fun! For 12 days, there are 48 crafty ladies who are giving away LOADS of goodies. No hoops - just leave a comment - each of the 12 days to be entered to win some serious loot!
What I love about this is "meeting" so many talented artists via their introductions and posts.
As an added tiny bonus to my giveaway over at the Where Women Create blog, I have another little treat.
I have a couple of extra magazines - the STITCH Fall 2011 issue that featured one of my patterns and a Spring 2011 Sew Hip issue with a Two Peas feature. I'd love to share those with a couple of you. Simply leave a comment here and I'll pick 2 of you and send off these issues for you to enjoy. 
Guess what else? I'm going to add in with the magazines a cute little zip pouch from my stash! What you get will be a surprise but I promise you'll love it!
12 Days of Christmas - love it! Hop over to Where Women Create everyday starting TODAY through December 12th for their giveaways.
And then Leave a comment here to be entered for the zip pouches and magazines (2 winners) and I'll leave this giveaway open until December 12th. I'll pick 2 winners and announce them on December 13th! Have fun and Happy Holidays! THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
Ready for some new pattern sneak peeks? {and a giveaway}
I think you may have already met my newest girl,the Tie Tote.
She's a sweet little gal, easy to make and sassy. In a good kind of way. This paper pattern comes with her mini-Mommy size too. Because don't all girls want to be just like Mommy? (mine sure do!)
Plus the mini-Mommy size is a great date night size bag so you can borrow it in a pinch. That is if you have date nights, and if you don't, you should... (and that's really a note to myself because I don't have nearly enough with the Gardener)
I have 4 new patterns that will be shipping before the end of the year and this is sneaky peek number 1.
This sweet little bag is also the subject of my very first online sewing class. Sometimes its just hard to get away and attend a class and this is the perfect solution. Come sew with me - at your own pace - in your jammies - whenever you want. Through 3 videos, I will guide you through every step to make the Tie Tote. It's fun, I promise. And new sewers, YOU CAN DO THIS! I promise you - you will build confidence with this bag!
To celebrate, these sneaky peeks coming out this week during Quilt Market, I'm doing a little giveaway. I'm giving away FOUR class registrations for the Tie Tote class! (Online class does NOT include the paper pattern - that is sold separately but it does have all of the text info you need plus the video support - read the reviews - either way you go, you'll love making this bag!)
I will use random.org to choose a winner. The giveaway will be open to all, US and International, and will close at midnight EST on October 29th, 2011.
How to enter - Share a comment about some of the things you have on your handmade holiday gift giving list. I'd love to know what you are crafting up! Need some ideas, check out a few I have HERE.
For extra entries:
Follow me on Facebook - Leave a separate comment telling me you are a FB fan
Follow me on Twitter - Leave a separate comment telling me you are a follower
Blog about this giveaway - Leave a separate comment with the link
Share this giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter - "I'm sewing with Two Peas in a Pod Homegrown Designs @trishpreston - come sew with me! http://twopeasinapoddesigns.com/2011/10/ready-for-some-new-pattern-sneak-peeks/ " - Leave a separate comment telling me you did so
5 possible entries - 4 class registrations to giveaway! And more sneak peeks to come every day this week! {yea!}
{modern june linky winner}
Last week, I posted about our experience going to the Country Living Fair. And fabulous Kelly McCants of Modern June offered up a yard of her oilcloth and a signed copy of her new book as a giveaway for our first Monday Mornings Inspiration Linky party.
Thanks to everyone who joined in for the first linky party!
{country living fair 2011}
Ok, so last weekend was the Country Living Fair. And I kind of gave you the backstory here. And it was awesome. Do you love crafts? Antiques? Vintage wares? Cute displays and fun clothes and bags and home decor? This place is HUGE and oozing of delightfulness!
My sweetie pie girlfriend, Kelly, was there with a booth and promoting her fab new book, Sewing with Oilcloth. And we cut a LOTTA oilcloth baby. We barely stepped away from that cutting table...it was fabulous that so many people were excited to make something!
I wish I would have taken some more pictures but um, seriously, this was the view I had most of the fair! I did sneak over to get my obligatory hugs from Jennifer and saw a few of my other friends too wondering around (including my Loft and Lunch buddy Jill who took most of these photos of me!).
If you haven't been to the Country Living Fair yet, I highly recommend it! The next one is in Georgia and come April, there will be one in Austin, Texas. People come from all over the country to these fairs and it certainly is worth it! I've never been to anything else like it.
Back one post, I wrote about my inspiration link party. It's still on baby! I know I sprung it on you all rather fast and you weren't ready but I do have THIS 
to give away to one of you! You have until Friday this week to link up an inspiring blog post and one of the linky folks will get this book and oilcloth yardage compliments of Modern June. So head back over to the Monday Mornings Inspiration post and link up!
Next Monday, we will link up again so get ready. I have a handmade item I'll be giving away and the linky will ONLY be open on Monday so be ready to post!
I have some fun sew along surprises on the way too...gotta get my gear in order and I'll be ready to share the surprise!
This. Love. Giving it away.
Until Midnight EST TODAY. Tell me something you love about today. Then we are drawing names out of a hat for someone to get this beauty to hang on their wall. {thanks katiedaisy.com}
Bias tape making to your hearts content and then some
It's always so much fun to give stuff away and thanks to Simplicity, I have the joy in giving one of you their very fun Bias Tape Maker machine.
Mary Beth you lucky dog - it's all yours!
Next up, Simplicity has these great project books full of fun patterns and plenty of inspiration.
And one last project book to give away...thanks so very much to everyone who participated in this giveaway! Hope you had fun discovering some new products.
Slowly but surely, our lives are getting a little less hectic. If you follow me on Facebook, I update there a heck of a lot more often only because I can do so from my phone in a jiffy. But if you don't, here's the latest shinanigans from our house::
One of the peas, sweet "E", competed in her county 4H sewing competition. She was awarded top model!
She sewed up a version of the Patsy Ann Apron Top using Sherbet Pips. 
I had to physically remove myself from the room after I would instruct her on each step to keep myself from interfering so that in the end, we knew she had really done it 100% all on her own.
She really has a knack for sewing (must be in the genes) and I'm so proud of her. I helped a bit with her accessories. Check out her super cute flip flops! 
If you know how to make these flowers then you can make these too! Word of advice, hot glue does not hold these flowers on. Nor does any craft glue that says it works on plastic. Nor does velcro sticky tabs. I found an industrial glue at our local hardware store - hoping that will do the trick to hold them! (the velcro sticky tabs did the trick through judging at least!)
Swim team for summer rec is officially over! Champs was this past week and sweet pea "L" won her heat in the 25 freestyle. She was so pumped because they actually award you your heat winner ribbon as you exit the pool. 
She was over the moon (nevermind 151 girls competed in this one event...and her time overall fell I think at 97th place). And they have gotten old enough now that I have to consult with them before I share info or photos about them here in this space. They both gave me the thumbs up to share these events and these photos on my blog.
I've been taking a fashion design course at our local art college...and I'm so excited because I'm learning so much about garment pattern design. I've been able to work from sketch to flat paper pattern and into finished garment (well, in theory at least - I'm still working on it). I can't wait to share these new garment patterns later this year.
I guess that's about it...all summer it's been kids, kids, kids...4H, swimming, swimming, swimming, swimming, cleaning out the house (remember the garage sale? The aftermath led to me unloading over 15 bins of junk out of my house - my but that feels good!) and enjoying the very hot, busy summer with my family. School starts in about a month, in 3 weeks I'll be back in Cleveland working on segments for It's Sew Easy season 2 (Oh...I do have more to share in another post all about that!), and there are a slew of new patterns on their way.
: : i love gadgets : :
I am a gadget girl. Fun little trinkets that do cool things that become almost obsessive. For instance, I have this adorable measuring cup that measures up to 4 tablespoons. I love it. It's fun. I use it all the time because it's just cute and fun. Makes cooking more enjoyable.
Same thing with the Simplicity Bias Tape Maker. Do I sound like an infomercial? Ok, so you know if you read here once in awhile that not too long ago I had the pleasure of being asked by Simplicity to actually film a little promo video for them to illustrate this little gadget machine.
It is pretty nifty I must admit. You load up a strip of fabric onto the spool and feed it through the tip. It has a heating element, lock the top plate in place, turn on the run button and it feeds it through, folding and pressing making a single fold bias tape. It's pretty dog gone cool. First time I used it, I think I made like 5 yards of bias tape. It was addicting and very fun!
So what do you do with all this bias tape? Use it on home dec projects, make a lanyard, hem a skirt, use it on a bag, bind a quilt (yep, there are quilt binding tips!). Make bias tape, package it and give it as gifts to all your sewing friends. Heck, there's so much you can do with it.
Simplicity has a couple of new project books that will be coming out later this summer chock full of ideas (check out the top photo - that's just a few of the projects that the Adornit girls came up with for one of the books.)
Simplicity was really nice when I asked if I could have one of these to give away on my blog...guess what? I got one! For one of you! Ya-hoo! Now YOU can share in the addiction and make yards and yards of bias tape for all of your projects.
If you don't win this one, you can find these at your local quilt and crafting store or Simplicity.com.
How can you win this one? Easy! Just leave a comment and tell me what you would make using this machine.
For extra entries, you can:
1) Friend Simplicity on Facebook, leave a separate comment. 2) Visit Simplicity and tell me what your one dream item would be from their catalog, besides the bias tape maker of course. Leave a separate comment. {my dream item is THIS!} 3) Tweet this giveaway on Twitter, something like "I'll be making bias tape all day long if I win this! http://twopeasinapoddesigns.com/2011/07/i-love-gadgets/ . Leave a separate comment. You can @trishpreston too if you want! 4) Friend me on Facebook, leave a separate comment. 5) Subscribe to this blog, leave a separate comment.
So that's 6 separate entries for a chance to win this really fun gadget!
More cool stuff...I have a few of those project books too! One will come with the machine and I have 2 others that two of you will win too! 3 prizes, #1 - the Simplicity Bias Tape Maker, including the 1" tip plus a project book, #2 - a set of 2 Simplicity project books, and #3 - one Simplicity project book.
This giveaway will close July 24, 2011 at midnight. A winner will be chosen using random.org. Good luck!
xoxo,
Trish {DISCLOSURE :: Simplicity provided me with the Bias Tape Maker to giveaway on my blog. I received no compensation for this giveaway post and my words and opinions here are my own.}
{tgif} thank goodness it's friday
I've had a rather busy week. Just stuff. Random stuff. And since my hubby works for the park service, weekends around here are a little different than for most. We aren't "Saturday / Sunday" weekend folks. Our weekends fall usually on other days but this weekend is the Indy 500 (for those of you who don't know what that is...it's a car race. In Indianapolis. Sense my excitement.) And to my husband, it's a holiday bigger than Christmas. He cooks and makes it a big party. So, I'm rather looking forward to our upcoming holiday weekend where we get to be like normal people with real weekends and be all together for the day.
I have giveaway winners to announce! The Sew, Mama, Sew giveaway response was amazing! I loved it for so many different reasons.
1) I met a bunch of people from my own backyard, Ohio, that I hadn't met before. I'm thinking we need to plan a crafters meet up at some point!
2) I can't even count how many people from outside the US entered this giveaway. Spain, Singapore, Germany, UK, Ireland, France, a lot a lot of Aussies, Turkey, Ukraine...wow! I really enjoyed going see new blogs for those folks and seeing what they are crafting up. Amazing how much alike we are and how interesting our differences are...
3) There are so many amazing sewers and paper crafters and knitters out there!
4) The thing I most enjoyed about this is everyone introducing themselves. I think I may ask for that on every post because it really helps me to connect with each of you and get to know you! It was so fun to hear what things you are crafting, about your kids, where you are from. I get tired of talking about myself all the time! And I love hearing about YOU! There were a lot of folks who said they had been following my blog for awhile now and I don't think I had ever seen their name so I was so thrilled to finally meet them. PLEASE oh please, say hi more often! I really sincerely mean that! I'm thrilled to meet you!
So here they are, the giveaway winners from the last two giveaways: from the talented Ms. Jan DiCintio - the Daisy Janie fat quarter giveaway - winner was #35:
GRACE - Congrats! E-mail me so I can get your info over to Jan and you can get busy crafting with her gorgeous Shades of Grey fabrics.
Next, Sew, Mama, Sew - 2 prize packages to be had! First up...the Hoot-n-Nanny Tote bag with the pattern for this bag. Winner is....#9, Connie!
Second prize package was the pretty little clutch and a surprise bundle of 4 Two Peas sewing patterns...winner is #608, Karen!
Such a pleasure to meet you all and I thank you very much for your many kind words and support. Winners, email me so we can get you all squared away!
Stop back later - that video I promised with the rosettes...trying to figure out a way to get it uploaded for you today! That's the one drawback to living rural - not great connectivity.
I also wanted to give thanks to our men and women in service - this weekend begins the summer for us here in the States and we kick off with Memorial Day, remembering all those who have made sacrifices for us to keep us free and safe. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. To the wives who pull double duty while your husbands are deployed. To the Moms and Dads who raised amazing kids who make this sacrifice. My prayers are with you not only this weekend but always.
Last year I posted this tutorial for a t-shirt refashion using a military print shirt...thought it was worth mentioning again in case you missed it. It's a fun one and great for this weekend! Happy Memorial Day! Let Summer begin!
xoxo,
Trish
{sew, mama, sew giveaway day}
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Such a fun event - Sew, Mama, Sew sponsors a day of giveaways all over in blogland and you could spend hours and hours entering to win all the fab things that many talented folks are giving away on this day.
My name is Trish - if we've not already met - it's nice to meet YOU! I wear many hats but on most days, I'm a sewing pattern designer. I'm super excited to be a cast member on the new upcoming PBS show It's Sew Easy and I continue to work on projects including publishing my patterns (you'll find a really cool new bag pattern I designed, the Studio Satchel in the next issue of Stitch). You can read more about me HERE if you really want to...otherwise let's get to the giveaways! {This giveaway is open until May 25th and I will ship internationally}
I'm offering up a double prize package.
Package #1: A copy of my Hoot-N-Nanny tote bag pattern AND a finished version of this bag.
Package #2: One very pretty clutch (like one of these!) and a 4 pack of assorted Two Peas patterns!
Sound good? I would love to have you connect with me > subscribe to this blog< or > friend me on facebook < or > follow me on twitter (I'm trishpreston) <
To enter this giveaway, simply leave me a comment and introduce yourself! Happy SMS Giveaway Day! Find more of the giveaways listed here.
xoxo,
Trish
Gussy Sews Giveaway Winner
If you showed Gussy some love - she greatly appreciated it! The winner of the $40 shop credit from her featured post was JULIE!
Congrats Julie...I'll be emailing you asap!
xoxo,
Trish
gussy sews, and sews, and sews and sews...
Yes, yes...I realize, yet again a series I titled "Monday Mornings Inspiration" has not been posted on Monday. I really need to change the name because my life is very unpredictable! I digress...regardless of what day it is, it is a great day to meet Maggie!
Maggie Whitley is the girl behind the ruffle - the gussy sews girl - you know the one! The girl is everywhere!
Maggie taught herself to sew not that long ago, launched a business, quit her day job and the rest as they say, is history. She is sweet and energetic and not afraid to take risks. A lesson that she shares so freely on her blog. She is always a breath of fresh air and I've enjoyed getting to know her in blogland.
Today, Maggie is my Monday Mornings Inspiration, or Wednesday...whatever! You'll be inspired too - read on!
1) Since the feature is called Monday Mornings Inspiration, can you tell me what inspired you to a career in art and design?
At the time I started sewing (November 2008), it was truly just a hobby and something to fill my evenings and weekends with. I wasn't really interested in watching TV when Zack (my husband) had to work late, so one day in November I decided I'd teach myself how to sew. As the months passed and I learned more and more I came to really love the trade. Also around this time my husband and I suddenly became unemployed. The Michigan companies we worked for weren't doing very well, and we lost our jobs. As newly weds and recent college grads were were left thinking, WHAT do we do now?!?! It was a really crazy time and we were both unemployed for 7 months.
Around August of 2009 we decided to pursue the only job offer we received -- I was offered a full-time, salaried position in Minneapolis, so we moved. We packed up the house we were renting in Detroit, MI and moved 600 miles. I was still sewing at really developing my brand and style. A few months later Zack and I agreed it was time to leave my salaried job and work full-time on my business, Gussy Sews.
In college I studied photography and journalism ~ two subjects I really love, and have for some time. Originally my dream job was to work for a magazine. I was drawn to fresh designs, new monthly page layouts. Since I love to talk and interact, working for a magazine and interviewing others for features was perfection! Even though I'm not working THAT dream job, I'm definitely working my current dream job {yeow!}. I'm really drawn to color and this job in art & design allows me to work with it, through various mediums, plus it allows me to feel inspired by completed to-do lists. Oh yes, I'm a list girl ;]
2) What continues to inspire you each day and how do you keep your art fresh?
I work a pretty strict schedule which coincidentally allows for "free time" daily. During this time I read, watch a movie {seriously -- there is so much inspiration in movies}, I write guest blog posts that allow me to create using different mediums. Each day I walk our puppy, Bauer, and so I find inspiration in nature, fresh air, exercise. I need to clear my mind since I do spend a lot of time online ~ it's very fast paced so taking short breaks outside is incredibly helpful.
Another way I stay inspired is to meet with friends weekly for coffee. We don't have a car {Minneapolis has a fantastic bus system}, so some times it takes a little planning to get out, but it's a must for weekly inspiration.
3) What 3 words best describe you
Sassy, vibrant, caring.
4) What could you not live without to get through each work day? Your phone/computer, sewing machine or your coffee?
Umm, all three! :] I need coffee -- yes, need -- because it helps me to relax and take a few minutes for myself each day. I need my sewing machine so I can create pretty ruffles and I need my computer so I can share them with the world!
5) What is the one best part of your job as a designer?
I feel a real sense of purpose being my own boss. To take a product I've designed and be able to make a living selling it is so fulfilling. I feel very blessed.
6) What advice would you offer to someone when it comes to living a creative life?
I think it's really important to know how you work best, to know what encourages/motivates you, and to be able to say "no" if something doesn't feel right or you don't have time. The best part about this is there's no right or wrong answer to these things. They can be totally personalized to fit each business owner.
7) What can we expect to see from you in the coming year in terms of new projects and design?
Can I be vague and say something colorful? :]
Maggie you rock! Maggie has very generously offered to share some gussy goodness with one of you - a $40 shop credit! That could get a girl some serious ruffles! 1) Visit Maggie on her blog and leave her a comment saying hello! Come back here and tell me you did so - 1 entry.
2) Visit Maggies shop - come back here and tell me how you would spend the shop credit - 1 entry.
3) Like Maggie on Facebook - leave her a nice little note saying hello. Come back here and tell me you did so - 1 entry.
4) You could just leave me some blog love too - a nice little comment saying, "Hi Trish!" you know, something like that would make me smile. 1 entry just for being so nice and sweet.
5) Or maybe, be my friend. I like to have friends too. Who doesn't like to have friends? I love making new friends. Want to be my friend? (Oh sheez! I've been inside too long with all this rain and just me and Sprout all day - my brain is turning to mush!) Friend me on facebook and say hello. Come back here and tell me you did so and I promise to say hello back. Really, I will. I love making new friends. (hee!hee!) - 1 entry.
5 chances to win $40 smackeroos worth of shop credit from Gussy Sews! Thanks Maggie for sharing your inspiration with us...love ya!
xoxo,
Trish