Free Smocked Christmas Ornament Pattern.....

I have had quite a few people contact me recently about this smocked Christmas ornament pattern I made last year for a Smocking Guild meeting. Most people have asked if it's for sale and if so, for how much. I do not have it for sale...but I have been sending it to anyone that has asked. Therefore, I thought I would make it available to anyone else that is interested. So if you would like my very basic directions on how to make these fun smocked ornaments feel free to email me (sewblessed {at} mchsi {dot} com) and I'll be happy to send you the pdf handout I gave to the guild members last year. (The smocking plate I used was from Sew Beautiful Holiday 1988 and so it is not included in my directions.)

I hope your Thanksgiving Day was wonderful!! We had a fantastic day here with just the six of us!!! Now we are heading towards Christmas at full speed. I'm dreaming of dresses to make for my Elisabeth (who still enjoys wearing my dresses) and little jon-jon's for my Ean....but right now I am working on two, yes two, full-size quilts for a church friend. The goal is to finish them by Christmas. Wish me luck!!!

And the Winner of the Give-Away is........

Hallie!!!

You can thank Emily, she had the honor of drawing the winning name out of the mason jar.

Please send me your full name and address and the package will be on its way to you....in time for Christmas even!!!

Thanks everyone for playing. It was so fun to hear from each and every one of you. I have more items for more give-aways....so as soon as I get caught up with Christmas shopping and such I'll pull another one together, so check back!!!

It's Give-Away Time.....Call Your Friends......

I've been trying to remember to post this give-away for awhile now.....but life and holidays have gotten in the way. But that's ok....because now it is official!!!

I mentioned awhile back that I was able to go to the Martha Pullen Warehouse Sale and had a great time. Well dear readers, I was thinking of you all while I was there. I picked up a few extra things just to be able to share with you. (And no, Ean is not part of the giveaway...but he is just so cute I had to share!!!)

First up....I got three Martha Pullen DVD's that are full of wonderful ideas and techniques. I have all of these and a few others from years ago, and I often sit down and watch them. I tend to forget what is on them and so when I watch them again....it's like the first time all over again.

I also picked up an extra Sew Beautiful Issue #80. I love this issue because it has the pattern by Laura Jenkins Thompson for the precious dress Pascale. I love this dress!!! The pattern pieces go together so well and the directions are well-written. Those are two big pet peeves of mine when it comes to patterns.

I have made the dress several times over the years for my girls. Here is Elisabeth in one.

And I always put piping on it and covered buttons....but you don't have to. Actually if you don't put the piping on it it would probably work up in one evening. Really! It's a great pattern!

Ok, back to the goodies. I am also including this beautiful piece of fabric. It would be perfect for Christmas sewing!!! It is red, green, and white herringbone (I guess that's what you would call it). I can see a simple little A-Line with a white collar. Or little boy pants or a bubble....it would be wonderful for just about anything you can imagine. This piece of fabric measures 2 yards and it is 60" wide. Lots of potential there!

Alright...there you have it! 1 Give-Away that includes the following items: 3 Martha Pullen DVD's, 1 Sew Beautiful Issue #80, and 2 yards of gorgeous fabric!!!!

If you are interested.....leave me a comment telling me your favorite item to sew....it can be anything....I am always curious about what others like to sew.

You can enter through Sunday evening and then I will randomly draw a name and announce it Monday morning. Good Luck!!! And happy stitching!!!

And the Winner of the Mother's Day Giveaway is......

gmaofthree!!!!

Email me at sewblessed (at) mchsi (dot) com with your address so I can pop these items in the mail to you.

Thank you all so much for playing along. This makes me want to have many more giveaways!!! I am thrilled to see that so many people share my love of sewing!!!!

I hope you all had a fantastic Mother's Day. I know I did...this sweet family of mine always takes such good care of me.

I'll be back soon with lots more updates....new pattern and otherwise!!!!

Happy Stitching!!!

Mother's Day Giveaway.....

Are you familiar with this book, Sewing with Whimsy? I actually met Kari Mecca a few years ago. She is really kind, not to mention, she has the ability to create amazing outfits with unique embellishments. In this book she shares a lot of her secrets, like how to make rick rack roses, flowers, and leaves. Plus she also includes several full-size patterns for dresses.

I actually have two of these books, and therefore I am willing to part with my extra copy, but only because you all are so wonderful. Plus, I am going to include three yards of 100% cotton rick rack (1 yd. each of pink, white, and blue) for extra fun!!!

Do you want to know how this book can become yours?

1. Leave me a comment....any comment will do.

2. Become a follower of this blog, or tell me if you already are.

3. Mention this giveaway on your blog and leave me a link.

So...that means you could get your name into the bucket 3 times.

I will leave the comments open until Thursday evening. Then I will randomly draw a name and announce it on Friday.

Good luck!!!

And in the meantime, I hope you all have a fantastic Mother's Day!!!! Wayne and our three oldest spent most of the day out and about preparing their surprises for me. I've tried to get information out of them...even Ethan....but they aren't telling. Guess I'll just have to wait until tomorrow. I have no doubt that it will be a wonderful day....how could it not??? I am very blessed!!!

Free Patterns Are Headed To New Homes.......

Ok ladies.....we drew names tonight and here are the results:

Ruth....Children's Corner Lillian is coming your way soon!!!

Karina....Children's Corner Emily is headed your way soon!!!

If both of you would send me your addresses to sewblessed (at) mchsi (dot) com. I'll get these patterns in the mail to you.

I appreciate all the interest and as I sort out the rest of my patterns and such I'll post any more duplicates that I have. I'm also back on the wagon with my pleated skort pattern. I am making steady progress now that Ean is older. I may be contacting a few of you that previously mentioned you might be interested in testing the pattern for me. Currently I think the size range will be from 2 to 10. I'll hopefully be finishing it and wrapping it up soon!!! Thanks again!!!

Free Patterns....

I've been culling through my sewing patterns and such this past week and what did I find??? Two duplicate Children's Corner patterns. This Lillian pattern is one of my absolute favorites!!! I made several variations of this pattern last year for Elisabeth. You can see them here and here. And my all time favorite here.

And I've always wanted to make Elisabeth a dress from this Emily pattern using corduroy. I think it would make a beautiful Fall/Christmas dress. Hopefully this year I will get around to doing that.

However, in the meantime, I do have these two duplicate patterns (that have never been used and are collecting dust) that I would like to share with others. If you are interested in one of these....leave me a comment telling me which one. If more than one person is interested I'll do a random drawing on Monday. If no one is interested....I'll add them back to my stash and try again at a later date. Thanks so much!!!! I'm off to sew some!!!!

Edited to add: another link for my favorite Lillian dress I've made.

Winner - May Giveaway Day!!!!

I asked my husband to be a random number generator for me.....I asked him to choose a number between 1 and 92.....his number was 25. So congratulations Deborah!!!! I will be sending you an email shortly....or you can email me with your address!!!! I do hope you enjoy this sweet little sewing pouch!!!!

And for everyone else that participated....thanks so much. It really was a lot of fun on my end reading all the sweet comments!!!! I will have to do giveaways more often...so check back.

I have lots of different things I've been working on the past week. I'll be getting them posted in the next day or so. I have a coming home outfit finished for this sweet baby....with a few extras from Emily!!! This cannot be missed!!! Also I've had the tiny crochet hook and crochet thread out, coming up with new ideas for embellishments....not to mention a little something for the baby. It's been busy around here. I hope you all are staying busy sewing and crafting as well!!!! Back soon!!!

May Giveaway Day!!!!

I signed up for the Sew Mama Sew! May Giveaway Day!!! And here's what I have to share with you fine folks:

A hand made sewing pouch. I created my own pattern when I made my first one last summer. I still use mine on a daily basis. I keep my embroidery supplies, as well as crochet supplies in it and ready to go at any time.

This sewing pouch is very roomy and cinches closed with the pull of two cords. It is made from quality coordinating quilting cottons and the inside is full of interior pockets that can hold lots of supplies.

I also put a sweet hand-crocheted trim along the top edge. I hope this fun pouch will make someone happy like mine has me. If you want to enter your name into the giveaway just leave a comment in the comments section. I will leave the contest open until May 31st and then I will randomly draw a name. I will ship the sewing pouch by June 3rd and I will ship anywhere across the globe, so feel free to enter.

And the Baby Polly Pattern Goes to.......

Karen h!!!! Congratulations!!! Please email me your address and I will send this sweet pattern right out to you!!!

Another Giveaway - Baby Polly Pattern......

I have had crochet edging on the mind. Next week I am scheduled to teach our smocking guild all the ins and outs of crochet edging....and I'm trying to be prepared. So in keeping with my norm of always trying to be ready....I decided the other day to make another sample garment. The pattern I used was Baby Polly, designed by Paige of Pintucks and Pettiecoats. This is similar to her Polly pattern but contains smaller sizes (6 mos.-24 mos.) and cute little bloomers! And who doesn't want their little girl wearing precious little bloomers I ask??

Anyway, I sorted through my leftover fabric scraps and found enough to make this sweet pattern in the 6 mos. size. Now...I must add that I can never make a pattern the way it is written. I always seem to make a few changes and this one was no different...even though Paige is my friend. And really...I only made these changes to save myself some time.

Ok...on to the changes. 1. I did not make the tucks...I LOVE tucks...but I wanted this to be finished before my smocking guild meeting. 2. I lined the top because, well, just see #1. 3. I did not add the adorable bias loopy trim because I wanted to add this fantastic crocheted trim. My girls call it crocheted lace. Who can argue with them?

I did not even make the four bias loops for the button loops....but rather I just incorporated button loops into the crocheted trim. And then I dug through my box of mother of pearl buttons for the four smallest shank buttons I could find. Perfect!

So...all of that to say...I have another sample garment to take to the meeting next week. And...best of all....I love it!!!! And this is another example of how wonderful Paige's patterns are. I was able to change a few things about it.....and it still provides an excellent canvas for creative expression...not to mention a sweet crocheted edging! (And for anyone interested, I used 10 wt. crochet thread and a size 5 crochet hook for all the crocheted trim. I should mention the Baby Polly pattern does not contain the information for the crochet edgings.)

So I thought I would also include a couple of sample garments Paige made with the Baby Polly pattern. On the top and bloomers above she made the precious tucks and the bias loopy trim....she is so much more patient than I am!!! And she has such a great ability to coordinate colors! Don't you think?

And on this precious dress she has added the tiny little tucks at the neckline as well as at the hemline. She does such beautiful work. You could also substitute the scalloped piping for the loopy trim. Just another thought....see I told you I can always manage to change things around.

So...let's have a giveaway shall we? Paige has generously given me a Baby Polly pattern to share with one of you wonderful and loyal readers! All you have to do is leave me a comment in the comment section. Any comment will do...as long as it is friendly. If you do not have a Blogger account...then you can send me an email. My email address is located on the right side of my blog page. I will draw a name out on Wednesday evening around 9 pm. Have a great day everyone!!

And The Polly Pattern Goes To........

Yeah....Cheryl M!!!! Your name was randomly chosen from the basket!!! Send your mailing address to me and I'll get your Polly pattern right out to you. And for everyone else....stay tuned because Paige of Pintucks and Pettiecoats has generously donated a few more of her patterns for me to giveaway!!! The fun just never stops!!!

I so enjoyed reading everyone's comments. They really make my day. I truly have so much fun with this blog and I am thankful there are wonderful people like you all reading. I have "met" so many wonderful people through this little blog that I am constantly amazed!!! Thanks again!!!!

And I can't wait to tell you all about our exciting week.....several things I have to share. But it will have to wait until the next post....I am suffering from Home Depot overload. We went looking for carpet, outdoor furniture, kitchen sink, etc. Fortunately we did not buy anything....just came home with samples and a serious case of overload!!! Who knew there were so many choices??? Certainly not me. I really must live a sheltered life. I'll be back soon to share more!!!!

My First Giveaway......

Before I tell you the details of the giveaway, let me give you some information about this adorable dress. Last week I decided to make this sweet dress for Elisabeth. The pattern is by my friend Paige of Pintucks and Pettiecoats. The name of the pattern is Polly, after her precious Mom.

Paige designed this sweet little sundress after seeing a similar antique dress. I love how elegant and timeless the tucks are. And did you notice my favorite combination??? Sweet floral fabric and gingham.....classic if you ask me. However, you could use most any lightweight fabric. I think it would be amazing in a white batiste with hand embroidery in the center of the tucks (where I put the buttons). I keep thinking I'll love to make my girls a dress like that and have their pictures taken on the beach. Of course, I'd have to live near a beach or at least visit a beach for that to happen though. Ok, back to this dress.......

This is a good view of the scalloped piping that I made and put around the edges. The directions are included in the pattern. You can also make a loopy bias tube trim from directions that are included in the pattern. I'll show you what that looks like on another dress in a minute.

This is a view of the tucks around the bottom, as well as the scalloped gingham piping again.

The button loops are made from the bias tubing. Like I mentioned earlier, the pattern includes directions to make this trim and you can apply it around the dress like I did the piping. Just personal preference. I like the loopy trim that results from the bias tubing....but the piping is a bit quicker...and have I ever mentioned how impatient I am? By the time I start a project I already have thought it through so much that I get very anxious for it to be finished! But if you make the pattern....you are welcome to create it however you desire!!!

The next three dresses are samples that Paige made for our local heirloom shop to display. You can see the loopy trim in these first two pictures. She has much more patience than I do!!!

Doesn't the yellow dress just scream summer!!!! Oh, and lemonade!!!

And if tucks aren't your thing....you can make the dress minus the tucks. This option is lined and therefore reversible and features the scalloped piping. And the front offers a fantastic canvas for machine or hand embroidery.

And finally here is the pattern. The dress fits sizes 3 to 7. And another interesting tidbit to note is that all the illustrations in Paige's patterns as well as all the covers are drawn by her daughter Brooke, who is 15 years old. She has quite a talent, don't you think?

So, are you ready for the details of the giveaway????? Paige has generously donated one of her Polly patterns for me to giveaway here on this humble little blog. And she left it up to me to decide who will receive it. So after much thought...I've decided to make it very easy!!!

Just leave me a comment telling me what your favorite part of this blog is. Is it 1. The ridiculous stories I tell? 2. The finished projects I show? 3. The tutorials I've recently started? 4. The tips I've been posting on Tuesdays? 5. Random chit chatting? 6. Something else that I have not mentioned?

I'll leave the contest open until this Friday, May 23rd at 5 pm. Just leave me a comment. If for some reason you aren't registered with Blogger to leave a comment and you want to be included, then send me an email to sewblessed (at) mchsi (dot) com. I will put all the names into a basket and have one of my little ones randomly choose one name. I'll post the winner on Friday evening.

Let the comments begin!!!!