Shabby Apple Winner

Drum roll please.... And the winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway is.....  Melody!

Melody  Jan 23, 2012 10:47 PM

I love the look of pocket watches. This necklace version is pretty.

Congratulations Melody!  I will also contact you via email so that we can get your information to Shabby Apple.  I know you are going to love this sweet necklace.

A big thank you to Shabby Apple for such a generous giveaway! 

Have a great weekend everyone!

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Not too Shabby!

 Update!  Update!  Update!

Please see the updated rules below regarding the Shabby Apple Giveaway.  Changes in ways to enter the contest have been changed.  The contest ends this week so be sure to enter!

Yay!  I have something fun to share with you today.... its a Shabby Apple Giveaway! 

Aside from beautiful women's and children's dresses,  skirts, and arts and crafts at www.shabbyapple.com, you'll find jewelry and accessories!  Check out some of my favorites.

 Song Bird Vintage Style Earrings

Bridget Belt

and

Egyptian Blossom

Head on over to Shabby Apple, have a look-see, and you can use "lalabymona10off" to receive 10% off!  The coupon will expire in 30 days.

And guess what else?  Shabby Apple contacted me to offer one lucky lalabymona reader their own "Mad Hatter's Time Keeper" necklace!  Isn't it wonderful?  Its just dripping with vintage style.  I mean, who doesn't love Alice in Wonderland?!

To enter this giveaway, just leave a comment below saying why you'd like to win this giveaway.  

More entries you ask?  Why yes, you can receive more entries!  You can do one or more of the following and then leave a separate comment for each action:

• Become a fan of Shabby Apple on Facebook (1 entry) [You'll also get access to special promotions and discounts!] According to the Facebook Giveaway and Promotion Rules, we are not permitted to use the "like" function as a means of entry.  For more information, please go here to view the video which explains the new rules.
• Follow lalabymona (1 entry)
• Post this giveaway on your own blog (3 entries)
• If you've previously done any of those, leave a comment saying you've done so.

And now for the "rules" (dunt, dunt, dunnnnn - insert ominous, theatrical music)

This contest is open to US residents 18 and over and with a US shipping address (no PO Boxes). One winner will be chosen from all the eligible entries via Random.org.  If you're the winner, your name only will be posted in a future post announcing the winner of the giveaway. If you're posting a comment and don't have a Google account or OpenID, please leave an email address in your comment so that I can reach you if you've won!   Also, there will be no exchanges available for this item.

* This promotion is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with Facebook *

* Participants are not providing information to Facebook *

* lalabymona is in no way benefiting from this contest.  This is a promotional giveaway from Shabby Apple *

This giveaway will end on Thursday, February 23, 2012, at 11:59 pm Eastern time.

Good Luck!!!

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No way!

I must have been an extremely good girl this year, cuz Santa came to my house early!  I was "random number" for a giveaway not once, but twice!

First, I received an email from the lovely Paige Hill, Internet Marketing Manager of Where Women Create, letting me know that I was the winner of the AccuQuilt Go!baby from their Fabulous Friday post in November.

I started squealing, jumping up and down, and carrying on.  My husband came to see what the ruckus was all about.  I explained in great, but exasperated detail (from the prior jumping around), but still I got that, "oh that's nice, dear" look.  He didn't "get" it.  But, he will after I dazzle him with all the projects I'm going to fly through!  Can I get a "uh huh, you know that's right"?

To sweeten the pot, AccuQuilt let me pick the three dies that I wanted!  More squealing.  That was a difficult choice.  So many cool dies to choose from.  I opted for "Rose of Sharon", "Funky Flowers", and "2 1/2" Strip Cutter".  I have been wanting to make a new quilt for my daughter's room and these will be perfect.  I was going to have to cut a bazillion flowers out by hand, but not so much now!  I thought the 2 1/2" strip cutter would be great for making bias, too.

I received everything yesterday, but before I could even get it out of the box to play, I got an email from the sweet Stephanie Brieger, Assistant Marketing Director of The Fat Quarter Shop and Jollly Jabber that I was the winner of Pam Kitty Morning's Designer Select Fat Quarter Bundle!  Okay, at this point, I was just giddy and giggling.

Could these two be paired any better?  I could whip up a fabulous quilt in no time at all!

I would like to thank Where Women Create, Accuquilt, Pam Vierira-McGinnis of Pam Kitty Morning, The Fat Quarter Shop, and The Jolly Jabber for such wonderful gifts.  If you haven't already checked out all these fine folks, I encourage you to do so.  Hop on over to follow their blogs, Facebook pages, and Twitters.  They always have wonderful news to share and fun projects going on all the time!  I met Lee from AccuQuilt at the Houston Quilt Market.  He's so knowledgeable about AccuQuilt products and very passionate about what he does. I was ready to buy the whole kit-n-kaboodle and I don't even own a shop!  This was truly a gift for me.

I'll be back soon to share the projects.  With all this luck floating around me, I'm wondering if I should go buy a few lottery tickets!

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Winner, winner... chicken dinner!

Who came up with that saying anyway?  Well, its just funny so I had to use it!

A big thanks to everyone who left comments for the Studio Summer 2011 magazine giveaway!  Mr. Random N. Generator was called in for the occasion and picked.... 

Congratulations Pam!  Your copy of the latest Studios will soon be on its way.  Please email me with your mailing address so that I can get that sent to you speedy quick.  Autographed or not?  Phahahaha!  I hope the magazine inspires you with useful and creative ideas for your space!

Cousin "Mimi" - I have to say you cracked me up.  I counted nine, yes nine uses of "pick me" in just three comments!  I can just see you with your hand waving about!  "Ooh, ooh... pick me!"  Dad and Aunt Helen are asking for copies... maybe one will make it your way soon... hint, hint!

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"Studios" Giveaway!

No, I'm not giving away a studio!  But, I am giving away the latest Studios magazine!  I apologize for asking you two days ago to come back and then I wasn't even here yesterday to answer the door.  My day got away from me.  

So here's the skinny:  You'll have several chances to enter the giveaway and win the Summer 2011 issue of Studios Magazine:

• Reply to this post and let me know the favorite organizing solution that you use in your creative space.
• For a second entry, reply to this post and tell me where you create.
• For a third entry, blog/tweet/Facebook about this giveaway and come back to this post to share the link.

I'm not going to ask you to follow my blog, but I always appreciate followers!  The giveaway closes at midnight on May 31, 2011 and a winner will be chosen at random and announced on June 1st.  

If you aren't familiar with Studios magazine, you may have seen the Cloth, Paper, Scissors publications.  Same company - Interweave.  This magazine retails for $14.99 and is full of wonderful pictures, articles, and creative ideas.

Thanks for coming by and good luck!

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Sew Darn Crafty - Linky and Giveaway!

If you don't already know Karen at Sew Many Ways - you need to head over to her blog and check out her new Linking Party- Sew Darn Crafty that she's been hosting!  This time, she's having a giveaway as well!  

I love this linking party because you get to see so many different types of crafts and projects at a glance and are introduced to some fun new blogs.  What a great way to share and promote the crafting community.

Karen has hosted Tool Time Tuesday for quite a while and she still amazes me with what she comes up with.  She can take a metal washer, a rope, and some plastic from the hardware store and turn it in to a new and useful household item.  Like me, she loves to label everything.  She's a true organizing queen.  And, she is an awesome quilter! 

I've just linked up and I hope you will, too!  Happy Sunday everyone!

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Sharin' the Sewing & Photography Love

I just wanted to share with you today a few great blogs.  The first is one that I have followed for a few years now - Kinder Kouture by Jeannine M.  If I need a little pick-me-up and inspiration - I go to her blog.  I do believe she is Wonder Woman in disguise!  She is an incredibly talented seamstress/designer and photographer.   This lady does it all... blog, website, photography, sewing, Facebook, Flickr, Tweet, and has an Etsy shop! Even when she has a tough day, she turns it around and flips it over to look for the bright side.  So, go over and check out her beautiful blog.

The second is Photographers Blog.  (And thanks to Jeannine for sharing it with others!)  I am just beginning to pour through it but one thing that I like already is the Friday Editing Spotlight that they just started.  Christine and Leslie give editing advice each Friday and I don't know about you, but I can always use a little lot of editing advice!

And, they are having a super-cool giveaway.  (Pick me, pick me!)   But, I'm sharing that, too!  Sassy Designs has over 600 digital design items and more.  Hurry on over to the Photographers Blog and check that out as well - the contest ends soon.  Sorry for the late notice - I just found this information out myself!

Good luck!

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Who wouldn't want this fabric?

Oh how I would love to get my little paws on this!  I'm giddy over the possibilities!  Check out Retro Mummy's awesome Flower Sugar fabric giveaway!  You could be the lucky one - but, let's just be honest here... I hope its me!  Hahaha!

Good luck!

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Lucky Duck... duck... goose?

Thank you everyone for stopping by to leave comments for the felt pattern giveaway.  I was surprised to see so few comments because hello(!), Jen's patterns are too cute to pass up.  Believe me, I know.  Been there, bought those!

A super big thank you (and a hug) to Jen of Gulf Coast Cottage PDF for sharing one of her patterns to this.... lucky... winnner.....

Congratulations to Goosegirl (Ms. Sivje) of Goosegirl Sews!

Sivje is such a super-duper talented lady!  I know she will have fun with her new pattern.  (I believe she had her eye on Coco ballerina bunny!)  Not many people can handle moving, a child going off to college, a young one at home, and turning out beautiful clothing for customers - all at once!  Congrats girlfriend!  Jen will contact you about your free pattern.

Can you believe Christmas is just around the corner?  Are you ready?  I'm going to leave you with this question:  What was the best present you ever GAVE?

Hmmmmm......

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Hurry, hurry...

... don't delay!  Don't forget to check out the fun giveaway here for a chance to win a sweet pattern from Gulf Coast Cottage!  The deadline is midnight TONIGHT!!!

 

Christmas is upon us and if you don't have time to fit in one of these precious projects, you'll have plenty of time after the holidays!

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I "felt" like having a giveaway!!!

I recently posted about felt food and thought you might like to meet the talented owner and designer, Jen of Gulf Coast Cottage PDF.  I only know Jen through purchasing patterns from her sweet Etsy shop so I thought I would pick her brain a bit and get to know her a little better.  Here’s what Jen had to say:

Your professional background includes upholsterer and seamstress.  Can you tell us a little more about that and how that ties in with your felt creations?

My family has owned an upholstery business for over 20 years, and I have been actively upholstering for about 15 of those years.  This is where I have learned most of my sewing skills and pattern making. I love upholstering- I always have something new to work on.

What was your most challenging project to design? 

I think the most difficult for me was my cupcake cottage.  Just trying to build this pattern in my head before I got started really was difficult. The toaster comes in a close second.

Is your family involved in your business?

Absolutely. My kids first and foremost are the inspiration for beginning to make felt toys. The help me with new ideas and are my testers. My husband and parents are huge supporters and fans.

If you could narrow down all your creations to just one favorite, what would it be?

Wow, this one is really difficult! I think right now it is my dinosaur set. They are just so little and cute.

Do you craft/create art other than your felt items?

Oh my, yes. I am a compulsive crafter! I love sewing quilts, pillows, stained glass, making glitter houses, have been known to paint a watercolor or two, draw and probably more that I am not thinking of at the moment. I love to try just about any craft. I have tried to crochet- but that was not so successful. I would love to practice that and take up knitting at some point as well.

Do you and your family have a favorite holiday family tradition?

We get together on Christmas Eve and have appetizers and finger foods. We exchange gifts and just have a nice time being together. My sister and nieces usually spend the night and we all open gifts together in the morning. Christmas breakfast always consists of potato pancakes and eggs.

What tips do you have for beginners working with felt? 

Don't be overwhelmed- felt is probably the best fabric to begin sewing with. Making your stitches even, and consistent will make your finished project look neater. Be careful not to stretch your felt as you sew.

I see you have a Facebook page.  How has this impacted your Etsy shop? 

My fan page has had a huge positive impact on my shop. Facebook is a great way to let interested parties know about new patterns, sales & specials or other goings on. I also love to see the photos people post of finished items using my patterns. Just seeing the color choices and personal details is really neat.

What are some new items we can expect in your Etsy store in 2011?

I do have several patterns in store- but they are top secret. If anyone wants to know as soon as they are released, they should join my email mailing list or my Facebook fan page.

Thanks Jen!  I wish we lived closer - I think we could stir up some fun!

 

So, how about you?  Have you had fun sewing with felt?  Making felt playfood?  Whether you have and would love to create more or you have not and would love to try… Jen is graciously offering a FREE pattern from her Etsy shop!  Here’s how you can enter to win one of her awesome patterns:

• Go to Jen’s Etsy shop, Gulf Coast Cottage PDF and check out all her great patterns.  Then, come back here and leave a comment on this post and tell me which one you just cannot live without! 

• For a second entry – join her Facebook page and be sure to let me know in a comment on this post.

• For a third entry – post on your blog about this fun giveaway and leave a comment on this post.

The deadline is midnight, Wednesday, December 15^th and the winner will be announced on Thursday, December 16^th.  Be sure that I can reach you via email if you are the lucky duck!  The winner will receive via email one pattern of their choice from Gulf Coast Cottage.  Thanks Jen for your generosity!

Look at some of her cute patterns.  Ack!  Just in time for Christmas!

 

Good luck everyone and Merry Christmas!

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Crossing my fingers!

I wanted  to take a few minutes to share some new blogs that I've recently found of two talented ladies.  Jenny of Sew Pretty Dresses is just down the road (well, in Texas that means about 3 hours!), but what I consider to be a neighbor!  She looks like a real sweetheart!  Everything on her blog looks like something I would have picked out - a kindred spirit!  Thanks for sharing, Jenny with a J!

Today, Jenny posted about a giveaway over at A Little Sweetness.  Tasha is hosting a DIY Dress Kit Giveaway and it is the cutest little dress.  I want one for myself!  Actually for my four year old, you know what I mean.  I love the colors and style and her embroidery is just, you guessed it - so sweet!  Crossing my fingers....

So please go check out these ladies and tell 'em I sent ya!

Mona Pin It

Mend your speech!

In my previous post, I shared with you many of the goodies that Melissa sent to me.  Of all the lovelies, there was one that just tickled me and for several reasons.  She sent me this neat little book titled Mend Your Speech, published in 1920.

The first thing that caught my eye was the publisher - Funk & Wagnalls Company.  It made me chuckle thinking back to a time when I was driving home with my mom and two older daughters in the car.  One of the girls wanted to know how to spell a particular word and my mom very casually said, "Go look it up in your Funk & Wagnall."  You should have seen the look on the kids faces!  They had never heard of such a thing and thought she was being profane!  After mom explained that it was a dictionary, the girls got a big kick out of it!

Secondly, after thumbing through the pages (and they are so much fun to read), I came upon the word "female" and found it quite interesting.  Take a look:

Thanks Melissa for the chuckles!

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Like a kid in a candy shop....

.... like a child on Christmas morning... well, you get the picture!  In case you hadn't heard, I was the winner of the Vintage Attic 100 Post Giveaway!  Not only did I win once, but Melissa drew my name twice!  Go here to check out the fun story behind that!

Oh my goodness!  She packaged everything up so pretty with bows and ribbons.  I still can't believe all the goodies she packed into both boxes.  And such beautiful boxes, too!  My BFF was admiring them - I'll have to keep my eye on her!!

I just kept pulling things out, oooooh-ing and aaaaaaah-ing the whole way!  Like this sweet little shoe, bird's nest, ballet slipper forms, and bags of candy-colored ribbons!  Oh how I love ribbon!

And these fancy earrings, buttons, and lace!

... sweet photos (I'm going to tell my kids this was Aunt Edna and Uncle Earl and their daughters Beatrice and Buela!)... and this hankie!... and sheet music... and more!

Melissa even put in some of her neat coffee filter roses.  They are gorgeous - can't wait to try some myself!  I have so many ideas running around my head, I don't know where to begin!  I can't wait to share some of this fun stuff!  If you have any ideas, please leave a comment and share them with me!

Thank you so much Melissa for such a generous giveaway.  You're a sweetheart!

Hugs,

Mona Pin It