And The Winner Is...

The LUCKY winner of Kate's book "Making Life More Beautiful" is...

#19 - Maria!

Maria - would you send me an email at cnorman underscore 98 at yahoo dot com and I will forward your information to Kate. She will contact you and get the book delivered to you.

Thanks to everyone who participated and if you want a copy of Kate's book, please use this link to purchase it from her blog!

Making Life More Beautiful book by Kate Davies

I've "known" Kate for several years.  She's one of those online sewing friends that I've communicated with offline and would love to meet in person.  So I was really interested when I learned she was writing a book!

I'm always enthralled when someone decides to not only write a book but self-publish. That's determination! When Kate approached me and asked if I would review her book, it was a definite yes! 

I would call Kate's book more of a lifestyle book than strictly a sewing or crafting book.  It touches on a number of sections about beauty and making your life beautiful that add to the sewists experience which aren't normally found in sewing books.  BTW, I'm reviewing this book from a sewists perspective.

Let's dig into the book!  The first section is on Beauty which has four sections ~ your coloring, your body shape, your wardrobe & personal style and fashion.  As sewists, we need information like this to insure that we're making garments that not only fit our bodies but enhance our lifestyles.

The beauty section also contains an in-depth segment on colors and which coloring works best for our skin tones.  An important concept that sewists should master to make the best color choices for our garments.

There is a really important section on proportion.  Again a needed concept for sewists to grasp and understand, knowing how to incorporate it into their sewing projects.

Two additional parts in the beauty section that struck me were the wardrobe types and where Kate discusses capsule wardrobes. In wardrobe styles, which we know is not a new thing, the twist Kate gives it is what I loved most. She named the wardrobe styles by celebrity names, for example - the classic wardrobe style is called Jackie Kennedy!  Capsule wardrobes which are near and dear to my own heart, is detailed and how they work for a sewist in building a cohesive wardrobe that will be worn and loved.

Making is the next section ~

A really fascinating introduction which touches on why we make and the history of patterns.  Of course the first section is on sewing with several projects highlighted and instructions on how to create them.

The next two sections are on knitting (because if you've followed Kate's blog, you know she is an amazing knitter!) and crocheting where there are also several projects to make including the instructions. After the sewing, knitting and crocheting projects, Kate has included a section on making your own textiles.

Life is the final section of the book ~
This portion is all about building a beautiful life through your surroundings and developing a creative team to help inspire you to move forward in your creative journeys.

It is a well-written book full of breathtakingly beautiful pictures. It includes a resource center at the back of the book. In full disclosure I'm one of the people acknowledged and thanked. Honestly though, I read the entire book and found that at the end. I didn't know about it beforehand and was extremely touched.

So of course Kate is giving away one book to be won by one lucky sewist.  If you're interested in winning a copy of this amazing book, please drop a comment in the comment box below - only comments left here on the blog are eligible for the giveaway.  The giveaway is open from today until Friday, July 27th at 11:59pm EST.  The winner will be picked over the weekend and announced on Sunday, July 29th.

However, if you don't wanna wait to win the book, you can always purchase it directly from Kate via her blog or on Amazon UK.

Good luck to everyone entering the drawing!

...as always more later!

Sew the Garment Making Book by Barbara Emodi

I've known that Barbara was writing a sewing book almost since she decided to write it. Occasionally she's posted a pic to Instagram showing what she was sewing for the book which was released on May 7th.

Of course I ordered it as soon as possible and received it a couple of weeks ago. The name of the book is, "SEW The Garment-Making Book of Knowledge: Real-Life Lessons from a Serial Sewist." And I can honestly tell you that even though Barbara says she wrote the book for the new and/or returning sewist I'm an experienced sewist and I learned a few things too, as well as, having a few things I knew reinforced.

I love the format of the book. Each chapter has a name. One of my favorites is "Chapter 7 - The Gear Side of Sewing" OMG isn't that a great name to describe all of the equipment we acquire for sewing?! So each chapter has a description then mini-lesson to help you learn a skill. The thing that absolutely thrills me is Barbara's Tips which are at the end of every chapter. Each one is written in Barbara's voice - at least I can hear her speaking - and is full of interesting things that you learn from experience. Things that she's sharing for all sewists to know.

Okay let me back up and give you some other chapter names..."Why Sew," "If it Fits, They Will Wear It," "Choosing and Cutting Fabric" and another fave, "Sewing for Joy" - each chapter is chock full of information along with the tips, and mini-lessons! Sewing Terms are called Sewing Speak! Now as a beginner or a returning sewist wouldn't you have loved a book that explained in detail what all those words that sewists threw around meant? Barbara explains them so that there are no questions...at all.

If you are acquiring your own sewing library and not just relying upon the internet, this would be a good book to add to it. And if you're feeling lucky, leave a comment below to win a copy. See Barbara being the amazing friend that she is, offered me a copy, not realizing that I'd already bought one. We decided that one lucky reader should own it.

In the comment section below, please leave your name and one sentence about why you'd like to win the book. ONLY comments left on this blog post, not in bloglovin' or any of the other blog readers will be eligible to win the book. You should leave your comment by Saturday, June 9th at 11:59pm EST. I will announce the winner on Sunday, June 10th and Barbara will send the book out to you.  Good luck!

...as always more later!

Winner of the Book!

This is going to be quick and dirty!  We've been photographing garments today and I still have a load of pics to wade through!

Since there were 29 entries, I used the Random Generator to pick the winner.  The Random Generator picked number 8.

So the winner of the book is:

theresa from tucson

Theresa, send me an email with your home address and I will get the book out to you this week!

A new garment post will be up at midnight EST.

...as always more later!

The "How to Machine Sew" Book - Large Format Edition

When Threads Magazine sent me the Sandra Betzina book to review, they also sent me the "How to Machine Sew" book.  

I wanted to review the books separately so they would each get their own time in the spotlight!  This book is one in the series by Susie Johns. Others are "How to Sew", "How to Embroider", and "How to Quilt" - these are basic sewing books, in a larger format with simple projects, easy techniques and great illustrations.  Perfect for beginner sewists.

I'm sure you're wondering why I would be reading or sharing info on a beginner sewing book?  Well these came to me during National Sewing Month and to me one of our responsibilities as sewists is to teach and encourage new sewists. I deliberately held onto it because there were quite a few sewing tools given away and discounts offered during September.  I wanted to save some of the celebration for October too!

Like I said this is a great basic sewing book for a new sewist. It has the obligatory section on how to use your sewing machine, what tools you need to acquire to begin sewing and a short section on how to work with fabric. Then there are nine projects and each project highlights a different technique. 

For example, Project Two is about Place Settings and the technique that's taught is mitered corners. The project has information on making napkins, place mats and tray cloths. The first page of the project sheet gives you the materials you'll need, the finished sizes of the project pieces and the techniques you will use to finish the project. There is even a fabric suggestion made to assist with picking the proper fabric for the project.

The illustrations are large and easy to follow with a written explanation beneath each one. Extra tips and information are in boxes on the sides of the pages to give a little more in-depth information.

Finally the book has a resource list (though the resources are for UK companies), a glossory and an index page. Personally I love index pages, if I need to find something quickly, I can look there. You can find this book at your normal retail sources - Amazon and Barnes & Noble online. 

However, I do have one copy to give away. If you'd like to win a copy, because you need a gift for a sewing friend, a newbie sewist, or for an upcoming Christmas sewing giveaway, this would be a great gift to give! To win a copy, please leave a comment on this post ONLY.  Entries left on any other post or Bloglovin' won't be eligible for the giveaway.

You have until Friday, November 3rd, 11:59pm EST to leave a comment.  The winner will be picked and announced on Saturday, November 4th. I will ship the book out the following week. This giveaway is open to any sewist, anywhere, so leave a comment and I hope you win!

One last thing - the winner of the magnetic pincushion never contacted me, so I picked another winner.  Lisa Laree if you would kindly contact me via email with your home address, I will get this right out to you.

I have been sewing so more clothing posts soon.

...as always more later!

Thank Yous and Winners

The last act of celebrating National Sewing Month is to announce the winners of the giveaways. However, before I do that I need to thank everyone who participated in the giveaways and fabric discounts.

To all of the online fabric retailers who gave a discount to my readers this month I truly thank you!  I hope that my readers took the time to visit your sites and use the discount. I think all of you are retailers with integrity, amazing customer service and a great eye for fabric. I hope that if you didn't use the discounts (Why???) that you will remember each and every one of them for future fabric purchases.

So thanks to Emmaonesock, Stylemaker Fabrics (please look out for the Fall Fabric Tour that's presently happening), Smugglers Daughter and LAFinch Fabrics. Thank you soooooo much!

There were two very generous indie pattern giveaways this month - Jenny at Cashmerette Patterns and Trudy & Jeremy at Hot Patterns! Thank you for offering pdf patterns for the giveaway. I hope that if you weren't a winner of the patterns that you will check out both online pattern retailers. If you haven't had the chance to use a pattern by either company yet, please give them a try!  You will be very happy with your finished garments!

BTW, if you entered the giveaway for a pincushion you had a better chance of winning than if you entered the book or clapper giveaways. There were way more entries for the clapper than for anything else. So if you're interested in buying one if you didn't win one - check out GMarie's site here. She ships internationally!

So without further ado the winners are ~

Sandra Betzina's - All New Fabric Savvy Book

**Lamar Meniola from Texas**

Clapper Presser 

**Jeane Quilts**

Magnetic Pincushion

**Ramona Moreland**

Congratulations to the winners!  For the winner of the Clapper please send an email to gmariesew at gmail dot com. For all other winners, please send me an email (my email address is in my bio) with "Winner - Sandra Betzina Book" or "Winner - Magnetic Pincushion" in the subject line.  Also please include your home address. I will confirm receipt of the email and let you know when I'm mailing your prize.

Thank you to everyone who read all the posts, entered the giveaways, and/or used the discounts. I appreciate your continued support!  

I have been sewing during September, so new garment posts will be up shortly on the blog. I've started sewing for fall and am pretty excited about the changing season, although summer is hanging around here in the tri-state area!

...and finally there has been so much happening in the world lately that I want to add my condolences and well wishes to every person, family member, friend and survivor of the shootings in Las Vegas.

I also hope that aid comes soon to all those in need in Puerto Rico. It's been a rough hurricane season and I'm truly sorry that 45 has left the American citizens in Puerto Rico hanging.

...as always more later!

A Meet-up, A Gathering, A Reminder...

Originally I was going to write this post in the order the title appears but Imma start from the end and go backwards...

A Reminder ~

First the fabric discounts still in effect:
The first one is from Smugglers Daughter.  The 20% off discount is still in effect and will be until Saturday, September 30th at midnight PST. Use the code "FANATIC" to get 20% off your total order.

The second discount is from LAFinch Fabrics.  They are also offering a 20% discount off all fabrics including sale fabrics.  The discount is in effect until Saturday, September 30th at midnight PST. Use the code "FANATIC" to get the discount.

The giveaways:
1. The All New Fabric Savvy - How to Choose & Use Fabrics - the new book by Sandra Betzina - If you'd like to win the book, please leave a comment using "Book 1"

2. The Clapper with point turner - If you'd like to win the clapper, please leave a comment using "Clapper 2"

3.  Magnetic Pincushion - 4" magnetic bowl to hold your pins - if you'd like to win it, please leave a comment using "Pincushion 3"

Only entries left on my original blog post will be entered into the drawing. The drawing ends tonight at 11:59pm EST.  I will shut the comments section down after that.

* * * * * * * * * * *

A Gathering ~

(This wasn't all of the attendees, some had left by the time we took the picture)

#wineandcheesewithkashi has become an annual event. This year though it was merged with the #NYSewcialisthour so there wouldn't be two events occurring in the same week.  Well that was my thinking! *LOL* Anyway, we had a great turnout.  Sewists from the NY Tri-State area came to shop, sip and talk. There were a lot of great fabrics pulled, ooohhhed and aaahhhed over and purchased.

I will admit to walking away with two shirting fabrics myself. I think everyone had a good time and thanks to everyone who came through!

* * * * * * * * * *

A Meet-up ~
Meg from Cookin' and Craftin' reached out to me this summer about meeting up when she visited NYC in September for a wedding. I follow Meg's blog and her IG account and love what she sews. I was also interested in the fact that she spent the last couple of years living in Thailand. So being my nosey self I said yes...even though she was only available to meet on a Friday and I work from home on Fridays. 

I'm so thrilled that I came to work that Friday because Meg is as amazing in person as she is on her social media accounts.  We ended up having lunch with Claire - domesticcoquinette.  We were talking so much while walking around the fabric stores, that we decided to just sit and talk!

However, we did make it to Mood, and met Marcy at the elevators as we were leaving! Fortuitious! It's the only photo of the day because we were enjoying each other's company so much.

Please don't forget the fabric discounts and this one last opportunity to enter the giveaway.  The giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST and the fabric discounts end at midnight PST.  These are the last offers for National Sewing Month for 2017.

...as always more later!

Week Four - Discount and Giveaway Reminders...

This is a quick note to remind you of the TWO fabric discounts still in effect ~

The first one is from Smugglers Daughter.  The 20% off discount is still in effect and will be until Saturday, September 30th at midnight PST. Use the code "FANATIC" to get 20% off your total order.

The second discount is from LAFinch Fabrics.  They are also offering a 20% discount off all fabrics including sale fabrics.  The discount is in effect until Saturday, September 30th at midnight PST. Use the code "FANATIC" to get the discount.

Please don't forget the three giveaways ~
There are three notions presently available to win.

1. The All New Fabric Savvy - How to Choose & Use Fabrics - the new book by Sandra Betzina 
If you'd like to win the book, please leave a comment on the last post - "Book 1"

2. The Clapper with point turner 
If you'd like to win the clapper, please leave a comment on the last post - "Clapper 2"

3.  Magnetic Pincushion
4" magnetic bowl to hold your pins - if you'd like to win it, please leave a comment on the last post "Pincushion 3"

A few things to remember ~
- You can only enter to win ONE item. Entries with more than one request will be deleted.
- If you use "Unknown" to enter the drawing, please leave your name. If you win and don't, I won't know whose name to call. No name and your entry will be deleted.
- Only entries left on my original blog post AND not on bloglovin' will be entered into the drawing.

I've deleted quite a few entries already because these rules were not followed. Just a heads up!

Okay that's everything...

Happy National Sewing Month!

The Notions Giveaway for National Sewing Month

We have come to the final giveaways for National Sewing Month 2017.  At first I thought it would be too much to have three giveaways in one. Now I realize it's the fitting end to a month of celebrating the craft that we all love so much!

So let's get to it...

The first giveaway is the "All New Fabric Savvy How to Choose & Use Fabrics" book by Sandra Betzina.  
I am a huge Sandra Betzina fan.  I watched the sewing show she used to have on HGTV religiously. It was called "Sew Perfect."  I even videotaped it for prosperity and was sorry when the tape wore out from my repeated watchings.

When Threads reached out to me to ask me to review the book, I leapt at the chance. See I own almost all of Sandra's previous books. They've taught me many things and took my sewing to the next level. I also own both of the previous versions of this book and use them as a reference guide when sewing new fabrics.

This version is updated with new pictures and more information but it uses the same format as the older versions.  Each fabric is the title page and you get a fabric fact.  Then what garment the fabric should be used for, a few sewing tips and how to pretreat the fabric. Now it doesn't stop there - it goes out to explain layouts, how to mark, cut and interface (if necessary) what thread and needle to use. It even details what stitch length and presser foot to use. This is sewing gold!

If you've ever wondered how to sew Chiffon, Faux Suede, Leather, or Slinky Knit, the information that will help you make an amazing garment is all there. 106 fabrics are detailed with additional chapters on interfacing, presser feet, recommended tools and notions, linings and a stain removal guide.  Plus there is a glossary, a sources listing and an index. It's an amazing reference guide! And if you own the first two books, this is the completion of the set.

Now if you don't own the first two books, don't fret. Owning a copy of this book, will give you a great start and will be an amazing addition to your sewing library. So if you'd like to win a copy, leave a comment below stating "Book - 1" and I will enter you in the drawing for the book. You have until Saturday, September 30th at 11:59pm EST to enter the drawing, and I will ship this book worldwide. 

* * * * * * * * * *

Giveaway Number 2 - is this amazing clapper that Gaylen of GMarieSews is selling on her blog, under "Pressing Matters."  It retails for $40 and is worth every penny. I know because I own one and use it constantly. 

First let me testify for a minute! See I own a June Tailor clapper that I bought several years ago. I love that thing for getting a great crease in a garment. I love that after I've steamed a seam or a join that if I clap it down, it minimizes the seam or join. I love that it holds the steam into place in the garment.

But then I got this new clapper and I realized that I was only infatuated. My new clapper is heavier and sturdier without feeling heavy and clunky in your hand. My new clapper covers more space and allows me to press/clap a garment faster since it covers more of the garment's area. I love the edges. The pointed one gets deeper into collars, to give you a crisper finish. The rounded one I've used at sleeve heads and in corners that need to be pressed open but given a rounder, softer press.

Did I tell you that I LOVE this presser/clapper!  And now you have the opportunity to win one too! Gaylen is giving away one clapper to any sewist, anywhere in the world. Leave a comment below stating "Clapper - 2" and I will enter you in the drawing for the clapper. You have until Saturday, September 30th at 11:59pm EST to enter the drawing. 

* * * * * * * * * * 

Giveaway Number 3 - is this cool magnetic pincushion.

I posted pictures of my magnetic pincushions on Instagram and there was a lot of interest about it. So I thought it would be great to add one to the notions giveaway for National Sewing Month. 

I love my magnetic pincushions and have three of them - one on the cutting table, one on my sewing machine table and one on my ironing board. They are the absolute best and one of the coolest notions I own. 

I also put separate pin sizes in each of my bowls, so I switch them around as I work with different fabrics. If you're interesting in winning the magnetic pincushion leave a comment below stating "Pincushion - 3". I will enter you in the drawing for the pincushion. You have until Saturday, September 30th at 11:59pm EST to enter the drawing. However, this drawing is open only to US residents. 

Now here's the codacil ~ you can ONLY leave a comment to win one notion! So choose wisely! Also, winners will be chosen from this blog post only, here on my actual blog. If you read this blog post on any of the readers, bloglovin' or feedly, comments left there are ineligible to win one of these prizes.

This is the last of the National Sewing Month celebration giveaways...good luck and I hope you win!

Happy National Sewing Month!

Week Three - Cashmerette Patterns Winner and Discount Reminder

I know that I'm late with this post but my day job has been particularly busy this week.  I think the rest of the year is going to be equally as busy...but I digress.  You want to know who won the Cashmerette Patterns...now should I tease you or do this in order! *LOL*

Alright I'm not that mean, contrary to what some have said about me on these interwebs! *LOL* The winner of three PDF Cashmerette Patterns of their choice is:

Barb Gorman

Barb - send me an email (address in bio) and I will give you the code you'll need to download your patterns!

Next up ~ 
Jeri Savoie, you need to contact me by Wednesday, September 27th or I will pull another name to win the HotPatterns PDF pattern.

* * * * * * * * * *

Smugglers Daughter Discount ~
The 20% off your total order discount code is in effect until Saturday, September 30th at midnight PST.  Use "FANATIC" when you check out to get the discount.

I wanted to show you an outfit I made using some fabric from Smugglers Daughter last April. I originally showed it with a denim jacket I'd made but this is how I've wore it lately.

I have a few other pieces of fabric from Smugglers Daughter that are waiting to become garments in my wardrobe...hopefully they will show up here soon. I encourage you to go through the website and find a few treasures to come to your house, too!

* * * * * * * * * *

There wasn't a pattern giveaway this week because of my work schedule. So I will be offering a new notion, a sewing book and a magnetic pin cushion as the last giveaway next week.

So check back on Sunday for the next fabric discount...and on Monday for the Notions Giveaway!

Happy National Sewing Month!

Week Two - Hot Patterns Winner & Discount/Giveaway Reminders

This is just a quick post to let you know who won the HotPatterns PDF Pattern and to remind you of the discount and this weeks giveaway.

First the Giveaway ~
There were 102 participants in the giveaway for the HotPatterns PDF Pattern. I used the Random Generator to select a winner. 

So the winner of the PDF pattern is:

Jeri Savoie

Congratulations Jeri!  Contact me at my email address located in my profile and I will send you the code to download the pdf pattern of your choice.

Reminders ~

First the discount code from Style Maker Fabrics:
Go to Style Maker Fabrics and check out their selection. I know you will find something awesome to purchase...and to help you along Michelle is offering a 10% discount off your total purchase. Use the coupon DIARY17 to get the discount. The discount is good until Saturday, September 16th at 11:59pm PST.

Michelle reached out to let me know that everyone who uses the 10% discount offered this week, she will match the discount amount and donate the funds to local charities. Charities that will assist people challenged by both Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. 

If you've been wanting to do something to help the families impacted by the hurricanes, this is a fantastic way!  You can purchase fabric you need or want AND a donation will be made to charity. With the amount of destruction that's been visited upon the families in Houston and parts of Texas, Louisiana, and the Florida Coast in the last couple of weeks, I'm sure all donations are appreciated!

Second the Pattern Giveaway from Cashmerette Patterns:

If you're interested in winning THREE pdf Cashmerette patterns of your choice, please leave a comment on the original post ONLY. The giveaway will end on Monday, September 18th at midnight EST. All comments must have a name attached to them. If you log in as "Unknown" but don't leave a name with your comment, it will be deleted. Also comments must be left on that post to be considered, any left on the post at bloglovin' (and a friend has told me that there are quite a few there!) they are ineligible.  Good luck!

Next up on the blog is a dress that I made with some amazing denim fabric that I purchased from Style Maker Fabrics.

HAPPY NATIONAL SEWING MONTH!

Style Maker Fabrics ~ Second Discount for National Sewing Month

I love Style Maker Fabrics. I love the assortment, the website and how it's organized, the amazing customer service, the quick shipping and Michelle, the owner of Style Maker Fabrics. Michelle and Style Maker Fabrics are participating in my National Sewing Month celebration for the second year in a row. 

I interviewed Michelle last year. You can find the post here if you'd like to learn more about how Style Maker Fabrics came to be.

So hop on over to Style Maker Fabrics and check out through their selection. I know you will find something awesome to purchase...and to help you along Michelle is offering a 10% discount off your total purchase. Use the coupon DIARY17 to get the discount.

I knew when I was putting together the discounts & giveaways for National Sewing Month this year, that Michelle & Style Maker Fabrics had to be a part of the celebration. I really knew my decision was right after a discussion with Michelle this weekend.

Michelle reached out to let me know that everyone who uses the 10% discount offered this week, she will match the discount amount and donate the funds to local charities. Charities that will assist people challenged by both Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. 

If you've been wanting to do something to help the families impacted by the hurricanes, this is a fantastic way!  You can purchase fabric you need or want AND a donation will be made to charity. With the amount of destruction that's been visited upon the families in Houston and parts of Texas, Louisiana, and the Florida Coast in the last couple of weeks, I'm sure all donations are appreciated!

So the 10% discount is in effect from today, Sunday, September 10th until Saturday, September 16th at midnight PST. Let's all shop til you drop for a good cause! 

Happy National Sewing Month!

Week One ~ Discount & Giveaway Reminders

Just a reminder that the 15% off discount for your total order from Emma One Sock expires on Saturday, September 9th at 11:59pm EST.

So if you haven't placed your order yet, surf on over to their website and get shopping! Here's the discount code again: "EOS-FANATIC15-2017"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Presently there are 72 sewists in the running to win a pdf pattern of their choice from HotPatterns. Are you one of them?  If not, why not?  You never know this might be your lucky day! To enter leave a comment on this post only. Don't forget that comments left on bloglovin, aren't eligible for this giveaway. The comments section will be closed at 11:59pm EST on Sunday, September 10th. Winner to be announced on Wednesday, September 13th.

So do you feel lucky?

Finally, a new fabric discount and another pattern giveaway will be announced next week...so stay tuned!

Happy National Sewing Month!

HotPatterns Giveaway for National Sewing Month

Continuing with the fabric discounts and pattern giveaways for National Sewing Month celebrations, the first pattern giveaway is from HotPatterns.

A little about HotPatterns ~
HotPatterns is an independent sewing pattern company, started in 2005, and run by two Londoners who have somehow found themselves living and working in the steamy southwest of Florida.

It's a small family business that enjoys working hard to create the best high-fashion sewing patterns in the world. All of their products are designed and produced in the USA.

Trudy does the designing, pattern drafting and all of the creative stuff.  She's been in the garment trade for a long time, and is just a little bit obsessed with fashion.  Jeremy is the brains of the outfit; he deals with the business side, as well as keeping an eye on the production schedule. Trudy & Jeremy work with a small team of helpers, or Folding Fairies as they like to be called, plus random sample makers, and pattern testers.

...Info is from the HotPatterns website

I've followed HotPatterns from their inception. I love that they have always interpreted the latest fashions and made them into patterns for the home sewist. I own quite a few of them in my own pattern collection. The patterns are very popular since there are over a 1000 reviews of them on PatternReview.

The Giveaway ~
The HotPatterns team is offering one pdf pattern of your choice from their pdf pattern selection, click here for USA/Canada & Mexico and here for the rest of the world. All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post only by Monday, September 11th at 11:59pm EST, stating which pattern you'd like to win and why. Responses left on bloglovin' won't be included! This giveaway is open to all my blog readers. I will be announcing the winner of the pattern on Monday, September 25th.

Good luck and Happy National Sewing Month!

And the winner of the Cashmerette Pattern is...

I'm not going to prolong this, cause y'all just wanna know who won the patterns right?!

I went old school with this one.

I cut all the responses up...

Folded them and put them in a plastic bag...

...and picked the winners from the bag.

There were 130 entries so everyone had a 1 in 130 chance to win! 

So The Winners Are ~

Astex and sewmyown, please contact me at cnorman underscore 98 at yahoo dot com with your preference - paper or PDF and Jenny will get the patterns to you.

Thank you to everyone who left a comment and read the blog post! If you didn't win a copy of the pattern, I really hope you will consider purchasing a version for your own pattern collection. It makes a wonderful dress ~ look for another one here soon!

...as always more later!