Sew La Ti Embroidery:
giveaway

Sew mama sew giveaway time!!

Yes it's that time again, the SewMamaSew giveaway day! Not only can you be in to win great prizes but it is a great way to find new and inspiring blogs. If you are a new visitor here, welcome!

For my giveaway this time around I have a pretty little charm pack of "Ruby" , the latest fabric collection by Bonnie and Camille for Moda. This collection is oh so gorgeous and I really need to get some myself now that I have seen it in person to touch and see the lovely colour palette they have used.
Along with the handmade gift making that is going on in my sewing attic lately I have whipped up a sweet little birdie pincushion and a matching needlebook. The Birdie pincushion was made using this free tutorial here and is really so easy and satisfying to make. I think I will be making more of these in the near future. The needle book cover is made up of tiny little 1" squares of shabby chic fabrics with some coordinating wool felt pages inside taken from my precious stash of Heather Bailey felts.

In order to be in to win this wee collection of pretty sewing supplies just leave me a comment sharing one or more of your handmade gifts for this holiday season or perhaps a link to your favourite tutorial.

This giveaway will be left open till 16th December when a winner will be drawn randomly.

Overseas comments are most welcome and also please make sure I can contact you via email :-)
Newly acquired

I've been wanting to get my hands on this magazine ever since it's first edition. I was so very pleased and surprised the other day when I saw a few copies in our local bookshop. I had thought I'd have to get them to order it in specially for me like they do with the American magazine "Stitch". For an overseas monthly magazine it is quite well priced and full of crafty goodness and inspiration inside. I feel like they put this magazine together just for me and I can't wait for the next issue. Check it out at your local book shop if you haven't already!

For my Mother's Christmas present this year she has asked me to make her the Blossom bag by Amy Butler so last week we went shopping and I got her to pick out some fabrics. I was very pleased when she choose some Denyse Schmidt prints as this means I get to keep the leftovers! I really enjoyed making my version of this bag and also love using it with all it's handy pockets and dividers.

Sadly our towns little craft shop is closing down which means I won't be able to nip down town to get that perfectly matching shade of thread to go with whatever sewing project I have going on. I shall really miss being able to get basic sewing necessities at a moments notice. On the positive side the owner is having a closing down sale so I stocked up on just a few different shades of thread to keep me going :-) The Molnlycke reels of thread were only $1 a reel!

These are the fabrics I'm currently working with...for a little giveaway gift soon. What do you think? Do you like their shabby chic prettiness?

And finally I sewed this cute little birdie yesterday. It's a free pattern found here. I'm not sure whether to let it fly away to a new home as it looks quite happy where it is. Perhaps I'll make another one...
Is your week going as fast as mine? So many gifts to make and so little time...
No Makeup Week! (I mean, they like me with makeup, too. Oh, you know what I mean...)

No Makeup Week: Mint Julep Mask
Hey everyone! This is just a quick post to let you know what I have planned for this upcoming week. I'm going to be going away from Thursday until Saturday with my boyfriend and his family so I won't be posting those days. Because of this, I hope to be able to post a few times in the next few days!

In high school, like many teenagers going through puberty, I was ashamed of my skin. One day it would be oily, the next day it would be dry - and there was always acne to deal with! Over the years I've tried many products and skincare routines, with varying success. In high school I desperately tried to cover up my natural skin with layers of makeup. Liquids, powders, blushes - I used everything I could!

While I love what makeup can do to enhance an appearance, in the past two years I've realized that I love my natural beauty, too. I think going to college made me feel a lot more comfortable about going out without "putting my face on," because I was surrounded by the same people at all hours of the day. These kids have seen me when I wake up in the morning, when I'm in class, and before I go to sleep. They have seen me when I'm sick, when I'm just getting back from the gym, and even when I've gotten caught in a downpour running back from the library.

And They Like Me — Without Makeup!
What I'm trying to say is: I've gained a lot of confidence in myself in the past two years, and I don't feel the need to try to cover up anything with makeup. Yes, I love getting dolled up when I'm going to a party or going out on a date with my boyfriend, but other than that, I try to wear as little makeup as possible. Most days now I will only wear a brush of Physicians Formula pressed powder, a sweep of clear mascara on my lashes, and lots of lip balm.

Which brings me to this week. I've decided that, starting today, I want to go a whole week without wearing any makeup. No powder, no mascara (colored or clear). The only things I'll allow on my face are cleansers, moisturizer, and sunscreen. I don't think this will be too difficult to do, especially considering that I will be on an island in the Adirondacks from Thursday through Saturday. I think it will be an interesting experiment, to concentrate on my skin and really learn to appreciate it as it is.

A Week Without Makeup?
Last year Rachel Rabbit White, a popular blogger and writer, pledged to not wear makeup for an entire week. Over 300 people took the challenge with her. You can read about that experience in this Huffington Post interview here. White brings up a lot of very interesting points about makeup in society today, so it's definitely a must-read.

I'll be posting photos this week, along with any findings or discoveries. Any of you brave enough to try this, too? I'd love to hear your stories or share links on my blog to your own posts! Drop me a comment or send me an email!
VIA No Makeup Week! (I mean, they like me with makeup, too. Oh, you know what I mean...)
Get "Mad" at Banana Republic

Mad Dolls
I was thrilled to open up the newspaper today and see an article about the new Mad Men-inspired collection that is going to be launching at Banana Republic on August 11th! My boyfriend got me into watching Mad Men this year, and I quickly caught up on everything I missed. I adore the show and I can't wait for the next season in 2014. I'm drawn to the show for so many reasons (cough-Don Draper-cough), but the main reason: the fashion! The 1960s style is fabulous. Whether you're a Betty, a Peggy, or a Joan - the clothes are drool-worthy.

This summer, Banana Republic has teamed up with Janie Bryant, the costume designer for the show, to offer fans classic pieces with modern-day twists. In the newspaper article I read, it was said that the collection wouldn't focus on classic sixties colors, like mustard yellow and bright green, but would work more with black, navy, and red for a sophisticated edge. The boyfriend and I are certainly excited to scope out the pieces when they hit stores.

I was lucky enough to win an amazing giveaway over at A Life in the Fashion Lane. This blog has become one of my favorite reads; the blogger, Alexa, has a great sense of style and writes really sweet posts. I was so excited to find out I had won this beautiful romper by Lucca Couture! This is the first romper I've ever owned, and I love the way it fits. I'd love to add a few more to my collection! Thanks for offering this great prize, Alexa! Everyone should go check out A Life in the Fashion Lane. You won't be disappointed!

Dear readers, I cannot believe that this is the first time I'm introducing my family's awesome little Puggle (pug/beagle mix) to you! This is Abby, and she's the funniest, sweetest, cutest dog you will ever meet. I promise you we normally do not dress her up, but she started nosing her way into a shirt I had left on my bed and... we couldn't resist. She actually didn't seem to mind too much about the scarf or hat that we put on her, once she was told that there was a cookie waiting for her. So here's my little fashionista, always playing it up for the camera!
VIA Get "Mad" at Banana Republic
What I Made This Year...

Here i go, jumping on the end of the year, wrap up blog post wagon....Everyone is doing it!

This year, lots of things were made. Quilts were quilted, and assorted things were crocheted and sewn but most important of all...my most crafty endeavor by far....i made a baby!! She is the sweetest and cutest one you will ever lay eyes upon ( of course i know all you other mothers feel the same about your own little ones!! and that is ok, we will just agree to disagree!).

Who knows what this coming year will hold. I don't make resolutions because i really need nothing else to feel guilty about in my life when i inevitably don't accomplish it...so i will set some goals. Small ones are very likely, and crafty ones and perhaps a few that have to do with being healthier. I can't commit to any just yet, perhaps that will be another post.

Have a happy new year everyone...you all have been wonderful blog friends. I hope that you are doing something fun tonight. I will be back soon with some more baby updates, of course, and a giveaway to start the new year.
Giveaway Day

Sew Mama Sew blog is hosting a giveaway day on December 2nd. I am so thrilled to be a part of this. I enjoy their sight so much and have found so much great inspiration through the blog and the links they share there all of the time.

So for this giveaway day i am going to be giving away a Moda layer cake, Wonderland by Momo.

Come comment on my post by December 6th and you will be entered to be part of my random giveaway. Become a follower and you will get and additional entry. If you are already a follower be sure to let me know in your comment so that i can count you in for two from the start.

I am willing to ship internationally. Please be sure to leave me a way to contact you, ie e-mail address or blog address, in your comment so that i can notify the winner right away. Please remember that if i can not contact you i can not let you know you won!!!!!

Now it just so happens that this post coincides with my 500th post. Yeah me!! I can not believe that this much time has gone by and that i have posted this much! Who knew i had so much to say and share. I have recently met lots of new people in blogland and have gained many new followers. I am so glad to know that there are people out there interested. It is what makes blogging fun for me...the comments, sharing ideas, being inspired. I can not wait to "meet" more of you through giveaway day!!!

**by the way, family not included. cause i know you guys would do nothing with it!!!**
Modern Monday Finish

This is my first time linking up to Modern Monday at Canoe Ridge Creations. Today i am sharing a baby quilt that i just finished for a good friend and neighbor. I was able to give it to her this afternoon and she loved it(yeah!!!)

I don't usually name my quilts but my 9 year old looked at it and dubbed it the circus quilt. It stuck!! I am going with it. She was also my quilt holder for the photo shoot and she was my design assistant when it was time to lay out all the blocks. She might be 9 but the girl has a good eye.

This was the first time i have used the Yellow Brick Road pattern from Atkinson designs. I was so pleased with how easy it was to follow and how versatile it can be. Plus you can make it in all kinds of sizes, so it really can be whatever you want. I wanted to make this all from my stash, and i was so pleased that it cooperated. I was able to use several vintage reproduction fabrics(my fave!), polka dots(a must) and some yardage i had from IKEA(hippos).

Take some time and go see what the other ladies have made this week. There is so much inspiration to be shared, and lots of pretty things to look at.

Be sure to check out the awesome giveaway she is having as well.....ROYGBIV is my favorite! i am also adding this to this weeks we did it at Sew Much Ado blog

Leslie
Current Project

I am currently working on a batch of purses, the first picture is the ones I cut out last night and the second gives you an idea of what they will look like. I am excited because I haven't made a batch of purses in awhile and I have some new applique ideas. I think I am starting to get out of my sewing slump, finally it feels like it's been forever. It's a good thing cause I have to be ready for 4 that's right 4 craft shows! Am I crazy? This sewing habit has been a good thing for our family, doing our taxes made me realize that we actually had less $ last year than the year before, I thought we had made more, maybe I'm just doing better with what we have. Maybe we're just blessed, maybe both! But me selling my things is great for many reasons, one because it keeps me busy, which I need and it brings in a bit of extra $ which is great, and I love just hanging out at the farmers markets, people watching, chatting with friends, meeting new people. I can't tell you how excited I am that the farmers market season is around the corner! Anyways enough rambling, I have to learn not to spend so much time on the internet! Have a great day!

Guess what tommorrow is? My 50th post giveaway!
Shirt for me!

This sewing for myself is helping me get out of this slump. Look how cute I was yesterday in the pillowcase style shirt I made for myself. Out of a vintage sheet that I love with yellow vines and butterflies, and vintage bias binding with cute flowers on it.

I'm getting excited about my giveaway for my 50th post! Have a great day!
March's quilt block

I finished up the block for Sarah today for a Notion or Two.
She let us do whatever we wanted, I loved her fabrics she sent, they are all bright and happy!
By the way, if you go to Sarah's blog she is having a sweet giveaway that is still open for a couple of days!
Fun Treasures in the Mail

I recently discovered a quilting blog called Modify Tradition. It has lots of great tutorials and holds frequent giveaways and has tons of tutorials. I was very thrilled when i won one about two weeks ago. I received my package on one of our snowiest days....just when things needed a little brightening up.

This cute little apron is reversible...pocket on one side and a lovely strip of fabric on the other sewn onto two dishtowels. I love it!!! But better than just the apron was the extras that were included....i was so excited to find a set of dishcloths and these adorable hand warmers. How cool are those and so appropriate since we have so much snow right now.

Thank you so much...i love everything!!!
Fast Finish and Giveaway

By Sunday afternoon i had pinned the whole top of my Matroyshka Quilt....then i started asking myself. why so many other unfinished projects? The only thing i can come up with is that i was not terribly invested in this one. Mostly a stash buster with nobody for it to really go to...just made it because i liked it!

Avery got to be my holder this afternoon since she was the only one around. The wind was giving us a little trouble but it was the only minute of sunshine we have had in days. Almost did not know what it was!

When i went on the hunt through the stash to find something to back this with i was really at a loss....then i remembered this tablecloth i bought. I just loved the colors... but it did not match anything in my house. Turned out it was the right size and the right colors.

So i got to quilting...just a simple straight line outline of the blocks.

Now for the fun part....to make this quilt i only used one of my 5 fat quarters of this Heather Ross Matroyshka fabric. Simple math says i still have a few left...so i would like to share with all of you nice ladies and giveaway 2 of the fat quarters to one lucky winner. So all you have to do is leave me a comment, just say hey or whatever you feel like. I will plan to choose a winner over the weekend. Sound good? Please make sure to leave me your e-mail or some way to contact you.
Scrap Happiness!!

This week i decided i needed a fast and easy project(i am talking 24 hours from piecing to binding). I also wanted to have a go at some of my scraps!! A personal scrap challenge, if you will, which I found to be harder than i thought. I just can not help myself, i always want to make the fabrics match!

In comes husband....i asked him for help. "Please Hubby, go through my scraps and pile up the ones that look good." He sure did and even snuck in a challenge piece to see if i would use it...can you find the pirate ship?

This denim wonky star is my favorite one. I always see scrap quilts and am stunned at how great they look when nothing is the same color and everything is random.

Right down to the bindings i used scraps...these had been in my bucket all ready to go from previous finished projects.

Today i want to say thank you to the blog friends out there that are still reading my blog. I would love to send you one of these mug rugs as a thank you!!! Please just leave a comment to let me know you were here and i will choose a winner by the end of the week.

Leslie