Gracious Giveaway from Down Under

I don't enter many blog giveaways and have only held one of my own.  When BeaJay of On the Road to Sew Wear asked readers to guess which of seven statements was not true, I thought it would be fun to guess.  I didn't expect to win anything - especially since my guess was not exactly the correct answer!  BeaJay was kind enough to enter the names of those who selected the 'sort of not true' statement and mine was picked.  I was totally excited because, like I said, I hardly respond to blog giveaways and thus never win! When I came home from being out and about on Monday, I was happy to see a package from Australia in my mailbox.

I use thread snips ALL OF THE TIME!  I have one by my sewing machine, one by my serger (both machines sit on the same table) and one on my cutting table.  Despite having three snips within close proximity of each other, I can't find one when I need it.  Thank you!

Tweezers are necessary to thread my serger and coverstitch machine.  I just can't do it without them.  My tweezers have learned how to walk and regularly take short trips in and out of the sewing room.  How cute are these?

I've never seen pins like this before.  I am anxious to use them to see how they hold fabric when sewing and serging - especially when sewing knits.  I think this would be great in easing sleeve caps without the double row of ease-stitching.

There have been a couple of reviews of this pattern on PR.  I love how it looks and am happy that I have the chance to try it!  I can see this in a nice navy wool suiting. 

OMGosh!  What a tremendous help these fabric cards will be!  Now I don't have to guess how much fabric I need to make certain patterns - especially if they're out of print.  The cards give information about standard pattern sizes, body measurements, as well as how much extra fabric to purchase if your garment length/volume is mini, average, or maxi.   What a great idea!

I have fabric very close in color to both the peach and sky blue buttons in this package.  This could not have been more perfectly timed!

I don't think BeaJay knew this, but the bubble wrap is a gift in itself.  If bubble wrap ends up in my hands, it will certainly be rendered useless.  I don't buy bubble wrap just for the sake of popping it.  But if I get it in a package, I won't be reusing it.  Must.  Pop.  Bubbles.

Aww shucks BeaJay!  Thank you so much for this wonderful package of goodies.  I will put everything to good use.  Thank you!

L

Pattern Giveaway

I first started sewing in the spring of 2004 while still living in NYC. My first sewing class, taken at a fabric store in Brooklyn, was taught be a self-described established tailor with more than 40 years of experience.  Upon entering the class, I was excited to learn how to make my own clothes.  The instructor was very good at describing how to use a sewing machine as well as how to read a pattern.  When it came to actually sewing the garment, she was moderately helpful in that her frustration with our newbie-ness sometimes surfaced.

I remember everything about the project except the pattern number.  It was a Butterick pattern that included pants, a skirt, jacket, and dress.  I no longer have the pattern; I think I sold it on PR or recycled it.  The fabric I used was a maroon polyester suiting that did not respond well to pressing.  The pattern called for a center back zipper, but since we were newbies, she had us extend the waist up a couple of inches and insert elastic.  Since I didn't know anything about pattern sizes, my skirt didn't fit.  It was way too big (she told me to buy a size 18) and formless.  I gave it away and vowed to never touch a sewing machine again. I don't give up that easily.  I bought a sewing machine later that year and never looked back.  Sewing is a part of my life and I hope to continue honing my skill, creating good-fitting clothes that I like, and forging new friendships with those who share the same sewing desires.

So what was your first pattern or sewing experience?  Share your story in the comments section by Monday, 20 August.  From the stories presented, I'll randomly select two people with which to gift three patterns of your choice - postage paid. Visit this link to view the patterns up for grabs. 

L