Saturday, September 10, 2011

Giveaway!!

I've finally finished a commission that I have been working on exclusively for months, so I'm celebrating with a giveaway! Unfortunately, I was so excited to send it off that I forgot to take pictures, but she has promised to send me one soon.


I bought these great necklaces recently from 1 Stitch Off. They custom made them for me, one for my blog, and a Bird in the Window one with my boys initials on it. Aren't they great! I was thrilled with how they turned out. I am giving away one of these necklaces to the lucky winner. You can pick one from their etsy shop, or have one custom made just for you. But you have to read to the end of the post to find out how.




Now that I've finished with the commission, I am ready to tackle the stack of projects I have waiting for me. Which one should I do first?


I bought this Tree of Life panel from Happiness is Quilting last year after Di Ford used it in her Oh Dear, Mrs. Thompkins aka the Burnt Quilt pattern. It's from DenHann and Wagenmaker in the Netherlands. As far as I know, Laura Kay is the only one importing these to the states.


When I opened up the latest issue of Quilt Sampler, it somehow fell open to this!





I knew it had to be Laura Kay's shop. I thought I would use the panel for it, but then when I saw that some of the hexies were made from the D & W chintzes I have coveted for so long, I broke down and bought the kit. I just love the bright fabrics!






You all know I'm partial to Sue Spargo, and with my Imperial Garden BOM shipment, I added a new kit she came out with, Prairie Crocus Carry-All. More bright colors, and I love the jewel tones in the pack of threads. I almost don't want to open it.




And this little guy is on the back. How could I resist?!







I also signed up last month for a 6 month course in silk thread work. I'll be making a set of needlework accessories on 40ct. linen using Au Ver a Soie silk thread.












Aren't they amazing! The course is by Tricia Wilson Nguyen of Thistle Threads. She has several classes using historic needlework techniques. I downloaded the first class, and it is very detailed, with lots of pictures, and a section of historical background with links to more info. You can see more of her work on her website, and be sure and check out her blog. She still has some places left in the class, and you can sign up and see a video of the projects here.



Instead of my usual way, I invested in a roller frame so I could do it right. Some assembly required. You can see some of the rails are split. You insert the ends of your fabric in the splits, and then roll it up so that the section you are working on is in the middle. You can also adjust the tension on the sides, so the piece doesn't get pulled out of shape.






Now for the good stuff. To win the necklace, just leave a comment telling me which project you would most like to see me work on first. I'll draw the winner Thursday night at midnight EST. Good Luck!! While I'm waiting, I'll tackle that frame. And get caught up with my 1807 new emails. :)

30 comments:

Mary said...

Isn't it nice to have that big project done and behind you? That's always such a good feeling. I think you should do the carry-all next. I love the cheerfulness of the bright colors.

Anonymous said...

Good to hear from you Sharon! What a gorgeous list of projects in front of you. My personal fav is the Chintz quilt! I have that panel too (can't wait to start my Burnt Quilt) and I'm working with some DHM chintz at the moment...bliss!

Donna~~ said...

Wow--all your projects are so lovely--I can see why you didn't want to open them. I have no self-control--I'd start them all, one at a time after telling myself I wouldn't. Since I have to pick, I guess I'd like to see the Sue Spargo bag, but honestly I love them all! (But I am coveting that Dutch panel and fabrics.)

JoAnn said...

You can't miss, whichever project you choose...but I do love the Dutch Beauty. I picked up that magazine yesterday...now that I see your "kit" I might have to make a purchase, especially if the panel is hard to find...thanks!

antique quilter said...

hmmm hard choices here so many wonderful projects
oh I love that Di Ford pattern and have been thinking of working on it too...but I would love to see you work more on the Sue Spargo one
I love all the embellishments on her wool blocks...
Kathie

Cheryl Lynch Quilts said...

I vote for Sue Spargo. Working with wool is yummy. And I have been eyeing those necklaces. I wouold love to win one.

Me and My Stitches said...

I vote for Dutch Treat, though they are all lovely. Really love the necklaces - they are really creative and wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win.

Merilyn said...

I do love the Dutch Panel, so I think you should start with that! I'll have to check out the links you provided, the panel is just so inspiring and would make a fabulous centre piece for any quilt. Thanks for a chance to win!

regan said...

I'm voting for the silk threads projects....that way you can put your new frame to use! But I think I would need to start them all, and work on them all a little each day! They are all so lovely, and different, and I think it would be great fun to go from one to the next! Do you only like to do one project at a time?

AdyQuilts said...

The Dutch qilt, naturally - DH&W's chintzes are amazing - the closest you can get to 18th century prints. Ady

Cheryl said...

Great giveaway...thank you for the chance at one of those wonderful necklaces. Personally, I vote for the Sue Spargo tote...love her designs...although all your projects are wonderful. Second choice would be the Dutch Treat. Can't wait to see the commissioned piece.

Miriam said...

Congratulations on finishing your commission! I can't wait to see a photo of it.

The Tree of Life panel is beautiful and those fabrics are delicious! A chintz quilt is on my list too.
The bag is really cute; especially the bird on the back!

However, my vote goes for the set of needlework accessories. That embroidery is very fine! Learning something new is always fun!

......or maybe you could do what regan already suggested and work on a little of all of those projects! :)

Thank you for the opportunity to win such a great giveaway.

Taryn said...

They are all such tempting projects. I would probably go with the Sue Spargo bag first. Her patterns are so cheery and fun.

Frances Leate said...

Congratulations on finishing your commission Lisa and I can see your dilemma chooseing one of those beautiful projects. I think my first choice would be the Dutch Beauty. Take care.

Lori said...

Dutch Beauty! Dutch Beauty!!

So many wonderful projects to choose from!

Janet said...

Hi Lisa,
I would go with the Sue Spargo. It
looks pretty quick and you can have something to show pretty fast.
Love all of the projects.
Janet

Mary said...

My vote is to start with the bag - then you have a place to put some of the other things - and a really cute bag even if they don't fit.

Beth said...

Dear Lisa,

Easy to vote on the project I think you should do first...the one that YOU want to do first :-)

Have a great day,

Beth

Hilda said...

Hi Lisa,
Lovely to hear from you again - and very inspiring as usual. I LOVE the Dutch medallion and am keen to see you do that one! It might get me going to use my panel too ...
You are going to have fun with all those lovely projects :)

Jill said...

All the new projects are great, but if it were me....I just might choose the carry-all. I do not know why, but that little bird was just singing to me to be made. Can't wait to see pictures of what you had been working on.

Nancy in MT said...

Since I love Sue's work, I would start your kit from her.
Nancy in MT

Vivian said...

One of your lucky readers will certainly enjoy having her (or his) name picked. Those necklaces are very special.
I'll enjoy following the progress on any of your projects, but the Dutch quilt is the one I'd like to see started first. The chintzes look so bold and energizing.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Lisa.

Congrat. on finishing your commission. I can hardly wait to see the pics of it. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Me tooo a Sue Spargo Fan so I reckon you should start on that one first sooooooooooooo you can take all your goodies in it to your Sue Spargo Workshop in Nov.!!! Hugs VBG Hugs Judy

Linda in NC said...

What a great array of projects from which to choose! Go for the Sue Spargo kit - how can one resist that little bird?!

jcparrish said...

I have loved working on silk, I'm excited to see you get started on that project!

Anonymous said...

NEAT PROJECTS!
I THINK YOU SHOULD START SUE SPARGO'S KIT-I LOVE THOSE HANDLES+THAT LITTLE BIRD! SO CUTE!
*THANKS SO FOR SHARING!

Quilt Station said...

Lisa!! How can you choose? I think the needlecase etc. embroideries are absolutely *Divine*. But the Dutch Chintzes are gorgeous...I have some and just keep wavering over what I'm going to do with them. good luck in choosing...or just start all of 'em LOL
M xx

Barb said...

definitely the Dutch Beauty!

Bonnie said...

I would love to see the purse done first... it looks neat. So put my vote down for the Prairie Crocus Carry-All. You've got a lot of fun projects planned. B.

PatchworkRose said...

I would definately be doing the dutch beauty. I just adore those Dutch repros and the centre panel is a WOW.
will be watching with interest :-)
Cheers
Lynne off to work on her Maltaville