Happy Sunday People!
Hope you all had a great week/weekend! We have been busy trying to clear out some clutter and just tidy up a bit before the moving company comes tomorrow or Tuesday to evaluate the space and see what sorts of boxes, etc.. They'll need to get this house packed up and shipped to Texas! I have had a knot in my tummy all week as I have been going through things, trying to figure out what to take on the plane with us, what to put in our small airfreight shipment and then the rest will hopefully show up a month or two after we arrive. We are also in the final stretch of purchasing the house. We are under contract, had the inspection done (was so weird not being there, but the guy was great and took loads of pictures and sent a very detailed report). We have a few ammendments to submit, since he found a few things that need repair, like the AC units, and then hopefully we will close the first week of August. Gosh, things are moving...they move with or without you, right? So I feel like I am always trying to keep up without totally shutting down from being overwhelmed. This move came on so quickly...a we found out about the job change about a month ago now! So I am still sort of wrapping my head around the whole thing. Anyway, enough of that!
On to the winners of last weeks giveaway. I drew 3 names from the mailing list on Friday afternoon, noon my time, as promised. I heard back from 2 of the 3 winners. Their packages are all wrapped up and will head out tomorrow morning. Staci won the velvet cord bundle. I can't wait to see what she makes with them. Then Tracey won the pink and brown bundle...she was excited about these prints..I hope she loves them! Once I hear from the 3rd winner, I'll let you know who she/he is and where to find her/his work. Natalie is our 3rd winner...she won that fab red bundle of goodness! She says her sister is going to make a quilt for her using the fabrics...fun, fun! The mailing list just has emails, no names, so I had no idea who I emailed!lol Strange, but fun!
Okay, here is the deal on the next giveaway. I figured, in celebration of our move to Texas, I'd put together a fun Red, White & Blue bundle. Here is a picture of what is up for grabs.
This is a mix of fat quarters, quarter yard and half yard cuts. Loads to work with! Perfect for getting together something fun for the upcoming Labor Day celebrations...or even something for the kids for back to school? Remember, to enter to win this, you merely have to be a member of my mailing list. None of that leave a comment stuff...you can of course leave one if you like, but to be entered in the drawing, you'll need to be on the list. So if you are on the list already, you are in. If you have not joined yet, you can do so by looking to your right on the side bar....type in your email address, confirm the enrollment by checking your email box and clicking on the link, and snap, you are added to the list. You'll then qualify for all the drawings I'll be doing from here on out. Easy,right? I'll draw one winner on Monday, July 28th.
Now, can I talk about Texas a little? When we went to Texas 2 weeks ago to check out the area and look at the schools, houses, etc., that was actually our very first time in the State. I am an East Coast girl and hubby is European. We had our idea of what it would be like (it was not that great) and man, were we pleasantly surprised. Houston has an odd layout to us, and the lack of zoning made for some interesting neighborhoods for sure. There was also construction, everywhere!! I mean, everywhere! New homes, new schools, new shopping areas! Gracious! But there were some really gorgeous areas and there is just an insane amount of family thingsto do, museums, theatre, shopping, restaurants, sports...I could go on and on. We are looking forward to exploring and getting out and about once we settle in. And the weather...forget it!! We were happy sun soaking folks! We were warned about the heat and humidity, but we felt quite comfortable. It was HOT, but not too humid (I am used to hot, humid Baltimore weather!). Maybe it was just the contrast to the gray, drizzly Duesseldorf weather, but we absolutely loved the weather. One thing we liked the most was just the friendliness of the people! Southern Hospitality is strong there for sure...we love that! And the fact that we found a house with a swimming pool, palm and banana trees and 2 nice work spaces for me did not hurt!lol Plus the school is around the corner, so we can still bike to school, which Leah is soo excited about. When we first moved here, she was bummed about not being able to ride the yellow school bus to school (they don't have school buses here), but now, she could care less...biking is the only way to go for this girl!
Okay, more about Houston later. I could go on and on. I am especially excited about being able to go to Quilt Market this Fall!! But I won't even go there right now! I can hardly wait to add to this:
Yup, those are a few peeks at my mess of a "studio". See, there is some empty space there for some new bolts! I have a ton of fabric that has been washed and dried, but needs to be ironed and put on the shelves. Like these...
I love how they look when ironed and stacked!
I'll be going through and pulling out fabrics to put in my air freight shipment and my suitcase. I'll be sending the sewing machine and serger over on the airfreight also, along with some clothes to launch the website with, finally! I am also hoping to get in some summer sewing for my own wardrobe. I pulled these fabrics to start with.
And I bought some new patterns when we were in Texas...I LOVE Vogue patterns, they are just the best in my opinion.
I also like McCalls. I bought that at Joann's, too.
I had not been in a Joanns since we moved here over 2 years ago. And the one I found was in horrible shape. But they had a pattern sale going on...love that. I think the value for these patterns is just unmatched. The Vogues were on sale for $3.99 and the McCalls were $1.99!
I also want to make a couple skirts from this book, Sew What Skirts.
One of my sewing students used this book to make a couple skirts during my sewing lessons..remember I mentioned that back in this post. When you think about how many different skirts you can make with this book, it is such a value at ! It is filled with great instructions for making your own patterns and all the styles are very simple to make.
I also want to make this bag
from Bend The Rules Sewing by Amy Carol.
I bought the book because of this bag! I really need to make it soon.
One last thing before I head out today. I wanted to mention to you all that I'll be doing a fun giveaway to members of my Operation Sewing Room Organization Group on Flickr. I talked about the group here, remember? Since I will to set up my studio in the new house, I have been looking through the group for inspiration! There is so much there. I am telling you, people have set up some really amazing work spaces for themselves! I have been inspired by many and thought I would share some of the spaces here on the blog. So offered a challenge to the members of the group. I'll be showcasing some of the spaces from members of that group. I am looking for people that are willing to let me showcase their spaces, espcecially before and after pictures. All who participate will be entered to win a huge box of sewing supplies from me. The box will include fabric, sewing notions, vintage patterns, all kinds of goodies that I no longer need. I'll snap pictures soon, and will start showcases the studios toward the end of this week. If you are interested in participating, please do so! You can read more about it in the discussions section. Leave me a note there and I'll be sure to feature you and enter you in the drawing as well.
Okay, I think that is enough for a Sunday morning!! Thanks for stopping by and we'll talk soon!
Hugs,
Sheree
Sheree I was the other girl that won your beautiful fabric. I sent and email that must not have gone through. I just sent another one and I hope you get this one. So sorry about that. I am just so excited to have won the beautiful fabric!!!! Thank you!!!!
Posted by: Natalie Edwards | July 20, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Hi Sheree,
schade, dass du Deutschland verlässt. Schreibst du in diesem Blog weiter? Hoffentlich, denn ich habe ihn immer so gerne gelesen.
Ich wünsche dir und deiner Familie eine glückliche Zeit in Texas.
Die beiden ersten Schnittmuster von DKNY sind einfach traumhaft.
Ich beneide dich um den "Quilt-market" in Houston.
Ganz liebe Grüße
Gabi
Posted by: bastelliesel | July 20, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Liebe Gabi,
Danke fuer die lieben Glueckwuensche. Ich werde meinen blog weitermachen und ausfuehrlich vom Quilt market in Houston berichten.
Auch, Ich habe versucht Dir eine email zu schicken, aber die email kam wieder zurueck. Du wolltest zu meinem privaten Verkaufsblog Zugang haben. Email mir doch bitte direkt und ich schicke Dir den link.
Natalie, thanks for resending that email. Hmm, wonder what happened, and am now wondering what other emails I did not get? Drats...gotta look into that.
Thanks Girls,
Sheree
Posted by: sheree | July 20, 2008 at 11:11 AM
wow Sheree! You've got loads going on, and a great attitude!! I'm excited for your move, Houston is a cool city!
Posted by: Penny | July 20, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Hi Sheree. Your fabrics are so pretty. My brother lives in Houston and adores it there. I'm sure you and your family will also. Question? I tried to sign up for your email listing but I got an error and I'm not sure it went through. Could you drop me a line when you get a chance to let me know? If not, I need to try again. Thanks.
Elena
Posted by: Elena | July 20, 2008 at 08:45 PM
Green with envy when I look at all your beautiful fabrics! This is a fantastic collection you have here. Wow!
Posted by: Lisa | July 21, 2008 at 07:44 AM
Sheree I'm absolutly jelous (not sure if it's well written - sorry) of aaaaaalllll your fabric :o)
I can't imagine your "to do" list!!! So many things going on... Those patterns are amazing, but the DKNY dress is my very fave. I want to see the result on that!
And, once again, thank you soooo much for your generosity with all these giveaways you're doing! You are a sweet girl!
Big hug***
Posted by: bu&bau | July 22, 2008 at 02:04 AM
Hello Sheree,
I sent you an email. I hope that the mail-adress is right.
Hugs
Gabi
Posted by: bastelliesel | July 22, 2008 at 02:47 AM
Hi Sheree,
I´m wishing you all the best for your move! I´m happy for you that you have found a nice new home. I´m looking forward to the first pics you are hopefully posting. All the best and a big hug to you and your sweet family
Sandra
Posted by: Friederike! & Sandra | July 22, 2008 at 11:19 PM
I was so amazed with your fabric that I totaly forgot to congratulate the 3 lucky ladies:
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Posted by: buebau | July 23, 2008 at 07:19 AM
my , my what a collection you have ! it's beautiful! i just stumbled upon your blog and i think it's great! i'll visit again for sure!
Posted by: nicole | July 23, 2008 at 08:47 AM
congratulations to the lucky winners! And how lucky for me that you are sending me some fabric too! It was so lovely to hear from you today! Thank you so much for letting me know about this wonderful flickr group. I adore looking at people's craft spaces, but I am more utilitarian than designer in making my sewing room. I would love to join though.
Your fabrics are so beautiful! I am excited for you in your move and new shop in the US. How fun to get to go to quilt show!
Hugs from Emily
Posted by: Ravenhill | July 23, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Wow! Great giveaway to celebrate a move to Texas. I love Texas. I went to college in San Antonio. Do not fool yourself, though, Houston is CRAZY humid and hot. Be prepared to have bad hair days if you are not used to it! My sewing studio has racks like yours, and, I am glad to say, I am not the only one with that much fabric! Ravenhill sent me here to visit you. -- Michele
Posted by: Michele C | July 23, 2008 at 07:27 PM
I just wanted to say that I love your fabrics. It's just wonderful! I could sit in your sewing studio all day and just stare. It's my dream to finally, one day, have all of my fabric where I can see it.
Posted by: Christy S. | July 24, 2008 at 01:30 PM
your fabric collection is awesome! WOW... amazing
Posted by: amy | July 25, 2008 at 12:36 AM
I have that angry chicken book too!! I have wanted to make a few things out of there lately. I would love to see your bag when you are done.
Posted by: Renee | July 25, 2008 at 06:10 AM
I can't believe that I didn't even notice the part about operation organization the first time I read this post. I really didn't get past all the yummy fabric goodness. I also spent some time starting at the "need to iron stack" because I have most of those fabrics myself and they really look pretty the way you have them displayed. I also wanted to say definitely make the Bend the Rules bag. I've made two and love, love, love them. I must say that I did end up adding some batting to the straps, I made my first one out of linen and it was digging into my shoulders (I'm not going to blame it on all the stuff that I put in there). I also had a bit of a fraying problem because I used a loose weave linen. If you want to hear me blather on and on about the bag and changes that I've made, please feel free to drop by my blog. In the meantime, I'm going to pop over to Flickr. I already have one heck of a before shot that I posted on my blog last night. Rather scary if you ask me.
Posted by: Christy S. | July 25, 2008 at 08:22 AM
I am going to quilt market in Houston this fall too!
I love that Bend the Rules Sewing book and I just ordered the Sew What Skirts book from the library!
Love the peeks at your fabrics!
Missy
Posted by: missy | July 25, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Congratulations to the winners in your giveaway!
My eyes went into eye candy overload with that peek at your stash. Oh, my! Such beautiful abundance.
Wishing you all the best with your move to Houston.
Posted by: Katherine | July 28, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Congrats on your move I love your blog, I just discovered it and I am going to add you to my blogroll
Posted by: mona | July 28, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Sweetie, we in Texas look forward to you getting here as fast as you can!
Posted by: Mindy | July 29, 2008 at 07:08 AM
your fabric collection is to die for! I love how you color coded it, too. In my opinion, it's the only way to go!
Posted by: amandajean | July 29, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Congrats to moving to Texas and 5 hours south of me. I've lived in Texas since my family moved us here from Southern California when I was 5 years old and I still can't handle the heat and humidity! I hope all of your fabric makes it here undamaged along with you and your family. Too bad some of it can't get mysteriously misdirected to my house, lol. I love that first DKNY pattern and the Vogue with the three different colored dresses and I may just have to get them for myself.
Posted by: Childfree Trophy Wife | August 09, 2008 at 04:04 AM