giveaway winners

Time for some winners! I was going to write all of the names and put them in a bowl and let my big guy pull three out, but then my friend Leigh advised me to use random.org. Because I would have had to write out almost ninety entries.

I wanted to address that first. Oh my goodness. I really expected to have about six entries for each giveaway. I counted up in my head who might read my blog and enter and that's what I was expecting. Honestly, I was pretty scared to even put a giveaway out there. I just wanted to thank my faithful and sweet readers for spreading the word about my big fat (tiny little) giveaway! And thanks to my facebook friends who came over, too!

That said, here we go: for the first giveaway, random.org picked number 13, Leslie, who said she'd probably use the extra large bag for makeup inside a larger bag.

For the second giveaway, random.org picked number 17, Chris and Sarah, who said she'd use the small bag for coupons (which I completely understand because the coupons can be overwhelming!).

For the third giveaway, random.org picked number 4, fashionfrugality, who said she'd wear the necklace for New Year's Eve.

Y'all be looking for an email from me!

fluff

1. If it's ok with everyone I will draw the winners of the giveaways on Thursday and post them then. Be sure to check in on Thursday!

2. A good friend of mine moved back to Columbia about two years ago. She had been living in Chicago where she went to the Aveda Institute and apprenticed. She is now my stylist and has taught me how to make some sense out of my hair when it's curly-which it is naturally. I have to say that even if I have one of those said the wrong things, fell in front of the cool kids, failed at everything I put my hand to days, I still have good hair. Bless her.

3. Generally, I do not like new Christmas music. I like the classics. I don't mind a new recording but it takes a good little while for me to let in a new holiday song. This year, though, I am in big sparkly HEART! love with "Winter Snow." I believe it is on Chris Tomlin's Christmas cd. It is sweet and will bless your heart.

4. I am hosting my Bible study Christmas brunch tomorrow morning. Most of these ladies have known me long enough to know that I am a hot mess so I know there will be grace. Still. I want it to look nice for them. The problem is that I don't want to put the effort into cleaning top to bottom to have it get all messy again. So. I am straightening without really cleaning and I guess the plan is to get up early in the morning to put the sparkle into it.

That is all.

the big fat giveaway: day three****NOW CLOSED****

Today's giveaway features one of my new items: the handmade recess necklace. Floral embellishments are everywhere this season. This necklace features a brown and purple hand-fashioned florette strung from brown grosgain ribbon and a gold chain. I just love these necklaces; they are perfect with a baby doll top or a t-shirt and cardigan.

Here are the rules:

1. Leave a comment and, just for fun, tell me where you think you'd wear this necklace. Just one comment, please!

2. I'll leave this open until next Wednesday night, December 9, at 8 pm.

3. If you post about the giveaway on facebook or blog about it, you can earn an extra entry! Just make sure I can find your post. I don't have a button, but feel free to grab the graphic at the top of this post.

4. At this time, I'm not able to ship internationally.

the big fat giveaway: day two****NOW CLOSED****

*****updated giveaway rules below*****

It's day two! I am writing this ahead of time so I have no clue what the response was to day one's giveaway. Today I am offering up one of my best sellers: the handmade recess small bag. I love the contrast of the rust and lime green on the exterior. This bag is fully lined with a grey geometric pattern.

Maybe you don't have one clue in the world what you'd do with a small bag. I use mine for makeup. It's just the right size to fit in most bags. Do you have an evening out planned? The small bag makes a perfect little clutch. Throw in your lipstick, a little change and your keys and you're ready to go. Maybe you're not the traditional wallet girl. I actually used a ziploc bag for about three months after my purse was stolen this summer. If you're the kind of girl who prefers a pouch over a wallet, the small bag is perfect.

Here are the rules:
1. Leave a comment and, just for fun, tell me what you think is the best use for the bag. Just one comment, please!

2. I'll leave this open until Tuesday night, December 8, at 8 pm.

3. If you post about the giveaway on facebook or blog about it, you can earn an extra entry! Just make sure I can find your post. I don't have a button, but feel free to grab the graphic at the top of this post.

4. Right now I am only able to ship within the US. I honestly didn't think about having anyone reading internationally!

the big fat giveaway: day one***NOW CLOSED***

*****updated giveaway rules below*****

To start the giveaways off, I'm offering up a handmade recess extra large bag. This bag features a very fun floral and fruity print and is fully lined with raspberry seersucker.

Maybe you wonder what in the world to do with a large zippered bag? It works great as a clutch. It's the perfect place to stow diapers and wipes and will fit inside a larger bag (I don't really use a large diaper bag anymore because I'm not that organized, but I always hated digging around for my diapers). It is just the right size for toting your toiletries or hair thingies when you travel. Crayons and notepad fit well in it; stow it in your car for those long trips.

Here are the rules:

1. Leave a comment and, just for fun, tell me what you think is the best use for the bag. Just one comment, please!

2. I'll leave this open until Monday night, December 7, at 8 pm.

3. If you post about the giveaway on facebook or blog about it, you can earn an extra entry! Just make sure I can find your post. I don't have a button, but feel free to grab the graphic at the top of this post.

4. Right now, I am only able to ship within the US. I honestly didn't think about anyone reading internationally!

Beginning next Monday, November 30th, three days of giveaway goodness will arrive to kick off the holiday season. Each day I will offer one fun handmade recess item up. Want to know what I'll be giving away? It's a surprise (because I haven't decided yet). It'll be good though. Spread the word. Browse the etsy shop. Be here Monday.

three things: fabric sources

I think the number one question I get at shows is about where I get fabric. I am still amazed that most of the fabric I order is quilting fabric. It's just not what I envision when I picture a handmade quilt. Still. It's beautiful and people want to know about it.

I have three favorite places to look for fabric.

I always start with Sew Mama Sew. I used to shop other sites, but I've become increasingly loyal to the SMS ladies. I like the look of the site and love the sale section. Pretty much everything I buy from them is in their sale section, except for the few yards of fabric that I just have to have. The great thing about Sew Mama Sew is their shipping. They've gone to a flat rate, but a Tuesday order always arrives by Thursday.

The second place I like to look is etsy, which hosts some sweet little fabric shops. It's not a great place for buying continuous yards but there are lots of fun little bundles to search through.

After I've stocked up on all of the more uncommon pieces I want, I will usually visit my local quilting store. About a year ago, my little shop started carrying some of the more modern designers like Amy Butler, Heather Bailey and Joel Dewberry. The selection's small, but I don't have to pay for shipping.

As far as designers go, I do like Amy Butler but I really love Joel Dewberry, Heather Ross and Heather Bailey. Sometimes that leads to some pretty unique items (like a large bag with octopi all over it or an apron with deer silhouettes covering it) but when I'm ordering I try to buy what I really love and trust that it will all come together in the end.