Winner, winner, Chicken Dinner.

And the winner of the Giveaway is:

emmalemma!

Email me your address and I'll pop the magazine in the mail!

A "Thank You" Giveaway!

I promised a giveaway (probably multiple times) and now I'm finally following through.  I've been wanting to give away something GOOD!

The place I get my Burda magazines is this tiny German deli.  The lady who owns it  lets me peruse the magazines (she keeps them behind the counter) and the older ones are always half off.  Lately when I come in, she gives me FREE older Burdas.  The older ones always have the top of the cover cut off, but the insides are still good!

I already have this one, so I'm giving it to one of you!  I think it has some really nice patterns in it and almost all of them are still fashionable.  

To win this magazine:

1) You must be a follower!  It's a "Thanks for Reading" giveaway after all. 

2) Leave a comment.  I don't care about what.  Surprise me.

3) You can live anywhere in the world.  

4) You must comment before Sunday July 7th at 11:59pm.  I will randomly pick a winner on Tuesday July 9th.  

Good luck!

Name that Dress Giveaway Winner!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the "Name that Dress" Giveaway contest.  It was very entertaining for me.  By the way, surprisingly I got an A on the dress.  I know, totally didn't deserve it.  I don't think she graded on whether it was a good design or not.  I got some points taken off for side seam balance and the fact that I didn't add elastic to stabilize the bodice around the neckline.  Frankly, I got annoyed and decided not to do it even though I know I was supposed to.  

There were a few really funny name suggestions.  My favorite was Lady Be Good's suggestion of "Macrape, "but she didn't want the pattern.  I also enjoyed "Revenge of the Turds" by Thorup. But, in the end, I chose:

livebird!!! with the suggestion of Muck-rame.   The name is cute, and I think captures the essence of my icky, icky dress.

Livebird, please email me at:   rofishman gmail *dot* com with your address and I will get the pattern out to you sometime next week :)  You have until next Thursday, Aug. 18th at 6pm PST to claim your pattern.  

Thanks again everyone who participated and for your words of encouragement.  

Also, a big shout-out to my newest followers:

Jessi

Two Wild Roses, bloggers and antique shop owners in Orange, CA

Karen de Vries

Kitty Meow

Texan, she monograms goat sweaters!!!!!

christina

Making Changes of Seams so Simple

Cheryl

Here's a funny picture of Pearl taken a long time ago that I forgot I had.  I hope I haven't posted it before:

Macrame-d in HELL! Giveaway...

Did you ever watch In Living Color?

This was just one of those projects... When you sew for yourself, you can just decide the project you are working on is a wadder and give up.  Or start over.  I couldn't do that no matter how much I wanted to (well I could have and taken an F, but I'm not that kind of person).  I did my best with the time that I had and made it work.  I really hate my dress.  I didn't like designing it (I'm not proud).  I didn't like redesigning it (still not proud).  Making the pattern was torture (only because I didn't like what I was making the pattern for).  I hated the macrame and I really hated sewing the damn thing.  I really despise sewing something I'm not proud of.  The fabric was surprisingly easy to work with.  My sewing machine didn't even have a problem with the knit.

My in-class critique went better than expected, but I don't think I'm going to get a good grade (which means I'll probably get a "B."  A "B" is a bad grade in my book....don't hate me).  I got decent comments from the teacher and the students which was really weird to me because other than being a different color, the dress is basically the same as the first one I turned in, but with ugly hemp macrame attached to it.

I'm really excited for the next draping project though, a bustier inspired by Valentino.

So here are pictures of "Macrame-d in Hell" Oh, they are on my mom's dress form, so the fit is a little off.   I was too upset in class to take a picture of the dress on the Alva form.  The dress hung (sp?) a little better on the school form so it wasn't a complete mess:

Imagine the macrame being tacked down across the back at a diagonal to the back neckline.
I had to do that by hand in class. 

My mom came up with the name "Macrame-made in Heaven (or Hell)"  I changed it to what you see on the title of this post.

I also came up with:

• Poop Brown Hippy Couture (Hippies, do not be offended. I love hippies.)
• Poopalicious

Don't judge, I'm tired....


My challenge for you readers is to come up with a better or equally good name (I kind of like "Macrame-d in Hell").  Any name.  Clever/Funny is good.  It doesn't haaave to be negative....

The best name will get this pattern that was never claimed in the follower giveaway I hosted a while back:

Here are the rules:

1. Anyone can enter, International too.  Just leave a comment with a name for my dress (don't worry, I won't be offended).
2. Contest ends Friday August 12th at 6pm PST. 
3. I will choose (with the help of the Boyfriend and my family) my favorite name suggestion....so make them good.  
4. The winner will have 4 days from the announcement to claim their prize.  I will pick another winner, if they do not claim the pattern.  
5. If it's waaay offensive (yes, I know I said I won't be offended) I will delete the comment.  
6. Also, only comment if you really, really want the pattern for yourself (please don't resell). :(  If you don't want the pattern, but want to name the dress, just say so. I will not pick you as the pattern winner.  

And the winner is...

FAYE LEWIS!!!

You've won the pattern!

Please email me at rofishman gmail com with your address and I will get the pattern to you ASAP!

Congrats to Faye and thanks to everyone for participating.  I'll have more pattern giveaways periodically through the quarter.  

The Boyfriend is in town now (hooray!) so I won't be sewing and probably not much blogging either.  Still need to take pictures of the dirdl.

I wanna give a shout out to Melissa of Fehr Trade for hosting a Lekala pattern giveaway! I won 2 credits and plan to download 2 patterns very soon! These are the patterns I am considering:

I know I will wear the top and skirt more than the dress, so I'm leaning toward those patterns.  What do you think?

Half Way Done Celebration Giveaway!

Hi Everyone!

Grades have been posted for this past quarter and I'm half way through school!  I'm really excited, but oh so tired.  Unlike other Professional Designation students (those who already have a college degree), I decided to spread my course work out 6 quarters, instead of 5.  I'm a little jealous of my fellow classmates who are more than 1/2 way through the program, but in doing it this way, I have been able to focus more on my studies, I haven't stressed as much, and I'm able to use the FIDM resources an extra quarter.

Anyways, back to the real reason for this post.  A Giveaway! The last giveaway I had was a success, but some readers didn't claim their patterns :(  I decided to hold on to them and give them away at a later date.  Well, today is the day!

I'm giving away this lovely pattern:

If you recall, it is a size 14, Bust 34.  The envelope is torn, (so sad) but the pattern inside is in good shape.  I just love the little bow in front!  

Here are the rules:

1) Anyone can enter, international readers as well.  (just be aware that I will choose the least expensive shipping method, so the pattern may take a while to get there.)

2) There are 2 ways to enter:

           a) Leave a comment saying you would like to be entered.  For fun, let me know what sewing or    crafting you have planned for the summer?

           b)  Link this post to your blog and share with your readers!  Then leave another comment on my blog letting me know you linked to this post.  (Two entries!)

3)  Giveaway closes on Sunday, June 26th at 8pm PST.  I will use the random # generator to pick the winner.  

That's all!  Good luck!

Update: Giveaway winners!

Just a quick update:

The patterns are being shipped out tomorrow! I forgot today was a holiday.

Three winners have not claimed their patterns.  Please check if you have won and email me asap so I can mail them. You have until Tuesday May 31st at 12:00pm Pacific Time. I would like to get everything mailed tomorrow because the week ahead is a busy one.



Also,

Thanks Mariah :) for becoming the newest follower!  Hope you enjoy the blog!

Follower Appreciation Vintage Pattern Giveaway Winners!

Oh my goodness! I never expected to get so many new followers and comments for the patterns!  Thank you, thank you, thank you! I hope all the new followers continue to stick around and hopefully enjoy what they see and read!  Thanks to ALL of my followers and regular commenters.  Every comment and suggestion means so much.

So to the giveaway winner!  I decided to give away patterns to 8 people instead of just 4.  It's my giveaway, I can change the rules :)  And this way, more people get something!  Also, the last two patterns, I randomly drew from the winners and slipped in one of the extra patterns so two of the 8 will get 2 patterns! Because everyone had different "favorites" I read through all the comments and for each pattern, put in the names of the people who wanted that particular pattern in a bowl and then drew.  I promise I closed my eyes!

For the Butterick Blouse the winner is:  The Vintage Mexican Seamstress!

For Simplicity "Funky Dress"the winner is: Sarah!

 For Burda 6900, the winner is: Elyse!

For the Laura Ashley Dress the winner is: Jeannine!

And for the Leotards the winner is: Modern Suzie!

The winner of the Asian-inspired gown is: Carly Manson!

The hammer pants winner is: Penelope10!

The winner of the bolero, pants set is: Kim!

Of all the winners, I drew two for the the additional skirt patterns.

Kim and Elyse get the skirts too!

Congrats to all the winners and thanks to for participating.  Email me with your name and address at and I will get the patterns out to you as soon as I can!


Oh, and for the dressform! Her name is Violet!  Thanks Molly for the great suggestion.  She is definitely purple!


Next up: I have a charmeuse striped 80's blouse I made last Thursday to show you and I'm working on a chambray button up shirt!  It's almost done, but school just got in the way.

Follower Appreciation Vintage Pattern Giveaway! (Update)

Hi Everyone! I've decided to add 2 more patterns to the loot. (The skirt patterns are lame, I know, so I thought I would add these instead).


For rules, see the actual giveaway post.  If you want either of these patterns, let me know on the original posting.  I'll also edit that post to include these two patterns.

1990 Hammer Pants! Size 6, 8.

1971 Bell Bottoms, Skirt, and Bolero.  Pattern a little worn, but I'm pretty sure everything is there! 

Remember:

1) You have to be a follower 

2) Giveaway ends on Tuesday!

Follower Appreciation Vintage Pattern Giveaway!

Hello Everyone!  I've reached 75 Followers so I'm giving away some vintage patterns!

Here's the loot:

1960's ? Butterick Blouse.  Bust 34 Size 14.  I love the bow!

A-Line Skirt!  I have 2, one is Waist Size 30 (above) and one Size 26.  Strangely both are missing the waistband, but it is just a rectangle.  Very easy to draft.

Funky Dress.  Bust Size 34, Size 12.  I almost kept this one for me.

1980's Multi-size Burda Dress.  With the right fabric and  accessories this could be very cute!

Laura Ashley Dress.  Bust 34, Size 12.  Easy to grade I think.

Who doesn't need a leotard.  I threw this one in for fun.  Bust 36, Size 14.

Pretty Asian-inspired dress.  Again, Bust 34, Size 12.  I have a lot this size.  

Edit:
Two more patterns!

Original 1990 Hammer Pants. Size 6, 8.

1971 Bell Bottoms, Skirt, and Bolero. Size 9/10. Bust 30 1/2

The Rules are:

1) You have to be a Follower (you can be a brand new follower, too!)  This is a Follower Appreciation Giveaway, but if you click that little "Follow" button and then leave a comment, you're entered!

2)  I can only ship to to N. America.  I'm a poor college student and international postage rates can be crazy.  If you know otherwise, let me know and I'll ship internationally in the future.

3)  Leave a comment.  I need name ideas for my new dress form, so share a couple names with me.  Oh, and more importantly, which 3 patterns do you like?  I'm giving away 2 per person for a total of 4 winners!  That is, if I get enough comments... I'll try to get you the ones you want :)

That's it!  Comment by Tuesday May 24th at 6:00 PM Pacific Time.

If you have any questions just comment or email me.

Thanks Followers!

And the winner is...

*
Angela!

Email me at ( rofishman ..."at"...  gmail ..."dot"... com ) so I can get the zippers out to you!

And I have a couple new followers!

They are Kim, dfr2010, and Allison!  Thank guys!


School is so busy right now.  I have a lot to blog about, but no time.  I'll try to get a few posts together by this weekend.

Happy Sewing (if you are fortunate enough to have time to actually do it!)

*edit:  I can't get the number generator thing to work on the blog.  I swear, it randomly picked #4, even if it isn't showing up :)

Zipperpalooza: an I have 50+ Followers Giveaway!

Hi everyone!  School is in full swing and I'm up to my neck in sketching and journal assignments.  I still haven't talked about my Draping and Construction class or my Technical Sketching class, but that's for a later entry.  Today is ZIPPERPALOOZA!


I'm finally going to giveaway all those funky zippers as a thanks to all my followers!  To enter you must:

1) Be a follower, or have commented before (but not just on CSN Giveaway post!).   If you've been a long time reader, and can't be a google follower for some reason, let me know.  I could make some exceptions.  It's my giveaway, darn it!  New followers are welcome to enter.

2)  It's open to any country as long as shipping is under $8!    I think the most I'll have to pay for First class mail to Europe and Australia is about $7.50.  I can handle that.  I being really lame, but if I find out shipping is more, I'll randomly pick someone else.   I'm sorry, but I'm a poor college student.

3) Tell me what you plan on doing with one or more of the zippers.

I might split up the loot if there are many comments.

I'll let the random # generator pick the winner.

Contest ends next Tuesday January 25th at 8 PM Pacific Time.  :)

Here's the loot:

(Some are duplicate pictures!)  I'm giving away a few  zips in assorted colors (they are so weird! a cross between a regular zipper and an invisible zipper!), a couple rainbow zips in assorted sizes (one is separating), and a couple white zippers with shiny silver teeth!

Good luck!

Pearl helping with my draping project, a bias slip dress!

Thanks Kerry for following me!  Check out her blog!

CSN Giveaway winner!

Congrats to Pixie! Random.org has selected you.  You have won $35 to the CSN stores online!  I just need your email address so you can get your gift certificate code!



Please email me at rofishman [at] [gmail] [dot] [com]!


I will have my awesome zipper giveaway soon!  I still have to take pictures of my scarf.  I miss sewing so much! I do have an awesome tutorial in the works for pin-less curved seams.  They are easy!  You'll  never cry over sewing a Princess seam again.

Pearl loves the blow dryer. :)

Voting for Pearl's Halloween contest ends soon!

CSN Stores Giveaway!

Hi Everyone!

I'm hosting my very first giveaway on my blog courtesy of CSN Stores. CSN is comprised of over 200 online stores, selling everything from dining room chairs to sewing equipment!  Don't worry, this post isn't really about dining room chairs and you don't have to purchase a chair with your $35 gift certificate from CSN!  But, you may want a new chair for your sewing studio. :)  WOo!  You can buy shoes! or awesome bedding! (my favorite) or pet supplies!  I actually bought one of Pearl's doggie beds at CSN well before I started to blog.  She loves it!  

So here is how this works:

Check out the site and leave a comment telling me what you plan to purchase by Sunday, November 7th at 7:00pm Pacific Time. Creativity counts! I love haikus and limericks.  Actually, I will use random.org to pick my winner, but think of something cool to write anyways!  I need something really entertaining to read in between working on homework assignments now-a-days!   I will also give you another entry if you link to this post!  Just comment again telling me you linked and you will have, count 'em, TWO entries!  YAY!  

Sorry super international folks...I'm pretty sure this is only for US and Canadian residents :(    Also I have been informed that there may be international shipping charges in the case of Canadian addresses.

I will pick the winner of the $35 gift certificate next Sunday night!  Good luck and please keep me entertained!  

(PS. I have not forgotten about the zipper giveaway...there will be one. I promise!)


Thanks Jo Ellen for becoming my newest Follower!  Don't forget to enter for your chance at $35 smack-a-roos!

Doesn't Pearl look like a Bobblehead? 

Thanks everyone and good luck!

A Possible Giveaway

Zipper shown is without zipper pull.

Would any of you be up for a giveaway?  I have 3 more of those rainbow zippers with zipper pulls that I would be willing to share.  Each are about 12 in. long.

If there is enough interest, I'll officially post a giveaway with all the details.  :)