We have a winner!
Here are your random numbers:
77
Timestamp: 2009-04-30 13:30:12 UTC
I’ll be in touch soon!
As I have now mentioned enough times to make everyone sick of hearing about it, I haven’t watched television for years. My no TV habit has created quite a bit of free time in the evenings since I am not watching television. It would be very easy to replace television with computer and there are nights that are spent blogging away, but there are others activities I enjoy as well.
- Reading ~ I love to read. I prefer nonfiction, but I will occasionally read a fiction book or two. Usually, if I read fiction, it is a book my children want to read, so I read it first to preview it. I just finished Don’t Eat This Book: Fast Food and the Supersizing of America
by Morgan Spurlock. This book is sort of a continuation of his movie Super Size Me
. I liked the book but I don’t think it was the best choice for me to read right now. After reading the book I never want to buy anything prepackaged or eat fast food ever again. The fast food thing isn’t a big deal, but the prepackaged thing is kind of difficult to manage when you have just a had a baby. There are some interesting stats and figures about the food industry and it is a good read. The only negative is that Spurlock has a potty mouth. I would have much preferred this book sans the colorful language.
- Games ~ I love to play games, cards, board, it doesn’t matter. My husband likes them too, the only negative is that we are both highly competitive and good at different games so we sometimes have trouble agreeing what to play. Personally I prefer Scrabble and Dutch Blitz
since I cream him every time. He would prefer to whip me in Risk or Trivial Pursuit. We compromise and play a lot of Yahtzee and Rummikub
.
- Exercise ~ I don’t do this enough, but I do love to take walks on cool summer evenings. I have a temperature requirement of it not being too hot or too cold (yes, just call me Goldilocks) but when the weather is great I love to be outside.
- Crafts/ Sewing ~ I don’t think my husband knew exactly what he was getting into when he married the crafty wannabe. Back then I had little skills, little talent, little money, and lots of ideas. I turned everything into a craft and he had to live with some pretty rough attempts. Odd looking Christmas ornaments, lopsided curtains, and glue guns plugged into every outlet. These days I have narrowed my focus, took some lessons, read lots of books and websites and now spend most of my craft energy sewing.
Recently I stumbled across an awesome craft site called You Can Make This This site is loaded with awesome craft/ sewing projects that are actually easy to make and don’t cost a ton of money! Right before I was put on bed rest I started to make this cute knot purse. I think I spent under $5 on the materials. I wasn’t able to finish the purse, because sewing projects were not allowed on bed rest, but I plan to finish it soon. The directions were very clear and easy to follow. They tell you exactly what you need to make the project and there are step by step instructions with pictures.
The best part about You Can Make This is that all their projects are in eBook form and ready for immediate download after purchase. This makes this site perfect for all those last minute gifts when you want to pull an all nighter sewing or working on a project. (Come on, admit it we have all done it!) I also thought this particular purse would make a great Mother’s Day gift. Once you download the pattern you can use it over and over again, and your only cost would be the materials.
I only wish I had heard about this site years ago when I was still torturing people with my craft disasters.
Of course, the generous ladies at You Can Make This have offered to giveaway a bundle worth over $50. Included are instructions for making a Child/Adult Apron Set, Women’s Reversible Wrap Skirt, “She Loves Me, She Loves Me KNOT” Handbag, The Reversible Patchwork Bucket Hat, and Boy’s Ties. I can assure you, you don’t need lots experience to be able to make these projects, they are simple, easy to follow and very basic. I would show you pictures of my half finished purse, but it probably wouldn’t convince you. Wouldn’t it be nice to give your mother-in-law a cute purse made by you this Mother’s Day? These projects are easy enough to include your older children in the process as well.
To enter the contest head over to the You Can Make Thissite and find a project you would like to make. Leave me a comment telling me what item you chose. For a second entry twitter about this contest, and leave me a second comment letting me know you tweeted. Contest ends April 29th in the evening.
I like the simple tote bags. I’m so bad at sewing though–I’ll have to try one of their free items to make sure it’s fool proof!!
I would love the womens wrapskirt or the aprons
Everything looks so cute.
The knot purse! It’s awesome! Everything is fantastic!
Thanks for finding this site. It is just what I have been looking for. I am thinking seriously about trying the Personalized Name Pillow for my friend who is having her eighth baby in July (her first girl!)… I saw so many ideas on there! Thanks!
I want to make an apron…I like the “Make an “Oh-So-Chic” Apron!” What a neat site, thanks for sharing!
I would love to make the wrap skirt…or ANY bag…or just about anything I see there!! Thanks for the chance to win!
I wasn’t sure that I knew how but I just retweeted for another entry! I downloaded Tweetdeck last week but I forget to use it…I find myself flipping back and forth between Twitter and FB.
I want to make the beaded pony “o’s” for my little girl! Or anything else!
I would love to make that knot purse. So cute!
Heehee, I love that site! I have several things on my wish list including the fat quarter wristlet, the gaming device wristlet, the bucket hat, the wrap skirt, and the knot purse. Now if only I had the talent to complete one of those projects lol
I would love to make the Tie for your little guy, Boutique all purpose tote, or Incognito wallet. Wow, I love that site! Thanks for the link!
I just tweeted the contest too
Oh, I love all teh girls dress patterns. Especially the little miss and the apron dress. It’s hard to beleive I could make them. I’m not very talented in the creativity department!
i love the baby girl shoes!
Wow! What a great website! I would love to make the Reversible Patchwork Bucket Hat for my boys and the “Oh So Chic” Apron for me
Thanks for the link!
the wrap skirt looks great thanks for the giveaway
That site is awesome. It was hard to decide but I’m loving that purse!
Wow what a great site(another place to suck away my time!). That wrap skirt looks awesome(and comfy!).
I would love to make aprons since I absolutely love them.
I love that site! I’ve never made anything from them but I plan on it! My favorites are the aprons. Especially the kid ones.
I would like to make the boys ties, up to size 10. They look great, and its something my girls and I have always wanted to learn to do for my little guy. Thanks!
Kim from “You Can Make This” is an absolute DOLL. She is truly one of the most generous and thoughtful people I have had the pleasure to know. I saw someone mention her Personalized Pillows – she sent one for my oldest daughter and it is a treasure.
All of the ebooks on the site are fantastic, but I highly recommend anything by CarlaC. I am a huge advocate of all of the patterns she designs. They are great for people who are new to sewing, but also offer tons of room for creativity for those who are ready for a challenge.
You can see a few of my creations from YCMT ebooks on my blog (with your TV-free time!)
http://riches-of-my-soul.blogspot.com/2008/10/apple-day-or-two-or-three.html
http://riches-of-my-soul.blogspot.com/2008/09/girly-girls-love-pinkalicious-birthday.html
xoxoxoxo
I would love to make the mixer set. Wow! It is amazing. My girls love to play “kitchen” and they would love this!
I so want to make my daughter a “Bowznstuff Petal Skirt,” but I’d probably have to start with something simpler.
I love YOU CAN MAKE THIS!!! I have made several things from them. My favorite is the Belle Ellyse Pinafore dress. I’d love to make the woman’s reversible skirt!!!
I love walks too but I with you it has to be the perfect temp!
This is a cool website! Thank you for the tip! The chef’s hat had my daughter’s name all over it (we pretend that we’re wearing chefs hats EVERY time we cook together), and lo and behold, the pattern was free! Hooray!
So, since that is free, I would love the felt food. So cute!
Really like the apron. I have started some quilts but never finshed them on my own LOL
I would make the reversible wrap skirt or maybe the Stay dry bathing apron and towel.
The ‘Make a Chic Stroller Pad’ looks great – I love quilting, and this seems like a practical, useful project for my new little one on the way. The new baby will have twin sisters not even two years older then her, so it would be fun to have something special, just for her, that helps set her apart!
P.S. – That’s my husband’s picture that popped up – I’m not sure why – he used to have a music blog, maybe our email still stores his info when I comment? That’s weird. You can delete this comment, I just wanted you to know it’s really a girl (Kristen) and not some strange man who is leaving a comment about baby quilting projects!
I would like to try to make an apron. I asked for one for Christmas a couple years ago and I was thinking one of those cute girly aprons, well my husband bought me like a restaurant apron. The thought was nice and it does come in handy but not quite what I was looking for.
I would love to try to make the wrap skirt and the purse. So cute!
I would love to try the handbag — I’m not very crafty, but I could try that!!
Thanks for the giveaway.
I would love to make the simple tote bags to use for grocery bags and the knot purse is too cute – can I give up my coach handbag for it? Maybe!
What a great site!! I hadn’t seen that before. I’m thinking of picking out a twirl skirt to make for my DD who loves to dance. Thanks!
I would love to make the Boutique all purpose tote. I feel like I always have to carry a ton of stuff for my infant and toddler and am always looking for a good functional bag. It would be cool to make one that would be just what I am looking for. They look so cute too.
I just fell in love with a new website!! Thanks for blogging about them. I am really trying to improve my sewing skills so I would really like to try the “Turtle, Crab and 4-block” bibs. Start simple, you know!
What a great site! I am a handbag fanatic and my daughter is following in my footsteps. I would love to make the Mom & Me Handbags and I loved the Aivilo Pokcet Handbags. I am not very good at sewing, but have done a few things in the past. Thanks for the chance to win some patterns!
Since I have a little boy, I’d love to have the tie pattern! Not only would it save money, he’d have some unique ties to wear on Sunday.
I’d love to make the John dolls. It’s so hard to find cute boy dolls and my son would love these.
I’d like to make the Boutique 5 Petal Flower Clip
I’d like to make the embellished patchwork twirl skirt.
Oh, my goodness. Thank you for sharing this site. I don’t know what my favorite would be….the wrap-around skirts for toddlers are adorable and their are a ton of tutu patters. I would love to try the purse, too, Make sure you post it when your done…thanks so much for this opportunity.
Love the wrap skirt and girl’s twirl skirts!
I am not much of a seamstress, although it’s something I am dying to try! I would LOVE to make the “growing up with Rosy twirl pants” my three girls ALWAYS want to wear a skirt and some days it’s just not practical, but this would be!! thanks for a great giveaway and the opportunity to use You Can Make This
There were so many cute things! I love the little girl dresses and things. It was so hard to pick just one, but I think I would go for the Elleoelle studios Perfect Dress for little girls. I have two little ones that would look adorable in that! (Although, I do happen to think they look adorable all the time!)
Oh this is such a great giveaway!!! I’m learning to sew…slooooowly… this will motivate me!!1 i need an apron, i love the “How to Make a Hostess Apron” thanksss!!
I love that site. I have lots of favorites but I really like the undies pattern from that darn kat.
Oh, I want to make so many things! I like the precious dress, and the Sara bibs. And the cute shoes!!
I like the all the rage raglan. Very cute.
There are too many fun things to make! I do like the knot purse though. I also like the play tepee, but $19 seems a little steep for just a pattern! I would love to win.
Thanks!
I’m all over The Precious Dress. My daughter is uber-interested in sewing right now and her goal is to make summer dresses for herself and her li’l sister. Perfecto.
Totally Twittered this, too!!
I love the Modern Accents Handbag. I’ve been looking for a new diaper bag and finally gave up when I couldn’t find a pattern that I liked-making this would solve that problem!
WOW! cool site!!! soo much great stuff but for now, i think i’d choose the nativity http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/crafts/Nativity-Felt-Set-Patterns-and-Instructions.htm because my sewing machine is put away in the shed and not a chance it is fitting in my house anymore since we are preparing for the twins!!
Rebecca
I am going to try to make Miss Madeline – Peasant Dress. I have 2 girls, ages almost 6 and almost 4. The sizes say 5-10, but once i make the bigger one, Im sure i can adapt it to fit my younger daughter!
Your blog is amazing. So many cool tips and websites, and of course i love to read updates about Cora!
so we aren’t going for no tv but trying for less. today tv was a motivator to get the house clean, they really dont watch tv but play games. after looking around the house and seeing a natural disaster in the making I declared no tv or computer till the whole house is cleaned up, I’ve never see those boys work so hard to accomplish something together before and I have a put back together house again. ahhh, i should try this more often, lol
The Simple Tote Bag
Definitely the apron! My 2 1/2 yr old loves to help me cook and I’ve been wanting to make us matching aprons!
I like the knot purse!
The precious patterns dolls would be the cutest baby gift!
This is a great site, and I love your blog – only found it about two weeks ago.
It’s hard to pick only one thing, but I think I would go with the diaper clutch. After ten years of huge diaper bags I’m ready for a change!
Oh, my goodness…all those baby booties are just too much, I would love to make me some of them. BUt the shopping cart cover is right up my alley too. What a fun giveaway!
I’m a quilter, so the sweet dreams baby quilt looks fun.
The knot purse, definitely. I’ve finally made the switch from one purse to a few purses and this one is darling! (Plus, I can make it in fabric that goes with all my clothes…and only own one purse!)
Thanks for sharing info about this site. It was hard to pick just one pattern I’d like to try… but I selected The Aivilo Pocket Handbag because it has pockets both inside and out and it might help me stay organized.
There are so many things to check out. If I had the chance I think I might try a twirl skirt for my littlest one. She loves to to twirl. I have not sewed much since I was in 6th grade home ec.
I’m a longtime silent reader, but first time commenter.
I really love the Sew a Teepee Tent project…yep sounds ambitious, all that fabric but the results look exciting! Wish I had one as a kid.
Too many to choose from! First I think I would love to make the clip on bow tie for my grandson and the a knot handbag for myself, and then a twirl skirt for my granddaughter and then maybe some ties for my older grandsons–think they would wear them?
I really like the duet apron set. Very cute stuff!
Everything is so cute! I really like the apron skirts. I have never sewn in my life but have always wanted too.
I would love ot make a bucket hat for my son. Its hard to find cute hats for boys, the shelves are always full of great hats for girls.
I’d love to make the children’s aprons.
I would probably make the Woman’s Reversible Wrap Skirt. Mainly because I am in need of another skirt for myself, but also because it’s SO cute.
I Tweeted it! http://twitter.com/Missy_Lou/status/1593956101
I love the site!! I have been there a few times, but I haven’t brought myself to buy anything of yet. I love the knot purse that you are doing. It is adorable!
The wrap skirt is also adorable!!
Wow! What a fabulous site! I really liked the Reach for the Sunshine – Quilt Pattern. Too cute! Thanks for sharing this great site and giveaway.
Just twittered. http://twitter.com/SweetsLady/statuses/1594119716
The Turtle, Crab & 4-Patch Bibs look simple enough that maybe I wouldn’t mess them up!
This looks really neat! I just got out my sewing machine and am figuring out how to use it on some cloth wipes. I would love to try the stay dry bathing apron and towel. Bath time is always a wet affair at our house.
I just love the projects at You Can Make This! I’d love to win and I’d choose the Miss Madeline – Peasant Dress – Sizes 5-10 years. I’ve seen so many lovely dresses sewn with this pattern! Off to tweet
Oh, I love the twirl skirt. It would be so cute on my daughter.
tweeted this! http://twitter.com/LoralynDesigns
Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/lesleypeck/status/1594364719
I love the sweet pea pleated handbag! It is definitely on my to do list now!
They all look great! I like the Sara bib and the simple and shiek bag. So cute!
The knot purse looks really cute! I did make your placemat purse when I got my sewing machine for my anniversary (husband WAS listnening after all!!!) Thanks for finding this cool site to share with us!
I would make one of the bags. One that could double as a shopping bag.
Amy
I’d love to make a chef’s hat for my little niece. She is always in her play kitchen cooking something up…
I love to sew, too. I’ll have to look more carefully at You Can Make This! I make nearly all of my daughter’s clothes because she is difficult to fit (very tall and slender: in pattern sizes she wears a size 1/2 with a size 6 or 7 length.) I am also appalled at many of the fashions available in the stores for young girls. Daisy dukes on my four-year-old? I don’t think so! I love the patterns from Sew Sensible. They are modest while still being stylish and she gives very detailed instructions.
I’m taken with the idea of making baby shoes and all of those in the baby section are so cute!
Thanks for offering this great giveaway!
I would like to do the “Create an all purpose Tote” I really would like to make the diaper bags and wipe coverlets. I would love to do this as a hobby and then give them away to new mothers. I have done this with baby quilts,but I think the bags would be a better gift for all year round.Thanks for the contest.
PS-we love your”Our Story” and can’t hardly wait for your next post.
I stared at things for a while thinking oh cute, before I got smart and went to the beginner’s section.
I think I need How to Applique the Easy way (it just looks so intimidating). I also saw free (SCORE!) patterns on there.
TOTT Hair Instructions: The Twisted Boutique and Surround-a-Bow Techniques
I’ve been wanting to make an apron for myself and a matching one for my toddler!
I would like to make the Movie Time! Felt Food.
I wish my husband could give up TV. I could totally live without it. As long as I have my computer and my books, I am good!
I checked out You Can Make It. I saw so many adorable things. I love the flip flops. http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/made-with-ribbon/Make-Boutique-Flip-Flops.htm – that is something I would like to learn to do.
Barb in NJ
My husband and I LOVE playing games together! We had to set a schedule so we would stop playing so many!
The giveaway looks great! Thank you!
I tweeted on Twitter about your blog/give-away! Not that I have many followers LOL.
http://twitter.com/minijunkie
I had so much fun poking around their site, thank you for sharing! I would love to make the Miss Madeline Peasant Dress for my 2yo daughter.
http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/clothing-creation/Miss-Madeline-Peasant-Dress-Sizes-6mo-4.htm
Tweeted! http://twitter.com/migennes/status/1598242346
What a cool site! I love the duet apron set. I’m sort of “into” aprons right now. I, too, am trying to back away from the tv… feels so good!
I would love to try the skirts but the hand bag would be fun too!
We own a TV, but get no TV service. We watch videos, but often spend our evenings as you do. It has made a huge impact on our family!
From You Can Make This I like the cooking items…especially “Make Caramel Pretzels” and “Make Your Own Gourmet Cookie Bouquet with BONUS”
I find it very hard to choose between the Round Neck Top Sundress and the Miss Madeline Peasant Dress. They’re both adorable, and I’ve been eyeing both of them for a while!
In trying to find a suitable outfit for 8yo daughter yesterday, I realized she has totally outgrown her summer stuff. I’d go for the 3 preppy skorts for one who loves to do cartwheels and play with her brothers.
Great Site. I love all of the felt food patters, especially the Cakes and brownies. How fun! No, I just need to find the time to make them.
They have such cute things and I am just teaching myself to sew so this would be perfect. I really liked the Monster booties.
I’d like to make make some burpies and a receiving blanket for my bff who is getting ready to have her first child.
Great sites! Thanks for the review. I would love to have time to make an apron, the wrap skirt and the knot tote! Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to make the mother/daughter aprons…
I would like to make the Sunglass Case & Clutch.
sarahbcrawford(at)gmail(dot)com
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/hellojournalist/status/1620717376
sarahbcrawford(at)gmail(dot)com
I posted a tweet!
I have been receiving their emails for a little bit. I love this site! I would make the Hostess Apron.
Thanks for the giveaway!
~Liz
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/HomeBizLiz/status/1625131096
Thanks!
~Liz
The bucket hats!! We never seem to have enough in the right sizes to fit everyone’s heads…this would be great!!!
I’d love the make the “Simple Things” wall hanging.
I would love to make this
http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/jewelry-and-beading/Gigis-Guide-to-Faux-Cluster-Fringe-Bracelets.htm
I tweeted this giveaway
http://twitter.com/basketballmomma/statuses/1629281579
I would love to make that Precious Dress for my 4 yr old!..sooo cute!
I LOVE this stuff! WOW! I love aprons so I am kinda partial to them-but the knot purse is super cute and would make a great gift! Thanks for the give-away!
the knot purse, defintely!
We also love dutch blitz at our house. We don’t actually own it but we have bought it twice as gifts.
I would really love to make Precious Kilah & Keesha Dolls – 15 inch
I love the reversible wrap skirt, how cute and practical. Great giveaway choice!
Beetle, Ladybug & Bee Bibs
http://twitter.com/lyndsi_rae
I’d like to try the toddler simple skirt. I’m a beginner and it soumds like I could handle that one!
Oh my I love this new site, and really enjoyed your blog. I found so many projects I would love to make. The boys ties were really cute!
I like the bags! But the knot purse has won my heart!
i like the reversible wrap skirt.
I love the hair bow lessons. I think I might have to try some. We are really into making hair bows in our family right now.
The wrap skirt for me. Thanks for an awesome giveaway.
I’d like to learn how to make the boxer briefs for my little guy! Matching aprons for my kiddos and me is something on my project wishlist.
I would love to make something with the A-line dress/top pattern!
I would like to make The Sami Dress
I’m thinking about the women’s slipper shoes. Thanks for finding the site!!
Wow, hard choice, but since I’ve got two boys (and no ties yet – hard to find!) I’d love to learn to make my own! This is they type of site I need – I’m also a craft “wannabe” – I’m bookmarking their site! Thanks, Laura.
I like the Fabric Coffee Cozy Sleeve Tutorial; it’s the sort of thing that would make a great gift for Mother’s Day!
I really like the doll clothes patterns. They also have a great selection of free patterns.
OH, I would love to make any of those bags… I sell on etsy and people love love love bags!!!
THANKS!
I love the Kilah and Keesha dolls and the felt food.
Oooook, I love this: http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/womens/WomenAdjustable-Apron.htm …
and this: http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/womens/Criss-Cross-Skinny-Scarf.htm …
and these: http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/womens/Fabric-Coffee-Cozy-Sleeve-Tutorial.htm …
You’re going to get me in trouble with all this online browsing.
Also, in a similar vein as the Spurlock book, you can check out Fast Food Nation. It’s a pretty solid read, and it will make you want to never eat anything but rice and homegrown fresh veggies again. That’s not soooo bad, I guess.
Definitely the reversible skirt!
Deborah
comfortjoydesigns AT gmail DOT com
What a great resource, Toni! The “Make Your Own Scrabble Tile Pendants” caught my eye, but really–there was so much to choose from! I love knowing that site is there! Thanks!
I was so confused when I got to the website by the overabundance of items!! I really like the tote Boutique All-Purpose Tote and your Knot purse.
Wow my 13 year old daughter will like this!!
Pat
Wow soo many cute things it’s so hard to chose! Hmm… I think I chose
http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/handbags/Aivilo-Pleated-Tote.htm
I might have to order something for myself here! So nice!
Audrey at ferretsrockforever@gmail.com
The Abigail Photo Handbag would be great for making as gifts. I’d love to make a reversible wrap skirt for myself though!
I would love to make the ties.
~Jill
I have tried to make baby shoes in the past and failed. I would try some of the patterns they offer. Something like these: http://rubyurl.com/m6Cc
This is so neat! I love the ideas at this site. I love all the different kinds of baby shoes and I definitely want to get into the habit of sewing again so that I can make my little girl skirts and dresses. I can tell already that I am going to want to make them so that I can control the length! Everything’s too short and she’s only 3 months!
Thanks for sharing this site. I love your blog and am waiting for the update of your marriage story!