jcaroline's blog

Oh How I Forsake Thee

But can I make up for it with cute pictures? Yes, those are Mr. Potato Head glasses he has on. Apparently, Mr. Potato Head's eyes are quite close set.

Where have I been all summer? I have no legitimate excuse other than being OUT OF THE HABIT.

We did just get back from vacation for a week in north Missouri. Which part would you like to know about? The part where the new Ford (okay, 18,000 miles) died three hours into the trip? No big deal- it only took 3 days to fix. The part where the kids and I flew home and the man in the gate area reprimanded me harshly for my child being too loud? Well, revenge is sweet. Henry had a major diaper blowout 15 minutes before landing, so if that man was on my flight, that was for you. 

Other than the last few days, the vacation was good. Hard work with the two little ones, but good. Now I am back, reprioritizing my life and that includes getting back in the habit of blogging. So many things to say- so little writing.

Here is where I need your help. Obviously, my mother staying on my back isn't working, because she reminds me weekly that I haven't written. So now it's your turn. If I go an entire week without blogging, email me and the first one that sends an email reminder will get a gift. Let me qualify this. It won't be a new car (or a Ford with 18,000 miles on it). It will be something that is easily mailed, like a gift card. And it won't exceed $20, so don't quit your day job. I'll make up the other rules as we go along. Like the email has to be after 8 am central time on the day I should be posting. (Last post Wednesday- reminder email after 8 am on the next Wednesday). If a blog post is posted Tuesday night, too bad. And you can't win every week.

Another reminder, if you attend Quilt Market, make sure you follow @fabric20 on Twitter for updates on the Fall Fabric 2.0 party. And the website for it will be up soon as well. 

Okay, so you now have your mission. And I have mine. New post by next Thursday!

New Ribbon from Jessica

Jessica has done it again with four colors of 7/8" flowers and two colors of 1-1/2".  See and buy them here. She also sent me the darling mug this week off of that same design.  Love it!

Congrats to Suzy McQ who won the signed copy of Sew Serendipity!

Have a great weekend!

Go Texan Day and A Book Giveaway

I believe she might be the prettiest cowgirl in Texas. Miss Olivia does love a costume and Go Texan Day is yet another opportunity for her to dress up. She and Dad picked out the attire yesterday and she wanted to sleep in it last night.

I hope her belt buckle doesn't cause her to lose her balance!  Oh, I predict a summer full of pink cowboy boots, whatever the occasion.

In honor of Go Texan Day, let's give away a book written by a Texan shall we? Kay Whitt's Sew Serendipity to be exact.

 

Don't be concerned- she has no Western projects in the book! They are all gorgeous skirts, jackets and dresses made in her beautiful style with excellent patterns and instructions. To win a signed copy of this book, leave a comment by Wednesday, March 2, by noon Central Time. Why don't you tell me in the comments if you have ever owned a pair of cowboy boots and on what occasion you wear them. I bought my first pair when I moved to Houston and I wear them once a year to go to the Rodeo.

Two Chairs, One Winner

Susan was another Glamour Giveaway winner and Freshnest Design redesigned her living room for her.  Here is what they envisioned.

 

And here is what we made at jcaroline home.

I love the little dash of apple green to break up the brown/natural monotony.  The chair fabric is Earth Beads with pillows in Earth Stacks.  If they were my chairs, I would probably stain the legs a dark brown to help "anchor" the chair.  Nothing complicated, I would just throw some stain on a rag and go to it.  Then again, I would also probably get stain on the covers and be very upset.

And if you had always wanted to know what your home would look like with barn red outdoor siding on the walls and a bare concrete floor, now you know.  I just didn't have the energy to drag the chairs to a nice grassy spot, so outside the office had to do.

And for the winner of the Cloud9 bundle, it's LisaB!  She commented  "The downside to fabric this beautiful is that it is hard to find a project that seems worthy! Forget baby, I'd make something for me! =)".  So enjoy making something for yourself, Lisa!

Cloud9 is on cloud 9 (and a giveaway)

The August issue of Martha Stewart Living includes a feature on Cloud9 fabrics, the organic fabric company started by Michelle Engel Bencsko and Gina Pantastico.  Don't forget, they just debuted their first line, My Happy Garden, less than one year ago!

Here is Michelle and Cherri House of Cherry House Quilts at Spring Quilt Market with the gorgeous quilt Cherri made from their second collection, Beyond the Sea.  This collection was another great line of organic cotton prints and marked the debut of three matching organic solids.

And now, they are introducing Forest Friends Flannel.  It shipped to stores this week and I happen to have on good authority who is getting those shipments.  The stores below will have some or all of the Forest Friends Flannel collection in the next few days:

	Bolt		PurlSoho
	City Craft		Quiltique
	Crafty Planet		Saints & Pinners (UK)
	Fabricworm		Sew to Speak
	Fancy Tiger		Sewtropolis
	Hart's Fabric		Stonemountain & Daughter
	Modern Organic Fabrics		The Little Shop
	Pink Chalk Fabrics

Cloud9 is still on cloud 9 after their Martha article, so they have generously offered one of my readers a bundle of one-half yard of each of the six prints in the collection. That bundle is worth $49.50!

 

So, to win this bundle, enter a comment on this post by noon on Thursday, August 19.  Tell me what you plan to do with this bundle:  1)  Turn it into darling things for baby, 2) Caress it lovingly for days dreaming of big projects that never get sewn, or 3) Display it in a place of honor next to the family china.  The winner will be picked at random and notified by email.

And if you don't win... crack open the piggy bank and pick up a yard or two of this luscious flannel.

Small Stash Sewing Book Giveaway

I told you I'd have another book giveaway this week!

The very talented Ms. Averinos from Yummy Goods, wrote this little gem that features your fat quarter stash.  Her design aesthetic is very different from mine, which is great, because it makes me try new things.  Her sewing techniques tend to be very free form, so it is a great opportunity to experiment with new ideas and think outside my little sewing box.

And check out my favorite project of all.

Sassy Shoelaces.  She even has a solution of how to finish the ends that is C.L.E.V.E.R.  However, I won't tell you what it is- you'll have to buy the book. :-)

And look at what that clever girl wore at Quilt Market?

She said she has always collected vintage spools of thread and what a clever idea to show them off.

Okay, so now to the giveaway.  Leave a comment on this post by Thursday, June 17 at noon (CDT) and tell me how you like to sew.  Do you 1) follow the instructions obsessively regardless of what they say, 2) only look at the instructions AFTER you get into trouble, 3) follow the instructions for a while and then take off on your own?

I go in spells-- sometimes I am obsessive about following the instructions to a T, but if I get in a hurry or  feel lazy or ornery, I just go for it however I want to.

Giveaway from Contemporary Cloth

I just got back from Quilt Market in Minneapolis, but I haven't unpacked or downloaded my pictures yet, so that will have to wait. In the meantime, Contemporary Cloth is sponsoring a giveaway.  Two yards of Cloud9 Organic Fabric-- you mix and match in half yard pieces out of either collection, Under the Sea or Happy Garden.

Shown above are pieces from Under the Sea, Cloud9 Fabric's latest organic cotton collection.  Cloud9 was started last year by Michelle Engels Bencsko and Gina Pantistico, who formerly worked together in the apparel field.  They wanted to launch an all organic cotton fabric line and they did it!  They now have two collections out and are launching an organic flannel collection for fall, Forest Friends.  (They had a great booth at market that I'll share later.)

Contemporary Cloth offers organic printed lines such as Cloud9 and Mod Green Pod.  They also carry a wide range of designer quilting weight and home decorator weight textiles.  And they are offering a 20% off coupon through June 1, using coupon code "jcaroline".

Okay, for the giveaway part.  To enter, leave a comment here by June 1 (Tuesday) at noon.  Tell me if your plans for sewing this summer are:  1)  I've got big plans for summer sewing,  2)  I swear I'll sew every summer and I never do, or 3) Summer is coming?

Just checking in...

I think I had found most of the stuff from our move at the end of January, so we are moving again.  Hopefully will be done today and will start settling in tomorrow.  I don't handle the "un-done-ness" of a move very well.  Where is all my stuff? This downsizing is way more work than I expected.

And TypePad has totally changed how they handle comments and I'm not adapting well.  It isn't sending me emails any more when people comment, which I hate (even though in my feeble assessment, it looks like I have that option checked!).  And I was just trying to email someone back via their comment and it doesn't take me to their email-- it goes to some TypePad Connect nonsense.  Great-- yet another interface to learn.  Do they think I'm 20?

Anyway, the winner of the two Henriksdal Chair Covers is Courtneyandian.blogspot.com.  Please email me and we can discuss what covers you want!  Thank you to all who answered-- it really did help solve the mystery.  Now I can just start measuring the front of the chairs to determine which version it is.  Thank you also to those offering to send covers.  Actually, I want the actual chair so that we can make sure it fits snugly (in my humble opinion, the Ikea ones don't fit that great).  So if you have one of the older (20") versions and you are close to Houston, let me know!

Back to moving...

Spring has Sprung

I keep seeing signs of spring in the blogosphere, so I thought I would contribute my own.  The azaleas burst forth last weekend and the last two days here have been gorgeous.  I love the two weeks that are spring in Houston!

How about another giveaway?  I'd love to give you a copy of Kari Chapin's The Handmade Marketplace that I contributed to, as I bragged about earlier.  According to Kari, my section is very popular, which can only mean two things.  She is sucking up to me OR people are drinking while they are reading the book.  Maybe both.

But I want something in return for the giveaway.  I need ideas for a talk I'm doing this fall and I want to make sure I cover topics of interest to creative business owners.  So tell me what you wish you had known (from a business perspective) when you started your craft business (or any kind of business, for that matter) or what frustrates you the most from a business/accounting perspective. 

So leave a comment on this post before April 6 at noon CST and I'll pick a winner at random.

Help Needed, Dear Readers

I need your help, but I am offering something in return.  Did you know there are two versions of the Ikea Henriksdal Chair?  Funny, I didn't either.  From what I can put together, it seems to have changed recently (maybe last November?) and it doesn't look any different, but the dimensions have changed.

Here is where I need your help.  This is the Henriksdal chair I bought in November.  I've shown you the dimensions that I measured.  (Note:  I measured the chair with the cover off and only measured where the foam was-- where there is exposed leg, I did not include that in the measurement.)  If you own one of the chairs, please tell me if your dimensions are the same.  If not, please share your measurements (of the chair :-) ), designating a,b,c and d.  And if you can remember, tell me approximately when you bought this chair.

What do you get in return?  My undying gratitude.  And you'll be entered in my drawing to win two free Henriksdal slip covers in the fabric of your choice in the size that fits your chair.

Leave your information in the comments by Friday at noon, April 2.  I'll pick a commenter at random and notify you by email.

Thank you.  I'm anxious to solve this mystery, because I'm tired of running around Ikea with a tape measure.

Image from www.ikea.com.

And The Winners Are...

Thanks for all your great comments last week.  I really enjoyed them and I learned all sorts of things!

If you are a winner, check your email as I have emailed you requesting your address.

Giveaway #1  Look Sally Quilt Kit & Lunchbox            Angie
Giveaway #2  Canvas Fabric Samples (Group 1)            Dawn G.
Giveaway #3  Silk Sample Books            Lynneth
Giveaway #4  Velvet and Silk Half-Yards            Meg
Giveaway #5  My personal fabric stash            Ernestine
Giveaway #6  Market Bag out of Sunflower Fabric            Samantha
Giveaway #7  Canvas Fabric Samples (Group 2)            Eve
Giveaway #8  Gift Certificate to Jcaroline Home            Halloweenlover
Giveaway #9  Canvas Fabric Samples (Group 3)            Katie
Giveaway #10  jcaroline creative Gift Certificate            Anne

Thanks to everyone who participated and wrote such great comments!  And congratulations to our winners.  Now the pressure is on-- we want to see pictures of your projects!

Birthday Giveaway #10: jcaroline creative Gift Certificate

No more stash cleaning... you can pick whatever new fabric, ribbon, paper, hardware, pattern or what not you desire.   How does a $50 gift certificate to jcaroline creative sound?  Great- let's make it $50.

And I'm out of clever commenting ideas.  How about we just free form it.  Write a comment about whatever you want.  Just write something, so you'll be entered to win.  I'll pick a winner at random on August 17.  (Again, if you win multiple giveaways, I'll notify you and let you pick your favorite.)

Have a great weekend and I'll be back Monday with some winners!!! 

You guys have been awesome!  Don't forget to tip your waiters and waitresses.

Birthday Giveaway #9: Canvas Fabric Samples (Group 3)

Believe it or not, there is still more where this came from! Canvas fabric samples from the manufacturer and the pieces range in size from 12" x 18" to 24" x 30".  (Yes, almost all the pieces would make a nice pillow or bag.)   Don't forget that each fabric you see has three or four other colorways behind it, so this is roughly 36 pieces of printed canvas.  Again, I would love pictures of any completed projects!

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on this post.  Tell me your favorite memory of this summer.  (It's almost over you know!)

A winner will be chosen at random on August 17.  Go ahead and enter more than one giveaway-- if you happen to win more than one, I'll contact you and let you choose the item you want the most.

My favorite memory of this summer was introducing Henry to our families. My family got to meet him in June (and my mother and sister are coming again in 2 weeks!). He's being introduced to my husband's family this weekend!

Birthday Giveaway #8: Gift Certificate to Jcaroline Home

I hate to leave non-crafters out of the fun, so how about a gift certificate to jcaroline home! for $70.  You can pick whatever item you like in whatever fabric you like.

To enter, leave a comment on this post telling me what you like the least or best about your house--whatever it is about your house that elicits strong emotions.  (Besides the residents.)  I'll pick a winner at random on August 17.

What drives me nuts about my house right now is that is very difficult to get a stroller out the front door because the hall is too small.  And behind the hall?  The water heater, heating/air conditioning and a guest bathroom-- so nothing you can move easily.  My husband would love to tear it down and start over.  We'll see...

Birthday Giveaway #7: Canvas Fabric Samples (Group 2)

Another round of fabric samples from the manufacturer and the pieces range in size from 12" x 18" to 24" x 30".  (Yes, almost all the pieces would make a nice pillow or bag.)   Don't forget that each fabric you see has three or four other colorways behind it, so this is roughly 42 pieces of printed canvas.  Again, I would love pictures of any completed projects!

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on this post. This time I want to know how you found jcaroline and approximately when (even if it was five minutes ago!).

A winner will be chosen at random on August 17.  Go ahead and enter more than one giveaway-- if you happen to win more than one, I'll contact you and let you choose the item you want the most.

Birthday Giveaway #6: Market Bag out of Sunflower Fabric

This bag I made for Quilt Market last fall from Sandi Henderson's Market Bag pattern and Jessica Jones' Sunflower fabric.  Darling, if I might say so myself.  Just don't look real closely just behind that closure,  okay?  A little gunchy in there.  Lined in the matching awning stripe.  Actually, the pattern is reversible, but mine definitely has a "right side".  Just warning you...

Okay, this time I want to know if, when it comes to purses, you are an "everything including the kitchen sink" person or a very "neat wristlet" person.  If you are a big bag person, I'd love to know how much it weighs! Leave a comment and you'll be entered to win this little gem.  I'll select a winner at random on August 17.

I'm sure you might be able to guess, I am an everything including the kitchen sink person.  I've been purse has gotten so junky.  But there is nothing better than finding an old Twizzler at the bottom of you dirty purse.  Yummm.

Birthday Giveaway #5: My personal fabric stash

I am thoroughly enjoying reading your comments!  And you have come up with several sewing disasters that involved blood and one even involved flames! 

I was tempted to break this into two giveaways, but I couldn't decide how to split them up, so let's just make it one giveaway.  This giveaway contains 21 quilting weight cottons from Michael Miller, Robert Kaufman, Alexander Henry, Jennifer Paganelli, Anna Griffin, Heather Bailey and Erin McMorris.  Each piece is 1 to 2 yards.  (I will have to admit, while sorting through said stash, I did stick back two fabrics that I just couldn't part with!)

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on this post of your favorite sewing/crafting expression and where you heard it.  I'll select a winner at random on August 17.

I have two favorites.  When my grandmother would mend something for you, she would say "a quarter for threading up".  My mother always refers to a point in her project as "the burning stage", meaning you aren't sure it is ever going to look like anything and you just want to burn it.

Birthday Giveaway #4: Velvet and Silk Half-Yards

First, I want you to observe the fantastic photo styling I did on this piece. :-)  I was going for the "make the fabric look haphazardly arranged and perhaps have some thread and dust on it" look. 

This is 21 one-half yard pieces of velvet and matching silk.  That is 21 yards of fabric, folks!  This is RJR's Cosmopolitan group that they came out with a couple of years ago.  Again, I had big visions for this fabric- some sort of texture/tone-on-tone project, but....

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on this post.  Tell me who designs or makes your favorite fabrics.  And you won't be penalized if it's one we don't carry- I promise!

Of course, every designer we carry is my favorite!  Right now, I'm enjoying the huge variety of designs available.  But I have to admit, I always carry a spot in my heart for Alexander Henry prints.  They are just so loud, unusual and bright that I am always attracted to them.

A winner will be chosen at random on August 17.  Go ahead and enter more than one giveaway-- if you happen to win more than one, I'll contact you and let you choose the item you want the most.

Birthday Giveaway #3: Silk Sample Books

This one is kind of crazy, but for the right person, it could be a bonanza!  These are silk sample books from a manufacturer.  There are easily 80 pieces of silk, ranging anywhere from 4" by 6" to 10" x 12".  The only caveat is that some of the samples have a card stock backing that has been glued to the wrong side (see above right), so you won't be able to sew with all of the piece.  However, you might have a great craft idea that needs silk backed with card stock.  I've threatened to patch this into pillows and/or a silk throw, but it hasn't happened in four years, so I doubt it's going to happen now!  If you win and produce something clever, send pictures!

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on this post.  Tell me how about your worst sewing disaster.  I want to hear it all-- bonus points for any comment that involves either flames or blood.

My older sister's worst sewing incident had to be in high school when she ran her finger through the sewing machine.  My mother had to pull the needle out with pliers.  Gross, huh?  It's hard for me to pick just ONE disaster-- I have about 100 stories of being almost finished with a project and accidentally cutting a hole in it.  Usually right in the front.  And I do have that cutting my fingers incident...

A winner will be chosen at random on August 17.  Go ahead and enter more than one giveaway-- if you happen to win more than one, I'll contact you and let you choose the item you want the most.

Birthday Giveaway #2: Canvas Fabric Samples (Group 1)

 
These are fabric samples from the manufacturer and the pieces range in size from 12" x 18" to 24" x 30".  (Yes, almost all the pieces would make a nice pillow or bag.)  This is group #1 (so, yes there are other groups coming...)  Don't forget that each fabric you see has three or four other colorways behind it, so this is roughly 36 pieces of printed canvas.  Sewers are the best re-users anywhere, so I can't wait for someone to get this and make up all sorts of projects from them.  I would love pictures!!

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on this post.  Tell me how you learned to sew and if you don't sew--- explain yourself!  Just kidding.  If you don't sew, then you can tell me what you have planned for this fabric!

A winner will be chosen at random on August 17.  Go ahead and enter more than one giveaway-- if you happen to win more than one, I'll contact you and let you choose the item you want the most.

I'm loving your comments about Dick and Jane.  But it makes me a little nervous to realize that all of you can read.  I was hoping you were just looking at the pictures!  Note to self:  Write gooder better.  These people are professionals.