Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day- WINNERS!!!

Happy Saturday, friends!  Thank you all for your sweet comments and interest in my Squirmy Worm Studio sewing patterns!  :)  Without further ado, the lucky winners are:

Burlap Tote Bag- #19 Kristy

Diaper Wristlet- #13 Desi @ Wee Share

Nursing Cocoon- #2 Shannon

Thread Catcher- #27 Goosegirl

Winners, I've emailed each of you, so make sure to check your email!  :)

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day!!!

This giveaway is now closed!

 Hello friends!  What better way to make my return to blogging than on the first day of Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day???  I don't know about you, but I always look forward to Giveaway Day!  :)  I'm very excited to announce that...

I am giving away one Squirmy Worm Studio sewing pattern (at random) to four lucky winners!

Squirmy Worm Studio currently has four sewing patterns for sale via Etsy as well as a handful of local quilt shops.  All patterns are thoroughly tested, detail oriented, and have step-by-step photos.  My goal for Squirmy Worm Studio sewing patterns is to inspire other sewists to be the best that they can be.  Here is a quick look at the available patterns.

Squirmy Worm Studio’s Burlap Tote Bag is a stylish and eco-friendly solution for all of your carrying needs! The Tote Bag is fully lined, and has a pocket for your cell phone / keys / and any other essentials! Burlap Tote Bags make great market / grocery bags, beach bags, bridesmaids gifts, and school bags...the possibilities are endless!

Burlap Tote Bag measures 14" wide x 14" tall, and 5” deep.

Pattern also includes instructions for a MINI BURLAP TOTE BAG, measuring 10” wide x 10” tall, and 3.5” deep.

Squirmy Worm Studio’s Diaper Wristlets are an essential (and stylish!) carry all for the on-the-go mom. Diaper Wristlets measure approximately 10" wide x 6.5" tall, with a 1.25" box bottom. Diaper Wristlets are constructed with a layer of interfacing, which helps keep its shape, as well as a layer of quilt batting, which makes it soft to the touch and durable. Diaper Wristlets are top stitched, fasten with a 2" velcro closure, and have a generous 5" handle.

Squirmy Worm Studio's Diaper Wristlets are designed to hold a travel wipes case, 2-3 diapers, and a tube of diaper cream. They are a great solution for short outings, when a diaper bag is not necessary, and/or they can be used in your diaper bag as an organizational tool! As a bonus, you can ditch the diapers and use your stylish Wristlet for date night!!!

Squirmy Worm Studio’s Nursing Cocoons are an essential (and stylish!) privacy shield for the on-the-go mom. Nursing Cocoons measure approximately 36” wide by 24” long, and are made with a rigid neckline which allows Momma to maintain eye contact with baby while nursing. In addition, the neck strap is fully adjustable to Momma’s liking by use of the d-rings.

Squirmy Worm Studio’s Thread Catchers are a must have accessory for any Seamstress, Quilter, Scrapbooker, Knitter, Crocheter, and/or Jeweler!

The Thread Catcher consists of a weighted bag/pincushion with non-slip grip, enabling it to sit (and stay!) on the table, serving as a great portable trash bag for your favorite Seamstress/Crafter! If you're a Knitter or Crocheter, the Thread Catcher can be placed over the arm of your favorite chair and used to hold your skein of yarn!

The Thread Catcher approximately measures 14" long, with the bag measuring 8" tall x 5.5" in diameter, with a 2.5" boxed bottom. The bag is constructed with boning, enabling the bag to always remain open and ready for your scraps! 

To enter the giveaway:

1.  You must be a follower of Made With Love!  (The button is located towards the top of the left-hand sidebar. If you are already a follower, please kindly remind me!)

2.  Leave a comment telling me what the weather is like in your neck of the woods, or anything else you would like me to know!

Giveaway will run through December 16th; winners will be announced on Saturday, December 17th.

Giveaway is open both US and International friends.  Good luck!!!

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Also...please make sure there is a way for me to contact you (aka- leave your email address in your comment), as I need to be able to contact you when you win!  While we are on the subject, are you a no-reply blogger?  Not sure what a no-reply blogger is, well when you leave a comment I receive your comment in an email.  When I hit "reply" to email you back, the email address shows as "noreplyblogger@blogger.com", rather than your true email.

Quick solution:
1.  Log into your Blogger account, and click on the drop down tab next to your email address, at the top right corner.
2.  Click "Blogger Profile".
3.  The second line down should say "Show My Email Address"- CHECK THIS BOX.  Easy peasy!  :)

Quilt Market- Day 2 + 3

I know I'm a week or two late, but I wanted to share a couple of photos from my adventures at Quilt Market (Sunday and Monday)!  

My Momma and I spent time in Basic Grey's booth admiring their fun fabric and craft supplies.  Do you see all of those buttons and flowers on the wall- love!!!  :)

I also love their wall art, made from fabric buttons, and an assortment of embellishments.  I may need a canvas for my sewing studio!  :)

I'm always excited to see the fabrics and samples that Echino displays at Market.  Not to mention that I think I need to make one of their sweet zippered/gusseted pouches (I love the yellow, green, and blue pouch!).  I just may have to treat myself to some of their fabric at Sample Spree in May (Kansas City, MO)!

Remember when I told you that my goal on Sunday was to track down Ty Pennington (after spotting him on Saturday)!?!  Well unfortunately he and his body guard (I still giggle over the fact that he had a body guard at Quilt Market!) were only at Market for one day, so I have no photo to show- bummer!  I did take a couple photos of his booth, which will hopefully tie you over until next year's market.

I love his wall of ties.  So simple, but definitely an eye catcher!

Speaking of men, David Butler (Amy Butler's husband) debuted Parson Gray at Quilt Market!  Be sure to keep an eye out for his first line, Curious Nature, as I know I will (I'm loving the grays and blues!).

Sweet Kay Whitt and I on Halloween.  Kay was dressed as spider-woman!  :)

Moda's designer booth was fantastic!  I absolutely fell in love with Summersville (left portion of the photo) by Lucie Summers.  It could probably go without mentioning, but the right portion of the photo highlights Kate Spain's Good Fortune fabric line.  I love the beautiful play of oranges and purples!

I absolutely fell in love with the custom upholstered chairs.  I really think I need to get my hands on a chair from the thrift store, and invest in fabric, as custom chairs are SO fun!  The theme for the Moda designer's booth this go around was 'Made With Love'...does that sound familiar!?!  :)  My Momma and I were chatting with one of the Moda employees and mentioned that my blog's name was Made With Love.  Long story short she stuffed a sweet Made With Love pillow (the rectangular pillow in the photo above, next to the sewing machine) into my bag!  So fun!!!  :)

Quilt Shop of YOUR Dreams

Hi Friends!  I owe you Quilt Market Recaps of Days 2 and 3, but haven't had a chance to sort through my photos.  Do you mind if we have a bit of an intermission, where you let me pick your brain?  (Sounds fun- eh?)

I know the characteristics of what makes my favorite local quilt shop my favorite, although it has recently closed- boo!  I was hoping that today ALL of you would be willing to share what makes your local quilt shop your favorite, via a comment or two!  

Is it the fabric selection?  The kind staff?  The super cool owner?  The selection of embellishments?  The location?  The variety of classes offered?  Do they offer longarm quilting services?  Do they have a customer appreciation program?  Many thanks!!!  :)

Quilt Market- Day 1

Day #1 at Quilt Market was such a whirlwind.  Let me start with the fact that I didn't wear the most comfortable shoes, which makes for a long day, that and I had to say goodbye to my sweet friend Brooke.  I hate goodbyes (I usually cry like a baby, but I kept myself together today!).

Today was full of eye-candy, inspiration, and fun conversations.  Although I don't use too much ribbon, I have a weird want/obsession with ribbon and trims in general.  With that, the May Arts booth so much fun to explore!

Abbey Lane Quilts has a new quilt book out with five different applique quilts and five different quilt blocks.  I love the idea of mixing and matching to create a unique and personal style.  I may have to think about this idea the next time I sit down to write another pattern!  :)

I absolutely fell in love with the purples, greens, and oranges displayed in Sandi Henderson's booth.   Not to mention the sweet rosette pillows and the re-covered vintage umbrella!

Amy Butler's booth was spectacular, just as I expected!  I was excited to see her new fabric line, Lark, in person as I love the mix of the bright colors, along side more traditional colors.  As always, Amy never disappoints!  :)

I also stopped by the Adornit booth to visit with my sweet friends that I met at The Sewing Summit!  I may have mentioned it a time or two, as gray is my new FAVORITE color, thus I loved everything about Adornit's booth!  I also got a sneak peek at their fabric lines that will be coming out next, and can't wait to get my hands on their new fabric.  :)

I just about fell head over heels for Woodland by Natalie Lymer for Lecien!  I love the sweet girls, the gnome-like houses, and the scattered mushroom.  I also love the pajama pants (gray, yellow, and pink)...I think I might NEED a pair of my own!

Kellie Wulfsohn of Don't Look Now is an amazing applique artist!  Her booth was full of beautiful and bright quilts, pillows, and wall hangings, all of which are applique designs.  I have her Peak Hour pattern and hope to whip up a pillow for a friend's son.  If I get the pillow done, I'll be sure to blog about it!  :)

My sweet friend, and fellow Creative Consultant, Brooke!

Amanda trying to give me another inappropriate hug!  Instead of trying to make me dance (like last week's quest), I think this week's quest is at least one inappropriate hug per day!  Bring it on, Amanda!! :)

PS- I TOTALLY felt like a star all day, walking the red carpet at Quilt Market!  :)

PPS- I also spotted Ty Pennington (and his bodyguard!) at Quilt Market.  He's quite cute in person...Saturday's mission is to track him down for a photo op!  :)

Quilt Market- Sample Spree

Hi Friends!  I'm in Houston for Quilt Market and wanted to share a couple highlights of Friday, which included Sample Spree!

The day started with a nice stroll through Hobby Lobby, and I have to say that I am SO happy that they opened semi-local stores in California!!!  I can't wait to do some serious craft shopping when I get home!  :)

Here's a look at our drive in to Houston...nice, eh?

Sample Spree is a two hour frenzy, that starts at 8pm.  Our goal was to get in line at 5pm, however our planned errands didn't take as long as expected, and traffic was very cooperative, so we (my momma and I) actually got in line at 4pm (crazy, I know!).  See the yellow arrow?  That's us, about 8 people or so from the front of the line! 

 

I have to say that the highlight of Friday was meeting sweet Brooke in person!  I've only known Brooke for a short time (via emails and her blog), but I am absolutely smitten with her!  She is so genuine, gracious, and kind...I am truly blessed to have her in my life!

Back to the craziness of Sample Spree!  There were three lines to get in the door.  Here is a view of one of the lines (it might be hard to decipher, but there were A LOT of ladies in line!!!).

I didn't get any photos of Sample Spree, once the doors were open, as frankly I forgot.  Its quite an intense experience, and I needed to focus.  :)  I picked up fat quarters from Anthology, yard cuts from Art Gallery, three spools of large ric rac, and fat quarters from Adornit + Bernatex + Henry Glass + Andover (Meet the Gang and Outfoxed).

 

My Momma also picked up some fun stuff!  An Adornit table runner kit, Mod Tod fat quarter bundle, 10" stackers of Sunny Happy Skies, fat quarters from Anthology, fat quarters from Bernatex + + Moda (Good Fortune by Kate Spain) + Henry Glass + Andornit.

Here's a photo of all of the loot in our small carry-on suitcase- HA!  I can't wait to get home and play with my sewing machine!  :)  What fabrics are you excited to get your hands on?

The Sewing Summit Recap- Part 2!

I'm so glad you returned for Part 2!  :)  Saturday was a busy day!  My first session, Documenting Your Creativity: Blogging and Social Media, was with Dana Bolyard of Old Red Barn Co.   Dana started the session with this video on the Social Media Revolution.  If you have time I would suggest watching it, as its definitely an eye opener. 

I had no idea that there were over 200,000,000 blogs.  With that being said, I am absolutely humbled and grateful for each one of you that visit my little blog!  

Dana and I

Dana highlighted on what great blogs consist of, which include but are not limited to:

• Clear focus. (Crafts/Tutorials/Business/Stuart)
• Interesting and engaging content.  (I may achieve this on a good day)
• Post new content regularly.  (Before I get any emails...I'm working on this one!!!)
• Photos.  (I try)
• Substance/personal stories.

My second session, Photographing Your Creations: Simple Changes for Maximum Impact, was with Vanessa Christenson of Vand Co.  I have to say that Vanessa is so sweet in person, in fact exactly what I had imagined her to be.  I saw her in May at Quilt Market, but was too nervous to go up to say hello!

Vanessa and I (Not quite sure why I still look asleep!)

Vanessa's session included helpful tips on discovering your style, lighting dos and don'ts, getting to know your camera, and setting up the shot.  Oh, and I should probably mention that I hauled my big ol' DSLR camera to Utah and never used it!  I really need to find myself a Photography 101 class- ASAP!  

I was very much looking forward to Vanessa's class, as photos are everything on Etsy!  I was lucky enough to have talented help with my sewing pattern covers, but when it comes to Etsy I'm flying solo (which is scary!).  Here's to hoping that I can implement Vanessa's ideas and come out on top!  PS- I also LOVE this graphic that Vanessa shared with the class.  I'll ever pass up a cheat sheet!  :)

Source: pierscunliffe.wordpress.com via Vanessa on Pinterest

My third session, Creative Fabric Selection: Moving Beyond Fabric Collections, was with Jeni Baker of In Color Order.  I was particularly looking forward to this class, as although I think I'm competent when it comes to selecting fabrics, I also know that I rarely take chances.  I'm always too afraid of wasting fabric (sad, I know!).  Here are a couple examples of Jeni's work.

The class focused on the color wheel (warm & cool colors, analogous color scheme, harmonizing color scheme, complementary color scheme, split complementary color scheme, triadic color scheme), fabric (color, accents, scale, pattern, value/saturation, basics), inspiration (photographs, surroundings, fabric).

Oooh, and have I mentioned that at the end of class, Jeni announced that Robert Kaufman donated Kona color cards for everyone in the class!?!  I think I about peed my pants!  I've always admired the Kona solids, but my local quilt shops never carried a large variety, and ordering a solid online is a bit scary, as colors tend to be distorted on a computer screen.  Now I can reference the Kona color card, and order my fabric online with confidence!  :)

The last session of the day, Modern Machine Applique: Skills You Need for a Variety of Projects, was with Natalia Bonner of Piece N Quilt.  In a nutshell, Natalia's applique technique (using easily accessible supplies) is as follows:

• Heavily starch the back of the fabric (background fabric and applique fabric).
• Cut applique shape.
• Glue applique shape to background fabric with glue stick.
• Applique.

The starching process helps to prevent the fabric from fraying, and gluing the applique fabric to the background fabric, means that there is no need for pesty pins!  Natalia brought along some samples of her work, and I have to say that I absolutely fell in love with these flowers.  Looks at the pleated petals!

Out of curiosity, what do you enjoy sewing most- quilts, crafts, or garments.  (The Sewing Summit proved to have a nice mix of quilters, crafters, and seamstresses!)

 

PS- I'll meet you back here on Thursday for a recap of Sunday!

The Sewing Summit Recap- Part 1!

I spent four days in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah, and am now home snuggling with Stuart (I missed him SO much!).   
My weekend extravaganza started early Friday morning.  My sweet Momma dropped me off at the airport at 5:20 am (which means I was up at 4 am- oy vey!). I flew into Las Vegas, had an hour or so layover, and then was on my way to my final destination.

 

The Nevada desert from my window seat. 

  

I was tempted to play during my layover, but decided not to waste any of my fabric money!  :) 

Just outside Salt Lake City, again from my window seat.

On the ground in Salt Lake City.  Hmmm...do you see ALL of that snow on the mountains!?!  Let's just say that this CA girl froze most of the weekend!

Before arriving at the airport I had plans to meet up with Darci and Becky, as we were all flying in about the same time.  Once I landed I received a text message from Becky, and we were shortly thereafter all united.  I was so happy to share a cab with these sweet girls, as I had horrible anxiety about going to The Sewing Summit solo.  We arrived at the airport and were lucky enough to check-in early.

Check out my home away from home, at The Little America hotel!!!

After I settled into my room, Becky and I headed into the heart of downtown for some lunch.  We then continued on our journey and spent some time walking around The Gateway.  Speaking of grabbing lunch, I went to pay for my sandwich only to realize that I had left my wallet in my carry on, which was in my hotel room.  Thankfully my new sweet friend was more than willing to lend me money for lunch (oy- I'm still embarrassed about my forgetfulness!).

Friday night The Sewing Summit held a welcome reception at the hotel, with drinks and appetizers.  I'm not very good and mingling, but I did the best that I could.  Friday night Becky and I were invited to dinner with eight other sweet ladies.

Come back tomorrow for a Recap of Saturday's classes, and then I'll finish up on Thursday covering Sunday and Monday- deal!?!

'HO HO HO' Holiday Bunting Tutorial

I'm so excited that the cat is finally out of the bag (I have a hard time keeping tutorials under wraps!!).  Are you ready to do some Christmas sewing and/or interested in a Bunting tutorial?  Either way, make sure to hop on over to Notes From The Patch, as I'm guest posting on Suzanne's blog today- woo hoo!

If that's not convincing enough...here's a little sneak peek!

Out of My League?

I'm leaving for The Sewing Summit on Friday morning, and I am SO nervous.  It doesn't help that I've been looking through all of the beautiful projects that The Sewing Summit attendees have made for the conference.  Its hard to believe, but after years of sewing, I still have not made anything for myself.  Well, technically I still have this brown and green quilt in my possession, but I'm not sure if I'm going to keep it or gift it.

Here's to hoping that I can whip up a laptop sleeve, camera strap, a Coffee Burlap Tote Bag for myself, and perhaps a name tag (this is when I desperately wish that I could hand stitch...anyone want to teach me!?!), all before Thursday night.  I also need to learn how to work my new DSLR camera, as I don't want to lug it to SLC and not use it (again, anyone willing to tutor me!?!).

What prized possessions have you made for yourself?

The Sewing Summit!

I'm excited to announce that next Friday I'll be headed to Salt Lake City to attend The Sewing Summit, a modern sewing and blogging conference! I'm excited but also terrified, as I'm attending the conference solo.

I found out about the conference on Monday (I must live under a rock, as registration has been underway for months!), and after two days of deep thought I decided to take a plunge.  I'm not the most outgoing person (in fact I'm terribly shy!), but I feel the need to attend, to spend time out of my comfort zone, and to make the most out of the time I'm surrounded by wonderfully creative souls.  It's about time I push myself, and I think that The Sewing Summit is the perfect venue!  :)

Is anyone else attending The Sewing Summit??? 

Blog Sugar Recap!

Blog Sugar was fantastic!  I met so many fantastic women, made new friends, and have a handful of new blogs that I'm following (and am SO excited to catch up on the reading!).  Not to mention that they had a...

Photo Booth

Cotton Candy, AND

a Dessert Bar!!!

I know that you're all dying for photos, so here we go! 

The banquet hall was decorated in pink and orange (my favorite color!).  The tables were adorned with beautiful flowers, and each centerpiece had a BIG fun balloon.

Each place setting was adorned with a mini sprinkled donut.  I'm absolutely in love with anything mini!  :)

The evening was broken up into three sessions, which we had all pre-registered for.  I was stoked to have the opportunity to participate in the following sessions:

1- Laura Wiertzema's 'Cultivating Your Own Personal Style' (Fashion, Design, Style, Life and the art of capturing it all)

2- Sarah Markley's 'Carving Out Your Space' (Finding your unique niche in blogging while connecting with your readers)

3- Gussy's 'The Art of Growing A Business' (Utilizing Social Media to take your business to the next level)

Before, during, and after the sessions the dessert bar was open.  They had SO many treats to choose from!  Here are just a few...

Yes, those are mini donuts on top of chocolate cupcakes!!!

I think that these Lemon Tartlets were the start of the night!

My sweet friend Kara and I!  I'm so thankful that we went together, as there was no way that I would have survived alone (I am way TOO shy and quiet for these type of events!).  :)

I had the chance to meet and chat with Casey!  Let me tell you, she is beautiful, so very sweet, and truly genuine!  I'm so thankful to have met her in this crazy blog world!  :)

Last but not least, here's a photo of Gussy and I.  When Kara and I arrived we set our purses down on chairs, and unbeknown to us, Gussy had also set her bag down on a chair at our table.  It was such a pleasure to be able to chat with her over dinner!

Have you ever met any of your blog friends in real life???