For this giveaway, I'm going to keep it simple (for me, and for you!). In the past, I have made items to give away, but what I lack in time I make up for in sewing supplies. Let's be honest, I have purchased way more patterns and fabric than I can possible use, so why not give some of them away to someone who might have a chance at enjoying them?! (And, as a bonus, I won't feel so guilty seeing these unused patterns in my pattern drawer!)
Up for grabs are two Amy Butler handbag patterns, the Madison and the Kimberly. Opened, pondered, and vaguely planned for, but never actually used. They are lovely and project-inspiring, no?
(If you'd like to return to the list of Giveaways, click here)
Great Giveaway! I sew during naptime, or after my baby girl has gone to bed. She is starting to want to "help" now!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway. I sew between 10 and 2 at night, which can make work mornings very hard.
ReplyDeleteSewing is a reward for getting the dishes done. Actually sewing is a great way to get away from all the rushing around we do. Just tell yourself you can sew for one hour a day, it's fun to do small projects , like purses or bags.
ReplyDeleteI sew at the kitchen table not 20 feet from our livingroom. When my grandson was a baby, set the playpen up in the kitchen with toys and sew and sing to him. At six now I sew when he is in school and when he is home. He ask me the other day to teach him. So, I told him first he has to master cutting with his scissors and sat him at the table with me. Him with scraps and those blunt nose school scissors that barely cut fabrics. He did it awhile and said he would work on it later. I hope it helps.
ReplyDeleteGive up sleep. It's possibly not the best idea to create sewing time, but a girl's gotto do what a crafty girl's gotto do.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter made her first quilt with me by sitting in my lap and her hands placed on top mine at age 6. We pieced a jelly roll strip next to another in order to create an easy quilt to make that she is still proud of many years later!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, I love those patterns!! I have had an interest in teaching my niece to sew for a long time. She just turned 9 and I'm really starting to teach her. I wish someone had taught me to sew when I was young. I always wanted to learn. It's always easier to learn from someone than it is a book. I wish I had tips about it, but basically my niece is excited to learn, so I don't have to think of "fun" ways to try and entice her.
ReplyDeleteI cut things out at night and sew durring the day while my son naps. Nap time is a sewer's (and mom's) best friend!
ReplyDeleteI don't have kids yet, which I think makes balancing sewing time easier! I just try and get everything else done as quickly as possible. Lovely patterns, Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteFor me, I don't have to worry about making time for sewing, it is more about having energy. It's really hard to see my stuff all set up and waiting for me and knowing I can't sew if I want to see my friend's the next day. I hate not being well! I need to get into hand sewing more.
ReplyDeleteWrite down a list of things to do at night, for the following day. Check them off--you'll get more done than by just keeping it in your head.
ReplyDeletelet the kids play with scraps--they can draw designs on paper and then you iron the drawing on to fabric & make something for them. Let them arrange colored scrap blocks and then you sew them together. You could do a small tied quilt and show them how to tie the ties.
trilliumcreates AT gmail DOT com
Oh, those bags are cute! Thanks for the chance...I think that making time for sewing is about balance and putting a little "me" time in your life...I don't follow that advice always but I think it's important to!
ReplyDeleteI plan my projects during the week, cutting out, basting etc then on the weekend I sit down on the sewing machine and sew.
ReplyDeleteI bring my sewing machine to the dining room table....then I can sew a bit while the kids mill around!
ReplyDeleteI sew once the kiddo has gone to sleep. it's the only way with my VERY active and inquisitive 21month old!
ReplyDeleteI tend to sew when my kids are off playing by themselves. Thanks
ReplyDeletelbroadstreet@tds.net
Sometimes I have to sew in the evening, after people are in bed. And my son is just now wanting to sew...so that means figuring out how to teach him too. =0P
ReplyDeleteThanks for a chance to win.
My sewing time is also my relax time and it happens after the girls go to bed for the night.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Erin
emstone28@gmail.com
Oh yes, her patterns are awesome! Sometimes my quilting mom and I set up sewing machines together and take a whole weekend day just sewing. It's bliss, and you get a lot done. Dad does the cooking, yay!
ReplyDeleteI taught my 6yo how to sew by hand and she is really enjoying it. She also loves watching me use the machine so we sit across from each other over the dining room table and work on our respective projects. I just hope she continues enjoying it through the summer!
ReplyDeleteI only sew with kids :D I usually give the almost 6 year old his own project to work on, like a simple bag pattern to trace and cut, or an educational skills activity book. The 3 year old usually will be happy with sheets of paper that have a persons outline on them and crayons to draw her own pretty outfits. After they get bored of those things, I put on PBS for them and they get to watch a show.
ReplyDeleteTwo words: nap time. :)
ReplyDeleteI love both of these bag patterns -- thanks so much for sharing them with us!
great giveaway! i do all my sewing at night or during nap time. sometimes, i will put on a good show and let my son eat in bed.
ReplyDeletethanks for the chance!
owensolivia@hotmail.com
oh-- I have seen the pattern on the right sewn up and really like it :)
ReplyDeleteI have other crafty things for my daughter to do in my sewing room while I sew-- a variety of things to color and draw with and coloring books and pads, Bendaroos, Gak, stickers-- that kind of stuff :)
Desi
weeshareblog@gmail.com
Very cute patterns indeed :)
ReplyDeleteHere's what I do. I have trained my daughter to only want Daddy to help her get to bed at night. That way I can sew and make other stuff while he gets her bath, bedtime stories, jammies, magic water (i.e. fiber supplements) and songs. Sometimes it's nice to be the second-chair parent ;)
http://mysticmandy.blogspot.com
I set up a little table in my sewing area. My kids can only work there when I'm sewing. The older one gets to cut from magazines & sometimes fabric snippets. The 2 year old gets to color with markers...even is she DOES need a bath afterwards.
ReplyDeletei try and sew after the kids go to bed. this is the best time for me
ReplyDeleteI sew while my kids play nicely together or nap, and sometimes I sew late at night while everyone else is asleep.
ReplyDeleteTry scheduling it. Kids have soccer - and it gets scheduled. You should schedule yours, too. Just make a rule Thursday nights, you have sewing from x o'clock til y o'clock and refuse to accept other engagements or priority bumps.
ReplyDeleteMy three year old has taken charge of the speed pedal. For straight sems etc., I can have her help by pressing the foot while I sew. I just give her cues like slow, steady, stop etc. She has to follow or she doesnt get to help.
ReplyDeleteI wish I was better at finding time to sew also. I am tired late in the day plus that is when my hubby and I can visit. I think about waking up eary and making time but the siren call of my pillow is very strong. good luck!
I sew during naptime. I have learned that my chores can wait, if I don't get my sewing time in I'm cranky!
ReplyDeleteSorry, I don't have children and my husband work as a policeman at night so I have a lot of free time!
ReplyDeleteI have had my children make small doll quilts or help me pick out designs for blocks that I have made and then they have sewn them together. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteWOW...I need the advice. I have 3 kids (pregnant with #4), and my oldest is homeschooled (kindergarten). So my children are almost always here. We have a sewing group at church on Tuesdays, and I don't go as often as I want to, but we gather together, and have something for the kids to do while the moms (and grandmoms) sew for a couple hours. At home, I try to keep them busy with something, or let them watch with me and push the pedal every once in a while.
ReplyDeletespondah(at)aol(dot)com
Since I stay at home I have time for sewing - sometime I make a lot and sometime it is good just making plans in the head......... Love blogging for getting inspiration. My daughter was 7 when she started sewing - and she likes it still 14 years later :-) Love that.
ReplyDeleteI make time for sewing by making sure that each project is easily accessible so that I can use every spare minute.
ReplyDeleteMost of my sewing happens after the baby goes to bed.....not sure that's ever going to change!
ReplyDeleteBecause I don't have a craft room, I have to get my machine out and set it up on the (unused) dining room table (I'd love to turn that room into a craft room, but that's been vetoed by my loving husband). Anyway, I get it out and block out an hour every day until I finish my project. It does get a bit unsightly (cutting board, ironing board), so it's good motivation to finish! Thanks for the nice giveaway.
ReplyDeleteAllow them to play under my feet when sewing and try not to get frustrated.
ReplyDeleteI love Amy Butler patterns! When my kids were very young, I just sewed with them playing at my feet or while they were watching their favourite DVDs. I also sewed while they were sleeping, LOL.
ReplyDeleteNow that they're a little older, I sew while they're at school and kindergarten or I set up my machine at the dining table so that they can sit and craft with me while I sew. :)
To make time for sewing (or doing anything), I try not to look at the whole project, but at what I can accomplish in 15 minutes, or 30 minutes at a time. I'm not always successful at this mindset, but when I am, I can get actually complete a project without getting stressed. Thanks for the chance to win the pretty patterns.
ReplyDeleteI tend to sew while also doing laundry, ironing, etc. That way I can multitask!
ReplyDeletegrahamstory@aol.com
Let the housework go a bit. If you skip one session of vacuuming, you will get it all the next time. Thanks for the chance to win such cute patterns!
ReplyDeleteI sew for 15 minutes at a time most days, as well as 1-2 evenings a week.
ReplyDeleteSewing time is my "me time". I try to break my project down into a few sessions and spend about an hour or so at a time working on them. I usually get up before the rest of the house, so early morning works well for me.
ReplyDeleteI sew in the summer when I am off from school. There is much less guilt then (sorry, that wasn't much help).
ReplyDeleteI always sew while my kids are sleeping. If they wake up before I finish I ask them to help.
ReplyDeletemframe00@gmail.com
I can't really help you, because I started sewing after my last child was driving. Now that I have an empty nest, I see all the time! Thanks for the giveaway! I love Amy butler patterns.
ReplyDeleteSew, not see
DeleteUsually end up sewing when the kids have gone to bed, nap time, or quiet time.
ReplyDeleteMy friend always has a basket of fabric shapes near her design wall and her. 4 year old daughter happily plans out a design while Mama works. Several designs have then been constructed and the pair of them are very proud of their creations
ReplyDeletemy kids are quite small - I have a 3 year old and a 6month old... the ONLY efficient way to get anything done with my sewing is at night time :( I have to say i remember when I was a kid, waking up in the night and hearing my moms sewing machine........ so I guess its a family thing
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway!
Agree with many others - nights and naptimes is the way to go. I use a folding clothes drying rack to hang WIP so they don't get fold marks or get lost in the shuffle.
ReplyDeleteSigh, another naptimes seamstress over here!
ReplyDeleteAs a Mum with young children, I think late night sewing is the way to go - small children, sewing machines, rotary cutters & pins are a dangerous combination. I grab sewing time wherever I can. Good luck with making it work for your family. Thanks for the lovely gieaway.
ReplyDeleteMy son is home with me, my daughter is in school. My son is usually busy playing although he comes and will check out what I'm doing and then go back to his 'work'. It doesn't always work out for the best but I do get some time to sew. I find by the time I have both of them in bed at night, I'm too tired to try to make anything. Naptime is a good option for me too!
ReplyDeleteOne of the sewing projects I made with my step-daughter was to have her pick out some cute fabric and then "we" made a heart shaped pillow for her father's birthday. I cut out the shape and sewed the majority of it on my machine and she hand stitched the opening I used to turn it right side out. She loved it and so did her father.
ReplyDeleteI do almost all of my sewing at night. Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to make time for sewing but I usually do it on the weekends or when my husband is working from home since we share a home office :)
ReplyDeleteI sew when I can and when the mood strikes! If that means just when I am climbing into bed and I get an idea, I'll go sew! I wear permanent dark circles under my eyes but I enjoy it!! I love Amy Butler fabrics and her patterns are lovely though I have never bought one so would love to win!! Yay!
ReplyDeleteI force myself to make time. Although I don't have kids, I have tons of household chores that usually take a back seat when I need to get some sewing or quilting projects finished. I usually sew after I get home from work at night at sometimes on weekends at night. Sometimes dirty dishes will stay in the sink for a few days if I can't get to them right away.
ReplyDeleteAmy Butler's patterns are great to work with - very detailed. I'm not sure this makes time to sew, but I try to end my sewing "session" by looking ahead to the next step and setting everything up so it's ready. That way if I just have a few minutes to sew next time I can jump right in. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletegreat giveaways!
ReplyDeleteI sew early in the morning, or late at night!
I sew late at night. After my son fall to sleep.
ReplyDeleteI usually sew after my daughter goes to bed. My husband gets up with our daughter one day each weekend, so I usually stay up late sewing the night before knowing I get to sleep in the next day.
ReplyDeleteMaking time to sew is difficult, especially if you have a family. I take some time in the evening when everyone has gone to bed to sew. Sometimes it's for an hour, or longer. Just depends on what I am working on. Thanks for the great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteRest/reading time, after bed, and maybe when they watch a show.
ReplyDeletesntbosch(at)msn(dot)com
My son's craft table is in my sewing room so I usually give him a project when I'm wanting to sew. It doesn't hold his attention forever but it buys me a little time here and there.
ReplyDeleteI make time for sewing by staying up really late on the weekends. :)
ReplyDeleteI have my sewing machine right by my son's easel, so he can color and create while I'm sewing! And I do as much of the prep work as possible at random times so if my husband is watching him, I can just concentrate on the part that requires the machine!
ReplyDeleteI kinda use sewing as a reward. when I am done with the dishes or laundry I can sew for a certain amount of time. I have a table next to mine where I have the glue fabric on paper or color, just stay near me.
ReplyDeleteI set aside some time after they go to bed.
ReplyDeleteI try to not get too stressed when I don't have time to sew- I know I'll get back to it when I can, so I try not to feel guilty when I can't do it (even though I love it!)
ReplyDeleteI keep a pile of scraps in a bucket under my sewing table. My girls love to cut out clothes for their dolls! And this is a seriously awesome giveaway, as I've been pondering the Madison bag myself.
ReplyDeleterebekahricker (at) yahoo (dot) com
I have six kiddos - and I sew in 10 minute spurts. What keeps me sane is laying out my next step but not doing it - that way I remember where I was when I come back.
ReplyDeleteMine are a little older now - the boy plays outside as much as possible and the girl plugs away at homework. Usually I try to sew in the evenings after the boy is in bed, since I am typically sewing for the daught, she doesn't interrupt me except to see if I am done yet.
ReplyDeleteHave everything set up. Cut out more than one project while you're cutting. Sew as many seams as possible before you go iron, trim, pin, etc. And wear out the kid so she goes to bed early.
ReplyDeleteljridge4511 (at) gmail (dot) com
I love to sew first thing in the morning while the kids are content to do their own thing.
ReplyDeleteI get off work as soon as possible, catch the first bus and day dream about sewing until I get home :D
ReplyDeleteI always sew during naptime.
ReplyDeleteanabelsu@yahoo.es
I sew instead of sleeping.
ReplyDeletehttp://richardquilts.blogspot.com
I freelance write from home, which makes it very tempting to just sew and not work! So I set a schedule where I work/write from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., sew from 4-6 p.m. and then stop to make dinner. Sometimes, if my sweetie is teaching a night class or busy working, I may sew for another hour or two after dinner.
ReplyDeletetina_crossgrove(at)hotmail(dot)com
I sew at night, while others are sleeping!
ReplyDeletebeth(dot)sebastian(at)gmail(dot)com
I do most of my sewing while my little man is asleep during the day (and give my little miss something crafty to do while I sew!)
ReplyDeleteI have little ones, so the only time I have to sew is naptime! :) mjalfano19@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThese bags are so cute! I sew instead of watching TV.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance!
ap_lemos at yahoo dot com
i use kid's nap time to sew. thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletewaipueyyee AT gmail DOT com
I will say ut at night when they go to sleep and sew while they're busy playing.
ReplyDeleteI use naptimes, and get my husband to watch the kids sometimes. (I let him do fun stuff too!)
ReplyDeletecarrie.hare@gmail.com
i usually sew at nights after the kids are asleep
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway!
I have to take out and set up my sewing machine every time I sew, so it's a bit of a bother. I sew when they're out enjoying the backyard and maybe a popsicle. I set them up with watercolors. Or I sew at night when everyone's asleep and hope I don't wake anyone up.
ReplyDeleteI'm retired so I can sew anytime I want!
ReplyDeleteI travel for work pretty much every week, so when the weekend comes and I'm home, I pretty much hide in my sewing room all weekend!! Or at a quilting class!
ReplyDeleteCute patterns. I used to sew when my son was in school and my daughter was napping. Then I sewed on the two days she attended Mother's Day Out. Now school and Mother's Day Out or out for the summer and I don't think I'll be getting much sewing done. Yikes! We even created a playroom in the room next to my sewing room but they still want my attention.
ReplyDeletetammy.westfahl@yahoo.com
Two words: Don't sleep!
ReplyDeleteSadly, I have no advice on sewing with kids around. I imagine some kids are happy playing with their toys while mommy plays with hers, but alas not mine. :) Mostly, I sew after they go to bed if I'm still standing! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI try to do chores during the week after I get home from work, and get hubby out of the house on the weekends so I can spend as much time on the weekend sewing as i can!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore Amy Butler patterns, thanks for the chance!
I love Amy Butler bag patterns! I'm fortunate to have a lot of time for sewing, but one tip I use to maximize my sewing time is to plan to have projects I can work on when I have to be away from my sewing machine. If a project needs to be finished by hand, I'll move on to another project when I can be in my sewing room, and finish the first one when I have time away from the machine.
ReplyDeleteKAI bring a bunch of toys in, put the iron away and close the door. Kids are contained and happy and so am I.
ReplyDeleteEu tenho três filhas e elas não me atrapalharam muito,enquanto estavam no quintal eu estava fazendo coisas de mão,enquanto dormiam eu máquina.As meninas,cada uma tem suas próprias colchas,cada uma fez a sua em torno de 9,10 e 12 anos.Obrigada eu adorei esses padrões.tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteEu me tornei seguidora,obrigada.tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteNormally I waiting until my 5 year old was at pre-k and my 2 year old took her nap which was about 4 hours.. Today was the last day of school and my 2 year old is cutting out naps slowly but surely so I am not sure when I will get it in.. They are very independent so I can just make sure then have snakes and stuff and get in an hour or two while they play!
ReplyDeleteMy kiddos are big now but when they were small I always sewed in the kitchen or livingroom so I could sneak in a bit here and there when they napped, watched tv etc. I always tried to read on step ahead so I'd know right what to do when I had a few minutes. If there was a big project and a time crunch I'd sew at night....sometimes all night ...and nap when they did the next day :-)
ReplyDeleteYou just have to become comfortable with the idea you might not get to sit down to sew for hours at a time but you can squeeze a bit in here and there.
I don't know if I can give you any advice about finding sewing time as I am not very productive. But I keep up with what is going on in the quilting world and keep building my stash. My time will come. Thanks for participating in the Giveaway Day.
ReplyDeleteI am not the most productive sewer but it helps me if I can multi-task somehow. Like catching up on a show I like.
ReplyDeleteerikawithak.vintage at gmail.com
I always try to squeeze some crafty time in the evenings or on the weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'm a full time working mother of 4 and I have no clue how I find time to sew (or craft) but somehow I manage. I work nightshift so the kids are all in bed when I get home in the morning and I sew then, and on my off days, I'm up in the weeeeee hours of the morning sewing as well! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI find that I just have to get out there and do it. I can always make excuses not to find the time, but once I'm working on something, it just gets easier. Sometimes I sneak out as soon as I wake up in the morning, and can be really productive before I even have breakfast. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI sew a little here and a little there and if I have a deadline.. I sew all night! Ty for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteSew after he goes to bed. Ha ha. That's the only time I can pull it off! :)
ReplyDeletepeachstateme(at)hotmail(dot)com
I try to sew every evening, while I have my kids playing in the living room.
ReplyDeleteanaeosviraventos(at)gmail(dot)com
I try to make time to sew while my daughter naps or in the evening when she has gone to bed but it is always a juggling act with house work and trying to make time for my hubby. If you find the magic answer feel free to share. I am sure all the mummies would like to know.
ReplyDeleteI am retired so I can sew whenever I want. Most times it is all night. I used to sew when my kids were little, mostly clothes for them. I always sewed at night after I put them to bed. They tell me now that they miss falling to sleep to the sound of my machine humming along.
ReplyDeleteI have the time to sew while my kids are in school, but sometimes I'm too busy doing everything else as well as spending too much time online... Sometimes I just need a deadline to get my projects done. Thanks for a chance to win! :)
ReplyDeletemy kids go to sleep by 8 so I typically do my sewing then
ReplyDeleteI love patterns! I usually sew when my family is asleep, so I make time by not sleeping. :D My oldest kid is only three, so I have no tips about sewing with kids. Sorry!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
I do not have kids yet, but think that sewing when they are sleeping is prob the safest thing - sanity wise ;) My Mom used to keep us quiet by having us sew doll clothes while she sewed up real clothes for us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a great prize and the chance to win it.
Marilize
marilize (dot) paulsen (at) gmail (dot) com
I make time for sewing by not doing housework. (unless my mum's coming over. Then I have a mad cleaning frenzy).
ReplyDeletethaks for he giveawa! i make time to sew by neglecting all other household duties for a week or so at a time, then i abandon sewing util i feel like have made up for my absence. rinse and repeat.
ReplyDeleteEven a three year old can sew with plastic canvas, yarn and a yarn needle.
ReplyDeleteThese are such cute patterns. :) I make time for myself to sew as a "reward" when I've been having a really busy week or work schedule. I set myself a timer and just pull out something to work on for a little while.
ReplyDeleteI sew while she is at school or napping. :)
ReplyDeleteMy husband works second shift, so all the time from when the kids go to bed, in between 9-10, to when he gets home after midnight... Is my free sewing time. Works great !
ReplyDeletei work full time with two kids so it's hard to find time! but i have a separate room in the basement and i go downstairs and SHUT THE DOOR. :)
ReplyDeleteI try to give myself at least an hr a week (AT LEAST) to set aside for sewing. It really helps if I'm super inspired by a project, then I try to set aside more time
ReplyDeleteDepending on the age(s) of the kiddo(s), naptime might be the only way to work around their curious fingers and minds. Sometime at about age 3, depending on the child, you can start creating projects for them to work on while you're doing your own sewing. Simple items like a big-eyed plastic needle, yarn, and something with holes in it becomes their very first embroidery lesson. Stringing big beads and random household items can keep little ones busy for a while.
ReplyDeleteMy only suggestion is to magically add an hour to every day. Not helpful, I know, but it sure would help!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway!! I generally sew when I get a chance in the evenings.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win.
wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com