"Organize That Sewing Space" eBook Giveaway Winner!

Thanks for all the help and feedback on my sewing room situation! I got a bunch of emails and posts with some terrific insights and ideas!

Now, for the the winner of the Organize That Sewing Space ebook:

Congratulations Carol! Thanks for the input and support! Please contact me with your email address so I can send you your copy of  Organize That Sewing Space!

A Conversation About My Studio & Giveaway!

I need some help. Some input. Lets have a conversation about my studio.

This is our living room. It currently serves as a catch all for random extra furniture and that's about it. 

When we were house hunting, I insisted we find a home with a room large enough to be my studio. I didn't want to use a living room if it meant walking straight into that room from the front door. Like this:

Call me crazy, I just have this "thing" about my studio being the first room you see when you enter my home, and I don't want guests to have to walk through it to access the rest of the place.

 I have yet to see a home in Utah that doesn't have that front room, and we passed up several good homes because this room was the the only option for my studio. In short, I was throwing tantrums. Massive tantrums.

Then we found this house, and I thought it could work.

Sure, there are plenty of reasons we got this home, but I had my eye on the basement - it was the largest we had found in a Tri-level home yet.

Now that everything is somewhat settled downstairs and have done some sewing I've decided.

I hate it.

really.

I don't even want to go down there.

I can't even really explain why.

...maybe it's because I'm cut off down there, or it's so tight, or the lack of view...

So, I've been thinking about this for about a week or so.

What if I moved the studio... upstairs...into the living room?

Ya know, the room you walk directly into when you enter my home, the one guests have to walk through to access the rest of the place. The one I insisted I could never, ever, use as a studio.

So I had slick take measurements for me and draw-up a floor plan to see if it was even feasible.

And now I'm thinking I can totally do this... 

Next step, getting approval from the hubs:

Me: would you hate me if I said I wanted to move my studio into the living room?

Sarge: no.

Me: would it look weird in that room?

Sarge: yes.

Me: would that bother you?

Sarge: not as long as you kept it picked up

Me: okay. so I can do this?

Sarge: is this going to cost me?

Me: well, I want these things from Ikea...

Sarge: wait a couple months before you buy more stuff.

Me: okay, so can I do this?

Sarge: just don't ask me to help. I'm sick of moving.

Me: what if me and Anthony do it.

Sarge: just don't take forever, I don't want stuff everywhere. 

Some random thoughts:

• The rooms are similar in dimensions (one is directly above the other) But I'll have to do some major downsizing to make it look presentable. 
• I am capable of keeping it presentable, I've written an eBook Organize That Sewing Space!
• The round chair would stay, and I'm cool with that because it's my chair and I love it.
• I'd have to suffer with the bookcases I currently have until I get what I really want
• the pattern cabinet would be prominent, and it's ugly. I'd like to paint it, but couldn't until weather improves next spring...
• My teenage son is thrilled with the prospect of the couch & TV cabinet moving downstairs - he has visions of his own "man cave"
• The furniture is heavy, and there are 2 (short) sets of stairs to haul it up and down
• This room has the best lighting in the house
• I want it to feel more office than sewing room at first glance.

Here are some of my Pinspirations:

and this one does not use the Ikea Expedit, but I love the "built in" look

So what do you think?

Would it look totally weird?

Is it weird that I care?

Should I move upstairs, or suck it up and stay in the basement?

I don't know what to do, I'm torn.

I am giving away a copy of my ebook Organize That Sewing Space

which retails for  $9.95 at Youcanmakethis.com

If you would like to win this just help a girl out and leave me a comment with your opinion about my studio situation!

Entries accepted through Saturday, 12/10

winner announced Sunday 12/11

And The Winner is...

Connie!

who said "I would have to say Day 31 Throw a Party because the moving and unpacking is all over. I have moved maybe 5 times and once its all unpacked you are ready to make it your HOME"

Check your email Connie, you have a gift certificate for YoucanMakethis.com waiting for you!

 Thanks for playing along everyone and hanging out with me over these 31 day posts!

31 Days to Settle in After a Move: Throw a Party & GIVEAWAY!

Celebrate your new home, show it off and enjoy it with some friends and family.

 Throw yourself a little party.
Whether it's a house-warming gathering, a Tupperware party, a kids birthday event or just girlfriends over for brunch.

Party like a Rock Star!

Hell, you deserve a shin-dig just for following along for the last 31 days!
And what's a party with out party favors?
Just a little token to help you make something to dress up your new (or not) nest:
a $10 gift certificate to YouCanMakeThis.com!

Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment letting me know which 31 Days to Settle in After a Move post is your favorite and why!
{Winner must be a Cherry Bubbins follower.}

Giveaway will be closed and winner will be chosen by random number on Monday, November 7, 2011.

Thanks for joining me on this quest to Settle in, if you've missed any posts from the series you can find them below. 

31 Days to Settle in After a Move: Intro
{Day 1} Color me Mine
{Day 2} Carpet
{Day 3} Unpack
{Day 4} Ensure Privacy
{Day 5} Cleaning...or not...
{Day 6} Restock Your Kitchen
{Day 7} Don't Rush to Hang Pictures
{Day 8} New Purchases & Repurposing
{Day 9} Kids Rooms
{Day 10} Create Your Oasis
{Day 11} Buy a New Shower Head
{Day 12} Break in the Kitchen
{Day 13} Re-Establish Routine
{Day 14} Break in the Bedroom
{Day 15} Paint Your Front Door
{Day 16} First Impressions
{Day 17} Do You Smell That?
{Day 18} Beautify Your Walls
{Day 19} Family Cards
{Day 20} Accept the Imperfections
{Day 21} Make New Memories
{Day 22} Get Involved
{Day 23} You've Got Mail
{Day 24} Family Control Center
{Day 25} Live in the Moment
{Day 26} Settle Into Your Closet
{Day 27} Brighten Your Outlook
{Day 28} Pick Your Battles
{Day 29} Be Selfish
{Day 30} Get a Pool
{Day 31}This Post - Throw a Party

MyMemories Suite Givaway & Promo Winner!

The winner for the Mymemories Suite Giveaway is:

rosewendy , who said I love the Modish pack

Congratulations!

If you didn't win that's okay, 

Mymemories.com  is still offering a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store ($20 value!)

Just use code: STMMMS80032 at checkout

MyMemories Suite Givaway & Promo!

Have you tried Digital Scraping yet?

I've been doing it for a few years now, and  love it!

I know a lot of people find it intimidating, especially the software. It's pricey and has a steep learning curve. I have a couple typical photo editing programs that are often used for Digi-scrapping: 

Photoshop (but haven't gotten around to figuring it out!) and PSP X, which is what I would normally use, but still have so much to learn there also!

  So, when MyMemories.com  asked me to review their digital scrapbooking software "my memories suite" I jumped at the chance! I've been playing with it quite a bit, in fact, I used the "my memories suite" and designs to create the layouts I posted here and here.

I made this in under 1 minute(!) using Autumn Rose Quick Page FREEBIE

  Right off the bat there is one big difference: This is not a photo editing program that can be used for digital scrapping - this is a program created especially for digital scrapping! 

Things I loved:

 Super easy-peasy to use. Seriously. If you are currently trying to learn a photo editing program you will be stunned at how simple it is to maneuver around my memories suite. 

 Not just for Dummies. Yes, it is easy to use - and an excellent first program if your just getting into Digital Scrapping. But, it's great for those of us who already know what we're doing, it has all the features to really make your layouts polished. So- whether your a beginner or not - your layouts will never look "beginner"!

 Instant down-load and categorizing of your "stuff". This may be my favorite part. Whenever you purchase any kits, embellishments, design packs - whatever - it is downloaded into the software, and categorized into folders so you can easily find it instantly and easily! No unzipping, filing, searching... I love that! You also can DL your stuff to any where, and use it with any photo program - versatile!

It comes Fully Loaded. Just getting started and don't want to buy a bunch of "digi-stuff" just yet? My memories suite comes fully stocked with a jazillion papers, ribbons, buttons, flowers and other embellishments to get you started. Plus, the program already has shapes, shadows, etc - so there are no actions to buy.

 Access to the Website directly from the software. If you own a Silhouette, you know what I mean. If you realize you want need something, just click and your there!

Drag & drop. Tons of templates - just drag and drop photos and you. are. done. Adding embellishments is just as easy. No files to open, "copy" or "save as". Nice.

Digital Scrapping taken to the next level. Add sound. Narration. Music. Need I say more? Okay, Publish. Print. Share.

Whats not to love? 

I only wish it had an eraser. 

Another made in about 1 minute using Quick Calendar FREEBIE

I know you're just dying to try this baby out now!

Good news!

As a special for all of you, Mymemories.com  is offering a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store ($20 value!)

Just use code: STMMMS80032 at checkout

Mymemories.com is also giving one lucky reader their own copy of my memories suite. Yay you! 

To enter:

Mandatory entry: go to Mymemories.com and the leave a comment letting me know which design pack is your favorite. 

For additional entries:  

 Follow the mymemories Blog
 Follow Mymemories on Facebook
Follow mymemories on Twitter

Leave a comment below for each additional entry.

Winner will be chosen by random number generator.

Contest closes Sunday night. Winner announced Monday, October 3rd.

 . 

This giveaway is sponsored by MyMemories, I have received a copy of mymemories suite for review. All opinions expressed in above review are my own.

Vogue Pattern Give Away!

Would you like this Vogue pattern?

(Vogue 8251)

Well, I'm giving it away!

When we picked up my Pattern Cabinet from JoAnn there was some stuff floating around the bottom, and as the guy loaded it up in my van he said I get to keep that as a little bonus.

That turned out to be this pattern.

Which is super cute!

I really love it, and could totally see myself making and wearing it!

But,

it's not my size!

Bummer....

wait,

Is it yours?

The first person to leave me a comment, letting me know what view they would make and what fabric, etc, they'd sew it in gets it! :o)

I'll ship it to you, free!

Sorry to my overseas friends - this is only available to US residents.

Romantic Ribbon & Pearl Necklace, and the WINNER is...

Bunny B.!

Drop me a line girlfriend and I'll get your fabulous necklace shipped out Monday morning!

 and of course, many thanks to all you girls for your kind posts. :o)

Have a blissful weekend!

Romantic Ribbon & Pearl Necklace Tutorial + GIVEAWAY!

I'm celebrating Spring with a tutorial to make these lovely Ribbon & Pearl Necklaces!

And for those of you too busy with Easter preparations to make one for yourself, that's okay too,

because I'm offering my first giveaway!

Yay me!

Yay you!

Romantic Ribbon & Pearl Necklace Tutorial

Supplies:

• 
  
  Satin Ribbon (I used 5/8)
• 
  
  Pearl Beads
• 
  
  Beading Needle
• 
  
  Thread (I used clear)
• 
  
  Fray Check
• 
  
  Bead Board, Ruler or Mat

Gather your supplies and lay the beads out to desired length.

(I like the beads to only go to my shoulders, not around my neck)

Leaving ribbon on the spool, measure 12 inches from the raw edge.

At the 12 inch mark, secure knot and take a large stitch, about 1 inch wide, from bottom edge of ribbon to top edge of ribbon with a pearl on your thread. 

On the back side of your ribbon, slide another pearl on your thread and take a large stitch from the Top down to the Bottom.

You will be creating a zig-zag pattern with your stitches, with pearls on both sides of your ribbon.

Repeat Stitching in zig zag pattern until you have sewn on all your pearls.

Your ribbon should look like this now.

Gently pull your thread to gather up your ribbon and pearls.

Now you should see your necklace taking shape!

Secure the end with a knot.

Cut your ribbon 12 inches from the last bead. Use Fray Check to seal the ends of your ribbon and prevent fraying.

Tada!

You can shorten or lengthen the ties to what ever your preference is.

You aren't limited to ribbon or pearls for these necklaces either.

As you can see, I loved making these!

The center necklace is made with a vintage french lace and soft green and cream pearls. It turned out so delicate and romantic looking!

I also made one using mocha and rose colored pearls, the effect is an elegant neutral that would go with so much.

Of course the black and white combo is stunning with it's contrast and would be perfect for an evening out!

I couldn't decide which one I liked best - so I'll let you choose!

Post a comment below and let me know which necklace is your favorite, and you'll be entered in a drawing to win the necklace of your choice!

If you mention this tutorial or giveaway in your blog - post another comment for an additional entry!

Contest will close and I will post the winner on Friday