Monday, December 13, 2010

sew mama sew GIVEAWAY day!

go here to read more

I love this day!  I participated in one of the first ones they did and it was so fun - I whipped up just a little something to offer up to you today.

If you have been here before you might have figured out that I have a bit of a thing for Amy Butler anything.  I got an email from my local quilt shop that they had Soul Blossoms in and it was 20% off.  I just went in to look.  I SWEAR.

To be honest I wasn't sure I was going to even like it.  I had seen it online and was intrigued but nothing really jumped out at me.  So I just wanted to go see for myself.  It's an interesting line.  Very complex.  And it doesn't have your typical mix of prints - blenders, small, large, etc.  They are ALL bold, large, vibrant and pretty amazing!  I definitely was drawn to some more than others.

new Soul Blossoms!
 I couldn't leave empty-handed!

I decided it would be fun to use such a new print for my giveaway prize today!  I whipped up one of my favorite kitchen accessories!  A dishmat! (teapot not included - sorry!)
the close up


And after taking these pictures - I think maybe I'll start calling it a teapot rug!

I use mine all the time for my pots to drip dry on.  And when it's not covered with dishes, it just looks so pretty!
and the reverse

More lovely dots that I used on the reverse. I really think she makes the best dot prints. EVER.

The dishmat, teapot rug, placemat, centerpiece table topper, tray liner (use it for whatever you want!) measures about 15 x 24 inches, is lined with an terry cloth kitchen towel, has serged edges with an all over stipple quilting design.

I'm kind of sad to give it away - but I think I'm going to go buy more.  In lieu of buying this,  I have a bottle of liquid starch and some bookshelves that need some color.

I had fun making it - I hope you love it!


To enter just leave a comment telling me your favorite experience or favorite thing about teaching someone else to sew. (U.S. entries only - sorry other friends!)  

Make sure you have an email attached to your profile or leave it in your comment.  **Read this post if you are a no-reply blogger - you may not even know you are!**

Giveaway ends the night of December 17th - winner picked by random.org and announced shortly after!

165 crafty mcCrafters commented:

Laura said...

I have taught both my daughters to sew and this summer, one of them made curtains for three rooms in her house. I think she appreciates my sewing more now and the best part is she likes to go to fabric stores with me (finally!).

ktquilts said...

My favorite part is seeing them get to the point where they creatively think of things that I would never have thought of!!!

Merry Christmas!

Lesly said...

Definitely the satisfaction of seeing them realize that they actually can do it! It's the best! Love those Soul Blossoms! Yum!

Happy Cottage Quilter said...

Love your tea mat!! What a great idea :-) I've taught beginner quilting, and it always amuses me when after all the instruction and details mentioned as we begin class, there is always one lady who will say - My quilt is smaller then everyone else's! Usually it is because they do not have a 1/4" foot so their seams are larger and of course their quilt is smaller :-) Love the fabric, great giveaway!

Renea said...

The greatest thrill of teaching someone to quilt is looking at project after project that they have finished. Especially after hearing them say "I could never do that!" Thanks for the giveaway.

joliesjunebugboutique said...

Oh! I think I love soul blossoms! Very bold and Colorful!

Goodnight moon said...

Ahhh....this is heaven! Okay...so since I'm a beginner...I've only taught my kids have to such the sraps of my material, and since they are too young to sew...they use tape to hold everything together.

Does that work!?!?!

KQ said...

I just love seeing the pride they find in their work!

Kellie said...

I've never had the opportunity to teach someone else to sew...however, a young cousin of mine has asked me to teach her so I am excited about that! I think helping her will actually teach me a thing or two!

I love this giveaway, btw, Amy Butler is good stuff!

Thanks!

Kellie

Kellie said...

whoops...that's kellie(dot)cotton(at)att(dot)net

Christie, Describe Happy said...

That 'teapot rug' is dazzling!! I can see how it's tough to part with, but I would give it an amazing home! My favorite part of teaching is that ah-ha moment when the other person has a giant smile and feeling of pride!! I haven't taught anyone to sew yet, but I am hoping to have that experience with a daughter or niece someday!! Thanks for hosting this! describehappy(@)gmail(dot)com

Rachel said...

I love sewing with my sister. We're always teaching each other little things - even if it's just how we prefer to cut fabric (she loves to cut squares right out of the edge of her fabric - while I prefer her to just cut a whole strip of off mine and cut her square from that strip!)

Tonia said...

My favorite part about teaching someone how to sew is the look on their face. It is like Christmas morning! They start imagining all of the things they could make once they learn. I love the excitement new sewers have!

toniamelhorn(dot)carolina(dot)rr(dot)com

Kim said...

I have taught friends to sew and it's so nice to see how happy they are when their project is finished.

Kristie said...

Very cute! Count me in!

Mrs. Darling said...

I love teaching someone else to sew because then I have a new person to 'talk shop' with! I love sharing the ability to create things and the joy that come from completing a new project! Thanks so much for sharing and now I am off to buy myself some soul blossoms!

Emillie Rose said...

I have started teaching my younger sister to sew and it has been so much fun because she is such an avid learner! My favorite thing about it is being able to pass on the knowledge of sewing that I have.
hisprincess886(at)yahoo(dot)com

Vicki said...

What I like when I'm helping someone learn to sew... is when they get brave enough to try new things and just go for it! No need to be shy, just jump right in. :)

Lindsey said...

cute dishmat! I've enjoyed teaching my little girl to sew. She recently made a pillow for her brother complete with applique name to match a quilt i made for him, i love seeing the two things we made together on his bed.

Kelly O. said...

I am teaching my 6 year old to sew and she said to me one day as I was busying myself with my own crafting "you know mom, it works better if you leave the foot up..."
I looked over and she didn't have the presser foot down (sooo dangerous) and was doing her own version of fm quilting!
that's when i realized she really wanted to sew!

I think this is a GREAT giveaway!
Merry Christmas!

Jessica said...

My favorite thing is telling them its okay to make mistakes, because I still do all the time, seeing them make a mistake, and helping them fix it :)

Herbal Tonya here said...

i have taught my 7 year old to sew....sometimes it feels great and sometimes she fights me all the way! se already know how to sew!!!!!!

thanks for the give away

happy holidays
-t

http://plantinggreendreams.wordpress.com

Brynn said...

What? Something Amy Butler from you??? Just think - if I win, you'll save on postage ;)

Susan said...

My favorite thing about sewing is teaching my daughter to sew. Now I have a sewing buddy I can sahre my ideas and creativity with....you know husbands are great, but sometimes they just don't get it:)

Seams Inspired said...

What a fabulous giveaway!
I'm teaching LittleGirl how to sew. She loves it as much as I hoped she would! We're creating simple items, like doll skirts as well as some great memories.

Happy Giveaway Day! :o)

sarah in the woods said...

Lovely! I don't sew, but i enjoy teaching people how to spin.

leapinlilies said...

I am teaching my daughter to sew and enjoy watching her fascination. She surprises me with how quickly she is picking it up, since I was self-taught as a teenager, I didn't pick things up as quickly, lol.

Thanks!

tara said...

What a lovely gift. Thanks for the chance to win something you made.

debbie said...

taught my daughters to sew many years ago - they didn't take to it like I had hoped but now, 15 years later my oldest daughter wants to learn how to quilt! what a joy!!

VickiB said...

I'm currently attempting to teach my reluctant daughter to sew. She loves the quilts that I make and thought she might like to make one.... She's plodding along on a simple quilt. And I do mean plodding! It's all good because she'll at least understand how to operate the sewing machine!

Sarah Craig said...

My favorite thing about teaching someone to sew? The moment when they go from "Oh, I couldn't possibly do that!" to "Wow, look what I made!" Priceless!!

Sammy said...

Last summer, I had the opportunity to teach my friend's daughter to sew, and to my delight she made a pajama bottom.
Ceder, this one for you.

Love,

-Samya :-)'

Anita said...

About 10 years ago I taught a very good friend of mine how to quilt. It didn't take much effort on my party, since she already knew how to sew. I just helped her through simple piecing and the quilting process. She now owns a long-arm. I'm so envious!

Laura said...

I love seeing how proud my little sister is when she sews something :)
LauraL444 at yahoo dot com

mindingmomma said...

I love teaching my daughter to count stitches, she is so diligent at this task.
mindingmomma@aol.com

Amanda said...

I'm in the process of teaching myself to sew! :) But I do have my son help me sometimes. But we have to have "the talk" alot. You know the talk....the pedal is not a racecar pedal... lol

This is beautiful by the way!

Amanda
amandaandandy@yahoo.com

Juli said...

I taught a friend to sew, my favorite part was when she finished her first project!

inoakpark said...

I taught my sister to sew. The best part is that she now knows how to use the machine she's had for years
katies.towers (at) gmail (dot) com

harleywife57 said...

My favorite so far is I helped my sister put together her first quilt top for a baby quilt ; and yes she wanted to learn and she already knows how to sew , so it was nice to be able to help her ! we're both in our 50's , been sewing more than 40 years , and finally doing some quilting ! (Now I must encourage my sis to FINISH the baby quilt!!)

Emily said...

I love to sew for my daughter - she's two - and last night, for the first time, she agreed to let me sew while she was awake (the sound has been scary). Look, I said - it goes up and down to sew. She smiled and said, up-down, up-down.

I may get to finish sewing her holiday gifts before 2011 after all!

Belle + Bee said...

Ive started teaching embroidery to my three year old...it is slow and sometimes painful, but the results are so sweet!
I'm hosting a giveaway too, so pop on over if you have some time...
belle-n-bee.blogpsot.com
beckymac1@hotmail.com

Megan said...

Awesome giveaway! I used to teach kid's beginning sewing and quilting classes at my LQS through high school and college. The best part was definitely seeing the look on their face when they were all finished. Another great part is just knowing you had a hand in showing them a great new hobby and skills they can use forever! Thanks again for the giveaway!

Heidi said...

My happy sewing memories ALL involve my Mom - I love watching her beautiful bronzed hands skim over fabric and through her sewing machine. My Mom and her sewing make me so very happy and give me warm fuzzies whenever I think of her!!

andrea creates said...

i haven't really had the chance to teach someone else to sew-but i do love these fabrics :)

Sara said...

I haven't really taught anyone yet, but I have two little girls and I'm looking forward to teaching them and making memories at the machine.

Meghan said...

I've actually not had anyone to teach. I'm 25 and have no kids yet!

Amy - Amy's Creative Side said...

I need your mat! It's beautiful and my dishwasher is on the fritz :(

Teaching ppl? Seeing things click, and their imaginations take over :)

Alicia said...

My comment is about learning to sew! I started my first quilt in high school, and my grandmother was teaching me. She kept telling me to use the 1/4 in seam allowance, but I didn't know why, I just knew if the seam allowance was smaller, then the quilt would be bigger, right? I sewed as close to the edge as I could, but she kept telling me 1/4 in! Anyway I finished the quilt, it looked awesome, and thankfully I am religious about my seam allowances now!

CJ said...

I recently had two young teen girls here to learn to sew. One was very timid and methodical, the other gung-ho and put pedal to the metal! It was fun to see their differences and to work with each of them...encouraging the one to go for it and the other to slow down a bit. I loved seeing their enthusiasm for creating things.

Monica said...

I've never taught anyone to quilt unfortunately since I'm still pretty new at it myself. But I did have a friend ask me to teach her in January so that will be fun! Thanks for doing a giveaway!

sukie said...

My favorite moment is when I showed my MIL about 505 spray. It's magic!
Thanks for the chance to win! (sukie80@gmail.com)

stampmeup said...

I've been teaching my daughter to sew and quilt. I like seeing her confidence grow and the pride she has in her work.

konester said...

I love just seeing people's creativity! I haven't instructed others much on sewing, but I especially like to see what little kids will do if you let them at it!

Barb said...

My favorite things is when the light bulb moment happens, the understanding moment...and then the smile creeps across the face....

Skooks said...

I love it when that light bulb goes off and someone says, "OH! THAT's how you do that!" Best feeling ever. Especially since I don't consider myself any kind of expert on sewing. :)

Deb said...

I love it when someone I have taught to do something then follows through and makes an item on their own and thanks me for teaching them. It's a great feeling.

Lindsay Conner said...

I've taught some friends how to sew, and it's been fun to see them use their newfound skills in craft swaps!

Great handmade giveaway! Mine is at http://www.lindsaysews.com. lindsay.conner(at)gmail(dot)com

Desiree said...

I haven't taught anyone to sew yet. My daughter sits on my lap when Ii sew though & I hope to teach her when she is old enough. Thank you for the chance to win!

simply.simon.sisters(at)gmail(dot)com

Ribbonrose said...

I taught my daughter to hand sew when she was five. The photo of her holding up her 4 patch is priceless!

Kristen said...

I haven't really ever taught anyone to sew or anything....although I do have 2 friends who really want me to teach them!

james and bess said...

i'm (slowly) teaching my daughter to sew and i love seeing in her the same itch to create and make our own cute things. :)

great giveaway!

bess

Denise said...

I'm attempting to teach my friend how to quilt currently and my other friend simply how to sew [we're on buttons.. :P ] - everyone has to start somewhere, right?

Sew Flippin Cool said...

seeing what they come up with! this fabric is really great. it would go wonderfully in my kitchen.

Jamie said...

I love teaching my boys to sew both by hand and on the machine. They took a class on knitting this summer and retaught me how to knit. I love doing such fun crafty things with them!

live a colorful life said...

I think it is so rewarding to see someone in their 20s or younger get excited when you have taken them through the steps of making a quilt, they take the knowledge and run with it, and then pay it forward to someone else.

And I think my 4-year-old granddaughter is about ready to get her first sewing lesson.

AB--yes, best dots. Ever.

And I noticed you finished it with a serger. Mine should arrive in the mail tomorrow (thank you Santa and amazon.com)

Lesa said...

I recently taught my 7 year old niece and 17 year old stepson to sew! Both experiences were so fun to help them create something special that they are both pretty proud of. They both took on a good challenge for a first project and took it slow and steady! I recently found out that my niece was telling her friends that she could take orders on making more of the cute scarf she now wears to school each day! ;-)

Stacy said...

I love the look on their faces when they finish their first project!

Gale, Ky quilter said...

Love this fabric and the mat! Would love for it to come live with me in Kentucky. My favorite experience sewing is helping my grand daughters make their very own pillowcases. They each picked out their favorite fabric and we sat at the machine, them on my lap because they were only 4 and 8, and we made pillowcases. You would have thought grandma hung the moon they were so excited and they got to sleep on them that very night. Thanks for the chance to win!
Gale

galew417@comcast.net

ravenjasmine81 said...

I love those Amy Butler prints as well...but they're a little pricy for me, so it would be great to have a little splash of Butler prints in my kitchen! Thanks for the great giveaway...

Cal said...

I haven't taught anyone to sew! I taught myself, and I am too self-conscious to teach someone else, but I guess I would if someone would ask me... no-one has so far!

Tiffany said...

so pretty! i haven't taught anyone to sew because i just learned this summer... from a wonderful teacher at the local hobby lobby. SO glad i took that class!

Bailey said...

I haven't taught anyone to sew, but I did try to teach my best friend how to crochet......she's going to a crochet class, so I guess I'm not that great of a teacher, but more of an inspiration!

Violet said...

OH this is such a great idea! And so much nicer than having old towels laying about for things to dry on. I really really love this idea.

But I don't really have a good story since I don't think I've taught anyone how to sew yet sorry :/

Leigh said...

I'm just starting to teach my daughter to sew and the look of pride on her face when she finishes a project can't be beat!

Sarcastic Quilter said...

Oh, my favorite is when I taught my son and he just itched with desire to do more and to be involved in the projects from planning to completion. His teacher last year received 2 small wall hangings that were mostly his designs and some handiwork!

Trillian said...

I have never tried to teach anyone to sew, but my favorite thing about learning to sew was that my Dad is the one who taught me, and I still go to him for project advice.

Carla said...

The best part about teaching someone to sew is the expression on their face when they have finished a project. A sense of accomplishment for both of us.

maeve315 said...

I have so enjoyed teaching my now 10 yr. old granddaughter so many crafts, but especially quilting. I have a Bernina with some fancy stitches, which is what first intrigued her. She began by sitting on my knee and learning to use the controls, and gradually grew to a size whereby she can now do it herself. It has been so much fun watching her progress and delight so much in the entire process.

Kelli said...

I had the opportunity to work with one of my daughter's friends this summer. She wants to sew so much! The great think is, it got my daughter a little bit interested, too :)

Garilyn said...

I've been teaching a beginner's sewing class for our homeschool group. I love seeing their faces when they finish something and realize THEY did it and it really does look like it was supposed to. This class has grown so much that I'm having to split into 2 classes come spring!
blessed.mama4 at yahoo.com

Sarah said...

What a great craft! My birthday is the 17th, and winning would make the day extra-special!

It was so fun to teach my cousin to sew. The best part was seeing her first smile when she finally got the hang of it!

Cary said...

I taught my niece how to sew. It was a special aunt/niece time together. I love Amy Butler fabrics!

Meg said...

I tried to teach my cousin at one point but we only got as far as the cutting. She didn't come back! I guess I am a sewing teacher failure!

Susan said...

I remember sitting down and watching my mom sew. She would try to explain the machine to me threading it etc. I didn't realize how much all of that stuck with me until I sat down at her old machine to try my own hands at it years later....very fond memories.

Thanks
Susan

susansisney@hotmail.com

Amy said...

I love seeing the excitement in someone's face when they realize that they really can sew!

amytarnold(at)gmail(dot)com

redzshadow said...

I really like your...um...I am going with teapot rug! After seeing so many mug rugs I think the teapot deserves one too!

I haven't taught anyone to sew. My favorite thing about learning to sew was the realization that I can make anything!

Avena_Crataegus said...

I have never taught anyone to sew as I am learning myself. But my sons stand at my elbows watching every move and sometimes they stand on the peddle to refill the bobbin. I'd love for them to take an interest in sewing.

life596(at)aol(dot)com

Shana said...

Well, i am pretty new to sewing so haven't taght anyone but myself but I love when I figure out something and it just clicks. Gives me some pride that I am making something myself.

Jenny said...

Great giveaway! I homeschool and teach in a homeschool co-op, I have loved getting to teach my students some basic hand stitching and knitting, they catch on so fast and are so proud of what they make.

okiedokiemama at yahoo dot com

Barbara said...

Hm. I've never taught anyone to sew, but I can tell you my favorite thing about learning to sew: my quilting teacher reading me an essay about not being too hard on myself. It changed my whole outlook on quilting!

Kimberly said...

I am self taught, and havent technically taugjt anyone else. But I love people's excitement when they realize how many different things they could make if they sewed!

Megan said...

I'm a beginner, so I don't have stories about teaching someone else to sew, though I hope to teach my daughter some day!
megancparsons(at)gmail(dot)com

CMEH said...

I love to see the excitement someone has when you teach them something new. It makes you feel good that you can pass your knowledge on and they feel accomplished! I think it is one of the best feeling there is!
Thanks for a great giveaway!

craftytammie said...

when our daughter was 5, she helped me sew a pillow made from a quilt block that my great grandmother hand pieced. i let my daughter run the foot pedal while i steered! this is so pretty, hope i win!

Joanna said...

I have taught quilting classes and my favorite moment is when students tell me they couldn't wait for the next class so they did some at home!! Love it!!

StephanieS said...

My favorite thing about teaching someone to sew is the friendship you build with that person. It feels great to help someone else accomplish something too. Thanks for the chance to win. Happy Christmas. stephspitzer at gmail dot com

Beth Hawks said...

I think there is something magical in helping a person discover their hidden talets and ability to create w/ their own hands. It's just the look on their face I love... and I'm not even an experienced sewer. It's the little things like hemming people enjoy... or sewing on a button!

K@ren said...

I haven't taught anyone yet... I'm still learning myself! I can tell you that I when my mom was teaching me how to thread my new machine I stitched her finger!! I learned how to thread AND a new word or two! <3

Thanks for a great giveaway!! Have a wonderful holiday season! <3 xox

krencamp(at)gmail(dot)com

camelama said...

My favorite part of teaching a friend to sew, was her realization that SHE could make *CLOTHING*. It just blew her mind - clothing was something you bought, something you were limited in buying only what the stores offered. Teaching her to make her first skirt was like giving her wings!

Libby said...

awesome! I made a video tutorial of a simple sewing project for a friend in another state and emailed it to her since I couldn't teach her in person.

libby dot bloom dot hunt at gmail dot com

Leigh Anne said...

What beautiful fabrics! I'm still teaching myself to sew...does that count?

kessilari said...

I taught my boyfriend how to knit this summer, and it was actually really fun. He took a while to pick it up, but the pictures I have of him with his needles and scarf are great. He actually knits more than I do now!
Thanks for the giveaway!
embyrfire(at)hotmail(dot)com

Laura said...

I love the fabric! THanks so much for the giveaway.

orinoco14 at yahoo dot com

Rebecca said...

beautiful fabric! my mom has been teaching me how to sew- such fun memories!!

cannonsc3 (at)gmail (dot).com

Amanda said...

Well, I'm just learning to sew myself, but I did show my husband how my sewing machine works and he got pretty excited about it! :)

Serena said...

I love it! It's so pretty!

My favorite part of teaching someone to sew is when they're finally able to be on their own and see them get creative.

Thank you for the giveaway!

Robyn said...

I hardly ever use patterns, but most my crafting friends do. When we have craft night, I ususally hear a few times, "I need some Robyn inspiration" and I will give my 2 cents on how they could change up the pattern and make it their own. Creating things comes to naturally to me, but I sometimes forget it's a gift.

Thanks for the giveaway! Robyn (dot) Geddes (at) gmail (dot) com

cat song said...

I actually don't know how to sew anything other than buttons. But my former high school teacher is going to teach me how to knit... does this count? LOL :)

Crystal Hendrix said...

So pretty! : D I like to see others find joy in quilting! :D

I am having a giveaway too!! Come check it out if you like. http://hendrixville.blogspot.com/

Sara said...

It has been fun to watch this guy in my new building learning to knit - and seeing him take off on his own.

nhsarab at yahoo dot com

Dayna said...

Amy, that is so cute and handy! When you mentioned "drip-dry", I almost gasped. But why shouldn't our utility linens also be beautiful?? Anyway, I'm sure that the most satisfying experience I've had teaching someone to sew has been working with my daughters (although I've also sent them to others more knowledgeable than me). Still, I have very sweet memories of helping a friend make Christmas stockings for her family of (then) 9. That special friend is now living in Germany with her family of 11! I miss her. I'd love to sit down and make a couple more stockings for her two youngest children.

sandyandcosmo said...

I taught my daughter-in-law how to sew and now she sends me pictures of the baby quilts she makes for her friends, I love it!

ShirleyC said...

I love your little mat!
I also love teaching anyone that wants to learn, but the funniest thing was one day I was embroidering a design on my emb. machine, and my grandson came in. He asked me "when would it be dry?" LOL

Thanks.
clarkclay@bellsouth.net

Laura said...

I love it!

Lately when I sew my four year old daughter likes to sit on my lap and "help me."

Kelli said...

My favorite thing about sewing with/for my little ones is to pull them in my lap and have them help me guide the fabric through the machine!

The Schneiders said...

I got to teach a friend how to sew something really simple b/c she had never sewn before...she was so tickled about the creation she made.
schneider710 at yahoo dot com

TZel said...

I love seeing how my daughter's eyes light up when she sees what she can create sewing! Thanks!
bridgestranslation at yahoo dot com

Shay said...

I just learned something about me today...I'm a no-reply blogger! Not anymore..thanks a ton for updating me. So after seeing this mat at your house...I'm dying to win this giveaway. I never knew there was such a cute thing. If I don't win...we should get together and some up. They could be my christmas presents for next year. By the way, when you go to the fabric store again, you really need to call me. I really want to go!

Theresa said...

I love when they see a finished product!

Mary Beth said...

super cute!

I like making friends feel like they CAN do it! That they can make whatever they want, and I will help them figure out how! :) I just like to keep it fun and simple!

Marcia said...

I used to teach 4-Hers sewing when younger. Now, I'm attempting to get my grandniece interested (started last year at 4). She will climb in my chair with me to look at hand quilting, watch while I'm cutting, sit in my lap while I'm sewing, lay out squares in patterns on the carpet, goes through fabrics and selects her princess dress (then wears it), and she wants to know what everything is called/used for... she selects fabric leftovers and cuts them up to make doll diapers, and she "reads" sewing books aloud to me like a teacher. Hope this sticks.

Kristie T said...

I haven't taught anyone to sew. My almost four year old daughter is interested, but so far we've stuck to some basic handsewing with an embroidery needle and floss. I look forward to teaching her to sew as she gets older (she's very excited to learn) and my son too, if he's interested.
kristie_keely(at)yahoo(d0t)com

Kate said...

I love that my sister and I are both new sewers and that we can help each other out. I know a bit more technique, but she has lots to teach me about just diving in and starting. And this is just lovely-- much prettier than the old towel my dishes currently dry on.
akmajor(at)gmail(dot)com

Cinnamon said...

i just made my three year old stitch cards to go in her stocking. She sits on my lap while I sew watching all the time, and I can't wait to teach her! Love your banner btw. scarletteandcinnamon(at)gmail(dot)com

Kimberly said...

I taught my friend Jena how to make those shirred sundresses. She had never used elastic thread before. Now, a few months later she is tackling them on her own for some Christmas gifts. Fun!
Thanks for the giveaway!

Mary / Touch of Heaven said...

My favorite thing about teaching someone to sew is to see creativity passed on.

Leanna said...

I haven't actually taught, but I have inspired..and now my friend makes super cute things for her little girl. Makes me happy.

Very Verdant said...

I have taught each of my kiddos to sew, one crochets, one does cross stitch, all play the piano and sing. Crafts and the arts are very important to me and now my children love to spend time together over crafty projects, in fact many of the items in my shop are made by my kiddos.

Thank you for the chance to win.
Sonja
sonjagreene(at)veryverdant(dot)com

.hil. said...

A few years ago I taught my college roommate to knit- her first project was a scarf that she wears all the time!

Thanks for the giveaway- I love Amy Butler : ) the.ant.hil(at)gmail(dot)com

Carly said...

Even though my daughter is only 3, she enjoys learning about how sewing works. Thanks for the giveaway!

merlinthecat said...

I'm trying to teach my youngest to sew, My favorite thing about it is how bad she wants to learn.

Tabitha said...

I had to teach myself to sew, so I love teaching kids (mine and others). When it ends up being something they like and they enjoy it as much as I do it makes me feel great.

Leah Claire said...

I love just sewing along side a friend--both of us bent over our machines, talking every now and then, asking for help. It's the best! thanks for the giveaway. leahclaireh(at)gmail(dot)com

Auntie Em said...

My grandmother taught me to sew and there was no better experience in my life!

Sara said...

I like how amazed my sister is at things I take for granted, and then I remember that I was amazed the first time I learned those things too. :) Beautiful dishmat, you're right.

If you'd like to enter my giveaway (fabric coasters and Heather Ross scraps, oh my!), it's here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ananemone

nellana said...

I have not taught any one to sew but myself. Of course on my first project I forgot to put right sides together and sewed the seams on the incorrect side.

Amy said...

So sweet!

Margeepoo said...

I helped my roommate take up a dress so that it fit. She was so excited to get to use my sewing machine (under my supervision of course) to do it. It was very sweet.

Kiza said...

Great giveaway - thank you for taking part and for sharing with us!

The most fun I've had teaching someone to sew... Hrm. Actually, that's kind of ongoing. My son is just about to turn three, and about six months ago, he decided that he HAD to learn how to sew. Handstitching is still a bit beyond him (though he tries really hard and is way better than I would have suspected), but I was really amazed at his concentration when learning how to use the sewing machine. He's a pro at winding bobbins. ;)

chad and cheryl said...

I love teaching people...my favorite is helping them solve their 'mistakes'. That they won't ruin the entire project.

Christine said...

I have all boys, but they still are interested in sewing because they see me doing it. We have sewn creatures together, ones that they've created. They love the things that they've made!

Carol in E TN said...

I love to show people how to sew and not to be afraid of making a mistake. Love it when they get it!

Beth- the mama bee said...

I started teaching sewing classes at our local fabric shop this past year and I love it. I love passing on this skill to other adults, teens, and the kiddos that take my classes.

Bmoore_mamabee(at)hotmail(dot)com

Helena said...

I love showing people how to sew, if they ask how I made something I invite them over to learn. I've had several people take up sewing after working on a small project with me:)
texhelena(at)aol(dot)com

josiey said...

my sister asked me to teach her to sew for her christmas present! i can't wait!

jhoseyheitzman(at)gmail(dot)com

thank you for the giveaway!
happy holidays!

Jaracz Family said...

Great idea on the drying mat! I haven't taught anyone to sew yet but my favorite experience sewing is giving away a thoughtfully done handmade gift.

LauraH said...

I haven't taught anyone to sew yet. I have all boys and I still help them as they struggle to thread a needle, but that's ok! Merry Christmas!

Katie said...

I have been enjoying teaching my 8yo daughter to sew--and now she is busy making all her Christmas presents! Thanks for the chance to win!
ktyoung1(at)gmail(dot)com

Jenny said...

my daughter is 5, and we are starting slow, but she has helped me craft fabric covered button crafts and she picks out her favorite FQ every time i 'drag' her to a fabric shop...and i have her own stack on the shelf...and believe me, its safe, i have yet to like a single FQ she has picked out!

C + C said...

Thanks for this great giveaway! I love tea & more importantly I love your tea rug you made. Actually A LOT!!! So, obviously, like everyone else, I am really really really hoping I win! On to my favourite memory of teaching someone how to sew... I taught my cousin how to sew many years ago as I was making a soccer ball and she really wanted to learn how to do so. She ended up liking to sew so much that she finished up the soccer ball I was sewing on her own! Haha! What a relief :) Just kidding... Of course I went on to make more! They are so much fun to make... Thanks for this giveaway & God bless :)

cthompson4 at liberty dot edu

JBlanton said...

I have taught my daughter to sew and love to see her face when she shows me what she has made- love it!

Duff said...

Woot! Woot! Cute loot!
Your dish mat thingy is a giveaway worthy of awesome sauce!
If I don't win, I'm definitely making one because my dishes are always drip drying (more sanitary, actually) and what a great accent for the kitchen!
I taught my son to sew so that he could make a blanket for his little brother--it turned out great and I really enjoyed the quality time together (so that's my answer--quality time together!)
♥Duff

Patty D from NC said...

thanks for the giveaway. fav thing about teaching someone to sew- my daughters - is to see them get excited in a fabric store!

happy holidays

Sara said...

Woohoo! Thanks for the giveaway Amy! Actually, I've never taught anyone how to sew, but it would be cool if my kids wanted to learn someday!

Aimee said...

I couldn't teach ANYONE how to sew, but I love the memories of my mother trying to teach ME! :)

Jessica said...

Love your "teapot rug," I also love your teapot, where did you get it?? Um, I have yet to teach anyone to sew as I've only been sewing for 2.5 years during which I have had two babies ;) Thanks for the chance!

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Cute kitchen mat.

SisterlyLove said...

My favorite part is watching them get creative in ways you never thought of!

Genevieve
jenny(at)ykwc(dot)net

Carolina Girl Mommy said...

It's just fun to see someone else's excitement over something you enjoy!

Desiree
weeshareblog (at) gmail.com

Mands said...

Cute!
I am actually the one being taught to sew and my favorite part is the friendship that has begun because of it.

mandy dot ueda at gmail dot com

The Hungry Crafter said...

I would certianly love to look at that instead of the skanky old dishtowel i usual let my pots dry on :) I haven't had the chance to teach someone to sew, but I have many fond memories of learning from my mother, and the bond that forms from doing that will never be forgotten. happy holidays to you!

Denise said...

I love it when their eyes light up and they get really excited that they actually made something. Such a great feeling to share.

Joyce said...

I love when my students get excited about what they just finished.

amerchantheart said...

Ive ben trying to teach my retired Hubby!! LOL

Michele Hester said...

I like when they have finished something and have that moment of I can do this!