Bernat Show Us Your Pompoms Contest

Put a pompom on it – share your favorite pompom creation for the chance to win $75 of Bernat On the Fringe!

To Enter

Take a photo of a project you’ve made that uses pompoms – knit, crochet, or other crafts.
Like the Bernat facebook page.
Upload your photo on Bernat facebook page by midnight EST on November 8, 2012.
http://apps.facebook.com/offerpop/Contest.psp?c=226446&u=59996&a=254553244581393&p=187159738082&rest=0&v=Submit

Open to 18 years of age and resident of the U.S. (contiguous states only) or Canada.

To Win

Voting opens 1 am on November 8 and closes at 11:59 pm November 14.
Anybody who has liked the Bernat facebook page is eligible to vote.

The Prize

You could win 12 balls of Bernat On The Fringe, the ideal yarn to keep you chic in today’s faux fur trend!

Voting

Voting ends 11:59 pm EST on November 14, 2012.
You may vote once a day for each entry.
Voting for multiple entries is allowed.

Enjoy!

Let’s create something!

I Love Yarn Day 2012

October 12th, 2012

I Love Yarn Day

Is national day to declare your LOVE for yarn!

You can Knit it, crochet it, wear it, post it, tweet it, carry it, share it, give it, or bomb it!
Are you loving on your yarn?
Can you find yarn items throughout your house?
Do you shop for yard more often then you really need?
Even if you just Knit / Crochet / Craft / spin / weave / love fiber every now and then, it’s ok!

Help spread the word about I Love Yarn Day!
This day is all about spreading that good feeling people have about yarn and yarn-related crafts.
It’s for you to affirm your passion for yarn.
This year will be the second annual I Love Yarn Day.
To participate all you need is your yarn and maybe a couple of friends.

Get Involved

  • Create an I Love Yarn Day badge
  • Teach someone to knit or crochet
  • Do something for charity
  • Wear a knitted or crocheted item
  • Give a gift of yarn
  • Take your yarn to work day
  • Host a yarn-a-bration party
  • Knit, crochet and craft in public

 

Any money generated from gear sales will be donated to the Warm Up America Foundation.
A 501C3 charity that has been providing warm clothing and afghans to people in need for more than 20 years.

Knitting abbreviations

You can find knitting abbreviations here.

Crochet abbreviations

You can find Crochet abbreviations here.

Need more incentive to love on your yarn?
Why don’t you try and win some yarn!

WIN Show us your love of yarn!

Go on the facebook page
www.facebook.com/iloveyarnday
There are three ways to enter: on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
Take a photo showing your love of yarn!
‘Like’ the facebook page and fill out the form to submit an entry.
You can find the entry form here.
Or enter from your mobile phones via Twitter and Instagram using hashtag #YarnDayContest.
Have all your friends vote on your photo.

Prizes

The Grand Prize winner will receive 365 skeins of yarn from prize sponsors: Bernat, Patons and Caron Yarns; Lion Brand Yarn; and Red Heart Yarns.
10 Runners-up will receive an I Love Yarn Day tote bag with a yarn-lovers’ collection of prizes valued at $300 each. Runners-up prizes are sponsored by All American Crafts (Knit ‘N Style, Knit 1•2•3 and Crochet 1•2•3), Annie’s (Creative Knitting and Crochet Magazine), Boye accessories, Clover Needlecraft accessories, Creative Partners’ books, Future US (Crochet Today magazine), Interweave (Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet, Knitscene, and Knitting Daily TV), Leisure Arts (The Knook), Soho Publishing (Vogue Knitting, Knit Simple, Debbie Bliss magazine, Noro magazine), and TMA yarns.

How to Win

The 10 photo entries with the highest number of votes at the end of the contest period will each win the yarn-lover’s tote bag and prizes, and one photo entry will be selected from the Top 10 by a panel of Sponsor’s employees to win the Grand Prize, according to the following criteria: personality (33%), quality (33%), and representation of the I Love Yarn Day theme (33%).

Winners Announcement

Winners will be announced on October 26, 2012.

www.ILoveYarnDay.org

Enjoy!

Let’s create something!

“Sew Unique”: Jo-Ann National Sewing Month contest!

It’s that time of the year again!
Unless you’ve been living under a rock or are just getting into sewing…
You know what I’m talking about.
September is National Sewing Month!

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has teamed up with Christopher Straub of season six TV show, Project Runway to host Sew Unique.

The idea behind this contest is unconventional uses of nontraditional fabrics.
If you’ve ever watched Project Runway you know there is an episode in every season where they take the contestant to a dollar store or a pet store or something store.
Tell them, buy something and create a look fit for the runway!

I think my favorite to this day is the one where, Daniel Feld, made this gorgeous dress from plastic cups on season five!
You don’t have to go that crazy but you get the idea… but you can and beyond!

Don’t just go to your stash of fabric or the store, grab your favorite cotton fabric and whip up something.

Taken from the contest rules:
“The item may be sewn by hand or by machine, or both. Sponsors are looking for creative uses of “utility” fabrics, such as burlap, duck canvas, rubber sheeting, ticking, mesh, netting, ripstop, vinyl, and others, although creative entries showing nontraditional uses of unique fabrics will also be considered.”

Want to read the fine prints of the rules?
Check it out: http://www.joann.com/static/socialMedia/Contest/NSM_contest_rules.pdf

You are just hearing about this contest.
You’re creative juices are starting to work.
You’re thinking to yourself, is it worth it?
What can I win?

The First Prize gets $1000 cash and a Simplicity gift basket worth $275.
A Second Prize winner will get $500 cash and a Simplicity gift basket worth $275.
Third Prize winner wins $250 cash and a Simplicity gift basket worth $275.
All other Finalists will receive a Simplicity gift basket valued at $50.

So how long do I have to enter?

The Contest begins on September 1, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
The Contest ends on September 30, 2012 at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

What do I need to do to enter?

To enter, ‘like’ Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Stores on facebook, http://www.facebook.com/JoAnn
Go to the contest tab, “Contest: Sew Unique”.
Fill out the official entry form.
Upload a photo of your creation (see instructions).
You can submit one entry a day (not the same item).

If you are one of the ten lucky finalists:
The ten finalists will be notified via e-mail and/or telephone on or about October 26, 2012.

Winners will be selected on November 20, 2012

Want to see who you’re competing against?
Check out Jo-ann’s contest page on facbook and see what people have already submitted and be inspired!

Christopher Straub will provide inspiration and advice through a series of videos on Jo-Ann’s Facebook page.
Christopher created a collection of designs using utility fabrics from Jo-Ann.
Each week during September, he will offer tips and inspiring ideas.
So make sure you check Christopher’s videos!

 You now have the 411 on Sew Unique contest!
If you’re not on Jo-Ann’s mailing list and have their phone app you are missing out!
Take advantage of the coupons, tutorials and so much more that Jo-Ann has to offer.

Final thought:
Next time you give a gift to someone, don’t paper wrap it.
Use fabric!
Tell them, the next time you see them, you want to see that fabric put to good use!

Enjoy!

Let’s create something!

Jo-Ann’s Simply for Baby Nursery Video Contest

JoAnn Fabrics is running a fun new handmade nursery video contest!

What do you need to do in order to win?

Shoot a video tour of your nursery with handmade decor and you can enter to win!
Showcase your original baby-themed crafts, created for your child, age two or younger.

What is the prize?

You could win a $500 gift card from Jo-Ann by showcasing your baby’s handmade nursery.

When is the contest taking place?

The contest runs between June 1 to June 30 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET.

How will the winner be determined?

A winner will be chosen for nursery theme, originality and workmanship by a team of crafting experts from Jo-Ann.

Where do I enter Jo-Ann’s Simply for Baby Nursery Video Contest?

http://joannfabricandcraftstores.blogspot.com/2012/06/enter-to-win-with-your-handmade-nursery.html

Where can I see submissions?

Check out JoAnn’s contest submissions on Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/joannstores/simply-for-baby-nursery-contest/

Winner Announced! – “How Much Fabric?” Reference Cards ***GIVEAWAY***!

Lets start with a round of applause to “How Much Fabric?” Reference Cards GIVEAWAY sponsor www.gwynhug.com!
Thank you for making this happen!

Thank you to all Arts and Crafts Plaza & Gwyn Hug “old” and “new” fans on and off facebook!
Come back often to continue to use and enjoy the services offered on ArtsAndCraftsPlaza.com!

The winner of “How Much Fabric?” Reference Card Set of your choosing is….

Ruth R. Tillman who thinks: “Love these cards! What a great idea.”

Look for a message on your facebook account.
Please select which “How Much Fabric?” Reference Card Set you would like to receive.

To learn more about: “How Much Fabric?” Reference Cards

“How Much Fabric?” Reference Cards ***GIVEAWAY***!

Are you one of “those people” that see a fabric and think, this would be fabulous as a shirt / pants / bag etc. and only later on when you are ready to work on the project start looking for that perfect pattern?
Do you then find yourself wondering well how much fabric should I buy? You don’t want to not have enough and then try and get more of the same fabric. And you don’t want to buy too much especially when it’s a very expensive fabric.
What do you do? You use these wonderful “How Much Fabric?” Reference Cards and no more rough guessing and oops I should have later on.

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Want a chance to win a “How Much Fabric?” Reference Card Set?
Like Arts And Crafts Plaza on facebook www.facebook.com/ArtsAndCraftsPlaza
Like Gwyn Hug on facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Gwyn-Hug/282217611789610
Put a comment on this post and be entered to win a “How Much Fabric?” Reference Card Set from the complete collection of your choice.
Open to everyone, Gwyn Hug will ship internationally
Winner will be randomly selected January 16th 2012!
Winner will be contacted though facebook.
Winner announced January 17th 2012.

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The Original “How Much Fabric?” Reference Card Sets –
www.gwynhug.com

There are currently several types of cards available with more to come.
KNOW HOW MUCH FABRIC TO BUY, WITHOUT A PATTERN IN HAND!
Currently Available:
Set 1: Women’s Clothes (6-22/Eur 32-48)
Set 2: Plus Sizes (18-32/Eur 44-58)
Set 3: Men’s Clothes (34-50/Eur 44-60)
Set 4: Babies and Toddlers (Newborn – 6)
Set 5: Children’s (7-16)

What you can expect to get in the mail is a plastic card, size: 3⅜” x 2⅛” same size as your credit card.
Each set comes with several cards on a ring. Each card has a specific type of clothing.
The front of the card has the minimum, average and maximum fabric requirements by clothes size and fabric width as well as the “Safety Margin” table that helps you round up.
The back of the card has designs of clothing that will help you determine the type of outfit

Gwendolyn Campbell  is the creative genius behind these cards. Gwen is an avid sewer. You can check out her blog at After the dress
Gwen and her friend Christine looked at over 2,000 patterns in order to create a single set of cards.
With the help of Beth, a graphic designer, they created the cards.
Another friend, Susan is responsible for the site.
What a creative and resourceful bunch, you go girls!

On the FAQ page you can find all the answers you need.
Some of the questions that you can find answers to are:
How do you use the “How Much Fabric?” tables?
Can I buy just one card, instead of the whole set?
Do I need a Paypal account to buy the cards?
I see you have some pages in other languages. Why not my native language?

Should you have any questions, or  ideas, have other sets of cards you would love.
Do you speak a language that hasn’t been translated yet?
You can even find a short Klingon translation.
Contact Gwen on the contact page or email directly gwynhug@gmail.com.
Gwyn Hug
P.O. Box 90576
Lakeland, Florida 33804-0576

 A look behind the curtain, how did it all start? What is involved in creating these cards?

You know those times when you unexpectedly run across a beautiful, must-have fabric, but don’t have the right sewing pattern immediately available and so you aren’t sure how much to buy? And you want to make sure that you buy enough, but you don’t want to buy too much either… Well, that used to drive me crazy!

A couple of years ago, I finally decided to come up with a solution for this problem. My day-job involves analyzing a lot of data and so I realized that  I didn’t have to guess how much fabric the “typical” skirt pattern (for example) calls for – I could actually get the data and calculate it!

I started with my own substantial stash of patterns – typing those tables on the back of each pattern envelope into a spread sheet-so that I could calculate the averages. Before I knew it, I was searching the internet and downloading the pattern envelope images from hundreds, and then thousands, of patterns…

And the result of all that data entry and analysis – The Original “How Much Fabric?” Reference Cards! These are small, sturdy plastic reference cards that slip easily into your purse. There are sets that cover clothes for women, men, babies, toddlers and children. Each set has cards for different types of garments – tops, pants, jackets, dresses etc. Each card has a table that presents the minimum, average and maximum fabric requirements broken down by fabric width and garment size. Each card also has sketches to help you visualize what type of garment could be made with the minimum, average and maximum amounts of fabric.

They are the perfect “notion” for fabric shopping! You’ll be able to shop with confidence, knowing that you are buying enough fabric, but not buying too much and wasting your money.

What can you tell me about your hobbies and favorite thing you do?

My day-job is in research – so I design experiments, analyze data and write reports. My hobby is sewing – it’s such a nice contrast to my day-job. I get to work with my hands and I’m surrounded by beautiful colors and textures and patterns. My sewing projects only take a few hours or days – not years, like my research projects. I have a concrete product when I’m done – something I can hold in my hands, show to someone else, and put into practical use right away.

I love sewing for family and friends – letting people pick a fabric that speaks to them and turning it into something that becomes a part of their lives. I originally came up with  “Gwyn Hug” as my sewing label. It has 2 meanings that make it the perfect finishing touch on the clothes that I make for the people I love. First, it brings to mind the thought that when they put on my garment, it’s like I am wrapping them up in a hug. Second, in Welsh (my ancestry), it roughly translates to “a blessed cloak.” (And by “roughly” I mean you have to refer to like the 19th possible translation/definition for each word…) Okay, it’s a stretch, but isn’t it a wonderful image?

What crafting skill do you wish you had?

So, this may seem a bit extreme – but a few years ago I bought a used floor loom and I am in the process of teaching myself how to weave! Did you know that women have been weaving in some form or another for about 10,000 years! Not only that, but the first computers were modeled after early looms! How cool is that? I love the feeling of connection to women through all of history when I weave. And I love the way weaving combines creativity and art and math (weave patterns can be defined by sequences of binary vectors). My ultimate goal is to sew garments with fabric that I have woven.

How has opening your shop affected your life?

I guess the best thing about opening up my shop is the wonderful people that I have “met” – from all around the world! One of my customers is a fashion designer from South Africa, about to launch a line of clothing. I’ve learned about a 400 year old fabric market in the Netherlands. I met an Australian “minist” – someone who owns an original Mini auto mobile – she even sent me a picture in which she is posing by her Mini panel van. I could go on and on – I’ve just met so many really wonderful people!

What was your experience of having your first sale ever?

I announced the opening of my store in a post on my blog, and my first sale came within 30 minutes of my post going up. I was so jazzed! I thought it signaled the opening of flood gates! Of course, my second sale didn’t come until several days later… 😉

Give me some insight on you personally, do you give back to your community in some way?

I have been doing volunteer tutoring of some form or another for the last 11 years. I started as a Laubach adult literacy tutor and had three wonderful students across a 6 – year span. Then I stumbled into the opportunity to (volunteer) teach sewing to some young immigrants who didn’t speak English. That was quite a challenge for all of us! (I didn’t speak any Spanish at the time.) I’m sure those first few lessons would have looked comical to an outsider – there were many times when we were all at a loss and just stared at each other helplessly… But we all persevered, they learned the basics of sewing, I learned some broken Spanish and we all became good friends.

That experience got me connected into our local immigrant community and for the last 3 years I have been (volunteer) teaching “ESL” (English as a Second Language) at a local church. Through all of this, I have met some truly amazing and inspiring people and made life – long friends. I hope that I have helped others to have a better life in some way – but I know for sure that my life has been enriched!

Where else can we find out more about you and your creations?

I have a personal (mostly sewing-related) blog http://aftertheDRESS.blogspot.com
Facebook page for Gwyn Hug www.Facebook.com/GwynHug

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Want a chance to win a “How Much Fabric?” Reference Card Set?
Like Arts And Crafts Plaza on facebook www.facebook.com/ArtsAndCraftsPlaza
Like Gwyn Hug on facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Gwyn-Hug/282217611789610
Put a comment on this post and be entered to win a “How Much Fabric?” Reference Card Set from the complete collection of your choice.
Open to everyone, Gwyn Hug will ship internationally
Winner will be randomly selected January 16th 2012!
Winner will be contacted though facebook.
Winner announced January 17th 2012.

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Happy sewing everyone!

Let’s create something!

September is national sewing month

September is national sewing month!

The observance of National Sewing Month began in 1982 with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan declaring September as National Sewing Month “In recognition of the importance of home sewing to our Nation.”

You may belong or are looking for a a sewing guild.
American Sewing Guild is a membership organization that welcomes sewing enthusiasts of all skill levels and from many different walks of life. Chapters are located in cities all across the country and members meet monthly to learn new sewing skills, network with others who share an interest in sewing and participate in community service sewing projects.
http://www.asg.org
2011 National Sewing Month Sew for the Love of It!
http://www.nationalsewingmonth.org/html/contest.html
Contest runs through September 30, 2011

Will be checking the San Mateo Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival, you can find more information about location and time:
http://events.artsandcraftsplaza.com/quilt-craft-andamp-sewing-festival-4272.html

Happy sewing everyone!