Firsts (and a GIVEAWAY!)

It's been quite busy around here and i don't think my sewing machine has had this kind of workout...well...ever. Yep, i'm prepping for Quilt Market and i have to admit, it's not exactly the best time to be learning new stuff. If you'll be at Market, just please don't look too closely, ok?

So, this is the first time i've ever used Heat'N Bond, the first time i've used a walking foot (and second only to my seam ripper, it's my new favorite sewing accessory), the first time i've used organic bamboo batting (another new favorite), the first time i've sewed with laminated fabric...oh, did i tell you? Central Park has 9 laminated prints! Wait til you see them. I think i exercised some new hand-muscles sewing with them, but it was totally worth it. What else? Ah yes, the first time I'll have a booth at Market! #2028 in the Moda neighborhood. If you'll be going to Market, please come by to say hello! I'm so excited and sort of anxious about the whole thing, but will be giving away free stuff with the hope that it'll distract you from looking too closely. With the exception of a certain someone's quilt that is as amazing as she is! Seriously, are you as awed as i am about how much Sherri can accomplish in a week? She's so talented and as nice as can be imagined. I'm so proud and lucky to have one of her creations hanging in my booth. Keep your eyes on her blog because i think she'll be sharing a sneak peek one of these days..

Speaking of inspiring, have you gotten your special holiday issue of
Fat Quarterly eZine yet?

I got mine the other day and you just can't believe how many fun holiday projects ideas they squeezed in there! Hard to pick which one to start with especially with such talents like Monica, John, Natalia, Jennifer, Scott, Ryan, Amanda, Darci, Erin and many other contributors!

Back in.. jeez, when was it? July? I had the pleasure of chatting with Tacha a bit about my fabric collection, "12 Days of Christmas". You can read our interview in this issue, too. Highly recommended especially if you'd like to know more about those skating elves, or what my favorite christmas song is. ;)

As a thank you to everyone at Fat Quarterly, and to get you started on all your holiday sewing and crafty projects I'm giving away a layer cake and charm pack of 12 Days to two lucky winners!

There are a number of things you can do to enter to win:
-Follow FQ's blog
-Follow FQ on twitter
-Like FQ on facebook
-Purchase a copy of Fat Quarterly's special holiday issue (lots of fun for only $5!!) and let us know which project is your favorite
-Follow my blog
-Follow me on twitter
-Let us know what your favorite holiday song is

Enter separately for each thing so you have more chances to win! I'll be picking a winner next Tuesday, a week from today. Good luck!

***this giveaway is now closed. stay tuned for another...soon!***