New October Wallpaper, Discount Code and a Giveaway For Subscribers!
The new FREE October Wallpaper link was just sent to all the subscribers along with a discount code and giveaway information for this month! You can get yours by subscribing to my newsletter in the link to the right!
This month's giveaway is a 12" copy of my art print, "Microburst". You'll need to be a subscriber to enter.
News, freebies & Give-Aways, Oh my!
Happy Monday!
I have a few fun things for you today. First, the lovely folks at Nuvango sent me 4 $25 gift certificates to giveaway to you! Nuvango was previously Gelaskins, but they've now reinvented themselves as a purveyor of art with products ranging from device covers to cards and canvas art. My pieces are available on their site mainly for device covers.
To win one of the four gift certificates, please sign up for the Bari J. mailing list at the bottom of this post. If you already are signed up, you are already entered to win. A winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday, September 24 at 12PM Pacific time. AS A BONUS for signing up... you will receive a monthly Bari J. designer desktop wallpaper. Each month there will be a different design sent in an array of sizes for your desktop like the one pictured below. Free desktop wallpapers will only be available to subscribers.
Thank you to the first three hostesses for the Bijoux launch party, Melanie, Cristy and Melissa! I loved your projects! Today it's time to go visit Michonne at I'm doing stuff, see what she did with Bijoux and enter to win 10 fat quarters on her blog! Thank you, Michonne!
Meanwhile since you're here... I wanted to talk a little bit about something important to me. I've been thinking about this a lot as I prepare for quilt market. One thing that I've learned over the years, is that it's great to be arty and mindful of design when creating. And, it does truly define what I do. However, I've also found that technique really matters. It matters a lot to do things well. My techniques have definitely improved over the years, but one of the things that I has improved the most is my binding. I've always done good bindings, but recently I found a technique through my good friend Miss Cristy that her mom, Sharon Schamber perfected.
I've watched this video through a minimum of three times. What I've found is, if I skip just one little detail... domino effect... all downhill from there. So, watch carefully. The way she does this has improved my work by miles.
First, to get in the Bijoux mood... you'll need to watch this incredibly special video that Art Gallery Fabrics put together. It really expresses just how versatile this line is. And... this is totally the sexy version of my earth mama, Bijoux. Lawd (fans self), I had no idea I'd created such a damn sexy fabric line until I saw this. Thank you a million times to Pat Bravo and the incredible people at Art Gallery (I'm looking at you Kat) who put this video together!
Now, everyone head over to Melanie's house and see what she made with Bijoux... and ask for a strawberry lemonade... Bijoux would totally drink that. The Bijoux in the video I think maybe spiked it a little too. Go ahead, add something saucy. If you are wearing a little mustard or magenta (together really is best) that make a great party outfit.
Here's a few more photos to inspire your inner Bijoux.
Please note: do not enter to win here. You must enter on the blogs on the launch party list above. Thank you!!!
What does a Bijoux by Bari J. launch party look like? Well, a little like this...
And a whole lot like this... 11 blog party stops of this... involving 11 giveaways of 10 fat quarters of this...
So get your party skirts on...
... and go see what all of these fantastic bloggers have made with Bijoux! It's in stores starting tomorrow!
Look for the incredible video that Art Gallery Fabrics put together to show you what Bijoux is all about tomorrow as well.
And be sure to post your own Bijoux creations in the Bijoux by Bari J. group on Flickr!
Bijoux will start shipping to stores on May 1... Be looking for giveaways, blog hops and more in the coming weeks. Enjoy these little sneak peeks.
Sewn Hats Blog Tour
I'm so honored to be part of this fabulous book, Sewn Hats by Carla Hegeman Crim of the Scientific Seamstress.
It has adorable patterns from some of the top designers including: Alexia Abegg, Mary Abreu, (me), Melissa Averinos, Jacinda Boneau, Lisa Carroccio, Jess Christian, Kim Christopherson, Jaime Morrison Curtis, Joanna Figueroa, Shelly Figueroa, Jennifer Hagedorn, Linda & Scott Hansen, Karen LePage, (me), Kaari Meng, Heather Niziolek, Dolin O’Shea, Jennifer Paganelli, Pillow & Maxfield, Irene Rodegerdts, Anneliese of Aesthetic Nest, Vonnie Shaffer, Melissa Stramel, Betz White, Patty Young and Carla Hegeman Crim. A great list to be sure!
In this book you'll find hats of all styles to sew. For my project I did a cloche style featuring my signature collage technique on for the brim of the hat.
There are hats for kids and adults for warm and for cold weather. Something for everyone to sew and love... I also think the hats will make great gifts. In particular, I'm thinking of topping little girl's bday presents with one of these too fun party hats!
So, how about a chance to win a copy?
Leave a comment here before 4PM PST Friday, the 28th to win!
Winner will be drawn using random.org
Visit these other stops along the blog tour for more chances to win:
9/4 – Scientific Seamstress
9/5 – ModKid Boutique
9/6 – French General
9/11 - Lulu Bliss
9/13 – Green Bee Patterns
9/14 – Goosie Girl Boutique
9/17 – Melissa Lilac Lane
9/19 – One Girl Circus
9/20 – Tie Dyed Diva Designs
9/21 – Figgys Patterns
9/25 – Craftiness is not Optional
9/27 – Confessions of a Craft Addict
9/28 – SisBoom
10/1 – Sew Mama Sew
10/2 – Aesthetic Nest
10/3 – Blue Nickel Studios
10/4 – Betz White
10/8 – Yummy Goods
10/10- Wiley Craft
The comments are now closed... the winner is #18! Dee-Ellen Cook!
Claim your prize!
I can't wait to see what you'll make!
Thank you all for your wonderful comments on the giveaway. It's so exciting (and somewhat of a relief) to know that my work is appreciated. It sounds like you will be making anything and everything with LillyBelle. I'd love for you to post your creations over on my Facebook page and on the new "Your LillyBelle Creations" Pinterest Board.
In other news... Hey Amy (comment 16 on the post below)! Guess what?? You won the stack of LillyBelle fat quarters! I can't wait to see what you make with it, so please contact me at Bari at BariJonline dot com with your address and color palette preference! Yay fabric!
Who wants a stack of LillyBelle?
I think it's time for a LillyBelle giveaway!
I love giving stuff away more than I should admit to Super Husband because he for some reason keeps track of that stuff.
I'll pick a winner this Friday so you have 3 days to enter. Just leave a comment here telling me what you want to make. The winner (drawn by Random.org) will receive their palette choice of 10 fat quarters ... cool sunrise or warm sunset palette.
AND I'll give away a stack on Facebook too... The rules on that... When I reach 1000 likes, I'll pick a winner from all the "likers" 1-1000. You also get to choose your palette.
Ready set GO!
My Loss of Brain Cells? Your Gain!
I wanted to give-away one of these Springtime in Paris Pocketbook kits during the Sewing Summit, and wouldn't you know it, I totally forgot. I'm 42 years old, and apparently my brain has reached it's capacity, thus anything extraeous spills over. It's problematic, really.
The good news is, because I didn't give away a kit when I meant to, and I love to give stuff away (always better than winning), I'm thinking I'll give the kit to a blog reader. I'm sure you agree this is a good idea.
The kit holds about 3/4 yards of fabric combined, interfacings, a zipper, a magnetic closure, ribbon, plastic canvas and a Springtime in Paris Pocketbook sewing pattern. I'm offering up the kit in the orange Paris Apartment fabric colorway in the 14" size.
(This cover was the alternate that didn't get printed... in case you are wondering.)
What you need to do to win is simply leave a comment here. Your comments are numbered. I'll be picking a winner using random.org on Friday, no later than 8PM PST.
Thanks for entering!
And now, for your viewing pleasure, a silly little video I made for Sewing Summit. This video played prior to class starting as people walked in. I wanted to get the party started, you know. I also plied students with chocolate. That's the secret to a good class. Silly songs and chocolate.
The song on this video is called My Pocketbook ... iTunes. I think they have a bunch of great kid's music.
UPDATE: OCTOBER 14, 2011 8:10PM PST
AND THE WINNER IS...
#31, Lisa
If this is you, hit contact at the top of this page to send me your address!
COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED. PLEASE DO NOT COMMENT ON THIS POST.
Free Project and Kit Giveaway at Sew4Home
I was away when this project made it's appearance on Sew4Home so I'm sorta' late to the party, but if you make your way over there, you can still download it and comment to win a kit. Good luck!
(... or is it part of my evil plot to get you stitching this Summer?)
I'm so honored my friend, Natalie, asked me to be part of the blog tour for her first book, Cotton Floss. Natalie is an expert stitcher with such an unmistakeable style. I'm crazy for her work. And I know if you are not already a Cinderberry Stitches fan, you will be momentarily. You'll need to find out her other exciting news over at her blog, but here's a hint... she's has something in common with Monica, Lynette, Denise, Sarah, Meg, Brenda, Rosalie and moi.
But with out further Adieu... here it is! Do you love the owls as much as I do?
The dreamy cover leads to super fun projects that feature simple stitches and great ideas.
I particularly love the way Natalie tells a story with each of her designs. This is Lizzie. She's got a "cheeky" and charming personality like her adorable creator.
I couldn't resist diving right into this book. So I started with one of the blocks above. It is also featured as a cover you can make for your books, which is what I'm planning on doing with my block. I framed it with a little Paris Apartment ("le salle du Soleil" or "sun room" in the coral colorway).
I bet you'd love a copy of this book. Natalie generously sent one for me to give away. AND... I'm also throwing in a Paris Apartment charm pack, which by the by mixes quite nicely with our friend Monica's Happy Mochi Yum Yum. (M gave away a charm pack on her end of the tour... I totally copied her for this give-away. You can't blame me, can you? She's got some rockin' good ideas.)
Here's the dealy if you want to win... leave a comment here swearing on your life that if you don't already embroider, you'll start.
Alright. I'm just kidding. But really. Stitch, K? And leave a comment here to tell Natalie that she is the queen of stitches and you love her dearly and that if you don't win, you'll purchase the book straight away.
That's all. I'll pick a winner on Monday. Deal?
Thank you!
Oh, and also, go to all these stops on the blog tour if you haven't already. You'll find not just the tour but a slew of incredible talent.
Sunday 6/12 Monica
Monday 6/13 Amanda
Tuesday 6/14 Pam
Wednesday 6/15 Sarah
Thursday 6/16 Krista
Friday 6/17 Yours Truly... you are here already.
Saturday 6/18 Shari
Sunday 6/19 Paige
UPDATE: JUNE 20, 2011 -- The winner is #114
Indianna, please email me at bari at barijonline dot com to claim your prize!
A WINNER HAS BEEN PICKED. NO MORE ENTRIES, PLEASE.
I've been asked over and over for pdf sewing patterns. I've debated, I've hemmed, I've hawed, but I've finally made the leap into the "wave of the future" with a few downloadables! I'm looking forward to hearing what you think. So... how about I do a little PDF pattern giveaway? Comment here, letting me know what you think of PDF patterns... Do you use them? Do you prefer them over paper? What do you like about them? What would you like to see from me?
Tomorrow at 5PM(ish) I'll pick a random winner to receive one of the two pdf patterns below for free. Pleeeeaaase don't forget to leave me your email address so I can send it to you, k?
There are two PDF patterns available and you can check them out on my website (scroll to bottom for pdf's) and at PatternSpot.com.
New, and not available on paper:
A long time favorite:
And the winner is, #12, Mary Grace!
Comments are now closed
I love this book for many reasons, but most of all the projects in are wonderfully creative and totally unique. I've loved Amy's work from the first I saw it, and this book just put me over the top with admiration. WIth Countryside Softies we are allowed to step into a playful land of critters and toadstools. The projects are clever and well thought out from the fox on the cover to a cheeky little otter and a beautiful swan. There's even buzzy little bumblebees that I went crazy over. The photography and layout are beautiful to look at, and the instructions are clearly written. I think this is a book that many different levels of sewers will enjoy. My two teen girls have already been eyeing a couple they want to make. And I will for sure be getting in on the action.
But let's get to it, shall we??? You want to win a copy of this great book!
Leave a comment on this blog for a chance to win. I'll draw a winner on April 23 at 5PM(ish).
Don't forget to visit all of the other blogs where the tour will stop... more reviews and more chances to win!
UPDATE: 4/23/2011...
THE WINNER HAS BEEN PICKED it's number 38 who said:
If this is you contact me at Bari at BariJonline dot com with your address!
PLEASE, No more entries... THE WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN. :)
Did you sew today? After the gym, errands and a large round of procrastination via Twitter, I ended up with an ounce of afternoon sewing time. I've been wanting to make a spider web quilt even though probably everyone else is totally done with them, so I started that quest. Now, however, I'm thinking of making just this little star portion into a zippy pouch because I don't really have time to finish it and I loathe UFOs sitting around. The Ladies in Waiting (projects I have fabric and ideas for already) own a large enough portion of this studio. So this may be as far as I ever get on a spiderweb quilt. I guess I just wanted to know how to do it, then once I knew, I didn't care anymore. I'm like that sometimes.
Were you inspired to sew today? What'd you make?
In other news...
My good friend Monica asked me to pick the winner for her Inspired to Sew Giveaway...
So here goes...
Out of 193 (wow!) entries the winner is #19! Nancy, claim your copy of Inspired to Sew!
My lovely twitter friend, Cara Wilson, from Cara Quilts came up with this fun idea: Get people from all over the world together all at one time to talk sewing/quilting. We do this on Twitter. Live on Tuesday evenings 9PM EST! And people really do show up and chat with us from all over the globe.
It's Called Talkin' Tuesdays. All you have to do is search #talknt and then follow along in the conversation. Chime in if you'd like.
And, to win prizes, Re-tweet the prize tweets.
Tomorrow night, I'll be sponsoring #talknt with a give-away of 2 signed books,
a 4-pack of sewing patterns and 10 fat quarters of Country Lane. I'd love to see you there!
The winner is...
Candace Henderson!
Please claim your prize!
You won the copy of Little Girls, Big Style!!!
Welcome to the last but not least stop on the blog tour of Little Girls, Big Style by Mary Abreu!
I had the honor of being in on the secret of Mary's book writing early on as we are both C&T Stash authors. She's been a friend to me throughout both of our journeys for which I can't thank her enough. And needless to say, with the inside scoop of how awesome this book was shaping up as she went along, I could not wait to see it in all it's glory.
I most certainly was not disappointed. When you take a look at the cover of this book, it's not difficult to fall in love, but open it up and you'll have an all out romance with sewing.
The photography is gorgeous, the instructions are impeccable and you get a ton of bang for your buck with four patterns that create an entire wardrobe of clothing.
This is Mary's debut sewing book and it clearly shows she is no newcomer to sewing. She's an expert, and today, we are lucky to have a bonus guest post from her with her favorite sewing tips, below.
Oh, and did I mention a give-away? Why yes, I believe I did. Leave a comment at the end of this post, and I'll pick a winner on Monday.
Without further adieu, here's my friend, Mary Abreu:
I’m so fortunate that I get to do what I love on a daily basis. Sewing truly makes me happy and I love that I get to share that by teaching others how to sew. Seeing my students complete their first project lets me relive the excitement of sewing my first pillow and I get this warm, fuzzy feeling about sparking a love of sewing in someone else. Bari asked if I’d share some of my favorite sewing tips and I’m delighted to oblige with the list I give my Sewing 101 students. Some of these were passed on to me from my mom, while others are gleaned from my sewing experiences. I hope you find them useful tools for your sewing arsenal.
• Invest in the best tools you can. Many times there really is a difference between the cheapest and the not cheapest. It’s worth it to spend a little more if it means it’s more durable and reliable.
• Designate a sewing space and own it. When my husband was in law school, we turned the walk-in closet of our master bedroom into an office for him. Space was at a premium (two-bedroom apartment for four people) and sacrificing closet space was worth it for him to have a designated study area. It’s a lot easier to enjoy your sewing if you have some space you can call your own, whether it’s a spare room, corner of the dining room or even a closet.
• Wind an extra bobbin at the start. I rarely get through a project without needing to replace the bobbin. It’s a lot easier to just drop in a second one instead of unthreading my machine mid-stream and loading a new bobbin.
• Trim threads as you go. I am horrible about doing this but it’s really the easiest way to make sure you snip all those dangling threads.
• Use a different color bobbin thread when you gather. If you use the thread-gathered method, it’s a lot easier to separate your bobbin thread if it’s a different color than your spool.
• Remove pins ahead of the presser foot. My mom taught me to just sew over pins and it’s really been a hard habit to break. If you’re lucky, you’ll just break a machine needle or bend a pin. On the other hand, you can end up with a pointy projectile or mess up the timing of your sewing machine.
• Round the edges of elastic before pulling it through a casing. It feeds through more smoothly with no corners to catch inside the casing.
• An ergonomic seam ripper is worth it. Everybody unsews. It’s just part of the process. You may as well have one that fits in your hand for those times when you sew and serge the bottom tier of a twirly dress right side to wrong side.
• Start a sewing notebook. I use mine for keeping track of the kids’ measurements (note the date you measured), settings on my serger and a shopping list when I’m running low on an item.
• Sew for the ones you love -- but only if they can appreciate it. People who don’t “get” handmade gifts, people who point out flaws — get them gift cards. Your favorite aunt who taught you how to crochet when you were 10 and praised the 8-foot-long bookmark you made? Sew for her.
Two posts in one day? Are you dreaming?
No. It's because I didn't realize Fat Quarterly is giving away a stack of my Country Lane fabrics this week. Or I knew, but I forgot. Something like that. Check it out HERE.
This has been a whirlwind week. I did a radio interview plus a tutorial and a giveaway were posted today!
If you missed my interview on Pat Sloan's Creative Talk Radio you can download the podcast here. My interview was the one on December 6, 2010.
Check out Sew4home for the how-to on this project and a bit of the conversation I had with Editor, Liz Johnson.
And for a giveaway of my latest four patterns and my "Holiday Traditions" story, visit Where Women Create... There you'll find a giveaway a day and holiday traditions from many designers for their Twelve days of Christmas! They are already on day 9! Run on over there and sign up!
You've been told that quilt market is all about the fabrics... all about the patterns... the books.
The truth is, it's all about the cute shoes. And this year my friend Mary Abreu, author of Little Girls, Big Style and the designer behind Confessions of a Craft Addict won the cutest shoes at International Quilt Market prize. And the cutest socks prize right along with it. I am the self-named judge of that contest. So what I say goes on that front.
But you wanted to know about another contest, didn't you... so without further delay... the winner of the group of my newest sewing patterns is: #36, Stina.
and the winner of the Little Birds book is Beth, number 13!
Claim your prizes, ladies!
Back from market, and I had a fantastic time! It was exhausting but a success and just so much fun. Here's the first round of photos from my booth. Check the end of this post for giveaway info!
More from the rest of the market will be to come soon. But how about a give-away in the meantime?
Let's have two winners. One will get a set of my four newest sewing patterns, and the other will get a copy of Little Birds. And I'll sign my project in it too!
Two ways to win: Simply comment here... and/or tweet about the giveaway and follow me, then come back and comment that you did so. i.e.: the only way to have an entry is to comment, so you'll have to do that to let me know you tweeted and followed (or tweeted and already follow).
I'll pick a winner using random.org on Monday the 8th of November at 10 PM. You have until then to enter. Good luck!
There's an informal-ish Country Lane Blog Tour going on, and I'm answering all sorts of fun and interesting questions.
Stop by the blog of my friend, Stephanie at Little Lady Patchwork where I tell you all about how I got started doing what I do. I blab quite a bit of the details over there! And you are going to love Stefanie! Her work is fabulous!
And while you are surfing... you might (I'm just saying) want to get in on a giveaway of Country Lane over at Quilting/Sewing Mecca, Fat Quarter Shop!
I'll be announcing stops at the blogs of several other friends in the coming days! Keep your eyes peeled!
PS Pictures included are of the upcoming sewing pattern projects mentioned in the previous post... 'cause I have this rule about no posts without pictures. I wouldn't want to bore you. ;)
The flower at the top is a bonus for the Flower Market Tote.
Thank you all for entering my give-away, tweeting, following and signing up for my newsletter!
The winner of the FQ Stack is #23, Marci Girl!
My boxes of Country Lane have arrived, and it's time to give a stack of fat quarters away! You'll win 23 fat quarters in all with a retail value of over $60!
There are 4 ways to enter to win, but be sure to come back here and comment again to get each of your entry numbers.
1. Leave a comment here and tell me which print is your favorite and what you'd like to make with it.
2. Tweet about the give-away and follow me on twitter. Then be sure to come back and comment again in order to get another entry number.
3. Sign up for my mailing list (link in sidebar). Then come back and comment again for another entry number.
4. Follow Bari J. on Facebook. Then come back and comment again on this blog to get another entry number.
Enter before midnight Sunday, August 22! The winner will be picked using the random number generator and announced on Monday! Thank you for entering!
Wild Roses
Vintage Lace
Bed and Breakfast Stripe
Lattice
Meadow Monarchs
Prairie Plaid
@sewhappyjenn!
I realized a couple days ago that I should have told all of you to head back to my blog and say you tweeted, which I didn't so what I did was numbered the tweets after the 114 comments on the blog... ie: the first tweet was number 115 etc. I thought this was the most fair way of doing it.
Thanks to the generosity of our friend, Emily over at Ravenhill, I have two more of her fabulous dolls made in my fabric, Full Bloom. And these are for You!!!
Just leave a comment and you are entered! I'll use the random number generator to pick two winners on January 5.
Spread the word!
Lorna. #107! Just email your address to Bari (@) BariJonline.com and I'll send it right out!
Arlene from Heart Rocks Home &
Ann from Vintage Whisper.
Email me your addresses ladies, and I'll send you your prizey! [email protected]
Yesterday I received a package back from Sew Somerset with all three of the pin cushions they featured... Anyone want one??? Just for fun, I'm giving two away. Drawing will take place July 20.
Leave a comment here to be included.
Another give-away! Yeah, why not? I'm in the mood for a little fun.
This time I'm giving away two quilted patchwork belts. Next Friday the kiddos will randomly pick two names from those of you who enter. The winners will get to pick their own size and color-way: Pinks and Greens, Tangerine, Blues or Black and White.
LISA ALSO of Colors Outside the Lines & HEATHER B. of Present Past Collection! Let me know the color and size you would like, ladies!
Thanks for entering everyone! There will be more to come soon!