Thursday, September 10, 2015

Happy Blogiversary! And a Giveaway!!!

Friends, can you believe that it has been a year since this little blog claimed it place in the blogosphere?  In some ways it feels like it was just yesterday, and in others I can't help but have that feeling of, "Has it really only been a year?"

Instead of recapping all my makes and sharing blog analytics (which have already surpassed anything I would have been hoping for), I want the theme of this post to be gratitude.

So, here are a few of the things that I am thankful for (in no certain order):




1.  My supportive family.  These two fellas make my sewing habit an easy one.  My little guy is happy to sit in the sewing room and do homework while I am sewing away.  He is always complimentary of my makes.  Nothing melts my heart more than when he pretends to wolf whistle and tells me how pretty an item makes me look.

My sweet husband never complains about the piles of fabric that have taken over what used to be the office in our home.  He is always more than happy to take photos for the blog, and he genuinely likes the clothes that I sew.  I can't remember ever making something that he said he didn't like.  He affords me the ability to stay home, pursue my passions, and live the life I want to live without any guilt or resentment, just total support.  I love this man more than I ever imagined was possible.

2.  Finally having clothes that fit.  The main reason that I started to sew again was because I was tired of t-shirts that clung to my hips yet had shoulders intended to fit the broadest of linebackers.  My wardrobe is still a work in progress (but then won't it always be?).  It has been very empowering to sew not only clothes that fit, but clothes that inspire me.  It is amazing to not be held to the restraints of a boxy version of whatever is trending.

3.  Other sewing bloggers.  The very first blog that I started to follow was Diary of a Sewing Fanatic.  I am inspired not only by the clothes that Carolyn makes, but also by her back story.  She is easy to relate to.  I have found a Sew Sister in Andie of Sew Pretty in Pink.  There are so many things we have in common both in sewing and in our back stories.  I have to admit that I am quite jealous of the improv group she and her husband have.  I need that kind of creative outlet in my life!  Oonabaloona always amazes me with her wit and humor.  Her makes are absolutely fabulous, and I wonder if one day we might see the likes of House of Oona.  Last but not least, the ladies of the Curvy Sewing Collective, both on the collective and their respective blogs, are a constant source of inspiration and comradery.  Sometimes I think people don't realize that these ladies aren't just a bunch of pretty dresses.  They have real pedigrees, are well educated, and are so much more than the fabric running through their machines.

4.  The Etta James station on Pandora.  I know this may seem a little strange, but this is what I listen to when I am creating.  Right now Whatever Lola Wants by Sarah Vaughan is playing.  The music on this station is bluesy, sensual, at times seductive.  It is just the thing to get me in the mood...to sew that is.

5.  Then of course there is you all.  You have no idea how grateful I am to have reached so many other members of the creative community.  I am thankful for each and every comment you post.  I am thankful for every Instagram like.  There are days when those little hellos from the blogosphere and social media are what get me through some otherwise stressful situations.  Thank you, thank you.  Friends, really and truly a million times thank you.

Because I think that you all are so absolutely wonderful, I wanted to celebrate the Blogiversary with a little giveaway.  That's right, it's swag time.  In celebration of a year of blogging adventure, I have a great little prize package for you.  What's up for grabs?  A few little somethings to help you prepare for the Style Arc Misty Jeans Sewalong.


Pic from Stylearc.com.au


First, a download of the Style Arc Misty Pull On Jeans pattern (Thank you to Style Arc for providing this gratis).

Pic from Moodfabrics.com


Second, a $50 Mood Fabrics gift card so you can get your stretch denim fabric on (or whatever your heart desires).

Pic from Joann.com


Third, an assortment of Gutermann Specialty Thread for jean sewing.  This stuff is amazing for sewing jeans.  The color match with these variegated threads are phenomenal.

Pic from schmetzneedles.com

Last, an assortment of Schmetz Needles for all your sewing projects.  There are universal needles, a twin needle, stretch needles, and jeans needles.  That's everything you need in one convenient pack!


To enter this giveaway, just leave a comment below letting me know what your favorite color denim is.  This giveaway is open to anyone anywhere.  Winner will be chosen on Monday, September 14th by random number generator.  If you don't leave an email to contact you or there isn't contact information in your profile, be sure to check back on Monday to see if you are the winner.  You will have two days to get back in touch with me.  If I haven't heard from you by 9:00 a.m. EDT a new winner will be drawn.  Good luck!!!



41 comments:

  1. Happy Anniversary!! I have to let you know that my list of inspiring sewing bloggers looks similar to your, but includes you! Thank you. This is a wonderful anniversary prize package you are giving away, thanks for the chance to win it. My Favorite color denim is deep dark indigo!

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  2. HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY! I love your gratitude post, what wonderful men you have (wolf whistling son!). Ruggy thanks you in advance, as the daydreams of my House (which would include one long wall of bar cart) will surely raise my levels of everyday brat to eleven.

    You can keep my name out of the (super generous!) prize hat, but I'd say my favorite color denim is whatever shade looks like it's been left out in the sun too long.

    Oh, and that Etta James station is the bomb. Nina Simone is fantastic too-- I love seeing that little alert pop up on my screen: "It's Sunday, Nina Simone is waiting for you." WELL OKAY THEN.

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  3. Happy Blogiversary! :) You can come join us at the improv show anytime! :D Heheh. Love you, sew sister! So happy to have met you! :)

    This giveaway rocks. I love floral denim. I've been drooling over some lace print denims, too. ;)

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  4. Happy Blogiversary!! I guess I must have started following along soon after you started - but didn't realize how recently that had been. Nice job, and what a nice array of giveaways! Oh, and like WickedPIxie, I love me some deep, dark indigo. :)

    You son definitely has some of his father in him - cuties!

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  5. Happy anniversary. What a very generous giveaway. I think I would go with dark indigo or maybe black. Thanks Alicia!

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  6. Dark indigo.
    Congrats on your blogaversary!
    I've enjoyed seeing what you create.

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  7. Happy Blogiversary! I am a classic blue denim kind of gal.

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  8. I'm a sucker for a classic dark wash denim!
    I'm thankful for your posts and honesty about triumphs, patterns, etc!!

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  9. Happy Blogiversary! I have to say what I am thankful for about your blog is having another curvy sewist for inspiration! I am especially inspired by how you fearlessly grade patterns that aren't in your size, that is often a step in the sewing process that can stall me out for years. Sometimes I feel guilty that I don't maintain my blog, like, ever, because I get so much inspiration and information from you and the other ladies who blog on a regular basis. Maybe I'll get back to it one day. As far denim, I love dark wash and I can't see myself ever wearing anything else! I'm on the fence about joining the sewalong. On the one hand, I'd like to try to make full on jeans with the fly and everything since I've never done it before, but on the other hand this pattern looks easier to make and easier to wear! Plus, I would love to support stylearc for offering the extended size range. That is just awesome! Of course, if I somehow win this super generous giveaway, I will of course join in!

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  10. Happy anniversary and thank you for inspiring all of us--now that the weather is getting cooler here, I'll be making my Laurel dress soon! My favorite denim is dark blue, though I also like black denim, as it goes well with all the crazy bright tops that I make. ;)

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  11. Happy blogiversary! I discovered your blog a few months ago--I had no idea that you'd been doing this for less than a year! You don't need to enter me in the awesome giveaway--I've already got the Misty pattern and a cut of stretch denim set aside for the sewalong. I am, however, another person who prefers dark wash denim.

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  12. Oh, happy blogversary! Has it really only been a year? You have been such an inspiration to me as I've embarked on my sewing journey! My favourite denim would be dark blue or black. I can't imagine sewing jeans. What an awesome thing that would be...maybe I will be up to the challenge if chosen, lol!

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  13. Happy blogiversary! Like a lot of other people, I love classic, dark wash denim . If I could wear dark blue jeans everyday, I would be very happy.

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  14. Happy Blogversary. My favorite denim is dark indigo or black. And I love a little stretch, Best wishes on the next year.

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  15. Wow Alicia, I was seriously under the impression that you are a veteran blogger! Congratulatons!
    I enjoy doing things a bit differently, so I would go with a dark violet denim:)

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  16. My neutral of choice right now seems to be dark grey. I would love to try a darke jewel tone for this fall

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  17. First of all--Happy Anniversary on your blog! Curvy Sewing Collective and other curvy sewists have encouraged me to start my own. Fave denim color is medium blue with a bit of spandex/lycra.

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  18. Happy anniversary and what a nice post. My favorite jeans color is dark navy with navy top stitching. Traditional and understated.

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  19. Happy anniversary! My color would be indigo!

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  20. Happy Blogiversary!!! You are one of my faves along with the blogs you love. My favorite demon color is the darkest indigo as possible.

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  21. Congratulations on both your anniversary and your handsome and supportive family. I still love the classic denim I grew up with (the fifties) but also enjoy the newer darker ones as well

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  22. Thanks for the great giveaway & congrats. The online sewing community is sew great

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  23. Happy blogaversary! What a generous give away to celebrate. My favorite denim color is medium stone washed (kind of worn but not worn out) color.

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  24. I like a dark indigo denim. Thanks for the giveaway in honor of your blog's one year anniversary.

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  25. Congrats on your blog's anniversary! :D As for denim color.. I really love this pair of shorts that used to be jeans that are a lovely deep purple. I love denim that isn't blue! :) I really love the orchid and lime colors on Mood's site.. Might have to snag those for more shorts!

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  26. Happy Bloggaversary. : ) Look forward to another year of watching your progress. That's quite a giveaway to celebrate too.
    My favorite color is indigo denim, it just goes with everything!

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  27. I just signed up to receive your blog posts by email. I have enjoyed reading yours through the 2015 Fasters. My favorite color of denim is the dark blue wash. Might have to investigate these other colors mentioned as they sound really fun!!

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  28. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your Blogiversary with us! I've worn my favorite jade green denim jeans through at the backside, so a new pair must be sewn :)

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  29. How wonderful for you to share some of your backstory! You are very lucky indeed.Happy Blog Anniversary. As for the denim, I'm a rebel, I like my dark and seductive. I can't leave without a pair of black denim jeans.

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  30. Happy anniversary!!! I didnt realize i started following you right after you started blogging but i can tell you that you were my inspiration to sew for myself, to take a chance and that things can look good no matter how big my hips are or how narrow the shoulders. No more dressing in mens t shirt shorts and tshirts or mens black polos and stretch jeans.

    You gave me the courage to try dresses, skirts and pants that actually fit and look amazing in color!!! Never knew such awesomeness existed. So thank you.

    After being stuck with crappy rtw stretch jeans in one stinking color for years. im going to have to say colored denium. Yup colors no more standard black and indigo denium. I want wine, teal, yellow, kelly green, etc!!!!

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  31. Happy Blogiversary! My fav is classic blue, though I keep being drawn to some of the colored ones lately...just need to get up the courage. Hmmmn...Not sure how these hips would look. Here's wishing you the best for the coming year! McDonna

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  32. I'm a new reader & hand been enjoying your earlier posts. Congratulations on blogging for a whole year!

    I like the Style Arc patterns too!

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  33. Happy Blogiversary. I enjoy your blog. I need to get back to sewing but I also need to refit my patterns for a larger size (my shirts fit like the one you describe in your blog). You have inspired me to get to work on this project. I like the traditional blue denim.

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  34. I always read your blog, I just don't comment. Your blog is lovely and so are you and your family. Congrats on a year!!

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  35. Sorry, forgot to say my favorite color denim is dark blue.

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  36. Happy Blogaversary! My favorite denim color is deep indigo blue. Thank you for the opportunity!

    Rose in SV

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  37. Happy anniversary! Has it really only been a year? I feel like I have been following your blog for a long time. Thank you for all the interesting posts. I love your writing "voice" and the great stuff that you make. Here's to another great year! :)
    I love black denim and I have some with lurex woven in but am not too sure I am brave enough to wear such sparkly trousers. That is a great pic. Your son is really like you. Xx

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  38. Happy Blogversary Alicia, and thanks for this moving post! Your family sounds wonderful. Thank you also for the inspiration you provide! I loved your blog the minute I stumbled on it earlier this summer, because I am frustrated with off the rack plus size clothes too, and I love to sew. I've never tried jeans though, and your post has convinced me to do so! My favorite denim color is the classic dark blue. Thanks so much for everything!

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  39. Happy Blog Anniversary. Guess I've been reading your blog from the very beginning, and have to say, it's a very enjoyable read. You're a super duper shopper, and am so happy for you that you are doing what you love, and surrounding by people who you love, and love you back.

    My favorite jean color is black, but that's because I live in New York State, and I swear, black is the state color. ;-)

    Best wishes for another happy year, and looking forward to reading more from you. Diane

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  40. Happy Blog Birthday! I like really dark blue or black denim most :)

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  41. Oh no! I missed the swag! Anyway, happy Blogiversary and I'm happy you're blogging because I found YOU! :)

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