Winner's and the sicky ickies!

I have my 3 winner's! 

The first winner is from the blog Barbara, she is the sweetest and I am so happy to send her a thread of Aurifil to try.  Congratulations Barbara!

The second winner to try out a spool of Aurifil is Kari_627swaps from Instagram

Congratulations Kari, so excited for you :) 

And the "Grand Prize Winner" of 3 Large spools of Aurifil and 6 FQ's of Art Gallery Fabrics goes to Quilts in Texas on Instagram

Congratulation Hilda! 

Now for an explanation of the delay in getting the winner's out, if you want to read about the sicky ickies you can continue reading :)

It's been a rough 4 weeks, Katerina was sick with a virus of vomiting and diarrhea, but then she also got a cold with a fever and a cough and that is why we ended up in the hospital we couldn't control the fever and in the end she wasn't eating anything.  So we checked into the hospital for 4 days to get her fever under control and to get some fluids in her.  Her cough continued but everything else was cleared up, if you know what I mean ;)

Cute picture of Kat from when she had the sickie ickies, she actually let me take a pic of her :)

Next Nik was home a week with the vomiting and diarrhea :( finally he got over that and then Arthur (my husband) was taken out with the cold of a fever and cough.  And then I got the fever and cough and just was able to drag myself out of bed yesterday after spending the last 4 days tucked up and it's not done yet, Nik now has the fever and cough.  So we are all coughing up a storm here, it has been a true icky month and I hope we will all be healed by the end of December so we can start enjoying ourselves again!

Mister Domestic's Tool Box and Aurifil Giveaway!

I was so excited to have won Mister Domestic's Aurifil Tool Box, if you don't know who Mathew is, I would suggest you go and check him out.  He is super amazing and always creating something that makes me say ooohhhhh...... you can find his blog here or on Facebook and Instagram as well.

He also does a lot of YouTube videos and even did one about the reason's he picked these 12 colors for his Aurifil Tool Box, go check it out here.
I was going to go into details about the threads, but you can really get all the info you need from his YouTube video, but I do want to share some of this thread.
So first I will be sending 2 threads to 2 different people who have never tried Aurifil before, gasp, what are you waiting for, just kidding.

  Both 50wt and very nice basics, the white white is Aurifil #2024 and what I like to call linen color is Aurifil #2312  Tell me in the comments if you have never tried Aurifil before and if you are a white white kind of sewer or more of a linen girl/guy.
Also I want to give away these 3 colors and 6 FQ's of Art Gallery Fabrics.

A mixture of weights, 50 wt. #2410 my favorite pink, 40wt. #2810 a gorgeous blue and the 28wt #2140 a stunning gold perfect for top stitching.

If you have sewn with Aurifil tell me what is your favorite color?  I use 2021 as my white (more like snow if you use those colors of fabric) and 4241 as my black (it's a blue black matches a lot of lovely fabrics out there) but my favorite blender is the #2600 Dove a nice grey.
Giveaway ends December 15th a Friday.

Floss Thread Giveaway

Sewing and Embroidery together, make me happy.

What I recently worked on, an EPP and Embroidery mini.

Last year I came across a new to me embroidery company, Cottage Garden Threads, they are based in Australia and are a Mom and Daughter team.  I really love these threads and I am hoping to soon be carrying them here in Greece, so they are easier to get to the rest of the European countries.

Butterfly and Cocoon are perfect choices for making pretty embroidered moths on Alison Glass fabrics.

So this means I want to get rid of all of my "old" threads, would you like to win a jar full of threads? (jar not included :)

25 skeins of Sublime Floss and several handmade wound paper bobbins filled with DMC and Anchor threads, most of them have their numbers written in pencil or Frixion pen in case you want to know the number.

How to enter to win this big bundle of threads.

1. First entry is free, just leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win.
2. Second entry, if you already follow me somehow, just state where.
3. Third entry follow one of my NEW accounts either on Instagram, @laserhobbies.eu or              check out my NEW Pinterest page and follow me there or                                                             on Facebook as well, you don't have to do all 3, but if you want to :) you can.
4. Fourth entry, check out the colors from Cottage Garden threads (this is a PDF file) and try to pick just 10 favorites, e-mail me your list, not only will you get 5 points for doing this step, but I will also put you in a separate giveaway and when my thread order comes in I will give you a set of Cottage Garden threads!  WOW!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
I also have several old embroidery thread sets for sale if you are interested, the first one is for kids, more information and pictures can be found on my Instagram account @mara.creates

Old "teach kids to sew" kits from a Greek elementary school. $15 shipping included.

     "Breakdance" thread set (never opened) 1/2 yard of Heather Ross snails, I think they look like they are dancing.                 $12 plus shipping $4

"Flowerbox" thread set (never opened) plus some fun matching fabrics. $12 plus shipping $4

Luna Sol

I recently got a Fat Eighth bundle of the lovely Luna Sol from the designer Felice Regina
OMG!  I just love this fabric, the colors are fantastic, the little bunnies are cute.

Aurifil (left to right) 2255, 1133, 2120, 2805, 6738, 2510 Variegated 4658, 4663, 3840, 4660

I immediately had to make a project from them, so I decided to try out Sonic Stitches one hour basket hack, the Eliza Basket with Foundation Paper Pieced geese.  And also Karen's Orange Peel Pincushion, both are free tutorials (links will take you to a new page, so click away)

First for some fussy cutting 

I used all 19 prints when making the Orange Peel Pincushion

The little blue bunnies hopping is my favorite print and I used that on the back.

The reason the pincushion isn't filled is that I was going to mail it as a gift, so it's flat :)

I couldn't leave the back side plain, and had to use my favorite designer, Alison Glass!

The basket is of course filled with Rainbow goodies from AG!

I did keep the original One Hour Basket, corner cutting dimensions of 3", 

instead of the Eliza Basket 2.5" suggestion.

My FQ's fit better in the 3" boxed corners, but this did make the flying geese go right to 

the edge of the basket, but I still love it and plan on making more.

Do you need to pick up some Luna Sol, Janum sells them in F8 (what I got, but wish I had gotten more) 

Also FQ bundles, 1/2 yard and 1 yard bundles.

She also has the matching Aurifil Thread small box available.

Also @iamlunasol Is doing a giveaway in regards to her Kick Starter for some Enamel pins

So be sure to go check that out.

Linking to Sunday Stash

Sunday Stash

This week I got a wonderful bundle of fabrics from Janum fabrics.  My most favorite, the stunning metallic bundle of Luster from Zen Chic.

Luster fabrics with Aurifil (left to right) 2021, 6072, 2600, 6736, 4241

Inspired by last weeks Sunday Stash to take a picture like this, it doesn't look as good as My Go-Go Life's though :)

I just love the metallics in this!
In the same package was her Tuesday deal's from Instagram, which are really good, you should check it out.

On the left the Cat's Meow and of course I just had to get a charm pack of Handmade.  She also always includes the cutest buttons in your package.
I showed off my new Aurifil threads last week, along with a giveaway, it's still going on till Monday night.

Linking to Sunday Stash episode #200

Fall Thread Giveaway!

Hello Everyone,
Fall is my least favorite season, is it warm is it cold, sunny or rainy, please just make up your mind weather and do it!
But I do love the changing of the colors on the leaves, I'm not a big brown fan, but watching the leaves change colors is so fun and pretty.  Were I live we aren't there just yet, in fact I had to go up to the monasteries and even there only found 2 trees who leaves were going all pretty.

Behind our house looking down at Rousanou Monastery.

See the trees haven't changed just yet.  But I made these 3 pouches out of fabric that I received free from Moda, Courtyard by 3 Sisters, it's not my normal type of fabric and I looked at it and was like, ugh... but it sure does make pretty fall leaves.

For a giveaway I would like to give to you one of these pouches, a #sewillustrated pincushion, a charm pack of "Courtyard" fabric along with some Aurifil thread and gold ribbon!  Yippee, if the fabric doesn't thrill you the thread should, hahaha!

Fall Giveaway!

A Large 50wt. spool in color Moonshine 6724 and 2 smaller spools in #2370 and #4173
The exterior leaf

And the interior spelled motif of Thankful and Blessed

Are all done with this gorgeous and wonderful to work with Aurifil Brillo Gold thread!  I wish I could send some of this to you but no way am I letting it out of my greedy little hands!

The Silver is #800 and the Gold is #739

I did recently get my Aurifil thread order in from my favorite European source Busy Needle, Elita the owner is wonderful to work with, plus I think her prices are good!

Isn't that the cutest sticker, if you want one on your box just ask Elita!

This time around I was in desperate need of some neutral thread colors.

UhOh all out of Aurifil neutral colors, very hard to ignore all of the pretty colors.

Inside my box, I think I did a good job of just picking mostly neutrals, oh okay I had to get some color, I'm working on a long term EPP project that just needed those soft blues and pinks along with a brighter red and of course I will be quilting it with my favorite variegated thread #4660 in 12 wt.

2600 is my all time favorite neutral, it works with all colors as a soft grey, but with a nice sheen.
I also like 2021 it is white but not bright white or a yellow white, it is also very good.
New to me this time around were these guys.

New Aurifil thread colors

#6722 Sea Biscuit is a cross between the 2021 that I spoke of earlier and 2026, it's not as yellow meringue as the 2026 so I think it's a keeper.  Now as you can see from the number AND name 6724 and 6725 are very similar, they are a brownish grey color, not sure if I like them or not, the 6724 moonshine (that I am giving away) has a nice sheen to it, that reminds me of my favorite 2600, the 6725 moondust is more flat. Jedi 6736 is a dark grey blue color it's alright I will see how it looks when sewing up darker colors.
Did you read all of that, good job, enter below in the Rafflecopter for your chance to win some Aurifil plus the rest of the goodies in the picture.
The first one is mandatory but the other's are not, if you do stop by these shop's tell them Mara says Hi! And in case you are wondering why I want to say Hello to the Fat Quarter Shop, read last weeks blog post about how awesome they are.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

3 Fall Pouches

  Linking to Elm Street Quilts Bag It Event.
And Sunday Stash.

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway - Fabric

Welcome to Mara Creates on your next stop for the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day! My name is Mara and I am an American living in Greece with my Greek/Australian husband and our 2 children, I sew to keep my sanity, how about you?

I look forward to this week twice a year and I know you have many places to swing by, today I am giving away a tin Full of charm fabrics cut by me.  These are not my fugly fabrics, oh no, I am giving you some of my favorite fabrics, text prints, low volume, Alison Glass and then your choice of "Weeds" by Me and My Sister or  "Color Me Happy" by V & Co.

Are you on Instagram?  Did you see the recent hashtag #getyourquiltywishesgranted  It is such a fun hashtag and I granted a few wishes, one girl wanted some text prints and strawberry prints, one wanted some low volume prints and another some Alison glass and another a few charms to make charity quilts.  SO while I was cutting up those request I cut up a few more for YOU!

I am giving away one tin this week, here my blog and the other on my IG account, next week, @mara.creates , follow to see when that one happens, I also have another giveaway on there right now from Monday and it ends Monday December 14th.

Next year I am hosting a Year long Sew Along from the book "Sew Fantasy Toys" written by Melanie McNeice , she also designs fabric under the name Melly and Me.  It will be a nice and easy Sew Along, with Giveaways each month, if you are interested, leave your e-mail HERE and I will send out an e-mail with more information closer to the end of this month.

Entering this Giveaway is Easy, Use the Rafflecopter below, so I am sure to have your e-mail address and in the comments
Tell me your favorite cookie and come back next week to see who won this Giveaway and get the recipes for these 2 Greek Christmas Cookies, Melomakarona and Kourabiedes, *cookies will not be included in with the fabric for this giveaway, I am so sorry :(  I will ship Internationally cause, HELLO, I am International :)
My favorite cookie is the Sugar Cookie with frosting on top, like the ones they sale in Grocery stores in the States, yummy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All Links to follow are on the right side of this page! 

FABulous Home Sewn

I want to introduce you to my friend Fenna of FABulous Home Sewn, go on over to her blog and browse around, she sews lots of things for her kids, she has 5!!
You can read more about her in the Canadian Pattern Designer Blog Hop, where she was featured this summer as one of the Great Canadian Designers!
And she makes the most wonderful patterns that make up great gifts for children or even for yourself, she is working on a handbag right now the pattern should be out soon and it looks fantastic.

She is giving one of her patterns above, the winners choice, to my 4 Kids Christmas Swap Participants, who made their mosaics and posted them on IG.

Drumroll.......And the winner is: Threehoneybees,   Congratulations!!!

Here are a few more pictures and some links to more of what I have made with her patterns, I have the Perfect Petal Purse and the Pirates Treasure Wallet, all of her patterns can be found on Craftsy.

 It is so hard to find something to sew up for boys, I have made these for my nephews and 2 for my son, the picture below shows it in action, he loves being able to pay for things by himself.

I have made 4 perfect petal purses, now I cheat a little when making them, I sew the interfacing onto a strip of fabric when making the leaves and then I sew the strips right sides together around the cut out leaf interfacing and then cut the leaves with my wavy rotary cutter, it makes making this purse super easy and can be done within one day and looks super adorable!  See more pictures here, with that change to the pattern.

 A BEE-autiful Sunflower Perfect Petal Purse, I just doubled the petals on this one.

Do I have any money?

More photos can be found here, here, here and here.

Giveaway Winner and More Giveaways!

Hello Everyone, most people seemed ready for Spring

And I ended up making 2 cute bee cushions.

I also made this table runner for a swap package and I love it so much, it can be used for half of the year, one side is Spring and in her favorite colors

And the other side is perfect for summer.

So cute right, my kids wanted to run off with the bitten Popsicle ice-cream I had to chase after them several times because they kept taking the applique piece away and pretending to eat it, before I got it sewed down.

I also got in some FMQ this last month, I think my favorite type of FMQ is matchstick, it doesn't have to be perfect and it always looks so cool.

The winner of the first bee pincushion and extra goodies of 2 pins (flower pin and snowman pin), 3 Fat Eighths that go with the Sunflower palette, a bundle of mini charms from Notting Hill Joel Dewberry (that I used for the above Spring table runner) and a spool of Thread made in Greece.

#29 Fenna said: Love the bee, Mara! Out here the weather is like a yo-yo. Cold (as in -20/-30 C ) one week, with lots of new snow and then 'warm' (as in a few degrees above or below zero) for a couple of days, just to go back to cold. Really looking forward to spring :)

Well Fenna I hope this brings a little warm weather your way :)

Didn't Win, no worries I have one more to giveaway and this package is so pretty!
There is a catch to this one, though I would like to have your vote on my fabric frame that I made with the Heart's Content Contest held by the Fat Quarter Shop.

Go on over to the Jolly Jabber and place your vote,   Thank you everyone who voted, I did not win, oh well I personally still love mine the best, lol, but if you like on of the other's better, then I won't nay say you, then come back over here and tell me you voted!

A bee pincushion, 2 pins (a flower and snowman) a fabric basket, 3 fat eighths that match the jolly bar (30 5x10" brick charms) of Bee My Honey and 2 spools of thread made in Greece.

For a second chance to win this bundle go to my Instagram account (link in the side bar) become a follower, if you aren't already and tag one person.

My friend Shirley of Simple Sew is having a Huge Giveaway and Shop Discount on her blog SimpleSew on Monday be sure to check it out.
Also Mel of Missouri Mel has moved her Giveaway Round-up to a new home and she has a giveaway going on till March 6th.
There is such a thing as Giveaway Karma, you need to have giveaways yourself and also you should share any giveaways you come across, Giveaway Karma, of course this is only if you like Giveaways ;) and if you don't like giveaways I would like to know, lol.

My giveaway ends March 8th, next Sunday.  Good Luck and don't forget to vote for my fabric frame, Thank you!

Linking up to Fresh Sewing Day

Love the bee, Mara! Out here the weather is like a yo-yo. Cold (as in -20/-30 C ) one week, with lots of new snow and then 'warm' (as in a few degrees above or below zero) for a couple of days, just to go back to cold. Really looking forward to spring :) - See more at: http://secretlystitching.blogspot.gr/2015/02/poor-neglected-blog-giveaway.html#comment-form

Love the bee, Mara! Out here the weather is like a yo-yo. Cold (as in -20/-30 C ) one week, with lots of new snow and then 'warm' (as in a few degrees above or below zero) for a couple of days, just to go back to cold. Really looking forward to spring :) - See more at: http://secretlystitching.blogspot.gr/2015/02/poor-neglected-blog-giveaway.html#comment-form

Love the bee, Mara! Out here the weather is like a yo-yo. Cold (as in -20/-30 C ) one week, with lots of new snow and then 'warm' (as in a few degrees above or below zero) for a couple of days, just to go back to cold. Really looking forward to spring :) - See more at: http://secretlystitching.blogspot.gr/2015/02/poor-neglected-blog-giveaway.html#comment-form