Meet Jessica Stewart of Izzy & Ivy Designs - A MIM Sponsor

Click HERE to View the Official Rules

Jessica of Izzy & Ivy Designs -

Being crafty has always been in my blood. I grew up watching my mom sew my dresses and do other sewing related crafts. I'm not sure how old I was when I picked up my first embroidery hoop, but it was a hobby I really enjoyed, even at a young age. All of those French knots and lazy daisies instilled a love of sewing and crafts that has stuck with me for over 30 years.

I got more serious about sewing when I had kids and not a day goes by that I don't make something new or at least have the wheels spinning to plan out fabrics! I love playing with patterns and colors and I'm always playing with collages. I also like to mashup patterns and think about ways to spin a garment to make it look different. I sew for my kids and every once in a while, I do some self care sewing and make myself something fabulous. 

While I am new to being the owner of Izzy & Ivy Designs, I am no stranger to the company! The first paper patterns were released in 2009 and have been very popular among quilters and garment sewists alike. In 2014, PDFs were introduced to the mix, reaching a wider audience. Our designs are fun and easy to wear, and incorporate styles that are current and trendy while still allowing your little girls to look like little girls!

I'm so excited to be a part of Make it Mine and to team up with Danielle again! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with using these gorgeous fabrics!

Please make sure to check out Jessica's shop today, Izzy & Ivy Designs, and tell her thank you for sponsoring our challenge by picking up some of her adorable patterns! Don't forget to use the coupon code: MAKEITMINE, while checking out to save 20% off your entire order.  Psst, Jessica has a Labor Day code that will save you 30% off through 11:59pm, Monday, 9/7.  Use the code: LABORDAY30

  

Happy Creating!

Danielle Storm 

www.whimsicalfabric.com

Meet another MIM Sponsor - Alicia Miller of Swoon

 

 Click HERE to View the Official Rules

Alicia of Swoon Patterns -
I’m a graphic designer by trade and fell in love with sewing many years ago. I think it was a natural path for me to mesh the two and start drafting my own sewing patterns. 

There’s nothing I like sewing together more than bags, so that’s mostly what I do! I am not much for frills, ruffles, or an obvious “homemade” look (much to the dismay of my 7 year old), so my patterns create bags that are simple, clean and easily modified by the advanced bag-maker.

I learned to sew clothing and bags using commercial paper patterns. As everyone knows, they can be a little vague and hard to follow with limited diagrams and absolutely no photos. Though frustrating, it really is the best way to learn! 

I try to alleviate the frustration while keeping to the same to-the-point style. I want you to be able to comprehend what you are doing, so that you can learn and apply it to other projects. Swoon patterns do not have 100 steps with a photo for each of them. In fact, Swoon patterns have no photos. They are written in paragraph form with computer-drafted diagrams. Any enthusiastic beginner can sew up a Swoon bag, ambition is key. If you aren’t sure this is the pattern style for you, try one of the free patterns first. You will likely impress yourself.

Please make sure to check out Alicia's website today, Swoon Patterns, and tell her thank you for sponsoring our challenge by picking up some of her gorgeous patterns! Don't forget to use the coupon code: whimsical, while checking out to save 20% off your entire order. *Note: Collections are excluded. 
 

Happy Creating!

Danielle Storm 

www.whimsicalfabric.com 

Meet a MIM Sponsor - Suzanne Winter of Winter Wear Designs

 

 Click HERE to View the Official Rules

Hi All, I am  Suzanne and I blog over at Winter Wonderings... and Pattern Revolution.  I am also the designer behind Winter Wear Designs.  As the mom two 4 year old twin boys and a 3 year old (going on 13) girl, life can be a bit crazy.  Sewing and design is my grounding spot, my place where I am me.

 My sewing start can definitely be attributed to my Mom who not only sewed costumes for my siblings and I, but also special dresses, drum major uniforms, and regular old clothes.  I think I can say that her greatest influence that trickled down to me was this nifty booklet called 'No Pattern Sewing' that she has had since the 60's or 70's.  She taught me the basics of a needle and thread and that you can create anything, no pattern needed.

 But, my love of sewing can be traced back to college where I double majored in Theater and History.  My obligatory costume shop class freshman year opened up doors for me to design and create.  Drafting, Draping, and Sketching classes filled my schedule; and the sewing bug infected me for a lifetime.

 I may have design ADD and have been told that I like to bite off more than I can chew, but my babies are bouncing off the walls and so is my passion to create clothes that will keep up with them!!!  I am so happy to be here sharing my creativity, my style, and my desire to try and learn new things and help you do the same.

 HUGS (yep, I'm a hugging kind of girl),

Please make sure to check out Suzanne's shop today, Winter Wear Designs, and tell her thank you for sponsoring our challenge by picking up some of her adorable patterns! Don't forget to use the coupon code: WFsave20 , while checking out to save 20% off your entire order. 

Happy Creating!

Danielle Storm 

www.whimsicalfabric.com 

Make It Mine Challenge Q & A

 

 Click HERE to View the Official Rules

We have received a few questions regarding the the Make It Mine Challenge.  I thought it would be a good idea to answer those here for you.

Q: Can we use any patterns we want for the contest? 
A: Yes, you can use any pattern you want, even make up your own, or wing it.  We do have some amazing pattern designers who have graciously sponsored the challenge and have given us coupon codes.  But, you are NOT restricted to their patterns for this challenge. Your support of them is greatly appreciated though.

Winter Wear Designs - 20% off with code: WFsave20
Swoon Patterns - 20% off with code: whimsical  
Izzy & Ivy Designs - 20% off with code: MAKEITMINE

Q: How much of the "featured" fabric must we use in our project vs non-featured fabric that was purchased from your site? 
A: The spirit of this contest is for you to use the featured fabrics (Anna Elise, Curiosities, and/or Happy Home) to create a project AND if you so desire, to use other fabrics we stock to compliment those fabrics. Entries need to contain 51% or more featured fabrics (fabrics with either of the three line names in their titles.) We are requiring this because we want to support the fabric designers who created those fabric lines. For the remaining 49% of the fabric you may use other fabrics listed in those categories and even other fabrics from our site, but the "fabric" part of your project needs to come from fabrics you have purchased from Whimsical Fabric.  

For more information regarding fabric usage, click here to check out today's Sample Entry.

Q: If we already own pieces of fabric that are not carried at Whimsical Fabric, can we add those to our project if the majority of our project is from Whimsical Fabric?
A: No, all fabrics used need to have been purchased from our website.

Q: Does all hardware and notions have to come from Whimsical Fabric?
A: Notions, trims, hardware, leather, etc, DO NOT have to come from Whimsical Fabric. For example, if you are making a pair of leather pants, then no, those will not qualify for the contest obviously. If you are making a dress that has a leather strap or a bag that has a leather handle, then that is just fine to use leather.

Q: What if you are out of the fabric I want?
A: If we run out of a fabric you want to use for your project then you might have to go with a plan B. Order your fabrics early and you shouldn't have a problem. We are also continually reordering fabrics as the stock becomes low so we hopefully won't run out of anything.
  
Q: Is it open to Australians?
A: Yes, this contest is open to anyone. Please note that if you do not reside in the USA and win the Grand Prize Package, then you will receive a $599 gift certificate to Whimsical Fabric in lieu of the sewing machine. Non-domestic winners will also be responsible for covering the cost of shipping their fabric bundle winnings. 

Q: Are you going to do the "anonymous everyone votes" contest?
A: No, we are not going to have the "Viewer's Choice" voting this time. Instead, our panel of judges (to be disclosed soon) will each pick their top 5 most favorite entries. They then will assign point values to each of these 5 entries. Once all the voting forms are collected the scores will be tallied and our top 3 winners will be determined. In the event of a tie, the scores submitted by the judge from Art Gallery Fabrics will be doubled to determine our winner.

Q: So how exactly are things judged?  
A: Judging is based on the following criteria:
- creativity & originality, entries that use the fabric(s) in a unique way
- execution, the overall construction and techniques used in the entry
- appeal, entries that are aesthetically pleasing

Too stay updated about the most recent news regarding this Challenge (and just anything Whimsical Fabric related) join our Facebook Group!

And just to review, here is what you could win!

 Grand Prize Package  -  Valued at over $850!
• A Janome 7330 Magnolia Sewing Machine (a $599 value.)
• A gorgeous bundle of fabric from Art Gallery Fabrics (a $200 value)
• A $25 Whimsical Fabric Gift Certificate 
• 2 Winter Wear Designs PDF Patterns of your choice (up to a $19.90 value)
• 2 Swoon PDF Patterns of your choice (up to an $11.90 value)
• 2 Izzy & Ivy Designs PDF Patterns of your choice (up to a $19.80 value)

1st Runner Up Prize Package  -  Valued at over $200!
• A gorgeous bundle of fabric from Art Gallery Fabrics (a $150 value)
• A $25 Whimsical Fabric Gift Certificate
• 1 Winter Wear Designs PDF Patterns of your choice (up to a $9.95 value)
• 1 Swoon PDF Pattern of your choice (up to an $5.95 value)
• 1 Izzy & Ivy Designs PDF Pattern of your choice (up to a $9.90 value)

2nd Runner Up Prize Package  -  Valued at over $100!
• A gorgeous bundle of fabric from Art Gallery Fabrics (a $50 value)
• A $25 Whimsical Fabric Gift Certificate
• 1 Winter Wear Designs PDF Patterns of your choice (up to a $9.95 value)
• 1 Swoon PDF Pattern of your choice (up to an $5.95 value)
• 1 Izzy & Ivy Designs PDF Pattern of your choice (up to a $9.90 value)

Happy Creating!

Danielle Storm 

www.whimsicalfabric.com

Freebie brought to You by Winter Wear Designs - Make It Mine Challenge

 

I am super excited to share this FREEBIE with you all.  Suzanne of Winter Wear Designs, one of our amazing sponsors for this challenge, has created a Free Motion Applique pattern just for you. The Anna Elise fabric line was her inspiration.  

 Download it today while it is free and let it inspire you to create something fabulous from the Anna Elise line.

And don't forget to shop Suzanne's store, Winter Wear Designs, with the coupon code WFsave20 to save 20% off all her goodies.

 Oh, and just to refresh your memory, we are giving away over $1150 worth of sewing goodness!  This awesome Janome Magnolia sewing machine valued at $599 is going to one blessed grand prize winner!  Woot!!

Happy Creating!

Danielle Storm 

www.whimsicalfabric.com

It's HERE! Our Fall 2015 "MAKE IT MINE" Challenge Has Begun!

Over $1150.00 in prizes!!

Your Mission: To design a project using Art Gallery Fabrics Anna Elise, Curiosities, and/or Happy Home fabric lines.

When: The contest starts now and runs thru the end of the day, Tuesday, September 22nd.

Rules:
1. You must purchase (or have purchased) Art Gallery Fabrics Anna Elise, Curiosities, or Happy Home fabrics from our website, Whimsical Fabric,  to be used in your project. Please retain your order number(s). Your order number(s) will become part of your entry number for this contest and will be used to verify eligibility.

2. You must feature fabric from one of the three lines listed above in your project. Other coordinating fabrics are included at the links above. These fabrics may be used, along with any other fabrics you desire, but you must purchase and feature at least one fabric with the name Anna Elise, Curiosities, or Happy Home in it's title.

ie: Pure Elements - Apricot Crepe is included under the Curiosities category because it matches the Curiosities line. You may use this fabric in your project, but you must also feature a fabric with one of the three listed line names, such as Curiosities - Book Pressed Memories or Anna Elise - Let It Be Breeze, etc.

3. Projects(s) must be submitted via email to whimsical.fabric@yahoo.com by 11:59 pm PT, Tuesday, September 22nd. Please include your order number(s) from Whimsical Fabric. It will be part of your contest entry number and used to verify eligibility.  

4. You may submit up to 5 photos for each entry.  Each photo may be no larger than 2500px by 3500px.  You may also include a sentence or two about your entry if so desired.

5. More than one entry per person may be submitted. Please send a separate email for each entry. Do not forget to include your order number with each entry.

6. Please note that the photos you email to us will be added to our Flickr group so that the judges my view them. This is an open group, and thus, your pictures will be able to be viewed by the general public. By emailing your photos to us, and thus entering this contest, you are granting us permission to share your photos on Flickr. You are also granting us permission to use your photos for advertising purposes on our website, Facebook page, Facebook group, and here on our blog/newsletter.

7. All judging will be done by a panel of judges. Entries will be given a number and names will not be shared with the judges. We will not be conducting a "Viewers Choice" judging round on Facebook for this challenge. Thus, please feel free to share your entries during this challenge on our Facebook group, other Facebook pages and groups, and any other social media you use. A shout out regarding the contest and our Facebook group and/or website is always appreciated too.

Sponsors:
In addition to donating prizes for our prize packages, the following sponsors have also graciously given us coupon codes to share with you. Our hope is that you will take advantage of their generosity and show them your appreciation by doing a little shopping. These sponsors have some amazing patterns you can use to help you create your Make It Mine projects. And who doesn't like a sale?

• Winter Wear Designs
Save 20% off at Winter Wear Designs with the coupon code: WFsave20

• Swoon Patterns
Save 20% off at Swoon Patterns with the coupon code: whimsical  *Note: Collections are excluded. 

• Izzy & Ivy Designs
Save 20% off at Izzy & Ivy Designs with the coupon code: MAKEITMINE

• Whimsical Fabric
Save 15% off at Whimsical Fabric on all Anna Elise, Curiosities, and Happy Home fabrics (and coordinates) by Art Gallery Fabrics. Also save 15% off all paper and PDF patterns. No code needed, prices are already reduced.

• Art Gallery Fabrics 
Art Gallery Fabrics has generously donated amazing fabric bundles for our prize packages. Thanks Art Gallery Fabrics! We adore your fabrics!

Did someone say prizes?  Check out these awesome prize packages!!

Grand Prize Package  -  Valued at over $850!
• A Janome 7330 Magnolia Sewing Machine (a $599 value.)
• A gorgeous bundle of fabric from Art Gallery Fabrics (a $200 value)
• A $25 Whimsical Fabric Gift Certificate 
• 2 Winter Wear Designs PDF Patterns of your choice (up to a $19.90 value)
• 2 Swoon PDF Patterns of your choice (up to an $11.90 value)
• 2 Izzy & Ivy Designs PDF Patterns of your choice (up to a $19.80 value)

1st Runner Up Prize Package  -  Valued at over $200!
• A gorgeous bundle of fabric from Art Gallery Fabrics (a $150 value)
• A $25 Whimsical Fabric Gift Certificate
• 1 Winter Wear Designs PDF Patterns of your choice (up to a $9.95 value)
• 1 Swoon PDF Pattern of your choice (up to an $5.95 value)
• 1 Izzy & Ivy Designs PDF Pattern of your choice (up to a $9.90 value)

2nd Runner Up Prize Package  -  Valued at over $100!
• A gorgeous bundle of fabric from Art Gallery Fabrics (a $50 value)
• A $25 Whimsical Fabric Gift Certificate
• 1 Winter Wear Designs PDF Patterns of your choice (up to a $9.95 value)
• 1 Swoon PDF Pattern of your choice (up to an $5.95 value)
• 1 Izzy & Ivy Designs PDF Pattern of your choice (up to a $9.90 value)

Happy Creating!

Danielle Storm 

www.whimsicalfabric.com