Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Blog-o-versary GIVEAWAY!

So as of today, March 1, this blog is six months old!  Oh the time flies. 

A couple weeks ago rooting through my books I realized I have two copies of A Complete Guide to Creative Embroidery: Designs * Textures * Stitches by Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn. I guess I liked it so much I bought it twice.


This is a great book, filled with inspiring photographs and unique techniques.  I will say, this is not a "project book" and if you are looking for a book of specific patterns, this is not the book you want.  However, if you are interested in learning how to approach designing your own creative embroideries, and get some ideas for techniques you might try in addition to hand embroidery, this is a fantastic choice. 

It is really two books in one.  The first, "Design to Embroider" includes chapters on 'learning to look' and 'exploring ideas', which I found really valuable.  The second, "Stitched Images" includes chapters on techniques that can really enhance hand embroidery, including applique and paint, and my favorite chapter, 'stitch themes' which talks about incorporating various techniques to achieve different effects. 



So, obviously, what a great choice for my first giveaway!  In addition to a very good condition copy of this book, the winner will also get 5 skeins of DMC "Color Variations" floss in a few of my favorite colors, which you can see below, and a small vial of various beads (includes seed beads, swarovski crystals, and stone chips) from my own collection in complementary colors:


So this giveaway is open to any readers who have a hankering to try your own stitchy experiments and give creative, freestyle embroidery a try.  I will by no means call myself an expert on this stuff, but education and reading books like this one really took away the fear for me and helped me realize "it's just thread" and there is no reason I can't try to make my own art in this medium. 


How to enter?  Just leave a comment to this post.  I'll announce the winner in a week, March 7, so come back here then to see who's name was pulled out of the hat.  Feel free to publicize this giveaway on your own blog or forum-of-choice, and just for fun, name your favorite color in the comment.  Green!

UPDATE: A winner was picked on monday.  Thanks to all who entered!
Posted by Jessica at 12:01 AM
Labels: ,

13 comments:

  1. ConnieMarch 1, 2011 at 6:31 PM

    Congratulations on your 6 month blogiversary - And may there be many more posts for your readers to enjoy! I'd love to be entered in your giveaway. At this time my favorite color is blue. (But that's subject to change without notice - lol)

    ReplyDelete
  2. barbara r-gMarch 1, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    love the giveaway and of course would love to win.

    ReplyDelete
  3. VeronicaMarch 1, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    Congratulations on your Blogoversary! I'd LOVE if you'd include me in your giveaway. I'm currently trying my hand at freestyle embroidery so the book would be a real help. The floss and beads are gorgeous too!

    ReplyDelete
  4. MeasiMarch 2, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    What a wonderful giveaway - and happy blogoversary. (I'm doing one as well this month - I'm celebrating ten years at the end of the month!)

    I'd love to be added to the drawing.

    And I'm a purple sort of gal... :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Carol RMarch 4, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    Happy blogoversay - please enter me into your draw!

    ReplyDelete
  6. KajinMarch 4, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    I am discovering your blog (by way of the HDF forum!) - happy anniversary!

    This book looks wonderful - I am always curious about the creative process, so would be happy to have a look at it!

    Green is also my favorite color :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. ChelseaMarch 4, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    Happy Blogerversery (I think that has too many "er"s)! It's been a pleasure reading it. :) Love your free-style embroidery and I, too, would like a chance to try my hand out at it. So enter me in the drawing of your so generous give-a-way! :) Thanks! I like pinks, blues, and purples, but greens are spiffy too. I'm an all-over kinna gal. :) Hugs to you, Jess!

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousMarch 4, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    Hey, it's me, v_various!
    This book looks really cool, if I don't win it I'll be checking it out at the library.

    ReplyDelete
  9. KathyW 0304March 4, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    Happy Blogoversary, Jessica! I've really enjoyed reading your blog -- you make the coolest free-style pieces. I would love to have a chance at your generous offer as well. My favorite color is purple, followed closely by greens and blues. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Rebecca in TNMarch 4, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Great embroidery book! I'd love to learn how- please put me in your hat! Thanks!
    Rebecca

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousMarch 5, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    Add my name to the hat please! Hits two of my favorite things, stitching and books. :)

    Fave color of the moment, gray (highly underrated).

    Thanks,
    grimmie (from HDF forums)

    ReplyDelete
  12. BluMarch 6, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    I've been dipping my toe into embroidery and that sounds like a good book. Please add my name to the hat.

    ReplyDelete
  13. ingelaMarch 7, 2011 at 3:52 AM

    Loveley giveaway.
    Count me in :-)
    Ingela

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)