April 3, 2011

A Giveaway ... and a free pattern

Remember all those little sewing bits and bobs that I made last week when I was sidetracked?  You now have an opportunity to win them!

I am quite overwhelmed to think that people actually like reading all my blog ramblings, so to celebrate reaching 300 followers, I am giving away this little parcel of goodies:


Along with the threadcatcher, pincushion, needlecase, scissor pillow and sewing pouch is a little pack of 30 charm squares from the Garden Party range.



The rules are simple. This is a giveaway just for followers of my blog - anywhere in the world.  So if you are a follower, (or become one in the next week!) you may enter the giveaway by leaving a comment at the end of this post.  The giveaway closes at midnight (Australian time) Saturday 9 April (hey, that's my birthday!) and I plan to announce the winner next Sunday.

.............................................

Seeing there's been a little bit of interest in my threadcatcher design, I have produced a free pattern, along with photographic steps, so you can make your own. You might want to wait to make one until after the giveaway in case you win one!!!, but it would make a great gift for a sewing friend, don't you think?  They are very quick to make.

Click on the photo to be taken to the download area on my website.
If you make one, remember I would love to see a photo.

Birgit in Germany kindly sent a photo of the appliques that she used from the Gifts of Grace quilt.  It's great how each quilter's personality shows through in their individual quilts, don't you think?  Lovely job, Birgit.


Next week I plan to show you a sneak peak at what I did when I got back on track with my piece of silk. It was mostly one of my 'night-time jobs', as it has lots of embroidery, so for some 'daytime' sewing I whipped up a breakfast cloth for our table, using left over bits from my Garden Party fabrics.

That's now 12 projects I have made from the fabric I bought from that range - but more about that another time.

Have a great week.
Regards, Val


122 comments:

Serendipity said...

Hi Val, I just love following your Blog, and already let post regarding your give away at mine.
Count me in for the Give away. Take care Dörte from Germany

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

Wow what a great giveaway! I love following your blog!

sunny said...

I would love a chance to win all your bits and bobs. And since I need a new project to start, I'm definitely planning to make a thread catcher. A girl can never have too many!

jofridsquilt said...

You make so nice things. I have been a follower for a long time. I am so pleased that you giving away this lovely things. Hope I am the lucky one. Hugs Jofrid

Nima said...

Thank you so much for all the freebies..and i love to be your follower...thank you so much for this lovely giveaway. please add me for the draw. thank you.

Anne said...

I think it's great to be able to read your blog and others to see what wonderful things people do with their fabric. Very generous of you to put all those lovely sewing bits into a giveaway. Consider yourself appreciated :0)

Deb said...

Val you need to have more confidence in yourself. I love reading your blog and your designs are fabulous. You know I enjoy doing them, and I know heaps of others do also. You are a very clever lady.Loving your thread catcher, so practical and great to make as gifts.

Quiltin' Sandy said...

Hi Val. What a lovely giveaway. I have been a follower for some time. Love reading your blog and seeing what you have been up to, not to mention the BOM. :)

Heather said...

I love all of your projects, and have admired them in the 'Garden party' fabrics. I would LOVE to win this !! Thanks for the free pattern, the thread catcher is one I'll make..Best wishes, Heather

Jeanette said...

Lovely giveaway Val. Would love to win your goodies. I am a follower now but have had you on my bloglist for ages & ages. Thankyou for the free pattern i'm always looking for thread catchers. Happy Stitching,

Anne-Mettes Oaser said...

I am happy to say, that I am one of your follower and I ENJOY reading yuor blog. (I know, I should be better to leave a comment now and then).
What a generous give away. Like quilters before me I also would LOVE to be the lucky winner.
Have a nice sunday (I think, you still have a little left, mine has just started).
Greetings from Denmark,
Anne-Mette

Sunnybec said...

Thanks for the free pattern. I love all those goodies thanks for the chance to win them.

Birgitte aka Bietje said...

Yoehoe, I am a follower for quite some time. And just love your choice of fabric. So count me in on this give away. I like to win a real 'Val Laird'. Are you going to sign it? (just kidding)

Gayner Evans said...

Ilove reading your blog and love seeing your ideas. They give us so many ideas. It would be lovely to have some of your own work

Jude said...

I would love to win as it is a good prize and I have already downloaded the pattern as it is very sweet so thanks.

Poppypatchwork said...

Please add me to your give away, I have been a follower for a while.

SandyN said...

Hello Val,

Wow 300 followers. I just love your BOM's. It is so nice to be able to have God's word on a quilt and then give it away to someone who doesn't know about God.

I love following your blog.


Sandyn

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Val, I am a new follower. I just discovered your blog. You create such very very lovely things. I love your stitcherys. My First love is stitching and so your creations really are great to me. Do you have any books out??I would love to be included in your give away. Hugs Judy

Unknown said...

I have joined as a follower,thanks so much for your latest free design. I would love to win your giveaway..so pretty.

Ruth said...

Thanks for a great giveaway! I love your work and have used your directions for some rose embroidery. I am already a follower!

Doris said...

As usual your designs are so lovely. I'd love to win something and be able to make something just as nice!

Diane H said...

Thanks very much for the wonderful free pattern, I can't wait to make it. I am a follower, thank you also for the great giveaway and all you do.

luv2quilt2 said...

Thank you so much for the opportunity to win some of your lovelies. I love following your blog and seeing what beautiful things you're making.

Tudy said...

I have followed you for a long time on Google reader but I guess I never joined your followers list. I did today and would love to be the winner of your giveaway. I love your patterns as well.

Ozjane said...

Sad when you have to look to see if you are a follower. Saw your gem in Homespun last night.
Your productivity shames me and your giveaway also shames me into finally sorting out mine and deciding on some winners and clearing the decks of things on the spare bed.
The day I have clear spare beds again will be the day there is a triumphant photo........lol.

Maddy said...

Congrats on your 300th blog followers. Always a treat to read. Happy Birthday for the 9th mine is 11th. Great give away love the fabric. Count me in.
Cheers.

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Hi Val!
Congratulations on 300 followers. Delighted to be one of them! Love your work and your blog!
xx, shell

Anonymous said...

Hi Val,
I have just started stitching & have found lots of inspiration on you blog. Please keep up the good work.

Kim Cranson UK

Rita E in AZ said...

I am a follower and I really hope I win your wonderful gifts but I have already found your tutorial for the Thread Catcher so I am already a winner. Thank you so much.
Rita E in AZ

B J Elder said...

I've been reading your blogs for some time now, but apparently I didn't "follow" you .... at least not officially. I have corrected that. I love your work and reading your entries. Thanks for a great giveaway. Would be great fun to win!

Marie said...

Val - I have been following your posts for several months. I love the beauty and the calmness combined (and the high rate of productivity). You inspire me greatly.

Hugs - Marie

Marj said...

Thank you for being so generous to share your creativity with the blogging world. I would love to be the recipient of your handmade bits and bobs. I love the thread catcher.

Miss Hillbilly said...

I am a follower and would love to win this. You should see my pin cushion. Oy! Sawdust spilling out all over the place. If I don't win then it's time for me to make one myself!

Mommarock said...

I would LOVE to win... but just in case I'm gonna download that threadcatcher pattern...it is a real winner!

Varga Györgyi said...

How lovely giveaway with sweet stuff. Please count me in! Of course I'm a follower for long time :O)

Teresa said...

Val, thank you so much for your kindness in sharing your talent with us. I looked at my reader account and have absolutely no idea if I'm a no-reply blogger or not. My apologies if I am and for not being computer saavy enough to recognize the fact. ;^) It is not intentional--just computer ignorance. LOL

I love your patterns, love that you share your faith via your artistic talents. Thank you again.

Quilt Kitty said...

Thank you Val, such a lovely prize. Congratulations on reaching 300 followers, I can easilt see why. I've been a follower for awhile & love your creations. Tracee xx

Teresa in Music City said...

Thanks for the giveaway Val! Would love to win of course! The 9th is my sister's birthday too, so a special day to me. Hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Joke said...

I love following your blog for quitre some time now. Your BOM is great and I like to read and being inspirated by others like you!

Sherry said...

Congratulation on 300 followers. I enjoy visiting your blog and love to see the wonderful things you are making and designing. Your giveaway is wonderful and I would love to be the winner. Thanks for sharing the thread catcher pattern.
Blessings, Sherry

Marsha B said...

I have been a follower of your blog for a long time and I love seeing what you are "playing with". Your projects are beautiful and I would love to win! Thank you for sharing your creativity!

Penny said...

Thanks for the thread catcher pattern.Added it to my to~do list ! Need to get started on your Lilies BOM !!
Of course I am your follower ! :)

lory said...

ciao mi chiamo lorenza,sei tra i blog che seguo con molto intresse,sei molto brava,e vorrei partecipare al tuo omaggio.scrivo dall'italia.ciao

Sue from Cyprus said...

Hi Val

I did post a comment earlier, but it looks like it is somewhere in space!! Did you change something on your comment box? It looks different. Anyway, you are a lovely blogger and I so much enjoy your 'journery of a quilter' every week. Your table topper is just lovely.

I would love to win your lovely goodies. Thank you for the chance.

Hugs, Sue from Cyprus x x x

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

Happy early birthday!! And cograts on reaching 300 followers. Thanks for the opportunity to enter your great giveaway!! (I am a regular follower)

Rian said...

Hi,
I like your weblog. About the lilies, do you use a lot of english sentences? I am thinking about it to translate them in Dutch, if there are not too many in the BOM.

My Life and Quilting said...

Hi Val... I have been a follower for a long time and I just love the fabric and the lovely patterns...I think this give away is very generous... Count me in... Hugs :)

Dj said...

Thanks for the chance! I love reading what you're up to.

grandmarockton said...

Would love to Win these! Thanks for all the SHARING you do, Happy birthday a little early as I might forget as I'm a G Grandmother?!

Laila L S said...

I love following your blog and seeing the beautiful things you're making. Have been following you with google reader for a long time, but now I've signed in as a follower at your blog too.
Thanks for giving us this chance to win some of the lovely things you've made.

Wendy said...

Oh Val, what a wonderful giveaway. I've been a follower since I first discovered your blog. And thanks for the pattern, I'm going to make one anyway, I've figured out I need one for my sewing machine table, one for the cutting table and one for downstairs when I'm handsewing so I I'd be more than happy to win one!

conny's quilts en creaties said...

Thanks for this great give away, love to read for some time now, and this was a good opportunity to become an official follower. Have a great birthday on the 9th! Congratulations

JustPam said...

I just found your blog and am a new follower. Cute items!

Allie said...

Val, I'm not surprised you have so many followers - I'm surprised you don't have thousands yet! You are an amazing designer and a lovely lady. Thank you for such a wonderful give away and for the gorgeous thread catcher pattern - yes, I will have to make several for sewing friends! Birgit did a lovely job on her quilt. I really love your table quilt! Are you going to have a big party on your birthday? I hope so! You deserve it!

Stina Blomgren said...

Ohhhh... What a wonderful giveaway... Are you sure you want to give those pretties away...:0)
Have followed your blog a long time via my rss feed but added me as a follower too...:0)

Anonymous said...

THANKS VAL FOR A REALLY SWEET GIVEAWAY!
HAPPILY FOLLOWING YOU!
JOYOUS DAY!

jldouglas@wispwest.net

Susan said...

I've visited many times and now I am officially a follower. Your patterns are beautiful. I would love to win your give away.

Christine M said...

Congratulations on 300 followers Val! Thank you for such a lovely giveaway. Could I be lucky enough to win! Thanks too for the thread catcher pattern. Will have to give it a go. Hugs, Christine

VickiT said...

What a great giveaway. Congratulations on the 300 followers too. I am now a follower on google friend connect although I was following you previously. I just hadn't clicked on that to follow. I was subscribed via ATOM RSS feed in my IE browser and also had a reminder set in Outlook to visit during the 3rd week of the month to be sure I didn't miss the BOM patterns.

Happy Birthday a bit early as well. My sons girlfriend has the same birthday as you and will be coming to our house on the 10th to celebrate. Sadly she has to work on her birthday.

Thank you for the great pattern for the Thread catcher as well Val. Great job on that.

My email should be linked but just in case:
vburr at charter dot net

BubzRugz said...

Hi Val, I always love reading and seeing what you are creating... such pretty goodies.... I have been a follower for a while now...
Hugz

Rosa said...

We`re 300 follower,that`s great!! and hope more to come.
Delighted to be one.Thanks for the chance.

Dot said...

Hi! Congratulations on 300 followers--I'm sure that number will only increase. I think your designs are superb. That's why I have so many of them! I will definitely be making up one of your thread catchers (I never win this type of thing) even though I'm a subscriber. Congratulations again, and PLEASE keep up the good work!

Dot
dminshall67@yahoo.com

Red Heads said...

Helo Val, I too am a follower & you are on my favourites. Love the things you make & thanks for the great giveaway you are doing. Have a great day, Dianne.

Lee said...

I love your creations and am a follower - reader and gfc. thanks for the lovely giveaway and pattern!
butler83ataoldotcom

Oh Sew Addicted said...

I would love to win all of your goodies! I am a follower and read each and every post! You deserve the 300 followers!
carla louise
www.ohsewaddicted.com

Sheila said...

I'm a follower and love your blog. Your finishes are so nice.

Anonymous said...

I am doing your "Consider the Lillies" wall hanging Val and I love it. Not crazy on "precise" patchwork, but you are giving me just enough so I can hopefully improve, whilst also doing the applique ( which I love) and some embroidery ( which I also love).
Love everything else on you blog too. So glad I found you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR SATURDAY .
Margaret Price

SarDee said...

I have been a follower since the beginning of the Gifts of Grace QAL! I love your stitcheries!! Happy early birthday!!

Jodi said...

Oh what a lovely give away. Congratulations on your 300 followers. I am sure it won't be long before you have 500. Your designs and your blog are delightful.

Loralynn said...

Awesome giveaway! I am a long time google reader follower, but have now officially clicked the "follow" button! Love the thread catcher...thanks for the pattern!

Wivi said...

What a lovely giveaway! I've been following your blog for about a year and I love your stitcheries.

quilterfaye said...

Thanks Val, What a wonderful giveaway. Love following your blog.You are so creative!

Isabella said...

Have a very blessed and happy birthday Val please enter me in your give away

Jo said...

Hi, I follow your blog, and really enjoy it! It would be great to win some of your creations! Thanks for the chance!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful and inspirational blog you have.
I am your newest (happy) follower.
Wonderful goodies parcel.
Gina
http://gina-catswhiskers.blogspot.com/

Gill said...

I'm a new follower!
Thank you for the pattern!

Roxanne said...

I've been looking in on your blog for a while and now I've become an official follower. You're a sweetheart for sharing with us.

Deborah in Atlanta said...

Hello Val, I am a follower and have been reading your blog for quite some tiem now. I love the things you make and think this is an awesome giveaway. Thanks for the opportunit to participate.

Heikesquilt said...

Hi Val,
of course I'm a follower. It's allways nice stopping by.
Heike

Annmarie said...

This is my first time to visit your blog. I like it so I became a follower. I like all the goodies in the giveaway too - thanks for the chance to win & congratulations on 300 followers.

Sandy said...

I'm a new follower. Love your stitcheries. Thanks for the opportunity to win!=)

Anonymous said...

Hi Val, I follow your blog (I do now, cos I just found it!) and I love how you are making every bit of fabric count - using it for so many projects! Thanks for the thread catcher pattern. I don't blog, but you can reach me at
quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com
Jacque in South Carolina

Kathy H said...

What a great giveaway and thanks for the pattern for the thread catcher. I was just trying to decide what type to make. Happy Birthday. I have been a follower for a while.

Chris said...

I've been following you for some time......lovely work. Thank, Val.

robin said...

I am new to your blog and a new follower. Happy birthday, and thanks for the giveaway chance! :)

Carla G said...

I'm a new follower of your blog! Congrats on surpassing 300 followers! And a Happy Birthday to you too! (mine was just on the 3rd) Thanks for a chance to win your giveaway! :)

Marcia W. said...

Thank you for the lovely giveaway. I already follow your blog -- congratulations on reaching the huge milestone of 300 followers. I noticed all the bits and bobs that you wrote you were making -- and it went totally over my head that it might be for a giveaway. Will you autograph something in the prize pack IF I am so fortunate as to win? While I haven't sewn on the Consider the Lilies BOM, I am diligently saving the patterns until have an opportunity to tackle it. Thanks from Marcia in Florida USA.

Michele T said...

This is a double celebration with very sweet prizes!! I am a new follower and will be looking forward to future posts! Thanks for your generosity.

All Things Beautiful said...

Lovely blog and work. This is such a sweet giveaway.

Anonymous said...

Hi Val,
I love your BOM quilt, a great pattern can't wait to see it finished.
I would love to be entered in your giveaway, they would get well used by me and be treasured for sure. (I am doing a beginners sampler next month and would love them)
Also Happy Birthday, I hope it's really special for you.
Have a lovely day.
Hugs Jeannie - the dogs and cat.
jeannieroy@bigpond.com

Jennifer Joshua said...

I am a new follower...Love to win this goodie pack.. Went thru your other posts and I really like your blog. Thanks for the giveaway..

Teresa said...

You know I am a follower and a big fan of yours. I would be so excited to win something you had made. Please count me in.

Delia (Del) said...

Hi Val
I just joined you followers and love your blog.
Love the little items you are giving away and I know they will make someone very happy.]
Delia

Cath Ü said...

I have only just discovered your blpog and I must say it is one of the best I have come across... keep up the good work...
and this is a very generous give away.....

Cath Ü

CraftyMummy said...

Hi Val
I've been reading your posts in my reader but now I'm "following" too. Congratulations on so many followers! And thanks for the lovely giveaway

rockgranny said...

I am a follower for quite some time. And happy, happy birthday, love to read your blog

Wendy V said...

I have been reading your blog for a long time and now I am also officially a follower thanks to blogger. Thanks for the giveaway and hope you have a great birthday this Saturday.

Solstitches said...

Congratulations on having 300+ followers!
Thank you for the free pattern.
What lovely things you are giving away. Please enter my name in the draw.

Margaret

Nanbon44 said...

I love your work, can't wait to see more, I am now a follower

Tanyusha said...

I'd like to participate in your giveaway. I am a follower. The link is in my blog http://ytanyusha.blogspot.com/

Average Quilter said...

I am a follower
http://averagequilter.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Love your bits and bobs. Would love to own them! Yes! Thanks for the chance to win.

miss~nance said...

Val I too love your blog and your gorgeous work. I am currently working on the first block of "consider the Lilies" am just loving it - can't wait to see where you go with this BOM.

Love this little pack of goodies, thanks for the opprotunity to win. I am a follower.

Blessings

Gail

Unknown said...

Hi Val;
Thank you for the chance to win your giveaway. I love to look at all your beautiful creations. You are so gifted. Someday I hope to recreate one of your projects. Happy (early) Birthday wishes!

A Mom's Choice said...

I love the designs of your items and the fabric a real gem, which i would love to add to my collection.
amomschoice (at) gmail dot com

Crafty Friends said...

Val, I love your designs and really enjoy reading your blog. I enjoy reading your daughter's also. Between the two of you, you are both very creative! Have just become a follower :) Karen bkharbottle@optusnet.com.au

annemarie said...

I am new to your blog and am enjoying every minute of it - your work is lovely. Congrats on 300 posts.

Pixie Firefly said...

344 followers now. You make some really neat stuff! I am looking forward to seeing more!

Hosh said...

Hello! I'love your blog!
Thank you for the giveaway!!!

Jytte R said...

Happy birthday to you on Sunday and thank you for this generous giveaway. I love to read your blog and find always good inspiration. Over the last few month I have collected the Garden Party fabrics and are ready to start on some of your projects from the australian magazines.

Unknown said...

Hello Val, thanks for your giveaway. I have been a follower for ages, thanks for your free designs. I love your Bible themed designs most of all.

Maryanne

Sheila said...

Early Happy Birthday.
Thank you for the opportunity to win some of your fabulous work and for the free pattern. Hope you will keep the free chart up for a while as I can´t link to my printer at the moment and I definitely want to print it out :)

Peg said...

Hi Val, really enjoy reading your blog. Have my Gifts of Grace quilt done except for the binding. Lovely quilt, thanks for the pattern. Have a happy birthday. Please put my name on the give away item which is great. Peg from Wisconsin

Michelle said...

Hi Val,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Are you not the one who is supposed to get pressies on your birthday! Great giveaway, please add me into the draw, I am a new follower! Hope you have a great birthday, Michelle.

Anonymous said...

Lovely Bits and Bobs!
Happy Birthday!!

Crispian

Anonymous said...

I am a new follower. I hope I'm lucky!
http://zarazjuka.blogspot.com/

Terri. said...

What a super giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win. I am a follower

Carolyn said...

I'm a follower and LOVE your blog! If it's not too late, I'd love to enter your giveaway. Thank you for the chance. :)

Country Mom said...

Va, I follow you blog and have downloaded many of your free patterns. I love your blog and the giveaway is so nice. Thank you. Dee

Beeshebags said...

Happy Birthday Val......hope you have a great one. By my reckoning, it's still Saturday night here in Berri, SA (it's 11.35pm), so does that mean I managed to squeeze my entry in just in the nick of time???? Hugs Naomi

tpott said...

I hope I'm not to late either. Happy birthday!!!I didn't realize I wasn't an official follower, I am now. I get that mixed up with being on my favorites page. Thanks for the threadcatcher pattern, I have to make 2, 1 for my sister and 1 for myself. Your work is beautiful and your very prolific. Thanks for the inspiration and the chance to Win!!! ;> Happy Birthday!

SHORTY'S QUILTS said...

Val, I saw you blog on Stash Manicure and loved what you did with all that fabric. I am personally a quilt person not these small projects. However saying that I would love to take a stab at the mug rug project.
Shortyzzquilts@blogspot.com