July Sew Along WINNERS!!!!

One more time...I have to say....

YOU ALL ROCK!!!!!

There are 221 pairs of shorts pictured in our album and more on their way to me that aren't even accounted for yet! I will keep you all posted on the final number of shorts received. THANK YOU ALL so very, very much for your enthusiastic participation again this month! Please be sure to drop your shorts in the mail by August 5th if you haven't yet so I can wrap this project up as we move ahead with our next.....will announce that tomorrow! Super excited! :) :) :)

Now, without further ado....

Here are the lucky sewists the handy random number generator has picked from our album....

Entry #69 Wins...

Banyan Pattern from Figgy's Patterns

Entry #18 Wins...

Autographed copy of Sewing For Boys

Entry #160 Wins...

Monster Mash pattern from Muddy Max Designs

Entry #167 Wins...

Playdate Backpack from Fishsticks Designs

Entry #135 Wins...

Boy Bundle from Me

Entry #105 Wins...

Bungle Jungle Fat Eighth Bundle from Fat Quarter Shop

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I have commented under each of your pictures in the flickr album. Please email me within the next 48 hours with your shipping information so I can forward it to the appropriate prize donor. 

Again, thank you all so much for showing your support for Hopeful Threads and your care for those we reach out to each month!

See you tomorrow with our August Monthly Project Announcement!

Remember...

Every Stitch Matters!

Kristy

Quilt Block Challenge at Happy Hour Projects!

 Be sure to stop by Happy Hour Projects today to learn more about this fun event! Adrianne has been busy cooking up a little extra stitching fun that everyone is invited to participate in!

And....Yours Truly will be judging the fabulous event!

FUN!!!!

See you there!

Kristy

PRIZES!!! PRIZES!!! PRIZES!!! Recap of what's being given away!

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!
This weekend we crossed over 200 pairs of shorts sewn for little boys in our album!!!!
Thank you! Thank you all so much for jumping on board with this so enthusiastically and contributing such great looking shorts with your time, talents & resources!
You inspire me, challenge me, humble me and astound me!

Pause for a moment and soak it in.
OVER 200 little boys will have NEW shorts!!! And not just new shorts purchased for them, but handmade specifically and lovingly for them. Picture them. Picture their smiling faces running off to play wearing the shorts that YOU have sewn.
THAT is GOOD STUFF!!!!!!!

Ok. Now....to add to the excitement and fun, here's a big ol' bundled look at all the goodies up for grabs from some very generous sponsors this month!!!

OOOOOOoooooo!!!! :)

* Banyan Pattern 

* Sewing For Boys Book
Further details here. 

 * Monster Mash Pattern
Further details here.

* Playdate Backpack filled w/ goodies
Further details here.

* Boy Bundle
Further details here.

* Bungle Jungle Fat Eighth Bundle

Further details here.

WOW!!!!!

6 Fabulous Prizes!!!! Seriously wishing I could win!!! :)
But super excited that 6 of the seamstresses who have sewn shorts to donate to this month's project will! I'll randomly select winners from the shorts in our flickr group album tomorrow at Noon (EST) and announce the winners here! Be sure your pics are in the album by then to qualify!

THANK YOU ALL!!!!
Once again your generosity and team spirit have been such a blessing and had such an impact on the needs of another! You all are such a special group that I am beyond blessed to be a part of!

See you tomorrow to celebrate our FINALE!
Kristy

Fat Quarter Shop - Sponsored GIVEAWAY Contribution!

This is such a great prize to round out our Monthly Project prizes!!!

Fat Quarter Shop is offering a Fat Eighth Bundle of the newly released Bungle Jungle...what a perfectly boyish collection!

Retail Value = $65.99

Thank you Fat Quarter Shop for this incredible giveaway!

How to win???

Simple.

Participate in this month's sewing project here at Hopeful Threads. We're sewing shorts to be donated through the organization Children In Families.

Sew your shorts for donation. Take a picture and add it (or have me add it) to our Shorts Sewing Flickr Album. Then, email me for shipping address. Mail your shorts to me!

They'll all be traveling to Cambodia with a friend of mine that makes regular trips.

At the end of the month, Tuesday, July 31st, I'll announce the GRAND TOTAL of shorts contributed for our monthly project (we're already over 150 pairs!) and select winners for all of the sponsored prizes from the entries in our Shorts Sewing Flickr Album!  International seamstresses welcome! Each pair of shorts sewn for donation will be counted as an entry. An entry # is added below the picture as a comment by me once the photo is added to our album. Winners will be randomly selected from all eligible entries, announced here and under their photo July 31st, 2012. Winners are asked to respond within 48 hours of announcement, claiming their prize and providing shipping information if applicable. One prize per winner. *Please note, shorts do not have to be received by me by July 31st, but I do ask that you ship them no later than August 5th.*

If you're sewing along, you can still download the Mud Puddle Shorts pattern at Fishsticks Designs for FREE until the end of the month too!

There is still just enough time to sew and donate a pair of shorts!

Check out our album and all the AMAZING shorts that have already been made! There are OVER 150 pairs! Thank you all so much for making this a reality!

I love sewing with you!

Be sure and check out the other prizes already posted from Figgy's, Muddy Max Designs, Fishsticks Designs and ME too!

What a fun event this has been!

What's the TOTAL # of shorts you predict we will end with???

Kristy

Your Input Please!

Hi friends! If you have been sewing along this month, first, THANK YOU!!! We have surpassed our original goal of 100 pairs of shorts for Children In Families and are heartily on our way to 200!!! I am so humbled and inspired by your willingness to jump in like this and give with your gifts and resources.

Now, I have a question for you. If you have sewn shorts for donation I ask you to please comment with your opinion as I want to hear your thoughts. Your voice will help make this decision as I'll go in the direction of the majority here.

Once everyone sends their shorts to me, we will easily have 100 pairs to send to Cambodia. I have just learned of another need where shorts could be a real blessing and wanted to ask if you all would like to send anything over 100 pairs to another group? 

I have friends living in Ghana, Africa right now. They are doing a lot of meaningful work building up the communities in the surrounding areas and caring for families and children in need. You can learn more on their family blog here if you'd like. This picture posted on her facebook page yesterday with the following message...

"These two boys represent the typical clothing on the children in the village - for the ones in clothes. Wondering if some friends out there might like to clean out their closets???? Seeing some of the children today made me sad to see quality of life. I'm so thankful for the well from Feeding the Orphans for this village."

Well, my reaction was YES!!! Yes we can help! But not with hand-me-downs. No, these children deserve clothing made just for them. And so, I bring it to you. How would you like to share our shorts this month? How would you like for the shorts we've sewn together to reach Cambodia AND Ghana?

There is no doubt we will sew specifically for Feeding The Orphans in the future, so if you prefer all of the shorts this time to go to Cambodia, that is ok. But, if our impact this month can stretch farther, I think that is a very good thing too. 

Let me hear your thoughts.

And thank you. Thank you for caring the way you do! With your actions.

Love & Gratitude,

Kristy

Simple Strawberry Cobbler

Ok, had to share at least one more of my favorite summer recipes...and this time for a little something SWEET!!! Doesn't that look delicious!?!?!? It's soooooo simple to make too!

I learned this recipe from my step brother.

Here's what you will need:

2 boxes frozen strawberries, sliced (I've also used fresh with great results)

3c sugar

1 1/2 sticks of butter

1 1/2c flour

1/2c water

 

Evenly spread the strawberries in the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish.

Cover with 1 1/2c of sugar.

Slice 3/4 stick of butter over top.

Let sit for 2 hours.

Pour 1/2c water over top of mixture in dish.

Melt & combine the remaining 3/4 stick of butter with 1 1/2c sugar and 1 1/12c flour to create a crumb like topping. Spread evenly over the top of the berry mixture.

Bake at 450 for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 and continue baking for 45-50 minutes or until nicely browned and bubbly.

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy every single bite!

I've also made this with many other berries and fruits like blackberries, blueberries and peaches....all are delicious!

Kristy

Pattern Review - Haven Dress by Petite Kids

As soon as I saw the first picture of this dress, I couldn't wait to sew it!

So much so that when I saw she needed testers....regardless of having a HUGE pile of projects to finish...I jumped at the chance! :)

This is the Haven Dress from Petite Kids.

 

I instantly fell in love with the simplicity, sweetness and delicate flow of this dress.

And of course.....ruffles!!!!

 

This is a perfect beginner pattern too!

The bodice offers a gentle elastic stretch and shoulder ties to allow for a customized fit.

And did I mention ruffles??? ;)

We love ruffles around here!

Find the pattern here.

SUMMARY

Sewing Experience Level: Beginner

Size Range: 6 Months - 12 Years

Special Techniques: Ruffling, elastic casing.

 Pattern Format: PDF
Materials Used: Cotton woven prints, elastic.

Floral print - Nicey Jane, Large Polka Dot - Michael Miller, Small Dot - Riley Blake

Personal Notes: Great beginner sewing project! Instructions are very easy to follow with lots of step-by-step photos. I love the assembly of this dress, simplifies the process even more. Adorable and beautifully finished dress.

Sewing Essential - Mini Iron

I have a "new to me" tool to share with you today.

I'm not sure I really consider it an "essential" but it is quite handy. And if you do a lot of intricate applique work, then it would definitely be essential.

It's the Mini Iron.

I've had this for some time now and finally broke it out of the package for some softies I was working on. In my opinion, it's most useful for projects involving applique with textured and/or synthetic fabrics like minky.

I found it especially helpful when making the Monster Mash Nap Mat, since the face was appliqued on a "hairy" fabric that would have melted all over my regular iron had I tried to use it.

 It made all the difference getting these pieces ironed in place and creating an adorable applique face for my monster.

 So whether or not it is "essential" would really depend on the projects you most commonly work on. I would definitely consider is helpful though!

For more items I consider very useful in my sewing room, just search "sewing essentials" in the tab on the sidebar. 

Happy Sewing!

Kristy

Mud Puddle Splasher w/ all the features! & REMINDER!

I've used the Mud Puddle Splashers for some basic, no-fuss elastic waist shorts.

I've used it for some simple shorts with pockets.

I've used it for some quick & comfy knit shorts.

And now....now I'm sharing it with ALL the features! And I LOVE them this way!!!

 They look so nice and finished!

This was my first time sewing a faux fly and I was pleasantly surprised at how simple it was! The pattern instructions really make it easy to follow. Additionally I added the side pockets, back pocket, and cuffed hem. 

 

These are now joining the wonderful collection of shorts in our Flickr album!

 ****REMINDER****

For those still sewing or yet to ship your shorts, we are in our FINAL WEEK! There is still plenty of time to sew and donate this month, but just remember our July project is nearing it's end. Thank you all who have committed and sewn this month! There are going to be some very well dressed little boys because of your efforts!

Check our status here.

Have a great week! :)

Kristy

BONUS! Giveaway Contribution from Me!

I hope each and every one of you know just how thankful I am to have you a part of Hopeful Threads! This is a community of talented and caring seamstresses that I am proud and very happy to be a part of!

To show my gratitude for your enthusiasm and support this month I have put together a "Boy Bundle" from my stash as a bonus prize for our giveaway at the end of the month.
 The bundle includes 5 Fat Quarters, some of my favorite boyish sewing labels and buttons!

How to win???

Simple.

Participate in this month's sewing project here at Hopeful Threads. We're sewing shorts to be donated through the organization Children In Families.

Sew your shorts for donation. Take a picture and add it (or have me add it) to our Shorts Sewing Flickr Album. Then, email me for shipping address. Mail your shorts to me!

They'll all be traveling to Cambodia with a friend of mine that makes regular trips.

At the end of the month, Tuesday, July 31st, I'll announce the GRAND TOTAL of shorts contributed for our monthly project (we were aiming for at least 100 pairs and have passed that already!) and select winners for all of the sponsored prizes from the entries in our Shorts Sewing Flickr Album!  International seamstresses welcome! Each pair of shorts sewn for donation will be counted as an entry. An entry # is added below the picture as a comment by me once the photo is added to our album. Winners will be randomly selected from all eligible entries, announced here and under their photo July 31st, 2012. Winners are asked to respond within 48 hours of announcement, claiming their prize and providing shipping information if applicable. One prize per winner. *Please note, shorts do not have to be received by me by July 31st, but I do ask that you ship them no later than August 5th.*

If you're sewing along, you can still download the Mud Puddle Shorts pattern at Fishsticks Designs for FREE until the end of the month too!

There is still PLENTY of time to sew and donate a pair of shorts!

Check out our album and all the AMAZING shorts that have already been made! There are OVER 100 pairs! Thank you all so much for making this a reality!

I love sewing with you!

 Be sure and check out the other prizes already posted from Figgy's, Muddy Max Designs & Fishsticks Designs too! And there is still something special to add from Fat Quarter Shop too! :)

Can't wait to see the GRAND TOTAL of shorts for little boys we end up with at the end of the month! SEW EXCITING!
Kristy

Fishsticks Designs - Sponsored GIVEAWAY Contribution!

In addition to very generously providing our fabulous Mud Puddle Splashers pattern this month, Fishsticks Designs is also providing a prize to be given away at the end of the month as part of our Monthly Project Prizes!

While you all have been sewing like crazy for other little boys, Bonnie has made this sweet gift for one of your lil' guys! 

 This adorable backpack was made using one of her newest patterns The Playdate Bag.

Don't you just love it!? I sure do!

 She already has it filled with goodies to keep your lil' adventurer busy for a bit being creative too!

Thank you Fishsticks Designs!!!

How to win???

Simple.

Participate in this month's sewing project here at Hopeful Threads. We're sewing shorts to be donated through the organization Children In Families.

Sew your shorts for donation. Take a picture and add it (or have me add it) to our Shorts Sewing Flickr Album. Then, email me for shipping address. Mail your shorts to me!

They'll all be traveling to Cambodia with a friend of mine that makes regular trips.

At the end of the month, Tuesday, July 31st, I'll announce the GRAND TOTAL of shorts contributed for our monthly project (we're aiming for at least 100 pairs!) and select winners for all of the sponsored prizes from the entries in our Shorts Sewing Flickr Album!  International seamstresses welcome! Each pair of shorts sewn for donation will be counted as an entry. An entry # is added below the picture as a comment by me once the photo is added to our album. Winners will be randomly selected from all eligible entries, announced here and under their photo July 31st, 2012. Winners are asked to respond within 48 hours of announcement, claiming their prize and providing shipping information if applicable. One prize per winner. *Please note, shorts do not have to be received by me by July 31st, but I do ask that you ship them no later than August 5th.*

If you're sewing along, you can still download the Mud Puddle Shorts pattern at Fishsticks Designs for FREE until the end of the month too!

There is still PLENTY of time to sew and donate a pair of shorts!

Check out our album and all the AMAZING shorts that have already been made! There are OVER 100 pairs! Thank you all so much for making this a reality!

I love sewing with you!

Be sure and check out the other prizes already posted from Figgy's & Muddy Max Designs too! And there is still something special to add from Fat Quarter Shop next week! :)

**And....because we've already hit our goal of 100 pairs this month, I'll be adding an EXTRA giveaway to the ever growing prize pile tomorrow from yours truly!**
See you then!

Kristy