winner!

Thanks to all of you for your sweet comments on my 6 year/700 posts giveaway post! It still amazes me that so many of you follow and read along. I let Mr Random.org choose a winner....

Number 22 is Barbara from Georgia! I'm off to email her right away. Congrats Barbara!

6 years and 700 posts later.... and a giveaway!

Six years ago today I wrote my first post at ellyn's place, never dreaming anyone other than my mom & a few close friends would ever read it! At that time I was making pillows for Leigh Anne, daughter #1, to take to college! If you read my last post, you know that now I am doing the same thing for Ally. In between, we got Steve off to college (one more semester and he is done!) Round three of college freshman year is about to happen here. On Tuesday, I will have three adult children (when Ally turns 18) Amazing how far we have come in six years.

Along the way I have gathered more than 500 followers... thanks to all of you for reading along! I've met lots of fellow bloggers (and by "met" I mean gotten to know online.), participated in blog hops and giveaways and learned oh so much!

As luck would have it, this is also post number 700!  What are the odds? 6 years and 700 posts on the same day. Calls for a giveaway I think. I just made up this sweet sew uptown wallet....

It was a fun little wallet to make! The pleats on the front make for a surprisingly roomy inside. Also there's a zipper pocket for your cash... and the zipper was easy to put in! Really, it was.

 Would you like to be the owner of this little bag? Leave me a comment on this post and I'll choose a winner on Monday, August 4th. Are you a blog follower? Leave a second comment for a second chance to win! And thanks so much for following. If you are a "no-reply blogger" please leave your email address in the comments.

Happy August everyone!

Texas Roadtrip winner!

Thanks to all of you who visited the blog earlier in the week for my stop in the Texas Roadtrip. It was fun to have you along for our little journey to San Antonio. The winner of the awesome Aurifil thread is......

Bethany who said.... "I have only been to Texas once, and it was for a 2 hour layover! San Antonio is a place I need to visit! Thanks for the block!"

Congrats Bethany!

Texas Roadtrip QAL San Antonio!

Hello friends! Welcome to the ellyn's place stop on the Texas Roadtrip. I am blogging to you from Allen, TX which is just north of Dallas. But I am lucky enough to tell you about one of my favorite Texas cities, other than Allen of course, San Antonio. 

Our family first visited San Antonio in 2003 shortly after becoming residents of Texas. We went down Thanksgiving weekend and had such a wonderful time. Walking along the riverfront, especially with the Christmas Lights shining, was such a joy! We also purchased seats to sit along the river and watch the boat parade on the day after Thanksgiving. So beautiful!

While you are in San Antonio, you will want to visit the Historic Alamo (which is right in the center of the cit.! I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't that), and maybe take a trip to nearby Sea World.

Nowadays we head down toward San Antonio fairly often. Our youngest, Ally, is about to start college at Texas State in San Marcos just north of San Antonio. Last time we were there, while she was at her orientation, I talked hubby into taking me to explore the local quilt shops.

At the north end of San Antonio, in Schertz, TX, we found The Scrappy Quilter. What a delightful shop! The ladies there were so friendly and helpful and I had a wonderful time exploring their awesome selection of fabric, patterns and notions. Even though it was not yet July, they shared with me their completed row for the Row by Row Experience. If you drop by the shop now (and I hope you will!) you can pick up the pattern for this stunning row....

Are you working on the Texas Roadtrip quilt? Here's your San Antonio block....

This block is called the Alamo Star (perfect for San Antonio don't you think?) This is a simple paper pieced block, perfect for newbies to foundation paper piecing like me! You will need to make four sections from this pattern....

 Stitch them into two pairs...

 and then stitch your two pairs together....

 Look! you have a star!

 Now put some wide borders on all four sides....

 And trim your block to 8 1/2 inches square, placing your ruler on an angle so you end up with a wonky setting (ok, you don't HAVE TO make your block wonky, but I highly recommend it!)

And guess what? The Texas Roadtrip sponsor, Aurifil, has offered up a fabulous giveaway for one visitor today. To win this great pack of Aurifil thread, leave a comment below. I will choose a winner this Friday, July 25....

Happy Travels friends! If you just found me today through the roadtrip, I hope you will come back and visit often. 

girls in my studio and a WINNER!

It's been quite a while since my young teenage friends from church have come over to sew. In fact, they have never been to my new house! Two of the girls came today to make pillows....

 They learned to make half square triangles and had a great time arranging them into patterns. I just love how their pillows turned out! Nice job girls!

 Also, I didn't forget that I owe you all a winner of the gift certificate from Pen & Paint from my last post. You all found things you loved in the shop. I knew you would. I pulled up Random.org on my phone and couldn't believe my eyes when this number was chosen.....

Number one! I've never seen that chosen before! So our winner is Happy Cottage Quilter who said: Oh my, I had to look at all of them. They are so wonderful!! Do What Makes Your Heart Sing, and My Cup Runneth Over are my TWO favorites

Congrats to you! I'm off to email you now, I know you'll love your little shopping spree. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

studio update and a sweet giveaway!

Last time I updated you on my studio space, I was working on my mini wall. I've added some to it since....

And this weekend I decided to start on the opposite wall! 

 Do you see that cute print in the frame? My friend Lindsay, from Pen & Paint, sent it to me! I just love the saying, it's something I need to see and read every single day (and then put it into action). Lindsay's colorful artwork is right up my alley too.....

 I put it into an 8x10 frame that matches my chalkboard (both purchased at Hobby Lobby) and I just love it! Have you checked out Lindsay's shop? Hop on over there & take a look.... I know you'll find many things that speak to you. In fact, I had a hard time choosing just one! I know I'll be back for more. Leave me a comment telling me your favorite item and you'll be entered into a drawing for a $20 gift certificate to Pen & Paint. I'll pick a winner this Friday... June 27. Good luck!

Giveaway winner!

I had so much fun reading all of your comments about where you learned to craft! I started to answer each and every one, then it got overwhelming! Sorry if I didn't respond to yours, but I did read and enjoy every single one! I think Moms and Grandmas were overwhelmingly the top crafty teachers, but Home Ec teachers, babysitters, Aunts and friends get a huge nod too. Many of you were inspired to learn by your children and some of you just dove in on your own.

As for me, I know I've told you about my mom before. She instilled the love of crafting in me from an early age. I have memories of her staying up late into the night finishing up Christmas and Easter dresses for my sister and I, fancy Halloween costumes, you name it! I spent many happy hours sorting her buttons, and eyeing up her supplies until she decided I was old enough to learn to sew. I'm so grateful for the things she taught me early on.

Now, let's get to the winner, shall we? Random Number Generator helped me out tonight....

It chose #65 which is Vicki H!

Vicki H said...

I grew up watching my mom and aunt crafting. Now my mom only crochets.

Yay Vicki! I'm off to pop you an email right now. Thanks for entering everyone! If you're new to my blog, I hope you'll stick around. We have lots of fun here at Ellyn's Place!

Texas Roadtrip Quiltalong coming soon

looking for the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway post? Here you go! 

Have you noticed the cool patchwork Texas map on my sidebar lately? It's a sneak peak of things to come! This summer my blog will be just one stop on the Texas Roadtrip bloghop!

Beginning June 1, there will be lots of fun to be had! Virtually visiting quilty spots in Texas, prizes, a quiltalong to make your own patchwork Texas map, prizes, new blogs to read, prizes, new places to visit.... did I mention the prizes? This is going to be awesome!

Here's the schedule:

June 2 - Dallas - Ashley at Urban Spools

June 5 - Tyler - Colleen guest blogger at Pretty Little Quilts

June 12 - Fort Worth - Lindsey and Jodie at Fort Worth Fabric Studio

June 16 - Amarillo - Aoife at thREDhead

June 19 - Lubbock - Jada (guest blogger) at My Fabric Relish

June 23 - El Paso - Jennie at Porch Swing Quilts

June 26 - Midland/Odessa - Donna at Donna's Lavender Nest

June 30 - Big Bend - Cristina at Pretty Little Quilts

July 7 - Houston - Teresa at Third Floor Quilts

July 10 - Beaumont - Taryn at Pixels to Patchwork

July 14 - Austin - Amanda at What the Bobbin

July 17 - College Station - Hilary at Young Texan Mama

July 21 - San Antonio - Ellyn at Ellyn's Place

July 24 - Hill Country - Lissa at Moda Fabrics

July 28 - Rio Grande Valley - Melissa at My Fabric Relish

so pack your bags & get ready for some fun!

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway day!

Woohoo! Today's the day! It's Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day! As always, I'm jumping on the giveaway train. After you're done here, you'll want to jump on over to the Sew Mama Sew blog & see what else is up for grabs. I certainly plan to! I haven't won anything the last two go arounds, so maybe this time I'll get lucky. There's always a ton of fun goodies to be had.

 This year, I'm so excited to be able to offer you up a copy of the new Craft it Now book by F&W Publishing. As you can read here, I'm so honored to be included as a contributor to this fun book. (page 32 to be precise!) If you want, I'll even sign the book for the winner. Not that my signature is worth a dime! HA! in fact, if you'd rather I not mess the book up with my autograph, I'll be happy to oblige.

There will be some extra handmade crafty goodies added to the package you win! But how do I win this awesome prize, you ask? A great question! Just leave me a comment below telling me who first instilled the love of crafting in you.... make sure I have your email! If you are a no reply commenter and you don't leave me your email address I'll have to draw another name. That would be so sad! I'll draw a winner at the end of the day this Friday, May 16.  If you are a follower of my blog (old or new!) leave a second comment for a second chance to win. I'll be happy to ship worldwide.

So what are you waiting for? Comment away!
Comments are now closed. Giveaway has ended. thanks for stopping by!

an exciting weekend! Prom and very happy mail

 I promised you some prom pictures, well here you go! Here's my beautiful baby girl with her daddy before she left for the dance on Saturday night....

 And here she is with all of her best buddies. Such an awesome group of kids. They had a wonderful time!

I also received some very happy mail on Saturday that I had been waiting for! I've been keeping a secret from you! I am honored to be a contributor in this new book by F&W publishing....

 So many fun crafty projects by so many different contributors. Here's a peek at my page, featuring my decorative sewing pins that I love to make....

And guess what? Sew Mama Sew giveaway day is coming up on May 12! Perfect timing... I have a copy of this awesome book that I will give away to one of my blog readers with some added goodies! I just love giveaway day, don't you?

lucky lucky me!

I just love swaps and giveaways! I always seem to come out of both a winner. Last week our Modern Quilt Guild had a Valentines swap. I shared the mug rug I made for it here. There were so many beautiful Valentine treats swapped that night. I wish I had gotten pictures of all of them! But, lucky me, I came away with this beautiful pouch made by Sarah....

 She tucked fat quarters of the pretty solids she had used inside, along with some candy treats! Thank you Sarah! You totally rock!

As luck would have it, another Sara, over at Sew Sweetness, announced that I was the winner of this beautiful bag!

 You can read all about this awesome bag here, and learn how many of us contributed scraps toward it's creation. I have to be honest, I had totally forgotten that I had sent Sara scraps for the bag! When she posted about it's creation (and the publication of the pattern in the newest issue of Fat Quarterly) I was shocked to see my name as the winner of the bag!

I adore this bag, Sara is the queen of awesome bag patterns, so it's no surprise the bag is fantastic!

Not much sewing going on in my house for reasons that will soon be revealed to you. I did finish up a zippy pouch for a swap that I will share with you after it has been mailed and received. Meanwhile, I think I'll just enjoy the things that everyone else is making for me!

winner!

The lucky winner of my Sew Mama Sew giveaway is #58 (chosen by Random.org). It's Amy! Amy said: " would love a new walking foot for my machine! Thanks for the giveaway!" You're welcome Amy! And I do hope Santa brings your walking foot. Thanks everyone for playing along.

Texas freeze and giveaway day!

In case you haven't heard, we've had a giant ice storm here in Texas all weekend. Our poor tree branches are laying on the ground. As far as we can tell, none are broken and we are hoping they will bounce back as the ice thaws.

 The ice did make for some interesting photo opportunities....

We've been stuck in the house since Thursday (ok, we snuck out to Target yesterday afternoon in hubby's big truck with brand new tires. It probably wasn't our brightest move, but we were all suffering from severe cabin fever! We're home now safe and warm, no worries). Honestly, we could use a little excitement here at ellyn's place. How about a giveaway? What? It's Sew Mama Sew Giveaway day you say? How convenient!

With all of this nasty weather coast to coast I imagine there's lots of hot beverage drinking going on. Whatever your drink of choice, (tea? hot chocolate? coffee?) wouldn't it taste better on a snazzy Christmas mug rug? Yes? I thought so (what? you're reading this on the other side of the equator and are currently drinking lemonade on the beach? Fine. Christmas is still coming up, right?)

 Look how cute it looks! No, I'm not going to mail you my mug. But I promise to include some extra goodies in your package (you want the candy canes? Ok, I can part with those!)

No hoops to jump through at ellyn's place.... just leave me a comment (maybe you can share one thing that's on your list for Santa this year). I will choose a winner on Friday evening, December 13. Oh, and you might want to hop on over to Sew Mama Sew after you're done here. There are lots more goodies up for grabs. Good luck!

winning!

I've been on a winning streak lately! Here are some of the fun things I have won online in the last couple of weeks:

This awesome pattern from Cinderberry Stitches....

 This fabulous book....

 and all of these awesome bag patterns....

I've been eyeing up that Aeroplane bag for a long time, admiring all of the wonderful versions online. Can't wait to make one!

I have a feeling my lucky streak will end soon. I sure am thankful!

happy mail

sometimes my friends get a little bit annoyed with me. I tend to win things. Often. Like, all the time! This time it is another beautiful pillow (cushion) cover from Australia.....

This was Chris's giveaway for giveaway day earlier this month. Isn't it beautiful? I love the knack Australian quilters seem to have for putting colors together in unusual combinations and making them work. She sent one of her awesome patterns in the package too! Thank you Chris.

I put it on the sofa in my sewing space, right next to the one I received from Maria earlier this year. 

I'm such a lucky girl!

Giveaway winner

Thank you to all of you wonderful people who entered my Sew Mama Sew Giveaway!

The winner of my pillow cover is.....

Sherry! Who said:
Love the happy colors! Very spring/summer like!

congrats Sherry! I've emailed Sherry and will send her package off very soon. Thanks to all of you for playing along. Have a great weekend!

barn building and other stuff

I got around to building barn #6 today in Lori Holt's barn along. And when I went to join barns five and six together, they were different sizes. What the heck? It took me a few minutes but I finally figured it out. Here's #5...

and #6....

Do you see what I did? I forgot the white sashing on barn #5. Oops. So I got out my trusty seam ripper and did a little unsewing. And then, some resewing. And all is well on the farm.

I'll bet you're wondering who is hiding behind my barns? (ok, if you're not wondering, just play along with me for a minute.)

Steve's home!

Just for a couple of weeks but I'm sure enjoying his company!

Also, on a totally different topic, I've been admiring everyone's cool nametags on the internet. I've been thinking about making one for myself. Well, on Tuesday night I went to the first ever meeting of the new McKinney Modern Quilt Guild (YAY for a modern guild nearby!) and we were challenged to make a nametag before the next meeting. You know me, I can't resist a challenge. So I set to work and this is what I ended up with....

 What do you think?

I'll be back in the morning to announce the winner of my giveaway. Have you entered yet? You're running out of time! Hurry.... go on now!