Thursday, November 07, 2013

A Big, Fun Double Giveaway

Ooh, supplies!
A few days ago an order of wool crepe fabric arrived in the mail, the material for an upcoming dress. As a freebie, the package contained three two-yard cuts of fabric. It was certainly nice to receive, no doubt about that; however, none of the fabric suits my personal style.

Methought, here's a chance to give it to someone, or someones, who will use and enjoy it! One thing led to another and before a half hour was out I'd gone through the sewing closet and had pulled out lace and notions that have sat there unused, some for 7-8 years. Just for fun, I added in a few pieces of antique lace, since I love and collect it.

Herewith, a giveaway, and just in time for the pleasant, though sometimes frenetic, period that we make gifts and treats for those we like, love, and esteem.

So, what do we have?

First, fabric: three two-yard cuts of a), a thin synthetic animal print, good for scarves, drapey top, or lined skirt; b) rich-colored synthetic floral with a black background; c) white jersey knit, soft, and almost opaque, good for baby clothes and tops.


Vintage and antique lace and some helpful notions. Much of the lace is in multi-yard amounts. Most is cotton, but there is a bit of synthetic thrown in. Some of the laces feature gaps through which ribbon can be run: those are good for Edwardian and 20s lingerie. The package of key-ring style rings? Heaven knows where that came from, but you can use them for their original purpose, or wrap thread around them and use them in sewing or crafting projects as handsome connectors. Then there are a couple of random zippers...


The lace, ah, the lace. This was collected years ago on a Tea Society to a pretty town in Southern Ohio, and was part of a very big bag of lace I found for $11. I have been using bits of that in all kinds of projects ever since, and alas, with this giveway, it's gone.

We have what may be the lace edging on a child's slip: fine cotton edging lace, attached to filet lace. Teens or 20s. A little damaged, as is often the case with fine-threaded lace, but repairable (believe me, I've done it), and good for any number of projects, although it's not enough for the bottom of an adult slip, alas. The yellowing will wash out if you very carefully wash it in Woolite or similar gentle soap. PLEASE never wash this lace in a machine or it will be destroyed.

Then we have a lace cuff, in Irish crochet. It's three-dimensional, and fun just to touch. Good for something, perhaps doll clothes? Or if you crochet, perhaps you'd like to copy it. Again, it will wash to a creamy white. Edwardian era.


Lastly, a series of vintage notions and tools. Some binding, some edging good for children's clothing, a full container of Bernina bobbins, and a tiny embroidery hoop. I have a Bernina I don't use, preferring to use my treadle or hand crank machines, so these bobbins have gone a-begging.


I will randomly divide all of this loot into two giveaway packages to go to two winners, and may yet add some surprise items. Patterns, perhaps, or natural-fiber fabric, or more lace, or what? Who knoweth the mind of a woman in clear-out mode?

If you wish to enter the giveaway, please leave a comment explaining what you might do with some of the items, and how you might disperse the rest, perhaps to a new seamstress or seamster, perhaps to a school or class, perhaps as gifts? Personally speaking, it gives me great joy to send on things to those who will appreciate them.

I will choose a winner on November 12...that's not too many days away.

Happy Thursday!

6 comments:

Unknown said...

I would definitely use the lace for some sort of steampunk outfit. The White knit fabric would probably become shirt of some sort. The notions are always good to have on hand!

Sew Ladylike said...

That lace is making me drool! I have wanted to sew an Edwardian shirtwaist but the proper lace is expensive so I've had to put it on hold. I do crochet so having some crochet lace to study would be invaluable! Anything leftover I can donate to a new makerspace that opened in my city. This is a great way to clear out I need to do this with my jewelry supplies.

Laura Morrigan said...

Oh, the lace is amazing! I would love some of it to trim a Victorian or Edwardian blouse or two and make a choker necklace! The fabric could got to one of my crafty friends, depending on which piece it was.

Sarah Grace said...

Oh, the lace is beautifully! I would use it for several Edwardian corset covers/camisoles that I have in the works & that need some lovely lace to finish them. The fabric would be something not quite to my taste, but I'm sure I could find a home for it in the form of a top for my brother's girlfriend.
Thank you for offering this giveaway.

God bless,
Sarah Grace
P.S. I love reading your blog & following your projects.

Carla Belyea said...

I love the rich colored burgundy floral fabric which I would make into a shirt. the white jersey knit would be great for some lingerie or shells to go under other tops whose necklines are too low.

Gabriela Salvador said...

Ooohh, the animal print would make beautiful infinity scarves for all the lovely women on my Christmas list. The floral would probably turn into an above-the-knee skirt of some kind, to spruce up my winter outfits. I could make myself a long-sleeve top out of the white knit, and since I just welcomed a new baby cousin, maybe make some little baby t-shirts and embroider them with his initials. The lace appropriate for ribbon to be threaded through is perfect for the corset cover I started drafting!