I just couldn't wait any longer.
I don't like to admit it, but I've never been good about waiting. Impatience is one of my worst traits... faults?
I'm okay if I can see a reason for the delays but if the cause is "general slowness"... then I'm the worst. The amount of time I've spent recently in waiting rooms and such hasn't helped. In the hospital, there are notes on charts and patient bracelets for allergies, "fall risk" and other things that nurses and personnel need to know. I think the local hospital is considering introducing an "Impatient Daughter" bracelet. I'm sure it has already been noted on my Mom's chart -- Lovely Son. Impatient Daughter.
But back to the topic at hand.
A giveaway.
I've got this book. It's new. Martingale very kindly sent me a few of them. Another Bite of Schnibbles.
And I've got this fabric.
Nine Dots.
It's sort of vintage-y because the prints were all taken from my stash of vintage feedsacks. But the color is a little brighter. These are fat quarters.
And I have this toy... gadget... tool-thing that I really like.
It's sort of funny looking ~ a cyclops-like lamp. From IKEA.
I got this one about two months ago and it has been love at first light. That's right... "first light". I liked the lamp on sight but that was probably due mostly to the $9.99 price tag. Once I assembled it (easily done, takes about 2 minutes), plugged it in and started using it, I had to go back to Ikea for a couple more. A spare, gifts, giveaways, etc. What I love about it is that the base is nicely weighted so its quite stable. The bendy part is 24" long so it can be moved and adjusted to shine the light exactly where you want/need it to be, and the light itself is bright without too harsh. Of all the additional lights I've had on or around my sewing machine, this is my favorite. It's also small enough to take with you to retreats and sewing days with friends.
They come in red, pink, black, silver and white. Since I wasn't sure what color you would prefer, I played it safe and got the white one.
[Note: While Ikea does show this lamp online, you have to go to a store to get one. Jansjo.]
For this drawing, I would like you to tell me something. If you were going to be whisked away to a sewing retreat island, what is the one thing you absolutely, positively couldn't live without? What one thing would you need to have with you to make you happy?
Assume that everything else you could "need" is provided... sewing machine, iron, scissors, rotary cutters, rulers, snacks, etc. It is all excellent quality and brand-new. You've also got all the fabric you could ever use.
There isn't any right answer, I'm just curious. And really, it could be anything. Could you live with pretty much any good sewing machine so long as you had an unlimited supply of peanut M&Ms? Or would you just not be able to function or exist without your grandmother's Featherweight to sew on? It can be silly... e.g., you simply cannot sew unless you're wearing your TweetyBird slippers. Or it can be practical... e.g., you must have a chair and table set-up that allows you to be 13 1/2" below the plate of your sewing machine.
As I wrote, I'm just curious. We're all creatures of habit in one way or another.
After much thought, my answer is kind of sad... and it is the result of getting old... older.
Reading Glasses. Cute ones.
Anything else, I can make do. I have my preferences and I might whine a bit if I don't get to sew on an old Bernina... but I'll adjust. So long as I can see what I'm doing... lest I also have a huge supply of bandaids I can open with one hand.
So leave a comment before Midnight ~ 12:00 am MST ~ on Friday, October 28th to be entered.
And just so you know... it has been noted by a friend that I seem to buy things in twos...
chocolate, reading glasses and music...in no particular order...Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: sandra fraenkel | October 25, 2011 at 04:11 PM
Peanut butter m&ms would do it for me...why we don't have them in Australia I'll never understand :-)
Posted by: Kate | October 25, 2011 at 04:27 PM
My essential oils to help me relax, feel uplifted and to rub on my sore shoulders after hours of sewing. :)
Posted by: Leah Spencer | October 25, 2011 at 04:27 PM
Carmex. I'm addicted!
Posted by: JoAnne McPherson | October 25, 2011 at 04:28 PM
Sigh...my heating pad! I can't go anywhere without my heating pad.
Posted by: Linda | October 25, 2011 at 04:31 PM
That would have to be my quilting buddies. It's a lot more fun quilting with your friends. I have one friend that buys things twice too. When we shop I will say to her "you already have that book!"
Posted by: Jackie | October 25, 2011 at 04:34 PM
Okay this may sound a little much, but I would do so much better with a good teacher. I am hands on and reading the patterns can be slow and daunting for me :-S But if someone walks me through it, I am good to go :-) Oh and yes chocolate doesn't hurt either.
Posted by: Jocelyn | October 25, 2011 at 04:35 PM
I wouldn't be able to be without snacks. More importantly, milk duds. Easy to pop in with one hand while changing out fabric and pretty residue free so your fabric doesn't give away the addiction.
Posted by: jill | October 25, 2011 at 04:35 PM
Ahh...the ONLY reason to go to a retreat, for me, is for the company of some like-minded souls that find quilting/sewing make them blissfully happy. And possibly a gourmet chef to whip up some fab meals!
Posted by: Jane | October 25, 2011 at 04:35 PM
My chair. I cannot abide those folding chairs that seem to be at most retreats. I am going on retreat at the end of this week and so is my chair!!
Posted by: Suzan | October 25, 2011 at 04:44 PM
While in just a year or two I'll have to include those cute reading glasses, for now my favorite fleece jammies and a picture of my kiddos would be all I'd need!
Posted by: Shari | October 25, 2011 at 04:47 PM
I would need my quilting buddy with me and chocolate!!
Posted by: Pam | October 25, 2011 at 04:47 PM
I would want to take shoes/slippers/flip flops that easily slide off my feet when sewing! I have.to.sew.barefoot. Some fun company would be an added plus! Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: jan | October 25, 2011 at 04:50 PM
A chair cushion for those hard folding chairs. ;-) And my slippers~ I can't sew with shoes on. I guess that is two things, but I've been known to break rules. LOL Thanks for the fun! I would love to win a copy of your book! +++
Posted by: Sandie~ call me crazy | October 25, 2011 at 04:52 PM
I would NOT survive without my IPad. Besides being able to access email, etc., it has all my movies and music on it.
Posted by: Monica | October 25, 2011 at 04:54 PM
I would need tunes.....some Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, Scott Kirby......make me feel like I really was sewing on a tropical island.......and maybe an umbrella drink!!! Thanks....cheers!
Posted by: Jean Burke | October 25, 2011 at 04:54 PM
A good light! This is a must whether I'm sewing by hand or by machine. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Posted by: Rita | October 25, 2011 at 04:56 PM
Hmmm, you already mentioned peanut M & Ms, I think I would have to take my favorite apron - I really like having the pockets to put things in!
Posted by: Amy O'Donoghue | October 25, 2011 at 04:58 PM
Definitely need my glasses, it sucks getting older!! Chocolate and a nice glass of Sav Blanc with Ice!!
See I"m relaxed already!!
Posted by: Mandy | October 25, 2011 at 04:59 PM
One thing? Music, it won't matter what kind, just something to keep that litany of self doubt quiet as I learn.
Posted by: Amy M | October 25, 2011 at 04:59 PM
Well, first of all, I hope that your mom is doing okay. I too would have fallen into the "Impatient Daughter" when my mom in the hospital years ago. It's very hard to be patient when your worried about someone you love so much.
Okay, to start with, I'd be happy to just go to a retreat, LOL. It's on my bucket list but not sure when it might happen, BUT, if I was going, I would have to have my ugly house slippers got them for one of my surgeries last year and hubby didn't even want to walk down the all with me, *giggle*...and Ipod loaded with audio books...helps me fall asleep. (My Bible is a given, I carry a small New Testament in my purse) If I had to choose between the ugly house slippers and the Ipod, the slippers would win, hands down. Thanks so much Carrie for a chance to win some most delightful treasure. Yummy fabric by the way.
***Note, I won a copy of your new book from Lissa (of Moda) a few days ago. Haven't received it yet (can't wait to get it) but just wanted to let you know, in case I was fortunate enough to win, so you could pass that on to someone who doesn't have one. Big hugs...
Posted by: Nancy | October 25, 2011 at 05:00 PM
I have a really nice Plano fishing box that I have all my tools and extras in. In my sewing room I have it open (to get to the 3 tackle boxes, it also has a top part for odd shaped items). I place it on a wooden TV tray and it is PERFECT for the sewing room... if I need anything it is in the fishing box. When I am ready to go to retreat I just close it up and carry it to the retreat. I hope it gives everyone an idea. Could not live without it !
Posted by: Loretta Swan | October 25, 2011 at 05:03 PM
I would need my black and white polka dot pajama pants. I can't live without them and I wish I could wear them to work!
Posted by: Amber | October 25, 2011 at 05:04 PM
I think I would need my "loose dress", no binding waist bands. Plenty of little bottles of coke, the real thing, no diet stuff. A good chair with back support, and my Bio-Freeze for sore neck..a must have. Then, I'd be set ..that little lamp is adorable. Hope it comes to live with me!
Posted by: Dianne Mitzel | October 25, 2011 at 05:08 PM
My Cat...the Chief! She is my sewing companion and it wouldn't be the same without her
Posted by: Mary | October 25, 2011 at 05:09 PM
My camera....thanks for a chance to win!
Posted by: Anna McD | October 25, 2011 at 05:16 PM
I can't believe that no one has said coffee yet! I love a cup of coffee when I sew. Secondly, I have a plastic toolbox with a flip top lid and removable upper tray that sits next to me on my left that houses my scissors, thread, pins, pens, rulers, everything that I need in one place. I throw my fabric in the bottom along with my 6 x 24 ruler. Perfect!
Posted by: Tracey Holzer | October 25, 2011 at 05:19 PM
I too would need to bring my "cute" reading glasses - and Dr. Pepper! Oh, and throw in a few Caramello candy bars - heaven!
Posted by: Kim | October 25, 2011 at 05:19 PM
Please put me down for a bag of kettle corn, please. I can live without it at home but when I'm at a retreat it's different story. I don't know why that is.
Posted by: Becky | October 25, 2011 at 05:23 PM
I know this is not especially cool, but I want all the stuff in the give-away, especially the book, the lamp and the fabric. Sound like the title of a movie. Here's hoping.
Posted by: Joyce Triezenbeg | October 25, 2011 at 05:26 PM
I would really miss my revolving cutting mat. It is the handiest tool I own.
Posted by: Peggy | October 25, 2011 at 05:26 PM
Ok, I am thinking BIG for this one... r you ready?..... A very handsome Cabana Boy: (tan, shirtless,dark handsome with an Italian acsent, who wear Drakarr cologne and who will iron, press , cut my fabric and offer shoulder massages and bring me a Pina Colada... Told you I was thinking Big... :)xoxo
Posted by: LeAnne O. | October 25, 2011 at 05:27 PM
Chai - iced or hot (depending on the weather). Just enough caffeine to keep me going and I LOVE the taste.
Posted by: CJ | October 25, 2011 at 05:32 PM
Oh, coffee for sure, music for background, reading glasses to sew by, and friends to sew with... ok, I'm set!
Posted by: Barbara | October 25, 2011 at 05:35 PM
a wonderful cushy chair for sewing that is adjustable to the height I need and tilt as well and the back is just right....too many retreats I have come home with piercing back pain from horrible chairs. have never made a schnibbles and they look so fun!
Posted by: Carol Campbell | October 25, 2011 at 05:37 PM
I absolutely need my cute reading glasses. I got some new polka dot ones the other day. I also would like to have my MP3 player with a good book on it.
Posted by: melinful | October 25, 2011 at 05:39 PM
Diet Coke!!!!!
Posted by: Maria | October 25, 2011 at 05:40 PM
As I get older I seem to get more aches and pains. I would want my machine set so it's level with the table top, and if it's not, a chair with a big cushion that raises me up. Otherwise, I'm good to go with most anything if I'm sewing, especially with other quilters.
What an awesome giveaway!
Posted by: Mary | October 25, 2011 at 05:41 PM
Two things to be comfortable: a moo-moo and a foam chair cushion. A foot stool would be the third thing. Thank you for the contest. I'd love ANY of it.
By the way---what price would you have to pay for a cutey pie to tend your 'hole in one' (finger)? I just got the bill from my visit to the ER for a broken and dislocated toe----over $2.000!! I was there four hours. The doctor was'nt all that cute but he sure was
sympathetic.
Posted by: Kathy Garms | October 25, 2011 at 05:42 PM
My quilting friends would be on the top of my list....they've been at every retreat that I have attended and it wouldn't seem the same without them. I would miss the silly giggling at 2:00 am if they weren't there with me. Since one always comes with great music and another with all of the gadgets that I seem to leave at home, I'd be all set. I just picked up your new book as my vacation present to myself. It's lovely.
Posted by: Sue White | October 25, 2011 at 05:43 PM
I would have to go with glasses. All of the other stuff would be useless if I couldn't see good. Better add some chocolate also. Thanks
Posted by: sandy f. | October 25, 2011 at 05:46 PM
A good chair with a back that doesn't make my back hurt, some good music (Carole King, Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, Carly Simon, Little River Band, Simon and Garfunkel...yeah, I grew up in 70's),a good light, and a really comfy bed for when I finally take time to sleep. Not too hot, not too cold...just right!
Posted by: Kathy | October 25, 2011 at 05:54 PM
I would be sure to have a pen. I was at Boxwood and Berries a couple of years ago and I borrowed a pen from a lovely lady to have a pattern signed by it's designer. Thank you again Carrie for the use of your pen that day. I only wish that I would have one of your patterns with me at the time to have it signed by you too. I hope that we get to meet again someday. Big hugs to you!
Posted by: Pat Duffany | October 25, 2011 at 05:56 PM
Coffee! There had better be lots and lots of coffee!
Posted by: Pat V. | October 25, 2011 at 05:57 PM
I HAVE to have a good pair of scissors. Nothing cheap...I love my white gold Dovos...amazingly wonderful.
Posted by: Dianne | October 25, 2011 at 06:07 PM
3 things. My purple thang, P.D. F. thimble and self threading needles! Have you tried the peanutbutter m&m's? I like them better than the peanut! ; )
Posted by: piecefully pam | October 25, 2011 at 06:14 PM
Ooh! I so wanted to buy your book as soon as it came out, but I've been a little tight on money lately. I'd love to win it, but if I don't, I'm sure I'll find the funds before too long.
My absolute must-have for quilting retreats are drugs. The legal kind of course. I have fibromyalgia and if I'm going to sew, sew, sew, I rely on them to keep me going far past my usual stopping point! And what fun is a quilting retreat if you can only sew for a few hours?
Posted by: Dee | October 25, 2011 at 06:15 PM
If the necessities are covered, and friends are there along with food and spirits, for a completely relaxing time, how about the flamingo lounge pants!! Humm, could Miss Rosie come too? Missed your posts, glad you are back!
Posted by: Ann in NC | October 25, 2011 at 06:17 PM
I would need my computer - to have music playing in the background. I love to hum while I sew (probably annoying to my quilting friends, but hey, it could be worse, right? I could be a gum snapper!) I would also then be able to check my quilt blogs if I needed a sewing break!
Posted by: Darlene B | October 25, 2011 at 06:21 PM
If it's cold out, I would need my fuzzy socks. Can't live without them in the winter. But more importantly I'd want my quilting friends. There is nothing like a friend who shares your passion for quilting!
Posted by: Cindy F | October 25, 2011 at 06:26 PM