Friday, November 27, 2009

200th post and a giveaway!!!

How was your Turkey Day?

Ours went quite well and I shall never again be afraid of baking a turkey as it was really not that bad at all.

But, I do have some bad news.

I am sad to report that after our Thanksgiving dinner yesterday (which saw everyone leaving our place at around 4 o'clock) that my poor little Mama came down with the swine flu at around 9 o'clock yesterday evening.

Have you ever been that sick when you could pinpoint the exact second you started feeling poorly?

I have.

And now my Mom has, too.

So I am sending lots and lots of get-well vibes her way, and perhaps you all will be so kind as to do the same.

Johanna's flu came and went so quickly that I can't help but hope for the same thing for my Mom this time.

In other news, our Anna Maria Horner flannels arrived the other day.

I only ordered three bolts, but I think they look sooo delicious together.
























What do you think?

A lot of the time here in the shop people will see a print and exclaim how much they love it and then upon closer inspection when they discover the print is on flannel they seem kind of disappointed.

I get it.

So, that is why I went easy on these flannels.

(I really do adore them, though).

Aaand, perhaps another reason why I went easy on the flannels was because I purchased a lot of the Anna Maria Horner voile prints.

Those should be coming in very soon and I will of course let you know when they do (I'll shout it from the hilltops!), but the voiles are going to be a little bit on the "dear" side.

They will retail for about $15 a yard, I believe, but I don't have my paperwork in front of me right now so don't quote me on it.

Also don't have sticker shock, because I warned you!

"Why are they going to be so expensive?", I hear you ask.

Because voile is a much finer fabric than a standard quilting weight cotton.

It is definitely geared towards garment-sewing, and is very drape-y and lovely, but it is also more expensive to produce.

"Can you use it for quilting?", I hear you ask.

The answer is "Yes."

Just like a lot of us are using quilting weight fabrics for garments, so too can you use garment weight fabric for quilting.

I'm a big fan of mixing fabric weights and textures in quilts, but you do need to be aware that they may stretch in different ways, so you will want to pin, pin, pin and perhaps bust out your walking foot to do your piecing.

But enough about the voile, this post is all about the flannel.

And more importantly, about the giving away of the flannel!

If you are still with me, I would like to offer 1/2 yard each of these three golden delicious flannels ( a total of 1.5 yards) to one lucky reader.

All you have to do is leave me a nice little comment and at the end of the day on Monday I will ask Ollie to pick a number at random.

Maybe you could tell me some of your tips and tricks for sewing: with or without different textures.

Or maybe you could just send a get-well wish to my Mom.

She will get a kick out of reading those.

Also, I am going to spend some time this morning putting up a "flannels" page on the website, as we have some other very, very nice flannels in stock already and more coming in.

"What nice flannels?," I hear you ask.

Well, we have Amy Butler flannels coming in very soon and some new Valori Wells to accompany the lovely Valori Wells we already have in stock.

So, if you don't win, perhaps you could check out the flannels page for a little consolation prize.

This is Maine, after all, and we do love our flannels in Maine.

See you again on Monday and good luck with the giveaway.

(And get well, soon, Mom!)

XO,

Rhea at Alewives

PS

Now that the Season is upon us, am I the only one looking forward to hearing the Bing Crosby/David Bowie "Little Drummer Boy" mash-up on the radio?

Love that song!!!

Comments closed: The winner (chosen by my personal random number generator Ollie) is lucky #36:

Anonymous May said...

Hope your mom feels better soon!

November 30, 2009 7:41 AM

Congratulations, May!

I don't know who you are (unless you are Maylene Mitchell, in which case I know exactly who you are) so I will need a little more info...

Please send me an e-mail (rhea@alewivesfabrics.com) with your address and I will arrange to send you the flannels.

Thanks to everyone for entering and thanks so very much for all your well-wishes to my Mom.

She is feeling better but resting a LOT.

She has read all of the comments and was very, very touched by the global concern!!!

40 comments:

Geertrude said...

So sorry to hear about your mom! I have been stuggling with flu-ish symptoms for weeks now, but I'm not sure it's swine-flu. Here it is called Mexican Flu by the way, because the pigfamers didn't like the connection. But now Mexico complains about the name, so we have to switch to calling it "The New Influenza". Oh, well. Whatever it is called I hope she gets well soon!
So, you knew I would love to win this giveaway ;-) AM Horner fabrics, yummy! I haven't had much time for sewing lately, but every once in a while I go to my room and just admire that great little bunch you sent me a while ago, and imagine all the things I can do with it...

sus larco5@verizon.net said...

i love your blog and an a newbie! those fabrics look divine and are just the thing to get me motivated to bring out my machine. it's been a long fall...

i want to send your dear mum my best wishes for a speedy recovery. the piggy flu has passed through our house and luckily it didn't hit the kids too hard and the grown-ups avoided it all together, but you just never know how bad it will be. lots of ginger and honey tea, a yummy quilt and some movies might help!

sus

xo

Wendy said...

Well, Anna Maria Horner is my favorite designer, so of course I had to drop by with a comment and a chance to win! I haven't sewn with flannels yet, but can imagine a baby quilt all soft and cuddly.

So sorry to hear your mom is ill...and will be keeping her in my thoughts to get well soon.

I live in California now...but years ago I lived in Damariscotta (and I miss it)...wish your shop had been around when I was there!

Peggy said...

I am so sorry about your mom. I hope she is resting and being well taken care of over the next days and that by early next week she is back in great form!

Please tell her to get well soon!

I love this flannel and would be super excited to make something beautiful with it!

DianeY said...

Hope your mom is feeling good soon.

The flannels are yummy! Love the colors!I just used some Michael Miller flannels for jammies for my grandkids & flannels are really easy to work with. And they turned out so cute!Thanks for the cool gice-away!

Jenny said...

Best and warm wishes to your mother...it is never fun to be ill and especially so around the holidays. hopefully a speedy recovery is in store!

Thank you for a giveaway, these flannels are certainly scrumptious. Im thinking to use flannel on the back of pillows im making for christmas presents...bed pillows...yummy warm flannel to rest your head!

Jenny said...

ps...congratulations on 200 posts, that is fantastic!! :)

Suzanne said...

wow. what a blog! a giveaway, a sick mama and a celebratory blog day! thanks for the giveaway, the fabric really is delicious! and of course, feel better mama.

kaitlin said...

ive never worked with a flannel that wasn't, well, flannel. but i would be very interested to see these beautiful fabrics in person.

i hope your mum gets better quick. try a few hot toddies! i feel that they're the #1 cure all.
~best wishes~kaitlin (my first comment!)

Sue Cahill said...

I hope your Mom is on the mend, at least she was able to enjoy your company on Thanksgiving before she fell ill. I have been fortunate to never have had the flu but I hear it is quite a trial. Make sure she gets lots of rest and drinks and pamper her.

Thanks for the lovely giveaway. Those flannels are so fabulous.

Sue Cahill (sbonetsue at yahoo dot com)

zoesimm said...

the holiday "mash up" of song.....have you been watching "Glee"? :-) Gotta love anything Anna Maria does too...v.cool.

Mary said...

Hoping your mom feels better really soon. This swine flu thing really stinks

amisha said...

hope your mother feels better soon!

these flannels are just beautiful. i am also a big fan of mixing textures in quilts... i've just started doing it regularly and really enjoy it. i agree that it is all about pinning! i also piece improvisationally so a little extra stretching here or there won't hurt too much :)

Kaylovesvintage said...

hope your mum will get well soon( a big Hello from the Netherlands)

the fabric is beautiful..perfect for a night shirt but then I cant sew

enjoy your weekend

Jill said...

A fellow Mainer here, yes flannels sure are divine. And Anna Maria flannels, well that makes them all the better! I think they would brighten up a winter bed as lovely pillow cases (next to my LL Bean flannel sheets of course).

Sending a get well wish to your mom, hope she rebounds very quick. And I do hope to get to your shop the next time I'm in the midcoast area, I've been enjoying your blog for a few months now.

Iris E. said...

Oooh, gosh it's been awhile since I have visited (since I have been so busy and just reading through my G-Reader!), and I LOVE your new banner! Super hot!

And wah about your mom. My brother is here with a wicked cold...ick...hoping those germies stay away from me.

Couldn't resist the give-away!
XO
Iris

Anonymous said...

My elementary kids have been making a lot of pig/swine/hog jokes, I'm not sure if she's ready for that yet, but when/if she is I can supply!
shannoncarman at yahoo dot com

Julie said...

Hey Miss Rhea!! Had a great time today and can't wait to come back tomorrow. These flannels are gorgeous!!!!! Hope Barbara feels better in the a.m. Hi Ollie & Reuben!!

Jo Ellem said...

Dear Rhea's Mama.

It's a bummer that you are sick. Please make sure you are rugged up and warm and cosy. When I get the dreaded plague, I find that a tv and a great selection of dvds can make the world of difference. I do tend to go straight for the golden oldies when I am under the weather. Anything in Technicolor or vista vision is good, as well as the RKO Tower or the Metro Goldwyn Mayer Lion.

I recommend: (and in this order)
1. The Wizard of Oz
2. Gone With the Wind
3. The Women ( the real one, made in the 1930's)
4. Laura
5. Funny Face
6. Du Barry was a lady
7. The court Jester

I also think that a big bag of Snyder's of Hanover Sour dough pretzels will help the experience along. Hope this helps, if it was closer to Christmas I would also recommend "Its a wonderful life" as you would be bound to have plenty of tissues about at the end. The end always has me dissolve.

Gone With the Wind is also a fine read, which would also help pass some time when you don't feel like doing anything else.

All the best and be kind to yourself, you'll be back on deck in no time. Just in time for the christmas rush!!!

all the best

Jo in Australia

sarahcicero@hotmail.com said...

I took my 3 yr old daughter with me fabric shopping today for teh first time. She is showing that she has a good eye for color and I find it surprising what catches her interest. Ironically we picked two pink & orange patterned fabrics that would work so well with your new flannels (I'm creating reversible bedtime bags for her for Christmas). Also, get well wishes to your mom for a speedy recovery...no one likes to be sick especially during this time of year.

saganaga said...

congrats on 200 ! your giveaway is very generous ! please enter me ! thanks !!!

Mom4Two said...

Sending get well wishes to your mom!!! I am dreading that awful flu....

Congratulations on 200!!

And, of course, would LOVE to win those fabrics!

Deb Upcycles said...

Tell your mom I hope she's feeling better soon. It's no fun being sick.

Unknown said...

Get well soon to your mom! My mom just got over swine flu and it was rough going, but there is an end in sight!

Thanks so much for this generous giveawy.

mel said...

Sorry to hear about your mom. Many get well thoughts sent your way!

As a newbie sewing I don't have any tips for different fabrics, but I do love flannel and I some very awesome PJs in my little Niblet's future!! Mmmm, cozy flannel jammies!

Thanks for the chance!!

Kitty said...

Hi there, Rhea! I've been a lurker of your blog for a while, but now I'll step out of the shadows and *wave!* hello!

I hope your mom feels better soon- swine flu sounds awful! Take care!

Jayne said...

Oh Rhea so sorry to hear your mom is down with the flu! All three of my kids have now played that game - but not me, no siree bob - I'm drinking Elderberry Syrup like it's water! On my fourth bottle now! Highly recommend it - I think Martha would call it a Good Thing if only she knew but I'm not going to be the one to phone her.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the flannel - I see my own version of a snuggie! I'm kidding Rhea - I'm kidding, settle down - thinking pj bottoms or a scarf with that on one side and linen on the other - that would be delish!
Congrats on post 2-0-0!
Jackson says WOOF to Reuben!
Hope to see you soon. Oh by the way, I'm such a dork - I totally spaced the Back Roads Quilters shindig and missed you!!!! Right down the road from my house in West G-town and I spaced it. So bummed! UGH!
Picking me would be good Rhea -I'd be oh so appreciative and this IS Thanksgiving Weekend after all and I'm oh so thankful for ALEWIVES!!!!! In case you're wondering, yes my nose has some brown stuff on it, can't seem to wipe it off!

Michaela said...

Awww, poor Mom! I hope she feels better soon! All my love! Also, I hope that you got the wedding link I sent you. Let me know if you need anything.

Joan and Kevin said...

I hope your mom is feeling better and it does not last long. Well, I do not have any suggestions about sewing with different weights of fabric. But, when I was cleaning I found out that the cotton batting is the best dust rag I have ever used. You do not even have to use the dust cleaner sprays. It just grabs the dust. I used my leftover pieces and threw them out when I was done. You could probably wash them and reuse I have not tried that yet.
Thanks for a great blog
Joan@Joanandkevin@gmail.com

Marlene said...

Well. My favourite baby gift this time around was a lovely mixed texture and weight little quilt. It dared to have shiny,polyestery type bits, and was still gorgeous and soft and funtional, though my babies (who are the son of my own dear Ollie!!!) are often wrapped in flannel regardless of season...because you might like your flannels in Maine...but we really, really, really like them here in Northern Ontario on the northern little tip of Lake Superior! Yummy prints - the middle one reminds of the illustrations in one of my favourite Virginia Lee Burton books.
Best wishes to your dear Mother. May they be little piggies.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about your mom, Rhea. It's really been making the rounds down here in Brunswick. My poor husband had it about two weeks ago, and my girlies had it last week... NOT fun! Hope your mum feels better soon.

I've been working on a strip quilt like the one that you had hanging in your shop and I've been loving using the quilting weight with the decor fabrics together. Also, my girls each made a throw sized quilt with a mix of batiks on the front and flannel on the back. The front is bright and filled with color and fun designs, and the back is cozy and soft. I just made sure that the flannel was washed before they put it together with the front.

Have a happy Monday and hopefully Tammy and I will make a trip up there soon to check out your new stuff!

JBarr5 said...

oh wow hope your mom gets better real quick. hate to be sick around the holidays!

i'd be using the fabric to make squares for quilts for our local womans shelter. the colors will be super!

jbarrett5@cox.net

Betsy said...

I live in Ohio and wish I was in Maine! Used to summer at Pemaquid as a kid. Hope that your mom has a speedy recovery. Actuually, maybe this is a good time to get it--before the total holiday crush!

Sally W said...

Yes, Mainers do love the flannel!! Isn't it time for some flannel pajama pants!! Love them!!
Get well soon, 'Mom', being sick stinks...
Sally W.

amanda rice said...

Congratulations as well!! I am sorry to hear about people getting ill It is awful when people dont feel good and takes a lot out of ya so I send my deepest and most sincere GET WELL WISHES!! Thank you for the giveaway.

amanda_dillen@yahoo.com

May said...

Hope your mom feels better soon!

Anonymous said...

I am definitely thinking happy non-swine flu thoughts for your mom.
I just found out I am pregnant, and I would love some pretty flannels to make baby things from!

Anne said...

I hope you are feeling better every day Barbara. We all miss you. Oh, Rhea, love that flannel. I made the Favorite Things nightgown. I just love this line

BeckyD said...

healing wishes to your mom - we had swine flu rage through our home and it was NOT fun!

Suzanne said...

Hi Rhea,

I LOVE those flannels--makes me want to make a baby quilt or a lap quilt for myself. I long to see them up close and personal.

My grandmother used to say, when someone was sick, "cover them with vinegar and brown paper." I don't know that I would recommend that for your mum, but maybe wrapping her in some of Anna Maria Horner's gorgeous flannels would make her well, or at least make her feel better.

Suzanne, the Hallowellian