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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Christmas Giveaway - Carry the Spirit Forward

This is a very special Christmas Giveaway, sponsored by Karen Utley.  Karen is a non-blogger who wanted to hold this giveaway for you via my blog.  She is giving away many wonderful prizes, that I've bundled into six prizes for six winners.  Karen is allowing me to set the rules, so I'm picking the theme of "Carry the Spirit Forward". 

If you want to win a prize, I ask of you to make a commitment to "Carry the Spirit Forward".  We all know Christmas is about giving and much focus is placed on the commercial aspect, yet the spirit is giving from the heart.  There are so many ways to give and make a difference in someone's life.  One can give "time" to bring cheer to someone living alone, or make baked goods for someone that doesn't bake. A small gift to a young family, or something special for a military family or veteran.  The opportunities are endless.  But the catch here, is your commitment to do something for someone you may not necessarily know and would not typically do.   Karen is generously giving these wonderful prizes, to people she doesn't know, so I hope if you are interested in winning you'll make a commitment to carry the spirit forward in any way that will work for you.  And, even if you do not want to win one of these prizes I hope this will inspire you to "Carry the Spirit Forward" too.

The photos shown were taken before I decided to bundle these prizes into six bundles. Thus, they may not accurately depict the prizes.  As such, please rely on the descriptions for each bundle.

Prize One


1. Quilt top done in the bird of paradise pattern. It is 99.9% quilted by hand with one block not completed; this is how Karen purchased it. It measures approx: 57" x 72"

Prize Two

1. Five individual quilt patterns: American Jane - Triple Crown, Cozy Strip Club Pattern - Chinese Coins, Cotton Cottage Press - Hit & Miss, Anna Maria Patterns - Ruthie Clutch and It's Hip to be Square - Apron Strings. 


2. Christmas panels for a mantle scarf (3 panels). One of the pieces is missing part of one of the sides of the scarf. Each panel makes a complete scarf.  These three panels could also be used to decorate a very large fireplace, or maybe even a balcony!

3. One panel of Christmas wall hangings. Karen got the Christmas panels from her Mom who hasn't sewn in quite a few years. She has no idea how old they are, but probably at least 10 years old.

Prize Three

1. Book- Floral Illusions by Karen Combs the book is new in excellent condition

2. One panel of Christmas stockings

Prize Four

1. Fabric - 12 fat quarters (though the red/black stripes are more like fat eighths) of P&B textiles fabric. This fabric has a very stiff hand.


2. One June Tailor Free Motion Quilting Guide

Prize Five

1. One June Tailor Free Motion Quilting Guide.   {see photo above}.

2. Wilendur vintage Poppy tablecloth measures 54 x 48 and is in pristine condition.

3. Fabric - "Mirage" by Maren J Scott for Kings Road - 1 yard (oriental looking fabric)

4. Fabric - Moda "Pieces from my Heart" (yellow fabric) - 1/2 yard


5. Fabric - green print - fabric reminds Karen of what you would put on your furniture for a lanai or sun porch - can't remember the name. It's a scrap piece about 1 yard long by 22" wide. 

Prize Six

1. One June Tailor Free Motion Quilting Guide.   {see photo above}

2. Fabric - red paisley 36" wide (weird) and approx 4 yards long


Rules:

This giveaway is open to anyone, but a maximum of two prizes will be shipped internationally.  Prize #1 (quilt) will also not be shipped Internationally.  If you do have a preference in prize, please include the prize # you are interested in when you leave a comment.

To enter, simply make the commitment to "carry the spirit forward" and leave a comment.  You need not say what you are committing to do, as that is something you can decide later when the opportunity calls out to you. 

Deadline:  Midnight PST Sunday, December 5th.  I will email the winners early on the 6th to ask them to claim their prizes.  If prizes are not claimed within 3 days, a new winner will be drawn.  All winners will be selected randomly.

One comment per person to enter this giveaway.  Entries that do not have a way to be contacted (e.g. no reply settings) will be disqualified.  If you are in doubt, please check your settings (see my giveaway page for instructions on how to check your settings).

If you want to help with PR for this giveaway and post about this on your blog, with a link back to this post, please leave an additional comment for an extra entry. Thank you.

Lastly, I want to say Thank You again for Karen for her generosity.

57 comments:

Brenda said...

thanks to Karen for a generous giveaway. Every Christmas I like to give a gift to someone who wouldn't expect one from me. thanks for the encouragement toward generosity. I'm in Canada, so does that make me international?

WvHmmngbrd said...

Thank you Karen! My daughter and I pack shoe boxes to be sent to children in less fortunate countries. Thanks for the chance to win!

Unknown said...

Please convey my thanks to Karen and to you too for organising this fabulous giveaway.
I am doing my second turn on the Pay It Forward scheme and I very much enjoy my first one.
I would love any prize #4, 5 or 6 - anyone really!! Delicious
Thanks for the chance
Gina
http://gina-catswhiskers.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Please thank Karen for such a wonderful giveaway and thank YOU for hosting it for her! All prizes are so wonderful but I think #2 & #4 strike my eye. I am going to share a link to this post on my blog at http://www.ragamuffinquilts.net/blog.html. I already have plans to "carry the spirit" in several ways this year; I just feel the need for it this holiday season. ♥

Lesly said...

How lovely of Karen to sponsor this wonderful giveaway. I am drooling over that poppy tablecloth, what a great vintage find! And what a lovely sentiment - carrying the spirit forward! I certainly plan to do so!

Carla said...

"Carry The Spirit Forward"
I totally agree with the Spirit of Giving. That is why I love to make homemade gifts for others. Thanks for this wonderful giveaway!

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

Thanks to you and Karen for a wonderful give away and a great reminder to think of others.

Melissa Corry said...

I am giving on my blog right now. It is happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.com if you want to check it out. Isn't it just great to give!! I love #2

Katy P. said...

What a wonderful idea to carry the spirit forward!! After two very rough years, things are finally improving for my family and we have committed ourselves to giving back. We are so thankful that things have improved for us and that we are able to carry the spirit forward this year.

Cheryl Willis said...

wow, how fun, I need to put together a few packets for a give away after seeing yours, I like #5, #6. cheryl

Bridget B said...

What a nice giveaway. I am carrying the spirit forward. One of the things we are doing is making pillowcases and buying pillows to give to the needy in our area.

Kathy H said...

What a great giveaway. I work on the quilts for Quilts for kids and also the pillowcases. When I make myself one or one for a friend, I make one to give away to the pillowcases for cancer. Thanks for the chance to win.

Janet said...

Wow, what a generous offering! Thank you, Karen and SewCalGal, for the opportunity.

I will of course make the commitment to carry the spirit forward.

Janet
jfquilts@gmail.com

arlette said...

Thank you Karen and Sew Cal Gal for this giveaway, I carry the spirit forward because I use to give an unexpected gift to someone, it makes me happy, because the person isn't expecting anyhting from me... I'm loving this giveaway!!!!, but I'm not eligible to win number 1 (I'm international!!!), thank you both for the chance, the gifties are so cool!!!

Michelle said...

What a beautiful giveaway! I love how you are doing it and I will 'Carry the Spirit Forward'.

The Quilting Cat Lady. said...

Thanks to you and Karen for a wonderful give away. These are all wonderful things.
I will of course carry the spirit forward.
Alda, Fl

Mommarock said...

Wow What generosity! I would love to be entered to win any of these fantastic prizes and of course will look for an opportunity to carry the spirity forward.

SewLindaAnn said...

That is so sweet of you to "send Karen's spirit" to everyone through the giveaway. I love the idea of "carrying the Spirit forward" and already know what I'd like to do. My favorite prizes are in order No's 5, 6, 3, 2. Happy Holidays!

Kathleen said...

What a wonderful and generous giveaway...thank you, Karen,...I always pick some names from the fish bowl in church and give whatever is on the card for the less fortunate in our community...
I would love to win 4,5...

Marcia W. said...

Thank you Karen and "sewcalgal" for this thoughtful giveaway. I have completed some pay it forward to people didn't really know as we packaged boxes as part of Operation Christmas Child, as well as some large anonymous donations to people who needed help. There is one more carry the spirit forward time consuming project underway that we want to complete in the next few months. (The we is me and my almost 80 years young mother.) Thanks.

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

Karen and you are both extremely generous people! To "carry the spirit forward" I will be donating extra yarn to Project Linus. I normally crochet afghans for this non-profit organization but recently emptied my stash and will giving them two very large garbage bags full of yarn for others to use to create blankets for children in turmoil.

sandrab said...

I try to carry the spirit forward every day of my life. I feel as children of God this is our desire to carry not only the spirit of christmas but the spirit of God forward in our everyday life. I love to give and love to serve, I have always and will continut to always pass on the spirit of giving. Thanks to you and Karen for the contest, I have been making blocks to send to our troops. HOpefully we will get enough quilted to send some with a soldier in Jan as he goes back to Afganastan. I would love any gift but 4-6 expecially. thanks again.

Michele T said...

I love surprises so much that I joined a May Day group and we get together each year to put surprise baskets together to surprise people in the community whom we may or may not know personally but know that a 'pick me up' surprise is needed. We drive around the town and drop the baskets off, ring the door bell and quickly drive away so that we are not detected!! It's awesome and exciting too!
If I had a choice for one of those prizes it would be #6.

free indeed said...

Don't know what my commitment will be yet. Some years I do nursing home visitation; cookie boxes for anyone who's struggling with health issues or a death of a loved one; angel tree etc.
We don't celebrate with Santa, so any of the prizes without him...I really like 5 and 6. Thanks to Karen for her generousity!

Joanna said...

Thank you, Karen. I make lapghans/lapquilts for a local hospital. I'll be open to any opportunity to help someone that comes my way this season. So nice to begin the Christmas season in this way.

Joanna said...

I posted about this giveaway in the sidebar of my blog. Thanks again.

janice said...

This past year I have become more aware of paying it forward. i made 2 quilts for Downey Quilts for Kids. I plan to do more soon over the winter. I would really like #2 or 3. Thanks

MJ said...

Carry The Spirit Forward... I think this is a great idea and will definitely carry it forward.
Thanks for the chance to win... #3 or #6 would be nice but then any of them would be. Thanks You Karen

butrfly2200 said...

Thank you to SewCalGal and Karen for posting this giveaway. Such wonderful prizes all of them. I think I would be partial to #3 or 6.
I will definatly "carry the spirit forward" Well decide how very soon.
Have a wonderful Christmas season with family and friends and may God bless you and yours.
:Carol
butrfly2200.blogspot.com

Joan J said...

What a generous giveaway! I absolutely commit to carry the spirit forward! All the prizes are lovely, but #2 and #5 particularly catch my eye. I'm in love with the floral tablecloth in prize 5!

joanoh at cinci dot rr dot com

IHaveANotion ~ Kelly Jackson said...

Hi Darlene,
Please don't enter me in the drawing. I just wanted to say I think the "carry the spirit forward" is so important and wonderful during this time of the year.

Christmas used to be my most favorite of holidays....I had a huge party every year and a tree with over 1,000 points of light....I really enjoyed the spirit. I won't share what stopped that joy....but I will say that what brings me the most joy of all is reaching out to others....in a random act of kindness way.....so much more enjoyable than "getting" a gift.

So, I'm with you in "carrying the spirit forward."

Smiles,
Kelly

Janet said...

Thanks for this reminder of the need to give. I've been feeling grinchy. I resolve to get rid of that and carry the spirit forward. I know of several things I can do already. I would be interested in prizes 4, 5, or 6 if I win.

Ginny said...

What a wonderful thing for Karen to do.
I would like to share a little bit about what my daycare is doing this year, I always try to teach the children the value of giving over getting. Sunday night a young family lost every thing they owned in a house fire, the family has an 18 month old and a 6 week old... we (my daycare children and I) decided we would like to help this family, they are friends of one of my DC parents so that kind of brings it home to my kiddos... Anyhow, we are going to the store on Friday after school is out, each child will be bringing $10 of their own money and I will match funds.. plus a little extra, each child gets to pick a toy or outfit for the little ones, plus we will be doing some basic shopping, things like diapers and baby items (the mom sent me a list, she was thrilled!) If you have ever been through a house fire (I have) it is one of the most devastating things in the world, this is our way of sharing the spirit of Christmas, and a good way for my DC kids to learn that the best Christmas gifts you can get do not come wrapped in paper and bows, but from the warmth inside when you give to those in need.
Have a Blessed Christmas,
Ginny

Ginny said...

I for got to add, yes I made a super long post! The Bird of Paradise quilt is lovely and yet no one seems to want it, so please put me down for lonely #1, thank you.

Barbara said...

Nice giveaway. I'd like to win any of these things. Great idea. Count me in.

SoozeM said...

Wow what a huge giveaway! I am international, and would love prize 2 (it is probably the cheapest to post).

Christie S. said...

I commit to "Carry The Spirit Forward". What a fantastic giveaway. Happy Holidays.

Pam said...

What a wonderful, giving giveaway. I love the idea of carrying the spirit forward. So often we forget the true reason of Christmas ..thank you for reminding us all.

deserae said...

Please enter me for #4 or #6. Great giveaway! I will carry the spirit forward!

Mini MNM's said...

I love this! We try to donate food to the local food pantry and also send shoeboxes to children in less fortunate countries. (PS my nephew made me cry when he put his own personal Bible in the box for a child to be able to have a Bible of their own and to learn about Jesus!)I do like #4 and #5!

Aimee said...

I like both #4 & #6. This is a very generous giveaway; thanks to Karen for donating & you for hosting. I am committed to Carry the Spirit Forward.

Paula Lemos said...

Please thank Karen; this is a wonderful giveaway! I am carrying the spirit forward. I would love to win prize # 4, thanks for the chance!
ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

Texana said...

Thanks to Karen for her generous donations to this giveaway! And to you! As a quilter who enjoys seeing the look on the faces of recipients, I'd be proud to carry the spirit forward! I am most interested in prize #5...that poppy tablecloth is literally screaming my name!

Deb said...

Thanks so much to you and to Karen for this giveaway. I love the vintage tablecloth in Prize #5!!! I will carry the spirit forward!

Quiltin' Sandy said...

What a generous giveaway. I will carry the spirit forward by donating to a charity.
I really like prize no.6. thanks for the chance to win. Happy Xmas to you and Karen, from Sandy. :-)
sandangels1945@hotmail.com

robin said...

What a great reminder to think of those going through difficult times - I like to donate food on a regular basis to the food bank. So handy to just pick up a couple extra items each time I grocery shop and place them in the box for the food bank on my way out the door. Such a small thing, but think what an impact it could make if all who were able to do it, did it! Very generous of Karen to sponsor this giveaway! :o)

no4daughter said...

Thank you, Karen for your generousity. I love prize #2 and will carry the spirit forward in the coming months.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Carry forward is a great idea. Thanks for the giveaway.

Barb said...

For me and my husband it is hard to enter the Christmas season without doing something for atleast one person or family, it is a tradition and we usually keep it to ourselves....sometimes we would involve the boys, a knock and run thing and sometimes we would just by ourselves.

Tell Karen thanks for her generosity and you for hosting it....I know Darlene that you always always, Christmas or not go out of your way to do for others....such a wonderful example to me.

papel1 said...

Carry the spirit forward. Tonight as I was unpacking my ornaments to decorate my wreaths (no tree with 2 cats) I decided I have too many. So I am boxing them up and taking them to the SPCA.

I will also donate some food to the manna house.
Judy

isa & marta said...

Hola gracias por ser tan generosa en los regalos. En cuanto a la ayuda a los demas, siempre estoy atenta para entregarla, asi colaborar con un comedor, acompañar a algun anciano, arreglar ropa donada al ropero con el que colaboro, tambien hago mantas para donar, pero nunca lo publico, esa accion pertenece al ambito privado y no necesita hacerse publico,asi lo pienso.
De ganar no tendre la suerte de la manta, puesto que sera internacional, asi que cualquiera de los otros estara muy bien, las telas, amo las telas,jajaja. Tenga usted muy buena semana

Anorina @SameliasMum said...

Carry the spirit forward is so wonderfully inspiring and a completely generous giveaway. Thank you Karen.

Annmarie said...

What a wonderful Christmasy idea. I will commit to Carry the Spirit Forward! I have several things in mind already.

And thanks for the great giveaway. Would love the quilt top or some fabric.

Reenie said...

Wow..what a generous giveaway! Paying it forward is such an amazing act. My hub and I drive down to the Open Door Mission in our city right after meal time and hand out the quilts I made to those leaving the shelter. Breaks my heart to think of how many people are on the streets..especially in winter here in Rochester NY!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting this wonderful giveaway for Karen! Thank you Karen. I try to pay it forward some way each day. Happy holidays!

donna Goff quiltingdonna@yahoo.com said...

wow, such a wonderful give-a-way, I give alot of my projects away, i also make bunny's dressed in pj's for children in hospitals, such a wonderful thing,for carry the sprit forward, also in pay it forward. thanks from the bottom of my heart

Mystica said...

Thank you for sharing. I will carry this forward with my children in my orphanage (please come visit my blog and have a look).

I would prefer something in fabric as a prize!

My first giveaway is up on my blog. I would appreciate you all entering that as well.