because I love YOU sew

Thank you. Words that don't seem to express nearly the gratitude that fills my heart after the last 14 days of this blog book tour for Because I Love You Sew.

The last stop on the tour is right here, today.

This book was most certainly a labor of love.

Many people think that sewing and design work is my "full time" job. Truth is, I have a long time career working in higher education and the environmental field which is where I spend the majority of my "work" time. This "Two Peas" business of mine is my passion. It's my creative outlet.

It's where I get to dream and imagine, draw and paint, create and sew, write and share. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have that outlet. It fulfills me and I'm so thankful that God created ART. I love it.

And I love this creative community that I am a part of - you are beautiful and you fill my heart to the brim.

So when I sat down to write this book, I did it on the weekends. After bedtimes late at night and during nap times on my days off. There were tears. And sleepless nights. And a lot of ripping out seams on stitches that just didn't work.

And in the end, came this. A book. With my name on it. Where I shared stories about my kids and our lives. Projects that I have loved making and I hope you enjoy making them too.

I am incredibly humbled that anyone besides my Mom has purchased this book and equally humbled and grateful for the kind words and reviews this book has received.

I want to tell you THANK YOU - with a big giveaway.I'm offering a signed copy of the book, Because I Love You Sew. A trio of my Two Peas patterns. A handful of wonderful threads from Aurifil. A pretty blue stack of fabrics courtesy of Dear Stella fabrics. A package of InsulBright thanks to the Warm Company. AND I'm giving away the handmade sample of the Sweet Tweet Bag from the book made in Bari J.'s gorgeous fabrics and made by me.

How to Enter:

1) Leave a comment here on this post sharing with me your most special handmade gift you have ever given.

2) For an extra chance, follow me on Instagram (trishpreston) and repost about this giveaway. Come back here and leave a comment that you have shared on Instagram and be sure you leave your Instagram name.

3) For one more chance, share this post on your Facebook page and tag Two Peas in a Pod and leave a comment that you have done so.

This giveaway will be open until DECEMBER 27TH, 2014. I will choose a winner using Random.org. Open only for domestic shipping in the US.

BUT for my international friends - we are having a 2nd giveaway for a signed copy of the book only so that you aren't left out.

Thank you for being a part of my community of friends. Be sure to visit all the previous stops of the tour and enter in the other giveaways for Because I Love You Sew.

Because I Love You Sew Bloggers Book Tour December 1st: Come visit with C+T Publishing December 3rd: My sweet friend, Heather Jones December 4th: Lovely Caroline Hulse of Sew Caroline December 8th: My creative friends at Generation Q Magazine December 9th: Quilty and fabulous Sew Cal Gal December 10th: My mentor, Jennifer Paganelli of Sis Boom December 11th: Fellow twins Mom Alison Little of Little Green Thread December 12th: Dear friend and amazing artist, Bari Ackerman of Bari J Designs December 13th: My industry partner (and fav sewing machines) Bernina December 14th: Love this girl! Karen Davis of Celebrate Life with Us

{country living fair}

Remember THIS from last year? It is so much fun!  Arts and crafts, good food, vintage wares, and this year...I'm not going as visitor!  Nope, I'm working at the Country Living Fair this year!

The story goes like this.  Last year, when I was at the fair, I met Kelly McCants of Modern June (oh, she's a doll and her stuff is so very cute!).  Kelly and I had already been "twitter friends" so when I walked up to her at the fair, I was like, "Hi!  I'm Trish Preston, from twitter?".  We squeeled, hugged and chit chatted away.  A few weeks ago, Kelly remembered that I live in Columbus and sent me a note asking me if this year, I'd help her out at her booth...cutting fabric and stuff.

Seriously?

Me?

Cut fabric.

HECK YEAH!  I'm not a girl to ever say no to anything that has to do with fabric and sewing.  No, really.  I won't.

I'd love to help out!  So me and one of my girlfriends are headed down to the Country Living Fair on Friday and Saturday (September 16th and 17th) to hang out, cut fabric and help in Kelly's booth.  (I'll have some of my SPROUTS sewing patterns in her booth too!)

{are you local?  Kelly is also going to be doing a book signing over at Sew to Speak on High Street in Columbus on the 15th?  Right Kelly?}

Are you planning on coming to the Country Living Fair?  You should be!  No joke people!  It's a seriously sweet fun event!  Stop by the Modern June booth and say hello!  Kelly will also be doing a book signing for her new book, Sewing with Oilcloth.

I'm already dreaming about the booth that had the fresh bruschetta.  And Jeni's.  Oh, Jeni's ice cream is there.  And fresh kettle corn.  Have I ever mentioned that probably my favorite thing to do besides sew is to eat?  I love hanging out with friends over a great bowl of salsa and chips.  Or artichoke dip.  Or...Hey!  I haven't eaten yet today!  No wonder I'm babbling about food!

Back to the fair.

Guess who else is gonna be there on Friday doing a book signing for her book?  Jennifer!  Sis Boom designer, Jennifer Paganelli will be over at the Earth Angels booth with her book, Girl's World.  Jennifer and I have not yet met in person but I count her as a friend.  As many of you already know, she is one of the most personable, warm and kind women I've ever...not yet met.  And incredibly talented.  Looking forward to meeting her.

So, I guess that's it then.  Have I convinced you that you NEED to make it out to the Country Living Fair?  If you go, will you PROMISE to stop over at the Modern June booth and say hello to me?  I don't get out much, I'm REALLY, REALLY looking forward to a full two days of GIRL TALK / SHOPPING / EATING.  That made me excited just to type it.  girl talk.  shop.  eat.  Better than...well, let's keep it PG here.  You know what I mean.  (Just don't tell my husband I said that hee hee nervous laugh, just kidding honey!)

See you at the fair!