She could barely wait to get home that night to turn on her computer and peruse the amazing fibers that sang so beguilingly to her. It took her several hours to compile and whittle down her list of only the most special-est fabrics to come to her house and finally in the wee hours of the morning (8 minutes after 12am to be exact), she typed her credit card number in and hit send... The hardworking Little Seamstress went to bed with visions of fabric dancing in her head.
The next day the Little Seamstress woke with a smile on her face and went off to her day job slaving for the IB trolls. But miracles upon miracles, there was an email from her most favoritist online fabric store in the early afternoon (3:48pm to be exact) stating that her fabric had shipped. How wonderous was this? How awesome that her order had shipped not more than 24 hours after being placed! Now there would be fabric goodness awaiting her upon her return from work on Monday evening because one of the things that the hardworking Little Seamstress loves best is the one day shipping from Fabric Mart.
But miracles upon miracles, the hardworking Little Seamstress' fabric arrived on Saturday afternoon. After quickly sending a most gratified hallelujah to the fabric gods, the Little Seamstress carried her box into the house and with baited breathe carefully sliced the box open. And magically there tumbled out beautiful shades of bamboo knit in very generous cuts that took her breathe away...and then the double faced wool in orange and gray that is such fine quality it makes her want to weep...and as she reaches her hand into the box to pull out the last piece...a cloud descends...it is not the coordinating orange/grey stripe but a cranberry/gray stripe instead.
Oh what to do? What to do? It's Saturday afternoon and there is no one to call at her most favoritist fabric store. The hardworking Little Seamstress checks her receipt to confirm that yes she did order the gray/orange striped double faced wool knit. Then she checks the strip of white tape on the fabric which confirms that yes, it does say that it should be the gray/orange piece but it's definitely cranberry/gray stripes. After a harrowing weekend of constantly checking the website to make sure that the orange/grey stripes weren't sold out and a night of tossing and turning from the sheer worry of her dream outfit being thwarted...
The hardworking Little Seamstress contacted the most wonderous shopworkers at Fabric Mart first thing Monday morning...and tada! They did have the 2.5 yards the Little Seamstress needed to complete her outfit! And tada they would ship it out right away! And tada they didn't even want the cranberry/gray doublefaced wool knit piece back...they said to donate it or keep it myself. Aren't they just the best, most amazing, most wonderous fabric store on the planet!?!
And because they are...and because they let me keep the piece...I am going to share it with you my dear readers! That's right...I'm going to pass the piece on! But here's the catch and please dear U.S. readers in the spirit of giving that reflects upon Thanksgiving understand...I am opening this drawing to overseas readers ONLY! We, here in the U.S. and Canada can partake of Fabric Mart's goodness anytime we want, but I have taunted and teased our fellow overseas readers for days, months, and years with the awesomeness that is Fabric Mart.
So if you are from anywhere besides the continental United States or its terrorities, yes that means if you are in Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico you are not eligible for the drawing, please leave a message (including your email addy) and tell me why you would like to own this 2.5 yard - 60" wide piece of luscious double faced wool knit:
I will ship anywhere the random generator chooses. You have until 6:00 pm Sunday, November 28, 2010 EST to leave your comment. I will choose and announce a winner then and will ship it next week. So let the praising begin! *LOL*
And the moral to this story...great customer service gets rewarded by me singing your praises here in my little corner of fabricaholicness! If you haven't purchased from Fabric Mart yet, please visit their site or their YouTube Channel and shop until you drop! Especially now that they are offering 20% off their entire website!
...more later!
Squeal! I get to enter! It's beautiful fabric and now I'm fantasising about what it could become...maybe another Vogue DKNY cowl neck dress? Or a draped vest that uses both sides of the fabric to advantage? Hmmm, now you've got me thinking! Thanks for such a generous offer Carolyn (I was seriously envying you when I read your last post about Fabric Mart).
ReplyDeleteWhy would I like it? Because its beautiful and because it has a most wonderful story to it. And this fabric would surely love to come to Australia!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being so generous.
Thank you for understanding our dismay when Fabric Mart do not ship to the land of Oz! I would love to turn this fabric into a draped knit cardigan and would bless you forever if you send it my way!!
ReplyDeleteOooh! Want! That's some seriously lovely fabric, and that color combination goes with TONS of stuff in my wardrobe!
ReplyDeleteAlso, e-mail: chabas DOT tc AT gmail DOT com
Oh, that fabric would be to good use here in cold Finland. I could make a really nice tunika for me or my daughter.
ReplyDeleteGah! Seriously want but will have to pass. Elbow injury keeps me from sewing (or doing much of anything else) for at least another month.
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn, what a story about perfect customer service and what a wonderful way to celebrate Thanksgiving season and to spread its spirit beyound the United States! Though I never win in any lotteries I would like to join the game. This fabric would be great to create smth for cold Russian winter that has already arrived(I look at the window and see a street covered with snow). I think it could make a nice office outfit, a cardigan or maybe even a dress.
ReplyDeleteSo, my e-mail: zdvagon AT mail DOT ru.
What an opportunity! You are soooo nice to share the wonderfulness with us non-continental-US ones! If I were to win the fabulous fabric, I'd make myself a simple o-neck top using the becomingest pattern that I have. It would go well with my other wardrobe since these are absolutely my colours (I had my colours done back in the early 1990's so I know;-). I would also try my hand at a knit skirt for my daughter. She wanted a simple skirt with very visible zip pockets but the style was all sold out. I might be able to make the skirt in time for Christmas! It would make her happy, too. Many greetings to you from Finland, and thank you for your lovely blog!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great and funny post! That was a good morning starter - as it is morning here in Denmark at the moment. Thank you for thinking about us Fabric Marts deprived poor souls. I would like to take part in the drawing. :-) I really need some warmer winter tops and I have been wanting to try bamboo knit for a very long time but never seen any around here. anne@lindholt.dk
ReplyDeleteSecond Squeal! Sometimes I browse Fabric Mart and dream of them having international shipping! Such lovely fabrics. That cranberry/grey would match my wardrobe perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carolyn for your generosity! Happy Thanksgiving!
Oh Fabric Mart! If only you shipped to Europe. I would like this fabric because I love the colors and would love to share in your joy at being treated well by customer service! So rare nowadays! (at least it is here...)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your generosity
I wish Fabric Mart shipped to the Uk - however I would love that piece of knit to make the infamous LMB cardigan it would be fabulous
ReplyDeleteI would love to own this precious little piece of fabric, because I have an awful cold winter ahead of me. I am still a student and have mouth of my little son to feed, so there is no way I could ever afford such beautiful wool double knit to keep me warm. Love you for sharing your bliss.
ReplyDeleteI would love to own that little piece of gorgeousness! I'm about to start sewing a grey pencil skirt and the cranberry/grey stripe would make a perfect co-ordinating cardigan. I even have the pattern already! I've got my fingers crossed here in the UK! sewstylishblog (at) gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI am sure that luscious fabric wants a trip to Denmark ;-) I love both cranberry and grey, and I could use a new dress.
ReplyDeleteTania
tania_gr17 at yahoo dot com
You are generous not to keep the cranberry piece for yourself! I'd be sorely tempted. Great customer service always makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, too.
ReplyDeleteIf I had this piece of fabric, I'd try to make an edge to edge waterfall cardigan out of it. I've seen some nice ones in stripes lately, but it is hard to find nice knits to sew with here.
So, my email: skousgard AT yahoo DOT com
I would love to win this fabric as I have been gazing enviously at fabric mart for about 4 years! still waiting for them to ship internationally!Eithne
ReplyDeleteTell me another story MOMMY!! That one was beautiful!!! Christmas is coming early!!
ReplyDeleteI think it would make the most perfect cardigan/jacket. Gorgeous. Add me to the list of hopefulls :)) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'd love that one. I placed my FM order yesterday, and sadly, did not buy that fabric, but I surely can see a Burda turtle dress or Burda turtle twinset out of that or something. My daughter might even like it! Here's the email addy: summersetbanks "at" gmail -dot- com.
ReplyDeleteThat is some cozy looking fabric. Here in London, the temperature is dropping. My office has decided not to put the heating on too much this year to save money. I'm typing with fingerless gloves on. I would love some warm woolen fabric to wrap myself up in.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! Please add me to your list. I promise I'll let it age a little - I'm envisioning a long line cardi for next winter - hot weather has already sprung here in Vic. Australia
ReplyDelete(Oh stupid me. I tale the bamboo part back. My brain does not work that early, I guess...)
ReplyDeleteIn the states, so not entering, just commenting on great customer service and fun story. Enjoy your new fabric.
ReplyDeleteGreat post (and story!) I really like the fabric.
ReplyDeleteIt's really a lovely idea from you, giving away such a beautiful piece of fabric! I love the colour combination and since it's usable from both sides, it gives so much possibilities.
ReplyDeleteI can visualize myself in a top made from this fabric. Something like Vogue 8451, with a bit puffy, long sleeves and about 5 flowers made from both sides of the fabric remnants sewn asymetrically to the collar... Hmm, yes - that's what I would like the fabric for :-).
Happy sewing with the fabrics from Fabric Mart :-)!
Tell me another one!!!!
ReplyDeleteNo no no, do not enter me in the drawing . . . but I wanted to echo your praise for FabricMart. Their new Facebook videos of their fabric are just brilliant . . . great marketing tool! While they don't always have the largest selection of merchandise, I've always been pleased with what I've ordered from them (and you can't beat their prices).
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win! I'd make a dress with it. I'm in Australia.
ReplyDeleteMae (mae dot wilson at yahoo dot com dot au)
Last week, while the LIttle Seamstress was waiting patiently for her package, I got a call from a little piece of double faced wool. It explained that it was very sad because it had been left out of the box to go to a lady who makes the most elegant clothes. I promised that little bit of fabric that if we ever met again, I'd make it into the most beautiful DKNY-style cozy, so that everyone could see how beautiful it was, inside and out. That way the little piece of fabric would be worn and hugged every day and the people in Bordeaux would marvel at its colour, because although it says cranberry, its true name is bordeaux, so where better to make its new home?
ReplyDelete:-)
Oh my goodness - what to make with this glorious wool knit? I think a lovely dress that will keep me warm in this cold wintery weather in the UK.
ReplyDeleteKeeping my fingers crossed.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, blogger is playing with me today...
ReplyDeleteI would love that lovely piece of fabric.
Now, whom do I share it with?
Me or my 15 year old daughter...
My email addie is: grinerjenny at comcast dot net
Oooh! Wool doubleknit! And a cute, fun to read post. What a great combo. FabricMart is awesome.
ReplyDeleteYou are a great story teller in addition to being a great seamstress. Thanks for your generous offer. I would create a bias cut cardigan jacket to wear with my cranberry long skirt. It would warm up a canadian winter.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't clear if Canadians are included in your giveaway or not, so if not, please ignore this. But it's lovely fabric, so if Canadians are elegible I'll put my name in. I don't comment much but I do read (and envy your online-fabric-ordering. I am always too chicken, plus the shipping to Canada always seems so much more expensive...)
ReplyDeleteOh, I'd love this to make a skirt for my daughter. I actually love working with knits - call me crazy but I find they are very forgiving.
ReplyDeleteEllie
Oh, I'd love this to make a skirt for my daughter. I actually love working with knits - call me crazy but I find they are very forgiving.
ReplyDeleteEllie
oops forgot my email
theroadtohobbiton at gmail dot com
C you have a gift with spinning the tales! monicaquijada at me dot com.
ReplyDeleteWell, heck yes! Thank you, thank you for this wonderful chance at Fabric Mart goodness. I'd love to make a sweater set from this. Love your storytelling and your blog!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that you're opening this giveaway to overseas readers! (The fabric is great, but I live in the U.S., alas.) It's a great story about customer service, too.
ReplyDeleteA Fabric Tale continues...
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, a fellow sewist who always loves to see the creations turn out by the hardworking, fabric hoarding, Little Seamstress visits the dreaded Hancock's and must settle with only one of the patterns she was seeking, due to spotty inventory.
But what a pattern it is! "Butterick 5523 in two coordinated knits would be fabulous!", she dares to daydream. Realizing she'll probably never find appropriate fabric, she purchases the pattern anyway.
But wait! Your lovely fabric would work beautifully. Here's hoping for a happy ending to this tale.
Some would argue that Florida, land of the dangling chads, shouldn't be part of the US... S'right. I'll go buy some of my own.
ReplyDeleteThat's so lovely of you! I'll leave the fabric to someone else as my stash is big enough already, but it's so nice to know people think of us out in the rest of the world and understand the grief of being out of reach of FabricMart!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing what you make!
Lyndle in NZ
How extremely generous and (thoughtful) of you! Numerous times have I put a selection in a basket, only to realise the fabric I am now in love of will cost a fortune to ship to the UK (so then I remove it all again). I would love some wool knit, especially as despite living in Scotland I can't seem to find any anywhere (especially not in my two favourite colours!).... racheljgreen (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteLeaving a comment but do not expect to win! I could feel your excitement upon opening your fabric box. I visit your blog about 4X a month as you are my inspiration to get back into sewing as my sewing machine and supplies have been on hold while digging out the garage, basement and finances. Happy Sewing to whom ever wins the fabric. Do post pics of a finished garment!
ReplyDeleteJanice in Southeastern WI
kbrewer8219@charter.net
Ooh, that's seriouslly beatiful fabric, and so generous of you! I'd love to turn that piece of fabric into a cardigan or top. And if the Fabric Mart people are reading this: please, please, pretty please, would you consider starting shipping internationally? :-)
ReplyDeleteAhh.... Another wonderful post. You are my afternoon coffee break. I savored every single twist and turn and love the pictures. I WILL check out the fabled Fabric Mart! Okay back to my day job. I am having sewing withdrawal because we have a guest who is staying in my sewing room! :<
ReplyDeleteYay! I've wanted to order from your lovely favoured shop before (so much selection!), but the shipping costs to Canada stretch my budget too far. I'd use the fabric to made a wrap cardigan...my new favourite multi-season wardrobe piece.
ReplyDeletetanya.hein@travnet.org
What a great idea for a giveaway! So generous of you. I love FM, too. A little too much for my own good, sometimes.
ReplyDeleteBamboo fabric? ... cranberry and grey? PERFECT! This piece must surely be destined to come down-under to me! I lust after it soooooooo badly! Good luck to whoever wins but I so hope it is me!
ReplyDeleteI got that very same email, and ordered some fabric from that very same sale. You introduced me to that wonderful fabric store, and they have become one of my favorite places on the planet! For that, I owe you a debt of gratitude. And I would enjoy that fabric, because I think it would make a luscious and warm A-line dress with a boat neck and long sleeves with a nice tight cuff. And there are many other deserving people here who have lovely ideas for the same fabric. Good luck choosing a winner, and Happy Thanksgiving, Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteOne day shipping, you say? Oh Really??? How has this fact escaped me? Why am I driving an over an hour to get my bamboo knits? Hmmmm I think I'll just check this out. LOL Susan C
ReplyDeleteOh Caroline! You are such an enabler...lol.
ReplyDeleteI'm not eligible for the drawing but I did want to share that I went to Fabric Mart after reading this and I now have 32 yards of fabric on the way! Oh boy! You are such an inspiration.
Ooooh - cranberry - one of my favourites, and just right for sewing in the Christmas break (a dress inspired by this other blogger - http://cloudyhn.webs.com/apps/blog/show/4919772-knit-dress-for-fall)
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, you're so kind to share this. I hope the trolls appreciate you!
PS My email prefix is mail.melj (it's a gmail account)
In a land far far away at the bottom of the world there lived a sad lady named Sonia. It was summer in this far away land and everywhere was very warm but all Sonia wanted to do was sew winter clothes, perhaps a lovely cardigan to keep her warm, in the winter of course. Then Sonia read of the wonderful gift that the little seamstress was giving away and she thought that would be just perfect. Now all she had to do was wish upon a star that her name would be the one chosen to receive the beautiful fabric then she could live happily ever after.
ReplyDeleteSonia.hinson@xtra.co.nz
I don't get to enter... but just wanted to say that that is a sweet, thing that you did... how thoughtful of you to do such a wonderful people for our fellow seamster's....
ReplyDeleteHave a Wonderful Thanks Giving.
Wow - you are so generous (and so are Fabric Mart)! That fabric is gorgeous and I can see if turning into a beautiful dress or jumper (pullovers to you I think!).
ReplyDeleteI have this image of fabric shopping in the US, it sounds like there is such an abundance. It reminds me of the big edible room in Willy Wonka - only an all-sewable fabric room! Woo!
OOOoooo I can enter! Would love to get the lovely stripes. Have been on a double knit kick lately and I can just picture it sewn up into a cardi with bias cut collar to go with my winter dresses. Keeping my fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn that is very generous. Even though it is summer here now (actually supposed to be boiling hot as we say but it was very windy and cold today - go figure) I would love to make a knitted cardi just to fit my short and a little wide stature. I have just started sewing knits and am always trolling the US fabric sites - it is so cheap and would be great to buy to practice but they won't ship here. DIsmay, dismay. Anyway, good luck to whoever wins. Thanks for your kindness.
ReplyDeleteSofie sewdarntired.blogspot.com
Hi Carolyn,
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely idea! I am one of your frequent readers from overseas, though not commenting very often since I don't have a blog of my own and can only answer anonymously. Why choose me? Ok, it's getting pretty cold here in Germany and this knit would be a perfect cardigan in my winter wardrobe. All the best, Anke
walter_ankeatyahoo.de
I actually subscribed just to comment on this-
ReplyDeleteI was a military spouse living overseas for six years, in England. It literally brought tears to my eyes that you did something so very kind for someone that cannot just hop in the car and zip over to a fabric store! When I left England, the base exchange carried a few zippers, bobbins and the like, but that was it. There were no fabric stores within 100 miles of my home that carried garment quality fabric, and when I did venture over to Germany I couldn't afford them.
I would hug the stuffin' out of you for this act of tremendous generosity, and I can't wait to see that someone has won it! You are simply a peach!
This fabric looks just great. Thank you so much for having mercy on us poor little overseas sewing fanatics who can only drool over Fabric Mart in front of our computers. This cutie would make such a nice little (ok, not so little) vintage knit blouse for me.
ReplyDeleteBTW: I loved your interview with Gertie. You rock!
Woohoo......I really hope the random generator picks me :-)That fabric is berautiful, I love stripes and the colours are so 'me'. How generous of them and you to pass it on.
ReplyDeleteI think this piece could be the one that has been hiding my lost mojo from me for the last little while.....in fact I am convinced that it is hidden in between those amazing stripes and just waiting to jump out and slap me round the face Lol!
I can just picture a long knit cardigan, simple in shape and worn over grey tweed pants when our winter arrives...perfect :-)
How exciting! I wish we were as lucky as you here in the UK for Fabric shops - they're so hard to find and fabric is so so expensive!
ReplyDeleteIf I were to win I would make this pattern (which I've just ordered). I think the stripes would make a really interesting pattern with this cowl neck. And I've not long had my overlocker so I'm dying to try and do something knitted on it!
What a wonderful competition :-)
Aileen
How generous of you to be willing to send overseas! I wear mostly blacks and dark blues but I've been thinking of grey lately. I think that this piece would be nice as a sweater or jacket.
ReplyDeleteI adore your blog and pretty much everything you make!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely thing for you to do. I have no idea what I would make with it were I lucky enough to win this gorgeous piece of fabric...but as New Zealand is just heading in to summer I've got a few months yet to figure out something!
Thanks for the opportunity to enter!
I'm sure the fabric would looove to come to warm me in the cold Norwegian winter. And cranberry is my color. Than you for thinking of us overseas and have a happy Thanksgiving weekend.
ReplyDeleteVibeke
An here is my email, wich I forgot to add
ReplyDeletevibekevennemoAThotmailDOTcom
So if You will allow Canadian entrys, I might as well go for it!
ReplyDeleteWow - what an unselfish giveaway! This would be the perfect amount to make a cowl-neck sweater dress. I envy all your beautiful dresses and haven't yet gotten up the nerve to sew a knit dress because I'm not sure I have enough nerve to wear one. This fabric would provide GREAT impetus to get over my self-conciousness.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness I always squeal over the amazing giveaways in the U.S. We are very limited here in Perth, Oz with the selection of beautiful fabrics. I have always wanted to make one of those lovely draped cardigans and this fabric would be lush... I love your blog Carolyn and am continously amazed by your impecable sewing. Thanks for being so generous.
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn AKA Diary of a Sewing Fanatic! I have to say that I absolutely love reading your blog this would be the first time that I have left a comment, however I thought it was time to let you know how much you inspire me to achieve more that I would dare to believe possible. I look forward to readying your posts every day and I just want to say THANK YOU for taking the time to share your love of sewing and your beautiful creations with us, it makes me want to go down to my sewing room and get busy.....although I do not need the fabric, ha ha if you believe that then I don't know...fabric is my drug of choice, I certainly wouldn't send it back! However it was the thought of owning a piece of bamboo knit that really peaked my interest....Thanks again for the generosity of your time as we all know how precious that is. Cindy
ReplyDeleteOh yes, that is one yummy fabric indeed! I NEED it to keep me warm in that c-c-c-cold, dry, windy, and, dare I say, unfriendly place, I'm heading for in a couple of months.
ReplyDeleteWow Carolyn, I didn't think Cdns were included, but just saw that they are! :-) I haven't sewn any clothing for a few years due to health issues, but am starting to get in the mood, so this would be great to win the fabric!! It would be a nice change from the quilts I've been making (although you don't have to "fit" a quilt) lol
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving! What a generous offer and what a lovely piece of fabric. There seem to be so many fabulous fabric shops in America but international shipping... oh my!
ReplyDeleteciel_s (at) yahoo (dot) co (dot) uk
Hi Carolyn
ReplyDeleteI LOVEEEEEEEEEEEE your blog - i cant for the life of me get how you fit in family,work,sewing luscious things and blogging to inspire others - but I am so glad you do!!
I live in Sydney Australia and my available shops for luscious fabrics in my colour ways are almost nil
so please consider me, girlfriend!!
Wendy
Wow! That's so generous. Did you know how hard it is to find good quality, winter worthy knits in these parts (the Netherlands)?
ReplyDeleteAnd this lovely fabric would fit perfectly into my colour scheme for this winter as well...
It could be a wonderfull top or even a dress. I'd draft a pattern for it with some kind of drape-bit or set-in pieces so I could play with direction of those stripes.
Carolyn, I comment very infrequently, being a "follower" rather than like yourself, a "leader, but your latest post offering the bamboo knit encouraged me to enter the fray. As other UK dwellers have commented, (if you do not live in London), fabric of quality is hard to find. You do not know how I drool over your purchases, leave alone your creations! The cranberry/grey knit would also lift and warm the grey shift dress I made last month, and heck, winter has suddenly descended on normally mild Devon. Thanks for sharing. Laura UK
ReplyDeletePick me, random number generator, pick me! Those are my colours and I really want to make a beautiful stripy sweater.
ReplyDeleteWow, I mis-read that the first time. I'm writing from Alberta, Canada and would LOVE to win. Hope the random generator picks ME!
ReplyDeleteThanks for thinking of us,
Ok, I can only rationalize this by saying that I never met a giveaway I didn't want (it's clearly a cultural thing). Or, I'll just have to go visit my brother in Canada in the winter.
ReplyDeleteThrow my name in the hat, please!
What a lovely offer! And kudos to Fabric Mart for helping you do it. THAT'S customer service!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I have no idea what I'd make with something so gorgeous! A fun cardigan comes to mind though, something I can wrap myself up in to keep warm during this winter that is looking to be *horrible*.
What a generous giveaway, thank you Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteTHE Spirit of Thanksgiving!!
Living in 1920's house, I can always use another cozy sweater, winter is at our doorstep here in germany.
I would love that knit as Burda 7594! Thank your for sharing your blessing with us.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited that I get to enter from Canada. It's been really cold and snowy here for days and I'm starting to feel isolated. The material is beautiful and thanks for letting me enter
ReplyDelete