THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO PARTICIPATED!
Hey Everyone!
It has been exactly 3 months to the day that I have posted here at the blog. I am sorry for my absence. I really didn't mean to be away for so long! It has been eventful around here, to say the least. Since the last time I have written, another market has come and gone, as well as the whole holiday season.
I can't believe that it is 2012 already...where did 2011 go? It is also hard to believe that this is the start of our 11th year with Serendipity. I feel so grateful for all the blessings in my life, especially for the opportunity to do something I dearly love for a living...I highly recommend it!
2011 brought many changes here at Casa de Whitt...we did some work on the house starting in September after we got a new front door put into the house. Of course, that happened during the HOTTEST week of the summer, and if you live anywhere in the southern US, you know how hot it was. Here's a photo of the new front door. It really changes the look of our home and we love it!
Once that work was finished, we had already decided that we would get rid of carpet in most of the house and add hardwood floors. BUT before that could happen, it was best to get walls painted and get rid of some older furniture for a fresh new look in the house. I spent most of the late summer and into the fall designing and writing the fall patterns, looking for new furniture and ordering sewing new pillows and window treatments, and generally overseeing the work on the house. To say that it was hectic is an understatement!
The work finally finished up mid-October and then market was upon us. The new furniture arrived and basically sat in the house without much else being done decoration-wise. For those of you who know me well, this is just the sort of thing that makes me nuts! I just didn't have the time to devote to decorating that I wanted so I put it on hold until we had market behind us. Once November was here, I was able to slow down a little and get everything back in its place. In hindsight, it was the best way to go but in October it seemed like it would never get here. Here are a few shots from market:
The "girls" got a change of clothes for each day of market again!
On Halloween, just two spidery girls!
My interview for Pat Sloan's radio show!
The rest of the year flew in the blink of an eye! Once I thought I was finished decorating, it was time to ramp up the Christmas decorating. I am a Christmas decorating fiend so I have to start before Thanksgiving. 8 trees and various decorations throughout the house makes for a big mess, but it is glorious when finished! I bought an artificial flocked tree this year. I have ALWAYS wanted one...and I love it!
During the Day
During the Evening
We had a restful Christmas with our family and rang in the New Year with cherished friends....now it is time for that FRESH START!!
I will be working on the Spring collection shortly (coming in May) as well as my THIRD BOOK! I know...it sounds hectic, but I think I am ready to take it on and I do love to keep my hands busy. As I get a little further along, I will give you a few hints about the new book...we are hopeful that it will be available by the close of 2012. That seems like a long time from now, but I know the time will fly as it always does.
I am not much for new year resolutions, but I will say that I will try not to be absent from the blog for 3 months again! It seems like when I have a lot to do, the blog is last on the list. It isn't that the writing is a problem, it is getting all the photos ready that seems to drag me down and I talk myself out of posting because I think I don't have enough time. I promise to try and do better this year!
NOW, if you are still with me here, it is time for that giveaway! Sew Serendipity Bags came out in late September so I know a lot of you already have had an opportunity to get a copy, but if you haven't, here's your chance! I will be giving away ONE copy to a lucky winner starting right now and going until 11:59 CST on Monday evening. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 10th. PLEASE leave ONLY ONE comment to enter. That makes it fair for everyone. Thanks so much!
Happy Sewing!!








162 comments:
Thank you for posting to your blog, you reminded me I have your Sew Serendipity book and as it is Summer I can sew myself a dress!!
Love the spidery ensemble, but the girl dressed in Joel Dewberry is gorgeous!!!
Thanks for the fun and chance to win!
Happy New Year!
oh your "new" house looks lovely! Great booth as well! I think the little ruffly bag is my favorite of them all.
Love the blog, think I will follow you..Please visit me at Hibiscus House. I love to sew also..You are very talented.
Dolly
Thanks for sharing so many things in one post! The house looks great! I think you didn't throw in that your studio was featured in a Studios series between the door and the decorating! You are so energetic!
Can't wait to get back to the studio, myself. 6 more weeks! Aargh! (Neck surgery). Happy 2012!
Your house looks beautiful, and your tree was gorgeous. Love the fabric you chose for your valances.
Thank you for the opportunity to win our book. :)
I just picked up your first book from JoAnn a couple of months ago and I would LOVE to have this one to pair with it! Your house looks amazing, and as always your creations are to die for!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful home photos. Love the market photos too. Crossing my fingers for your new book! I can make bags to match outfits from Sew Serendipity!
Can't wait to see the new book! Happy new year Kay
Your house is gorgeous. Good to "hear" from you again!
Lots of beautiful things in your post but I am inspired especially by your window treatments as that is what I was focussed on while shopping today. I'll be adding your photos to my inspiration file and hopefully resolving the issue this weekend as my DH is getting impatient with our naked windows.lol
I swear you do more in 3 months than the rest of us do in a year! I really love the pictures of your home, and can't wait for the new book! Happy 2012!
I'd love your new book of pretty bag patterns!
so glad that you are back.
Looking forward to read more ;)
Thea
from the-knitting-bee.blogspot.com/
Glad you're back! I love the tree.
welcome back. I would love a copy of your book. Thanks for the opportunity.
The updates look beautiful. Can't wait to see the new book!
Your home is beautiful! I'd be thrilled to win your book, thanks for the chance!
Happy New Year! And thanks for the chance to win.
I love your blog! I can't wait to hear more about your new book!!
I love your clothing designs. Especially the fabrics you pick. I have so much trouble picking out patterns, I'm jealous of those of you who make it look so easy
Thank you for sharing all the photos, especially of your beautiful home, and lovely tree! Can't wait to see what your next book will contain. :-)
Your home is lovely. I can't wait for your new one and would love to win this one.
Oh my goodness Kay!! Your home is just lovely!!! What a dream! I am so glad you posted again. I have been hoping for some more inspiration. :-)
Happy New Year! And thank you for the chance to win your new book!
I enjoyed reading your post. And I totally love your Halloween dress. Thanks for a chance to win!!!
Your home is so beautiful!
Fantastic tree, I've always wanted a white one!
I am so glad to see you are back with us! My how we have missed you! Hope you will be able to find the time to blog again soon! Your home is beautiful! I love the white tree too!
glosews
Kay...what a beautiful home you have...I love your front door...mine is like that and I love the look of it on a brick house in the south. I also loved the look of the flocked tree...so different and beautiful. I loved seeing the girls with different dresses/outfits at market...your booth is always so charming. Happy New Year and thanks once again for a chance to win a book.
Lovely door, floors & tree :)
I was hoping Santa was going to bring me this book, but no such luck... so now I'm hoping to win it!
I love love love your style. If I could have 1/8 of it I would be one happy girl. I have your book (the one with skirts, dresses etc) I plan on making one of the dresses as my next project. I hope to have a whole wardrobe of your designs one day.
I love your new front door. It is so beautiful. I really like to make pocketbooks and this book looks very interesting.
Gita L.
Your house is beautiful. A lot of work but well worth it. I love the new front door. I would like to see a blog entry about picking fabric. I have difficulty with finding fabrics that go together.
Love the pictures! Thanks for the giveaway!
Thank you for sharing ! I love your market displays~very beautiful!! Would love to have a copy of your book.
What a way to start off the year - sharing and giving! Wonderful. It sort of echoes my New Year's resolution to craft birthday gifts for every friend I have. The book could be a great source for inspiration, and - besides - I LOVE handbags and purses!
My two teenage girls have discovered your books and have already made dresses and skirts from one of your books. They would love, love, love to get their hands on this book and would probably try to make bags for all their friends for Christmas next! They are crafty and ambitious. We all love keeping up with your new books. Thanks!
So happy that you are back. Your house looks beautiful. I do not have this book and have really been dreaming about it. Thank you for making your patterns easy for novice folks like me.
Looking forward to whatever you want to ingrigue us with in the new year--more patterns, more books? Love your new bag book!
So nice to have you back in blogland! I have missed seeing what you were up to. Thanks for having this nifty give away. I want to work on some bags through the year so I would just love to have your book. Blessings! jb
Oh my gosh. EIGHT trees?? I would love looking at and enjoying them through the season, but the packing away exhausts me just thinking about it! :D I just saw you rnew book last week, and would love love a copy. Happy New Year to you too!
Loved your Sew serendipity book, can only imagine how great the bags book will be! Thanks for a great giveaway.
Thanks for posting! Looking forward to your new book and fun patterns!
Would love..love..love..to win that book. I love my sew serendipity book. By the way, I adore the birds on the Christmas tree!
I always enjoy your posts! And, you make me feel like a total slacker for my lack of Christmas decorations! I'd love to win a copy of Sew Serendipity Bags (I am a bag junkie, so it helps the budget if I make them myself). I've also got your first book on my wishlist :)
I enjoyed reading your post. I absolutely loved you Christmas tree. It was beautiful. Your books and patterns are awesome. I can't wait to see your next book!
Thanks for the chance, and I would love to win. I have your other books and just haven't had a chance to get this latest one!
I love reading your blog. Your front door is awesome!
BEAUTIFUL - door, redo of your home, Christmas decorations, and of course your great outfits as well! I LOVE your patterns!
Yay for the flocked tree! So pretty with the ornaments you chose. I need to make that ruffle bag....just sayin'......hope I get picked to get the new book. I have made several coats from your last one!
Please enter me! Thanks!
Happy to see your blog back. The book would be a great addition to my collection.
I am so happy to see that you have posted! I looked at your blog on the invisible zipper and was able to put in my very first one in the flirty tunic dress I just fished up over Christmas break. I have been sewing since my mom took me to meet you at The Berry Patch. I have made a skirt from the formula book and the hobo bag from the bag book. I have never in my life sewn, I have only had a Bernina 1130 in my closet since I was married and have watched my mom sew everything for 34 years. After meeting, you, I decided it was time. I look forward to the next book. Happy New Year!
Would love to win this book. The house is amazing and I love the white Christmas tree. I still have to sew a dress from your last book. My spring to-do list.
I love the door!
And I hope I win :) I have had this book on my wish list ever since it came out but my book budget has been trimmed a lot the last few months.
Love your books and patterns. Great Job!
I love the decor of your house! Thank you so much for writing these books! They definitely inspire me to keep up with sewing :)
Welcome back to a fresh New Year! Love to win your newest book, I have the first one and it's wonderful. The spider ladies picture is priceless!
Your book is so inviting. Your home is inviting, too. Makes me want to knock on your door and come in for a visit.
Your Christmas tree is enchanting! I've looked through this book, but haven't been able to purchase it yet. Love your ideas!
Glad you are back blogging! Love your patterns!
I enjoyed your lovely decor photos! Very inspiring! I would love to win your fun book! Thanks for the giveaway :)
Love the 'new' house. And thanks for the opportunity to win your new book.
You know I am a big fan of your patterns....I would love to win!
Glad to see you back. Love the tree.
Your house looks gorgeous - I love the new front door, inside and outside!
I picked up some fabric to make the Paris Jacket from Sew Serendipity. It will be my first clothing finish of 2012 and I'm so excited about it.
Happy New Year, Kay!
I would love to be entered in the drawing !! I can't wait to see what the new book will be ! I love my Sew Serendipty Book !!
I just made a couple of bags as Christmas gifts & now I'm eager to make more!
You have a lovely home. I'd love to have a copy of the book because it looks great.
I have a copy of your book, but would love to give one as a gift!
I bought your sew serendipity book for Christmas and I love it. It was a tough choice between your two books!
I have looked at your book but haven't been able to buy it yet due to unexpected car and plumbing repairs....would love to win!
I'm floored! Your decorating taste is extraordinary and imaginative; I love the way the small pops of color jump out at me.
Thank you for the opportunity to win--I could use some girly-girl accessories!!
Looks like a wonderful year! Thank you. mamalusco at ortelco dot net
Wonderful post with the update on what you've been up to the past three months. Thank you for the opportunity to win your new book.
I was just at the bookstore and had the chance to look through your book. I would love to win a copy.
My husband bought me a sewing machine for Christmas! I'd love to win this book! Yay! It is actually on my amazon wishlist:) I just bought your first book. I love it!
Kelly B
Mrskbj (@gmal.com)
Great to see you post again :)Love the way your house is looking with the new door!
Thank you for your comeback message and the giveaway! I'd like to win this book because I like sewing bags. The cover makes it very tempting!
Your house looks beautiful! I'd love to win a copy of your book ....... a lovely giveaway!!
Good luck on your new book!
Nice to see you back. If the rest of the bags in the book are as beautiful as the one on the cover I want to sew them all. Thanks for the chance. Beautiful house too.
I love all the color!
nice to see you back blogging again, I would love the chance to win your amazing book!! thanks! and happy new year :) Jessie xo
Love your blog and would love this book as much! I envy your talent!
Love your blog, glad you are back!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Kay it is so nice that you are back! I have a question... is your Halloween dress a Betty June creation? It looks fabulous! I don't know where you find the time for everything you do, but I am glad that you do just the same, gives me plenty to dream about.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!
It was wonderful to get to you so beautiful remembrance, what jet your book! Maybe luck will come this year?
I know that you are wonderful art. Your works are beautiful unique! I have your blog on my blog and I look up to you.
Beautiful house, home decor, and always nice to see you.
greetings from the Netherlands,
Wanda
Love what you have done with your home. Now I'm in spired to get sewing too!
The front door is beautiful as well as the rest of the home! Would love to see the new book.
Ruffles make the world smile----thanks fo rthe give away-- I hope I win....Promise to make a bag for a gift to pass on that smile.
It is so good to see you back refreshed and ready to tackle a new book. I love the first one but haven't gotten the second one yet.
I am a huge fan and I just adore the photos you posted of your home. It's gorgeous! I would love a chance to win your book on sewing bags!
beautiful home, thanks for sharing! I'd love a chance to win!
sarah8914 at gmail dot com
I just bought your Betty June pattern and I can't wait to make it! Thank you for the giveaway!
missysaprons@yahoo.com
I'm so glad you're back to blogging--I missed you! Your house looks beautiful, and I wish you continued sewing success in 2012!
oh boy I have your first book, I'd love to have this one too! I love sewing bags!
I would love to have that book...your items are so beautiful!
I love your blog and I find it very inspiring, I enjoyed looking at your pictures, they are so beautiful, I love your patterns, and the fabric you choose are beautiful and of course I would love to win this beautiful book, because it would make my day and thank you for allowing everyone to have a chance at winning it. Thanks again.
Isn't funny how a door can change a room, your nest is indeed lovely! You have inspired me..... Thanks for giving us a peek into your home. Happy New 2012 and Happy Sewing!!
The Halloween photos are so cool :D
Oooohh! I loved your skirts book so I'm really excited to see the bags book. And your house looks absolutely beautiful! You must be very happy with all of your hard work.
Your Christmas tree is BEAUTIFUL! I got an artificial tree for the first time this year, too, and I love it. It is green and has berries AND pine cones! Thanks for the giveaway! Santa didn't bring any sewing books this year, but he did bring an iPod Touch, so I can't complain *too* much!
so glad to see you back. Love that flocked tree! I do not have this book yet, although I do have the first and a large collection of your patterns and love them all! g
Your home looks absolutely gorgeous, love the front door and your new wood floors. Your booth looks lovely! You are so very talented!
Glad to see you posting again! Would love to win the bag book as I have not yet purchased it.
What a lovely home and I would like to make a change to win the book.
Greetings Yvonne
Thanks for sharing the photos of your beautiful house. Loved the hardwood floors. Great giveaway - who couldn't use a new book.
Happy New Year! My mom gave me one of your patterns for Christmas. Can't wait to sew it up!
I would love to win this fabulous book!
Thx for the chance :)
love you stuff -- happy new year!
So pretty!
I'd love to win the book. I've made a few of your patterns and love them.
Thanks.
Happy New Year! Your home is beautiful. I look forward to your new book, and thanks for great giveaway!
I think the front door is the most important part of the house. It sets the mood and gives your house personality. Your new door looks wonderful especially with your new floors.
Oh my goodness, your home is so lovely. It is a mirror reflecting your amazing style! Thank you for coming back, I check your blog often, your blog is stored in my favorites! I have mished you, and I just knew you were busy, busy on some fantastic projects!
I only dream that I could sew as well as you do, and fitting properly seems to be my problem, but your book, Sew Serendipity has helped bunches! I have made your skirt, using the Fashion Formula pattern Trixie. It was a bit too long and full, so you know what - I just cut it down a bit!!
Thank you for what you do, God has given us all talents, and you are using yours to share with us.
May you have a slower paced, prosperous new year 2012.
Your pictures are beautiful! I enjoyed reading your post.
I so loved seeing your beautiful home today---I hope you see many joyful days in that lovely setting....I would love to win your new book--I just love your patterns......
Your home is beautiful. I especially love your white china cabinet. I have been looking for some time for something like that. So far, nothing in Florida...but I will keep looking.
I love you house ...the door is beautiful! Thank you for the chance to win!
Happy New Year!! I love the day/night christmas tree photo's, just gorgeous, and the new door looks great too.
Great giveaway! I love bags, so I'd love to make some with this book.
Welcome back! The book was on my wishlist, but I didn't get it - I'd love to win the giveaway!
needlegrrl at gmail
Glad you're back posting on the blog. I love your clothing book and would love to add the bag book to my resources.
So glad to read your post. Your home is gorgeous. Would love to have the new book to sew all the lovely items. kimharper500@gmail.com
I have had so much fun working from Sew Serendipity...I am in the midst of making a skirt for a friend, and I can't wait to make my dress. I am excited to check out the new bags and purses!
What an awesome giveaway! Would love to win a book!! Love you Christmas Tree - beautiful! atlmommy@gmail.com
I am so happy I found your website ---love your designs...especially your adorable bags!
Hi I'm new .to your blog and to sewing but I'm extremely glad to have found it as your style of home decorating is exactly the look I have resolved to achieve for our home in 2012. Fingers crossed for a copy of your book.
Looking forward to your blog.
PaulaB
Thanks for the update. Love your patterns!
Absolutely love the bag pictured on the cover of the book!!!! Beautiful work as always!!! Timeto get stitching on a dress for summer from your book!!!!
I absolutely LOVE your style. Wish you could decorate my home with the same flair. Happy New Year!
I used one of your bag patterns for the first time to make a gift for my niece; thanks for helping me look like a very cool aunt. she loved the purse, and I can't wait to try more of your patterns-- they are incredibly thought out and easy to follow.
Your home looks lovely...all decorated, and LOVE your front door! Can't wait to win your pattern:-)
Welcome back! i would love the have a copy of the book.
Love the pics and your home is beautiful! Sounds like you'll be as busy as a bee in a hive again this year!!
You have beautiful taste! I would love to win this bag pattern! I am currently working on a Savannah jacket! : )
After making a skirt and jacket from the skirt book, I have never had so many compliments on an outfit. The bag book should be just as fruitful. WOuld love to have one!
Love the update, we have missed you here in blog land! I can't wait for your next book your first book inspired me to start sewing. Thanks so much.
I love your patterns, and this book is on my wishlist.
Thanks for sharing and welcome back!
Looking forward to the new book I have Sew Serendipity and love it! Thank you for the chance to win this book. Happy New Year x
Fabulous pictures, you have been a VERY busy girl! Hope that your new year is SEW great! Sorry, couldn't resist that one.
I am looking forward to using some of your patterns for my spring & summer wardrobe this year. Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway!
Hi! Can't wait to see the new book!
Enjoyed your update on the blog and the Christmas tree looks so beautiful at night.
Thanks for the giveaway.
I have made several of your dresses, and just love them. Looking forward to seeing what your next book is all about!
Your house is beautiful:)
I am just now getting back in to sewing and am looking for some great pieces to get started on. This books looks like exactly what I need. Thanks for posting the giveaway!
Beautiful book; I'd love to whip up some cute bags! -Sara
I enjoyed your post with all the pictures. I would love to win your book.
Wow you HAVE been busy!!! :) But us lurkers have been patiently waiting. You house looks beautiful - hopefully you are now feeling that it was worth all the stress. I have been wanting this book for a while now - thanks for the chance to win it!!
I made my first skirt from the Sew Serendipity book a few weeks ago and I love it. I would love to try making a matching bag! And your house is beautiful :)
Loved the first book(so did my DD).Thanks for the giveaway
Can't wait for the new book!
I love all your designs. Keep up the good work!
I have your other book and would love to win this one!
I have a copy of both your books but would love one for my best friend who has now made it a full year cancer free! Her family is taking her to Disney to celebrate and I have made her some gifts,,and am contemplating the Dianne Kimono dress for her( we wear the same size) for her trip~
I know she would LOVE to get back into sewing and loves all kinds of purses,( and has bought many) but lately is into lots of color~,I would LOVE to wrap that book up in fabric and send it to her~ I am so proud of how she came thru all of this and love her to pieces!
I'd love this book!
You have such a beautiful home.I am pinning a lot your ideas for later!
I received my copy of this book this week and am loving it! I've already made my first bag from it; photos posted on my blog. Thank you - lots of really inspirational ideas here!
Sweet, simple and elegant! Thanks.
Girls Sundresses
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