I've been wanting to participate in Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day for awhile, so this year I finally got my act together! I set a reminder on my calendar and made sure I'd have time to post. If you're visiting for the first time, welcome to The Crafty Roach! I hope you'll take a few minutes to look around. I post about my adventures in sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet and cross stitch. I also like to travel, so you'll find a few posts about places I've visited recently. And now on to the reason you're here - the giveaway!
I'm offering one copy of Sew Liberated's Schoolhouse Tunic Pattern. I originally purchased it to participate in a sew-along - my first time sewing a garment! But as you can read here, it didn't go very well. I've decided that this tunic just doesn't fit my style and I don't ever see myself attempting it again, so I'm hoping to find someone who will put the pattern to good use. Obviously this is a used pattern, but as I said I only made it once so it's lightly used. I also used tracing paper to copy the pattern, so all of the pieces are present on the original tissue in the original packaging.
The giveaway is now closed.
To enter, simply leave a comment below. My first niece is due in the fall, so tell me about the best - and most useful! - baby gift you've ever given or received, either handmade or store-bought.
The giveaway is now closed.
I'd love to win this. the most useful thing for a newborn definitely is a "swaddle me" - this helps the baby magically to sleep a lot better!
ReplyDeleteBurp clothes aren't glamorous, but I use them all the time! And a handmade stuffed animal may not be "useful", but it's always beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteLove the school house tunic. Thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this, thanks for the chance! Handmade - I do love burp cloths, they are so easy to make and you can never have too many. Also, swaddling blankets are great and easy to make.
ReplyDeleteSince you sew, I've loved making this set - http://juicy-bits.typepad.com/juicy_bits/2009/03/83-baby-blanket-gift-set-part-1.html for lots of friends. I've also heard the burp cloths are PRICELESS as they can also be used later for rag-type activities, so you can't have too many while the baby's around but are still useful afterwards!
ReplyDeleteelizabeth.waligora (at) gmail.com
A zoomby was the best gift i received. Basically a blanket the you put in the car seat, buckle the bay and then fold over the blanket around the baby.
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to try this pattern! The most useful gift.... hmmmm.... diapers. Because you have got to have them and getting them as gifts was nice because I didn't have to go out and purchase them from quite a while!
ReplyDeleteglazefamily3 AT gmail.com
I am a knitter, so I've knit several receiving blankets and sweaters for new babies. They always seem to be quite appreciated!
ReplyDeletenursing cover with boning!
ReplyDeleteI love making 9-square baby blankets for my friends for their baby showers. It's fun picking out the fabrics, and I was just told the other day that one of my friends' sons uses his blanket for naps in kindergarten!!
ReplyDeleteReally thin gauzy swaddle blankets. They were our favorite
ReplyDeleteBooks always make a great baby gift. You can never have too many children's books. Oh, and cute swaddle blankets and burp cloths too.
ReplyDeleteRefillable food pouches
ReplyDeleteMy first was a spitter/constant drooler--so burp rags and bibs! And lots of floor quilts/blankets.
ReplyDeletethat tunic is gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to try this pattern! Burp cloths are a great gift
ReplyDeleteBooks! Ones to read again and again...some for a parent to read while rocking the babe, even when the babe has no idea what you are reading. My favorite one for that was Winnie the Pooh. My fav picture book is Miss Rumphius - I have given that to tons of little ones!
ReplyDeleteSleepers! Those are the easiest to put on in the first few weeks. (ad.drudge@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteThe best baby item we received was #1, the Fisher Price Rock 'n Play and #2, heat detecting spoons. Our daughter (and we later compared and most of our friend's babies as well) refused the sleepers and wraps, but loved soothies the first couple of months. Congrats on the new addition to the family! Thanks for the giveaway! I added this pattern to my wishlist ever since I saw Sew Charleston's version. :) coralbunnyandlo [at] gmail [dot] com
ReplyDeleteThis is on my list of patterns to buy so I'll be happy to win this!
ReplyDeleteMy absolutely favorite gift was a flannel quilt blanket. We received tons of baby blankets. This quilt is pieced flannel on one side and some sort of dense, thick, fleecy-minky something or another on the back. It's fluffy and warm, and even though the prints and colors are not even close to the kinds that I like, it is the most cherished baby item I own. Such soft goodness! I've been so eager to try this tunic pattern, but I've not attempted garment's before. Maybe I'll get to try with you pattern! Thanks for hosting a giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite was a swaddle blanket and a carrier-LOVE the Ergo....totally worth every. single. penny.
ReplyDeleteBest gift I ever got was a Pack 'N play!
ReplyDeleteBabylegs! And I also loved my mei tai and later on a ring sling for carrying her. My daughter could not stand swaddling so all those cute wraps went unused.
ReplyDeleteOnesies and watching my husband delicately trying put an arm through then after month like a pro.
ReplyDeleteA homecooked meal!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway. When my first son was born, my favorite aunt knitted a small baby blanket in variegated orange and cream yarn. It was his lovey, and he still has a piece of it tucked away (he's 18 now!).
ReplyDeleteAww ! I read your post. sorry to hear it did not turn out good. But I kind of like the tunic design. May be with elastic and a more stiffer fabric it will fit the waist better. Thanks for the giveaway .- Diya TheHobbyHarbor
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for giving this pattern, I would love to have it!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite gift was the baby remote control, so useful when your house has stairs!
I love the Bumbo seat my mom got me, those things are great!
ReplyDeleteBumbo or one of the swaddlers that have velcro on them so they stay put lol!
ReplyDeleteI always loved clothes for babies. They are fun to shop for and fun to get.
ReplyDeleteThe baby gift I used the most was a Boppy.
ReplyDeleteDiaper service for a few months is so appreciated!
ReplyDeleteI have both a niece and nephew and I like to give them books.
ReplyDeleteAs the mother of three the best thing ever for my kids was peaceful, inspirational music and reading to them even when they were in the womb. We still read and listen to music every night!
ReplyDeleteI love this tunic and have been eying it for some time!!
My sisters were delighted when I gifted them with a baby quilt.
ReplyDeleteThe best gift I've heard of was a friend who gave someone a treat for the parents. Expensive fancy chocolates from hotel chocolat with bubbly and nice things to enjoy while baby was asleep. After all it's hard work to look after a baby, parents deserve a treat!
ReplyDeleteThe very best was an Itzbeen. It's great because when you're too tired to remember, it will remind you how long it's been since you lat fed your baby, or how long it's been since you put her down for a nap, changed a diaper, gave meds, etc. It also has a built-in flashlight, and a switch to remind you whether you last fed on the left or right side. In short, all the things that tend to blur together during those first sleepless weeks (months!)
ReplyDeleteFor my son, it was a rubber tether called 'Sophie' and my daughter it was a pottery barn chamois stroller blanket - which at 7.5 she still drags around the house with her! Both store bought, but those are the things that have endured! Although, when I give quilts, my friends are always excited!
ReplyDeleteThe best baby gifts ever?
ReplyDeleteOur travel agent friend gave my older children small carry on suitcases, these ones that have wheels to drag them behind.
My children are now 13 and 15, and now their younger children are using them - and loving them.
like this:
http://www.amazon.com/O3-Rolling-Luggage-Integrated-Butterfly/dp/B005M24OBW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1400022647&sr=8-5&keywords=children+carry+on+luggage
I'll give the pattern a go :) I just made a small quilt for a friend, just big enough for her son to roll around on.
ReplyDeleteBarb@Witsend
Lily Padz were the best thing I got!
ReplyDeleteI would love this pattern. It has been a long time since I had a baby, but I loved books and music.
ReplyDeletewhile it has the worst name ever, the brest friend pillow was a life and back-saver in those first few months!
ReplyDeleteA hand knit sweater and matching hat was my best, most loved and used baby gift.
ReplyDeleteI made the Noodle-head divided basket and filled it with burp cloths on one side and lotions and stuff on the other. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for chance to win.
ReplyDeleteIf you were to make clothing, it must be easy to put on and take off. People seem to forget how wobbly babies are and how hard things are to put over their head. And no buttons or sashes in the back! Useful things are: diaper bag, diaper holder (pouch to hold a few diapers and wipes), stroller blanket, car seat cover that attaches to the handle and can cover a sleepy baby. I'm sure there are tons more! And if you want store-bought, lots of lots of diapers (cloth or disposables), or at least gift certificates to shops that sell them.
ReplyDeleteI frequently make fitted crib sheets. Made with 2 yards of flannel and 2 of fold-over-elastic, they are very cute, super practical and a favorite of everyone who gets them.
ReplyDeleteI usually don't sew clothes, but this tunic looks worth a try. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletehmm, I've only made one baby gift, a quilt, but it was awesome, and I used Birch Organic fabrics so I felt extra good about it!
ReplyDeletethe most fun for me to make was a baby quilt/play mat that had the solar system with different kinds of fabric, like flannels. flocked, etc for texture and color.
ReplyDeleteDiapergenie.......absolutely most useful thing I ever got!
ReplyDeleteHi, the most fun baby gift I've sewn are burp clothes - 2 pieces of cotton flannel, right sides out and serge around the edges. Quick, easy and practical. I'm learning to knit so I've made a couple of baby sweaters which were well received imperfections and all. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletei really appreciated diapers. especially right off the bat...that is if she is using disposable? i also made baby quilts for my nieces and nephews...my sister put her baby on the quilt every month to track their growth...which i love...never time, i might make the quilt in the pattern of a giant ruler! being an aunt is great!
ReplyDeleteI make and give double sided flannel quilts for newborns about a 45" square. The blankets will last through preschool age. The moms have expressed they loved them.
ReplyDeleteI love making/giving baby quilts!
ReplyDeleteI think the greatest gift are my parents because they said, they will always be there for my girl
ReplyDeleteThe tunic is lovely! A baby quilt is always appreciated. Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThe most well received gift I ever gave was a crocheted blanket and sweater set. The mom was so ecstatic to get something handmade!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveway, I don´t really have a lot of babies in my life, so, no handmade gifts of any kind...
ReplyDeletelots of receiving blankets, washclothes and onesies. THanks for the chance to win! ksmith8@emich.edu
ReplyDeleteAll of the socks. Babies have sharp fingernails so you can put the socks on their hands so they don't scratch up their faces.
ReplyDeleteI have gotten a lot of really good gifts for both kiddos, but there have been some standouts. A light fleece nursing cover from my mom got used a LOT in cooler weather. Burp cloths are cute, but you actually end up using whatever light blanket is nearby. Also, this isn't something I actually got, but I really wish I had. For my second kid, I had a c-section and couldn't bend at all. A grabber for when I dropped things would've been great. daydreamhouse at hotmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThe best gift you can give new parents is house cleaning, laundry service and a home cooked meal.
ReplyDeleteGreat pattern - I'd love to make one!!
ReplyDeleteI'm making my niece a quilt for her first baby!
I used old style cloth diapers for everything -- burp cloths, wiping up, cleaning! Always had a few in the car and in the diaper bag, now they're all in the cleaning closet!
ReplyDeleteI have an 11 month old and the most useful things in the first few days were burp cloths and muslin swaddle blankets. And a sound machine!!! and having someone else to the housework! and a rock 'n' play!!! (I guess there were a lot of useful things)
ReplyDeletei've been dying for this patterns!
ReplyDeleteemmevon(at)gmail(dot)com
hmm, there have been so many useful things! My former coworkers gave me a gift card to a freezer meal place (dinner done / let's dish) and even though it took me about a year before I actually used that card, it was pretty awesome to have! (would have been best to have made the meals a few weeks before baby was born, in hindsight!)
ReplyDeleteI may give it a whirl....looks like something that may work for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently working on a set of crocheted baby blocks right now. I'm hoping they will make a great baby gift soon. :D
ReplyDeleteSent my cousin a baby quilt when her little boy was born...today at 18 months he can't sleep without his "cobers"!!!
ReplyDeleteI'd say I scored some big points with this little one!
I love this style and would put it to good use!!! Pick me! =)
ReplyDeletei get asked this question a lot because my kid is 18 months old. we could not have survived those first few months without our moby wrap! we also have an ergo carrier that we still use constantly.
ReplyDeleteI have to say the most useful baby gift I received was a wipe warmer.
ReplyDeleteWe have twins and our friends and neighbors got together to provide a month of meals, fresh and frozen.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I hear, the mommy-clip is the best gift!
ReplyDeleteI always gift Butt Paste. It is made of magic and smells horrible.
ReplyDeleteThis swaddling blanket is really easy to make and super cute too: http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2011/9/5/mollys-sketchbook-swaddling-blankets.html
ReplyDeleteBurp cloths for baby and something nice for mammy too:)
ReplyDeleteSwaddling blankets! I had two little boys that loved being burritoed up!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance, i've been wanting to give this pattern a go!
The best gift I received were blankets. You can never have too many blankets.
ReplyDeleteI made 2 baby quilts for my first grandchild, but the best part was that I made stuffed animals to match each quilt. They were and still are a hit.
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to make this for years, but never bought the pattern... I love the flannel baby quilts my mom made for each of my kids. So soft, and great for laying on the floor for tummy time and playtime.
ReplyDeleteI've seen this pattern and would like to try it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like something I would wear. How about making some adorable spitup bibs?
ReplyDeleteAfter four kids, swaddling blankets are always well used, but the gift I love and remember the most was from the Navy Women's League-a matching crocheted baby blanket, sweater, and hat. It was useful, matching and made me feel like my baby was coordinated.
ReplyDeletemy favorite gift was homemade meals after our twins arrived home. Best.Gift.Ever!
ReplyDeletejenniekader at yahoo dot com
Thanks so much for the giveaway! We are actually expecting our first little one in September, so I can't say for sure what the best baby gifts are to give or receive yet.... =) I did give my brother a car seat adapter before his little girl was born..... maybe not the most awesome gift, but at least practical!
ReplyDeleteLoved getting my carseat cover. My mom made a beautiful, warm enough for Canadian winters, one which lasted for all four of my children!
ReplyDeleteLove Sew Liberated patterns! Thank you for the giveaway!
joann.marie@gmail.com
Best baby gift ever was super duper diaper doo. It is available through amazon and we still keep it on hand even tough our baby is 9 years old.
ReplyDeleteI loved all the handmade receiving blankets I received. They were larger so it was easier to swaddle my twins! :)
ReplyDeleteCute pattern!! Burp cloths and bibs! Homemade bibs and burp cloths are so adorable, and very practical!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome giveaway!
Would love to try that pattern! A black and white cot mobile really helped my babies sleep
ReplyDeleteCar seat cover was really handy!!
ReplyDeletePattern looks fun. Best baby gift I know are bibs made from a hand towel, with a hole cut at one end for the baby's head, which is then finished with ribbing. Oh so large, oh so absorbant!
ReplyDeleteI loved my boppy pillow. Comes in handy when nursing or bottle feeding, and just for the baby to rest.
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway!
detroitgirl77 AT gmail DOT com
Nice pattern! Best baby gift was a sleep sheep.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try the Schoolhouse Tunic! I like burp cloths as a gift- I made some for myself before my baby was born and I use them constantly! It's fun to have handmade :)
ReplyDeleteDiapers. Diapers. Diapers.
ReplyDeleteDiapers and books were my most beloved gifts. Also a freezer meal was always appreciated! Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI usually give my handmade baby boots but I think books is a fabulous idea! I almost never give blankets because it seems like that's what everyone does.
ReplyDeleteI've never really given or recieved baby gifts, but I love making crochet toys! Thanks for the chance to win
ReplyDeleteI love baby blankets, but with three kids, I've gotten a lot of them! My baby carrier's are my favorite. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteUseful is burp cloths! Love the look of your pattern!
ReplyDelete