Monday, August 31, 2009

Knock Knock...



Knock knock.

Who's there?

ITS THE CUBE PURSE PATTERN!!!
#RD2019

Updated to add: My mom says this post is too long. So the short version: I'm releasing a pattern to my best selling military uniform purse and I have a give away to celebrate, scroll down to see how to enter. *love ya Mom!!!*

The, ahem, "Long" version:

Many of you have asked for a pattern to the best selling bag and my response always seemed to be "I'm working on it." From the writing with the pencil, to the transcribing to the computer, to the lovely illustrations done in Illustrator, to the photos, the pattern testing, on and on... its FINALLY HERE!

click to enlarge

This is the first handbag design from ReannaLily Designs to feature recycled military uniforms for a sewing pattern. It started as The Army Cube, but has taken on an all-branches life of its own. Yes, you can use the retired, phased out, worn uniforms to sew. Don't trash them! If your hubby's current uniform made it through the wash/dry with an ink pen in the pocket- this is your lucky day. There's a pattern for you. Don't trash the camo! Save the BDU or ACU uniforms. I do not recommend sneaking any uniforms out of the closet while the military member is deployed... turns out, they don't like that. ;) Even if someone in the fam would LOVE something made from his uniforms. heheheh.




Those of you following my blog/site know that I sew for people. The most popular thing I sew is military uniform bags on commission. You can see many more pictures here. (I don't sew many quilts on commission, but I do sew tons of quilts.) This design is the one that started it all, and now you, too, can make it. The pattern includes special details and tips for working with a military uniform and it also includes basic rotary cutting directions.



AND THE TWIST


I've authored the pattern so you can make it with a uniform- OR without, using a layer cake. "Hum... hold the phone, what's a layer cake? I got to your blog doing a 'military bag uniform recycle' google search." Well, a layer cake is a pre-cut stack of unique fabric squares, generally 40 to a package, with each square measuring 10". The layer cake product is, I believe, the brain child of Moda Fabrics. One layer cake will make two bags. How fun is that?!?!?!



THE PROMO GIVE AWAY

I've been telling you that I had a big exciting give away to promote the new pattern, right? Well, thanks to an ordering error on my part, I have an EXTRA complete layer cake to give to YOU along with a free copy of The Cube Purse. The layer cake is Basic Grey Sultry, by Moda. Its the same layer caked used in the fabric purse on the cover.

Here's how to enter:
1. Leave a comment telling me who you know or know of in the military. Seems like everyone knows someone these days. Even if its your great grandpa from WW1, that's cool too.
2. Blog, tweet, or Facebook about the new pattern & give away AND leave a comment to let me know you've done it.
3. Of course, follow the blog site and get entered a third time. leave a comment to let me know you follow or just started following.

WHEN 2 WIN

I'll be drawing a winner using random number generator on Sept 8th, 5pm Central time, right after our Labor Day festivities. (aka grillin' fajitas) If you don't win, you can always buy the pattern at ReannaLily Designs, The Patterns link.

Thanks for all your continued support. Go forth, spread the word. If you'd like to see The Cube Pattern in your town quilt/fabric shop, simply ask the shop owner if she carries ReannaLily Designs patterns.

~jen~

Updated to add: I'm excited to report that Pink Chalk Fabrics, Grace Full Creations, and Lone Star Quiltworks will also be carrying my pattern.

Updated to add: Thanks for the tweet, sewmamasew! "ReannaLily Designs is giving away a complete layer cake and NEW free pattern." The pattern is for sale $9, ea- but one copy will be given away free with the drawing on Sept 8th.

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69 comments:

emtdlb said...

We have a gentleman at church in the reserves in Iraq for the second time. He will be there till spring next year. Pray for Glenn and his family. Thanks for the chance!!!!

Unknown said...

My husband served over 24 years in Naval Aviation. His last year in the Navy was spent flying in Iraq. He was a "been there, done that" sailor - Bosnia, Somalia, Gulf, El Salvador, Haiti, Namibia, tsunami relief, you name it most likely he was there. Some stressful times during those 24+ years!

Will be posting this on Facebook after I post this comment here!

Guinivere Norrington said...

My husband is currently active duty with the US Navy, and we are currently stationed in Portland, Maine.

Guinivere Norrington said...

I forgot to mention that I have posted this onto Facebook and Twitter and that I am now following your blog. Crossing my fingers that I win!

Kozzy Bottoms said...

I am so excited you are adding how to use the uniform in the pattern. I have tried to use all the uniforms piling up in the corner of the "man cave" but I couldnt ever figure out how!
My husband is Active Army and he is currently completing his second tour overseas. I want to thank you and everyone who shows support for not only the military but also the families. You would be amazed how much you brighten someones day or lift the spirits of family by just saying "thank you".

So Thank you for this chance and thank you to all the soldiers who serve and their families and friends who stay behind.

*ps, i also follow your blog and have left a comment on facebook*

rachel griffith said...

the real question is who DON'T i know in the military.
HAHAHA.

hubby is now out of the usmc.
we seem to know everybody & their brother.
not to mention both of us have strong military backgrounds in our family.

i'm SUPER excited for you!!!
and hey...we HAVE to meet up at market.

Tricia said...

I have a few college friends currently in the military however none of them are deployed currently. My coworker has been in Iraq on and off for about a year. He is safely back in the country and will be returning to work in a month.

Tricia said...

I am a follower already :)

Christie Y Brown said...

My husband is active duty in the GA National Guard. Part of his unit mobilized today to head to OK then Afghanistan for a year. It's the unit's 2nd tour one year tour there.

The Army of Four said...

I just posted this to my FB page!
Who do I know in the military.... where to start!??! :)
I'm an Army brat, Army wife, Army sister, Army sister in law, Army aunt (ha! I love saying that one)..... my bro-in-law was Navy reserves, uncle served in the Navy in WWII... many of my friends are in the Army and have sons or daughters in...
I'll stop with those generations. :)
Thanks for a wonderful opportunity!
Karen (mom of the Ao4, too lazy to sign in with my own profile...)

DLSarmywife said...

First of all I'd like to say that your bags are fabulous! My DH is active duty Army. We are in Fort benning GA, he will leave in the Spring for his 4th tour to Iraq. I have been following your blog for a while now and enjoy reading every post. I am going to add your give-away to my FaceBook, Twitter and blog!
Thanks for having a great contest!

Amy said...

Shout out for the USAF (and the Cube from a "bag")! Who do I know that serves? Hmm, my husband, brother, NEIGHBORS, old and new... :)

Elissa said...

Just stumbled on your blog love your bags x

Kim LeClair said...

I am a Canadian. I think that we also don't pay enough service to the men and women who do put their lives at risk every day protecting us. I have a cousin who only knows the Army. Unfortunately, he did loose his buddy in a car bombing. To hear him talk about it, sends shivers up my spine. He will tell you it is all in a day. I don't think so.

indywriter said...

I'm following you!

Um, that sounds a little creepy... But I am already following your blog (and I totally love your idea for Seamingly Accurate).

indywriter said...

My Grandfather served in the army in WWII and Korea. He was wounded in battle and recouped in Hawaii. We have a newspaper clipping telling about a call he made home to my grandma from Europe during the war. Someone on their party line told the paper and it was reported soon thereafter.

One of my uncles retired from the Marines, the other (and my aunt) retired from the Air Force as officers (my uncle was one step below a general). I have 2 cousins in the Marines, 2 cousins who served in the Air Force, my father-in-law served in the Air Force in Vietnam, my SIL served in the Army Reserves, and my BIL is in the Air Force and currently stationed in Okinawa.

Semper Fi!

Dawn's Daily Journal said...

Besides my hubby....your hubby....Leigh's hubby....my dad!:)
Crossing my fingers for the win,
dawn

Anonymous said...

I love your cube bags! My husband (an Active duty US Soldier) bought me one for Christmas of last year. I give it a pretty good beating and it's still good as new. Just great quality and a great design!

D'Azul Siberian said...

My grandfather was chauffeur to General Black Jack Pershing during World War I. The family story goes that Grandpa would have the car out in front, the General would walk out and ask if Mr. Ford were ready. Grandpa would say "Yes, General, ready and willing." The General would then say "Well let the battle begin." and off they would go.

D'Azul Siberians

Renee G said...

One of the accountants at our office is currently deployed, and our neighbor just recently came back from his second stint.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(Dot)com

Deb said...

My husband, former Navy. I'd love for DD and I to up-cycle some things!

SandyQuilts said...

What a neat design. Love it.

We come from a long line of military. In fact, I wrote about it on my blog
http://sandyquilts.blogspot.com/2009/05/thank-you.html

I have you in my google.com/reader so I never miss a posting. I don't do the follow thing.

Please throw me into the pot. thanks

SewCalGal said...

The list in my family goes back to every war that the US has participated in, that I have one or more family members to have participated in. And my husband has served, along with his father (and a good number of his ancestry. In Iraq & Afghanastan I have cousins and children of many friends.

I'm very appreciative of all those that serve to protect and fight for freedom. How lucky I am to be safe, secure, and be able to enjoy quilting, sewing & embroidery, while so many are serving.

While I would love to win your contest, as I'd also love to make a purse using this pattern, I truly hope someone in the military, or a young bride, whose husband is serving, is the one who wins.

You have a nice blog and this is a delightful giveaway. Thank you for hosting it.

And yes, I have posted about it on my blogsite for contests & giveaways: http://sewcalgalcontestinfo.blogspot.com/

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Bev C said...

What a great way to reuse the uniforms and a wonderful keepsake. My Grandfather served in World War 1 for the Australian Army. Happy days.

Betsy said...

I was in the AirForce and my husband retired from the Airforce 5 years ago. I probably still have my solid green fatigues in the attic and could hopefully make your cube bag, though I like it in the floral too.
Congratulations on being published.

chq said...

My son is in the Army at Fort Hood, he will be deployed to Iraq in February.

Love the bag!

Chere said...

My oldest son arrived home from a year in Iraq just about one year ago. His adorable daughter was born shortly after he left and I was present at the birth--such a beautiful experience! Thanks for honoring these courageous men and women and their families for the sacrifices they make for all of us!

Judi said...

my son in law spent the last 6 months in Aphganistan away from is wife and four kids, My daughter's half brother was one of the first to be killed in Iraq so sad. That is a great purse and a great giveaway

Barbara Campbell said...

My father,father-in-law and godfather all served in WWII. My hubby (Marine) and his brother (Army) were drafted on the same day and served at the same time in the Vietnam War. My brother spent two years in the army with a lot of time spent in South Korea.

Indypam said...

Hi Jen, my father served in WWII and my twin sister is a civilian employee that keeps the planes flying at Dyess Airforce base. Thanks for the chance to win, sorry that you won't be staying in Altus, you've been a great asset to the guild.

Great purse design!

Debra said...

WOW Jen! What a wonderful way to honor our military folks & families! I don't think they get enough recognition for what they do and go through. It's a GREAT life but it's a tough life, so THANK YOU for doing this Ü

Your purse pattern looks great and also looks like it's easy to make. I can see there are a lot of options to personalize it Ü

As far as my military relationships go--
I can count 17 family members (DH included)who are currently active duty or just retired in the last 5 years. I also had 3 uncles who served in WWII with one being awarded a Purple Heart.
LOTS of friends and neighbors are also active duty or retired.
I am proud of all our military and am so grateful for all they do!!!

I will list your site on my Facebook page and will also sign up to follow your blog.

One of these days I'll start writing mine and then I can link back to you Ü
I haven't ever written on a blog before so I hope I get it right! haha!

Thank you again so much for honoring our military folks and their families.

Debra <3

free indeed said...

Currently, I don't know of anyone close to me in the military, but my son in law served in Iraq for a year. He came home two years ago. My dad was in WWII, a gunner in the air force. Took his hearing away..they didn't use the protective things they have now.

Peggy said...

Your pattern is so cute. My family has many former military personel. My father was in the Navy, his twin brother in the Army. Several Uncles by marriage were in the army and one in the Air Force. Since I live close to Fort Campbell, KY we know several retired military folks. It is nice of you to remember them in this way. Thanks to our military every day in every way.

Leigh said...

Who do I know in the military....that list is tooooo long. My hubby. I know YOU, Dawn, my dad, my brother, my grandfathers, my father-in-law. Long line of military!

Leigh said...

I have been following your blog from the very beginning!

Leigh said...

I just Facebooked to everyone about this fabulous giveaway!

Gma Cindy said...

I have many past and present family members in the military..
Thanks for this great giveaway..
Cindy

Holly said...

Awesome purse. My hubby is in the military.

Holly said...

Tweeting about your give away right now.

Unknown said...

Only US army counts? I hope not :-D My father and my uncle used to serve the portuguese military forces in Angola in the 7o's. Both survived but my father can't stand listening to war stories...

Unknown said...

I forgot to mention that a link has been posted both in FB and Twitter :-D

Coralee said...

Congratulations on your pattern release! My girlfriend was in the reserves and still walks like she's in the army - lol!

Joanna said...

My nephew David is in the Marines and stationed in North Carolina. He's a helicopter/aircraft mechanic. My dad was in the airforce during the Korean war, stationed in the Phillipines, and my father-in-law got a purple heart in the Vietnam war.

joanna said...

I also just subscribed to your blog!
josilva3(at)yahoo(dot)com

Egater said...

Both of my grandfathershave been in WW II, and some close relatives served in "hot places". And one schoolmate have been in Iraqtwo times.

Egater said...

I also follow your blog now

Julia said...

What a clever bag design!! I have quite a list of veterans in my family but I'l spare that and go with my Brother in law & sister in law who met & married in the army, did a few tours in Iraq and are now home safe and building thier life together ! whew/

Julia said...

AND..I've just subscibed to your blog now!

Kristin said...

My cousin is in the Navy, not to mention another cousin who was in the Navy but did not re-enlist, my uncle (also Navy) and my grandfather (Air Force)

thanks for the chance!

Kristin said...

I tweeted about the giveaway

sewing_passion said...

What a great giveaway!
My friend's husband is in the military.

caroldean said...

My husband served for 23 years in the US ARMY. We are now retired and living in the Atlanta area. While on active duty my husband was awarded World Wide Warrant Officer of the Year in 1999. He has been all over the world doing protective services and investigations for the Army. What a wonderful life we had in the Army.

M and E said...

My dad was in the Army until I was 8. We moved a lot when I was little, but we got to live in Hawaii for 4 years! My grandpa also served, and is buried in the Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, NV.

Anonymous said...

I'm a proud Army wife!! :)

Tiffany said...

Who do I know? Oh, wait- me! I'm in the Coast Guard, my husband's in the Navy, my dad retired from the army, my father in law was in the Navy, all granddads in the service, and so on and son on. What an interesting way to use our old uniforms!

Lena said...

How cool is that purse. My great grandfather was in pearl harbor when it was attacked. My father(army) served in Vietnam.My father in law was a marine.

craftytammie said...

Congratulations on your pattern! I love the bag. I have cousins in the army and a friend who was a marine and now works for Homeland Security!

craftytammie said...

I subscribe to your blog! Great giveaway!

rfm said...

My friend Kenny is in Afghanistan...

Unknown said...

I have had three students this year in the military--one had to leave class early for deployment to Iraq. My thoughts are with them!

Sarah Vanderburgh said...

My brother is with the Canadian military. He heads back to Afghanistan in January. Thanks for the chance to win. I really like your diaper bag too!!

mascanlon said...

2 of my friendship group have sons serving right now, one in Bahrain and one in Iraq. I have spent the last 2 weekends pulling together Bundles of Love to distribute fabric and other sewing supplies to the woman in villages around Tikrit. Tuesday is the last day to get off a bundle, hope you all have been playing too! http://ibol.wordpress.com/ Thanks for the chance to play!

CalleLillyCafe said...

Following =)

CalleLillyCafe said...

Tweeted!!

CalleLillyCafe said...

Husband was in the AF before I met him. =( He served & spent time all over including Somalia, Gulf, Iraq... I wish I could of been there for him back then! I have friends that served in the Army, Navy & Navy Seals.

Jocelyn said...

What a very sweet giveaway. My father in law served in the military in WWII. He is one of the most honorable and kindest men that I know. He never speaks of his time during the war. Thanks for honoring the men and women in our military.

Jocelyn said...

Okay, and now I am a follower. Just wanted to add that my cousin's hubby was a frogman, and served under Admiral Bird in the South Pole!!

Shelly said...

I've always loved your cube purse!! I'm SOOO glad that you've finally made it into a pattern. My Dad is a 31 yr. retiree from the Air Force, serving in WWII, Korean War, and Viet Nam War. My cousins were in in the Army and Air Force during Nam. My husband is a 20 yr. Navy retiree. Several of our good friends are in the Navy as well. One of our best friends in the world is currently in the Navy and will be leaving in two days for Iraq to serve as a prison guard at the largest of the prisons there.

sweetbabies00 said...

My local quilt shop has your pattern! Here in Texas... I love it.
I plan on getting it and making a couple.