Sunday, July 12, 2015

SPONSOR GIVEAWAY AND NEW QUILT BLOGGER BLOG HOP!

Welcome to The New Quilt Blogger Blog Hop, Alaska Edition!! 


Now, you've already read my posts about myself (Blog AwardAround the World Blog HopLast Year's New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop), and if you haven't, My Goodness, you're missing some good stories!! You better hop on over and check them out!! AND, you've read about my other favorite artists and independent sellers in my Fabric Clubs, a Boon or a Bust post, so you know that I will continue to bring you unbiased reviews of quality products and sellers as I find them. (I shop just for you, you know;) AND you will always find fresh and fun stories and patterns, every time you stop by! 

Today, I want to introduce you to my newest sponsor, Calico Cat Fabrics, and offer you three, yes THREE, giveaways!! 'Cause you work hard and we want you to know how much we appreciate YOU!! 


Today's giveaway is hosted by Calico Cat Fabrics. Now let me tell you all about them, because you're gonna love this shop!!  

You know how dear to my heart an independent seller, and a Mom and Pop store, are, and this Mom and Kid store is no exception. As a matter of fact, it has taken me almost a year to find a shop that I felt I could share with you, that met my standards for you! 
Calico Cat Fabrics has been around for almost 9 years now...in the beginning it was a part time job for the owner, Tanya. She was a stay at home mom... then, 3 years ago, she became a single mom who was faced with supporting her son. She took the leap and went full time in fabric retail. "Best decision I have ever made - Following my heart and passion!" You know she had me right there! 
Here are the things that I like about Calico Cat Fabrics:

1. Tanya's generosity. 
When I approached her about doing a giveaway, I was anticipating receiving a $20 or less gift for you. But no!! Tanya is offering TWO $35 value gifts, of your choice (Wow, Right?!!) Because, she says, "When it comes to giveaways, I say Go Big or Go Home!" Love, love love! Girl, you are melting my heart. 
Oh my Goodness!! Tasha Noel!!
2. Her customer service. 
What I think really sets this fabric shop apart from other independent and chain retailers, is Tanya's customer service.To me, good customer service is what sets the independent retailer ahead of big box stores. I mean, How. Many. Times. have you gone into your local Chain fabric store, only to find out that the fabric that they had advertised was already out of stock, or to find that the discounts that were advertised couldn't be used on any of the items in the store? You know what I mean! IF Calico Cat Fabrics doesn't have an item in stock that you're looking for, Tanya will tirelessly hunt it down for you. And if she can order items from a wholesaler for you, she is always glad to do it (it's cheaper!). I need some pie with my next order, and I bet she'd fix me up! ;0 
I really like that Tanya is always glad to fill any special requests for something not currently in her stock if it is at all possible, and that if for some reason she can't (i.e. it's out of print) she will try to find your item online and direct you to someone who has what you need.  Even if its not from Calico Cat Fabrics! Now that's customer service!


3. Shipping. 
You know how I feel about shipping!! I cannot stand to pay a large fee for shipping, only to receive my purchases in a flat rate envelope that is several dollars cheaper than I paid. Grrr!! Holy budget busting!!! 
Calico Cat Fabric's shipping policy is simple... Actual cost for postage. If your order is a large order, whenever possible, Tanya will ship in a flat rate envelope for maximum savings for you. Tanya says she loves making the post office ship as much as she can fit in those envelopes and boxes for the flat rate! Hehe, that's my girl!!. In addition, Calico Cat Fabrics tries, once a month, to offer a free shipping coupon code for US addresses and a discount on shipping for international addresses... because, as Tanya says "Who wants to pay for shipping when there is so much fabric to buy!!!" I just love this girl, she is speaking right to my heart:) 
It is also Tanya's policy that when you check out, if your shipping costs don't calculate correctly and are too high, the overage is promptly refunded. And you all KNOW how I love that!!!! Tanya usually ships same day if an order comes in before noon (Central time) Monday through Friday. Saturday orders are shipped on Mondays.
Here are the things that I don't like about Calico Cat Fabrics:

1. I NEED a bigger budget! 
Do you think Tanya can help me find one?? If I could enter these giveaways, it sure would help ;)

The Giveaways ARE CLOSED.
There are THREE! Two are offered here, by Calico Cat Fabrics. To enter these two giveaways:

1. Go check out Tanya's shop, Calico Cat Fabrics
2. Come back here and leave a comment as to which item (s) you would purchase if you won the $35 giveaway. 

Enter on Instagram for three more chances!!!
1. Follow us, @Sewpsychd and @Calicocat_Fabrics 
2. Re-post the giveaway picture from either of our feeds, remembering to insert the hashtag #SewpsychdaboutCalicoCatFabrics, and leave a comment on the giveaway post answering a question " What is your favorite, charm packs, rolls or fat quarter sets?"
3. Tag a friend! 

Good luck!! Entries for all Calico Cat Fabrics giveaways will be chosen by random number generator on Wednesday, July 15 at 12 Midnight EST. These giveaways ARE open internationally! 



Please continue on the blog hop to these lovely bloggers. You'll find many more treasures, both human and projects!!
There are giveaways each week of the blog hop!! Click below to enter. Woohoo!



Many Many thanks to Stephanie Late Night Quilter,Yvonne Quilting Jet GirlCheryl @Meadow Mist Designs, and Terri Ann @Childlike Fascination for mentoring us on this fabulous journey! You guys rock!!!!!!




As part of the New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop, I would also like to share some advice that I have found invaluable in my journey so far:

 * Be professional. Spell check your work. Always approach clients as a competent hardworking professional who has a valuable service. Never begin an interaction with a statement of inadequacy. "I'm just a beginner, but..." Instead, state who you really are, even if you are in process. "At SewPsyched! We offer the highest quality goods..."

* Don't wait until everything is perfect before you leap in and start being your business. So many times I hear that folks are waiting until their numbers are big enough, or they have published their first pattern, or they have made a set amount of dollars, before they begin their dream. Dream and do NOW!! Just look at this blog... heaven knows I need to up my html game, learn more about photography, make some pages and headers... but if I had waited for all of that to happen, I never would have met all of you lovelies! And I certainly would not have had the amazing opportunities that I've had already. So don't strive to be perfect before you are you. We like you as you are, and want to see you, now!! Over time you can tweak and learn. 

*Be realistic about YOUR time and schedule. I know we see folks every day who are some kinda machines, over on IG or on blogs, who seem to churn out the most amazing and delicious makes on a daily basis... I know that I want to put out the best product possible, and continue to learn and grow, so that's not for me. It takes time to write good content, and to imagine and invent new patterns. Give yourself the time it takes for you to create. Your product will be far superior, and you will be happy happy happy and not stressed and overwhelmed.

* Be Happy!!! Enjoy what you are doing!! Just because other folks are doing A, and you're doing B, doesn't mean that you need to do A!!!! Do what makes you happy and learn how to do the rest as you go. Make a schedule for learning these new things that won't interfere with your current projects, and that won't keep future projects from happening because you don't have that skill yet. 

* And finally, my best advice...GO ON OUT AND TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!! 


XX! 
Lori


Just an FYI, I will NOT be receiving a kick back for every purchase you make from Calico Cat Fabrics. But I will be receiving a monthly paycheck that will enable me to blog and craft more and bring you more good stuff! Yay!! 

Here is why I chose Tanya, and she chose me :) 
"I really like that you are so careful about your blog and who you share with your readers...Having looked at your blog it is so very obvious that its a labor of love for you. And as my business is one for me, I appreciate all that goes into that". 


Tanya, I am so looking forward to our partnership!! 


65 comments:

  1. Ok I've sprained my ankle so I have plenty of time for browsing fabric shops - thanks for the introduction! if I won I'd spend my winnings on a Kona Fat Quarter Bundle of Darling Clementine - I have very little orange and red in my stash so this would be a great addition. thanks for the chance

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  2. I checked out Calico Cat and found that I loved Lecien's Flower Sugar, but my heart returned to Lavie Boheme. Tula Pink is addictive too though. Choices. Choices.

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  3. To be able to afford the Kaufman Doe Fat Quarter Bundle Carolyn Friedlander 25 Fat Quarters Complete Set would make it a must.

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  4. Aunt Grace Retro Vintage and Vintage Market Rolie Polie both look wonderful! I was surprised and delighted to see she is an Ohio based business. Congratulations on your new sponsership.

    Julie

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  5. I would like a bundle of Kaufman Sediment bundle. Thanks for a chance to win. Love the tips especially about being happy and enjoying what you do.

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  6. I am craving some Vintage Market by Tasha Noel. Thanks for a fabulous giveaway.

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  7. I am a purple girl, so when I saw the Kona bundle called Lavender Fields...I change my IG comment to fat quarters! Thanks for the chance to win!! jacklynnsteven at netzero dot com

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  8. I would love some of Tasha Noel's Vintage Market! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  9. La Vie Boheme is a beautiful collection I would get that in a layer cake if I won!! Thanks for the chance!

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  10. I think I need a bigger gift certificate! Hmm... Tula Pink Elizabeth Sky Tent Stripe might be good for an appliqué quilt I am collecting for, any of the battings are good to have around, I want all the the fat quarter bundles... but honestly, if the Doe bundle was still around I would probably just use it towards that, since $60-35= an awesome deal.
    rtgandy at gmail

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  11. follow both you guys in instagram (romille5)

    rtgandy at gmail

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  12. I was a little confused about where to leave the answer for the giveaway post question, so I answered on instagram too... but, fat quarter bundles are the best!

    rtgandy at gmail

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    1. You leave one answer here, and then you can also enter, for more chances, on IG by answering the questions on my account @sewpsychd. Xx!

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  13. I would get Kona solids fat quarter bundle, don't know which color. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  14. Thanks for joining the 2015 Blog Hop, Lori. I've enjoyed following you and reading your stories, and I look forward to seeing more from you in the future. It's nice of you and Tanya to share another giveaway opportunity with the blog hop visitors!

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    1. Thank you so much, Stephanie! You guys are just so fabulous for mentoring us!! I'm so glad we could offer a giveaway for bloggers and visitors!! Such a blast!! XX!

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  15. Thank you both for a fantastic giveaway! I love the "Kaufman Kona Cotton Solids Fat Quarter Bundle Fabric Fat Quarter Pool Party Palette" I think it would make an amazing shaded quilt :) x

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  16. WOW! What a great giveaway! Hands down it would be solids....like Kona Fat Quarters Lush Lagoon Palette! Sucker for solids here! Great blogging advice, thank you for that!!

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  17. Ooh, it's a toss up between splurging on a load of Flower Sugar yardage to make the backing for my MSW, or one of the Kona bundles... thanks for the chance to win :o)

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  18. So many choices! Hard to go past the Doe layer Cale though

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  19. Well it was great to meet youand hear about Tanya. I like your voice and will definitely be scrolling through your orevious posts to learn more. My brother has a guide business in Denali in the summers. He lives in Healy, although his family and he live here i Texas during the winter. I love it up there, it's a wonderful magical place. Glad to meet you and will see more of you in cyber space....

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  20. I would choose Kaufman Kona Cotton Solids Fat Quarter Bundle Fabric Fat Quarter Pool Party Palette so that i could make my Elizabeth Hartman hedgehog quilt.

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  21. I love anything Tula Pink or Kona cotton bundles. I need to find me a job so I can buy more fabric lol.

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  22. I love anything Tula Pink or Kona cotton bundles. I need to find me a job so I can buy more fabric lol.

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  23. I would definitely get a Kona bundle. Love the purples and the blues. Thanks!

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  24. Congratulations on your new sponsor. It must be exciting. I would choose the Rainbow Bright Marbled jelly roll and some Kona charm packs or jelly rolls.

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  25. I would buy one of the Kona Cotton bundles because I need to get more solids in my stash...but I can't pick which one because I want them all!!!

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  26. If I win I will buy the Tula Pink Moonshine half yard bundle! Oh the color! Fat quarters re my fav precut

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  27. I like the Kona Midnight oasis FQ bundle. Delicious!
    Thank you .

    kcummings71@gmail.com

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  28. I would buy some Aunt Grace Retro Vintage. I can't get enough of that fabric, it's my favorite.

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  29. Aunt Grace 30's retro vintage Retro & Dots Right Spring Colors

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  30. Oh my gosh I can't even handle it right now. I don't know which ones (plural) but I would be buying jelly rolls! There is a red and white one that would make a great table runner on my newish dining room table...

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  31. I'd buy a couple of the La Vie Boheme layer cakes. :)

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  32. I would get a rainbow bright marbled blender jelly roll.

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  33. I've been drooling over some Tula Elizabeth bundles!

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  34. Congratulations on the new sponsor, Lori! Those sure are some lovely bundles of solids. Thanks so much for sharing the great advice at the end of your post. And about Calico Cat Fabrics... Gotta go check them out!

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  35. I'd pick one of the lovely Kona jelly rolls~they have a good selection of these~

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  36. I'd pick the Lush Lagoon or Darling Clementine Kona FQ stack. They are so beautiful!

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  37. ooh! so pretty! I'd go for the kona solid FQ bundle in overcast.

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  38. I love the Kona FQ bundles-- they are all so lovely and I never have enough solids! Thanks! Sarah: crjandsbj(at)netzero(dot)com

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  39. If I won I'd either buy a stack of Kona, probably in aquas, as I really need to have more...or some of Tula's Elizabeth line for a quilt for my quilt-adoring daughter.

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  40. Thanks for the giveaway! I'd fill a cart with cuts of Tula Pink's Elizabeth.

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  41. I would get Lecien Flower Sugar Red Fabric Bundle and some charms.

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  42. This is a new online shop for me and I really like it! One purchase I would make is: Tula Pink True Colors Jelly Roll Design ...so pretty!

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  43. What a fun shop!! I think I might pick up the Fossil Fern PRECUT 5" Charm Pack. It's lovely. :)

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  44. I would buy the 30's minis by Erin Turner. I love, love it!

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  45. Thanks for the giveaway, I would love to spend the money on some Kona. Lots of Kona. Tarnia.hodges at gmail.com

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  46. There is so much great stuff on the site. I think I would have to get some of the Kauffman Kona solids. I have a real thing for solids lately. They are fun, but it is really hard to choose, because there are so many great fabrics in stock!

    determineddebby at gmail dot com

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  47. Iain.ross30@gmail.com
    This is my favourite: Flower Sugar Fabric Spring 2014 Lecien Floral 30968L-70 Half Yard Blue Flower

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  48. I have been wanting holiday fabric so I think I would get Robert Kaufman Radiant Holiday Frost Metallic Fat Quarter Fabric Bundle

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  49. I love the Olivia Fat Quarter Set! Such beautiful, rich colors!

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  50. One of my favorite is Kona Cotton solids Sky Gazer or Ellie Ann charm pack with a solid kona Cotton charm pack

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  51. The Lush Lagoon would be my choice ....just gorgeous fabrics!!!

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  52. I would stock up on some Tula Pink and some Kona solids. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  53. Thank you for the giveaway! I would choose the Fat Quarter Pack of Olivia ...I love to sew floral fabrics.

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  54. I'd pick the Tonga Treats Jingle Batiks Strip Pack, I like that it has christmas-y colours, but not patterns, so it could be used all year, not just for 2 weeks.
    jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

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  55. I'm torn between the Robert Kaufman Radiant Holiday Frost Bundle and the Kona Solids Bundles.

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  56. I really like the Benartex Fossil Fern PRECUT 5" Charm Pack Fabric Quilting Squares. I would use them in a quilt

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