Hello dear readers! In honor of reaching 200 followers—well, 226 now!—and my 32nd birthday (that's Friday, June 1st!) I'd like to offer a somewhat unusual sewing giveaway.
The prize: A simple digital color cartoon illustration of YOU, on the vintage sewing pattern envelope of your choice--maybe one you've already sewn, maybe one you want to sew, maybe one you won't ever sew, but just LOVE to fantasize about.
The deadline: entries due by midnight EST on June 6, 2012.
The background: As much as I adore vintage sewing pattern illustrations and their changing styles over time, they're all a bit, well... unrealistically tall and skinny. (Not to mention uniformly white.) I've always had this vague plan for doing a series of "Real People on Vintage Pattern Envelopes," drawings and I started to have a bit of fun with that idea in my 1940s red dress showdown and my header illustration for We Sew Retro:
The qualifications:
- This giveaway is a bit special (estimated value: $125?), so I'd like to reward a loyal blog follower who has come back at least a few times (or who plans to read the blog regularly), as opposed to a random giveaway seeker who is brand-new to the blog.
- I will draw five entries at random, then choose my top favorite based on the items described. Extra points for creativity, style, fun fabric and accessory choices, long-time readership, etc.
The rules: To enter, please...
- Follow this blog (better yet, already be a follower!).
- Leave a comment describing the vintage pattern you'd choose, in what type of fabric, with what sort of hairstyle and accessories. (For example: A red rayon 1940s dress with peplum, hair in victory rolls and red wedge sandals.)
- Tell me what you'd like to do with the drawing (put it on your business card? post on your blog? print for your mom?)
- Tell me why you like to read my blog.
- Make sure your contact info is obviously available in your Google profile or leave an email address.
Details and disclaimers:
- If you enter, you will have one week to send me a clear full-length photo of yourself, a decent image of the pattern envelope you'd like to be pictured on, and a photo or description of the fabric(s) you'd like it to be made up in, plus inspiration images for accessories and hair. The fabric does not have to be accurate period vintage—it can be as wild or weird as you like..
- You understand that these reference photos may be published on this blog in the giveaway followup post.
- I will provide you both with the pattern envelope art image and a separate image of yourself in the dress, sans envelope, like so:
- I estimate I'll have the drawing done in 6-8 weeks (not that the drawing will actually take that long, I just have a ridiculously busy life at the moment).
- Copyright for the standalone drawing stays with me, but you have unlimited usage rights (on your blog, business card, wherever) as long as you attribute it.
- Because the idea is "Real People on Vintage Envelopes" please keep in mind that I am not going to make you look taller, or skinnier, or more or less X, Y, or Z--I will pretty much stick to your actual fabulous outlines as delineated in whatever photo you send me.
- I will send you a rough sketch as part of the process, but reserve the right not to make many/any edits or changes to the sketch or final.
Remember: giveaway entries due by June 6, midnight EST!
And with that, I'm off to ink this Downton Abbey-esque vintage-inspired "pattern envelope" art I'm working on for the Consulting Dressmaker for her Sisters of Edwardia blouse...
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i adore your blog and want to give this proper thought... i'm just stoked to read this awesomeness after a bad night at work! so thanks all around. i'll be back shortly... and happy birthday week :)
ReplyDeletecan't wait to see what you come up with!
DeleteWow what a fantastic giveaway. I have not been following you long, so I will opt out, plus am only a beginner not anywhere near the vintage pattern stage. Absolutely fantastic prize.
ReplyDeleteHi Sassy-- you still qualify, you don't need to promise to ever actually sew the item in question! And new readers are stilll welcome, as long as they plan to come back regularly. :)
DeleteWhat a cool idea! I won't actually enter for the give-away, but I can't wait to see the drawing for the winner!
ReplyDeleteYou know you could offer to do this same thing in an Etsy shop and people would pay you. Hint hint.
ReplyDeleteOh, I know -- but then when would I have ANY time to sew? :) Maybe someday, but I don't have the bandwidth for any additional regular illustration gigs at the moment.
DeleteWhat a lovely idea, I would like to participate. I would love to have an illustration of one of my upcoming projects. A 30s floral dress with black bow and belt which I would wear with my black vintage heels.
ReplyDeleteI would use the illustration for my blog and I think it will deserve a place on my picture/painting wall.
Besides the things you sew, which I like, I really love the illustrations on your blog.
email: antheareprovintage@gmail.com
oh how lovely! I just love those 30s dresses!
DeleteI'm a bit late, but Happy Birthday! I hope you had a lovely day :)
DeleteIn my blog I wrote about my upcoming sewing project. Here you can find the pattern and the fabric I would like to use:
http://anthea-retrovintage.blogspot.nl/2012/05/next-lutterloh-project.html
WOW - what an awesome gift! I have to find just the right dress (I have a couple in mind) and the right fabric (I wonder if I have that in my stash to go with the dress).
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting to me that we are exactly 10 yrs apart. My bday is June 5 (will be 42) and my baby, also a girl, was born when I was 29 (almost 30). Oooh, freaky.
told you we were secret doubles. :)
DeleteMe, me, me! Ooooh, I would LOVE to win! I would love an illustration of me in a classic 1960's sheath dress with a big purple beehive! I would ABSOLUTELY use it in my blog header! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhy do I read your blog? Because it's fantastic! I love your sense of colour, your use of pattern, the garments you make are always terrific and your knitwear is inspiring! Your illustrations are always fab! I love coming here because it's bright, fun, and always colourful!
oh you are so sweet! I love the purple beehive idea!!!
Deletemikhaela, what a cool and generous giveaway for your birthday week. i love your new WSR graphic and am sure your work for the edwardia pattern will be fabulous.
ReplyDeletealso, i am pretty sure i spotted you about town last week, heading toward the 28th st subway on 7th avenue. yay new york! (this is not an entry, just to say happy birthday and what a wonderful idea for a giveaway)
that MUST have been me, I am always near 28th and 7th!
DeleteI want this so very badly. So very very badly. I don't suppose you could draw me as a Tardis? An illustration of me as a Tardis would need me in blue, of course, with a light bulb as a little hat, and some rocking blue heels. This would go in the Tardis bedroom, next to my bed, so I could always giggle when I get up in the morning. It would also need to go on my blog somewhere so people know what they are getting into when they click on my page. I have a Doctor Who problem - I'm sure there is counseling for this somewhere.
ReplyDeleteIn my next life, please let me come back as Alex Kingston's duplicate. With her wine colored Louboutin heels.
Seriously, though - this giveaway is truly special. I think any of us who read your blog regularly would be so honored to be drawn by you. I know I am getting misty at the sheer generosity of this!
If I had to pick a vintage pattern, I would pick the Mail Order 9388 that was my Sassy Secretary dress. I would love big hair (I long for big hair in my real life), cobalt blue dress, and then blue heels. I love that outfit. It makes me so happy to put it on, so to immortalize it as one of your drawings would be one of the best things in my life. This would have to go on my blog, and if I ever got around to business cards, it would be there too. It would also get printed and put above my sewing machine so I could always smile when I am seam ripping a zipper.
I love reading your blog because you're a rock star. You knit like a champ, your family is adorable, you have great stories, you love Doctor Who, and you sew lovely things. Your personable and fun, you made a snuggie, and I hope I get to meet you whenever I come to NYC next.
OK. I've written a ton. You are fabulous, and so generous, and have a most amazing birthday!!! Buy some yarn, you totally deserve it ;)
OK, I would TOTALLY make an exception to my vintage pattern idea and draw you as a Tardis if you win... BUT what about as the Tardis when she was incarnated as a woman in a very vintagey dress?!
DeleteOMG.OMGOMGOMG. OMG. I LOVE IDRIS.
DeleteThis is why we are friends x 1,000.
ohh what an awesome giveaway. I have been reading since you had your daughter, who is a little younger than my oldest. I found you through you sewingpatternreviews.com after admiring your work.
ReplyDeleteI sew, but am not at vintage pattern making level yet. So this is just pretend for me. I think simplicity 6838 (http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Simplicity_6838) is gorgeous. I like version 3 in a jewel tone like deep purple or dark turquoise.
I would print out your illustration, frame it and hang it in my studio (the part of my bedroom where my sewing stuff lives.)
alexa.shelton@gmail.com
Have a happy birthday and thanks for giving us something! :)
Just pretend is fine! what a pretty dress!
DeleteHAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mikhaela!!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome giveaway. I know EXACTLY what I'd want!
McCalls 5160, a 1940's princess seam slip pattern that I blogged about here: http://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2011/05/something-old.html
I plan to make it up this summer in silk charmeuse (either silver or a black-ish snake scales or a frenetic flowery orange print - all three if I like the pattern) along with a kimono made from black lace that is in a zebra-like pattern (I'll underline in silver or turquoise, I think).
I am definitely thinking of Elizabeth Taylor in Butterfield 8, although I think it is more likely that I will wear my slip with monkey puppet slippers rather than boudoir-ish pumps with maribou trim (http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/3/23/1300892522836/Elizabeth-Taylor-in-BUtte-007.jpg) I will definitely be wearing it with purple hair while sipping a cocktail.
I will plaster it everywhere - I've been looking for art for my Craft Lounge, obviously would blog it (esp when I'm actually sewing the slip) and I've been thinking about personal/calling cards for myself/my blog lately. Oh, and it would prompt me to actually work on my blog's banner. Maybe this would not be one for mom.
I read your blog b/c (but not limited to) your love of orange, the creativity of your sewing and knitting, that I totally envy your art mojo (seriously love "croquis me"), and I have ulterior motives to pick your brain about sock knitting as soon as the opportunity arises.
Have a great bday weekend! I am reachable at clio[dot]pineas[at]gmail[dot]com
oh I'm blushing! we must indeed talk socks! I'm almost done my blue ones.
DeleteGreat idea. I have no imagination for these things. But, good luck to everyone who applies!
ReplyDeleteOMG That is the most fabulous giveaway idea EVER. Makes me wish I'd thought of it. :) I discovered your blog just before your daughter was born and fell in love with it just as you went on hiatus---I've been so excited to get to connect since you "came back" :) What do I love? Your style, your art, your take on things. I wish we could be buddies in real life.
ReplyDeleteThe pattern I'd choose would be the one I blogged about here:
http://tanitisis.wordpress.com/2010/07/25/my-first-vintage-crush/
WAY back when. Damn, I love that pattern. I have no idea about fabric/colour except maybe a Steampunk/sepia kind of feel. Hmm.
Now I really really really wish I could find the stylus for my pen tablet...
I would put a print of the final art on the wall of my sewing room, and use it as the inspiration for turning that drab and funcctional space into something actually relaxing, artistic, and beautiful. I want to say I'd finally make myself some "business" cards with it, but I think an image that would work for a nice-sized print wouldn't be at its best shrunk down to wallet-size. Hmm, then I would have to begin a campaign to extract artwork from the other sewing blogger/artists out there...
Whoa, this is an AWESOME giveaway! What a beautiful & personal thing to do for your followers. Pick me pick meeee ahahaha :)
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! I've been following you since 'way back when, before Baby Z anyway :) I was so sad when you went on a looong hiatus after she was born, and so excited when you came back! I love your style & your discussions on things like mom-jeans and I think you really underestimate yourself when it comes to your skills, because everything I see is totally awesome & enviable. Also, your daughter is absolutely precious & I love seeing pictures of her being cute & happy :)
I just kind of glanced over my pattern stash list and Simplicity 3061 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lladybird/6668985483/in/set-72157628798165111) jumped out at me - in the navy/white combo with straw espadrilles & maybe holding a straw purse, with my hair set in some kind of giant 50s curly awesome. I also looove McCall's 2137 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lladybird/5547006390/in/set-72157628798165111), but I have no idea if it would even be fun to just do what is basically an upper torso :) God, I love me some cowboy shirts though.
If I won, my drawing would get plastered everywhere until people were sick of seeing it :) Think all over the blog, probably my lil blogger icon or whatever, my personal facebook picture... seriously, everywhere! And I'd print out a nice copy of it to frame & hang in my sewing room :) I don't have business cards, but if I did - they'd go on those, too!
DERP I also meant to add - HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Treat yourself to something wonderful - because, girl, you deserve it :)
DeleteWow! What a cool idea for a giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI like your blog because I love vintage sewing, I love your bold use of colour and prints, I love your illustration style as well, and as a bonus, I love NYC blogs! And mommy blogs. It's interesting to watch the babies grow from nothing into people on the internet!
If I were the winner, I would have you draw me in a 1950s suit, since I've been collecting the patterns, but haven't sewn one yet. Specifically, Vogue 8065 from 1953 -- I love what it does to a ladies' hips! In a really intense royal/navy blue silk shantung, with a pale mint scarf around my neck, the way Dovima might have worn it. I never wear vintage hair, so my Bieber/lesbian/hipster swishy hairdo will have to do. With my black pumps with a bow from NW and my vintage black purse as accessories. And maybe a small hat. Maybe.
This is fun! I really want to make that outfit now! :D
Oh yeah, and if I won, I'd put it on everything: facebook, business cards, my blog (when I reboot it), small framed copy for my sewing space, AND-- my campaign poster for Empress of Earth. :)
Oh goodness! Where to begin. I started following your blog when you were pregnant. I was so inspired by your sewing. I also loved your love of chartreuse (especially the shoes!). I hated my maternity clothes and thought why not make them-- if she can, I can! After that your personality made me want to continue to see what you were up to. I remember the silence and knowing you must be having your baby Z. I was excited for you. A few blogs make it feel like you get to know the person, and you are one of them.
ReplyDeleteAs for the drawing, I knew the second I read this entry what I would want if I won. I want definitely want a gown. Maybe a wedding gown or a satin gown.... From the 40s-50s probably. I am not particular on the color. No patterns though, solid color. I did not have a wedding when I got married and can not think of any occasion where I would be able to dress up in a beautiful gown like that. I would love to have a the picture framed and put in my bedroom. That way I can remember to always be glamorous.
I am glad you are posting more frequently. Please show us what you have been sewing. I know it is hard to fit it in with a little one.
What a FRIGGIN' COOL giveaway. I'm not entering as I'm not really a vintage pattern sort of gal, but I can't wait to see the winning drawing!
ReplyDeleteOh, I envy your talent.
Happy (belated) birthday! I follow your blog via Google Reader (and from what I can tell you have over 550 followers there!), so I hope that counts. I enjoy your blog for the creativity that just oozes out of it, for the obvious love you have for your family, and for your honesty about sewing and style. If I were lucky enough to get chosen, I'd either choose McCall's 5308 in the brown check wool I made it in for The Mad Men Challenge with gloves and an awesome headband, obviously. Or, better yet, Simplicity 3034, the pattern I originally wanted to make for The Mad Men Challenge, only I didn't have the time to get fabric together for it. I think I'd choose a wool crepe, the same green as View 1 or possibly a beautiful blue... if only I could rock her pucker! I'd put the image up on my blog. Thanks for the chance to win a custom-made cartoon! [amy.ahearta at gmail dot com]
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool! I'll have to think on what pattern I'd want. Probably something 40s but maybe something 60s because I love them but can't really wear them (pear figure + unshaped 60s shift = teepee). If I can come up with the specific pattern later, please enter me. I have been wanting to do a blog header forever, since I just use the generic text template, and this would def go in the header.
ReplyDeleteSpecific pattern later is fine for an entry!
DeleteOK, M, here's my entry:
ReplyDeleteThe pattern I would choose is Butterick 2674. I wrote a post about it here: http://line4line.blogspot.ca/2012/01/ladies-wear.html. It's a vintage dress with a gored skirt.
I don't know if I'd make it in yellow or blue, but I love both of the colours featured on the envelope. I also think an eyelet would be nice or a crepe wool. Maybe even a boucle. I would have ladylike shoes (maybe sling back) in a coordinating colour (but I'm flexible on what colour that would be). Just not black shoes! Alas, my hair is my hair. It isn't ever going to be long. I hope that won't wreck the vintage feel of the design...
I would like this simply for its artistic value. I think your drawings are inspirational - I love how you put your own style and personality into them. It makes me wish I had the skill to do the same (which you know I'm trying - very slowly, apparently - to develop).
I read your blog because it's entirely enjoyable. I love to hear about your multidimensional crafting, to see pics of your family, to see your drawings, to learn about croquis and other elements of creating a palette. I think we approach fashion in a very similar way, though we have different style. And I am pleased to see a blogger with a similar shape, whose sartorial considerations I can relate to. You write well and enthusiastically about many things. I also admire your ability to do the many creative things you do with the responsibilities of a toddler. I know how hard that is.
Can't wait to see how this progresses. Whoever wins, we all get to benefit from the experience!
Hmmm, would you put me on an "Australian Home Journal" cover? Like this one:
ReplyDeletehttp://pinterest.com/pin/86272149082280110/
It's not quite a pattern envelope, but pretty close! Otherwise I'll pick a pattern later :)
I'd like to be in the pink dress, but made up in a purple floral, maybe something like this:
http://www.kamsewunique.com/lavender-eye-pillow-images/purple-flowers-lavender-eye-pillow-fabric.jpg
I love the shoes she is wearing, but I'd leave off the other accessories...
As for hair, I want big, bouncy curls like the main picture here:
http://www.hairfinder.com/haircollections3/ambres-vintage5.htm
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
And (a late) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
DeleteAnd obviously I'm not very good at following rules....
I would definitely use the picture on my blog, as my profile picture, on my header, everywhere! And I'd love to get it printed and framed to hang above my sewing machine :)
Part of the reason I love to read your blog is because I love the illustrations you do when you are planning your projects! It's so much fun to see that design become a real piece of clothing :) Also, you are just really fun to read, and the things you make are always so nice, and practical, too!
What an amazing giveaway. I think this might be the most special and interactive one I have ever come across, and that is saying something!
ReplyDeleteWhile I wish I looked like those beautiful vintage pattern envelopes, it just isn’t meant to be. I wonder what their stats are? I would imagine they are at least 6 feet tall with a 20” waist. So maybe that would look rather freakish in real life.
But what pattern to choose? I think I would choose my most recent creation, Advance 5470, which is special in so many ways. First off, the pattern came to me via Mr. Male Pattern Boldness, himself. It doesn’t get much more special than that! The black and white floral fabric is something that I have been saving for quite a while now, earmarked for a Vintage Vogue pattern that I just have not had the proper opportunity/event to cut into the fabric. The huge shawl collar, full skirt, and lantern sleeves may just be the most perfect pattern I have ever come across.
I did not have the perfect hat to top the outfit off when I wore the dress yesterday. In a perfect world, I would have whipped up something, but time ran out, as it often does . . . But with a drawing I can pretend that I finished that exquisite hat and my softly curled hair looked perfect and fabulous even though rain was threatening all day long and the wind was ridiculous!
Now, what to do with this fabulous new image? Well, for starters, I have been meaning to get some business cards for quite a while, and this would absolutely motivate me. And my blog header is getting old . . . I think I would take the illustration everywhere with me and brag about what a fantastic online creative community exists. And of course post it all over my blog.
Thank you for all of the inspiration. As soon as I saw the name “Polka Dot Overload” I knew that I had found a kindred spirit! I am totally in love with the new We Sew Retro header. It makes me click through my google reader to the actual site just to see all those little faces smiling at me. And your cartoon illustrations of knitting projects always manages to make me pick up my knitting needles (until I get distracted by the next vintage sewing pattern!).
Wishing you a Happy Belated Birthday! And thank you for the opportunity to win such an amazing prize!
What a great idea! I love vintage pattern illustrations and use them in my own art work as well.
ReplyDeleteI would want an early 1960's full skirt in a floral pattern, perhaps yellow or red roses. Very Betty Draper. (I have a pattern in my collection that I can't find an image of online). I love how full the vintage circle skirts are in the illustrations, so the bigger the better! I would of course need some high heels, as in real life I can't wear them long enough to get a photo before I topple over or just give up. Some sort of fabulous brooch or necklace would be in order as well I think.
I would definitely post the image all over my blog, and also hang a copy in my sewing room for inspiration!
Your blog is adorable! As someone who also sews and knits, it is fun to see the variety of project you accomplish. Its very inspiring and always gets me thinking about my next project.
Thanks for offering this giveaway, I always enjoy the time I spend at your blog. :)
Mikhaela, this is such a cool project and a generous offer. I've been following you since you commented on my blog earlier this year, though I only recently formally subscribed. I like reading because your sensibility and array of projects and thoughtful way of proceeding all appeal to me. You have smart commenters too.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see myself on a vintage pattern envelope, specifically Simplicity 1668, a 40s dress with scallop details, in bright blue and white polka dot fabric, red shoes, red lipstick, and hair kind of like my own but more 40s-styled, less frizzy and unkempt. I would use the image wherever I could! Definitely I would frame it and display it next to a photograph of my much missed grandmother in a similar dress.
Ok, this is too awesome.
ReplyDeleteI'd want to be in an awesome 70's maxi dress looking like a Charlie's Angel.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/98442376/simplicity-7195-vintage-70s-maxi-dress
I'd want the dress to be some crazy floral chiffon. Sheer but with a short under dress beneath.
And of course, giant sunglasses and short, feathered hair.
I'd put it all over my blog. And now that I've thought this up, I want to actually go and make this dress...
I love your blog because I feel like I would be friends with you in "real life." Is that weird? I hope not. I just think you're fun ;)
I love your blog mainly because you are a cool mom vintage sewing knitting graphic designer. You have a perspective similar to mine.
ReplyDeleteI am cutting it pretty close on this one because I forgot it was EST midnight not my midnight. I am still not entirely sure that this is the pattern I love the best but Simplicity 3471 http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Simplicity_3471 is adorable and I would love to have it in a bright Pucci or Marimekko style print. I was also looking at some 70s maxi dresses, but I am really more of and early 60s kind of girl.
I am getting ready to start up a new sewing and fashion blog and would love to use artwork like this. Also I am getting ready to chop several inches off of my locs and would love to have them memorialized this way.
Oh and I would wear a brighht pair of wedges and a chunky necklace and my locs in a braid out with one side pinned back with a giant ranunculus.
DeleteOh biscuits--you're offline for a couple of days and you miss something awesome like this. I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with Mikhaela! I love all of your illustrations, and if one could be mine, it would have a place of honor in my dining room next to the article about my Great-Grandma who inspired me to be a strudel baker. Well, if I could enter, I love things from the late 30s for the sleekness and the ultra-femininity of them. This DuBarry pattern is a good example: http://www.etsy.com/listing/84949892/vintage-1939-dubarry-pattern-preview?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=1939+pattern&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=vintage
ReplyDeleteHoly cats but the girl with the veil looks fierce! If I were her, I wouldn't change a thing about her except instead of the little pocket square, I might be carrying a tiny robot in my jacket pocket--because that's what you do when you have 2 boys, and I love anachronisms.