FAS12 Flirty Halloween Apron Swap - OPEN

The time is here ... our next swap is ready for registrations!

First, I just need to put it out there that I struggle with Halloween. I LOVE the dressing up, the colors, the fun and laughter; I HATE the creepy, the evil, the dark side. For this swap, the rule of thumb is CUTESY/FLIRTY or COSTUME-Y not creepy/scary. Aprons made in a fall theme/colors would be great, too.

Also, I've had some feedback that not all swap package are created equal, so to speak. I would ask that everyone tries to spend around the same for our tuck-ins. I think minimum $15 is fair. So, do not send only dollar-store items but some things that YOU would love to receive. Even $15 isn't very much, but can go far as long as you shop the sales for bargains, hand craft some items, use your stash, or even shop vintage/thrift stores for the good stuff. I have added ideas and links to the right sidebar and I will regularly post ideas for tuck-ins, too. We are a creative bunch so I can't wait and see what you pull together!

Deadline to Register: September 30

NEW FAS Swappers Mail to Shawnee by: October 12 (received)

All Others Mail After: October 13

Mail Before: October 20

Create a handmade Flirty Halloween Apron package! Your apron can be cutesy, costume-y, or fall-flavored -- no CREEPY aprons allowed! You will include at least three "tuck-ins" relative to the theme; all items must be handcrafted, new, or be in "good as new" condition if they are thrifted or re-gifted. Plan on spending a minimum of $15 on the tuck-ins, in addition to the apron and postage. Really read your partner's registration/blog for their likes and dislikes. And, as always, make your package pretty … wrap it in tissue, tie it up with a cute bow, and include a personal little note card please.

Also, due to the time-sensitive nature of this swap, NO LATE PACKAGES. Please do not sign up if you cannot make the deadlines for this one.

Since this is a short registration window, I'm hosting a little contest to get word out. I bought some adorable Halloween fabric and have three fat-quarter bundles to give away (one FQ of each style included in every bundle).

You automatically get an entry when you register early for this swap (by 9/25). One more entry for posting the swap badge on your blog/facebook page. One more entry for every time you tweet/FB about this swap. For every entry, leave separate comments with links as appropriate in the comments below. Contest deadline is 9/26.

Let's make this a full one, shall we??

REGISTER BY CLICKING HERE!! Then, come right back here and leave your name so we know you're participating!!!

Cherry Scrapbook Paper!

If you are a scrapbooker, you've probably heard of Paper Trunk. My friend, Carrie, is the owner of this cool company and she's just rolled our her newest design line, Rockabilly. Several of the papers are PERFECT for our swap and would look delicious on an Altered Clipboard or other craft project.

Carrie has a contest to win the ENTIRE LINE. Check it out HERE and deadline to enter is midnight, June 2. If she gets 100 comments, there will be an iPod shuffle in the mix, too!!

SO, while you're waiting for your Swap Partner Assignment, go show Carrie some love. (I'm hurrying!!)

Two Fun Links - Contest and a NZ Swap

I found a couple of apron goodies on the 'net that I thought you all might enjoy. Pop over to Shawnee's Tangled Tales for more aprony goodness.

Sarah of Red Gingham is hosting her first apron swap, The Great Apron Swap 2010. If you want to swap with a Kiwi gal, you gotta act quick -- signups end today!!

Barbara of Mommy Life.net is hosting her second Apron Power! Contest. You need to send her a photo of you in an apron by May 5. She will publish photos as she receives them - along with any story or comments you wish to share. Please feel free to be yourself - from side-splittingly funny to ultra-sincere. Your apron image and philosophy should be as individual as you are. What has become apparent is that aprons are not only practical, but a symbol of our calling and something which the family responds to with respect - and even awe. She thinks that's why it's been easy for her to develop the habit of wearing her own.

More Entries Possible ....

Silly me - I forgot the best ways of all to earn entries for the White Christmas Apron Giveaway... Show our Sponsor Some Love!! Jan of J Carrell Originals has a bunch of goodies in her Etsy shop. I know she'd appreciate some feedback and some hearts, too. So, visit her shop then come back here and comment.




TELL ME YOUR FAVORITE ITEM IN JAN'S SHOP for one entry.
One more entry if you HEART HER SHOP and tell me in a separate comment.
BLOG ABOUT JAN'S SHOP for FIVE entries; link/comment below for entries.

Thanks for playing! I love seeing all the sneak peeks and reading the comments!!!

White Christmas Apron Giveaway!!

My darling friend, Jan, has offered to be a sponsor for this year's holiday swap. LOOK what she's created just for us!!

Isn't this the most PERFECT apron for our "White Christmas" flirty apron swap?!? I own several of Jan's aprons and the quality is amazing. THANK YOU JAN. Here's a little about the designer, Jan:

Hello everyone! My name is Jan and I am happy to be a sponsor for the White Christmas Apron Swap. I have always loved to sew, from the time I was a teenager until now and I am fifty years old this year. I love to make aprons and I sell them on my Etsy site at www.jcarrelloriginals.etsy.com and on my own website www.jcarrelloriginals. I also have a blog called Maple Lane. I would love you to visit.

I have made this Red frilly apron to giveaway for the swap and have machine embroidered the front of it with an I am Dreaming of a White Christmas design. I thought it was very appropriate for the swap. I hope you like it.

Like it? I think I love it!! Wouldn't you just LOVE this festive remembrance of our fun together? Or, are you thinking of gifting this beauty to the special chef in your life??? Well, you might be the lucky gal to win this! Even if you don't win, you may want one for yourself. And, if you find that you've run out of time to sew your own aprons, Jan has a nice selection at her Etsy store and website.


HOW DO YOU WIN THIS BEAUTY?? Well, I feel like the fun of the Flirty Apron Swap blog is seeing what everyone else is creating and what they're thinking. I know you don't come here to read my ramblings! So, in order to be entered, you need to ACCEPT MY AUTHOR INVITATION. These emails were sent out a few days ago. If you didn't get yours, please let me and I'll re-invite you. Now, if you are not a blogger, consider this the nudge you needed to start your own blog. If you really are blog-phobic, you can leave a comment to that effect and I'll enter your name anyway.

PUBLISH A POST here with your apron ideas and sneak peek of the fabrics you've chosen. Five entries if you do that. Limited to one post for the contest, please, so give us details and pictures!!

The other fun part about this blog is reading the comments. So, every time you COMMENT on a Flirty Apron Swap blog post, you're entered again! One entry per comment, unlimited possible.

And, I really appreciate it when you share your joy about being a swapper. So, POST THE FLIRTY APRON SWAP BADGE on your own blog, linked back here, and leave me a comment that it's there for one more entry.

LAST DAY FOR ENTRIES: November 30. That's the deadline for newbies' aprons to arrive to me and the day before everyone else can send off their goodies.

Here's a few more pictures of our darling prize:

Good Luck to All!

Partners Sent! Winner Named! New Contest!!

OK ladies, I'm back to the land of the living! Partners for first-timers were sent on the 30th of June, and everyone else got their assignments today.

PLEASE reply by Wednesday so I know that you're still playing and you've received your partner.

I've heard from all my first-time swappers. Don't forget, your deadline is to have your package to me before July 20 along with postage to forward the package to your partner.

EVERYONE else ... July 20 is still the earliest to send, but I've extended the last day to mail until August 15, 2009.

AND, THE WINNER OF THE MOMOMADEIT APRON .....

AMY B from Nebraska!!!


NEW CONTEST:

The next amazing giveaway is for everyone who replies to the partner assignment email within 48 hours. I have a special gift package from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, their special Lucy's Chocolate line.

Ed from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is so generous and very intrigued by our swaps and social networking in general. FOR EXTRA ENTRIES, please leave comments below as to your favorite item from Rocky Mountain AND any tips for internet marketing. When I found this site, I though these goodies would be WONDERFUL add-ins for your swap package. LEAVE A COMMENT if you purchase anything from Ed and receive an extra FIVE (5) entries. LAST DAY TO COMMENT/ENTER is Thursday morning.

FINAL CONTEST

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ENTER!!! START FOLLOWING JEAN'S BLOG FOR EXTRA EXTRIES!!

Our final contest will give the lucky winner a stocking to hang by the fireplace and filled with goodies from our very own swapper from FAS3, Jean K from Washington state!

Everyone who posts to the Flirty Apron Swap blog, either comments or pictures, will be entered one time.

And, since Jean is fairly new to the blogging world, she would love to get a few more readers. So, you will get an extra entry for following her blog or linking to HER blog from yours! If you do either of these things, post a comment here so we know it!!

EDITED: This contest will end Wednesday, December 3. That should allow for on-time aprons to be received and pictures posted!


You also still have time to be entered in Contest #3. Even if you couldn't mail today, please add Cathy's Pincushions as an Etsy Favorite Seller and let me know here TONIGHT! The lucky winner gets her choice of Cathy's adorable pincushions!!

Contest #3 WINNER

Thanks again to Cathy from Cathy's Pincushions. She has given away one of her custom pincushions to the lucky winner.

Don't forget that Cathy also has a special right now, so even if you're not the lucky winner you still can get ** 10% OFF ALL ORDERS FOR MJF GIRLS, APRONISTAS, SASSY APRON SWAPPERS, AND FLIRTY APRON SWAPPERS!!!**.

Random Sequence Generator
Here is your sequence:

• 82

I had put everyone's name on a list who mailed on time and/or marked Cathy's Shoppe as a favorite. Congratulations to Nathalie B from Quebec!! I'll pass your contact info to Cathy!!

Shawnee

Contest #3 - Mail On Time

Hi Girlfriends,

I hope you're having a delightful time during this swap, and are almost done with your creations. What lovely aprons I've seen so far!! You all really brought your "A" game and I'm very impressed.

Here's another little contest to keep things fun and exciting. You have TWO ways to be entered into Contest #3 for one of these:

• MAIL ON TIME - Aprons need to be sent by Monday night, November 24. Send me your delivery confirmation tracking number please.

• Add our Sponsor's Shop as a Favorite Shop on Etsy and leave a comment below that you've done it. I'll verify, and add your name to the list!

Who's our generous sponsor? I asked Cathy from Cathy's Pincushions to tell me a little about her and her shop:

I recently opened Cathy's Pincushion Shoppe on Etsy as a easier way to "showcase" my pincushions, but I do a lot of special orders and will give discounts for multi-purchases.

Each one of my pincushions is lovingly handmade one at a time by me, which gives them their own lil' personalities! They are firmly filled with ground walnut shells (a clean commerical product) and poly-fill to keep your pins and needles snugly in the cushion. The weight of the shells helps to keep the pincushion where you put it! A 3-tier pincushion averages 14 oz. in weight and measures 6" wide x 4" high! I also make 2-tiers pincushions and mini pincushions. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions. ( okiequilter at att dot net )

Thanks for looking!

Cathy :)


Cathy also has a special right now, so even if you're not the lucky winner you still can get ** 10% OFF ALL ORDERS FOR MJF GIRLS, APRONISTAS, SASSY APRON SWAPPERS, AND FLIRTY APRON SWAPPERS!!!**.

Please notice the sidebar of swappers and their status. I don't have time to answer every email (but I'm working on it) but am trying hard to keep my spreadsheet and site updated with your info. If you've told me that your package is sent and/or received and it's not on our blog, drop another quick note. Thanks for playing so sweetly!!

Shawnee

WINNER Contest #2

Thank you, Andrea of Knitty Bitties, for sponsoring this contest. I took everyone's name who told me they mailed early, added names of those who left comments about their favorite Knitty Bitties shop item, and drew a winner:


CHARLOTTE C from Utah!!

Congratulations!! I will send your info to Andrea, and she will create a custom Laurel apron just for you and send it by Thanksgiving!!



And if you didn't win, don't forget Knitty Bitties has a special Shop Promotion (October 15 - November 15): Purchase any two items from her shop and receive FREE SHIPPING OR Purchase any one item from the shop (over $5) and receive a FREE "Happy Little Coffee Coat."


Keep on sewing,

Shawnee

This is a great weekend to sew! Contest #2

Hey girlfriends!! Tuesday the 11th is our Early Mailing Deadline for glamorous Holiday Hostess apron packages. Snap lots of pictures, post them here and check this swap off your "to do" list!

Contest time!! Two ways to be entered: if you send your partner's package before Veteran's Day 11/11 and send me an email with the delivery confirmation number, you will be entered to win. Second entry, visit our sponsor's shop, Knitty Bitties, look at all Andrea's wonderful designs, and leave a comment on this post as to what is your favorite thing in Andrea's shop!



So, what can you win by mailing early and doing some window shopping?!? A custom Knitty Bitties Laurel Apron, similar to this one. Andrea will create an apron just for you and send it before Thanksgiving!

In addition to sponsoring this contest, Knitty Bitties has a special Shop Promotion (October 15 - November 15): Purchase any two items from her shop and receive FREE SHIPPING OR Purchase any one item from the shop (over $5) and receive a FREE "Happy Little Coffee Coat."


Contest deadline is Wednesday morning, November 12, to have confirmation numbers sent and/or posting your Knitty Bitties favorite.

Ready, Set, Sew!!

Partner emails coming soon ...

Sorry for the delay in getting out partners! It took longer than I expected to confirm everyone was still playing. I have everyone assigned on my spreadsheet, now just need to send out the individual emails.

Our FIRST FAS4 Contest will be for everyone who responds within 48 hours to the partner assignment email so keep an eye on your inbox.

Here is the giveaway. This is a PDF apron pattern designed by Jenna at The Make Do Mercantile on Etsy. This is quick little apron pattern that would make fun gifts, and even better is that it is a PDF pattern -- great for people like me who WANT IT NOW!



This apron is so fast to put together. I love it. If you don't win you can go snatch up a copy and send some apron love to a fellow swapper in a future swap. It includes three sizes, M, L and XL and can be made with one pillowcase or one yard of fabric

Jenna also has a club called the Make Do Marigolds. You can join in by purchasing her seasonal packets and then earn patches on your own --- plus it's chock full of recipes, tips and even an apron pattern. So check it out.

AND, if you didn't know, Jenna also runs SwapDex, an index of swaps. I LOVE her site for seeing what are all current swap out there on the world wide web. I know it's a lot of work, and I really appreciate all her efforts!!

CONTEST #2 - Alice in Stitches STICKY POST

Scroll down to see new posts

I am very excited to announce our next contest - a yard of fabric of winner's choice from Alice in Stitches!! Everyone who mails on time and sends me delivery confirmation will be entered once. You get ONE EXTRA entry by visiting Alice's site and posting comments on this post about which of her fabrics are your favorite, what do you like best about the site and what you would like to see offered. You will earn A SECOND EXTRA entry by posting this contest on your blog and linking to this post/posting your link in comments.

Our sponsor is:


Alice in Stitches specializes in treasures for the needle arts connoisseur. You'll find unique fabrics, supplies, patterns and yarns for quilting, knitting and needlework.
Explore your inner artist through needle crafts!

If you've poked around my flickr page, you might have noticed the two aprons I've made from a very hard to find vintage pin-up girls fabric in a Halloween pattern called "Bewitched", here and here. (I'm hoarding the last little bit of fabric for myself!) I purchased that adorable fabric from Alice, she made the transaction so smooth and it arrived in record time. She has A LOT of beautiful fabric - I don't envy the winner selecting their favorite!

Three entries are easy: mail on time and send me delivery confirmation number; visit Alice's site and answer the questions above; and post this contest entry on your blog and tell us you did it!!

So, post your comments quick! Entries will be accepted through the 15th which is also your deadline to mail packages! Contest is open to everyone!!

Yahoo! Last Two!!

Woo-hoo ... we have our last two winners of Stampington magazines! Fellow Oregonian Paula N and Sibyl S from Texas have both sent their confirmation numbers for packages!! Whoever the lucky partners are, don't forget to post pictures!!

More opportunities to win fabulous prizes:
-Everyone who meets the requirement to send me delivery confirmation numbers and mails on time will be entered into a drawing for a prize from Alice in Stitches (details to follow).
-Our final contest will be for the best interpretation of a dream vacation, with prize provided by Rick Rack Attack. So, be sure to take great pictures of the packages mailed/received and post, post, post!!

Winners #4 and #5

Two more packages are on the pony express! Melinda C from Washington and Dawn R from Oklahoma have both won a magazine from Stampington.
TWO MORE LEFT!! Hurry and send me those delivery confirmation numbers.

AND, to be sure you keep sending me numbers even after these first prizes are gone, everyone who meets the requirement to send me this info through the swap will be entered into a drawing for a special little prize at the end!

First Contest - Early Finishers

Our first contest is for everyone who likes to complete a project early. I have been sent several magazines from Stampington including two Summer 2008 Somerset Life, the last four issues of Altered Couture and a YEAR's worth of Belle Armoire magazines! This are exclusively for the first SEVEN participants who mail their finished swap packages and send me the tracking/delivery confirmation information. Now, does that mean you do a rushed and sloppy job to win? Of course not, but I'm hoping there is enough to give you incentive to start and perhaps be an early finisher!

Special thanks to Stampington! They have been collecting apron submissions for months now and will have a new publication soon, Apronology. I know everyone will be overjoyed to finally have a magazine directed to this fun accessory!!

Apron*ology

Deadline: September 15, 2008 (RECEIVE)

Apron*ology: Aprons with an Attitude
Stampington and Company
New Publication



Click on the flyer to learn more about the upcoming publication and find out how to submit your artwork.! If you are having trouble reading the text on the full-size versions, right-click on the full-sized image and use the "Save Picture As" option to save it to your computer. Open it in any image viewing software to view it at full-size.

No longer relegated to hanging in the kitchen pantry, today's aprons are meant to be seen.

Apron*ology will be a gallery of delightful photographs and illustrations featuring exciting apron designs with easy to understand techniques and templates that will be fun for the DIY-er to recreate. Apron*ology will also feature ideas on how to re-purpose vintage aprons and how to wear them with just the right attitude and style.

Apron enthusiasts are invited to submit and be a part of of this exciting publication. Here's what we're looking for:

• Aprons of all sizes, styles and shapes with brief instructions on how they are made. (If including a template, submit your apron with template designs unique to your apron.)


• Aprons used in new and innovative ways. Some ideas include using aprons to:
  
  • Hang as window treatments
  • Wrap gifts
  • Alter and create new wearable or decor items
  • Aprons stylishly worn as an enhancing accessory. For example, put one under or over a skirt, skinny jeans or to give that dress just the right panache. (These aprons can be either original or altered designs.)

Submissions due no later than September 15, 2008 to:

Apron*ology
22992 Mill Creek, Suite B
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Please read the submission guidelines at http://www.stampington.com/. Brief emails related to editorial content will be accepted by Editor-in-Chief Jenny Doh at jdoh@stampington.com. Emails regarding Art Management processes will be accepted by Art Management Coordinator Jennifer Jackson at jjackson@stampington.com.


View complete set of new publications: http://www.stampington.com/html/postscript_03112008_newpubs.html

Guess the Theme WINNER

Oh, Kathy, YOU'RE OUR WINNER! I took everyone's theme guesses from the two posts here and one on the Apronista.ning (30 in all!), ran them through my random generator and then kept picking numbers until the person selected made a reasonably-correct guess. So Kathy from Hillsfam at Xanga, you have won a pair Flirty-Not-Dirty Kitchen Gloves; your pair will look something like these! If you let me know your favorite colors some time today, I'll work them in; otherwise, it will be a fun surprise! OH, and I need your mailing address! Email that info to me at shawneeh at yahoo dot com.

Birthday Giveaway

Sorry for this shameless promotion. It's my birthday and I'm having a little giveaway over on my blog. Stop by and enter! Hey, when you have a small family, you do what you gotta do in order to have bday fun! LOL!!

Contest Time!!

Okay, gals. Someone asked if they were behind. No worries!! We are just barely at the halfway point. Keep sewing and posting pictures. Don't hesitate to post full pictures of your completed aprons; this is a secret swap, so everyone will just salivate and hope your apron is coming their way!

Since we're about halfway, it must be time for another contest! One lucky participant will win this gorgeous Patriotic Apron from Vicky at My Mom Would Be Proud! You can have up to THREE entries in this contest!

1st Entry - If you have a blog, add a link to Vicky's My Mom Would Be Proud Etsy shop, them come back here and leave the link to your site in the comments. OR, if you don't have a blog, visit Vicky's shop and leave a comment here about your favorite item in it.

2nd Entry - Add Vicky's shop as a Favorite Seller in Etsy. This requires joining Etsy, but there's no cost, no spam and it's a great on-line shopping adventure. Then, leave a comment here telling me that you've "hearted" her as a Favorite Seller.

3rd Entry - Send your apron early! The deadline to mail is June 15; however, everyone who emails me their delivery confirmation info by Wednesday, June 4, will also be entered into this apron giveaway!!

Last chance to enter is midnight, Wednesday, June 4, and I'll announce a random winner on Thursday.

Here's a little bit about Vicky from our first round of Flirty Apron Swap:
I have been quilting since 1985 and also started collecting aprons about the same time. I'm so glad that aprons have made a come back. I discovered Etsy just a few months ago and realized that I could satisfy my passion for sewing plus share my love for it with others by making aprons and doll clothes.

Vicky and I have gotten to know each other, and she's such a dear. You MUST read her profile while you're visiting her shop. Thanks Vicky, and Good Luck!!

Giveaway #1 - Winner is ....

Giabella Designs said...

My two favorites are Sunflower Field and Perfect Housewife! Thanks for the chance to win such a cute apron!
Sue Ann, giabella designs

May 5, 2008 4:41 AM

That's right - Sue Ann of Giabella Designs is our first contest winner!! Lana will be shipping the beautiful "I See Stars Flirty Apron" off to you.

We just want to again thank Lana for donating one of your amazing aprons. As you read in the comments, we are all just in awe of your talent. Each of your aprons are to DIE for!!

Here are some sweet comments from Ms. Lana:

"Hello. I am Lana with Sassy Aprons. I want to thank everybody for visiting my shop and for the nice words that each of you posted about my aprons on this blog. They put a smile on my face. I love creating and sewing sassy aprons. I know they are just aprons, but for me, they are a way to express myself. If I can add a little message with every apron, just a few words of wisdom (not necessarily mine), to show a little appreciation of the world we live in. I also want to say how lucky we are to live in this beautiful country. Thank you."


I couldn't say it better Lana -- this is a beautiful country and I AM proud to be an American (yeah Lee Greenwood)! Can't wait to see the flirty Americana aprons that this group will come up with.

Keep on eye on your mailboxes, everyone, because I'm sending swap partner assignments tonight until my eyes cross!! LOL!!

Again, congratulations Sue Ann!!