Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Colonial Needle Blog Hop - Giveaway

Closed!!!! Winners to be announced soon.

Today is my turn to tell you about Colonial Needles.  I have to say that they have some great products.  I was graciously sent a number of them to try AND some more of them to give away.  
Should I tell you that I don't want to give away the Pebble Quilting needles? Ha ha, it is true but I am keeping the Pebble Sharps for myself.  You see, the Pebble is a very clever way of packaging needles in a sweet hard plastic case that has an attached hinged lid (so a klutz, like me,  can't lose the lid.) Also they are very handy to carry around. you can put it in my your pocket and not worry because the lid snaps shut.  You know you got it closed. Well, yes, you can also put it in your purse or briefcase or just about anywhere. Mine will live in that compartment in the front of my sewing machine.  It will replace the tacky scrap of fabric with a couple of needles stuck in it.  And I won't have to worry about digging in there and sticking a needle in my finger - it has happened more than once!

But there are also other practical items for both quilters and sewists alike.  One cool item is a U shaped magnet.  There was discussion among the Blog Hop writers about making a "necklace" of it.  That way when you drop a pin/needle etc.  you can just use the necklace magnet to retrieve it.  Because I am the curious sort, I even tried it with a metal foot from my sewing machine. Yes, it will lift those too. (Of course you probably never drop a foot while you are changing it. But I do.) 

Giveaway?  Yeah, I thought you were waiting for this:  I have a nice package of goodies to give away. 
Included and shown below are these:  Brass safety pins, black snap fasteners, a Peeble of quilting needles, a U shaped magnet, a retractable tape measure, and a seam ripper. (You do know that seam rippers get dulled and need replaced, don't you?)   This is the Big prize package.



However, there is a second prize just because I can.  I am sending out a small machine embroidered lace bookmark in a rose pattern AND the cardboard pack of quilting "betweens" needles. 

There is a reason I decided to give a bookmark. I was making one special for a church friend (a cross design) and the water soluble stabilizer must have loosened in the hoop.  All the lace wasn't caught around the edges by the satin outline stitch.  I took one of the smallest Colonial Betweens and used it to repair the piece.  WOW that tiny needle was able to slide between the tight satin stitches and I was able to repair the bookmark.  So, although I don't hand quilt, I can see that these would be great for hand quilting as they would slip through the fabric so easily.

Now, how do you register for the giveaway? Hmmmm.... how about you leave a comment and tell me if you want to win the big prize only, the second prize only, or if you would love to win either one.  And if you can, tell me something that will make me smile! I read EVERY comment.

I will choose a winner on April 20. Entries are open until I post CLOSED.  I must hear back from the winner quickly -so if I haven't heard back by Saturday morning, the 21st, I will choose another winner. So be sure that I can contact you, either by having your email available in blogger OR by including it in your entry comment.  I plan to mail the prizes on Monday, thus the need for a quick reply.

Here are the other stops in the blog hop - be sure to visit them all.


Sunday, April 15 – Lilypadquilting
Monday, April 16 –SewCalGal
Tuesday, April 17 – Gene Black (you are already here!)
Wednesday, April 18 –HillbillyHandiworks
Thursday, April 19 – SewBittersweet Designs
Friday, April 20 – It’s So Kiki
Saturday, April 21 – Love Affair with my Brother
Sunday, April 22 – Catpatches


Most of these bloggers are already ones I followed prior to the Blog Hop.  I am now following them all. I can highly recommend them to you.
Have fun and good luck in the giveaway.
If I get deluged with comments, I may not be able to reply to them.

92 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Gene this is a wonderful prize pkg. and I would love to win either. But the peeble sounds right up my alley. You were talking about you being a Klutz well I am right up there with you...I dropped a whole little case of needles that went in between every little whole that I had in my sewing machine cabinet by accident and the funny thing is that was about 2 months ago and I could sure used the u shape picker upper thing cause I am still spotting one here and there. It is funny now cause I keep finding them but it was not then and that u shape thing will become real handy for something I did a few months ago..lol Take care and i am keeping everything I have doubled to win one of your prizes....sgriff57@comcast.net

thegoose said...

I would be happy with either prize, though I have a preference for the first. It sure is sweet of you to offer a second. :)

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I love betweens, but have never used the Colonial, Lovely package of gifts and thank you for sharing you input on their products.

Sunnybec said...

Thanks for the giveaway, I would like the first prize please. Thank you!

gpc said...

My needles are older than I am, and that's saying something! They were my mother's before me. I've stuck myself so many times over the years that I can't begin to keep count. So, while I would love the first prize most, I can definitely use some new needles!

Sheila said...

Both are very nice prizes, but I would like the first prize please. The needles in the plastic case and the large magnet look very interesting. I am forever using a seam ripper, so a new one would be wonderful.
Thank you for offering 2 very nice giveaways.

Lesley said...

Both giveaways would be lovely to win! I use seam rippers constantly...oops, I guess I'm giving away secrets. I could certainly use a sharper one, and always ready to try some new needles to get my stitches just a little smaller!

Martina said...

Oh, lovely! I think the magnet is just for me. My kids complain already as sometimes they jump off the sofa because of a pin which has gone forgotten there. Autch! I think they would be really happy! But both prices are great!

Unknown said...

I would be thrilled to win either prize package!

OK, my favorite joke:
A man walks into a psychiatrist's office chanting, "I am a teepee! I am a wigwam!" The doctor says, "Relax! you're two tents!"
Get it? (wink wink, nudge nudge) He he. That one gets me every time. Hope it made you smile!

SeeingStars said...

Gene, I'd be thrilled with either prize! It's always fun to try new tools. I was given a needlebook as a gift once, but alas those old habits ... I still use the needle stuck through a piece of fabric most of the time.

To keep the theme of Spoolhardy Girl's comment, I share a Native American funny also. A man had just met one of my strong-willed family members at a large gathering. After observing her for a little while, he told her that her NA name is Four Horses. Nag, Nag, Nag, Nag! She took the joke well and laughed with him, so it wasn't awkward.

CynthiaT59 said...

I don't think I can beat Spoolhardy Girl's joke this early in the morning! Your post did remind me that I need to purchase a new seam ripper today! I pulled out mine this week-end and the tip was broken...so sad! The kids are in college and my husband avoids my sewing room so I can't even blame it on them!

JoyceLM said...

I'd love to win either prize. Not necessarily funny, but someone stole my cart at the WalMart last week. Took my cart with my "carefully selected" items & left their cart with their purse in it. Really strange. Thanks for the chance to win.

Teresa Quilts said...

Hi Gene! I love both gifts! But, I would take either one. :D I have never tried any of those items, so it would be a great experience. Your blogs are such a joy to read. Looking forward to my email! tgnance@gmail.com
Teresa

Mhairi said...

I would love both but my preference would be the first prize, only because I NEED one of those magnets!! My 1/4" foot has a loose peg that holds it onto the machine and I am constantly losing it. I guess I should get my husband to locktight it but I just keep finding the peg and putting it back in.

drmithome said...

Thanks for the tip for the bookmark. I have one where the same thing happened and didn't have the heart to throw it away. Now I can salvedge it. Either giveaway would be fun to win.

Dot Moore said...

I would love to win the big prize. I love your bookmark and what a clever idea about repairing the edges. Love your blog.

Purl Buttons said...

I would be happy to win either. If you like, you can keep a fish in your pocket. That will make you smell. Oh...wait, you said SMILE...

Gill said...

I would love to win either giveaway1
I can't think of anything funny but I love the comment above mine from purl buttons!!

B Greene said...

Hi Gene! I enjoyed your informative post and now I think I really need a Pebble and a magnet necklace!! I would be thrilled with either prize pack, but I need some basics still, so the first would be right up my alley. I am a new follower of your blog, too :-)

Kathy H said...

I would like to win either prize, all are great prizes. Very pretty bookmark too. I have never tried the water soluble stabilizer to make anything like that but have seen ornaments made and they are so pretty. I don't know if this will make you smile but it makes me smile. We haven't had bluebirds in our neighborhood for years and recently I spotted one in a tree then later saw where they had their nest. SO now I am waiting to see the babies flying around.

LeAnne said...

Gene, you're more patient than I am. If my machine embroidery goofs up, it goes in the trash. Never say never, but I rarely try and repair it. I would like the bigger package of goodies. I really do need to replace my seam ripper. I've had it forever.

Roxanne said...

I am just starting my first hand quilting project and could really use those needles. Thanks for the video on bias bindings. I bought fabric for my first bias binding yesterday!

Annmarie said...

Either of the prizes are fine with me. Thanks for the chance. Now - a smile - words of wisdom: when you're down in the dumps, look in a mirror & force yourself to smile - see what happens - works every time!

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I'm interested in the big prize, love that magnet! thanks for a chance to win.

Lynn said...

Winning either prize would make me smile.

Kathryn said...

I'd be glad to win either prize. I've had a robin pecking at my window for the past few weeks. Is she saying hello? Kathie L in Allentown

Gwen said...

I would be thrilled to win *EITHER* prize!! :-) And thanks so much for giving us a chance to win!

Here's a quote that makes me smile: "When I was in grade school, they told me to write down what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down happy. They told me I didn't understand the assignment, I told them they didn't understand life." - Unknown

Patti Williams said...

I would love to win either prize. Enjoy your blogs and videos

Cecilia said...

I would love to win the first prize. I'm interested in trying the pebble. I could use it to keep my needles out of my granddaughter's reach when she is sitting beside me while I'm quilting. In fact, I have two of them here now and that will make you smile thinking of all the fun I am having with them. Thanks for the chance to win.

RSHudson said...

I guess my first choice would be the "big prize" package but I do hand quilt sometimes so the "2nd" prize package would be put to use too. As far as something to make you smile...hmmm...I'm an Alabama girl and both my grandmothers quilted too...does that count? I would also say "Roll Tide" but if you're an Auburn fan, that might not make you smile;>) Thanks for chance to win! (marshudson at comcast dot net)

GG said...

Hi Gene, Enjoyed reading your 'About Me' profile. You are blessed to have such a rich heritage & the opportunity to appreciate the Arts, especially Quilting. There is no previous quilters in my family line so I decided that I was going to be the first;let's make a quilt!I mean, how hard can that be? My daughter & I walked into a lovely Quilt Shop one day & we were mesmerized by the stunning quilts hanging all around. It was very hard to choose which one we wanted to make.After we decided we proceeded to let the the owner know- I pointed up & told her,We want to make that one.Oh, she said, that's a great choice. Do you know how to quilt? Well no, but we'll start with that one.
Mmmm, have you taken the beginners class,Quilting 101? Huh? (How naive we were!) The graciousness of the owner made us feel accepted & not like the 'know-nothings' we were. When I think back about that incident,it gives me a chuckle along with an embarrassed red face.
Thanks for the give away! Since I'm a Gadget Girl(GG)I prefer to win the big grand prize.

Deb said...

I'd love to win the set with the magnet and needle pebble in it!

Kathleen said...

I would love to win the BIG prize.....great job on the embroidery....I have a Brother ULT 2001 and love it....thanks for the giveaway

Sherry said...

I would love to win either of the prizes and thanks for the chance to win. The sun was shining here this morning and as I left for work it made me smile. I hope you have a lot to smile about today.

Laceflower said...

although your lace book mark is lovely, I'm hoping for the BIG prize.
laceflower at G mail dot com

Teresa said...

How I laughed when I saw you have a scrappy bit of fabric with needles poked through. I must have its twin! I would feel lucky to win either prize.

Anonymous said...

While winning either prize package would be great, I really NEED to win the one with the Pebble and the magnet! My cat's favorite room in our house is my sewing room, and she loves to "participate" in whatever I'm up to in there. If I'm not paying enough attention to her, she will go to my pincushion and pull out the pins and needles one by one, delighting in watching them as she drops each to the carpet. She also loves to carry small items like pins, needles, bits of fabrics, seam rippers, etc and hide them. We've never found her "stash", but it'll be a treasure trove when we do! So you see....I really NEED to win so that I can use that magnet to find everything!

crafter1953 said...

Hi,it is raining sunshine here and it felt great walking the dogs or is it they walk me, what ever I would love to win what I win I am not picky about it. Thanks for giving me a chance to win. Keep on Sewing.

Sallie said...

I would be happy with either prize! Thank you! I just saw 2 deer out my window and that made me happy!

sandyb said...

You are very generous and I would be happy with either prize pack - the first one would be wonderful but either one would make me smile.

News that made us happy this week was that our son-in-law's biopsy results on a rare bone tumor in his leg came back NEGATIVE. That makes us happy.

sandyb720@gmail.com

Diann said...

I would be happy with either prize.

The cherry tree next door and the dogwood across the street are blooming. Seeing or thinking of them make me smile, maybe the thought will make you smile too.

brigitte said...

i`m so happy:-) thanks for a chance to win <3

Kelly said...

I'd be happy to win either giveaway!! Thanks.

Kathrynn said...

I'd love to win either prize pack, thanks. My granddaughter came over before she went to school just to say hi, that makes me smile(kids are great).

Judy1522 said...

I would be happy to win either especially since you are giving away needles with both. It seems to me that you can never have enough needles. Every time I need a needle it seems like I have to hunt for just the right one so I always try to keep a lot of different sizes on hand.

Sandra said...

I had a cat that did that in an apartment when we moved out we still didn't find her "stash".

Sandra said...

Would love to win either one but I sure could use the magnet as I am a bit of a klutz myself.

My sewing partner/supervisor is a 4.5 year old Pomeranian named Rusty. He loves his treats and trained himself to pick up material, pins, anything small and trades them in for doggy treats.

ytsmom said...

Of course I want the big prize, but I would love to win the second prize, too!!

Marjorie said...

looks like a great blog hop. i never knew that needlecase top was hinged. how cool.I'm going to have to get some.

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

Either prize would be fine for me. Love the description of why you like the Pebble :)

Jessica Jo said...

I would prefer either. The big bundle because, well, it's big! I need one of those magnets! And the little bundle because that is a beautiful bookmark. Very well done. Thank you.

Jennie P. said...

I would love the big prize pack! I sure could use some snaps, and that pebble of needles and magnetic pin picker upper would be awesome to win. Not to mention, I probably could use a new seam ripper too.

I want to tell you, I really love your art. My favorite is the painting of the fish (I saw on facebook). I've always been fascinated by water. Maybe being a pisces has something to do with it? The colors are so glorious and I love the calm feeling it gives me to look at it. Oh, I wish I had that painting.

Unknown said...

I would love to win either.
For me, there is nothing better than to watch my 5 kids getting along. Watching 4 of them sitting on the sideline cheering on #3 at her soccer game made me feel wonderful! And other parents noticed and commented how nice it was to see siblings getting along as if they "really do like each other".

Julie S said...

Boy, I could use either prize. My handwork needles are just plain lame. I was hand sewing on Sunday evening and got a really nasty jab...and not from the sharp end! The needle was too dull, and when I was nudging it through the fabric with my thumb, the EYE of the needle punctured the skin, causing much bleeding and loud wailing. Today the poke mark is 3/8 inch long! OUCH!

Linda E in NM said...

Gene-
I'd love to win either one. You can laugh about the fact that a couple days ago I managed to iron on some fusible web onto the RIGHT side of my piece of fabric! Duh, what was I thinking. Unfortunately, that piece was just big enough to cut out the 16 triangles I needed and I don't have any more, so I guess it's on to Plan B!

Kathy ~~~ said...

I'd love love the big prize, The smaller one I'd keep the bookmark and give the needles to my cousin who does A LOT of hand quilting.. Thanks for the chance. something to make you smile hummmm I have a groundhog in my backyard we named Mudslide:-)

Carrie P. said...

I would love the big prize but I would be happy with the book mark and quilting needles. Thanks for a chance.
Smile because spring has arrived!

Becky said...

I'd love to win either giveaway. A TV program that we discovered recently (we definitely don't watch the latest shows) is The Big Bang Theory. It is laugh-out-loud funny. You will know people like the characters. It reminds me of me and my friends. We can be such nerds:) Have a wonderful week!

c said...

After all, it is SPRING, and I would love to have an egg shaped holder for keeping needles as nice as you say these are. I have looked all over for such a nice thing, and you are even nicer for sucha giveaway ;)

aka kingcooper0001@aol.com

Penny said...

Well, of course, I'd be happy with either prize. I'd love to try Colonial Needles's products. I really smiled at your How to Make Wavy Bars video. You seemed so relaxed and made me feel I could use that technique easily. Thanks for the tips.

Anonymous said...

I Would love to have either prize, though I am somewhat of a bookworm. The more I hear about Colonial Needle's products, the more I want to try them out for myself. Thanks for the chance to win!

teachpany said...

You crack me up! You said I could put the pebble needle case in YOUR pocket. Um, not if I win! lol. Either prize would be great, thanks, and love the bookmark! I so want an embroidery machine. Thanks!

Marcia W. said...

Thanks for the chance to enter your giveaway. Either prize would be great. We handquilt and baste with safety pins! I tend to lose straight pins and needles in my chair, so would be helpful to have a magnet too.

Bonnie58 said...

Thanks for the opportunity. I would love either prize (preferably both, but that is a bit greedy, so I'll let you choose which one I want (need??). Have a great week

Donana said...

Thanks for sharing the gifts Gene. I'm not picky I'll take either one. Although the magnet and the seam ripper looks like it's got my name on it lol. I did not know that seam rippers wear out.....maybe it's time to replace mine, I know it's overused. And the magnet, well let's just say I'm on floor more than my chair in my sewing room. I drop everything, especially pins. I know one day one of those pins are going to come back and bite me. Love your blog, have fun.
Donna F
Fuqua366@gmail.com

Kate Brown said...

I would love to win the second prize. The bookmark is just beautiful and it would make me happy because you made it. The needles I sure could use because I spilled my last package and who knows where they are. Now I am down to 1 needle :) The first prize would be nice for the seam ripper... you could keep the peeble for your pocket coz I know that would make YOU smile :)

tubilinha tiacarminha said...

Eu quero ser espetada por estas agulhas,primeiro por que vem de você e depois se a qualidade é boa eu adoro.Pode escolher para mim,tem a minha inteira confiança.Obrigada.tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com

evelyn said...

Thanks for sharing. I never thought about seam rippers getting dull.
Both giveaways are great prizes.
I have a very curious siamese cat. She sits behind my sewing maching when I sew, or on my quilt top whan I am basting.
"Needles" to say, I have to count my pins every time. And for basting, I use quilters safety pins.

Jodi - usairdoll said...

You know I never knew a seam ripper could get dull but now that I think about it, of course that make sense. I have not tried the Pebbles yet but I can't wait to. That's why I love these hops as I always discover new things. How cool is that magnet! I would love to win the first prize package but of course I'd also be happy to win the second package.

Thank you and Colonial Needle for a super giveaway and a chance to win some neat items.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I would love to win either prize. This is my first visit to your site but I have joined your ranks and "I'll be back". (said in my best Arnold voice!)

KatieQ said...

I don't know why I didn't realize that seam rippers wear out. I'm 63, and my body is sure wearing out, especially my knees. That horseshoe magnet might help me spend less time down on my knees picking up pins. I could swoop it around and all the pins would want to hop on board. I would be happy with either prize, but my knees want the horseshoe magnet.

robin said...

I love to win the first prize package. Thanks for the chance! Looks like the Lord's making another beautiful day today! "Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

Cherise said...

I would love to win either prize package. Thanks for such a lovely giveaway! Have a Happy Day! :)

hueisei said...

I loved the first prize :)
Well, I am in the Christmas mood now and I thinking of a baking a gingerbread cookies later. :) Just thinking of it makes me smile :)
I hope you have a great day day! :)

MoeWest said...

I would like to win either prize. I use my seam rippers until lost or broken (yes, I broke one). I have packs of needles over 20 years old. I suppose these get dull too.
Sometimes (from November to April) I wish I lived further south. There is no such thing as out-of-season clothing here in Calgary. Today temps hover near freezing with chance of snow flurries. Tomorrow it starts to warm up again and by Sunday I'll be in shorts, unless the forecast changes before then of course. Have a great day!

Needled Mom said...

I have only seen the cute Pebble cases, but would love to try the needles. Of course I would have no use for a seam ripper since I NEVER make a mistake! LOL

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Either would make me happy. Wow another lovely bookmark!

MollyP said...

I think Colonial's pebble is fabulous! I am constantly looking for a good way to pack my needles for travel. I wish my LQS carried Colonial. I would love to win the mac daddy prize. Thanks for the chance.

Kathleen C said...

I love sewing needles, because I love to do hand applique and I always hand quilt. Colonial Needle is a great company; I'd enjoy receiving either thoughtful prize since I read and sew, but not at the same time!
I live in Torrington, CT a small city of 30,000 in northwest CT. It was a manufacturing town, populated by immigrants from Italy, Ireland and Poland. At one time The Torrington Company was the world's largest supplier of sewing machine needles, and many people made their way to Torrington to work in "the needle shop" (and the skate shop and the bicycle shop).

Kd Brown said...

Hi Gene...I love a man who quilts! You are my HERO! I think I'd like to win the really big prize from Colonial Needle. Thanks!

tpott said...

What a wonderful giveaway and choices too! I'd love to win either prize. Your embroidery is beautiful, you must be a natural. ;-> Toni Anne

Rhonda D. said...

What a great giveaway! Either prize would be nice! Love
your embroidery work. thanks for the chance to win.

Joyce Carter said...

Hi, Gene.This is such a great giveaway,and either prize would be great.But I sure could use THAT magnet. I keep dropping my pins and now I can't seem to find half of them. I think a lot of them are in my sewing cabinet under my machine. I just can't get to them. Thanks so much for the giveaway.(Hope I am not too late to enter)

Patti said...

Thanks for a chance to win, either prize would be nice. I have done some machine embroidery, in fact I made a lace tree skirt (it was small) similar to the book mark that you are giving away. What I like about it is that I can put a fabric underneath the lace and see some of the fabric. Have a great day.

Kathrynn said...

Either prize would be great, thanks for the chance.

Mare said...

I'd love any prize and thank you for the chance to win

bairdmtn said...

Loving this blog hop and getting acquainted with all the blogs!

bairdmtn said...

Loving this blog hop and getting acquainted with all the blogs!

Bev C said...

Hello Gene,

Thanks for the chance to win some great little prizes. You can never have enough needles. Finding some great ones is like looking in a Haystack.

Happy days.
Bev.xoxo

Maria Kievit said...

Just became a new follower. I wouldn't mind either of the prizes when my name is choosen.
Clothesandcrafts@blogspot.ca

Carla G said...

I'd be happy to win either prize. :) My crocus' are finally blooming, so that means that it's finally going to be nice weather... and the sun has been shining lots lately which makes me happy. Thanks for a chance to win! :)

Lisa England said...

I'd be happy with either prize, but I'm really drooling over those pebbles! I browsed some of your earlier posts and I've got to say, your sunflower painting is fabulous! Seems you have many artistic talents.