And the winner is...

I've been out of town for the last week and was amazed to come back and see all of the comments piled up on the sewing machine giveaway post. Thanks everyone for stopping by and commenting! There were so many great stories that it was hard for me to choose, but ultimately I decided that the winner is...

melissa_macaragues

In my heart I really wanted to find someone who was brand new at sewing but who clearly had a passion for it. It was also important for me to find someone who didn't have a machine yet. I remember what a big investment it was to buy my first sewing machine, and I wanted to help remove that hurdle for a new sewist.

Plus, I know that Melissa also has two cute little boys and I couldn't stop thinking about all the fun clothes that she could make for them (tip: check out MADE and Made by Rae for cute sewing projects designed for boys). And we're both Geminis. And we both love Anthropologie. What can I say? We're clearly kindred spirits!

A big thanks to everyone who commented and shared their stories. It was really cool for me to hear how many of you share my love for vintage machines, not just for their durability and beauty but also for all of the dotted line connections to women who have come before us.

My gift to you-- a 1958 Singer sewing machine!

It's better to give than receive

Note: the contest is closed. You can view the winner here.
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Some of you already know this, but today's my birthday. I've had an absolutely wonderful day doing things I love -- riding my bike, enjoying a delicious meal with my husband, and spending time with our dogs.

I've also spent a good part of my birthday weekend cleaning out my craft room. Things had gotten a bit out of hand, and I decided that a clean and orderly space would be the perfect present that I could give myself.

Hidden in the back of the closet I found this gorgeous old Singer sewing machine that I had almost forgotten about. I've long been a believer that older machines are often a better option than brand-new machines.

This Singer 185K3 is nearly 55 years old, and aside from a few minor scuffs, it's in great condition. The motor still purrs like a kitten and it yields perfectly tensioned stitches.

And the best part about this machine is that it can be YOURS.

Yes, you heard me right! I know that there are plenty of deserving new sewists out there who could put it to better use than I have, so I'm giving it away totally free, no strings attached. Think of it as my way of paying it forward.

Here's the deal: if you live in North Florida and are interested in owning this lovely machine, just leave me a comment here by Friday, June 10 explaining why you want it. That's all! I'll read through the comments, decide who seems the most deserving, and announce the winner that Sunday.

The fine print: the winner must live in the greater Gainesville area or be willing to drive to Gainesville to pick up the machine.

Features:
1958 Singer 185K3 sewing machine
Straight stitch with reverse (sorry, no zig-zag)
Easy-to-use top load bobbin

Mid-century modern blonde wood cabinet and stool

Original instruction manual

And TONS of accessories

A foot for every need!

List of attachments (clockwise from top)

1. adjustable zipper foot
2. gathering foot
3. edge stitcher
4. ruffler
5. ruffler (the two appear to be identical)
6. adjustable hemmer
7. tucker (for making pintucks)
8. seam guides
9. binder (for adding bias tape)
10. binder (for adding bias tape)
11. hemmer
12. hemmer

So what are you waiting for? Tell me your story!

Featured on FunkyFinds.com

Featured on FunkyFinds.com
Originally uploaded by sassycrafter

I'm featured this week on Funky Finds. Yay! To celebrate, I'm doing a giveaway from my Etsy shop. For details on how to enter, visit Funky Finds.

And since this is my first blog post of the year, here's wishing everyone a Happy New Year! I know that I've got lots of well-intentioned resolutions:

1) Reorganize my crafting space. My old craft space was pretty messy and late last year I got the idea to switch my studio into a different bedroom. As if the holiday craft spree wasn't enough to create chaos! Anyhow, the mess is definitely out of hand, but I'm feeling at least a little better knowing that I'm not alone. Jennifer Perkins of Naughty Secretary Club is vowing to clean up her studio by June, and Kristin Roach of Craft Leftovers offered some insight into how to make space for crafting.

2) Make healthy choices. I'll be following the age-old formula of exercising more and eating less. Maybe the Wii that I got for Christmas can help me get back into a regular exercise habit. I know that the hula hooping game always kicks my butt.

3) Blog every week. I was blogging regularly for awhile, but then I slipped into being a blogging slacker. This year I'll post every week, and plan to include many more tutorials.

4) Craft every week. This will not only help keep me happy since I need a regular creative outlet, but it will also mean that I'll have plenty of inventory to stock my Etsy shop and for the holiday craft shows that I do. And of course, it means I'll have more to blog about, which is a win-win situation.

What about you? Any exciting resolutions for the new year?