07 December, 2009

Giveaway Winner

Wow, such great responses to the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway!  You are a committed bunch. Even for those of you with a great desire for my scraps you have to remember that in itself is a commitment. Those two, frenetic beauties are my reasons to commit to the future.

Some of the highlights of your commitments out there:
  • Eating less meat and growing your own veggies (Did you know that meat and rice production, worldwide, is one of the most significant sources of greenhouse gases?)
  • Choosing to be one-car or car-less.
  • Turning down the heat and using those quilts and handknits.
  • Choosing when to cook and bake to take advantage or avoid the extra kitchen heat (I totally do this!)
  • Actually using washable sanitary napkins or the reusable caps (wow, that's commitment!) 
As we struggle through a home reno I am constantly thinking of ways to renew our own commitments. Number 1, we are making the place as efficient as possible in terms of the infrastructure like furnace, insulation, water heating, windows, and electrical. We aren't replacing everything, but we are almost starting from scratch in the basement and all our choices are thinking about the long-term (for us and the girls) and not just the short term budget. Those decisions will affect whether my sewing studio gets drywall or not, but I'm willing to make a few sacrifices.

And number 2, After having to clean out sort, and move all our belongings at least 3 times in the last few months I am getting really sick of our stuff. Every time a few more boxes go to Goodwill, recycling, or garbage. I am at the point where if anybody buys me anything this Christmas I will lose it.  I just don't need anything. I need some quilt batts and time, lots of time.  But that's it.  Someone tell my husband.

Okay, time to stop the rant and get to the news you really want: who won? Using random.org I picked two numbers.

120
Meg wins the quilt. She uses t-shirts and upcycles them into her love's clothes.  That's a lucky baby!

192
Elizabeth wins the selvages.  Check out her site, I think she'll make good use of them.  And I may have to rethink my new more stuff attitude.  Did you see her aprons?

I've sent emails off the winners, washed my hands of the basement dust from tonight, and will indulge in a hot bath before bed.  It warms me up before I turn in and the thermostat goes down for the night!

Thanks again.  I hope to see you all back soon.

10 comments:

Rhiannon said...

It's funny that you say that about the reusable cups. It's by far the easiest green change I've made in my life.

Amanda Fetters said...

Aww nuts, I missed the giveaway. I like what you said about not forcing people into insincere action... that gets my goat so bad. :) What I would have said, though - we love cloth diapers. Like the above comment - it's easier and more fun than I ever would have guessed!

egirlwonder said...

If you are doing renos, you should definitely check out Restore - It's run by Habitat for Humanity and it's sort of like the Winners/thrift store for hardware goods.

We've found great things there for our small (and bigger) projects. Be warned, it's a bit chaotic, but it's definitely worth a visit.

They also take donations if you have any leftover construction materials! :)

Andrea said...

I am constantly paring down. My husband thinks I'm crazy, but really - why do you keep things in storage (other than seasonal stuff and tools?) It's a great feeling to have my storage room very clear and easy to navigate. Great idea Cheryl!
Congratulations to the lucky winners!

Elizabeth said...

Hooray! I did not receive your email though! Try me again at elizabooth [at] gmail [dot] com. I've been having some email problems as of late, so I hope we hook up.

progress lighting said...

congrats on the giveaway

Anonymous said...

wow You've been busy! I think the quilt is looking lovely.

We watched Food Inc. last night and it made my already picky habits even more so.

sewtakeahike said...

lucky lucky winners! a lot of these ideas for reducing waste are awesome! My husband and I are a one car family and it really is not bad once you get used to it. I don't mind biking in the cold or rain or heat, so it works out well. And since we live about 1/2 mile from my work, it only makes sense. Anyway, that saves a monthly car payment and insurance for a second car for me to buy more material or quilting supplies if I need! It's all good!

brown robin said...

Thank you soooo much for this post. It is really a lovely reminder of all that I hold dear. I especially cherish that you posted it during the holiday season. I often struggle to hang on to some of my core values and cave to the pressures of consumerism and convenience oriented living during this time of year. Your post was just such a timely affirmation and inspiration. Thank you!!!!

jacqueline said...

I missed the giveaway too! But congratz on the successs and congratz to the winners! Lucky!

Thank you so much for this wonderful reminder post! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to yoU!