I am linking up with sew mama sew, to join in the big give away today.
This is the first time I have done anything like this, but I am very excited, so here goes!
A bit about me, I am new to blogging, but have loved crafts of alsorts since a young age. I am enjoying the current resurgence of crafting in the UK, and have rekindled my love of sewing and making. I love making little purses, bags, pouches, and stuffed toys. One day I will pluck up the courage to start on a big quilt!
Here are some of the things I have made for gifts this year
My blog name of Second Chance Tan is because 95% of everything I use for making things is recycled, second hand, salvaged or reused. I take old unwanted items e.g. curtains, scraps, old clothes etc, and I turn them into something new, giving them a second chance. All the things I use have memories of a previous use, and I hope I give them a new lease of life.
So, on to the give away.
As shown below, I am giving away a tote bag, this is a kind of memory bag as all the fabrics used for the petals of the flowers are made from fabric from clothes my children have grown out of. I hope you will love the sentiment behind the bag. Inside I will fill the bag with some goodies, a bag of vintage buttons, some scraps of material, lace, vintage cottons, a cute little handmade badge and something yummy to nibble.
All you need to do to enter the give away is leave me a comment, telling me one of your favourite memories from the past year. The winner will be chosen at random, and contacted by e-mail (so make sure you also leave me your e-mail address)
Obviously I would love to find some more followers, so if you want to follow me as well then that would be lovely - it's up to you :)
I will post internationally, so everyone is welcome to enter.
I can recommend nipping over to some other fab giveaway blogs I have found:-
http://happyinred.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-spirit-give-away.html#comment-form
http://kisskissquilt.blogspot.com/
Oh, what a great wee giveaway!! I love the recycling of kids clothes idea - I'm planning a quilt made from baby clothes for next year (my 9 year olds old clothes, I'm not pregnant!! *g*)Hmm....favourite memory...
ReplyDeleteI think my fave memory from the year was watching my kid do cartwheels on the beach in Menorca the morning of her 9th birthday. She just couldn't believe it was so warm at 8am that she could be running about in a bikini!
What a lovely giveaway you are offering! Your creations are wonderful, and being a nature-lover/environmentalist, I love that you re-use and upcycle your materials. Best memory of the year... putting coins on the train tracks with my kids and then checking on them later to see how they had flattened. Simple, but special to me :0)
ReplyDeleteThank you for doing something so nice :)
ReplyDeleteI really don't have a favorite memory of the year. But every morning, my two little dogs come up to my face when I am sleeping and give me "Good Morning Kisses" when it is time to get up and let them out :) So, those are my favorite moments of the year :)
Such a lovely giveaway and I love the idea of turning something old into something new...I think my favourite memory of this past year is seeing Archie being able to run and enjoy his walks again.
ReplyDeleteThats a great giveaway! My favorite memory from the past year has to be my wedding!
ReplyDeletePlaying outside with the kids. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness what a great idea to turn your kids' clothes into a tote bag!! Love it. I can't really pick one memory from the last year, I'm so lucky I get to spend tons of time with my kids and they make great memories every day for me!
ReplyDeleteAgreed that turning kids clothes into a tote bag is a great idea. I have been saving up my daughters' dresses to one day make a quilt but the tote bag is a little less intimidating. I may have to try one myself! My favorite memory over the last year is watching my girls' eyes light up when they both won ribbons in an art contest!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory this past year... Hmm... I'm having a hard time remembering much of anything right now (I blame the cold) but recently my son learned how to say please "Peabs" and it's absolutely adorable.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory is hearing my little boy learn to talk this year. Those first "mommy" and "love you" and even all the "no"'s. Now he has just turned two and we can't get him to stop talking!
ReplyDeletemindfulhome at gmail dot com
Generous giveaway! I liked seeing the photos from my sister's wedding as I wasn't able to attend.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I took a 'staycation' back in April and had SO much fun just hanging out together! THAT is my favorite memory from this past year! jinglesells at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteLOVE those patchwork tote bags!
ReplyDeleteA favorite memory of this past year was getting to see my husband walk his high school football team out onto a professional field for their state championship game. Goosebumps!
A favorite memory from this past year was my girlies' excitement at seeing their new baby sister! They were so so thrilled to come visit us in the hospital.
ReplyDeleteI have had an AWESOME year!! Lots of wonderful new memories of my children were made!! Love that everything is recycled...I have been saving my childrens' clothes to make a memory quilt for each of them...wonderful sentiment! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory from this year is the first time my son Benjamin met his new baby brother, Elijah who was born in February.
ReplyDeleteI was so lucky to spend Thanksgiving in Iceland with some of my closest friends!
ReplyDeleteChoosing just one favourite from this year I would have to go with my daughter and three fellow Scouts (all girls age between 10-13) beating the pants off the rest of the troops to win the Orienteering competition. 18 miles and 42 trig points in just under 7 hours. That girl's courage never ceases to amaze me.
ReplyDeleteThis bag is gorgeous! My favourite memory of the year would be my daughter's 1st birthday. Thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteThe day my son was born! :*)
ReplyDeleteMy favourite memory is the birth of my second daughter in may this year ! Have a merry christmas.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite memory of this year has to be of my youngest son giving his best man speech at his older brother's wedding. He was so nervous beforehand but he delivered it without a hitch! What a nice idea for comments, and what a lovely giveaway too.
ReplyDeleteI also have to say my fav memory for this year is the day my son was born... in the car...
ReplyDeleteTasha Haston at yahoo dot com
I too love to give old items a new purpose. I love to get with my family and enjoy games and laughter.
ReplyDeletethis year for my birthday i had an amazing vacation, it was something ill never forget - thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory for this year is my daughter (then 19 months old) said "no" for the first time on Father's Day. I told my husband that she did get him a present after all! He didn't appreciate the humor in it nearly as much as I did :)
ReplyDeleteI have great memories of past christmas!
ReplyDeletelast year I learn to crochet and I'm loving it!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely sentimental bag. My favourite memory from the past year is my fiance asking me to marry him. It's a moment I will remember forever!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway
Sarah @ http://kiwigetscrafty.blogspot.com
My favorite memory from this year was graduating with my master's degree! Gorgeous bag and a wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite memories from this year is all the times my kids came and snuggled with me in bed in the morning. It's one of those memories that is burned in from repetition.
ReplyDeleteLove the bag! one of my favorite memories from this year is being in Europe for the first time - actually landing in Germany was so exciting!
ReplyDeleteThat's so cute! I loved decorating the Christmas tree this year, as always.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite moments was getting to see an very old friend (who I hadn't seen in 4 years) on an out of town trip. Hanging out was just as much fun as it was in the past!
ReplyDeleteJudy said....
ReplyDeleteFirst off, welcome to being new at blogging. You did excellent and your photos of projects are inspiring. What a wonderful idea, re-using old to make new - very clever ideas.
Thank you for participating and offering such a wonderful gift as you giveaway.
Best memory - for me would be making it through another "major" surgery and here to comment on your site- I am blessed.
sewhappytoo(at)Gmail(dot)com
My favorite memory this year was giving birth to my sweet baby girl Selah Rose last month, I love her sooo much! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteokiedokiemama at yahoo dot com
We took my daughter to Disney World for the first time :)
ReplyDeleteDesi
weeshareblog@gmail.com
Lovely giveaway. My favourite memory would have to be my big boys first day at school - he loves it so much.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful giveaway. I love the bag and the fact that you used your kiddos' old clothes to make it - filled with memories :)
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourite memories of this year was seeing my hubby get his doctorate. This was a milestone in his life and I am just so proud of him. He was so much in "work" zone to get there that I had to physically stop him, stare him in the eye and say: "You did it babe. Now soak it in please." He is my hero and I loved seeing him tick off a biggie from his bucket list :)
Thank you for a great giveaway. I am following you now.
Marilize
marilize(dot)paulsen(at)gmail(dot)com
My favorite memories of that past year include all the milestones my son has reached! He just turned 3 and I can't believe how incredibly smart he is! Love him!!!
ReplyDeleteFavourite memory from the last year was holding my son in my arms for the first time. Such an awesome feeling.
ReplyDeleteI love the sentiment behind your tote. My favourite memory from this year was the night we had our offer accepted on our new home. We were away on holidays and feeling so relaxed and positive about the times ahead.
ReplyDeleteFinding out my oldest sister was pregnant. I'm still waiting for the wee ones, so their birth will be next year's best memory.
ReplyDeleteWhile it's not a specific memory, this year has been wonderful. Falling even more in love with my boyfriend, talking about marriage and babies for the upcoming year.. It's been amazing :)
ReplyDeletethanks for stopping by my blog! I love how much repurposed stuff you're using - finding new uses for old things is wonderful! I got married last year, so my favorite memory is of our wedding day :)
ReplyDeleteFab giveaway :) I'm starting to have a real appreciation for vintage myself.
ReplyDeleteHmmm... favourite memory...
I think maybe seeing the faces of my girls when their daddy comes home from working away. Their adoration of him is written all over their little faces and it's priceless!
xx
My favorite memory - meeting my family at the airport. Thanks for the giveaway! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeletemy favourite memory is the day my mum asked me if I wanted to plan her new garden with her ...
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! I just became a follower! thanks for visiting mine during giveaway day. My favorite memory from this year was the first time I saw my daughter age 3 run over to hug her little brother (1) after they had been apart for a few hours.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory from this year was seeing my friends little baby girl for the first time, and getting to hold her just after she was born. :)
ReplyDelete(my birthday is Saturday, and this would be such a great birthday present!)
My favorite memory of the year was the first time my grandson put three words together - "Pop Nana House" (He wanted a popsicle at my house) ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh so cute!
ReplyDeletebeth(dot)sebastian(at)gmail(dot)com
My favorite memory from the last year is my littlest, emerging from the bathroom at our brand-new house. "Mama! I pooped first! I'm the first one EVER to poop in our house!" Oh,the things that are important to a 5 year old.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win! My 4 year old was just a mouse in the Nutcracker last weekend! ADORABLE!!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory is my 20yr old daughter telling Dad that she is old enough to teach class with him and he better not leave her at home any more...LOL! Thank you for a sweet giveaway!
ReplyDeleteIt has been so fun watching my kids get bigger this year! My favorite memory is my almost 2 year old walking around the house, shouting her new phrase: "Mommy, where-are-you?"
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely and thoughtful bag. Thank you for commenting on my giveaway, as well!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory from this year is most definitely when my fiancé proposed to me after the Rembrandt exhibition on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in late October. I'm still swooning. :)
Great giveaway! Thank you
ReplyDeleteMy favourite memory from this year is watching my daughter graduate in the summer! We were so proud of her!
Thank you for the lovely giveaway. My fav memory is my son graduating with his bach of science in finance and getting into the masters program of his choice! yeah! thanks again.
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely idea! I'm a quilter and have been collecting my kids old pajamas to use to make them each a quilt...hopefully I'll get it started soon:) my fave memory...well, we made one today when my 2 year old almost knocked her two front teeth out. a super wonderful dentist managed to manually push them back in to place for her...meanwhile, she was an absolute trooper...even gave the dentist a high five after he was finished. always so amazed at my children each and every day!
ReplyDeletebeckymac1 at hotmail dot com
I love that you're giving things a 2nd Chance! Way to go!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite memories of the year was a trip into Washington DC as a family...it was just for a day and my feet were killing me, but it was a great time together.
Thank you for a chance to win that lovely bundle!
I think it's super what you do with re-purposed things...love that prize package, and would love to give it a new home!
ReplyDeleteMy fav memory this past year was seeing our 23 yr old college grad daughter spread her wings and land a plum role in the local theater group. High school and college dramas were great, but this was over the top! (Now she is practicing for the lead in their Feb. play! Yay!)
My daughter graduating from college. Sweet.
ReplyDeleteLove all that re-purposing.
Thanks for the giveaway.
My favorite memory is going to the beach with my kids over the summer...lots of fun! Thanks for visiting my blog:)
ReplyDeleteYour bags are really lovely! My favorite memory from the year is my trip to London in September.
ReplyDeleteone simple one is when knitting finally clicked..i was knitting for a couple weeks completely failing at it and then all of a sudden i was doing it..like riding a bike..it was the most rewarding craft i learned all year :) raineoc@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd thought to save a scrap from each thing I made my kids!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory has to be when I took my kids to a Josh Groban concert. We stayed in a hotel for a few days and just hung out after. We had a blast together.
My favorite memory from this year is probably dressing my pug up as a cheerleader for Halloween. I didn't have any major events happen, but the sight of her with those pigtails still makes me smile!
ReplyDeletelobela(at)comcast(dot)net
Love the bag! Love the sentiment behind as well. So many fav memories of the past year-some of my favorites are time spent with my little ones at our family camp:)
ReplyDeleteThe birth of my baby! Hands down.
ReplyDeletecamping with my four year old!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory from the last year was an extended vacation we took home to visit family in Michigan. My son's 3rd birthday was during it and it was a day full of love and laughs.
ReplyDeleteBecome a mummy!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win ^^v
My son taking his first step.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best things I did this year was train for a half marathon with my husband. I ended up getting injured 2 weeks before the race... or atleast admitting it then haha. We made it up to 9 miles tho and all those weeks spent together running brought us closer - can't wait to get started again in January!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory from the last year is very recent. Two days ago I changed the battery in my minivan. Seems like an odd favorite I know but I was quite proud of myself. Nothing like accomplishing something successfully that you didn't think you could do!
ReplyDeleteMy baby girl was born this year... best memory EVER!
ReplyDeletegreat giveaway! I love the idea of using clothes kids outgrow this way. Favourite memory this year - Aug 6, the day my Abigail Grace was born, after a difficult pregnancy,3.5 wks stressful hospital bedrest and an emergency c-section. ('Grace' is for God's grace shown in her life already.)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory from this year was meeting my two nieces who were born this year one week apart! :)
ReplyDeletemy fave memory is buying my first, and hopefully last house! thanks for a great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory will be the day I found out I was pregnant with my first child. We had tried so long, so it was a happy day!
ReplyDeleteh_freund@hotmail.com
Going on a roadtrip to Portland with friends from work :-)
ReplyDeletec_mcmullan(at)hotmail(dot)com
favorite memory of the last year is relearning to knit and crochet.
ReplyDeleteab3belote at gmail dot com
My favorite memories of the year are seeing my children and their cousins play together and love one another! Thanks for the giveaway! Amy @ gasudimack(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
ReplyDeleteI was in Italy for a Sue Spargo class
ReplyDeleteBeing able to help a single mother in need.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite memory of 2011 is celebrating The Royal Wedding at a BBQ with friends & family. (was also my Birthday)It was the only bbq we managed this year with the dodgy weather we had all Summer. (Spring was lovely though)
ReplyDeletemy favorite memory of this year happened just recently actual. i found out that i am expecting baby number 2!
ReplyDeleteGetting to spend Thanksgiving with my whole family!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a sweet idea to use old clothes of your kids in the bag. If I win it I will keep it with care. This was a special year for my family as we moved to a country house and our life quality improved enormously so this is a year to remember.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance!
ap_lemos at yahoo dot com
I love the tote and the idea of using your kids clothes to make the design. Spending the holidays with family.
ReplyDeleteFav memory of this last year has been my baby daughter turning one and just not stopping growinga and discovering. its been a special year!
ReplyDeleteNo idea, maybe meet a bunch of blog friends.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the generous giveaway and a chance to win!
One of my favorite memories this year was of the 5 days I spent with my Mom. We had a lot of fun, but my favorite was our day of rummage sales!
ReplyDeletebrooke at richardchurch dot com
One of my favorite memories from this year was when my youngest son tried to propel backwards from his bunk bed. Luckily he didn't get hurt and we laugh about it still!
ReplyDeletelaurahughes at charter dot net
LOVE this bag!! how thoughtful to share your sweet memories of your children with others!! My favorite memory of this year was to be able to care for my 89 year old mother in our home. We were able to mend fences, laugh and cry and love!! I was at her side when she passed. Sweet memory. Merry Christmas!! gelswood@aol.com
ReplyDeletemy favorite memory this year was the birth of our son. That was singlehandidly the coolest most amazing thing I have ever done!
ReplyDeleteThis year I've been really enjoying reading to my daughter at bed time. She turned 12 this year so I'm making the most of her before she turns into a teenager like her sister and doesn't want me around so much. I used to read to my daughters a lot when they were younger but this time around it's just really nice sharing a book with her and having some special time together. I love the idea of your memory bag for your giveaway. I always try to incorporate little bits of fabrics leftover from my girls dresses/skirts etc into their quilts. Thanks for sending me over to your giveaway from mine. I don't have much time to enter manythis time around. Too busy making Christmas gifts!
ReplyDeleteI just had a little girl this year - the delivery is definitely NOT my favorite memory, but my sweet, little lady is the best thing about my year. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely giveaway,love the bag,especially with story behind,thanks for chance to win it.My favorite memory from last year was our holiday vacation and seen my daughter learn to svinge on her one and wear beading suit for the first time.
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays!!!
One of my favorite memories of this past year was watching my 7 year old cut down our tree!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory from this past year is when a friend of mine that I met in our tennis group took me out to a lovely dinner with wine included to show her support for what was going on in my personal life. We weren't "close" friends, but she opened up and wanted to give me a chance to talk and know I was supported. That was just the most lovely heartfelt thought I've ever received.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I also make most of my quilts from thrifted items. I have a fave thrift store I visit in Louisiana. It is a church run store. proceeds benefit charities of the church and members volunteer their time in the store. they have a large area of donated fabric, sewing notions, craft supplies, etc. I have also found vintage quilt tops that were never made into quilts here. I also re-purpose whenever where ever. This is a great give away. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteskowens (at) sbcglobal (dot) com
I think seeing my little one interact with other kids at the park this summer is one of my fondest memories. Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier for SMS Giveaway Day! :)
ReplyDeleteLast year I visited my family after many years of not seeing them (17). It was a very emotional meeting!!
ReplyDeletethanks for the chance and excuse my english XD
Favorite memory, catching my 4 yr old daughter give toilet lessons to my 2 month old daughter. 4 had pushed 2's bouncy chair to the bathroom so she could see how it was all done. Wish I had been able to catch that on video!
ReplyDeleteAnd I wanna be your friend! :)
ReplyDeletefavorite memory... hmmm. really hard to say, but maybe it would be seeing the smile on my niece's face when she got the 1st handmade toy I made for her - that was a magical moment :)
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for entering my giveaway too :)
Joanna
Favourite memory is when we had french visitors here in Norway, and went to North Cape, where I come from. Had a great time.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourite memories from 2011 is the day my daughter got her acceptance letter to university. It was so exciting!
ReplyDeleteMy 2nd son was born on January 7th, 2011. I was more aware of what was happening and enjoyed the experience more than with my first son. He's grown up into the sweetest little boy.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of using your children's clothing for a little bag like this. I hope you made yourself something special too:)
Thanks for the giveaway!
Your projects are lovely and I like that you reuse fabrics. A favorite memory from the last year would be watching my two boys playing on the beach. Thanks for the giveaway. Happy Holidays.
ReplyDeleteOur vacation to Florida was wonderful... we all had such fun together as a family and it was just lovely (and HOT)
ReplyDeletethehappycrochetchic@yahoo.com
The birth of my daughter! And what a great idea to use baby clothing!
ReplyDeleteA memory of 2011, would be meeting my friends grandson . We have been friends since we were little girls. He is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteTaking my baby to preschool the first day. Thank you! mamalusco at ortelco dot net
ReplyDeleteGoing on a trip with my sister and brother, it was just the 3 of us for a 12 hour total car ride.
ReplyDeletehwcutie(at)hotmail(dot)com
Helping my girl get ready and do her make up for her formal. It was only a few days ago that she started school!
ReplyDeleteLovely bag!
I love the idea of re-using fabric from the kids old clothes. I'm a mother of 2, and know how memories come up when looking at old dresses and such.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory from the past year is when we got the new TV!
One of my favorite memories from this year is my best friend's wedding!
ReplyDeleteWe had a massive project at work (historic library), and I was in charge of the juvenile collection (old children's books); on opening day, we had real live children - well-behaved ones, too - eager to look at my books. So happy! (Since then, there have been much less well-behaved ones, often accompanied by very poorly-behaved parents ("no, you can't let your two-year-old rip that up, it's a first edition Cat in the Hat and worth a fair bit"), but I'll keep opening day as my memory of what it should be!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous prize! I also try to reuse fabrics as much as possible. It's a lot of fun. One favorite moment this year was my kids playing in a gigantic pile of leaves. They had so much fun! Thanks for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea. One of my favourite memories from this year is a recent one...watching my little girl perform in her first school sing a long...just magical.
ReplyDeleteThis was the year my oldest daughter started sewing with me. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLovely giveaway! I'm all for recycling in my crafting too! This year two of my closest friends got married, it was a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite memories from the past year was actually taking my son to his first concert(Justin Bieber). I lied and told him we were going shopping and then took him to the concert! He was thrilled, jumping up and down...best memory as I was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 & found out it came back right before Thanksgiving:(
ReplyDeletechacoyaguayo(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you for the opportunity, love that you use recycled materials!!
such a sweet bag! My favorite memory from this year is seeing my daughter's face light up the first time she met Mickey Mouse and run and give him a kiss.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory from the past year was the birth of my littlest one!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory from this year was watching my miracle baby son finally graduate from college. Worth every dollar of tuition we paid.
ReplyDeleterosebudscott1(at)yahoo(dot)com
My favorite memory from the past year was taking the kids to Disneyland for the first time. We had a wonderful family holiday.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.
Well, that is an easy question for me to answer because this was the year I got married! That whole weekend, the wedding itself...so many precious memories that I will never ever forget. I feel very thankful whenever I think of it. Thanks for the sweet giveaway (and I love the recycled elephant, by the way! Whoever you made that for is lucky!)
ReplyDelete