softies central - voting is open for the holiday softie awards - I was one of the judges and it was a lot of fun getting to pick my faves - sorry if yours was not chosen - try again next year.

first annual “Great American Craft Off”! This unique contest calls for American crafters to present a one-of-a-kind creation that exemplifies their personal vision of what America is all about - whatever that may be. The winners prize package is valued at over $6000! The Grand Prize includes: An all-expenses-paid trip to the John C. Campbell Folk School including one week’s tuition, room & board, and round-trip airfare. Total value over $1500 & A Singer CE-250 embroidery/sewing machine & serger valued at $1200 & A complete custom website design including online store and hosting from BizLandCrafters.com valued at $2100 Lots more too including craft vouchers and books.

Catherine Sanchez from Homespun Magazine has asked that we pass on information regarding a fund raising effort for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. A magnificent hand crafted quilt is being auctioned, and the bidding at the moment stands at a paltry $415.00!!! A huge amount of time and effort has been put into creating this quilt and it would be terrific to see a substantial amount raised. Ebay auction here

upcoming event called Mamamade and is based out of Nashville. This will be the 3rd annual sale of quality items and services by creative mothers. It is a showcase of mama-owned businesses and mama-driven causes. High quality art, jewelry, handbags, quilts, children’s clothing, custom furniture, bath and body products, custom embroidery, stationery, catering and more!

the yarn museum has a (sort of) contest! (Winners names pulled from a hat…made of handspun yarn, of course.) Garment District/Not a competition, but there will be some prizes! Here’s one for knitters, crocheters, weavers, spinners, artists! It’s open to garments and/or anything that can be worn on the body, and that employs handspun yarn. Submit by 11.15.07 - how to submit.

new embroidery exhibition - Pricked: Extreme Embroidery - running November 9, 2007 - March 8, 2008 at the Museum of Arts & Design in New York City. Samplers, table cloths, tea towels, and party dresses often spring to mind when the word “embroidery” is invoked, but the forty international artists highlighted in Pricked: Extreme Embroidery tell a very different story. Pricked is the Museum of Arts & Design’s latest exploration into how centuries-old handcraft traditions are rejuvenated in the mainstream of contemporary art and design.

Caption: Benji Whalen, Fast Machine, 2005 Embroidery floss on stuffed cotton 24 x 6 x 4 in. Photo: Benji Whalen

Caption: Andrea Dezsö, My Grandmother Loved Me Even Though …, 2005-2006 Embroidery, cotton thread (DMC) on white cotton canvas Approx 6 x 9 in. Photo: Andrea Dezsö

The Inspiration Boards flickr group now has its own blog interviewing some of the cool people who have posted their inspiration boards to the group about what inspires them & feeds their creativity. Check out interviews and the inspiration boards of some cool crafty people.

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