14 May 2009

Box of Sunbeams + Rainbows

Remember how I entered Heather Ross' Weekend Sewing Design Challenge last month? Well my entry won! It really made my week. It was a fun challenge, and there were so many wonderful entries. The prize she had offered was a box of fabric and a copy of her new book, Weekend Sewing.

Day at the Beach

As my family knows from getting presents returned to them, my street and packages requiring signatures are opposing countries in a hundred year war. The mail that does make it, such as certificates stating my achievement as a LEED AP, arrive folded in half on the floor. So you can imagine my surprise when the stars aligned and I was home on the final attempt that the package was delivered. It was a Saturday. I don't even want to think of how embarrassing it would have been to have it sent back.

It was a simple Fed-Ex box. Matte brown, undamaged, unremarkable. I stared for a moment in anticipation before opening it, then ripped that box wide open. The contents were amazing. And it kept pouring out of the box in neatly folded piles in big ziploc bags. I can't even explain it in words. Instead, I have sketched something quickly that conveys the point better.

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I think you know what this is. It's my version of the archetypal suitcase or box that is glowing gold, without the evil. My version is a box full of sunbeams, gold coins minus the leprechauns (they're scary), rainbows, angels singing, glitter, sequins, shooting stars, balloons, a house, hearts, fabric scraps and girlish dreams.

Do you know what the coolest thing was though? I've always loved her fabric with little fishes, since they have names and one of them is named Andrew. When I opened up the note she sent, this was the front of the stationary. The exact fish with the exact one that shares the name of my sweet brother. Just a nice coincidence, you know?

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There is a ton of yardage nicely folded under her pretty fabrics. She included another lovely book and five skeins of gorgeous yellow yarn with a note reading, "I think I remember you knit".

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Heather included a plastic bag bursting at the seams with scraps of fabric, including this swoon worthy Japanese beauty.

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Mike heard me gasping (or possibly cursing), and issued his own curses under his breath when he saw the contents.
In utter awe! Which was quickly followed up by, "I think we need to make another quilt."

I tried to lift an eyebrow, gave him a quizzical look and replied, "You can make your own quilt. I'm making garments."

Anyhow, what a generous lady. Thank you so much, Heather!

23 comments:

Nadia said...

Congrats on winning! I love those summer illustrations too. :)

That is indeed a crazy box of magic. Happy sewing!

leya said...

That is some serious loot! So glad you won.
Love the Andrew fish, too. That's really sweet.

Jennie said...

It all looks so wonderful! I'm looking forward to seeing your drawings come to life.

Anonymous said...

i am so happy you won...
also that "quick sketch" of the rainbows coming out of the box i HARDLY believe is a quick sketch ;)

Unknown said...

woo hoo I love them all thats awesome cant wait to see what you make

andrea said...

you won! that is so awesome! i love your illustrations so i can understand why heather ross did too. great box of loot. can't wait to see what you make.

Lisa said...

That is one fabulous prize!!! Some serious fun packed in a box.

Mindy said...

You're so great, Meliss! Someone is finally rewarding you for it. It's about time! Congratulations!

Laura said...

Yay! What a lovely day.

P.S. I am registering for my test!! Have to take it by June 30!

meg said...

Congratulations on winning! What a great prize, that floral fabric is bee-u-tee-ful!

Andrea said...

Awesome package girl!!!! I'm so glad you won. By the way the Knit Cafe is a pretty good book. I have it in my collection. I'm so glad I was with you when Heather was in Phila. promoting her book and collection.

sulu-design said...

Of course you won, you talented gal, you! It seems like the stars were all aligned with this one in so many ways. I'm so happy that the box of sunshine went to the most deserving girl. Looking forward to seeing new garments...

Anonymous said...

Marissa you so deserve this! You're talented and funny! Congrats!

Magda

Robin said...

What a great package! Can't wait to see what you whip up w/ those fabrics. I love the goldfish fabric too (just ordered some bags from Jen in that fabric).

suee said...

i really love your illustrations! and the fabrics are so cool!!

Jessica Nichols said...

I am so excited for you Mariss. I am mad that I was so busy last week that I am only seeing this post now. This post could have improved any number of my days last week, further proof that blogging is not the part of one's day to get cut when pressed for time. Dishes, laundry, mail, bills, errands -- CUT!

amynicole said...

oh my goodness! i love your blog! you are so creative! thanks for the encouragement for my fiance's wedding attire! :) have a lovely evening!

Jamie Welsh Watson said...

Wow, yay! That was neat about the fish.

Jacqueline said...

Marissa, yay congratz!! Im really love your illustrations! Those are such lovely fabrics and that book looks like it's filled with lots of fun projects!
Happy sewing...and im looking forward to see what goodies you make. :D Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!

leslie said...

Congratulations- what a fabulous prize!!! Your illustrations are amazing! Can't wait to see what you create.

Kate said...

YOU BETTER COME TO KNITTING CIRCLE.

I can't compete with that box, but I do have something for you.

Anonymous said...

Wow - what an amazing package! Your sketch really sums it up brilliantly!

→lisa said...

What an incredible haul of goodies! It can be so inspiring just to see and touch new things, new supplies.