You’re not the only one “winning” these days, Charlie Sheen!

I’m happy to say that I have won a giveaway from one of my favorite my favorite sewing blog, MADE.  If you are a sewer, or if you are thinking about becoming one… this is such a great blog to visit.  I have spent many nights with tired eyes, looking through her tutorials, jotting down ideas, etc.  She takes the best photos, and makes the coolest clothes for her adorable kids.  Dana always has awesome giveaways, and I usually enter them since it takes all of 5 seconds… But do I ever think I’ll win?  Of course not.

Anyway, out of 12oo or so entries, ‘lil ‘ole me won a Simplicity Bias Tape Maker and 4 yards of super cute polka dot bias tape made by Dana herself.  Not too shabby! 

The bias tape maker costs around $65 (if you check amazon, they seem to have the lowest prices).  If you aren’t too familiar with bias tape, it looks like this when you buy it at the store:

It usually comes in solid colors, and can cost around $3 or $4 a pack… I have used it often, to finish the raw edges of clothing so I don’t have to hem, as seen here.  But last month I started experimenting with making my own.  I loved being able to use my own fabric, you can see the results here and here.  It’s way more cost effective, and just so much cuter!

The drawback to making bias tape without the handy machine, is it takes a long time to iron the long strips of fabric, and it’s easy to burn your fingers.  I’m so excited to have this now: 

….and this:

Thanks, Dana!

p.s.  You can see a full review of the Simplicity Bias Tape Maker on Dana’s site, here.

-Erin