Monday, October 15, 2012

The Long Weekend Blog Hop

Image courtesy of Amy Butler Designs
When my friend Lori asked if I'd like to co-host a blog hop on making Amy Butler's iconic Weekender Bag, there really wasn't anything to say except yes. We both had seen several new versions of the bag popping up here and there online lately, so we were both getting the urge to make one of our own. The bag has a reputation for being incredibly challenging yet still doable, and with the holidays coming up and possible travel in the works, what better time to take the Weekender challenge?


And so we welcome you to The Long Weekend. We've rounded up a group of bloggers who will each show you their own version of the bag and give you a few tips for making it yourself. At the end of the hop we'll let you link up your own bags for a chance to win some pretty fabulous prizes from our sponsors.

Here's the schedule:

October 15: Kick Off Day!! 
     Lori Hartman at Lori H. Designs/Gypsy Girl Fat Quarter Bundle 
     Heidi Staples at Fabric Mutt/$20 Pink Chalk Fabric Giveaway
October 22: Debbie Jeske at A Quilter's Table/Cameo Fat Quarter Bundle
October 29: Beth at Plum and June/Two assorted Fat Eighth Bundles - Pink Castle Fabrics
November 5: Jenelle at Echinops and Aster/$25 Fat Quarter Shop Giveaway
November 9: Jennifer @ Ellison Lane Quilts
November 10: Courtney @ Mon Petit Lyons
November 11: Sarah @ Bluprint Textiles
November12: Leanne @ She Can Quilt
November 13: Lori @ Lori H. Designs
November 14: Heidi @ Fabric Mutt
November 15: Taryn @ Pixels to Patchwork
November 16 - 18: Project Link-up at Lori H. Designs
November 19: Prize Drawings Announced


If you'd like to buy a pattern of your own, Pink Castle Fabrics has some for sale here.  They also have been so incredibly generous to offer 15% off anything in their shop when you use the code LONGWEEKEND15.  The code is good until November 19th, so start shopping now!

Here are a few more of our fabulous sponsors! Check out their shops when you're looking for supplies to make your Weekender.

 

Pink Chalk Fabrics 



 

 

Lark Cottons

And if you're looking for more online shops where you can purchase your pattern or zipper -- you know, just in case anyone sells out -- we've done the legwork for you already. Check out the list below: 

Patterns
Jimmy Beans Wool
Harts Fabric
Quilt Home
Amazon
Emerald City Fabrics
Gobstock
All Brands
Ebay
Purse Patterns
Royal Yarns International
Arts Crafts USA
The Dizzy Daizy
Sew Thankful
The Cotton Patch
Etsy
Christa Quilts
Banberry Place
Alewives
A Joyful Soul Fabrics
The Quilt Asylum

Zippers
(remember that you can use either a 30 inch non-separating zipper or a 32+ inch separating zipper)
Seattle Fabrics
Custom Zips
Joann’s
Zipper Stop

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!***

But what's an event kick-off without a giveaway?

Pink Chalk Fabrics is offering a $20 gift certificate to one lucky winner. You have two chances to enter:

1) Leave me a comment -- any comment!
2) Leave me one more comment letting me know that you spread the word about The Long Weekend through your choice of social media: Twitter, Facebook, a blog post, etc.

I'll post a winner on Friday. Entries are open to everyone -- just make sure that you have an email address in your comment if you're a no-reply blogger, or I'll have to pick another winner. Be sure to stop by Lori's blog too for another fantastic giveaway!

Would you like to join us? Grab the button below and hop on board!


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106 comments:

  1. The bag is amazing and thanks for the chance to win!

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  2. I am also twitting about the hop!

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  3. What a great idea! I've been wanting to tackle this bag, but have been too intimidated! Thanks for the giveaway too!

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  4. I've always liked this bag but thought it was just too darned difficult! A BAL (bag-a-long??) is a great idea!

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  5. Great timing. I ordered thispattern last week and it is currently winding it way to me. When it arrives I can see the fabric requirements and go ..... with everyones help :o)

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  6. Oh, this is so tempting. I really don't know if I am up to the challenge, but with support and encouragement... maybe... Thanks for the inspiration!

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  7. Tweeted the giveaway, too.
    https://twitter.com/AlphaBecky/status/257807184782573568

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  8. Oh my, I have such a problem just saying "no." I'm going to order the pattern and take a look and think about it. It would be great to have the camaraderie of the group!

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  9. Here's my tweet: https://twitter.com/MtnQuiltworks/status/257820828618612736

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  10. I ordered a pattern on Friday so this weekender along is perfect timing!

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  11. I've be eyeing this bag for a while. Not sure I can commit right now but I will be reading along! Thanks!

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  12. I'm not planning to join this time, but I would love to be entered in the giveaway. Thanks!

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  13. Great hop theme! I can't wait to see all of the different interpretations come to life for all of the sewers!

    Crossing my fingers....

    susie
    legato1958@aol.com

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  14. So excited about this!! Hoping I have time to join in and make a scrappy version :)

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  15. What a great giveaway! I so wish I could participate... I just can't take on anything new these days (now that I'm 36 weeks pregnant). Thanks for the chance to win! :)

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  16. Looks like fun! The bags are lovely. It will be really fun to see what fabrics people choose!
    jennifer@hopefulhomemaker.com

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  17. I'm going to make a weekender! Have the pattern, auditioning the fabric now, and I have many zippers. I don't have a blog (yet, thinking about it) and am uncertain if I'm a no-reply as I don't know how to check. My email is hlofgren201 (at) gmail (dot) com. Thank you and thanks for the giveaway AND for hosting this project!

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  18. I tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/illoh/status/257843911236657152

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  19. Thanks for the great give-away! Can't wait to see what everyone makes!

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  20. I'm kind of intimidated by this bag, but am thinking about making one for myself in 2013. Maybe this will nudge me...looks like a great event!

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  21. ooh this is such a good idea, im totally gonna join in

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  22. How fun, maybe if I win the gift cert. I will join, otherwise I already spent my allowance this month and I don't own the pattern.

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  23. What a perfect bag. I would love to join in on the sew-along

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  24. I twitted it

    https://twitter.com/CherylBrickey1/status/257905099244990464

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  25. I've been wanting to make a weekender after seeing them all over the blogosphere, but I'm not sure I'm there yet. Maybe this hop will provide some inspiration and confidence. Thanks!

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  26. These bags are so lovely! If I can find the time, I might join in!

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  27. I saw so many of these bags at Sewing Summit and I want one soooo bad! Thanks for the coupon on the pattern - that is a great start!
    Winning the gift certificate for fabric would be awesome too ;-)

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  28. Oh, this might be the kick in the pants that I need to start this bag!!!!

    brookeali(at)hotmail.com

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  29. I so badly want to make this, and you are making it really hard to deny myself the torture! LOL! A fabric win would put the icing on the cake! Thanks for the chance!

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  30. Well, this is the motivation I need to finally make mine. I have my fabric. Time to dive in! Thanks for the fun giveaway, and hop!

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  31. I wish I had the confidence to take on bigger projects like this! Gosh, someday soon I hope!! :) :) Thanks for the chance to win!

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  32. Thanks for the giveaway! And inspiration!

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  33. Oh, I love bags! Can't wait to see all the new versions! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  34. That is so great that you listed all the places to get the supplies!

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  35. I spread the word through twitter.

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  36. I purchased this pattern quite sometime ago. I had planned on making it for my daughter for Christmas. Thank you for giving me the nudge:)

    sandyb720 at gmail dot com

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  37. I shared on facebook.

    Thank you

    https://www.facebook.com/sandyb720

    sandyb720 at gmail dot com

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  38. I have wanted to make this bag for ages but had been terrified by the stories in blogland of people who have attempted it. A sew-along for this bag is such a brilliant idea! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  39. I have Amy Butler's Style Stitches book which is full of bag patterns. Since I do own that and I don't own the Weekender pattern (a gift certificate would help!) I might make a bag from that book so I can play along!

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  41. What a fun idea. I'm leaning on the fence...
    kurtem@me.com

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  42. What a great idea!! I'm excited to share about my bag next week!

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  43. That bag is gorgeous! I do like to make bags, there's something very satisfying about putting in a zip well, that may make me slightly odd!

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  44. I tweeted here https://twitter.com/Sarah_L_N/status/258161221042315264
    :)

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  45. I can't make the bag right now but I'm going to be watching for hints and tips :D

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  46. oooh, I was just telling Lori that I can't afford to buy the pattern, but if I won this...

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  47. I won't be making this but I will be following along! Thanks for a chance to win!

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  48. I've been humming and hawing about this making this bag for a while and this is just the push I needed :)

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  49. I've been on the fence with this one for a while, this may be just what I need to get myself in gear!

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  50. looks super cute, but i have too many other ongoing projects right now.

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  51. I really want to join in - wonder if I could manage

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  52. LIKE+SHARED ON MY FB!
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1711336606

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  53. HI! NEAT PROJECT>BUT I'M DEEP IN CHRISTMAS SEWING!
    THANKS SO FOR SHARING!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  54. Love the bag! I think you can move up as a quilter because in my opinion, you are way more advanced than an amateur quilter!! Keep up the great work babscorbitt@gmail.com

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  55. Love the bag, I'm awaiting my pattern at the moment! What a great idea, though I don't know if I will be fully participating with Christmas right around the corner... :(

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  56. Love the bag. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  57. I so want to join in - I said on Lori's blog that I wouldn't be able to because I have too much on my plate now, but maybe I need to rethink my priorities :)

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  58. Blogged it!

    http://porchswingquilts.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-long-weekend-oh-yes-i-did.html

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  59. I have been seeing these lovely bags pop up all over the blogs and would love to try to make one too but will need LOTS of help I am sure.

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  60. https://www.facebook.com/stener1 posted

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  61. I love this bag too.. as I told your partner, if I dont sew along, it will be so after.. LOL.

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  62. Gonna have to go to my LQS and get the fabric and zipper. The pattern has been collecting dust for a while!

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  63. Thanks for the great giveaway - Pink Chalk is a great site. I'm looking forward to following along!
    ellen(at)myerly(dot)net

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  64. AM going to Joanns tomorrow, I'll be picking up the zipper then.

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  65. Thanks for a wonderful giveaway. I like to view all the tutorials from various sites (and I do love giveaways.)
    Thanks,
    Peggy
    peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

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  66. I posted on FB.
    http://www.facebook.com/peggy.gibbs.73?ref=tn_tnmn
    Thanks,
    Peggy
    peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

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  67. this looks like a fun stitch-a-long :) i'd like to join, but I'm not sure I will have time. I guess it will depend if I can make good progress on my urgent WIPs this week

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  68. THank you for the giveaway!! :) I'm definitely joining in. I've had the pattern for months but have been too scared to do it. I'm really hoping someone will do a tutorial on the patchwork ones...

    thanks! :)

    mrsrachelsbooth@gmail.com

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  69. I pinned the blog hop! So excited!

    http://pinterest.com/pin/58617232621360958/

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  70. Hi, thanks for the chance and the awesome giveaway!

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  71. I would love to make one of these bags, and I'm seriously considering joining in on this. It makes it more fun to see what other people are doing with the same pattern.

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  72. This is just the push I need to actually sew the bag rather than just read the pattern over and over. And thanks for the great giveaway opportunity.

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  73. I've been thinking about making this bag. I like the idea of an online support group to help with the process. Now I'll have to find that pattern.

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  74. I l-o-v-e Pink Chalk Fabrics. Thanks for the chance to win a little shopping spree there.

    wordygirl at earthlink dot net

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  75. What a great pattern. I will have to check it out. I have never heard of Pink Chalk Fabrics so thanks for introducing me to another great site.

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  76. I just got the pattern. Can't wait to start :)

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  77. I wrote about the blog hop in my blog :)
    http://suleon.blogspot.de/2012/10/mal-wieder-ein-bei-spoonflower.html
    Susanne

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  78. Oh my gosh this looks like a great combination of craft blogs! Can't wait!

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  79. I am so excited about this project! I ordered my pattern and got my fabric today. I'll be following along in the threadbias group.

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  80. Thanks for the chance, can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.

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  81. I'm so excited to make this bag! I've got some fabric that's perfect for it :)

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  82. Tweeted! https://twitter.com/MugglePuggle/status/258666497445072896

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  83. Looks like a fun (but hard) project. Good luck to all who give it a try.

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  84. I'm so tempted to join in good thing I have a few ekes to decide if I can get my other holiday projects finished first!

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  85. i've been saving this pattern for a brave and rainy day . . . i think that day is NOW!

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  86. I wish I had the time to do this right now. I'll be checking back, and watching on threadbias. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  87. I tweeted! https://twitter.com/nonna_mahoo/status/258749105352876032

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  88. I wish I was brave enough for this! I think it's a great idea though !

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  89. I tweeted. I used your share buttons below and it's so easy, Thanks!
    https://twitter.com/usairdoll/status/258830533717536768

    Thanks for a great giveaway and a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  90. Boy, this is such a great bag! I could put this bag to great use, that's for sure. Can't wait to follow along.

    Thanks for a great giveaway and a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  91. I'm all excited! I ordered my pattern yesterday, now I'll just have to go and get the "ingredients" :) I can't wait to see how this pattern turns out! Thanks for hosting!

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  92. Tweeted:) https://twitter.com/Katisquilting/status/258895361773555712

    Thanks so much for the giveaway!

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  93. I don't know if I have time for this right now, but I definitely plan to make it eventually, so I'll be following along!

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  94. Thank you for the lovely giveaway. Right now I cannot tackle this project as my back must heal, hopefully soon I can take a "cutting stance" and try it. If win, will have some pretty fabric to use.

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  95. What a cool idea! I love this bag, but don't know if I can do this right now... :)

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  96. I shared on twitter! :)
    https://twitter.com/CGeates/status/259169055083204608

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  97. I'm so tempted to make a weekender bag to keep my knitting in...I'm definitely going to follow along and pick up tips on the best way to make it!

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  98. I just found out about this from jenelle and I'm so excited since I'd decided o make one as a gift for my sis and was feeling a little intimidated. Now I can't wait to start.

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Aren't you the sweetest for leaving a comment! Due to all the ads that bombard this section, I have to moderate everything first, but look for your comment to post in a day or two. Thanks so much for writing!

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