10.08.2012

giveaway #95

I'm back!! Not only from my trip to Mexico and Knitcation, but I'm also back with a fabulous giveaway for you today. When Alecia of madbird contacted me about sponsoring a giveaway, I knew you would just love her products. I'm usually bringing you yarn and patterns, so let's change things up a bit. Madbird offers a wonderful variety of beautiful hand-sewn project bags, needle organizers, and other neat knitting organizational items. I love their pattern wallets! In their own words… keeping fiber lovers organized.

I had the chance to do a written interview with Alecia. Enjoy!

1. Please start by telling us a little bit about yourself and what you do?

I'm a mother of (almost) five little ones, from ages: due in December - 11 years old. I am an art college graduate, with a concentration in painting & art education. I taught art for a few years after college, but when our first son was born, I left teaching to stay home.

Sort of on a whim, after our fourth son was born, I opened madbird on Etsy. I wanted to offer knitting/crochet supplies for a more discerning crowd. I was never satisfied with any organizer or project bag I bought that was mass produced, and I was sure I wasn't alone. A couple years later, we launched our own website.

Although I'm responsible for all of the product design/creation, I do have help. My husband, Rob, is a huge support and is really half of madbird. All the care that goes into shipping our product, all the product photography, media design, web content - that's him. I couldn't run this smoothly without his help! His part in madbird allows me to focus 99% of my efforts on the product itself. He also has a full time job, so he's a busy guy.

2. Your knitting organizational products are really wonderful! Can you talk a little bit about what inspires you?

Thank you! I'm inspired by colors and patterns. That is probably the most basic explanation. The source sometimes comes from nature, art, or the fabric itself. There's nothing more inspiring than fresh bolts of fabric!

3. You offer a wide variety of organizers, do you have a favorite tote or project bag that you personally use?

My new tote is my current favorite. I love the yarn guide, the softness of the fleece interfacing, and the capacity to hold my project and my ipad. I have been using mine a lot lately!

4. How do you come up the shapes and products that you make?

Usually I come up with a product design out of necessity. When I was knitting at one of my son's baseball games, I had a sock pattern cut up into small index card-sized pieces. I wanted to keep the pattern nice and compact, but it didn't work out. The pieces were flying everywhere! I commented to Rob how nice it would be to have something to keep my tiny pattern organized. He said "So, make something". A day or so later, the mini pattern wallet was born.

5. What will be next for you? Do you have new things in the works that you can share with us?

We have our products in many LYS's across the country, and even out of the country - which is very exciting! We'd like to expand to even more LYS's in the future. Also, something we haven't had a lot of time for is fiber shows. With a large family to take care of, it just hasn't fit into my schedule as well as I would like. I'm hoping that after our fifth baby is born (and a bit older!), I'll be able to focus more on shows. We live 20 minutes from Boston, so it won't be very hard to find plenty of shows to partake in.

6. I always like to ask, why do you knit?

I knit because I love handknits. It's really that simple! There is nothing quite like a handknit article, whether for yourself - or as a gift. I absolutely love gifting something I made with my hands. Nothing is more special than that. And, as a knitter, I love receiving them as well. Aside from that, even though I'm constantly making something, I can't deny the satisfaction that comes from completing a project and saying "yeah, I made that"!

7. When did you learn to knit and who taught you?

I learned to knit around 2003 - when our second son was born. The world wide web taught me! And if we're being completely honest, I'm self taught in the realm of sewing as well. One day, at about age 16, I bought a sewing machine, read the manual, and made a dress (and it was wearable!). Not all my craftiness is self-taught, however. My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was very young. I remember making doilies with her, and little hats for my dolls. She doesn't crochet anymore, and recently gave me all her hooks. They're something I'll always treasure.

8. If you were to knit and live anywhere in the world, where would you knit and live?

Oh, that's tough. I can't see myself living outside of New England, honestly. I would love to visit other countries (and bring my knitting along)…New Zealand in particular. It looks so beautiful! But, if I had to pick a place to settle down, I would find a nice piece of land in Vermont. Rob and I both love it there.

9. What's been your worst knitting disaster?

Ugh. A sweater for one of the boys. And, no, I didn't make him wear it! By the time I finished it, it was at least a size too small anyway. It just did not in any way work out! It was my first attempt at stranding. What a mess.

10. And last but not least, if you were enjoying a favorite drink while reading my blog, what would it be?

Well, since I'm pregnant…it'll have to be non-alcoholic. The orchard in our town sells delicious sparkling fruit juice drinks. I'd be enjoying one of those with a lime, and a few cherries. ;)


Madbird has sent over two gorgeous and very functional project bags/totes for two lucky followers to have a chance at winning. Check it out:

ga91madbird

The larger tote in the back has an adorable coffee themed print and a magnetic button closure, so you can keep your ball of yarn safe in there and knit away while the yarn feeds out of the bag. The inside also features a really cool yarn guide (that I unfortunately do not have a picture of). The smaller pouch has a really cute modern floral fabric pattern and zipper closure. This little bag is still large enough to hold a small project… say maybe a pair of socks!


I would like you to do the following if you would like to be entered into this week's giveaway:


1. Read over the rules if you have not done so already.

2. Leave a comment on this blog post by the end of Sunday, 10/21/12. Which madbird product is your favorite?


I'll randomly pick the winners in 2 weeks and post the results along with the new giveaway, so be sure to check back. Good luck everyone.

Sincerely,

Ve

158 comments:

butnostephanie said...

I like all of the totes! especially the lagoon one, my kind of colors :)

Shirley said...

I really like the double handle one that you've shown. The coffee print is cute, but so is Lagoon.

Beth said...

My favorite is the Circular Knitting Needle Organizer!

Ely said...

I fell in love with the stitch and witch project bag.

Deb said...

I love the project bag or clutch in flori blue or zoe. So cute!

Barb Mowery said...

I like the underwater sisters tote. Mermaids and octopi and seahorses, oh my!

katherinelynn_04 said...

Anything in the latte print! That is just too cute (and anyone who knows my I love french press, and there's a pic of that right on it!)

Amanda Vondrasek said...

I am loving all the coffee themed prints.. But I like the crochet hook organizer in daisy cottage the most. It was hard to pick just one from the page!

Unknown said...


yaI love everything Madbird but i especially love the crochet and knitting needle organizers.

jennybookworm said...

The pattern wallets are really neat. I really like some of the prints on the fabrics too - very nice!

Unknown said...

I like the large "koi" project bag. I drag my knitting everywhere and the dark color would be the best choice for me.

Malo.gato73 said...

My knitting projects would feel nice an cozy in either one!

Hipmaman said...

I love all pattern wallets!!!

rumanci said...

The pattern wallets are great and the spotted-owl design on the tote bags is my favourite. Eye-catching designs and inspirational. Great blog and giveaway here.

Lydia said...

They're all great, love the clutch style bag

Karine said...

I love the interchangeable cases, but the project bag are so "happy" and funky, I'd love to get my hands on any of them!!

Destiny said...

I have a clutch and a medium project bag and love them both (the project bag has sheep on it!) - but I do think the new tote looks really nice.

Amanda said...

I just adore your totes. One of my favorites is the "Turkish Garden"
There are also quite a few needle cases that I love! I think all of the items are beautiful and I love keeping updated (via FB) on your releases and ideas :)

Bridget said...

Love the coffee print. I love all of Madbird's bags. I have one I purchased a year ago, and I use it everyday. LOVE IT!

K Park said...

I use one of Madbird's small clutches to coral my Kindle Fire and cosmonaut stylus. Of course, I also use a couple of obsolete sized project bags to keep my knitting projects organized ... but the clutch is my absolute favorite for holding my computer toys and my lace knitting projects.

And, her taste in Japanese fabrics is just awesome. I adore my dragons!!!

Holly said...

I love the lagoon tote, and the pattern wallets are simply genius!

foleydog said...

I love the Knitting Crochet Project Clutch, it's just the right size!

Rachelle said...

I love the Lagoon Project Tote!

Michelle said...

What a wonderful story! I am always amazed by people who take something they love and turn it into a successful business.

I really like the looks of the Knitting Project Clutch; I like shoulder straps to keep my hands free.

Amanda said...

I love all of her halloween project bags, they're too cute!

sparky136 said...

I like the stitch n witch halloween bag.
sparky136 on Ravelry

Connie K. said...

I love the knitting and the crochet Project Clutch. I have several Christmas projects going and these would be perfect to keep them in. I love so many of the fabric choices i don't think I could pick a favorite.

greyowl (ravelry id)

Kelly K. said...

My favorite product are the large totes. They're so roomy and fun with such cute fabric choices!

Rav ID: kellknit

sacha said...

My favorites are:

The Echo Pattern Delux Wallet- that's awesome!

The Knitting/Crochet Project Clutch in Parade Day.

What a great offering!

Anonymous said...

Welcome back Ve! I love the DPN cases - since I'm still looking for one. Nice patterns.
Pavla

amchart said...

I love all the Halloween themed bags! What fun!

Unknown said...

I just got my clutch, which I LOVE, and now I'm coveting one of the larger project bags to hold bigger WIPS....

Andrea said...

I'm really in love with all her products! I have two pattern wallets already so I've had my eye on a tote lately. I really love all her prints that she picks too!

Thanks for the chance to win!

prajaline(at)gmail

Unknown said...

I've been in love with the needle cases for a long time!

Unknown said...

What a lovely interview! I am duly impressed with how Alecia balances raising a large family and running a business. I find it really hard to choose a fave product - the totes are all wonderful with amazing fabric choices, but I also love the pattern wallets. So many lovely designs!

mommieof4munchkins said...

Welcome back, missed you :) Hugs

wendy said...

I like that the drawstring bags are tall enough for straight needles!!

Suzanne said...

I like the large pattern keepers and all of the Halloween fabrics.

Jacey said...

I love the Spotted Owl totes and the circular needle organizers -- I definitely could use one of those!

Sara said...

Oh, I love the cafe Latte tote! It speaks to me - especially since I've been known to hit DD at least a oouple times a week for a Large Hot Latte withb 4 sugars and whole milk!!!!

nhsarab on ravelry
nhsarab at yahoo dot com

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I like the Cocoon tote bag.

UmmRania said...

So hard to choose between the totes or the clutches, both are so great!

Kayla said...

I love project tote Cocoon

Amanda said...

Having a hard time picking one... Love the totes and clutches, plus the deluxe pattern wallets!

Ginger said...

Love the clutches and the cocoon fabric!!

Jade said...

It's hard to choose but I do like the cafe latte clutch and the grazed mini pattern wallet.

hueisei said...

I love all the tote bag :)

elflyn said...

I love the knitting crochet project bag in Frolic.

Rasa said...

Hard to choose...so many pretty patterns...alright...if I have to...Lagoon tote!

staci said...

Gorgeous bags! Love those knitting crochet project clutches, especially the Nightmare Manor since it's October!

Bridget said...

Oh I love that coffee themed tote!

Unknown said...

All of Madbirds items are wonderful but the small clutches are my favorites!

Pam

Kassia said...

Too hard to choose! I love the totes, clutches, and medium project bags. And too many cute prints to choose just one! :)

Gynx said...

I really like the small clutches! Very cute!

Julie said...

I think the smaller bag because I love knitting socks.

Anonymous said...

I love the small clutches! Small enough to shove in my purse! Those Halloween fabrics are adorable!!

Tina said...

I love ALL of the products! I have to say I'm a little smitten with the interchangeable needle cases and pattern wallets! What a clever idea!

Susan said...

Love the project clutches! Love them all!

Emily said...

I am coveting the Parade Day Project Tote. Love!

C Gibson said...

Welcome back, Ve! You've been missed,

I love the project bags. I always love a new project bag. Such a useful way to store my projects especially since I always have at least four on the needles. I get bored easily and need lots of variety.

C. said...

I really like the Halloween theme bags. My favorite is the regular size square project bag in the Nightmare Manor fabric (those owls are so cute!).

Rae Lynne said...

madbird makes some great products - I've purchased from her before - she's great!

I like the project clutch that she makes. I really enjoy small bags that are easily on the go. :)

raelynne01 on Rav

ohdessa said...

I love the interchangeable needle cases!

Amy said...

The Halloween themed totes just might be my favorites! I really love the Monster Parade one.

But the pattern wallets are SO GENIUS!! I love both the Wing Study and Underwater Sisters fabrics.

Lindr said...

I like the square project bags; it seems to be a really practical size and I like the fact that it reversible! In particular, I like the 'evening lights' print.

LynnIL said...

I really like everything. If I had to choose, it would be the square project bag. Thanks for a chance!

Debbie said...

I love the Meet the Gang Circular knitting needle case. Thanks!

Sangeetha said...

Love any of the needle organizers. Desperately need one too.

Evan said...

i loved pretty much everything i saw on the website. well, i don't crochet, so those wouldn't be helpful. but everything is so stylish and useful!

Sheila said...

I desperately need a dpn organizer and I love the Nightshade mini dpn organizer. I think I ought to get two of these minis - one for my sock size dpns and one for my larger gauge dpns.

Eenae said...

I actually really love the coffee themed one pictured though they are all cute! Welcome back too. :)

Jennifer in Ohio said...

Love the pattern organizer!

Jennifer (rav ID jaf61205)

Jennifer S said...

I like the regular square project bag. It's perfect for socks in progress on the go!

Laura said...

What cute bags! I am a big fan of the pattern wallet with the little notion pouch on the side. Genius!

Anonymous said...

I went looking at the link and loved the cafe latte or the lagoon tote, so seeing the prize is the cafe latte, plus it would be nice to have one where my ipad could go with me since that is where my patterns are.

welcome home

Fracksmom

Pensamientos Marcianos said...

I love bags and clutches and I need a pattern wallet. So I can't pick just one thing!

Elaine said...

The pattern wallets are a good idea. An accessory pouch on the mini and full size wallets would be a nice bonus.

Lael said...

There are so many cute ones! I love all the Halloween themed fabrics - the totes and clutches. Maybe "A Haunting Patchwork" or was it "Nightmare Manor"?

Anonymous said...

Those project clutches look great. Thanks for this awesome give-away!

Anonymous said...

I love the Mini Wallet - Grazed. I also love her pattern markers - I need some of those!

nancy88 said...

Project tote - spotted owl. Gaaah. I need this! So super cute!

Sabrina said...

I like the Spotted Owl Tote and the Cafe au Lait project bag.

Monica said...

I love the tote bags. Not only the fabrics are cute but the bag seems very functional. Thanks for the opportunity.

Anonymous said...

Fiori Blue and Cocoon small clutches are my favorites! Very nice products.

StaceyKnitsIt

Anonymous said...

I like the mini pattern wallets. I have a full size already. In the car I use index cards and they get worn from being handled so much. The mini wallet would remedy that problem
hotknitter on rav

InJuneau said...

Welcome back from a wonderful sounding vacation!

I love her square project bags, particularly in all the Día de los Muertos fabrics! I also love that the bags are reversible.

Evelyn said...

What a lovely giveaway -- thank you for the chance to win! I'm a huge coffee lover so I adore the Latte project bag. It would make a great accessory for my medium-size projects.

Emily said...

I love the deluxe pattern wallet -- so useful!

kayteau said...

I am head over heels for the deluxe pattern wallets. And that orange octopus print is so cute!

Hind DP said...

My favorite is the large tote in the Laggon pattern, perfect for a sweater project.

Dianna said...

I like the project bag with the zipper - and the Halloween prints are too over the top cute!

Eva said...

I love Love LOVE the shape of project clutch, pretty much any pattern. Looks just about perfect.

Brenda said...

Welcome back!
I like the medium project bag with the latte pattern.

(Goodstuff on Rav)

ypsiknitti said...

Welcome back! I like the crochet and knitting project bags best. The colors are bright and the size looks perfect.

dclulu on ravelry said...

Oh yay, I have heard great things about these bags. I think I like the medium and large project bags best !

Maryse said...

These bags are so lovely! I fell in love with the Knitting Crochet Project Clutch - Kukla. Thank you so much for that giveaway!

Christine Lima said...

I adore the circular knitting needle organizers...mostly cause I'm in desperate need of some organization in that department!!!

Linsulknits said...

I love the mini pattern wallets

Melody said...

I like Project Tote Cafe Latte.

PG said...

I'm constantly reorganizing my needles. I could really use a system to organize my dpns. I like the Wing Study.

The Distracted Knitter said...

I love the coffee tote! How funny its one of the prizes!! Its a sign I'm sure...

ACraftyKnitter said...

I love the wingsong square bag! The fabric is adorable, and the bag seems like a really practical design.

asteride said...

Love the Underwater Sister Fuchsia Tote.

florapie said...

I've been dreaming about one of her interchangeable needle cases for a while now. Wow for running a business with 4 kids at home!

carolynch said...

I just had a look at the Etsy shop, and love the "knitting crochet project totes", they look like they are the perfect size to take a small project wherever I go.

Bonny said...

I seriously love all of Alecia's products, even to the point that I give them to friends as gifts. My new tote has to be my current favourite, though. The shape and size is a bit different from her other bags and pouches. I find it really convenient to put in my current project, my tablet with a paperless pattern and notions (in one of Alecia's notion pouches, of course!) I also love the fact the tote is big enough for a shawl or something other than a sock or mitten. Perfect for take along knitting!

Turtle said...

love that site, bookmarked it

I think my favorite is the Grazed mini pattern wallet, but then the ghastlies small tote was cool as well.

glad your back!

Becky said...

I love the pattern wallets.

TopHat said...

I would love a circular needle organizer. My current plan is to just let them get tangled.

Jaime P said...

I love your products. Ithink the pattern markers and holders are very clever.

Jessica Powers said...

I am absolutely in love with the pattern wallets - I have a regular and a deluxe and I'm always tempted to get more because Alecia is so nice and does such beautiful work.

Amy said...

The wing study project bag is so pretty!

Lis said...

I really liked the tote bag! One because I'm a coffee addict and two because its a larger bag. Try as I might, I always attempt using a smaller bag and end up not having enough room.

Debra Lee said...

The crochet project clutches are my favorites!

Robin said...

I love the Harajuku Pattern wallet deluxe.

Marlitharn said...

The clutches are my favorites, and Ghastlies is my favoritest favorite! Pinned to my Christmas list in hopes my family will see them.

Gwenn said...

I really like the pattern wallets, what a neat idea! Of course the totes and organizers are really cool too!

nelle said...

I like the double pointed needle organizers.

mhchong said...

I love the project totes, and the coffee themed print in your giveaway is sooo me.

mhchong@aol.com

Stranded Things said...

I love all the tote bags, I could really use a bigger bag for projects... And the fabrics are all gorgeous! Sugar skulls and mermaids and COFFEE oh my!

Debbie said...

I love totes in general, and these are all fantastic! Would love to win!

Ref said...

Love the project clutch!

Unknown said...

I love the project clutch, and those pattern wallets are a fantastic idea!

CeltChick said...

Oh too bad -- the one I like best is sold out! It's the large project bag in the Koi pattern. Very nice! However, what I really need is one of the circular needle organizers - I have no idea how many circs I've got, 'coz they're scattered everywhere. All I know is, I can never find the one I need....

Cloudberry said...

Oh, there are so many pretty bags...
But I really like the Knitting Crochet Project Bag Square - MEDIUM - Spotted Owl :)

PenCraft said...

I have one of the pattern holders and I really like it.

sharmylae said...

love everything! it's so hard to decide.... maybe the needle organizer? :)

supersharmie at gmail dot com

schwip said...

I have always wanted a circular needle holder. I like the Circular Knitting Needle Organizer - Wing Song.

Unknown said...

I love the Project Clutch in Cocoon! Such a pretty fabric pattern.

g8rfanjr said...

I cannot decide. I love my regular bag, my mediums and my large with teh divider and I love my wristlet. Just love 'em all!!

Mary Mac said...

The spotted owl tote is just adorable.

Sabra said...

All looked great but the pattern keeper has to be on the top ten. Stylish and functional.

Alicia said...

My favourite are the clutches. I don't think I could ever buy enough of those. I'm also eyeing the dpn organizer though... And the deluxe pattern keeper. Yeah, I'm a sucker for cute prints. I'm bookmarking this shop.

Unknown said...

I really like the project tote. The magnet closure is so handy.

slmiller8 said...

My favorite is the project clutch, followed by the square project bags in a close second.

stephigordon said...

I love the Pattern Wallet Deluxe in Camille!! Wow! Welcome home! Hope your trip was amazing! Thanks! Stephanie (indigodogmt on Rav)

Olea said...

I love 2 handled on with the button closure. I tried to make a knitting tote a while ago... it was a disaster.

Rachel D. said...

The small totes. Good size and i like the zipper closure.

terrylynn2 said...

My favorite product is the square knitting/crochet bag in lagoon. I love the padded square bottom PLUS the fact that it is reversible. Two bags in one!

Marilyn said...

I love the Knitting Crochet Project Clutch in the Moorish Blooms fabric. Thanks for the chance to win!

flora said...

Love the knitting clutch!

phaedra96 said...

I like the DPN holder. I need the length since so many of my larger sizes are 8". (But any of them I would love!!)

BrownCoat said...

I adore the regular sized pattern wallets. I have a hard time with losing the magnets in the knitpicks version.

I also like madbird's project totes. I am very attracted to Underwater Sisters. Haha!

Nanny Jean said...

They are all nice and I could make any one of them to work with my needles.and my knitting gaglets.

LisaH said...

I love the tote bag and the deluxe full size pattern wallet. All the fabric prints are awesome!

Catherine said...

Love the Halloween themed project clutches!

Dorothy said...

I have a hard time choosing because I love all of her products but I think her medium bag is my favorite, though that coffee tote makes me want to try that size.

Paula Bannon said...

I'm loving all of the project bags but if I had to choose I'd go with the Kukla design.

Susan aka paintermom said...

I love the tote bag with the butterflies - cocoon.

Frankly Beka said...

I like the needle organizers. Especially the DPN organizer. It's got loads of room for many sets, and some of the pockets are shown with circulars in them.

Zabbers said...

Welcome back! I love those pattern wallets, especially the deluxe ones. But I'm not sure if I would like the full size or the smaller size better, though, for convenience.

LuisaM said...

I like best the Interchangeable Knitting Needle Organizer!
Like Alecia says, I can't find anything satisfying to organize my needles.

Anne said...

I love the deluxe pattern wallet with the magnetic ribbon holder.

meeshelle said...

Wow I love everything!! Especially the knitting clutch and the deluxe pattern wallet :)

Nuttygal said...

I LOVE all the pattern wallets especially any of the ones in the Autumn prints. Really I like all of the totes and needle organizers and project bags.

Heather said...

I like the Deluxe Pattern Wallet.

Nanny Jean said...

Your totes and needle organizers and bags are really a nice way to carry everything we need to do our projects.

Kristen said...

Everything is cute! I love the Project Tote - Spotted Owl.