On Sutton Place & Grain Sack Giveaway

I am so happy to introduce you to my friend, Ann, today. I consider Ann my friend, but I've never actually met her in person - we met through our blogs!  One day I clicked over to her blog and instantly felt at home.  She so warmly writes about her beautifully decorated home, shares delicious recipes and other snapshots into her life.  As I began to follow her blog, I also discovered her lovely Etsy shop, Sutton Place Designs, where she sells handmade textile items, like pillow covers and table runners.  I particularly loved her antique grain sack items and one day I decided to treat myself and bought some of her grain sack lavender sachets (which to this day are still one of my favorite things).  So along the way, a friendship was made... and her thoughtfulness has meant so much to me, from sharing blogging advice to sending me a surprise gift (grain sack stockings) in the mail. 

 A while back, as we were finishing up in the living room and I was on the hunt for the right fabric to use for pillow covers, I could not stop thinking about how perfect red striped grain sack covers would look on my red couch.  One day I simply couldn't resist any longer and I sent Ann an email (smile).  

So today I want to tell you a little about my grain sack pillows.   

 Getting a package in the mail from Ann is pretty exciting... first of all, the contents always smell like lavender (even when they don't contain any) and each item is beautifully wrapped in tissue paper and always perfectly folded and ironed.

  My first question to Ann when inquiring about the pillow covers was, "How family friendly are grain sacks?"  She responded that they were very family friendly and also machine washable... "Don't forget where they have been", she reminded me. And although I hate to admit this (particularly since it brings back memories of near-panic), I have already had one incident involving a little girl named Rosetta and a pillow cover.  So I can completely assure you that some gentle scrubbing with a mild detergent and a gentle cycle in the washing machine will remove stains and your grain sack will look good as new.  I can also assure you that although the lavender sachets are not hacky sacks, they will survive being thrown through the air on an occasion... or two.   

 At first I started with two 20x20 pillow covers that Ann made specifically for my red couch.  When I received this particular package and ran into the living room to see how they would look, I could hardly believe how well Ann had matched them.  They were perfect.

 I love that each pillow cover has a zipper closure.  So easy and it gives such a crisp look.  (By the way, Ann said Ikea has down inserts for $6.99; unfortunately, I don't live near an Ikea, but I found two down pillow inserts on Amazon here for $19.99.)

So for a few weeks I enjoyed my 20x20 covers on our couch, while struggling again to find a fabric for a small pillow on one of our chairs.  And then Ann posted a picture on her Facebook page of her latest grain sack pillow, which was pieced together.  Oh, I loved it..I must have looked at it in her shop at least 10 times.  The size she had for sale was larger than I needed, so finally I couldn't take it any longer, and I asked if she would make me another pillow cover sized 12x16. 

This cover has a button closure on the side and a coordinating fabric inside.  I love that it's a little different from the larger covers, yet still coordinates beautifully. 

 And just to show you how thoughtful Ann is... her last two packages to me have included a little surprise for my girls.  With the large covers (before Valentine's Day) she included two little grain sack hearts filled with lavender, one for Jillian and one for Rosetta.  As you can imagine, Jillian squealed when she saw she had her own little heart.  "And it smells soooo good, Mommy!" 

Ann has so graciously put together a wonderful giveaway package for one Keeping It Cozy reader and I am so excited that one of you will be the recipient of Ann's beautiful work! I know you will love everything just as much as I do.

The randomly drawn winner will receive (1) 12x16 reversible grain sack pillow cover, (1) 34" grain sack heart garland and (1) grain sack lavender sachet set, all as pictured.  

To Enter:

I really like to keep my giveaways easy, so all that is required is leaving a comment, but I would love it if you would visit Ann's Etsy shop (click here) and let me know what your favorite item is when you leave a comment! 

(You don't need to have a blog to enter - just be sure to leave your contact information in the comment field.)   

 

If you have a chance, I know you'll love visiting Ann's blog, On Sutton Place, too - it's one of my favorites!  (You can also keep in touch with Ann on Facebook here.) 

Have a wonderful Monday!  The giveaway is open until next Monday, March 18.

***This giveaway has closed***