Sense & Sensibility Sale!

I know I have practically neglected this blog of late, but... just wanted to make sure you all know about Sense & Sensibility Pattern's annual year-end sale that started today! 15% off EVERYTHING! The sale is in effect until midnight of the 31st... so start shopping!

American Duchess Devonshire 18th Century Shoes

My sister found this shoe company that makes beautiful 18th century shoes! They've just released their new "Devonshire" shoes, made of leather (they have the same style shoe in silk as well, the "Georgiana"). These are just so gorgeous!! They are on sale for the pre-order now! If you're like us, you LOVE historical gowns and these would just be perfection with a colonial dress. I think shoes really can make or break your look for historical accuracy!

The Devonshires are a leather 18th century shoe based on museum examples from the 1760s through 1780s.  They're made of top-grade dyable leather, with a beautiful, smooth Italian leather sole for dancing, and are hard-wearing, water- and mud-proof, for even the toughest of outdoor re-enactments.
Pre-Order the Devonshires through August 10, and get the special $100 price.  We're only making 200 of these shoes, so don't miss the chance to own one of only a couple hundred pair on the planet!  Visit www.american-duchess.com to order.

Win free desktop calendars!

Enter to win a set of pretty floral computer desktop calendars over at my photography blog, kathryngracephotography.blogspot.com! Two winners will be chosen, and if there is a high number of entries, three winners will be chosen.

Hurry - it ends at noon on January 31, 2011! CLICK HERE to read the rules and enter!

Photography Contest Results!

I am so thrilled to announce the winners of the first ever Maidens of Virtue Photography Contest! All in all I received nearly 100 entries, which was far more than I had expected! In fact, I had such a time trying to narrow it down that I decided to award not just one prize, but 1st, 2nd and 3rd, plus finalists... plus honorable mentions. :-) I know you are itching to see who won, so scroll on down to see the wonderful photos that placed, along with what I loved about each one. On some I am including what the photographer said about their photo. Amazing work, everyone!

1st Place: Laura A.

What is not to love about this incredible photo? It's absolutely gorgeous. I loved how crystal clear the water is - just solid blue the whole way. The composition and lighting are beautiful and of course the action captured is amazing.

Laura wins a Blogger design from Prairie Rose Designs and a free Fracture frame!

2nd Place: Wendy H.

I loved the soft colors in this photo and the beautiful light coming on to the mother's face. The sweet, pure love between mother and child is just precious. This photo is so genuine and unposed. Beautiful!

Wendy wins a Blogger design from Prairie Rose Designs!

3rd Place: Kamirin C.

This is such a unique photo. I was intrigued by the interesting composition and crop, and I loved the restful feeling. The colors are beautiful as well, and I like how your eye travels across the photo, finally resting on the bride. Wonderful work!

Kamirin wins a custom header, banner and button set from Prairie Rose Designs.

Below are the finalists that came SO CLOSE to making it in the top three! Outstanding work, all of you!

Laura A.

Gorgeous lighting and colors in this... such a sweet picture of innocence.

Erica B.

Freshly fallen snow! What could be more pure than that?

Laura L.

The love between daddy and daughter... precious. Loved the color and light coming through her hair.

Allison M.

Great composition and focus, and I like the contrast of the pure pearls against the dirty rock.

"Purity also reminded me of pearls. As you know, oysters make pearls by coating bits of sand with soft layers. What a great analogy for us to use when we get irritated! Soft answers to others, relinquishing our 'rights' to One Who laid all His down, and the list goes on! By putting a few pearls on the dirty stone step, I wanted to visualize how we are to look to the world around us. Remaining pure in God's sight, regardless of the dirt of sin that surrounds us, and thus pointing the way to the Savior Who can cleanse us of sin."

Laura L.

Beautiful splash of sunlight coming through the flower petals!

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." James 1:17

Even though this picture is of a flower, the focus is the light shining through it. It reminded me of this verse about the light and purity of God."

Wendy H.

God's creation is marvelous. Love the vibrant blues and greens in this one.

And, just because I was having such a hard time deciding which photos would make it into the finals and win the top 3, I'd also like to feature some honorable mentions, who exhibited creativity in using theme.

Elizabeth A.

Love the beautiful pink in this and the dew/rain drops.

Savannah L.

Very neat! I really like the sparkles in this.

"Those who are pure don't hide themselves away from the world but must live amongst this impure world. We are to be "in the world, but not of the world" and this photograph illustrates that. These beautiful tree buds are in the world but yet protected and kept pure by a thick layer of ice. This can represent our family and church and God, protecting us from harm and corrupting influences."

Allie R.

This has great focus and I liked the heart pendant she used to highlight the word!

Kathryn I.

Very clever! Great pure, crisp reflection.

Hannah B.

Good clean soap! I liked how the bubbles are coming out of the bowl.

Congratulations everyone! And a big thank you to our sponsor, Fracture! (And Prairie Rose Designs, but that's my business so it hardly does to thank myself. :-))

What did you think of the contest? Did you enjoy it? Should I do another one in the future? Leave a comment and let me know!

Photography Contest - Last Chance

Well, folks... I'm still amazed the year has gone by so quickly. There are only 2 more days left of December and then we enter 2011. You know what that also means... yes, the photography contest is ending!

I've received some beautiful entries thus far and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes in at the last minute. You are free to submit as many photos as you like before midnight on December 31, 2010! (Ok, and I won't turn you away if you happen to get your entry in at 12:01 am on January 1, 2011! :-)).

Remember, there is no entry fee and you could win a free blog makeover (for Blogger) from PrairieRoseDesigns.com and a free photo frame from FractureMe.com!

Click on the banner below to read the rules and enter your photos!

For only a dollar...

I'm sure most of you are familiar with Sense & Sensibility Patterns. If you do not follow their website frequently, however, you may not know about their Dollar Downloads, which are downloads of period articles on fashion, etc. that are actually from the era. There are a lot of early 1900's and 1940's-50's available. These would be very interesting for anyone who loves historical fashion, especially for use in research if you are making an authentic gown. Each one is only a dollar! Check it out!

P.S. Like historical sewing and old fashioned things? Check out this new blog (and leave her a comment!): A Lass of Yesteryear

Photography Contest... Last Weeks!

Time is running out for the Maidens of Virtue Photography Contest! The deadline for entries is December 31, 2010... that's less than 3 weeks away! You can enter as many photos as you wish for more chances to win our great prizes! Click on the banner above to visit the contest page.

Please pass this on to your friends!