THIS CONTEST ENDED 6/24/11. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED.

Growing up, we had a genuine 'general store' within bike riding distance. Sure, they'd updated the place to include coolers of soda pop and personal frozen pizzas. But one thing remained old-school: the wall of candy behind the cash register. My best friend, Marilyn and I would pedal down there on sultry summer afternoons and stand transfixed in front of the colorful array of sugary choices. For me, ribbons are the candy counter of the sewing world. There are so many pretty colors, styles and sizes... I simply can't get enough. One of our favorite sources is Renaissance Ribbons, so we were thrilled to receive two packages of amazing Kaffe Fassett ribbons. But then the story got even better: Elaine Schmidt (who you met through yesterday's Ribbon Bag tutorial) offered two copies of her ultimate ribbon book: The Complete Photo Guide To Ribbon Crafts. That's TWO amazing packages (one book and one package of ribbons) for TWO lucky winners. I am, once again, standing transfixed in front of a wonderful display of goodies.

Kaffe Fassett Ribbons from Renaissance Ribbons

Each package includes four of Kaffe Fasset's amazingly colorful jacquard ribbons - brand new from Renaissance Ribbons. You'll get:

• 3 yards of 1½" Palm Fan on Yellow
• 1½ yards of 1½" Palm Fan on Aqua
• 2 yards of 7/8" Guinea Flower on Blue/White
• 2 yards of 7/8" Guinea Flower on Blue/Pink

This is exactly the selection and amount used in yesterday's Kaffe Fassett Ribbon Bag Guest Tutorial from Elaine Schmidt for Renaissance Ribbons. So you will be all ready to create a great project!

Renaissance specializes in jacquard ribbons, which are, as I learned from Elaine's book, known by their intricate woven-in designs that resemble miniature tapestries. There is a definite right and wrong side to jacquards, so they are best for bows and projects where only the right side will be visible, such as Elaine's Ribbon Bag. However, I must admit, I think the back side of jacquard ribbons are beautiful in their own way, like a watery sunset. I've been tempted to sew them on backwards a few times just because!

Elaine Schmidt's The Complete Guide To Ribbon Crafts Book

Truly an 'everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-ribbons-but-were-afraid-to-ask' kind of book. There are 220 pages of information, from identifying different types of ribbons to making dramatic bows.

You'll learn how to turn a flat ribbon into a three-dimensional embellishment.

And there is an entire flower garden of floral ribbon techniques.

As the title describes, this is a 'Photo Guide' and it certainly lives up to its name. Clear and simple, step-by-step photography shows you how to make gathered flowers, petals, leaves, roses... even flower centers from French knots.

There's an entire section on ribbon embroidery, which is an exquisite accent for home décor.

Elaine also shows you how to experiment with ribbons to create unique woven, patchworked and knitted projects.

And, she includes dozens of fun accessory tutorials, from hair barrettes and bows to unique fashion jewelry...

...even something for your furry friends.

We are giving away two of these books, but even if you are not one of the lucky winners, I would highly recommend purchasing your own copy for your sewing and crafting library. You can find The Complete Photo Guide To Ribbon Crafts at your local independent bookseller, or online at Amazon, Barnes & Nobel or BetterWorld Books among others. It is offered for $20 or less on all three of these sites, and the value of the tips, ideas and step-by-step instructional detail is well worth that and more!

It's easy to enter to win!

Simply sign up for our  Sew4Home mail list and you are automatically entered to win. If you are already a mail list member, your work is done.

We will draw one name at random from everyone who is in the mail list as of midnight PT June 24, 2011. We will contact the winner by email to confirm your shipping address.

Sorry, but because of increased shipping rates, contest legal restrictions and customs issues, this drawing is only open to our Sew4Home friends in the USA (including Hawaii and Alaska). Good luck to everyone!

A huge THANK YOU to Renaissance Ribbons and Elaine Schmidt and her publisher, Creative Publishing International for giving us not one but TWO generous gift sets to giveaway to our Sew4Home fans.

Remember, simply sign up for the  Sew4Home mail list to enter. If you are already a mail list member, you are automatically entered to win.