We are so excited to announce the winners of April's Photo Contest! To learn more about what it takes to win, be sure to check out our blog on the contest details.
If you’d like to submit to the next monthly photo contest, VISIT THIS PAGE to submit your photos.
Want to see the rules and submission guidelines? VISIT THIS PAGE.
If you want to see all photo submissions, visit our Customer Photo Gallery. You can also search through all of the Winning Submissions here.
Let’s see the winners
ByAnnie Top Voted
WINNER: Susanne L
PATTERN: Travel Essentials
THEIR STORY:
I bought the pattern at „Das mach ich nachts“ online shop as well as the material. The pattern and the description is absolutely gorgeous to work with. Everything is easy to understand, the videos extremely helpful. I love Annie‘s friendly performance and warm, optimistic personality.
I‘m longing to realize another project, may be the Travel duffle bag. Love it! The fabrics by Tula Pink with the owls is just ordered at „Quiltzauberei“ but jet not available in Germany. Warm greetings from Berlin!
WHAT WE LOVED: Our team member Jacque had this to say, " These are great pictures and I love the colors on the bag."
WHAT THEY WON: $50 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com
Storyteller Award
WINNER: Mary E
PATTERN: Clam Up
THEIR STORY: Late last year, I was in such a slump (sewing). Then, it all changed when my niece asked if I'd be willing to host a girl's getaway weekend before her wedding in August.
My wheels have been turning ever since. I've made a dozen Pencil Cases for Lola, a dozen Mini Notebook Covers and just finished making 9 Large Clam-ups & 1 Med CU. I still have a S and XS to make but I'm so excited I might burst.
Eight of the Lg CU's are made from my Mom's wedding dress. I used her pink slip for the lining. She was a "blushing bride" ya know. It was difficult to make that first cut into her dress because my maternal AND my paternal Grandmothers made her dress & slip together in 1951. I sewed through my tears on April 7 which was my Mom & Dad's wedding anniversary.
My family does not know anything about this so it will be a total surprise at the party.
I learned a few things along the way:
- I stabilized the wedding dress AND the slip fabric using P44F. This was a must.
- I did not quilt any of it as the fabric is beautiful as is. My only stitching lines on the CU's are the fold lines. I didn't mark these as I wasn't sure it would come out. I used a ruler and guided my presser foot along it to get a straight line.
- I should have bought another Zipper by the Yard in Ivory. It all worked out in the end though as I had enough ivory to make 5 for my 3 sisters, 1 SIL and 1 for me. I used Pale Pink zips for my niece (the bride) and used the new Coral for the bride's SIL and 2 cousins. The Winnie the Pooh's are for the little girls - ages 4, 2 & 1.
I still have wedding dress fabric leftover to make something else but undecided on what that might be. I also am contemplating how to use the many buttons that were on her dress.
I think my Mom would be proud as she was a big part of our family girls slumber parties back in the day. Also, I learned to sew by watching my maternal grandmother sew as I was a little girl. 💝
WHAT THEY WON: $50 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com
Quilt Shop Highlight
WINNER: Stacy M
PATTERN: Easy Flip and Sew Placemats
THEIR STORY: The Easy Flip and Sew Placemat was our April B.A.G. Ladies class. There were soooo many different fabric choices, and they were all fantastic!
Plenty of students had never done the quilt-as-you-go technique, nor wrapping the backing around to be the binding. Many of them have plans to make more since they are so fun to make!
Because this was for B.A.G. Ladies and based on answers to questions I had asked Annie, we also had Victoria Sponge cake, since Annie's favorite show is the British Baking show. This class was a fan favorite!
WHAT THEY WON: $50 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com
WHERE IS THEIR SHOP: Orcutt, CA
WHERE YOU CAN FIND THEM ONLINE:
Website: https://www.oldtownquiltshoporcutt.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldtownquiltshop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldtownquiltshoporcutt/
SewPINK
WINNER: Allison L
PATTERN: Get Out of Town
THEIR STORY: I realize that y'all are generating awareness for testicular cancer this month, but April is also Esophageal Cancer Awareness month.
My husband's friend was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer. Their softball team hosted a fundraiser benefit for him. I made and donated this bag for the raffle. The lady that won it actually thought it was an "other name brand" designer bag, then realized it was handmade by someone local.
And of course, we always have to support our SEC College Team, so the fabric choice was a no brainer (and actually chosen by my husband).
WHAT WE LOVED: Our team member Casey had this to say, "It's an amazing looking bag, and it is so great that they made it for such a good cause."
WHAT THEY WON: $15 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com
Honorable Mention
WINNER: Lindsey N
PATTERN: Every Day Every Way
THEIR STORY: Started making ByAnnie bags 2 years ago to improve my sewing - combines my quilting and sewing passions! I love the construction of these bags and now I am confident enough to add on or modify the original patterns. Every bag is an original
WHAT WE LOVED: Our team member Darren had this to say, " Lindsey has a really cool material. I like the bag and what it holds. I think it looks really good!"
WHAT THEY WON: $15 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com
Honorable Mention
WINNER: Sally W
PATTERN: Out to Lunch
THEIR STORY: Through this project, I learned the importance of adaptability and the beauty of transformation. Initially, I started making some quilt blocks, but I just didn't bond with them or the quilt design. I decided to pivot and reimagine the blocks into something entirely different.
This experience taught me that sometimes the most meaningful creations come from unexpected changes and that it's important to stay open to new possibilities.
I was inspired to make this project because I wanted to create something special for my friend who is battling blood cancer. Despite her illness, she continues to come to work as much as possible, demonstrating incredible strength and resilience. She is also a talented basket weaver and maker, and we decided to do a trade. This project became a way for me to show my support and appreciation for her.
By creating an "Out to lunch" set, I aimed to bring a bit of joy and comfort to her daily routine. The set includes an 'Out to lunch' bag with quilted stars some echoed and some in the white background fabric. star, a cutlery sleeve with my last star from the quilt blocks and a napkin with a matching star. The thought of creating something personalized and heartfelt for my friend inspired me to get creative and think outside the box.
WHAT WE LOVED: Our team member Elisa had this to say, "I would be so impressed if I saw someone walking around with that bag."
WHAT THEY WON: $15 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com
Honorable Mention
WINNER: Allison R
PATTERN: On the Go
THEIR STORY:
This bag was inspired by another maker on the By Annie Pattern Makers group on Facebook. I loved the idea of making something with my son's uniform and needed a bag to hold useful items and tools for an event I manage for my local Blue Star Mothers chapter (Mothers of active duty service members).
On The Go was perfect for this with its large main pocket and easily accessible outer pockets. I replaced the vinyl pocket on the front flap with his name tape and was sure to keep the Army inventory tag on the rear pocket just for fun. Had lots of compliments on the bag at the event and requests from other Blue Star Moms to make one for them. Probably won't do that, but I may offer to teach them 😁
WHAT WE LOVED: Our team member Asa had this to say, "This is such a creative way to repurpose your sons uniform. Projects like this really showcase how many different and versatile ways bagmaking can be used to express yourself."
WHAT THEY WON: $15 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com
A special "thank you" to everyone who submitted to this photo contest. We had a wonderful time viewing submissions and reading your stories. We look forward to sharing as many of them as possible on our social media.
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April 2025 Photo Contest