Interview with XO Gigi Fabrics + Giveaway... {Giveaway Closed}

Last month, I had the pleasure of introducing you to one of my newest sponsors, XO Gigi Fabrics.  

So this month, I thought I'd interview Gigi, so that we could find out a little bit more about what it's like behind the scenes when you own a fabric shop.  I'd imagine that if I owned a fabric shop, it would involve loads of rolling around in lovely prints!!!

Is your name really Gigi?

Carmen is my real name, but Gigi is my favourite of the two.  My grand babies named me Gigi. 

Let me tell you a little secret.  When the babies were little I always made their baby blankets and I wanted them to know it was from their Gigi.  So, I made some labels that said: Xo, Gigi. When I decided to open the shop I thought it would be appropriate to call it: Xo, Gigi Fabrics.

When did your love for fabrics begin?

I have always been fascinated by colour and texture.  I'm not sure I can put a date on this addiction of mine.  I will tell you that the first time I saw Amy Butler fabrics I started getting a little more obsessed with fabrics.  I think I placed an order on line for about 30 different yards of her prints.  I didn't order them because I had a plan for them, I just wanted to make sure they would be part of MY stash.  Till this day I still have some of them and I find it quite difficult to part with them (lol).   

I have to tell you something, on days when I am in the cutting room at our shop I find myself saying “ Oh, I love this one” and my assistant Becky always says “ Um, you already said that earlier today several times”.  So, I find that it is best if I don’t cut fabrics because I will come home with another stash (lol).

When you find the time to fit a bit of sewing in, what would you say is your favourite kind of project?

Because my time is limited, I am a one hour project girl.  I like sewing fast and seeing the fruits of my labour on the same day.  I love sewing for my family.  As you know, every Gigi has grand babies and I must sew for them.  My favourite would be for my sweet Lexie.  She is 6 right now and she so appreciates everything I make for her.  Her mama told me the other day “ Mom, I counted Lexi's skirts and you have made her over 30 skirts, Please, no more”.  So, I have now moved on to making her more pyjamas!

I do love making myself skirts and purses.  They are so much fun and are always a great conversation piece when you go out and about. 

Pop Posies Collection, Robert Kaufman

When you're not playing with all of those gorgeous fabrics, what are you doing?

Most of my customers don’t know this, but I am a fitness instructor and love to teach a mean cycling class.  

I am also a professional photographer.  I love capturing images of brand new babies in their mama’s arms.  My husband and  I love to fish, mountain bike and kayak.  And then their is sewing and crafting.  I must create several times a week or I am at a complete loss. 

Who are your favourite designers?

Oh, dear!  That is a hard question. I love the simplicity of Ann Kelle.  Her style is so modern and so clean.  It’s just wonderful for little ones.  

Michael Millers House Designers is probably on the top of my list.  Theirs are timeless and are just classical pieces in the sewing industry. Have you seen Plain Jane or Groovy Guitar? They are just fabulous.  

Joel Dewberry makes me drool.  I love all his florals.  I might have about two or three skirts with his prints.  Eek!  

I do dream about designing one day.  It would be just a bit of icing on my cake. 

Notting Hill Collection, Joel Dewberry

I don't know if I could decide, but is there one fabric collection available right now at XO Gigi Fabrics, that would be your favourite?

One! Seriously? eek! That is so hard. Hmmm... Chevrons! 

No. 2 Notting Hill by Joel Dewberry I couldn’t help myself. lol

Thank you Cass for interviewing me that was fun. 

Xo, Gigi

That was fun wasn't it!  

Wow!  Gigi is just gorgeous & one busy lady too!!!  

Did I mention that she's quite generous too?

Well she's given me another $40 voucher to pass on to one lucky reader again for December!

For your chance to win, follow the prompts on the Rafflecopter gadget below, leaving me a comment, telling me what fabrics you would choose from XO Gigi Fabrics New Arrivals page & what you would create.

Giveaway is open world wide!

Please remember.... Answering the question is mandatory to make your entry valid and then you can complete as many of the other tasks you wish.

  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions

1. Competition starts 12.00am AEST (QLD) Saturday 15th December 2012 & closes 12.00am AEST (QLD) Thursday 20th December 2012

2. Winner will be chosen based on creativity.

3. Judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

4. Winner must make contact within 4 days of being notified via email, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

5. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash.

6. Prizes will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit.

7. This giveaway is in NO way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.

8. False accounts are traceable and will not be accepted.

9. Winners, once confirmed, will be announced via Cass Can Sew, Facebook & Twitter.

10. Competition open Internationally to entrants over the age of 18 years.

{This giveaway is sponsored by XO Gigi Fabrics.  I received payment by way of product to help feed my fabric addiction.  All opinions are my own & are by no means swayed by payment from said sponsor}

 Good Luck!!!

Giveaway is now closed.  Thanks to all who entered!