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{Giveaway Week ~ celebrating 1 year since quitting my day job [day 3]}

This giveaway is now closed.

Yay — happy Wednesday, friends :] The winner of yesterdays $75 Gussy Sews shop credit giveaway is Jami from Call Me Blessed. CONGRATULATIONS! Jami, please send me an email. xoxo

Giveaway day T H R E E ~ so yesterday was my official 1-year anniversary since leaving my day job to work on Gussy Sews full time. My first day is such a vivid memory, even though 364 days have passed. I skipped myself all the way to the bathroom that morning, I couldn’t wait to get started. When I think about where I was compared to where I am, it’s just crazy awesome. What used to be hard is now not hard at all. Instead, I have new challenges, hah! My daily routine is so different… I have more-established relationships with the people I interact with daily/weekly. And I have never felt such a strong sense of accomplishment as I do right now… Yeow!

I’ve put together a little “list” of the changes my business has seen over the past year, and my, what a year it has been: Gussy Sews has grown from just 1 assistant to now 3 assistants, we acquired 2 more sewing machines {3 total}, we moved so I now have dedicated office AND studio workspace, my social media network has greatly increased, I’ve attended 4 more blog conferences since that first day, I had the privileged of meeting Heather Bailey last year at a conference/Heather told me she knew of & recognized my product (!!!), the business has seen an overall 300% increase in growth. WOWZERS. I am so thankful {and impressed} and excited for the future.

*Can I say adopting Bauer last fall was a change the biz saw? Because having him around has been so amazingly perfect, and I feel like he’s helped me establish a really healthy routine each morning. He is a good watchpup to have around. ♥

There’s one other thing I would like to add: While I don’t have any formal training in business, business management, accounting, entrepreneurship, or what have you, I seriously pray that my story of sewing is proof that a serious love for a certain trade and the ability to say, I CAN DO THIS, plus a large dose of believing in yourself & working through the hard patches, is enough to encourage you to live out your dreams, too. Who cares if it’s unfamiliar territory — famarilize yourself! Start small, stay debt-free, and jump on it!

Like I wrote in my about page, Every minute you doubt yourself is a minute you canรขโ‚ฌโ„ขt ever get back.

I AM CHEERING FOR YOU! xxoooxoxoxo

So… Are you ready for more Gussy ruffles?! I have a total of around 20 new products that will be added to the shop by Friday, and today is another day of new ruffles! The below combo is my absolute favorite! Tangerine + turquoise — it’s sassy *wink*!

Tangerine Dot small zipped pouch, medium zipped pouch, wristlet {rusty tangerine + turquoise? ♥}

Tangerine Dot clutch, make-up bag

Shop our medium zipped pouches

eReader/iPad cases: Tweet in b&w [nook/kindle or iPad], Tangerine Dot [nook/kindle or iPad]

eReader/iPad cases: Candy Stripe [nook/kindle or iPad], Orange Lotus [nook/kindle or iPad]

Shop all eReader/iPad cases here

The giveaway:

One LUCKY reader will win three (3) Gussy Sews products: a diaper/wipe wristlet, a medium zipped pouch and a small zipped pouch [value $74.50]. And guess what? The winner gets to pick which PRINT they want ~ so fun!


But wait, there’s more!

I’m sending even more love your way — please enjoy 20% off your order with discount code Wednesday20 at checkout now through Thursday at 11:59pm CST.

Please leave a comment below to enter the giveaway. I’ll close the giveaway later tonight, so be sure you enter now if you’re interested! Open to the U.S. only; won shop credit can not be combined with a discount code or any other promotion. The winner will be posted Thursday morning. I hope you’ll be back Thursday & Friday to see what else I’m giving away ~ you know the value of the previous giveaways, and since the total is $1,100+ in prizes you know there are some HUGE ticket items coming up soon! xoxo

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630 Comments

  1. Would love to win something from you. you have such awesome creative pouches, they are definitely fun to look at.. oh to have one…. I would love!

  2. Would love to win anything from your store and I promise to share with someone else. The give away has been really fun.
    Blessings,

  3. Gussy, high fives for being able to do what you love and get paid for it! You are in the “sweet spot” many of us would love to be!

  4. Awww, Bauer sounds like a wonderful pup! Again, happy anniversary!!! Thanks for the chance to win!

  5. My new favs are Tweet and Candy Stripe (at least until tomorrow)!! Love your story and following your success!

  6. Congrats again on your 1 year! I REALLY want to win today’s prize. I’ve been meaning to order a wristlet. Just having a hard time deciding which fabric – they are all sooooooooo dang cute.

  7. I am an organizing freak, so these pouches would be a welcome addition to my “tools”! Thanks so much!!

  8. 300% increase in 1 year? That is fantastic! I’d love to start my own business too… maybe some day. For now I’ll keep collecting tips for great sellers such as yourself and enjoy your adorable products :) would love to win this bag set!

  9. I love the tangerine pattern! Perfect for summer!! Happy one year anniversary – thanks for celebrating it with fun stuff for your fans! :)

  10. I love that… “Every minute you doubt yourself is a minute you can’t get back” That is so true and just what my little ears needed to hear today! :)

  11. This post was so encouraging. Congratulations!!! Sometimes I think about all of the things I would like to do, but back away from them for various reasons. Sewing is one of those things, but as I sit anticipating the call of the passing of my grandmother I am more motivated than ever to re-learn the skill of sewing that she taught me as a young child.

    Thank you!

  12. love the turquoise and orange combo! so cute! your pouches have always been a favorite of mine!
    thanks!

  13. WOW!!! LOVE the orange & turquoise!!!! Would love to have any of these, I could add it to my collection…..I’m waiting on my FIRST Gussy peice, the yellow and gray wristlet and I CAN’T wait to get it!!!

  14. Three giveaways? That is so generous! And it is so exciting to see someone follow their dream and be successful at it. You are truly an inspiration!

  15. Eek! Three?!?! That is fantastic! I would feel obligated to share the love with one of my friends with young kiddos, but obligated in a good way :) You always use such fab prints and colors. What a fun giveaway!!

  16. I’m so glad I just read that post, and you’re truly an inspiration!! That definitely brightened my morning, and I love, love, love all your beautiful creations!!

    Congrats on your well-deserved success, and have a great time celebrating! :)

    Take care,
    Katherine

  17. Oh my that new tangerine Gussy is ADORABLE :) You have so much new stuff I wish I had Unlimited funds to shop with OR a generous giveaway will work too ;)

  18. Yep, like you, I LOVE the tangerine/turquoise combo. And, if I were blessed to win, I already know with whom I would share. Blessings :)

  19. I’m loving hearing a little more everyday!! and your items blow me away. I love that you put things together that I wouldn’t be able to ‘see’ – the patterns and colors – and wow, they are beautiful!!! Thanks for the giveaway!!

  20. Yay! What a fabulous give away! It’s incredible how generous you’re being. Thank you for great Ruffles!

  21. I love the bright colors and ruffles you use on your products. Your blog is an inspiration to everyone.

  22. I just LOVE and adore these three pouches!!! Again, you never disappoint and your patterns are like no other!! Enjoy the rest of your celebration week;). !!!!!!!!!

  23. Ooo I loved the red and yellow from yesterday, but now I’m loving the orange and turquoise too! So many fun combinations!

  24. Lovely iPad/Kindle cases! I sewed myself a pretty Kindle case last year, but it’s a tad too small and I’ve yet to fix it. But it also has a ruffle! ;) Thanks for the fabulous giveaway.

  25. I am over the moon giddy about a diaper clutch since I’m adopting a baby girl in July. We have a son, so buying ruffles has me absolute giddy!!

  26. You are an inspiration to quit what is comfortable and take the risk to go out on your own. I am still working up enough guts to do that. Congrats to you.

  27. MAGGIE Anything you sew has been adorable from what I’ve seen. I’m so glad you are growing! Would you ever want to be so successful that Zach could come home and be with you? Maybe he could handle the business end of things and leave the sewing and creating fun to you?

  28. Thanks for the inspiration!! :) So incredibly happy for you. What a successful year! Thanks for the chance to win some ruffles!

  29. Wow! Gorgeousness!!!!! Another awesome giveaway and such an inspiring story of working for yourself! LOVE it!

  30. I’m so happy for you and love your words of encouragement. Yet another great giveaway…love it!

  31. Gussy…I love your story, your blogs, your sewing….and your spirit. I would LOVE to win your give away. Have a super dooper – nothing but fantastic glorious day!

  32. Happy Anniversary! Your story is inspiring.

    What a fabulous giveaway! Thank you for the chance to win.
    searchingoutsimple at comcast dot net

  33. I love the sassy tangerine and turquoise together! So fun. Thanks for another amazing giveaway!!!

  34. Your story is so inspiring, girl! :) Congratulations on your anniversary … what an amazing year you’ve had!

    P.S. I LOVE your new prints! And I’m in love with the diaper/wipe wristlet … one of those would be awesome to win!

  35. With a baby on the way, the diaper/wipe wristlet would especially come in handy. I’d love the other items as well. Thanks for your generosity!

  36. It’s so cool that you are doing this! I could find a use for every single item in your shop!!!!!!!! :D

  37. Pick ME!!!! I love your products so very much!!! So awesome to hear all of your stories everyday…thank you for posting everyday…I LoVE and look forward to seeing what you’re up to!! Thank you Gussy!!

  38. Your story is encouraging and I really like the ‘E’s Cake’ entry on Heather’s blog.
    These giveaways are so much fun!

  39. Your ruffles are amazing! I love them! My little girl and I could use some extra bags for diapers, wipes, and everything else we need to carry around :) Little girls require a lot of bags!

  40. I just keep falling in love with all the fabrics… And I have a friend that’s pregnant so the wristlet would be and Awesome gift!

  41. Love this giveaway! The diaper case would definitely come into use in November when I’m due!

  42. With twins in the house, it means lots of diapers and wipes! I’d love to have some cute ruffly things to hold all my mommy goodies.:)

  43. I love everything, and would love to pick my prints! Congats again Gussy..such a fun celebration!

  44. with a wedding 4 months away…this would make great gifts for my bridal party (which includes a preggers SIL).
    YAY!
    Congrats on your 1yr business anniversary!

  45. This is such an amazing giveaway! Thank you!!! And yes, I TOTALLY think you can count Bauer’s adoption! I completely understand how much of a difference a fabulous friend will make!!!!

  46. Your blog is so inspiring!! I would love the chance to win some more gussy!! Love your product :)

  47. I agree! This is so fun! Congratulations on celebrating your 1 year. We also have been in celebration this month for my daughter’s 1st birthday. This is a true blessing of milestone as she was born 10 weeks early!

  48. You are being so generous! Thanks so much for featuring new products and for sharing in your excitement about your business with all of us. I just ordered a few products last night and am so excited to place another order…especially if I win!!

  49. Yay for the diaper wristlet! I’ve got baby #3 coming, so I can’t wait to get my hands on one of those!

    Congrats again, Gussy!

  50. I seriously love ALL of your items and wish I had tons of money to buy them all! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

  51. Oh my goodness, 3 gussy items! yes please! You are an inspiration gussy. Congrats on your first year solo at gussy sews, you’ve done amazing things, and I’m sure it will only continue!

  52. Thanks for always being such an inspiration to me. I know one day I will be able to get my business up and running…..just wish it was soon!

  53. Oh wow, I LOVE the tangerine dot wristlet!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE! Thanks for the fun giveaways, Gus! Giveaways or not, it has been so fun being an observer (and finally customer!) during your first year of ‘full-time’ business!

  54. I have been eyeing your diaper/wipe clutch. Love. Congratulations to you. Entrepreneurship is more about heart and determination that formal education anyway, and you’ve got it going on! :)

  55. You are too sweet to offer this opportunity to all of us! I love this giveaway and could definitely use all three of those bags…especially the diaper/wipe wristlet….I AM HAVING A BABY IN OCTOBER! Thanks for inspiring others to follow their dreams Gus!

  56. I would LOVE to win this!!! Really? You’re giving all that away….you are awesome! I would be changing my baby in all the public places to show off my diaper wipes case!

  57. You are so inspiring! Your story brings a tear to my eye and I hope to someday soon be able to say the same thing about my handmade business.

  58. Wow Congratulations on your one anniversary! I just found your blog today and I am so excited to add it to my daily list of blogs to visit. You have such a great talent. I hope one day to be able to make creating my day job!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!

  59. If I won I would give something to my daughter. :) Probably would keep the other two for myself. ;)

  60. Wow, love the Tangerine + turquoise combination! Thanks for the chance to win!
    mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

  61. I just found your blog and have to say I am in love with everything I have seen so far! Congratulations on your one-year anniversary!

  62. Wow 3 assistants!!!! That’s awesome! I would love to work with you if I lived near you:o) great giveaways

  63. what an amazing & successful year you’ve had!! excited to see what this year has in store!!

  64. OMG…love the tangerine and turquoise together! Keeping my fingers crossed I’ll win one of these awesome giveaways this week! You’re such an inspiration & I love reading your blog! Makes me want to run out and get a sewing machine…lol. I’ll stick to my painting and graphic design work for now though, but I will eventually get a sewing machine, so I can make myself cute bags and headbands….who am I kidding…it’s easier just to pay you to make my cute and adorable accessories!

  65. The Tangerine Dot it so cute! The small zippered pouches are just perfect for digital cameras! :)

  66. I can’t get over the Tangerine Dots & Candy Stripes…you always come up with killer combos! Another GREAT givewaway =)

  67. The orange lotus w/ the blue, possibly my new fav. But really I’ve never met a Gussy I didn’t adore!

  68. Gussy!
    You’re truly an inspiration to me and I cannot congratulate you enough on your anniversary.
    I would love to be counted in on your giveaway!
    รƒยฉadaoin. x

  69. It’s been so exciting reading about your progress over the past year (and before)! Pretty soon you’ll be opening a Gussy Sews factory! :) I LOVE that Tangerine & Turquoise! So pretty!

  70. I would love to win this….although how would I ever decide which prints to choose? Too cute.

  71. i am in love with the tangerine and teal! great color combo! and the candy stripe print with they grey ruffle! ahhh so great!!!

  72. So, today is the first day of the second year of your full time business! Talk about WOWZERS!!! Again, congrats Gussy! On my way to your shop to browse the new cuteness!

  73. The diaper wristlet would be perfect!! Oh who am I kidding…any ruffled goody would be perfect!!
    I am loving the tangerine turq and have always loved the birdcage fabric! Thanks Gussy!!

  74. Durnit! I can’t believe I miss your actual anniversary. *~*~*~*~*HAPPY ANNIVERSARY*~*~*~*~*

    BTW~ I just love the Kindle cover in the Tweet in B&W print. SO cute. *adding to my Want List* :)

  75. so fantastic! I don’t know how I would ever choose! :) Your story is so inspiring… from a fellow entrepreneur: WAY TO GO! :)

  76. I’ve loved Gussy ruffles since I opened my first package almost 2 years ago!! Congrats again on 1 year of working from home!

  77. “Bau Wau Wau Yippee Oh Yippee Yayyyy!! Bau Wau Wau Yippy Yayyyy”….

    today’s comment is for my fave MN Pup, Bauer! Get it, BAU instead of BOW? har har har!!

    (if i win, people are going to be like what the heckkkkk? ;) )

  78. i DO love the turquoise & tangerine combo — so fun, flirty & summery. all of your new products are GORGEOUS, Gus! congrats on coming so far and being so fab ;)

  79. Gussy! Gussy! Gussy! One for each pouch. Check out our site we are running a handmade market this spring in our home town. We are just starting out and learning so much. Thanks for all of the encouragment and inspiring posts. Pick me! <3

  80. Um, how awesome are you?? I love hearing your inspirational stories, you’ve come so far! Thanks for the chance to win one of your awesome products! :D

  81. This is my third day of entering, and I love all the new stuff; so hoping I win some fantastic Guss! Otherwise, I am definitely adding a tote to my “when I get some extra money/Christmas List.!” haha.

  82. Congratulations again! You have a very inspiring testimony of what you can do when you make up your mind! Thank you for sharing! Very proud of you!

    I am loving ruffles right now. I have them on clothes, I have them on my camera strap. I have them everywhere and love them. I love your shop! I love the new items in your shop! I am just so excited!

    Hope you have a wonderful day,
    Heather
    heatherdmullin@gmail.com

  83. Congrats, Gussy! I didn’t know that you had moved to your own office/studio space. Did you blog about that? That is a HUGE, huge step forward!!

  84. Gussy!!! How is your anniversary week going??!! I am loving all the new ruffles!! I see a pretty turquoise ruffle, eeek!! :) :)
    xoxoxo
    Elizabeth :)

  85. this is one generous week of giveaways!! im hoping I win something…or I may just have to splurge! I’ve had my eye on your grey and yellow tote for quite some time…=)

  86. Congratulations on your year anniversary. After following you on Twitter and reading your blog, I am finally following my passion and taking the first steps to start my own business. Thanks for the inspiration!

  87. Gorgeous new prints!!! I started to get sad about the ipad cases because I just got mine from you and now you have new prints….but I really still love my orange floral. The new tangerine dot is AmAZING! I would love to win..so please pick me so I can show off all the GUSSY SEWS products and get some more sales for you here in gloomy OHIO :)

  88. So many fun prints to see – I love to get ideas from your color/print combinations! And I’d love to give these sweet bags to my mom- and sis-in-loves!

  89. I would love to win all three of these things, they’re so beautiful!

    And thank you so much for the business encouragement. I’m going through a rough spot and facing discouragement but I know I need to keep plugging away and things will look up soon. You are an inspiration!

  90. LOVE the new prints!! The tangerine polka dot ROCKS!! Hope I can win one of your adorable creations :)

  91. This is amazing and the new tangerine and turquoise design is so pretty! Your business has seen great success this year and I wish you nothing but the best.

    Boy would I love to win this one :) Thanks for the chance!

  92. Oh, I would love to win this one! Your fabric combos are so cute and fun! Thanks so much for the chance to win. :-)

  93. OH! I JUST had a baby-like he is one week old today! I would LOVE the diaper wipes wristlet! YAY! Pick me! Pick me! AND I live in the Twin Cities so we could meet up and I could finally meet the cute GUSSY!

  94. I’m blown away at how far you’ve come in a year! You are one inspirational woman! :) I actually lost my job due to budget cuts almost exactly a year ago as well and once I became pregnant we decided to make one salary work for our family. However, after reading your blog, I am hoping to try and start a small business of my own by selling the things I create! I’m sure it will take awhile to get off the ground but I am determined to keep trying! The only problem I keep running into is how to manage my time with an infant! Haha! Anyway, thanks so much for what you do. You are amazing!

  95. Oh! Love all the zippered pouches! The Diaper clutch will be especially handy when our 2nd baby comes in a month!

  96. I don’t normally like orange, but with those polka dots and the blue ruffles – I’m in love!

  97. Oh my goodness! I LOVE the new sassy tangerine and blue combo! Sassy fun!
    Congratulations on one year! I remember when you posted your last day at work!

  98. Sweet sweet Maggie…sitting and getting my toesies done as I type. Purple polish of course! You are so dear! You shine and glow! Thank you for your generosity! You inspire me in so many ways! Your story is AWESOME! Congrats on the tremendous success of GUSSY! Wags to your adorable furry side kick…Bauer! Ooooooooodles of love being sent your way from Bainbridge! We are celebrating with you! xoxo

  99. you are extremely talented and i’m truly inspired by your optimism and enthusiasm! i have been thinking about quitting my day job to follow my passion and seeing others that have succeeded sure is encouraging! thank you!!

  100. This week is so fun for me because I actually found your blog on your very first day of being full-time! I remember being so inspired by you, and I have followed along your journey ever since.

    I LOVE the new tangerine dot products… so cute!

  101. So cute!!! Would one of these possibly be used as a glasses case? I am forever throwing my glasses in my purse…not good. They would look quite sassy in one of your cases.

  102. Oh, I am sooooo drooling over all these yummy colored ruffles :) Oh wow- thanks so much for the giveaway!!

  103. The tangerine dot with turquoise is fabulous! I love the birdcage print too! Such cute and fun prints…just adorable for spring!

  104. This week has been AWESOME…I’m loving the giveaways! Thanks so much and keep up the good work!

  105. I love your products and your inspiring success story. You are proof that if you set your mind to something, you can achieve anything!! GOod luck in your next fabulous year!!!

  106. Trying again! Bringing me back to your blog everyday with a giveaway, there is a good chance I’ll get that diaper bag whether I win or not! Everything is just too cute to resist!

  107. Love the birdcages…and I’m totally surprised how much I like the tangerine bag. I’m really not an “orange girl”. Congrats again to you!!!

  108. so proud of you and your ruffles, girl! way to go!

    ps – loving the orange & turquoise as well. :)

  109. Love the color combos! I never would have put tangerine and turquoise together, but I am so drawn to it…and I sure would love to carry it around with me!! I think it is just what my bland wardrobe needs!!

  110. I didn’t get to enter your amazing $75 shop credit giveaway last night because I was at my daughter’s dress rehearsal for ballet for 5 hours!!!! I hope you’re having an awesome week!

  111. oh please oh please oh please! let this winner be me! after the ruff week thus far i need some sassy ruffles to make it better! i heart the tweet fabric and the tangerine+turquoise is to die! i know i am new to the blog site and my blog is infant compared to others, but i swear swear i appriecate the greatness of gussy and what you stand for on your 1 yr anny and your amazing products! keeping my fingers crossed! <3

  112. dear gussy:
    thank you thank you for your constant encouragement. i am the queen of self doubt but thanks to your sunny style (as well as my lovely friends, husband & Jesus) i continue to fight. thanks for being a homemade biz star. i read your blog daily for inspiration & a quick (entertaining) break.

    i love the tangerine fabric by the way. gorgeous. :) my fav. gussy product so far!!

    xoxo erika @ rougeandwhimsy.blogspot.com

  113. How fun! You have such great fabric choices- hmm… =) I’d love to have the “problem” of deciding on which one! ;)

  114. I love your work. Love your site, even just for the pictures that are posted. Congratulations on your anniversary, may you have many more to come.

  115. I cannot contain my excitement about this giveaway. You have so much talent and your ruffles are adorable! Annnnnd I love your puppy. Just thought I’d let you know. I’m sure he’s been a source of inspiration!

  116. I LOVE the tangerine & turquoise combo too! So fresh, vibrant & fun. I am also loving the amazing giveaways, thanks!

  117. Praying for more favor with your business! Love your products, and I get compliments on my yellow woodgraine purse all the time!

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