The process of finding the “right” seamstress was not easy. I gave them tests. Made them try different patterns.  I looked at quality, turn around time and skill set.  I’m not an easy person to please when it comes to sewing. Several did not make the cut. I have a standard of quality that is high– most of you know that if you have purchased from me.

After trying different seasmstresses, I am excited  to announce, I have team of fantastic skilled contractual sewers to help My Bragg Bag with my workload.

What does this mean for the customer?

• More Ready Made stock selection
• Quicker turn around times on custom items
• Better quality control
• Better customer service w/ timely email response

I’m excited to see My Bragg Bag expanding to meet the customer needs. Making items in an assembly line process is always quicker than making one at a time. I thank all of my customers from past years and am excited to meet the needs of my new customers.

~Jenn

Deploy that Fabric by Jen Eskridge is a wonderful new title from Stash books. For those not familiar with Jen Eskridge’s work- she is one of the first pattern developers for recycling/upcycling military uniforms. She also has helped mentor my own pattern making endeavors– she is an all around fabulous gal and very supportive of her fellow military spouses.

Jen is very talented and has been sewing for years. She publishes her quilting and sewing patterns with her own publishing company, ReannaLily Designs.  Her newly released book is a fantastic addition to her growing company and I am very excited for her!

I also love that I got a sneak peek of the book and am proud to review it. Five golden stars, Jen!!Brillant!

She has 23 Sewing projects packed into this easy to use pattern book! From purses to quilts to stockings to home decor items– GENIUS!

For those who have a fear of cutting into their men or women’s uniform– don’t worry. Easy to use bright photos / diagrams show you the best way to “shred” those uniforms and make them usable pieces for a pattern.

Novice sewers to advanced quilters will appreciate the easy to read and follow instructions found in Deploy that Fabric.  She has a section in the back of the book that walks you through step by step adding zipper pockets, making darts and even how to cut fabric  on the grain-for those who are completely new to sewing

I recommend checking out the adorable and trendy Circle Purse pattern.  It s a perfect addition to a night out on the town.

This book comes at the perfect time for Christmas. Handmade gifts are best and who can resist the idea of your little girl or boy opening her presents in a stocking made from Mommy or Daddy’s uniform?

So now that you have read my gushing review, are you ready for some great news!?!?

Who wants to win a copy of Deploy that Fabric AND  a Camo Quilt Eco Messenger Bag?

To ENTER:
Please make sure you like ReannaLily Designs on Facebook   AND comment on this blog with what a military uniform means to you.

Winner will be chosen by random generator on Oct 13 and contacted via email to confirm shipping address. Prizes will be mailed by CT Publishing. My Bragg Bag is hosting and obtaining address of winner only. International winners will be emailed an e-book.

To increase your odds of winning this spectacular prize, please go visit these other blogs for more chances to win your own copy of the Deploy that Fabric patternbook and Camo Quilt Eco Messenger bag.

2011 Tour Dates

• Oct 1  Fat Quarter Shop
• Oct 2  Sew Mama Sew
• Oct 3  I Have a Notion
• Oct 4  Lilac Lane
• Oct 5  CampFollowerBags
• Oct 6  Fat Quarterly
• Oct 7  Tall Grass Prairie
• Oct 8  My Bragg Bag
• Oct 9  Quilt Dad
• Oct 10  Quilt Story
• Oct 11  Gen X Quilters
• Oct 12  Amy’s creative side
• Oct 13  Keepsake Quilting Blog

And the winners of the 2500 fan Celebration are:

Abby Katabby Kreations– Brittany Rees Kavanagh

Beaded Butterfly- Trisha Forester

Beybee Bows- Megan Peare

Beyond Top- Kelly Smith

Bleu Bird Design- Joy Matthews

Buzz Bee Design (ladybugs) – Raegan Ruggles Colburn

Buzz Bee Design (patriotic bow) – Hannah Spurling

Camo Chic Boutique – Stacey McNabb Bailey

Carly’s Homefront- Angela Rickman

Chelsea Heyer Scentsy- Chrystal Strandell

Clarks Creations – Ashlyn Patterson

Crochet Newborn Cap- Amber Aaliyahs Mommy Caviler

Dapper Dudes- Susan Davis-Foxworth

Designs by Janet D- Jessica Osborn

Happy Goose- Tara Burton

Henna Rose- Krystle Olson

It Works- Brittney Lightfoot

Itty Bitty- Jen Silva

Izzy B Design- Sara Combs Lesley

Jones Handmade Soap Co– Heather Smith

Krystals Krafties- Teresa Burnette

Lemonade Couture- Barbara Jamarillo

Lil Angels Tutus- Tyler Malcom

Little Bean Couture- Renee Duffield

Marie Addison Designs- Paula Giglia

Mark- Gisele Brosseau

Martinas Creative Cakes- Sarah Newland

Mm Baby- Sarah Desilets Littlefield

Mom Bow # 5 – Celia Mcnece

Momma Kitty United- Ellen Coffie

Pacify Me- Elena Wilson

RH Dreams- Nikita David

Scentsy- Tabitha Eddington

See Kales Kreations- Sarah Robinson

Simple Rose Pens- Heather Stevens

Skidd Wife Creations- Amy Craft

Tastefully Simple- Renee Duttfield

Tutu 4 You- Paula Shook Proffit

Twinkle Walls- Tiffany Calhoun

Under Construction Survival Bracelets- Meghanne Ball

Whimsical Creations- Robin Newkirk

Zaania- Ashley Pierson

** Chosen by random number generator.

**** Winners MUST be fans of the fan page & contact sponsor via business fan page or email within 48 hours. Sponsors must verify winners are fans and collect any necessary shipping fees from winner. My Bragg Bag is not responsible for collecting shipping and handling fees OR the delivery/condition of any winning product.

ALL WINNERS MUST EMAIL mybraggbag@yahoo.com TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO RECEIVE PRIZES

And

 
The

Winners

Are……..

Military Life:

1st place: Paige Portratz  with 90 votes

2nd place:  Brenda Connors with 76 votes

Participation prize: Carla Paquette

Military Supporters/ Homefronters

1st place:  Megan Tepfenhart with 84 votes

2nd place:  Brittany Fortado with 72 votes

Participation prize:  Rebecca Poe

Military Heroes

1st place: Jaime Clark with 116 votes

2nd place: Brenda Connors with 80 votes

Participation prize: Tara Rufo

Congratulations to all who won! Please email me to claim your prize : mybraggbag@yahoo.com

Final Round of voting for Military Life. Please vote for the best photo. Winner gets a $50 gift certificate to My Bragg Bag. Second place gets a $20 gift certificate.

One vote per IP address. Voting ends Saturday , June 25, 2011

PHOTO  1:   Kelsey Kuns

PHOTO 2:   Myra Cortines

PHOTO  3:  Kelsey Jezierski

PHOTO 4:  Paige   Portratz

PHOTO  5 :  Tiffany  Mukaabya

PHOTO  6:  Kristen Crist

PHOTO  7:  Sasha Trevino

PHOTO  8   : Katrina Marie  Badua

PHOTO 9:  Lanie Rae Martin

PHOTO 10:  Brenda Connors

Final Round of voting for Military Supporters. Please vote for the best photo. Winner gets a $50 gift certificate to My Bragg Bag. Second place gets a $20 gift certificate.

One vote per IP address. Voting ends Saturday , June 25, 2011

Photo 1:  Brittany Fortado

PHOTO  2:  Brenda Connors

PHOTO 3:  Jessica Brady

PHOTO  4:    Jamie Clark

PHOTO  5:  Briana  Pledge

PHOTO  6:  Sasha Trevino

PHOTO  7:   Myra Cortines

PHOTO  8:  Megan Tepfenhart

PHOTO  9:   Samantha Chadbourne 

PHOTO 10:  Nicolette Augustyn

Final Round of voting for Military Heroes. Please vote for the best photo. Winner gets a $50 gift certificate to My Bragg Bag. Second place gets a $20 gift certificate.

One vote per IP address. Voting ends Saturday , June 25, 2011.

PHOTO  1  :  Brenda Connors

PHOTO 2:  Jodie Noble

PHOTO 3:  Megan Schultz

PHOTO 4:  Angie from Ribbon N Bowz

PHOTO  5:  Kristy Baker

PHOTO 6 :  Tiffany Mukaabya

PHOTO 7:  Jaime Clark

PHOTO 8:  Shayne Harper

PHOTO 9: Tara Rufo

PHOTO 10:  Nicolette Augustyn

This photo contest is sponsored by My Bragg Bag . First place winner gets a $50 gift certificate to the shop. Second place winner gets a $20 gift certificate to my shop. This is one of three categories: Military Heroes. The top 10 Military Heroes photos will go onto the final round.

Prior to voting, please become a fan of My Bragg Bag on Facebook.

Preliminary Round: Military Heroes    36  total photo entries.   Voting box  to cast ballot is found at the bottom of all entries.  Preliminary round voting ends 8 pm eastern time on Friday June 17th, 2011.

Photo

# 1  Amanda Price

Photo # 2  Amanda Terry

My husband, the hero of our family.

Photo # 3 Ashley Golden

This is my military hero, my husband; the love of my life.

Photo # 4  Ashley Pierson

My heroes laying a wreath at Arlington Cemetery to remember the fallen.

Photo # 5  Avalon Gall

My husband and son before his last deployment. It’s moments like these that last a lifetime & create unparalleled memories.

Photo # 6  Bethany Butterfly

Photo # 7  Brenda Connors

My military hero is my son, SGT Ryan Connors

Photo # 8  Brittany Fortado

My hero serving while deployed to  Afghanistan.

Photo # 9  Brittany Lance

Me and my Marine the night he left for deployment. He is truly a hero.

Photo # 10  Carla Paquette

Building a fire station on his deployment

Photo # 11 Carly Climaco

A family of service. My solider, and his brother and sister who are Marines all gathered for our wedding.

Photo # 12  Cpt  Rebecca Selby

You have to have fun in Afghanistan

PHOTO # 13  Crystal Spencer

PHOTO # 14  Erin Lowry Ferguson

We were stationed in Germany a few years ago and made a special trip to Normandy before PCSing back to the US. It is a picture I took of our two oldest boys, walking hand in hand in the Brittany-American Cemetery in St. James, France. The grave with the American flag in front of it belongs to my Grandmother’s brother. The little one (now my middle son) had been cruising on furniture for weeks and, right then and there, on his great-great uncle’s grave, he pushed himself up and walked in his own.

PHOTO # 15    Esther  Leeper

This is my hubby home for Christmas after a year long deployment.

PHOTO # 16  Jaime Clark

PHOTO # 17   Jaime Schlenker

My Hero, My Best friend and my Soldier. On his birthday enjoying the homemade sweets I made him & his unit while at Joint Base Balad , Iraq

PHOTO  # 18  Jaime  O’Leary

My Hero in Iraq.

PHOTO # 19   Jennifer Ayala

Deployed in Afghanistan on duty  &  yet enjoying the snow like a kid.

PHOTO # 20  Jessica Brady

Pinning my husband’s jump wings on at Airborne Graduation.

PHOTO # 21  Jessica O’Hara

PHOTO #22   Jodie Noble

A father & son team both serving 2nd tours in Iraq.

PHOTO # 23  Kailyn Tomlinson

I am so proud of this man! I am proud of his duty to his country and to be his all time supporter.

PHOTO #24   Katie Harwell Ballard

My husband Ken with our niece and nephews all in ACU at Ft Hood before he deployed.

PHOTO # 25  Konnie Christenson

Silent goodbye to their military hero– their Aunty.

PHOTO # 26    Kristen Crist

My husband saying goodbye to our dog as he leaves to go back to Iraq after R&R

PHOTO # 27   Kristy Baker

U.S. Army solider, Father, Husband, Best Friend, Hero- “Operation New Dawn” Iraq 2011- Combat Veteran

PHOTO # 28  Lanie Rae Martin

PHOTO # 29  Laurie Fields

Honoring fallen soliders who died in the Vietnam War. Photo of my husband & son who will both be deploying to 2 different locations.

PHOTO # 30   Lindsey Feazel

My husband & son on his R&R — their first time meeting.

PHOTO # 31   Lindsey Pishion

My hubby riding in a vehicle overseas in Afghanistan. My friend, my husband, my hero.

PHOTO  # 32  Lonnetta Benson- Cooks

My AMAZING husband and his little brother, a ROTC member following his big brother’s footsteps.

PHOTO # 33   Myra Cortines

Becoming a lifer!

PHOTO # 34  Megan Schultz

Her daddy left two weeks after she was born for his first tour in Iraq. Even with the separation she is a Daddy’s girl.

PHOTO #35  Michelle Smoak

I can’t believe I am standing here letting you take this photo! I’m only leaving for a year, gosh! LOL!

PHOTO # 36  Michelle Towney

Husband/ Father returning home from his second deployment in 2006.

Photo # 37  Nicole Halse

My husband, my love, my life– over seas on his tour to Afghanistan 2010-2011

PHOTO # 38  Nicolette Augustyn

June 4, 2011– Our wedding day as we prepare for his second deployment to Afghanistan.

PHOTO # 39  Paige Potratz

PHOTO # 40  Rebecca Garner

Lt Garner “driving” through the Pacific Ocean.

PHOTO # 41  Rebecca Poe

PHOTO # 42  Angie from RibbonNBowz

PHOTO # 43  Sasha Trevino

PHOTO # 44  Shayne Harper

Like Father, like son– both currently serving in Afghanistan

PHOTO  # 45   Tara  Rufo

My angel wears combat boots. My boyfriend, SPC Stephen Fortunato, was KIA in Afghanistan on October 14, 2008. His hometown of Beverly, MA erected this bilboard in his honor.

PHOTO # 46  Tiffany Mukaabya

His hero used to be Air Force, but then Daddy went Army and now the Army is all he talks about. Daddy is his hero.

This photo contest is sponsored by My Bragg Bag . First place winner gets a $50 gift certificate to the shop. Second place winner gets a $20 gift certificate to my shop. This is one of three categories: Military Supporters/Homefronters. The top 10 Military Supporters/Homefronters photos will go onto the final round.

Prior to voting, please become a fan of My Bragg Bag on Facebook.

Preliminary Round: Military Supporters    36  total photo entries.   Voting box  to cast ballot is found at the bottom of all entries.  Preliminary round voting ends 8 pm eastern time on Friday June 17th, 2011.

PHOTO #1  Amanda Price

Me, My daughter Trinity, My Hero & his Father

Photo #2  Amanda Terry

My daughter Emily with her Daddy’s uniform hats. Proud of her Daddy serving in the US Air Force

PHOTO #3  Ashley Golden

This is my husband & I last Memorial Day. I am his #1 supporter!

Photo # 4   Ashley Pierson

There is nothing like having your whole family behind you while defending our country!

Photo # 5  Brenda Connors

Best day in a long year, my son coming home from his second deployment in Iraq.

Photo # 6  Briana Michelle Pledge

Our son, born 4 days before my husband’s R&R was over.

Photo # 7   Brittany Fortado

We are his biggest supporters!

Photo # 8  Carla Paquette

3 Nephews salute Ryan and hope for his safety.

Photo # 9   Cpt  Rebecca Selby

Mom’s CAN preform miracles!

Photo # 10    Carly Climaco

The last kiss…for teh year. Us before he left to deploy to Afghanistan.

PHOTO  # 11    Carrie Spencer

Our son is 3 and this is the first time his daddy had been gone for so long. He was just a little excited for homecoming.

Photo  # 12 :  Danielle Perryman

Separated by duty; United by love.

Photo # 13   Jaime Clark

A photo of my husband and son before he left a few weeks ago.

Photo # 14  Jenna Schlenker

Happy to be in his arms after he returned from Iraq.

Photo  # 15   Jenna Engel

Kenna enjoying her daddy before he leaves for deployment. “Bye Daddy, I’ll see you tomorrow”

Photo  # 16  Jamie O’Leary

My husband is an EOD tech with the Navy. This is our littlest supporter with her Daddy doll in its bomb suit.

Photo  #  17  Jessica Brady

Daughter in her Daddy’s uniform

Photo #  18   Jodie Noble

This is a photo of my husband and our 2 year old grandson during R&R. My grandson’s Daddy was not back on R&R yet. My grandson has both his Daddy & Poppy fighting for our country.

Photo #19  Kailyn Tomlinson

My fiance & I saying our see you laters the day he left for duty. One of the hardest days- but I wouldn’t do it for anyone else.

Photo # 20   Katie Harwell Ballad

My husband with our nephew & niece– they give the best support EVER!

Photo #21  Kristy Baker

Saying goodbye to her Daddy as he heads off to Iraq. A true daddy’s girl–she didn’t want to let him go.

Photo #22  Lanie Rae Martin

My son wearing my husband’s helmet

Photo  #23   Lindsey Pishion

Me @ 38 weeks pregnant sending my husband off for deployment to Afghanistan on August 23, 2010  . Miss him tons!

Photo # 24   M.  Wilkinson

Photo # 25  Megan Tepfenhart

A Marine’s Pride

Photo # 26  Myra Cortines

Abby wants to be like Daddy!

Photo # 27  Nicole Halske

On the way to pick up my hubby for R&R– my family set up a fire house to escort him from the air port. Our local firemen show their local heroes support!

Photo # 28  Nicolette Augusty

Packing over 500 backpacks to take with the Wounded Heroes Foundation and Warriors Watch Riders on the 6th annual Wounded Heroes Ride this past May.

Photo # 29  Paige  Potratz

Photo  # 30  Rebecca  Garner

Who supports & loves better than the amazing children of a military man?

Photo # 31  Rebecca Poe

Photo # 32  Samantha Chadbourne

Photo # 33  Sasha Trevino

5 plain t-shirts= $10  Felt cut out letters  $1  Sharpie Marker  $2

Becoming the sign so there is nothing to hold but the one you love = PRICELESS

PHOTO # 34   Mrs. Hobbs

Photo taken just before her daddy left for Afghanistan on Feb 2011 with the U.S. Marines

PHOTO #35  Shezell Bragg

Prior to deploying, he helped make gift bears with his voice in them so they can listen whenever they want. They made his one with their voices too.

Photo # 36  Tara Rufo

Enjoying a cold one while on leave , Sept 2008

Prior to voting, please become a fan of My Bragg Bag on Facebook.

Preliminary Round: Military Life     25 total photo entries.   Voting box  to cast ballot is found at the bottom of all entries.  Preliminary round voting ends 8 pm eastern time on Friday June 17th, 2011.

PHOTO #1   AMANDA PRICE

Military Ball 2010

PHOTO #2:  AMANDA TERRY

Saluting the American Flag

All About the Army Wives!

PHOTO #4   Brenda Connors

My son working in Iraq on a 2nd tour as an MP with 108th.

PHOTO #5   Carla Paquette

Deployment Ceremony– she didn’t want to let go.

PHOTO #6   Crystal Spencer

PHOTO #7    Danielle Perryman

I sponsored this flag in honor of my soldier who is currently serving in Iraq. It proudly stands at a field of honor in my community.

PHOTO # 8    Jaime O’Leary

Life as a Military Wife is trying, but rewarding. Being able to see the world & embark on adventures, such as Gibraltor & Morroco .

PHOTO # 9   Jenna Jenkins

Ft Hood Memorial– Remembering those killed  on Nov 5, 2009

PHOTO # 10  Katie Harwell Ballad

My Soldier and I on our wedding day.

PHOTO # 11  Katrina Marie Badua

My Husband & son ‘s first time seeing each other at his homecoming from Iraq

PHOTO  # 12    Kelsey Jezierski

Homecoming: She missed her Daddy

PHOTO #13  Kelsey Kuns

My boys saluting the flag on July 4th

PHOTO # 14   Kimberlee Sepulveda

My husband holding our son before heading overseas for a year. My son is 4 days old.

PHOTO  # 15   Kristen Crist

Army Wife; Best Friend, Husband, Hero !  Operation New Dawn, Iraq 2010-2011 Combat Vet

PHOTO # 16   Lanie Rae Martin

My daughter’s favorite thing was her Dad’s dog tags while he was gone.

Photo # 17  Lonnetta Benson-Cooks

My baby boys loves EVERY opportunity he gets to “see” his daddy!

PHOTO # 18  Myra Cortines

Abby helps her Daddy after a long day of work.

PHOTO #19  Nicole Halse

I see this sign every day driving on post to drop the hubby off for work.

PHOTO # 20  Nicole Manley

Going to work? Take me with you!!

PHOTO # 21  Paige Portratz

Fishing with my son at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska

PHOTO # 22   Rebecca Garner

111th  Submarine Birthday Ball– NPS Monterrey, CA

PHOTO # 23  Sasha Trevino

Heavenly Father, hear my call for through the sky I will soon fall. Feet and knees together, preparing myself to land, never more are that I am secure in your hand. Guide & help me Lord as I get quickly to my feet, to conquer every obstacle ’til the mission is complete. In our Lord’s name I shall forever pray cuz  I’M AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY!!! — taken at Ft Richardson, Alaska

PHOTO #24   Scott H.

PHOTO # 25    Tiffany Mukaabya

I had a baby on Oct 30. Halloween was the next day and my husband was deployed and unable to take my oldest trick or treating. The Security Forces showed up to take him dressed like his Special Forces daddy trick or treating for Halloween.