Thursday, November 4, 2010

136 Cheerleaders with One Purpose - Raise 100,000 for Breast Cancer Charity

With The Pink Auction having met and exceeded its goals for Action Breast Cancer here in Ireland, we now turn our enthusiasm to help others reach their fundraising goals. After all, it's all going to worthy breast cancer charities, so take a moment and share a click to help!

About 136 former cheerleaders got together in the United States to do a dance routine to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, an amazing breast cancer-focused organization. Each time someone views the video, United Healthcare will make a $.10 donation to the Komen organization. Their goal is to get a million hits, which will lead to $100K raised. Please can you take a moment to watch the video - and, just as important, pass this link onto your network of friends, family and colleagues? It benefits a very important cause!

Click on URL below to view the video on YouTube… turn sound on and after you watch 'Like' or 'Share' so more views can bring in more funds raised for the Cure!

www.KomenPhiladelphia.org/Video

Friday, October 22, 2010

Pink Auction raised €2,942.33 for Action Breast Cancer

On Sunday, the 10th of October, scores of people gathered from around Ireland to support and enjoy The Pink Auction. After months of preparations, it was time to admire the more than 230 beautifully-crafted handmade creative textile donations by very talented Irish donors and raise funds for Action Breast Cancer.

Along the way, and particularly at the Pink Auction itself and the drop-off day, we were fortunate to have volunteers who helped things go smoothly. For those wonderful people who helped us with special events, organizing, publicity, logistics, social media, blog posts, and all the pinkthings that came up, WE THANK YOU and will make every effort to pay tribute to your efforts in this wrap-up. Note: If a name is a link in this post is goes to either the person's website OR a photograph of their auction donation.

The day began at 8:30 a.m. when the set-up volunteers met to transport and display the donations in the Ballroom of Cork's Imperial Hotel. Cork-based fashion designer, Laura Eliason, led the display design with color groupings, which received praise all day from visitors. We were thrilled to see so many friendly faces find us to offer help in the morning hours and are so grateful to each of you! There were so many to help, a few of whom had cheered us on along the way, including: Carol O'Leary, Melissa Mullins, Emer Hewson, the ladies of Wilton Library Knit and Knatter, and many more dedicated volunteers. Suzanne McEndoo, Ph.D., Hook's Law blogger and physicist extraordinaire dedicated her skills to organizing the item lots and creating the PowerPoint slideshow with photos taken by co-chair Evin O'Keeffe.

All morning, the items were available to buy then at promptly 2:00 p.m. sales ended so we could prepare for the big auction. By the time the live auction began, a considerable number of creations were sold outright, but the enthusiasm and excitement were still there. The dedicated work of the cashiers, Tamzyn de Rohan-Truba and RoseMary O'Shea made it all possible. Helping with just about everything, including Pink blog posts and event-day bidder registration, was Mandi Jackson. Informing the auctioneer and Evin, who was running the slideshow from the front of the room, may seem like a simple task, but couple that with displaying specific items and modeling donations for promotional images and there are many reasons to appreciate Máire O'Sullivan.

Auctioneer Denis A. Barrett guided guests through the bidding and at the end of the day, every item went to a loving new home and €2,942.33 was raised for Action Breast Cancer.

Julie Anne Carleton, whose idea sparked this community-based campaign and phenomenal event, shared a few words at the end of the event, paying tribute to the hard work, amazing creative talents, and heartfelt generosity that made the Pink Auction possible. We were also honored to have a registered nurse present to speak on behalf of Action Breast Cancer.

Shaun O'Connor, Thomas Cowderoy, Victor Sullivan, and Evin O'Keeffe were the photographers of the day though a photographer from The Evening Echo was also present. Click on each photographer's name to access their Pink Auction photos, if available.

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Monday, October 11, 2010

THANK YOU

Yesterday, we were thrilled to see Cork City's Lord Mayoress and so many Pink Auction donors, supporters, enthusiasts, and volunteers at the Pink Auction. For those of you who couldn't be with us for Julie Anne's final speech, here are the words that go with our heartfelt gratitude:

Lady Mayoress, Ladies, and Gentlemen -

Thank you for attending and supporting this, "The Pink Auction." We hope you enjoyed the auction.

There are a few people I would like to thank today:
Vibes & Scribes who have given us so much support and assistance from the beginning. Thank you to Joan for being so helpful and supportive. I also want to say a big thank you to Declan O'Meara for helping design the fliers
• Martin Desmond, who gave us a stand at the Innishannon Vintage Rally race
• Rose O'Dea in the Irish Cancer Society who gave us so much support and encouragement
• Lucy Lyons and the knitting group in Youghal Library, who gave amazing support and belief in this auction from the very start
Denis A. Barrett and Gráinne Killilea, a fabulous auctioneering team who stepping in at the last-minute to help make this event a success
LifeFM
• Vibes & Scribes knitting group
• Cork Stitch N Bitch
• LGBT knitting group of Cork
• Knit and Knatter group of the Wilton Library
Crafty Alley in Killarney
• Creative individuals and groups who hand-crafted textile donations for this worthy cause

A huge thanks to Evin O'Keeffe who made this auction professional, elegant, and graceful, much like herself. Without her help, the auction would not have succeeded and she's also done amazing work photographing and cataloguing all the more than 230 items.

To everyone who has donated work to the auction, thank you so much. Evin and I are both textile artists and we know how much love and hard work has gone into every item here. We are also aware that for many people here who have lost loved ones to cancer, that it was sometimes hard work emotionally too - and we are especially grateful to you.

For those ladies here who are breast cancer survivors and have donated work, thank you for sharing your courage, beauty, and strength with us. I hope today is a day that everyone can celebrate you and your work.

Thank you to Denis A. Barrett who has been our auctioneer and to his colleague Gráinne.

We also remember those we have lost to breast cancer with great love. Today, we help to make sure that we can provide a brighter future for all those affected by breast cancer, now and in the future.

We would like to dedicate this auction to the memory of Patricia Fisher, Josephine Gleason Talone, Kay Conroy Gleason, Jenny Hulehan, Ardyce Elaine Thorson, and Kym McMurray.

Kim Basteed with the Lord Mayoress Catherine O'Connell at the Pink Auction at The Imperial Hotel, Cork City.
Photo: Evin O'Keeffe
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Thursday, October 7, 2010

Latest Press for Pink Auction

We are thrilled to be getting so much positive press as the Pink Auction approaches. Only a few days until the main event, so enjoy reading and hope to see you on Sunday for the best part - bidding on beautiful Irish creative textiles and raising funds for Action Breast Cancer. Oh, and if you feel so inclined, get in the spirit and wear a little pink with us.

In the past 24 hours alone, these two fab articles are fueling us to make the final touches:
DABBID.com - the blog of our fabulous auctioneer, Denis A. Barrett
Cork Independent (7 Oct 2010) - shown in photo

In the past six weeks, we've been cheered on by this press:


Sunday, October 3, 2010

Send in the [Knitted] Clowns

Six of the more than 200 beautifully-crafted textile creations are clowns. Yes, clowns! Knitted with care and good humour by Bernice Daly (the two with hat toppers) and Mary Brouwer & Tracey Brouwer (the four without hat toppers, including the Produce Clown shown below). Bernice donated her two in memory of May Daly. You can see photos of more Pink Auction items on Flickr and come on Sunday, the 10th of October to bid on or purchase your favorites!

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Thursday, September 30, 2010

You are Invited!

Join us at The Pink Auction, taking place at The Imperial Hotel in Cork City Centre on Sunday, the 10th of October.

All are welcome and the event is free to attend.

All proceeds go to Action Breast Cancer, a programme of the Irish Cancer Society.

Please share this invitation with your colleagues, friends, and family.

We look forward to seeing you there. In the meantime, please contact us with any questions you may have or if you'd like to volunteer at the event.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Be in the Pink with Us!

With just over two weeks until the Pink Auction, there is still time to get involved.
Final auction items are being catalogued and press coverage has been cheering us on in these last weeks of auction preparations. We still appreciate your involvement and there are ways you can help make this event a success. Here are a few that cost absolutely nothing!
Print our invitation and hand it out around your town and to your friends.
Write about our event in your blog, newspaper, community newsletter, Facebook wall, or Tweets. Download our Press Release PDF and promotional photos to get started.
Attend the Pink Auction. Join us at the creative textiles event that will inspire and encourage us all to be creative, kind, and giving. October is a perfect time to start Christmas shopping too!
Volunteer at the auction. Help is needed to direct people to the auction in the Imperial Hotel as well as answer questions guests may have. Contact us to find out what volunteer opportunities are available.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

The Pink Auction Event Day Schedule

We are dotting our 'i's and crossing our 't's with the Pink Auction just about three weeks away. Now that the plans are finalized, we are sharing the event day schedule with you so you know what to expect and when to come. It is free to attend the Pink Auction.

Sunday, 10 October, 2010 at The Imperial Hotel, South Mall, Cork City Centre

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Auction room open to the public for people to just wander in off the streets and browse. This is FREE but we would love if you showed your support by buying a pink ribbon or making a donation

3:00 p.m.
The Lord Mayor will arrive

3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The Pink Auction will take place.

Remember to wear your pink ribbon and bring money to make a purchase. If you don't have a pink ribbon already, don't worry they will be available for sale at the event.

* The schedule is different for volunteers so please let us know if you want to help on the day and we will inform you of your time table.

Pink Auction 2010 is a live auction of creative textiles in aid of Action Breast Cancer, part of the Irish Cancer society.

Invitation to Pink Auction 2010 at Imperial Hotel

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Lisa Fitzpatrick modeling a Pink Auction item

Yesterday, Lisa Fitzpatrick took a moment of her time to model one of the many beautiful Pink Auction donations. She was in Cork helping Brown Thomas lead a style workshop in conjunction with the arrival of the Bastyan line at their Patrick's Street location.

In this photo, Ms. Fitzpatrick shows us that lacy doesn't have to be dressy. She paired a lace mini shawl knitted by Suzanne McEndoo with a classic black peacoat-style blazer and satin black top. Perfect for warding away a chill without sacrificing your personal style. For more about Lisa Fitzpatrick's work as one of Ireland's leading stylists, visit Fitzpatrick Style. And if this picture has only whetted your appetite and you want to know more about Lisa Fitzgerald's style, here is an interview that would be of interest.

All auction items will be professionally photographed and compiled into an auction catalogue to be distributed electronically to interested parties as well as shared on this blog. There's still time to send us your donation for the Pink Auction.

Lisa Fitzpatrick modeling Suzanne McEndoo's lace mini shawl

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

How To Tuesday: No-Sew 'Sewing'

This post is written by Mandi Jackson especially for the Pink Auction blog. Slainté.

No sew projects are a quick, easy, and affordable way to customize and accessorize your home! Here are some simple No Sew ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Blogs..No-Sewing required:



Links featuring No-Sew advice and projects:


No-Sew Tutu with eHow

No-Sew Window Treatments from Better Homes and Gardens


No-Sew Tote Bag from Martha Stewart


Visual aids:

No-Sew Lampshade

No-Sew Tie Pillow




Monday, September 6, 2010

Drop-In & Drop-Off Party at Vibes & Scribes - 11 September, 2010

Come join us on Saturday, 11 September at Vibes & Scribes on Lavitt's Quay!

Drop-in to show your enthusiasm for Pink Auction and Drop-off your creative textile creation. There will be a lively atmosphere, offering a chance to meet other textile artists, enjoy a free cup of Barry's Tea, and show off what you've made for the first ever Pink Auction!

Sign up to attend the Drop-In & Drop-Off Party on the event page (Facebook).

PostcardPromoDropOffDay

Friday, September 3, 2010

Free Pattern Friday: Gnomes Sweet Gnomes

With the main event just five weeks away and our Drop-In & Drop-Off Day next weekend, we are winding up our Free Pattern Friday and How To Tuesday posts for Pink Auction blog, I had one last list of favorite patterns yet to post so it is being shared on my creative blog, Spring Stitches. So, head on over and check it out.

Embroidered Gnome from Cupcakes & Cartwheels Tote

How to Donate Your Textile Creation

As the Pink Auction approaches, we are feeling warm fuzzies in our hearts with the kindness of the creative textile community and encouragement from those who want to join us in fighting Breast Cancer. Thank you! Without you, the Pink Auction would still be just an idea.

This post is to tell you that we are in the final phase of accepting donations for the auction. As the auction event takes place on Sunday, October 11, it is important to receive donation items in early September so we may properly catalogue, photograph, and publicize their presence in the auction. Post/mail your creation along with the completed donation form to:
Pink Auction
c/o Vibes & Scribes
21 Lavitt’s Quay
Cork City
Co. Cork
Ireland

If you wish to hand deliver the item and are in the Cork City area, bring your creation and the completed donation form to the Drop-In & Drop-Off Party at Vibes & Scribes on September 11. Of course, if you are unavailable that day, email us (pinkcork at gmail.com) so we can arrange a time to meet you in Cork City Centre for a personal hand-off.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

How To Tuesday: Felting

This post is written by Mandi Jackson especially for the Pink Auction blog. Slainté.

Everyone knows what felt is, typically it is that scratchy material used in children's craft projects. But felt can be beautiful, ecological, and homemade! Here are some fantastic felting ideas that inspired us.

Felting Blogs:

Felting Tutorial from Nicola Brown




Felting Links:

Felted Sweater Patches with Martha Stewart





Fabulous Felting Videos:

Two-Part "How to Needle Felt in Four Minutes": Part 1 & Part 2


Felting Soap (a very cool idea)

Cozy Inside

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

How To Tuesday: Embellishing

This post is written by Mandi Jackson especially for the Pink Auction blog. Slainté.

Fabric embellishment is an incredible art, it can be used to customize ANYTHING! You can use fabric embellishments to decorate everything from the tote you carry to the supermarket to the pillows that decorate your sofa or bed, you can even use fabric embellishments to jazz up your scrapbooks, cards, and gifts!!! This is one of my favorite textile arts, I think you can see why.

Embellished bloggers:




Incredible Embellishing sites:


Embellish jeans or Embellish tote bags with Martha Stewart

Embellish throw pillows with Woman's Day


Fantastic Instructional Videos:



Photo by Monette Enriquez AttributionNoncommercialShare Alike
Botanical Ideas T-Shirt for Shadee

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

How To Tuesday: Batik

This week's How To Tuesday link list was compiled by Evin of Spring Stitches with her favorite links for learning about and how to create batik.


Learn How to Batik Cloth with LAZACODE Education and Creative Foundation.

How to Make Sadza Batik: A Tutorial from It Takes A Village, a Zimbabwe blog about African crafts.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

How To Tuesday: Knitting

This week, Evin O'Keeffe from Spring Stitches shares her favorite links for learning to knit.

We all wear knitted items, from jersey tees to cozy cardigans, but machine knitting has made it so accessible few know the treasures of hand-knit items. Knitting is enjoying a resurgence in popularity and it will only increase with the upcoming release of the film 'Friday Night Knitting Club' with Julia Roberts.

If you've always wanted to learn to knit, here are some basic 'how to' and tutorial links to get you started, including a few videos.

I'll start with a post I recently wrote for my own blog, Spring Stitches. Learn to Knit has helpful links to resources & tutorials, including a link to a two-page flyer of knitting basics (PDF) hosted on my website.

Silk Merino Stitches

Monday, August 9, 2010

Public Displays of Craftiness at Cafe Gusto on Lapps Quay - Sat., 28 Aug.

Join us on Saturday, the 28th of August from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. outside Cafe Gusto on Lapps Quay for a public crafting event.
Any creative textile project you can do on your lap is welcome. We will be collecting for Action Breast Cancer while raising awareness of creative textiles as an art. This event is a good way to meet up with us and to meet other artists involved. Children and well-behaved pets are welcome. This is timed to coincide with when the flea market will open that Saturday so there should be a good atmosphere. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Friday, August 6, 2010

Free Pattern Friday: Fishy Fishy

This week's Free Pattern Friday link list was compiled by Evin of Spring Stitches.

Fish patterns fun for stash busting on my crafty blog, Spring Stitches

Fish Block Quilt Pattern from Quilt In A Day

Walrus and Fish Pattern from Badbird's Embroidery Patterns

Fleece Fish Pillow from Better Homes and Gardens

A Recipe for Fish from April Broken Arrow of Knitting Arrows

Frida the Fish (80764AD) from Lion Branch Yarn Company

Easy Ribbon Fish from The Artful Crafter

Half Fish Beanie from Tale of 4 Needles

Crochet Fish from Drops Design

Crochet Amigurumi Angel Fish (70581AD) from Lion Brand Yarn Company

Fish Hat [Dead or Alive?] by Thelma Egberts as featured in Knitty (Winter 2008)

Crochet Baby Pufferfish from NeedleNoodles.com

Fish Embroidery Pattern from DIY Fashion

Photo by Evin O'Keeffe
Wood Fish in Fabric Ocean

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

How To Tuesday: Quilting

This post is written by Mandi Jackson especially for the Pink Auction blog. Slainté.

Quilting is such an amazing form of expression. After receiving a gorgeous quilt as a wedding present, I have a new appreciation for quilting. A quilt can be a record of family events, tell a story, or it can just be a beautiful addition to your home. Here are some links that were inspiring to me. When you are ready for quilt patterns, check out Pink Auction's very own Free Pattern Friday: Quilts post.

Quilt-addicted Bloggers:

Sites with a plethora of quilting information:
Quilting on eHow
Simple Baby Quilt from Martha Stewart

Quilting Videos, now there are a million of these on YouTube.com, but these are a few with How-To instructions:

Needle & Thread

Friday, July 30, 2010

Free Pattern Friday: Monkeying Around

This week's Free Pattern Friday link list was compiled by Evin of Spring Stitches.

Monkeys are like us, but without the hindrance of mobile phones and vacuums - which makes them such a barrel of fun! Why we love them, I don't know, but here are a few patterns that make us want to swing from a tree and shout "Free Pattern Friday"!

Knitted Toy Box has fun-loving Monkey Moo

Sew your very own Funky Monkey

Monkeys can be girls too, as shown by Molly Monkey from Mmm Crafts (photo below)

JoanieR tells us how to make a Felt Monkey Applique

For sewers and quilters, a cheerful Wild Monkey Quilt designed by Fat Quarter Shop

Sock Monkeys are classic, goofy, and deserving of their own section of this post:

Paton's Classic Knit Sock Monkey

Sewing instructions for the Original Sensational Sock Monkey Toy

Of course, if you want an old school sock monkey but with modern instructions, here's one thanks to Lenny Taylor

Knit a toy in the style of a Sock Monkey

Sock Monkey Shirt Tutorial from Angela Yosten, Moda Home Mom

Photo and item photographed are by Larissa Holland of mmmcrafts.
Molly Monkey doll

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

How To Tuesday: Needlepoint

This post is written by Mandi Jackson especially for the Pink Auction blog. Slainté.

Needlepoint is a neat way to express your creativity. It is an affordable art, and let's face it…it's FUN! Here are some ideas to you started.

Neat Needlepoint Bloggers:

Some nifty sites to help with your needlepoint:

Informative Needlepoint videos:

Photo by Ellen Macdonald AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works
My Mother's Needlepoint