Apron Contest Winners!!

We’ve get to post the pictures of the aprons that were submitted along with a list of the top 3 winners. We also had to make some big adjustments to how the contest played out.

But first…here’s our winners!!

First Place Winner: Vickie D.!

I loved the playful yet feminine design of this apron, the color combinations, and the design which was fresh but still reminiscent of a kinder, easier day of family and values. 

I looked closely at the workmanship on this one and it was just perfect. Perfect to be wearing even when guests arrive early for dinner. This is one of those aprons that I can anticipate being fought over once I am gone. *grin*

Second Place Winner:  Janie W.!(photo to come soon)

This was battling in my mind back and forth for first place, because it’s more than just a beautiful apron–it’s TWO beautiful aprons. The apron is reversible!! I loved the fabric selection which transforms this into something beautiful, just begging to be worn. The handiwork was also executed very well and the embroidery designs were absolutely flawless. It was a tough decision and ultimately it came down to a tiny detail that separated the first and second place winners–the visibility of The Preparedness Pro. Due to the beautiful pattern of the fabric used on this apron, it was just a little difficult for me to make out “The Preparedness Pro”.  Regardless, this is a fabulous apron! (picture coming soon…stupid camera combined with a really bad IT person–that’s me)…

Third Place Winner: Becky S.!

This apron design was just one treat of creativity and thoughtfulness after another. I loved the “missive” that Becky sent along with the apron, making sure that I understood what all of the details were and what they meant. I love how she incorporated the colors that are prevalent on the Preparedness Pro site now. It was just such a treat!

Made by Susanne!

 

So, now that I’ve announced the winners, I’ve got to share another bit of news. When I created the contest, as a “just in case”, I set a criteria that at least 25 aprons had to be submitted in order for the contest to be valid.  That seemed to be a ridiculously small threshold given the fact that we have more than 17,000 fans on Facebook, 1500+ subscribers on YouTube, and more than 100,000 folks reading our blog posts every month. But as it turned out, we had a total of only SEVEN aprons submitted–and even with that 7, only a few made it in time for the deadline. You might be able to imagine how I was chewing my fingernails on the afternoon of July 31st when we only had a few aprons submitted. Needless to say, when three more arrived the next day I wasn’t about to “discount” them. But sadly, no, there wasn’t an onslaught of aprons in the mail on the 1st of August either. So, rather than just cancel the contest all together and leave everyone empty handed, I chose to contact the three winners and let them know what had happened and offered them a choice of some more financially realistic prizes that would still make them happy. Additionally, since there were only these handful of submissions, I’ve decided to award each of the other winners with a little something special too. So, while I’m not spending $649 out of pocket for 3 prizes, I’m still celebrating the amazing talent that these women demonstrated for the purposes of this contest by giving the top 3 prizes that they are happy with AND the other 4 a little something that they weren’t expecting. They’re happy and I’m happy–albeit a little embarrassed that this didn’t turn out anywhere near as I had planned it, but then again, I suppose that’s what preparedness is all about–being able to make the most of the curve balls we get, right?