And of course, back to school! It’s the rhythm of life. If you’re not feeling it yet, here are a few suggestions for the students in your life. Maybe it’ll spark your enthusiasm.

Blackwing pencils are my favorite, both on fabric and on paper. They have the best feeling in your hand as you press them to a surface. They come in soft, firm, and extra firm graphite. As you can imagine, the softer the graphite in your pencil, the less pressure it takes to write or draw with them.

Most of the time, I prefer the firm graphite (602 & Volume 200), my grandson Jack, who is 14, prefers the extra firm (Naturals & Volume 651). The soft graphite (Matte & Volume 93) would be ideal for those times when you want to make a softer, more expressive lines, drawing or sketching. (Also, the lines are thicker, because softer graphite. Not super soft, just softer.) If you’re not sure what you might need, see below for a solution and a special code.

While we keep the basic 3 types of Blackwing pencil all the time, we have several beautiful limited edition volumes in stock right now that will not be coming back. Each new volume that comes out has an inspiration, a story that highlights a movement, an idea, or a person. You can click the photo or link to find out the stories behind each of the volumes we currently have.

Volume 93, below, soft graphite. These are so happy with their bright colors, and there are just a few of the slate notebooks that match left in stock.

Volume 200, below, firm graphite. My favorite pencils to date, these are beautiful sitting on my desk.

Volume 651, below, extra firm graphite. A tribute to Bruce Lee, and could be perfect for school colors.

The Blackwing Starting Point Set is perfect for the person who needs to try out Blackwing. AND I’m giving you (who read my blog) $10 off of this set for back-to-school good vibes. Use code BWBACKTOSCHOOL. (This code will last until we sell out of Starting Point Sets.)

This is the first set that has come with my favorite sharpener! The One-Step Sharpener is more expensive, but I like the way it works, and because the blades are replaceable, it lasts longer. The Two-Step Long Point Sharpener also works to get that sharp point, and Jack happily uses his.

For the student moving out this semester, a needle and thread are a must! They might be the only one in their dorm to have a way to fix a button or do minor mending. Pebbles Needle Sets can be paired with the Neutral Bobbin Set for a quick fix when they need it.

And of course, the Lap App. For hand sewing, sure, but also, tablets, iPads, phones, etc. Help your student be mindful of their neck and posture. Take the pressure off!

And don’t forget, I have the most fun Lap App covers!

I’m wishing everyone happy back-to-school prepping! You can do it!

Sydna Gordon has won One Yazzii Aqua Zippered Pouch, measuring 5.5″ x 8″, and a pack of Clover Gold Eye Applique Size 12 needles! We love Yazzii organizers and carry a great selection of different sizes with different purposes. Check them out here. And the Gold Eye Applique Needles are easy to thread and are a little more rigid than the Tulip Applique Needles. We carry both Clover and Tulip varieties, of course, as well as needles by Bohin, Hemming and Roxanne. Follow this link to see all our needles and pins.

I’ll be back with another Giveaway next Wednesday. Until then you can shop for all sorts of sewing notions, books, and other fun stuff at pieceocake.com!

Eva has won this week’s extra-special giveaway – Super Bobs Bright Collection – 25 bobbins wound with 50 wt. Superior’s Masterpiece 100% cotton, 2-ply thread in bright colors! This thread is perfect for hand applique and having it wound on bobbins makes it easy to carry a number of colors with you.

Super Bobs come in bright and soft sets. Click here to see both sets, color names and a video with a useful organizational tip.

I’ll be back with another Giveaway next Wednesday. Until then you can shop for all sorts of sewing notions, books, and other fun stuff at pieceocake.com!