Updated: Thanks so much for all the interest and the great turn-out for Sewing Buddies! I’ve closed out sign-ups for 2010 and matched all the folks who have joined us. We’ll re-open the Sewing Buddy Project at the New Year for those of you who’d like to join in!
Alright, everyone. As we await the outcome of the Overmost Giveaway, let’s review our Sewing Goals for 2010.
You’ll recall in our last episode that a massive proportion of us reported that we’d sew better/make more/be more satisfied/learn faster/be happier if we had a sewing friend with whom to compare projects, trade ideas and inspiration, and who would keep us on track over the course of the year to see that we get where we’re going. Since I firmly believe we should all follow the Golden Rule, I’ve designed a Sewing Buddy system that allows us to team up with a partner who will do that for you while you reciprocate, so that we all get the support and community we crave. Our Sewing Buddies will be there to help see us through these last few months of 2010 with all our goals met! Ready to sign up?
Here’s how it works:
- Leave a comment. Include a working email address that you check.
- You’ll receive an email from me asking you to (1) confirm your participation and (2) name a favorite color and a number between 1 and 10.
- I’ll use the responses to the emails I receive to match you up with a Sewing Buddy perfectly suited to your temperament, using a unique formula devised by NASA scientists and perfected in the deep reaches of outer space.*
- I’ll send an email to the both of you giving introductions in proper Victorian style (a lady never spends time with someone to whom she has not been properly introduced), and then like a mother whose chicks are leaving the nest, I’ll step back and watch as the friendship flourishes.
- You and your buddy will make the initial contact and see where it leads you! I’ll check in from time-to-time with Sewing Buddy challenges, quizzes and activities to keep you motivated–doesn’t that sound like fun??
Some of you might be thinking, “But I don’t know if I have room for a greater commitment. And what if I get stuck with a looney??” Fear not. This is not a long-term commitment or relationship. These are our 2010 Sewing Buddies–a chance to meet someone new and build a relationship. At the end of this calendar year, if you’re not feeling it, that’s cool! You’ll shake virtual hands and walk away before New Year’s, and find a new Sewing Buddy. If you’re bestest friends and this is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to you, then when you get a new Sewing Buddy in 2011, you keep your old one and your circle of sewing love just gets bigger! What could be better than that?
The Sewing Buddy Program ™ is open to EVERYONE, regardless of age or location or skill level. Think of it like a pen pal, but you’re both sewing and sharing via the internet. Oh, I’m so excited I can hardly type right now!
Over the coming months, I’ll pop in periodically with ideas for how to introduce yourselves, projects you might want to do together, interviews with some of our buddies who have really gone the distance, and features of all the sewing that’s getting done thanks to the added encouragement that only another sewing friend can provide. I’m really, really excited to see everything y’all are going to produce, and can’t wait to get started with you!
OK, so: review the bullet points above. Leave a comment. And get ready: you’re about to triple your productivity* and gain a new friend all with the click of your mouse!
Sewing Buddy powers, activate!!
*All scientific and statistical references are totally made up, but that doesn’t mean they’re not true.
July 20th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Ohhhhh, I’m in for sure!!!!!!!! Great idea – this is fabulous. I don’t really know anyone where I live that sews. I need a buddy!!!!!
July 20th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
What a great idea! Cudos to you.
I am fairly new to sewing, and would love a sewing buddy!
July 20th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
I need a sewing buddy
I’m new to sewing and in particular, to quilting. Love this idea!
July 20th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
I love this idea! Who doesn’t need a sewing buddy?
FYI: Leaving tomorrow for a few days in the mountains, back Sunday night.
July 20th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
I just discovered your blog through your etsy shop & I would love to have a virtual sewing buddy.
July 20th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
What fun! A sewing buddy is a great idea!
camillemalucci[at]yahoo[dot]com.
July 20th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
I would love to join in this. I have a few friends around that I sew with but none of them kick my butt like I need. Thanks for doing this.
July 20th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
What a great idea!!! My sewing mostly focuses on quilts and bags but I’m definitely interested in doing some basic apparel stuff too.
July 20th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Sounds like fun – i’m in!
July 20th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
This sounds fun. I’m up for this. I’m a stay at home mom. I crave some interaction with another adult… And one that sews?….even better.
July 20th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
I’d definitely like a sewing buddy (hope it’s not one of the looney ones though!).
July 20th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
We’ve outlawed all loonies this round–so you’re in the clear!
July 20th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Yes – sign me up!
July 20th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
What a great idea! – I’m in!
July 20th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Ok, I’ll bite. I think buddies in general are a good thing.
July 20th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
What a great idea! I don’t know any one in my area that sews. I need a buddy!
July 20th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
YESS!!!! I seriously have no sewing friends except the people at the senior citizens center at school. As long as my buddy does not mind me being a college student!
July 20th, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Awesome idea! This sounds so fun, count me in!
July 21st, 2010 at 12:29 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Whipstitch, Whipstitch. Whipstitch said: Get Yourself a Sewing Buddy and see what the power of TWO can do: http://tinyurl.com/2fjhfht [...]
July 21st, 2010 at 5:14 am
Count me in – with Christmas craftery rearing its head – I’ll need all the encouragement I can get!
July 21st, 2010 at 5:52 am
This is a great idea. It would be nice to have a sewing buddy who’s also using the internet as a sewing resource…and to get the sewing juices flowing….
July 21st, 2010 at 8:58 am
I’m definitely in!! Awesome!
July 21st, 2010 at 9:01 am
This is a great idea!
July 21st, 2010 at 9:25 am
I’m excited! This sounds fun.
July 21st, 2010 at 11:31 am
Would love a new sewing buddy! Need a little more social interaction w/ my sewing!
July 21st, 2010 at 12:05 pm
Oh, so in need of a buddy…I am just barely getting (re) started in sewing, and am constantly overwhelmed by how much I have forgotten/never knew. If nothing else, this was I could bi*ch to someone other than my husband about crazy patterns and ridiculous sizing issues!
July 21st, 2010 at 12:28 pm
I’m in! I don’t always have a bunch of time with two little ones running around me, but I am in need of someone to be accountable to as the holiday season approaches! I’m also heading to the mountains this weekend, be back Monday!
July 21st, 2010 at 1:01 pm
I would love to participate!
July 21st, 2010 at 1:55 pm
I’d love a sewing buddy!!
July 21st, 2010 at 2:31 pm
[...] up, and will match the first batch (!) by end of the week. Keep those comments coming on the original post–we’re nowhere close to sold out of Sewing Buddies, and I want everyone who wants one to [...]
July 21st, 2010 at 3:23 pm
I would love a buddy!
July 21st, 2010 at 3:36 pm
I love it! I would love to have a sewing buddy.
July 21st, 2010 at 4:20 pm
I’d love to have a buddy!
July 21st, 2010 at 4:30 pm
I would love a sewing buddy! Thanks for organizing this!
July 21st, 2010 at 6:24 pm
I would love a buddy – I am a busy working mom of 2 who doesn’t find time to sew every week, but I think about it every day! This might give me a kick in the pants to put a little more time and effort in to my creative hobbies!
July 21st, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Sounds like a marvelous idea – sign me up!
July 21st, 2010 at 9:00 pm
This would be great – pls. sign me up! Thanks!
July 21st, 2010 at 10:25 pm
I would love to have a sewing buddy! Im a SAHM to 2 and a total beginner. It would be fun to have someone to talk to about sewing!
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:27 pm
This will be so fabulous!!
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Ok – my college daughter encouraged me to sign up for a sewing buddy! I do not have a blog so I hope that does not matter. I’m excited and hope we can each help each other out and keep motivated to get some projects done! What a fun idea.
Thanks for putting me into the sewing buddy group~!
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:52 am
Great idea! I’m a newbie, and would love a sewing buddy.
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:53 am
I would like a sewing buddy. I am a social media geek (website, blog, facebook, twitter). I sew dolls, quilts, bags and I am expanding my knowledge (thanks to Elle!) of sewing clothes. Would love to have a buddy to bounce ideas off and to generally share our enthusiasm for sewing.
July 26th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
[...] hopefully you!), Ill have another reason to keep up with my projects. I signed on for an online sewing buddy as extra insurance, we should be matched soon. Now all I have to do is keep my eyes on each goal! [...]
July 26th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
[...] and join us for 2010! Leave a comment and let me know you want to participate, and refer to the original post for more [...]
July 27th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
i want me a buddy!
July 27th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
want to participate in “sewing buddy”
July 27th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
I’m a total beginner with stacks of fabric and projects that I never get to.
Sign me up!
July 27th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Not sure if it’s too late, but if not I’d like to join in.
July 27th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
Great idea. Sign me up! I’m feeling ambitious now about my lined up projects. Teaming up with somebody will keep me motivated!!! I have a full time job which has nothing to do with arts. Sewing keep my brain balanced. I like to make bags and simple clothes.
July 28th, 2010 at 8:22 am
[...] late to get your very own Sewing Buddy! Round 2 of matching is going on NOW. Skip on over to the original post and leave a comment to join in the fun! I’ll close out Round 2 Sunday, August 1 and send [...]
July 28th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
I need the commitment to just do it, instead of dreaming up all of these great projects in my head! There will never be a “perfect” time short of kicking out my husband and 6 kiddos! Besides, not sure what I’d do without my crew……..I’m sort of a beginner, so this will be good for me….
July 28th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
A Sewing Buddy will help keep me motivated! Sign me up!
July 28th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Great idea! I’m in!
July 28th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
ok, I’m in!
July 29th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Looks like I found this post just in time. Can I still join?
July 29th, 2010 at 10:51 am
I’d love a sewing buddy too!!
July 29th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Have 35 years of experience in Machine sewing. Hand stitching is just adequate. Have an extensive sewing book library. Creative kids clothes sewing is favorite but currently my health issues are a concern. If someone wants sewing buddy like that I’m here <3
July 29th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
First, can I say hi to the busy working mom of 2 up above? I’m a busy working mom of 2 also!
I’d like a buddy, please – what a great idea, thank you for setting this up!
July 30th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
This sounds like lots of fun – I’m in! I’m in Australia if that makes any difference?
July 30th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
I would like to join. Count me in Round 2!
July 31st, 2010 at 2:43 am
Hope I’m not too late to join! Would love to have a sewing buddy for mutual moral support and fun!!
July 31st, 2010 at 8:08 am
This is exciting. I just got my sewing room back and up and running (long story). I need all the motivation I can get and can always use a new friend. Count me in Round 3!
August 3rd, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Hi there, I answered the questions in the e-mail you sent to me from round one but I never got my sewing buddy. Did I miss something?
Deborah
August 6th, 2010 at 10:41 am
Deborah, this is brilliant! I have to sign up… here I come!
August 6th, 2010 at 10:42 am
Oop, here’s my email…
jenniferyarbrough@hotmail.com
I can’t wait, I’m so pumped!
August 6th, 2010 at 11:51 am
Hi! I think this is an awesome idea!
Thanks!
August 6th, 2010 at 11:55 am
Oh! This would be perfect! I could really use someone to encourage me as I relearn a lot of the basics. Please count me in for the next round!
August 6th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Is it too late to sign up for a sewing buddy?
August 6th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
OOH!
I would love to have a BUDDY!
I can’t wait to see where this takes us!!!!!!
August 7th, 2010 at 8:10 am
[...] your last chance for 2010 to get in on the action! For details on the Sewing Buddy project, click here. To review some of what Buddies have been doing so far, click here. To join this final round, [...]
August 7th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Oh thank you so much for giving us one more chance! I’d like a sewing buddy!
August 7th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
I’d like a sewing buddy! What a great idea!
August 7th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
I would love to do this and have new inspiration!
August 7th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Is it too late? I have nooo crafty friends. Boo.
August 8th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Looks like I found this just in time! Thinking a virtual sewing buddy might be kinda good! Thanks
August 9th, 2010 at 1:03 am
When is the cut off for this? Ahhh …. I want a sewing buddy! Shannon (#74) I’ll be your buddy if I missed the deadline for this round!
August 9th, 2010 at 6:49 am
What a great idea! I’d love to have someone to run things by!
August 9th, 2010 at 7:52 am
Just saw your book on the MADE blog and followed links to sewing buddies just in time – I hope! I need a little motivation (and your book!). I would love to have a sewing buddy. Thanks!
August 10th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
is it really closed? i just got on the net since 2 weeks off and I saw this no your site.
If there is a spot or can the extras join the extras in an extra group?
this is a wonderful idea though.