Sewing Buddies OPEN for 2013!

sewing buddy icon

Can you believe it??  The FOURTH year we have done Sewing Buddies.  That’s crazy town!  I can hardly even think about how much has happened in those four years, and I am so excited to see another round of Sewing Buddies get paired up.  I very clearly remember sitting on a sofa we no longer have in a basement we no longer own reading through emails and matching up that very first group of Buddies–over 200 of them.  And every year since, I have had the pleasure and privilege of going through the process again with a new batch of folks, and then seeing where those relationships bloom.

Screen shot 2012-07-06 at 9.56.27 PM

The Sewing Buddy Project began in 2010 in response to an informal survey I sent out, asking people to examine what it is that prevents us from reaching our sewing goals, and looking for ways to surmount those obstacles and achieve Sewing Greatness in 2010.  Each year since then, we’ve worked on the same ideas and continued to build–and the most popular of those is the Sewing Buddy Project, the idea that a pen pal who loves sewing as much as you do will keep you motivated and on-task, and give you encouragement and inspiration to get the sewing done that you most want to do!  The Sewing Buddy Project has always been FREE, and is largely a service I provide to match people up to one another–where you go with your Buddy after that is totally up to the two of you!

Screen shot 2012-10-08 at 9.18.57 AM

Last year was the first year we did Sewing Buddy Challenges.  The idea behind the Sewing Buddy Challenges was that once each quarter, every three months, I would present a sewing task for Buddies to accept, using a theme or concept.  I wanted a way for us to build community that had a time frame and a deadline–there are lots of ways to jump in and get to know one another, but something that’s got a firm end date tends to get our creative juices going, right?  And what better way to get to know someone than by working with them!  The entries were posted to Flickr, and winners were chosen with prizes and everything.  This year, I had planned three, but we ended up doing only two–the first was amazingly awesome with tons of participation and excitement.

Screen shot 2012-06-15 at 3.56.01 PM

The second was a little more subdued, as we got into the summer months and our days got busy and sewing wasn’t always a top priority. Which is a shame, because I loved the idea behind it, and loved seeing the Sewing Buddy projects come in–all the sewn projects in the photos in this post were made by Sewing Buddies in 2012!  Something wasn’t quite gelling, though, which is fine–I think in any endeavor, the most important thing is to listen to feedback and work to make it better.  Sewing Buddies is a project that I truly believe is worth tweaking and making better.

So this year, I’m asking for those of you who want to sign up to be a Sewing Buddy in 2013 to suggest ideas for how we can all interact with one another this year.  As part of your comment, you’ll include ONE suggestion for a project, outreach, bee, challenge, ______along, or what-have-you that might be appropriate for the Sewing Buddies for this year!  See the two challenges from 2012 for ideas, but keep in mind that I’m looking for three really GREAT suggestions for the later months of 2013–I already have an idea for the first quarter, which we’ll roll out in February once all the Buddies are matched up.  I’ll select three suggestions from all the Buddy comments, and we’ll be on our way into a new year with new Buddies to inspire our sewing!

SewingBuddy

Additionally, I’m bringing back the Sewing Buddy Inspiration e-mails!  That’s right: all my 2013 Sewing Buddies will be added to the list to receive my Sewing Inspiration emails, and will receive a monthly message of stitchy motivation, right in their inbox, complete with ideas and techniques to help you really bring your A-game to the current quarter’s sewing challenge.  You have to participate to get the email, though.  Doesn’t that totally make you want to play along??

Sweet!!

As in the past, it all begins with you throwing your name in the hat, so let’s get started!

Guidelines for 2013 Sewing Buddy Project participation:

  • Agree that you will leave no email from your Sewing Buddy un-answered.  A Sewing Buddy is a pen pal who loves to sew, and pen paling with your pen pal is the best way to get that all going–remember what Gramma said: to have a friend, you have to BE a friend.  Simply replying to each message as they go back and forth will build your commitment and resolve.  If your Sewing Buddy-ness goes no further than encouraging emails once a week, that’s awesome!  It will keep you on-track to meet some goals or to challenge yourself in a way you might not have otherwise.  If you both decide to start your own Flickr group or joint blog or do some mail exchanges, even better.  At a minimum, though, resolve to always answer your Buddy’s emails–any other participation in challenges or contests is completely voluntary.
  • Branch out and get a new Sewing Buddy, even if you’ve already been rocking it with your 2010 or 2011 or 2012 Buddy.  You can never have too many friends who sew!  You can keep your other Buddies and learn great stuff from a new one.  Isn’t friendship awesome?
  • Sewing Buddies can be at any skill level and do any type of sewing.  We welcome beginners, intermediates, advanced and lots of mixy types at in-between-y skill levels.  Don’t quilt?  Maybe your Buddy can help you learn!  Don’t sew garments?  Maybe the two of you will start together!  The only requirement is that you’re willing to communicate and interact with one another.  That’s it!
  • Sewing Buddies can be from anywhere in the world, as long as you’re willing to communicate in English.  We’ve had folks from Britain, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Canada, Austria, South Africa, New Zealand and a host of other nations participate, and you can, too!  I can’t promise you’ll get a Buddy who is geographically near to you, but isn’t that part of the fun, that discovery?  Hooray for international diplomacy!
  • Be on the lookout for contests, challenges, secret passwords, and even (gasp!) meet-ups designed just for Sewing Buddies!  We’ll have our quarterly sewing “activity”, TBA based on your suggestions, but there is plenty more that we can do–and I’ve taken suggestions and comments from past Sewing Buddies very seriously as I work to make this the coolest pen pal experience you’ve ever had!

That’s it!  I’ll begin matching names in the magic whirly-bin of Sewing Buddy Science on January 15, 2013.  Sign-ups will close February 1, 2013 at midnight.  Pairs will be notified no later than February 2, 2013 and the first Sewing Buddy activity will be announced the same day!

To participate in the 2013 Sewing Buddy Project:

  • To add your name to the list to be matched with a Buddy, simply leave a comment below–that’s it!  Include a working email address that you check (this will be captured when you leave your name, so it isn’t necessary to leave it in the body of your comment).
  • 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 also ask you to suggest an “activity” for Sewing Buddies to participate in during one quarter in 2013–these suggestions are wide open, and a have no bearing on what Buddy you get; they’re for research purposes only, I promise.  These emails will go out in batches beginning January 20; Buddies will be matched from within each batch.
  • I’ll use the responses to the emails I receive along with a super-scientific system here at the Whipstitch Labs to match you to the PERFECT Sewing Buddy based on a four-fold formula that’s much too complicated to write about here but that is really awesome and time-y wime-y space-y.
  • 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!  Contests?  Maybe.  Inspiration?  Certainly.  Life-long friendship?  Golly, I hope so.

That’s it!  I’m really looking forward to hearing more from all of you this year, can am so pleased so many of you are looking to continue the Sewing Buddy love.  Hooray!

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  • Maria Pinkelton
    January 4, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    I am so excited to begin the new year know I will have voices in my head (well my in-box) who are real-live people telling me to sew!

  • Emily
    January 4, 2013 at 3:45 pm

    I’m so excited to be a part of this in 2013!! Yay!!

  • Elizabeth Johnson
    January 4, 2013 at 4:08 pm

    I’d like to be paired up with a sewing buddy! This is exactly what I was looking for this year!

  • Kristy k
    January 4, 2013 at 4:09 pm

    I *love* my current sewing buddy, but would love to have another, too!

  • Tori
    January 4, 2013 at 4:56 pm

    One of my goals for 2013 is to sew more, so this is the perfect inspiration and motivation to do so! How exciting!

  • Fiona@staring at the sea
    January 4, 2013 at 5:09 pm

    I would love a Sewing Buddy! I’m in the UK, is that OK? Perhaps one of the quarterly projects/challenges could be to make a dress for Dress a Girl Around the World.

  • Susie
    January 4, 2013 at 5:23 pm

    This sounds really fun! I’m semi-retired and like to do hand embroidery and needle felting as well as sewing. Have not tried quilting anything more than mug rugs, but like that too 🙂

  • Anke
    January 4, 2013 at 5:43 pm

    This sounds great! I would love to have a buddy somewhere in the world to share my sewing with. Please match me up!

  • Brittany
    January 4, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    I am addicted to sewing and want to be apart of a sewing group! So this is me getting out of my comfort zone! Can’t wait to meet more sewing peeps like me!

  • Tisha Nagel
    January 4, 2013 at 6:08 pm

    I think this will be a great way for me to branch out from under quilts and maybe into new realms this year with my sewing.

  • Jenni
    January 4, 2013 at 6:29 pm

    I’m so excited! I love pen pals and being stitchy!!! Thank you for organizing!

  • Kristen
    January 4, 2013 at 6:52 pm

    You can never have too many sewing friends! Sign me up! 🙂

  • Erin
    January 4, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    I can’t wait for a sewing buddy for 2013! Thanks for organizing this again and again, what a great thing.

  • Narelle @ Cook Clean Craft
    January 4, 2013 at 7:06 pm

    Another sewing buddy – yay! I’m in. I think I missed out last year as I was on holidays.

  • Jen Osborn
    January 4, 2013 at 7:20 pm

    What fun! Please sign me up 🙂 A couple years ago I did this in a moleskine group & she’s turned I to a forever friend. I would love to see a Challenge with a philanthropic slant. Something along the lines of A Dress for Every Girl or quilts for preemies or anything where someone in need benefits from our sewing! Thank you so much for hosting this 🙂

  • Joanna Mull
    January 4, 2013 at 8:23 pm

    I’d like to participate.

  • Heather
    January 4, 2013 at 8:44 pm

    So excited for another sewing buddy! No one I know sews around me.

  • Leigh
    January 4, 2013 at 9:11 pm

    I’ve wanted to join a sewing group, but getting away as a WOHM of a 2 yr old is hard. I’d like to have a buddy to talk sewing with, and I’d love to be motivated to finish some UFOs so I can move on creatively. Please sign me up! I am friendly and willing to try!

  • Gillian
    January 4, 2013 at 9:13 pm

    Oh,, yes please! I really kicked myself for not signing up last year. Thank you for doing all the work to connect us!

  • Leigh
    January 4, 2013 at 9:13 pm

    This sounds like a great opportunity to talk sewing, be motivated, and motivate others in a positive way. Please sign me up! I am friendly and happy to try!

  • Casey July
    January 4, 2013 at 9:23 pm

    Can’t wait to get started!

  • Samantha
    January 4, 2013 at 9:27 pm

    Oooooh! I’ll take a sewing buddy! How exciting.

  • Whitney
    January 4, 2013 at 10:37 pm

    Sign me up! Pretty please!!

  • MaLora
    January 4, 2013 at 10:47 pm

    I am in! This will be my 4th time around! malora at the gmail please!

  • Laurie
    January 4, 2013 at 10:57 pm

    I would love to be a part of this! Sounds like fun!

  • Jasmine
    January 4, 2013 at 11:07 pm

    I definitely would like to be a part of the sewing buddy action!!

  • Mary
    January 4, 2013 at 11:57 pm

    I would love to have a sewing buddy! Sign me up!

  • Shell
    January 5, 2013 at 1:45 am

    I’d love a sewing buddy, sounds great!

  • Heidi
    January 5, 2013 at 2:39 am

    What a great idea! Thank you for hosting this endeavor.

  • MJ
    January 5, 2013 at 9:33 am

    I’d love to do it again, I missed last year but did it 2 yrs ago! 🙂

  • stephanie gerdes
    January 5, 2013 at 11:04 am

    Im so excited for a new sewing buddy!

  • Karen Chatters
    January 5, 2013 at 11:15 am

    Count me in!!

    It said my comment was too short, type some more. So I’m typing.

    Count me in, please?

  • Gayle Wilson
    January 5, 2013 at 11:24 am

    Raises hand 🙂

    I’m actually sewing a lot these days and having a partner in crime would be awesome.

  • Melissa
    January 5, 2013 at 11:27 am

    Sounds like fun. Never had a sewing buddy.

  • samantha
    January 5, 2013 at 11:32 am

    I would love to participate! One of my resolutions this year was to increase my sewing skill level and this would be a great way for me to keep myself in the right path.Something I would love to try, but i always talk myself out of are clothes. Any clothing related tasks would be welcome.

  • Heidi
    January 5, 2013 at 11:35 am

    I would LOVE a sewing buddy!

  • amy s.
    January 5, 2013 at 1:17 pm

    Count me in!
    can’t wait.

  • Sharon Ansley
    January 5, 2013 at 2:10 pm

    So glad I’ve discovered you! I’m just getting back into sewing again and really look forward to having a buddy to air and share with!

  • Nicole
    January 5, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    I’d love to be part of this! I’ve never done something like this before, so I’m looking forward to something new!

  • Anilla
    January 5, 2013 at 3:12 pm

    I neeeeed this to get me to use my stash up and finish all my W’s IP!

    Thank you!

  • Megan
    January 5, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    Count me in! If I have a sewing buddy, then maybe I can stop boring my loved ones with talk of sewing all the time!

  • Alicja
    January 5, 2013 at 4:04 pm

    I am in desperate need of sewing buddy and a challenge! Cannot wait!:)

  • jes
    January 5, 2013 at 5:25 pm

    more sewing buddies!

  • Joy
    January 5, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    I would like to participate this year. Thank you!

  • Sherri
    January 5, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    Thank you so much for organizing this again! I would love to participate this year, and meet a fellow sewing buddy.

  • Chelsea V.
    January 5, 2013 at 8:04 pm

    I would love to be included! I am an intermediate sewer and self taught. Some projects that I think would be great to challenge us with would be bags, quilt blocks and pillows!

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  • Elizabeth
    January 5, 2013 at 9:42 pm

    I loved my 2012 buddy and can’t wait to add to the sewing buddy family I’m building!! Thanks for organizing this. I’ll put my thinking cap on for ideas to share, too.

  • Amber
    January 5, 2013 at 10:53 pm

    I have been looking forward to this post! Please pair me up with a buddy 🙂

  • Becky
    January 6, 2013 at 12:18 am

    I would love to participate again. I can’t believe how quickly the new year rolls around and that this is the third go around for me!! I am assuming we are to give our project ideas once you have contacted us as most of the comments are devoid of an idea.

  • Tsoniki Crazy Bull
    January 6, 2013 at 1:24 am

    I would love to participate! I am looking to expand my participation in bees and -alongs this year!

  • Sandra
    January 6, 2013 at 11:19 am

    I would love to be part of this group. It sounds like great motivation to get some sewing accomplished.

  • Angie Rogers
    January 6, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    I can’t wait for this. I hope it keeps me motivated and going as I am still learning!

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  • Michelle
    January 6, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    This sounds great!

  • MC
    January 6, 2013 at 3:56 pm

    I would love to participate. Thank you for making this available.

  • Kelly
    January 6, 2013 at 6:11 pm

    Woohoo! I definitely want to participate! So excited – thank you!

  • Nanette
    January 6, 2013 at 6:12 pm

    I’d love to have a sewing buddy this year!

  • Debby Greenway
    January 6, 2013 at 6:27 pm

    How fun! I am a quilter, knitter and crocheted, and cross-stitcher. I wrote the book”precut Combo Quilts”. I think a fun project would be a mystery quilt, or a round robin with your partner.

  • Joni
    January 6, 2013 at 6:38 pm

    I would love to be scientifically matched to a sewing buddy! I’m a quilter who is learning to crochet or knit (I haven’t decided which yet) and have a 2013 quilty resolution to be more social about it!

  • Aimee
    January 6, 2013 at 6:59 pm

    I love this! I suggest a My Precious seeing project. Thanks!

  • Greta
    January 6, 2013 at 7:14 pm

    I would love to have a sewing buddy! Sounds like a lot of fun too!

  • Debbie
    January 6, 2013 at 7:42 pm

    Sounds like great fun. I’d love to join in this year.

  • Peggy
    January 6, 2013 at 7:47 pm

    This coming year is my year to blossom. A sewing buddy would be wonderful. My husband and I have almost finished our remodeling and I again will have a room of my own for sewing and crafts. I took care of my parents for the last 5 years and they both passed away since September. So with time on my hands, a good stash and a desire to sew again I hope the challenge and friendship will get me going. I would like to see a challenge to make something inspired by something the maker sees almost every day.

  • Kerryn Egel
    January 6, 2013 at 8:23 pm

    I love this idea!

  • Jaclyn
    January 6, 2013 at 8:45 pm

    I’d love to participate in 2013. So far my experience has been good but not great. One idea is to do a challenge where a new skill is learned, it would be a great way to learn something new!

  • Jen Thomason
    January 6, 2013 at 8:58 pm

    I am so excited to be a part of this! Sounds like fun 🙂

  • Lauren till
    January 6, 2013 at 9:50 pm

    I love the idea of this and would like to be apart of it

  • Edris
    January 6, 2013 at 11:07 pm

    Alrighty then count me in!

  • Gina
    January 6, 2013 at 11:56 pm

    I love this idea!! Please count me in.

  • Nancy Brooks
    January 6, 2013 at 11:59 pm

    Would love to be part of this. Thanks.

  • Gillian hosman
    January 7, 2013 at 12:11 am

    Sign me up! Sounds fun b/c my husband is definitely sick of talking about fabric.

  • collette howie
    January 7, 2013 at 1:41 am

    Hi i would love to take part how exciting!

  • Amanda
    January 7, 2013 at 3:25 am

    I’d love to participate!

  • Katja
    January 7, 2013 at 4:55 am

    Count me in!! Ever since I found out about the Sewing Buddy Project I’ve been hoping that there’ll be a new round in 2013 so I can participate. Super excited to meet my Sewing Buddy!!

  • Cecelia
    January 7, 2013 at 6:56 am

    This certainly sounds like a lot of fun! Count me in!

  • dee
    January 7, 2013 at 8:54 am

    ME!…..I want to enter again this year!

  • Jessica
    January 7, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    I think having someone to keep me accountable would be super helpful to me!

  • Bailey
    January 7, 2013 at 1:27 pm

    I’d love a sewing buddy! Sounds like fun!

  • Kerri
    January 7, 2013 at 1:46 pm

    This is wonderful! Can’t wait:)

  • Lauren Patterson
    January 7, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    I can’t wait to get to know my sewing buddy! Happy 2013!

  • Pam W
    January 7, 2013 at 3:01 pm

    This is exciting–I would very much like to participate!

  • Jennifer
    January 7, 2013 at 3:06 pm

    I would love to participate and get a sewing buddy! 🙂

  • ashley
    January 7, 2013 at 5:28 pm

    this makes me a little nervous but i love pen pals and sewing so what can go wrong??

  • Bianca
    January 7, 2013 at 7:36 pm

    This is a great idea! I love to sew and love connecting with others who do. I like the idea of a bag challenge or refashioning a dress from thrift store finds.

  • Jill
    January 7, 2013 at 8:30 pm

    Oh yay!! I would love to have a sewing buddy! Thank you for putting it all together! 🙂

  • Jennifer
    January 7, 2013 at 8:46 pm

    This is a great idea, so happy I found whipstitch!! Enjoying all the classes!

  • Yvette Roth
    January 8, 2013 at 7:23 am

    I really need to learn how to modify patterns so that they fit my unique womanly form 🙂 So, a dress, or, dare I say it, a pair of pants (scary *gasp*)

  • Mary Lou Compton
    January 8, 2013 at 2:54 pm

    This sounds like so much fun! I would love to participate. Thank you for going to all this work to connect us!

  • Alisa
    January 8, 2013 at 4:49 pm

    I would love a sewing buddy!!! But I need someone to be patient with me since I’m 5 months pregnant mother of a rambunctious 2 year old and really need sewing as a stress relief XD

  • Abby Crystal Burk
    January 8, 2013 at 4:58 pm

    2013 a year for exciting sewing! I enjoy learning new tricks of the trade when it comes to using my sewing machine. My favorite is to sew clothes, yet anything that I get to say “Hey look what I can do I made this on Sewfee (that’s my machine’s name of course)

  • Brittany
    January 9, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    I’m new to Atlanta and just getting back into sewing. I’m really looking forward to making a new sewing buddy to help inspire me to sew more!

  • mayayam
    January 9, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    I need a sewing buddy. love to sew, but don`t have anyone around me that sew.

  • Elaine
    January 9, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    Awesome. Count me in!

  • Nikki
    January 9, 2013 at 6:32 pm

    Yes please! I’ve wanted to join ever since I read about all the lovely projects last year!

  • April Pruitt-Summers
    January 9, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    Sorry if this published 3 times – I kept getting an error msg

  • Brooke
    January 9, 2013 at 7:03 pm

    Very excited to be able to participate this year!

  • Agnes
    January 9, 2013 at 7:21 pm

    Signing up! Looking forward to having a sewing buddy.

  • Teresa Newman
    January 9, 2013 at 11:56 pm

    I’ve never had a sewing buddy — pen pal. I love how much fun I have with people in classes. Many of my friends “used to sew” but don’t want to devote any time to it now.

    Thanks for organizing this again. It makes for great blog interaction!

  • Kerrie Porter
    January 10, 2013 at 3:09 am

    This sounds like fun! I can’t wait to get started!

  • Flora
    January 10, 2013 at 10:01 am

    I would like to try this again.

  • Ellen Lamb
    January 10, 2013 at 12:53 pm

    I would love to be part of the 2013 sewing buddies! 🙂 Thank you so much for doing this!

  • susanne
    January 10, 2013 at 2:49 pm

    Oh, I would love to help somebody with her sewing goals!

  • Ginger
    January 10, 2013 at 9:48 pm

    Sign me up please. As for a project what about some kind of fabric swap and then a project to go with it. I just finished reading your scrap quilt post that you made between Christmas and New Year’s. So people could swap 2.5 inch strips and then make a quilt like that.

  • Jules
    January 11, 2013 at 3:37 am

    This sounds AMAZING!!! I can’t believe I’ve only just discovered your blog!! Thanks for the opportunity to meet new friends 🙂

  • Kerri Hayward
    January 11, 2013 at 4:59 am

    I would like to try this… I have a lot of curtains I need to sew and maybe something for myself:)

  • Robin
    January 11, 2013 at 4:51 pm

    So glad I found this and I’m not too late to sign up. Would love to have a sewing buddy. 2013 is gonna be sooo good!!!

  • Emily K
    January 12, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    me please! Mine didn’t work out last year, so I hope this year I’m more disciplined!

  • Jocelyn
    January 12, 2013 at 11:15 pm

    Just found your site, I would love to participate in the Sewing Buddies…does it matter where we are located? Thank you and have a great day!

    • Jocelyn
      January 13, 2013 at 12:05 pm

      I found the answer to my question…thanks!! 🙂

  • Nicole
    January 14, 2013 at 10:03 am

    I’m very excited for the fun and accountability of this! Thank you for all the work you’ve put into it!

  • Noelle Lena
    January 14, 2013 at 11:36 am

    This is such an incredible idea! I can’t wait to meet my buddy 🙂

    • Noelle Lena
      January 14, 2013 at 11:41 am

      Also what is your email addy so I can put it in my “important” folder?

  • sam
    January 14, 2013 at 4:46 pm

    I am a beginner who would like to get more regular, and therefore more advanced, in my sewing machine exploits. As for a challenge, I would love to do something that benefits others: pillowcases/blankets for pediatric wards, Little Dresses for Africa, etc.

  • Lynn brown
    January 14, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    Excited for the sewing buddies!

  • Carolyn Herbert
    January 14, 2013 at 6:15 pm

    Just discovered your site – looks like a heap of fun and the accountability and companionship will be grand!

  • Vicki B.
    January 14, 2013 at 7:26 pm

    This sounds right up my alley! I’ve been itching to pull out my machine and fabric since we moved.

  • Jess
    January 14, 2013 at 7:31 pm

    How fun – I would love to participate.

  • Emily
    January 14, 2013 at 10:47 pm

    This looks so cool. Hope it is as motivating through the year as it seems right now!

  • Alison
    January 15, 2013 at 4:25 am

    Yes please, sign me up! What a fantastic ‘concept’, so looking forward to being involved 🙂

  • mary
    January 15, 2013 at 6:21 am

    This sounds like fun and just the push I need to actually do something with my fabric stash!

  • Carrie Lee
    January 15, 2013 at 8:38 am

    Maybe this will help keep me on track for some projects this year. :o)

  • Jessi Lamb
    January 15, 2013 at 9:01 am

    Looking forward to this! I’m a beginner but ready to get some mileage out of my new (old) sewing machine. ; )

  • Melanie Bigelow
    January 15, 2013 at 9:39 am

    I would love to participate. I am a beginner sewer, and don’t use my sewing machine much, and having 3 children I would love to change that.

  • Holly
    January 15, 2013 at 9:53 am

    This is so great!! Looking forward to it.

  • Lori
    January 15, 2013 at 10:08 am

    I am looking foward to joining the group. I do not seem to get to my sewing machine as often as I should. I would probably be more up to the challenge if I did. I am ready though to be challenged and meet new friends. Thank you for creating the opportunity. I would also like to suggest some sort of endeavor for charity.

  • Jen Gleason
    January 15, 2013 at 10:28 am

    Please please please sign me up! One of my goals for this year was to spend some more me time….and this is exactly what I was looking for.

  • Pascale
    January 15, 2013 at 11:53 am

    Hi! I’d love to participate in Sewing Buddies!
    Colour: red!
    Number: 4

  • Paula Brackman
    January 15, 2013 at 12:06 pm

    I love the idea of a sewing buddy. I sew quilts, Christengowns,home dec. Wedding gowns, prom dresses. crafts, doll clothes, purses.The problem is I have highly functional ADD and have problems sometimes finishing projects.

  • Ashlee
    January 15, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    I’d love to be a part of 2013s sewing buddies!

  • Cathy v
    January 15, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    Sounds fun! Sign me up.

  • Caitlin
    January 15, 2013 at 5:14 pm

    I am so excited about this. I have been sewing for a couple of years now, but never very consistently and now I’m kind of stuck. I would love to have some accountability and motivation!

  • Mariel
    January 15, 2013 at 5:26 pm

    Sounds fun! Looking forward to finding a sewing buddy!

  • Lynne Dardanell
    January 15, 2013 at 10:16 pm

    I feel like I’ve just discovered a pot of gold with Sewing Buddies. What a gift! Thank you for the opportunity to join in. I love making new friends almost as much as I love sewing!!!

  • Stephanie
    January 15, 2013 at 11:01 pm

    This is going to be awesome!

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  • Chloe
    January 16, 2013 at 10:32 am

    I’d love to be matched up. I’ve seen others mention it and I really like the idea of buddies sewing A Dress for Every Girl!

  • House of Pinheiro
    January 16, 2013 at 12:50 pm

    Please count me in x

  • Julie
    January 16, 2013 at 3:26 pm

    Oh, fun! Anything that encourages me to sew more is a good thing.

  • Lynn
    January 16, 2013 at 10:51 pm

    This sounds like so much fun! Count me in!

  • Brianne
    January 17, 2013 at 9:05 pm

    I would love to participate and get a sewing buddy. What a great idea! Thanks!

  • Maja
    January 18, 2013 at 12:08 am

    So glad to find this! I’d be excited to have some technique specific challenge, but all of it will be fabulous. I dont have many friends who sew, so a buddy will be a great sounding board. Thank you!

  • Jenni
    January 18, 2013 at 9:18 am

    hoping this will help me get out of my sewing rut!

  • Eva
    January 18, 2013 at 9:46 am

    Hello from Germany!
    Would love to have a sewing buddy. 🙂

  • Diana
    January 18, 2013 at 9:48 am

    Sounds like fun! Can’t wait to find out who my buddy is.

  • Wendy
    January 18, 2013 at 10:32 am

    I’m in! Can’t wait to see where this take me in 2013.

  • Frances
    January 18, 2013 at 11:11 am

    I would love to join!!!!!!
    Btw I speak both English and Spanish 🙂

  • Crystal
    January 18, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    I would like to be a part of the sewing buddies!

  • Sally
    January 18, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    Ooh this sounds exciting, I’d love to meet a new sewing buddy. Thanks.

  • Pam
    January 18, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    I am here from Simply Homemade and I am excited to venture with Sewing Buddies this year. My first!

  • Valerie
    January 18, 2013 at 3:39 pm

    I would love to have a sewing buddy. What a great idea this is!

  • Risa
    January 18, 2013 at 9:22 pm

    I’m in…I would love to have a sewing buddy and also bond with a new friend!!! 🙂

  • Teresa Newman
    January 21, 2013 at 2:24 am

    I’d like to participate in the sewing buddy program this year.

  • Kimberly
    January 22, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    I would love to participate. I’m so glad I saw this before it was too late. Thank you!

  • Julie
    January 22, 2013 at 3:50 pm

    I would like to make new friends that share my crafty interests… now I just have to make more time to sew! Looking forward to hearing more!

  • Sarah
    January 23, 2013 at 6:55 am

    I’d love a sewing buddy!

  • Ledys
    January 23, 2013 at 6:38 pm

    This will be my first year, so excited! Thanks, Deborah!

  • Katy
    January 23, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    Oh I’d love to take part in this, thank you!

  • Renata
    January 23, 2013 at 7:27 pm

    I would like to be apart of this project.

  • Shalini
    January 23, 2013 at 9:15 pm

    I held back last year because of lack of confidence. Well here goes I would like to join the Sewing Buddy programme this year. Woo hoo !!!

  • K-Sue
    January 23, 2013 at 11:10 pm

    I’d like a sewing buddy!

  • Robin
    January 24, 2013 at 7:06 am

    I am looking forward to this adventure.

  • Laura K
    January 24, 2013 at 8:14 am

    I’d love to be a part of Sewing Buddies!

  • Robin
    January 24, 2013 at 9:46 am

    I forgot to comment on projects-there are so many crafting for a cause organizations out there……dresses for girls, pillowcases, blankets, slippers,dolls, hopeful threads, etc. I would love to put our sewing force behind one of those.

    getting excited……

    • Kristy
      February 2, 2013 at 9:27 am

      Thanks for the suggestion of Hopeful Threads Robin, would always welcome your sewing force through support and participation of one of our project! 🙂 Best!

  • Caroline
    January 24, 2013 at 4:28 pm

    I’m thinking this should be fun, please count me in!

  • Molly
    January 24, 2013 at 10:25 pm

    I’ve been wishing for a Sewing Buddy because I need some external motivation, but also because I love the friendliness, helpfulness and kindness that pervades the sewing community. No haters here, and that’s a good thing.

    A sewing project that could be fun, easy, and not take half a year is … (drumroll) … underwear. Ohhhlulu and A Few Loose Threads are sponsoring a competition, but for those of us who aren’t ready for competition, a pair of perfect, sexy, and comfortable panties would broaden our skill set and give us a naughty glint in our eye when we talk about our sewing project. Doesn’t take much fabric, can be done with wovens or knits, and is instantly usable. What could possibly be better?

    Another project idea is an upcycled denim bag. Environmentally friendly, widely creative, and cheap. You can carry your sexy underwear for an overnight in it.

  • Andrea James
    January 24, 2013 at 10:40 pm

    I stumbled upon this website and am so glad I did. I love to sew and want to do more of it, but life seems to always get in the way. A sewing buddy may help me to find the time. And it will be fun to have someone to talk with about sewing and learn from along the way. A project could be making hats for children with cancer or blankets for Project Linus.

  • Sarah S
    January 25, 2013 at 4:05 pm

    I am really excited to be a part of the Sewing Buddy community! Thank you so much for making this happen!!

  • Rena Gleason
    January 26, 2013 at 11:01 am

    Sewing buddies sounds like fun! Sign me up!

  • Charlotte Lunsford
    January 26, 2013 at 10:30 pm

    Im so excited Ive found the sewing buddy project before the deadline. Id love a partner in crime (err…. buddy) !!!

  • Kelley
    January 27, 2013 at 9:04 am

    I would love to be assigned a sewing buddy! You can’t have too many people to talk sewing with.

  • Lee Ann
    January 27, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    I’d love to take part..thanks!

  • Caitlin
    January 27, 2013 at 8:55 pm

    I am willing to give it a try!

  • Lisa Sanders
    January 27, 2013 at 10:21 pm

    I would love to have a sewing buddy!

  • Melissa
    January 28, 2013 at 9:27 am

    A sewing buddy is just what I need! Learning how to upcycle or remake clothes and sewing knits are on my agenda this year.

  • Shon
    January 28, 2013 at 9:30 am

    I would love to join as I am new to sewing and my machine terrifies me!! I have made a few projects with a friend’s help, but would love to step out into the brave world of sewing on my own, with a buddy course.

    Let’s make dslr camera straps!

    Thank you so much!!

  • Angel S.
    January 28, 2013 at 10:06 am

    I would love a sewing buddy! Lots of things I want to sew this year, just need someone to keep me on track. 🙂

  • Courtney
    January 28, 2013 at 4:23 pm

    I need a sewing buddy! Thanks so much for coordinating this.

  • Hannah
    January 29, 2013 at 7:34 am

    I didn’t have great luck with my buddy last year, unfortunately, but I’m ready to give it another shot. Thanks for organizing this every year!

  • Courtney
    January 29, 2013 at 4:16 pm

    I’d love a sewing buddy, thank you for hosting this!

  • Christine Doiron
    January 30, 2013 at 11:36 am

    Love to have a sewing buddy! Looking forward to this. And by the way, I love your new book!

    • Deborah
      January 31, 2013 at 2:13 pm

      Thank you so much, Christine! I’m so glad!

  • vicki
    January 30, 2013 at 5:23 pm

    I’d love to join in – assuming you’re willing to take on an absolute beginner!! Sounds like a great group; thanks so much for pulling it all together!

  • Kristin S.
    January 30, 2013 at 8:45 pm

    Didn’t have much luck with my bud last year, but hopefully this year will be better! I’m IN!

  • Vickie Lord
    January 30, 2013 at 11:20 pm

    A sewing buddy sounds like a fun idea! Please count me in!

  • Jennifer
    January 31, 2013 at 8:53 am

    Looking forward to it!!

  • dee
    January 31, 2013 at 9:43 am

    Just want to make sure i signed up again this year! YEA!

  • Lerita Coleman Brown
    January 31, 2013 at 11:05 pm

    My current favorite color is green and I like the number 7. I will stop working in March after 32.5 years and I cannot wait to get back to the sewing machine. I would love a sewing buddy.

    I love to make “laugh or cough” pillows for people who have had open heart surgery. I also like to make tea cozies (so many creative choices).

  • Lawana Gray
    February 1, 2013 at 1:20 pm

    I would LOVE to have a sewing buddy. Saw this just in time! 🙂

  • Brooke
    February 2, 2013 at 12:23 pm

    Aww! Missed it by a day!

    • Deborah
      February 2, 2013 at 12:26 pm

      You’re not too late–I’m still matching up pairs! Let me know if you’d like to join us, and I’ll put you in the hat. 🙂

      • Brooke
        February 2, 2013 at 1:48 pm

        Yes, please sign me up. 🙂 I think it would be lots of fun to have a sewing buddy!

  • Kelly Farris
    February 3, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    I hope it’s not too late to sign up! Please let me participate. I love to sew and need a buddy!

  • dee
    February 7, 2013 at 4:12 pm

    did anyone recieve the sewing buddy match up yet?

    • Wendy
      February 7, 2013 at 4:14 pm

      No, I haven’t…. 🙂

    • Heidi
      February 8, 2013 at 1:32 pm

      I got my information late last night. I think the first project is supposed to be posted today.

  • Laura K
    February 8, 2013 at 5:13 pm

    I’d like a sewing buddy

  • Susan Kimbrough
    February 12, 2013 at 1:32 am

    I just found your website and learned about your great company. I would love to participate in the Sewing Buddy Project!

  • Kirsty
    February 15, 2013 at 4:14 am

    Hey!! I know I’m posting past the close date, but if you’ve still got room for a ‘little one’, I would luuuurrrvvve to be a part of this! It sounds fantastic!!! I’ve only just found your fabulous site, I’m reading voraciously and enjoying it immensely.
    I think that some kind of upcycle project would be a fantastic idea in that’s time of austerity (certainly here in the UK anyway). Also, I love the idea of making something that will benefit a charity or someone less fortunate too. I hope you’ll be kind enough to allow me to tag on if its at all possible!
    Many thanks, in anticipation of a positive result (crosses fingers and looks hopeful …)
    Kirsty 🙂

  • Kirsty
    February 15, 2013 at 4:16 am

    Oops, in this time of austerity, not that’s. damn you autocorrect!!!

  • Lois
    February 16, 2013 at 6:20 pm

    I would like a sewing buddy if its not too late to sign up. Love this idea!

  • Tina
    February 18, 2013 at 9:01 am

    Is it too late to get a sewing buddy? I’m a complete novice. My sweet * yr. old daughter and I will be learning to do this together. Love this idea!

  • Lanell Rostad
    February 18, 2013 at 11:30 am

    Is it too late?

  • Shirley
    February 20, 2013 at 9:22 pm

    I missed the date but I will be back next January to join in for 2014 that’s a promise.

  • Pat
    April 27, 2013 at 7:27 pm

    This is so exciting and thanks for this group. I would like a window treatment buddy. Thanks.

  • Heidi K
    September 16, 2013 at 3:24 pm

    I’d like to join. I’d love some motivation to sew.

  • Carol B
    October 16, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    I’d love to join if it isn’t too late…I love to sew for the less fortunate – mostly children (pillow case dresses for girls, shorts for boys), as well as some quilting for quilts for kids project. I would love to be paired with someone of similar interests.