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.
Shannon
July 20, 2010 at 4:49 pmOhhhhh, 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!!!!!
Kjersti
July 20, 2010 at 4:55 pmWhat a great idea! Cudos to you. 🙂 I am fairly new to sewing, and would love a sewing buddy!
Agnes
July 20, 2010 at 5:29 pmI need a sewing buddy 🙂 I’m new to sewing and in particular, to quilting. Love this idea!
Jody
July 20, 2010 at 5:34 pmI love this idea! Who doesn’t need a sewing buddy?
FYI: Leaving tomorrow for a few days in the mountains, back Sunday night.
marsi
July 20, 2010 at 6:21 pmI just discovered your blog through your etsy shop & I would love to have a virtual sewing buddy.
Camille
July 20, 2010 at 6:47 pmWhat fun! A sewing buddy is a great idea!
camillemalucci[at]yahoo[dot]com.
Donya Rumore
July 20, 2010 at 7:02 pmI 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.
Ruth
July 20, 2010 at 7:59 pmWhat a great idea!!! My sewing mostly focuses on quilts and bags but I’m definitely interested in doing some basic apparel stuff too.
Kristy
July 20, 2010 at 8:32 pmSounds like fun – i’m in!
Natasha
July 20, 2010 at 8:57 pmThis 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.
Narelle @ CookCleanCraft
July 20, 2010 at 9:06 pmI’d definitely like a sewing buddy (hope it’s not one of the looney ones though!).
Deborah
July 20, 2010 at 9:13 pmWe’ve outlawed all loonies this round–so you’re in the clear!
Molly
July 20, 2010 at 9:15 pmYes – sign me up! 🙂
Jodi B.
July 20, 2010 at 9:42 pmWhat a great idea! – I’m in!
sara
July 20, 2010 at 9:46 pmOk, I’ll bite. I think buddies in general are a good thing.
Joanna
July 20, 2010 at 10:35 pmWhat a great idea! I don’t know any one in my area that sews. I need a buddy! 🙂
Blair Barrows
July 20, 2010 at 10:59 pmYESS!!!! 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!
KZ
July 20, 2010 at 11:11 pmAwesome idea! This sounds so fun, count me in!
Tweets that mention Sewing Goals 2010: Get Yourself a Sewing Buddy — Whipstitch -- Topsy.com
July 21, 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 […]
Susie
July 21, 2010 at 5:14 amCount me in – with Christmas craftery rearing its head – I’ll need all the encouragement I can get!
Sewing Princess
July 21, 2010 at 5:52 amThis 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….
Dusty
July 21, 2010 at 8:58 amI’m definitely in!! Awesome!
April Forshee
July 21, 2010 at 9:01 amThis is a great idea!
Ashley Fireall
July 21, 2010 at 9:25 amI’m excited! This sounds fun.
Chrissy Weeks
July 21, 2010 at 11:31 amWould love a new sewing buddy! Need a little more social interaction w/ my sewing!
Jasmine
July 21, 2010 at 12:05 pmOh, 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!
Melissa
July 21, 2010 at 12:28 pmI’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!
Camille (another one)
July 21, 2010 at 1:01 pmI would love to participate!
Tiffany
July 21, 2010 at 1:55 pmI’d love a sewing buddy!!
Overmost Giveaway WINNERS — Whipstitch
July 21, 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 […]
Marci J
July 21, 2010 at 3:23 pmI would love a buddy!
Steffanie
July 21, 2010 at 3:36 pmI love it! I would love to have a sewing buddy.
Whitney
July 21, 2010 at 4:20 pmI’d love to have a buddy!
Morgan
July 21, 2010 at 4:30 pmI would love a sewing buddy! Thanks for organizing this!
Jennifer W.
July 21, 2010 at 6:24 pmI 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!
Amber
July 21, 2010 at 7:20 pmSounds like a marvelous idea – sign me up!
Rosa
July 21, 2010 at 9:00 pmThis would be great – pls. sign me up! Thanks!
Amy
July 21, 2010 at 10:25 pmI 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!
Gayle
July 22, 2010 at 7:27 pmThis will be so fabulous!!
Colleen
July 22, 2010 at 7:42 pmOk – 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~!
Holly
July 23, 2010 at 10:52 amGreat idea! I’m a newbie, and would love a sewing buddy.
Deborah
July 23, 2010 at 11:53 amI 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.
— The Accidental Crafter
July 26, 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! […]
Sewing Buddies Unite! — Whipstitch
July 26, 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 […]
Clare Fitzgerald
July 27, 2010 at 1:27 pmi want me a buddy!
Meichelle
July 27, 2010 at 2:47 pmwant to participate in “sewing buddy”
Laura Schultz
July 27, 2010 at 5:24 pmI’m a total beginner with stacks of fabric and projects that I never get to. 🙂 Sign me up!
jessica
July 27, 2010 at 5:55 pmNot sure if it’s too late, but if not I’d like to join in.
Kejun Zhang
July 27, 2010 at 11:07 pmGreat 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.
Getting to Know Your Sewing Buddy — Whipstitch
July 28, 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 […]
Anne
July 28, 2010 at 12:18 pmI 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….
Christie
July 28, 2010 at 12:42 pmA Sewing Buddy will help keep me motivated! Sign me up!
TammyR
July 28, 2010 at 5:27 pmGreat idea! I’m in!
heidi
July 28, 2010 at 7:58 pmok, I’m in!
Ima
July 29, 2010 at 9:01 amLooks like I found this post just in time. Can I still join?
Theresa
July 29, 2010 at 10:51 amI’d love a sewing buddy too!!
Jonikik
July 29, 2010 at 1:35 pmHave 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
Betsie
July 29, 2010 at 2:17 pmFirst, 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!
Lisa
July 30, 2010 at 8:09 pmThis sounds like lots of fun – I’m in! I’m in Australia if that makes any difference?
Edris
July 30, 2010 at 9:01 pmI would like to join. Count me in Round 2!
Charlotte
July 31, 2010 at 2:43 amHope I’m not too late to join! Would love to have a sewing buddy for mutual moral support and fun!!
Jane Wrenn
July 31, 2010 at 8:08 amThis 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!
Deborah
August 3, 2010 at 6:03 pmHi 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
Jenny Yarbrough
August 6, 2010 at 10:41 amDeborah, this is brilliant! I have to sign up… here I come!
Jenny Yarbrough
August 6, 2010 at 10:42 amOop, here’s my email…
jenniferyarbrough@hotmail.com
I can’t wait, I’m so pumped!
Sam
August 6, 2010 at 11:51 amHi! I think this is an awesome idea!
🙂 Would love to be included.
Thanks!
Katie R
August 6, 2010 at 11:55 amOh! 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!
Natalie
August 6, 2010 at 12:01 pmIs it too late to sign up for a sewing buddy?
Tashena
August 6, 2010 at 1:45 pmOOH!
I would love to have a BUDDY!
I can’t wait to see where this takes us!!!!!!
Last Chance for 2010: Sign Up For A Sewing Buddy! — Whipstitch
August 7, 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, […]
Michelle Bolt
August 7, 2010 at 3:16 pmOh thank you so much for giving us one more chance! I’d like a sewing buddy!
Mary Anna
August 7, 2010 at 9:43 pmI’d like a sewing buddy! What a great idea!
Sheila
August 7, 2010 at 9:56 pmI would love to do this and have new inspiration!
Shannon
August 7, 2010 at 11:09 pmIs it too late? I have nooo crafty friends. Boo.
Beverly
August 8, 2010 at 10:40 pmLooks like I found this just in time! Thinking a virtual sewing buddy might be kinda good! Thanks 🙂
Erin
August 9, 2010 at 1:03 amWhen 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!
Kasey
August 9, 2010 at 6:49 amWhat a great idea! I’d love to have someone to run things by!
Laura Boyd
August 9, 2010 at 7:52 amJust 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!
Teri C
August 10, 2010 at 7:38 pmis 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.
erika
September 15, 2010 at 10:35 ambummer! i want a buddy!! if any buddies get bumped by their current buds, i’ll step in! so sorry i didn’t find this til now.
JoJo Nelson
September 16, 2010 at 9:05 amLooks like i’m too late to get a buddy for 2010 but I would like to be added to whatever list is forming to get a buddy for 2011…Thx, jojo
Already Thinking About 2011: A Sewing Buddy Check-Up — Whipstitch
November 10, 2010 at 3:31 pm[…] When I first developed the Sewing Buddy Project, I didn’t really think it would go very far. I mean, it kinda seemed a little goofy: pen […]
New Blog Series in the New Year, and An Epiphany | Whipstitch
December 30, 2010 at 7:24 pm[…] Sewing Buddy Project was SO MUCH FUN in 2010. I’ve been getting emails and notes about it ever since we closed […]
Sewing Buddy Project 2011 Sign-Ups OPEN! | Whipstitch
January 3, 2011 at 11:28 am[…] It’s time!! Today, we open up the list to add names to the Sewing Buddy Project for 2011. I had SUCH fun hearing all the stories from last year and seeing what all you got up to with your buddies–it’s so cool to think about what two people can encourage one another to achieve in the space of just a few months. For background on the Project, see the original post here. […]
Kimee
January 3, 2011 at 4:27 pmI would love to participate!!!
kimeepower@gmail.com
Sewing Buddy Project for 2011 « Sewing Princess
January 4, 2011 at 3:54 am[…] Read the background on the Sewing Buddy Project from last year. […]
angie
January 10, 2011 at 4:20 pmwould love to have a sewing buddy because I don’t know anyone in my area that fashion sews…
Liz
February 8, 2011 at 11:46 amI’m sad the deadline passed. I’m going to set up a reminder for next year!
M
October 14, 2011 at 1:39 pmThis is probably the greatest idea ever & I’m very disappointed I missed out. Are there plans for another one in the making? I would love to be on-board!
Deborah
October 14, 2011 at 1:55 pmWe’ll be starting back up in the New Year!
Christina
November 7, 2011 at 1:14 pmI would love to have a sewing buddy or be part of a sewing community. Please let me know if there is a way to do this!
Deborah
November 8, 2011 at 10:05 pmWe’ll be starting back up in January! Hope you’ll join us–will be so much fun!
karyn Jones
March 22, 2012 at 10:21 amThis sounds like a lot of fun!
UnqiueSeamstress
June 26, 2012 at 6:19 pmi want a sewing buddy!
UnqiueSeamstress
June 26, 2012 at 6:21 pmi want to participate in a sewing buddy! my fav number is 8! My fav color is yellow.
Kimee
June 27, 2012 at 12:28 pmThis was for 2010. The new link is http://whipstitchfabrics.com/blog/sewing-buddy-project-open-for-2012/