Hey you!

Yes you.
The one with the sewing machine.
Still in the box.
Or in the closet.
Collecting dust.

I am calling you out.
You are done being afraid.
The time has come to
girlie up and sew.

Starting on Monday things are going to change.
Don't worry.
I will hold your hand,
encourage you,
give you the confidence you need.

Because by Thanksgiving,
you will have made eight
handmade gifts for under $20,
learned a beautiful new skill
and conquered a ridiculous fear.

Are you with me?
Get ready.
It's time to bring on the cute.


Posted in

100 Comments

  1. SheybNovember 5, 2009 at 3:56 PM

    Cute!!

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  2. MonicaNovember 5, 2009 at 3:57 PM

    I am so in! I cannot wait for Monday! In the meantime, where can I buy cute fabric quick! When is PP woodland delight available? Thanks for doing this - my sewing machine is not in the closet (that would be convenient) it is on top of my washer collecting dust!!!

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  3. TrishNovember 5, 2009 at 3:58 PM

    OH.MY.GOODNESS! Can't wait!!! You should do this for an intermediate level and then a difficult level, later!!! I want to learn how to sew clothes for my kiddos and possibly me :) hope the house settling in is going well!

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  4. MommafoNovember 5, 2009 at 4:01 PM

    I'm in!

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  5. Jenny ColbornNovember 5, 2009 at 4:11 PM

    i can't believe i'm saying this...but i think i'm in.
    julie, you're really going to have to hold my hand through this :)

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  6. DrewBNovember 5, 2009 at 4:17 PM

    You should have titled this post, "Hey Drew!". If you're being serious then you're going to have a lot of hand holding to do with me. My sewing machine scares me!!!

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  7. JodiNovember 5, 2009 at 4:28 PM

    love it! I'll have to see if I can scrounge up the time to play along!

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  8. StephanieGNovember 5, 2009 at 4:32 PM

    advice for a great beginner (yet multifunctional) sewing machine? it's been years since i've tried! i'm scared! lol

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  9. Cheryl @ a pretty cool life.November 5, 2009 at 4:40 PM

    Sounds fun!

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  10. sunnygirlstephNovember 5, 2009 at 4:41 PM

    this sounds like fun!... count me in!

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  11. Beki - TheRustedChainNovember 5, 2009 at 4:43 PM

    Oh girl, you're funny!!
    If you can come teach me how to thread my sewing machine, I might be in. I'm a total sewing dummy.

    I stick to jewelry.

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  12. Marta @ Haus of GirlsNovember 5, 2009 at 4:44 PM

    So in!
    Get ready to not just hold my hand, but SQEEZE it tightly!
    HELP!

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  13. AmandaNovember 5, 2009 at 4:44 PM

    I am feeling ambitious and possibly on an apple pie high....I am in!

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  14. GeorgiaElizabethNovember 5, 2009 at 4:55 PM

    so much fun! really looking forward to the adorable things I know you will pick out. can't wait!

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  15. Vintage Dutch GirlNovember 5, 2009 at 5:00 PM

    BRING IT ON!!!

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  16. Tegan | Celebrate Twelve13November 5, 2009 at 5:03 PM

    Hahaha... okay too much fun to turn down. What a cute idea Julie! I'm in. :)

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  17. ArielNovember 5, 2009 at 5:05 PM

    I'm in! I need a little hand-holding though!

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  18. Mary ElizabethNovember 5, 2009 at 5:19 PM

    I AM IN!!!!! Do we have to wait till Monday? tee hee Can't wait to see what you have in store for us ... you are so awesome!

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  19. Mrs. DunbarNovember 5, 2009 at 5:22 PM

    i'm in! what do we need?

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  20. Kelly O.November 5, 2009 at 5:22 PM

    okay you are quite possibly the biggest geek ever but I totally love this idea! ;P
    I have friends that have me do all their mending even though their sewing machines are nicer than mine!
    I can't wait to see what's in store!
    Hope the house is coming along--I'm thinking your sewing/crafting studio is up and running considering the scarf along :)

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  21. AnonymousNovember 5, 2009 at 5:36 PM

    sooooo excited!!!!

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  22. AmyNovember 5, 2009 at 5:38 PM

    Fun fun! Can't wait!

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  23. mel @ the larson lingoNovember 5, 2009 at 5:40 PM

    This sounds very scary.
    BUT......i am in.....i will borrow my mother in law's sewing machine.
    I am going to need some serious help.

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  24. BriBedellNovember 5, 2009 at 5:47 PM

    Bring it on!! I am so ready for this!

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  25. jonahbonahNovember 5, 2009 at 5:49 PM

    I would love to join in! I need to make some gifts and use up some of this fabric!!!

    Melissa

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  26. mysteryhistorymomNovember 5, 2009 at 6:00 PM

    Julie- You ARE talking to me! Woo Hoo! I am ready!!!! Lori

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  27. Heather @ Life Made LovelyNovember 5, 2009 at 6:01 PM

    So even though I know how to sew, I DO NOT know how to follow a pattern. Can I still join, cause I am so there!!

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  28. BlackCatMimaNovember 5, 2009 at 6:07 PM

    Your timing is uncanny. I am having sewing machine lessons all day Saturday and Sunday (right here in my dining room!) so I might maybe just be ready for ya on Monday! *spins in chair* Now I'm all excited!

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  29. jaquelyn {mama thoughts}November 5, 2009 at 6:18 PM

    Sweet! I'm definitely coming back by...I just posted about some of my sewing ventures (sweetestpetunia.blogspot.com), but to be honest? My sewing machine is still scary...Plus I need some good gift ideas! ;)

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  30. BaileyNovember 5, 2009 at 6:19 PM

    Super excited over here! While my machine is not collecting dust, I need more projects. I'm hand making all of this year's Christmas gifts - will you have anything for the men on our lists? I'm having a hard time with them.

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  31. emily hopeNovember 5, 2009 at 6:27 PM

    I'm pretty sure you wrote this just for me.

    beautiful sewing machine. ?? years old. still veeerrrry intimidated by it. we need you, julie!!

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  32. .November 5, 2009 at 6:31 PM

    Love it!

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  33. SkamamamaNovember 5, 2009 at 6:42 PM

    what a fabulous idea! i can NOT wait!
    how in the world do you have time for blogging, creating, & MOVING/settling in?!
    we just moved . . . 6 weeks ago and the floor in my creation station room is still barely visible. i'm hoping to have organize tomorrow. (in time for lots of use come monday!) maybe i need time management lessons!

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  34. AnonymousNovember 5, 2009 at 6:46 PM

    Count this chick in!!

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  35. AnonymousNovember 5, 2009 at 6:48 PM

    YAY!!! cant wait!

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  36. CatherineNovember 5, 2009 at 6:49 PM

    Oh me! Me! Me! I'm in!!

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  37. CindyNovember 5, 2009 at 6:54 PM

    I have lurked at your blog for awhile now and that scarf just sparked me to comment! I am in! I love your blog!

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  38. TerriNovember 5, 2009 at 6:57 PM

    Yay! I am making scarfs for friends this year to. I still have yet to make them but I did buy all the supplies ;)

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  39. AnonymousNovember 5, 2009 at 7:00 PM

    So excited!

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  40. MarjorieNovember 5, 2009 at 7:19 PM

    You are going to teach me how to sew??!!!!! I am so excited!!!..and ready!!! Love the scarf:)

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  41. Allikaye's MamaNovember 5, 2009 at 7:20 PM

    Me? You talkin to me?
    Yes you are!
    I will try and get the machine out of the basement!
    but I don't even really know how to thread it!!!

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  42. BethNovember 5, 2009 at 7:23 PM

    let's do this! yo!

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  43. StephanieNovember 5, 2009 at 7:34 PM

    So excited for this! I have been thinking about handmade Cristmas presents all week!

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  44. SaraNovember 5, 2009 at 7:47 PM

    Well, my machine is out and getting lots of use lately, but I'm in! I can't wait to see what your ideas are! You always have fantastic stuff. I'm thinking that scarf is perfect for my sister!

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  45. KellyNovember 5, 2009 at 7:48 PM

    I wanna play!

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  46. BecksNovember 5, 2009 at 7:50 PM

    Yes, yes Im ready!!! I just need some cute fabric...

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  47. LynetteNovember 5, 2009 at 7:53 PM

    Can't wait! I am sew going to do this! (hehe)

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  48. CariNovember 5, 2009 at 7:59 PM

    Hurray!! Can't wait!

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  49. apholdenNovember 5, 2009 at 8:31 PM

    I'm in too! :) I made a scrappy scarf from Ashley's tut and am looking forward to doing this one as well -- great gift idea! :)

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  50. TheFancyFritterNovember 5, 2009 at 8:43 PM

    Oh how fun! I actually just finished up 2 scarves the other day! I love doing the trim on the bottom! I need to do that to my next one! Can't wait to see your ideas!! Whoo hoo!

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  51. ragamuffinbeautiesNovember 5, 2009 at 9:15 PM

    Yes Ma'am, sign me up!

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  52. DarinNovember 5, 2009 at 9:41 PM

    Ooohh yay! I am definitely in, even though I really don't have time I'm making time for this. SO FUN!

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  53. Erin BurnsNovember 5, 2009 at 9:48 PM

    I'm down. Or in...whatever it is I'm supposed to be. FUN!

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  54. Mainly a midwifeNovember 5, 2009 at 9:57 PM

    ok..that is SO me. I'm in. Now if only i can find the darn thing. I have to confess that I am intimidated by it. Hopefully I can remember how to thread it. Thanks for the gentle kick in the butt. I want to be a sewer. I want to have a reason to actually buy the Amy Butler fabrics.

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  55. AnonymousNovember 5, 2009 at 10:04 PM

    BRING IT ON! I AM IN!!!!!!! CANT WAIT!

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  56. nikihas3November 5, 2009 at 11:20 PM

    I want to learn how, but every time I try to I end up breaking my machine. Not literally, but my husband won't let me touch it anymore (he's tired of having to re-thread it every time). So now he does all of the sewing needs. I want to learn how though, so count me in. I'm scared and excited at the same time.

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  57. Carol BNovember 5, 2009 at 11:21 PM

    excellent idea.
    love that scarf.
    PS. I found potato toasties, and made 2 of prev recipe - YUMMM!!!!

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  58. Gloria P.November 6, 2009 at 12:06 AM

    How did you know that I bought a machine and have not use it yet! Ok, you got me, I am in! I will be back monday.

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  59. Angie MaeNovember 6, 2009 at 3:33 AM

    I'm so there! I'm going to have to learn how to thread my sewing machine, but I'm there.

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  60. Jenny LynnNovember 6, 2009 at 5:11 AM

    YAY!
    I'm super excited about this!

    I have a sewing machine and I'm not scared to use it, the problem I have is I'm not really good at it. PLUS, I hate to spend a lot of money on getting all my materials and then FAIL. So, under $20 AND a beginners tutorial?? Could it get any better??
    :)

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  61. Liz_ENovember 6, 2009 at 6:00 AM

    I am so in!

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  62. meg duerksenNovember 6, 2009 at 6:04 AM

    you are inspiring!!!

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  63. JillNovember 6, 2009 at 6:05 AM

    YEAH!!!!!!!I can't WAIT!!!! I'm with you!!! fears-be-gone!
    Blessings!
    Jill

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  64. AnonymousNovember 6, 2009 at 6:24 AM

    i am in!!! i can't wait!!

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  65. DonnaNovember 6, 2009 at 6:24 AM

    Ok, I have to come back Monday to see what you are up to...love your blog!

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  66. Christy @ MCH PHOTOGRAPHYNovember 6, 2009 at 6:38 AM

    I can't wait!! I need this

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  67. Anna MarieNovember 6, 2009 at 6:41 AM

    I am that person with the sewing machine still in the box. Yah, the one that I got for Christmas last year. Can you please tell me the basics of what I need to start. I have no clue what to get. I have plenty of fabric to play with and I bought a pair of good scissors. What type of thread? Anything else?

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  68. trishNovember 6, 2009 at 7:07 AM

    Oh I need this!! Count me in. :o)
    Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

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  69. StephanieNovember 6, 2009 at 7:36 AM

    I would SO be in...if I had a sewing machine :(

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  70. SaraNovember 6, 2009 at 7:45 AM

    I'm there!

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  71. AnonymousNovember 6, 2009 at 7:55 AM

    Totally with you!!! So pretty!
    Hmmm...going to need fabric.

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  72. alanna roseNovember 6, 2009 at 8:34 AM

    I love my sewing machine, but haven't used it for anything fun in ages. What a great reason to get creative, count me in!

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  73. AnonymousNovember 6, 2009 at 8:35 AM

    Promise? Because I don't even know how to thread... and stuff... You have amazing timing. I am in. :)

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  74. amy dNovember 6, 2009 at 8:47 AM

    yeah!!! i was just waiting for a fun project to start instead of cleaning and doing laundry....woo hoo!!

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  75. Queen PeaNovember 6, 2009 at 9:20 AM

    okay okay!! so i guess i need to buck up and buy that new machine i've been needing.

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  76. BethanyNovember 6, 2009 at 9:49 AM

    Hey you! I felt like I was being targeted out in this!! I soooo want to participate, but I can't sew very well at all. I mean, AT ALL! But how fun, right?!!

    Ahhh Julie!! What should I do?!!

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  77. Mommy2SophiaNovember 6, 2009 at 10:01 AM

    my sewing machine is on the fritz and i have been procrastinating getting it fixed because i know it is going to be expensive! I might have to borrow my mother's because this seems too tempting!

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  78. heicocNovember 6, 2009 at 10:34 AM

    What a great idea! I will have to bring it up from the basement and remember how to thread it.....??!!! but I would LOVE to do this!

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  79. julieNovember 6, 2009 at 10:41 AM

    Yea! So fun! I am in the middle of about 4 other sewing projects, but what is one more?!

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  80. ChelseyNovember 6, 2009 at 10:51 AM

    My husband just bought me a sewing machine for our anniversary! I have no idea what I am doing...
    Ill be here Monday!

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  81. SherrylNovember 6, 2009 at 11:13 AM

    Thank you Julie! I promise to get that stinkin' sewing machine out of the box this weekend (and at least read the instructions!).

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  82. UnknownNovember 6, 2009 at 11:34 AM

    You just made my day!!! :)

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  83. CalleLillyCafeNovember 6, 2009 at 11:59 AM

    Super cute! I'm in too!

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  84. Mrs TNovember 6, 2009 at 12:45 PM

    I almost spit out my water! I have a Singer sewing machine that has been sitting in its box since 2005! I asked for it for Christmas as I was going to make all kinds of glorious things for my wedding yet never got around to it! Now my bff makes fun of me all the time for never using it. I can't wait until Monday! Hope the items are easy!

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  85. melNovember 6, 2009 at 1:47 PM

    awesome! i had no idea there were so many women out there like me! i got my machine right before i had my son. he's 6 now. i've tried and somewhat accomplished a few things. reading patterns is like reading greek to me though. i just don't get them.

    i'm up for the challenge. i've been wanting to get my machine out and try again after several years of having it buried in the closet.

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  86. laylablueNovember 6, 2009 at 2:33 PM

    sounds good. i'm a bit apprehensive, but i may be IN!

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  87. Fearful PenguinNovember 6, 2009 at 2:43 PM

    I'm with you! Woohoo! So looking forward to this!!

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  88. WendyNovember 6, 2009 at 6:01 PM

    Woo Hoo!!!

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  89. EckmamaNovember 6, 2009 at 6:17 PM

    De-lurking to say how excited I get every time I think about this!!! Can't wait for Monday!

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  90. BlackCatMimaNovember 6, 2009 at 7:35 PM

    *looks around* Wow! Thisis going to be a big class!
    Who's bring the snackage?

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  91. Kathie B.November 7, 2009 at 5:43 AM

    Okay, I'm in too! Yipee.

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  92. Lisa HillNovember 8, 2009 at 5:04 AM

    i recently started reading your blog and am amazed. everything you do seems completely wonderful! i would love to learn how to make the scarf!
    i truly enjoy coming back to your blog and seeing what's new everyday!!
    thanks!
    lisa

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  93. Happy Hodge PodgeNovember 8, 2009 at 9:02 AM

    I'm in!

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  94. SarahNovember 8, 2009 at 3:42 PM

    Awesome. My plan for Christmas was to give some handmade scarves to my friend. So I'm completely in. I've gotta make 7 of them!!

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  95. SeaexploreNovember 8, 2009 at 7:23 PM

    YAY! Can't wait! Might have to do some double up stuff since I don't get much time to sew during the week! :) I LOVE my machine but don't get to use it much since I spend my week days teaching and my weekends "not home" and out with DH who doesn't like to be home much. UGH! Just to have time to sew! :)

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  96. CarrieNovember 9, 2009 at 5:34 AM

    I am so excited for this! I have been sewing for about year and need some help and some fun ideas. PLus we are moving from Florida to Ohio in December, so I need to get gifts done by early December.
    BTW...First time here and I am in love!

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  97. TashaNovember 9, 2009 at 8:53 AM

    I am so stinkin excited!!! That scarf looks amazing! And 12 projects. Did you say 12? 12 wonderful Julie projects? Oh, I am beyond excited. I might have to change some of my plans for christmas. Or people might be getting more then one thing. Oh, you have just made my day? Why did not see this last week? Oh, probably because I was sewing away for a craft fair thing and my life kind of went down the drain. But, this week I am back, and you have officially made my day!!

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  98. WendyNovember 9, 2009 at 3:14 PM

    Its on and I'm in. Thanks for helping us girls who are so AFRAID of our sewing machines.

    Wendy

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  99. SouthernerNovember 9, 2009 at 6:13 PM

    I am definitely joining in! I love my patchwork scarves.

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  100. TinaNovember 15, 2009 at 9:34 PM

    I just found your blog today and I am totally in! Stop by and visit me. I love love love to sew and create! Totally going to hit up Joann Fabrics tomorrow for my fat quarters. I wish I would have found this sooner because I would have ordered from Material Gal...

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