Friday, July 15, 2011

Kool-Aid Time (and another Giveaway)


At last count, there were 25 reviews on PR for this pattern (Vogue 1250). I feel like I'm already late to the party. But when this dress looks universally great on all the figures of the ladies who've made it, I'd be foolish not to try it too and if I like it, I'll just say that I was fashionably late. But I do have some misgivings. Namely, that my tummy is going to be highlighted, and not in a good way. I may be losing weight, but the tummy is definitely still hanging in there (and I do mean hanging!). You will note that I still haven't been showing side-view pics of myself. I do have my limits. ;-) So, on today's sewing agenda is a "muslin" of this pattern in a knit I won't care if I end up tossing. There's only 2 pattern pieces, so that should go quickly.

Speaking of unloved knits … I think I'm going to be returning 3-4 pieces from my latest Fabric.com haul. Either the print scale was too small or too big, or the color just isn't thrilling me, or whatever. One is a border print which I loved, in theory. In reality, it's just not me. I think it feels too dressed up or something I can't quite put my finger on. But when I looked at it on Zillie last night, I immediately thought of Carolyn, which is funny now because at the very same time it seems she was posting about border prints on her blog.


And speaking of my tummy, I got out the measuring tape yesterday. (Cue Dragnet theme music.)


I still haven't stepped on a scale, but I had a pretty good idea of what I used to measure, as most stitchers do. I've lost 6 inches in my hips, 2-1/2 around the waist, and 1-1/2 in my biceps. But zero, nilch, zip around the girls. Many women seem to gain/lose weight in the bust first, but not me. Unless I'm pregnant, and that is a scary thought in many, MANY ways. ;-) Looks like me and the girls will be keeping company for some time to come.

Still speaking of my tummy, I also broke down and ordered a workout DVD this morning. I hate (HATE!) workout routines, but I need to do something about my lack of firm ab muscles. We'll see how that goes. I think I can handle 20 minutes a day without hating it too much, especially after I start seeing results. Results in the thighs would be welcome too.

To answer some recent comments — I'm not following a particular named diet. But how I've changed my eating habits is closer to the Atkins Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL) step than most anything else. I've dramatically reduced carbs (to about 40-60g/day) and eliminated processed and low-fat foods. This means I've also increased proteins, natural, healthy fats, and produce (fiber). It's called "shopping the perimeter" in the grocery store and avoiding the aisles of processed, packaged foods. I'm never hungry and I don't miss the junk and sweets at all, which is still sometimes hard for me — the sweetsaholic — to believe. I can't even remember the last time I had (or wanted) chocolate. Really!

Now, for today's Giveaway

Up for grabs today is Amy Butler's Style Stitches, 12 Easy Ways to 26 Wonderful Bags!


I bought this book for myself a few months ago, and really enjoyed looking through and reading it. It's beautifully photographed, and the information and instructions for the bags in the book seem to be good, although I can't swear to that since I haven't actually made any of these bags. And that's the thing — I probably never will make these particular bags. It's not that they aren't pretty and I do love Amy Butler's aesthetic, but just to look at. AB is not really me. At the same time I bought this book, I bought another bag-making book and I'll be keeping that one for reference when the bag mood strikes. This one, however, should go on to another home where it will be loved and used. All the patterns are intact and still sealed into the envelope at the back.




If you promise to love and use this book, leave a comment on this post with your promise and you'll be entered into a random drawing. Fine print: For all the Giveaways this week, each entrant can only win once and in the case of duplicates, I'll contact you for your choice and then draw again randomly on what's left. Clear? And if you do enter, please check back next week to see who won because if I don't hear from you within a few days after announcing winners, I'll draw/decide again. I will close comments on this Giveaway on Thursday, July 21 2011 and announce the winner on Friday, July 22 2011. Again, anyone anywhere can enter this or any Giveaway this week.

* * * * *

Parting Thought: Yesterday, Diane commented: "Long time reader, first time commenting . . . Does that make me greedy and bad? I hope not. You are such an accomplished seamstress, maybe I'm a little intimidated about commenting." (Please forgive me, Diane, for singling you out.)

First, no, you're not greedy or bad and neither is anyone else who is commenting for the first time on these Giveaways. Me and Carolyn  — Comment 'Hos. (Hi Carolyn!) How I get them matters not. I'm just happy when my readers do comment for whatever reason. And it's nice to meet you, Diane. :-)

What struck me, though, is that you're intimated by me/my sewing and that other readers may be too. Puh-lease! LOL! I'm the most lazy, laid-back sewer you'll meet. Yes, I can exhibit OCD about aspects of *my* projects, but only for me and usually only when something's gone wrong and I'm not ready to give up. Usually, I'm going for the fastest way to do something, which is one reason I'm not a hand-stitcher. I know there are many ways to do things, many levels of project satisfaction, and that this sewing thing we all love is really for fun more than anything. So, please don't ever be intimidated. Ask questions if you want to and I'll try to answer them. I can't promise but not because I'm intimidating — it's the lazy thing I mentioned. Or just plain scatterbrainedness. ;-)

72 comments:

  1. I would totally use this book. One of the first projects I ever made was the free Amy Butler yoga bag on her site and I've also made 3 Birdie Slings.

    Thanks for the chance of winning this book!

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  2. I promise to love and use this book! I've been meaning to make myself a bag for ages, so I don't walk around with random canvas shopping bags instead of purses.

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  3. I really want to make some bags, and I promise to take excellent care of the book if I can only win it! I love your blog, BTW--you're a very likable gal.

    Gail D.

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  4. I'd love that book--although I won't tell my sister I have it or she'll start putting in orders! lol

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  5. Oh, this would be great, a friend of mine and I were just talking about making some great bags. This would be perfect!!

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  6. I looked at the border print that you have draped on Zillie and left it. It wasn't the size of the print that concerned me but the amount of white space. Okay, yes the top tentacles of those flowers concerned me too! *LOL*

    I did buy a couple of what fabric.com considers "border prints" but to me a border print is something that hovers at the selvedges of the fabric not all the way through. My daughter relieved me of a couple of them and I kept one but most of the time I'm just so unimpressed with fabric.com's knits. And it's probably just me because I don't wear alot of knit tops.

    Definitely make a muslin of vogue 1250 because it is a challenging dress to wear when you are well endowed in the tummy area. My last three are from a very altered pattern (side seams are involved)and spanx are definitely worn with these!

    Can't wait to see what you come up with!

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  7. The book sounds fun, but will not be able to promise that I would definitely make something from it. Would just have to see the book first! Anyway, I relate to the commenter that said she was intimidated. I have sewn most of my life and do a pretty good job, but have not tackled lots of really complicated things. The thing that I find intimidating is that you are so good with your sewing machines...the cover stitching and the binding of edges and fitting your clothes to your shape. I wish I was half as good. At least it is something to aspire to!

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  8. I would love love love to own a copy of this book!!! I have it on my amazon wishlist, but never seem to be able to find the cash to buy it:( Thank you so much for this giveaway!

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  9. I promise to love, cherish, and fondle (does that sound wrong?) this book, making bags over and over again- to keep and to give as gifts!

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  10. Hey, if everyone likes it, that increases the potential that it'll look good on you. Don't be ashamed of drinking the Kool-Aid -- sometimes I live and die by pattern reviews. And I've never found that I love a pattern that most people hate (or vice versa).

    I won't enter the giveaway on this one. Like you, I enjoy Amy Butler's aesthetic -- on other people. I'm also unreasonably annoyed by bags that don't have secure closures so I won't use anything without zippers on top of zippers. I was once running to catch a bus for work and EVERYTHING flew out of my shoulder-strap briefcase. I had to call in sick because I lost my wallet (luckily some good samaritan saw my address and returned it). Lesson learned -- no flaps, no snaps, nothing but zip.

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  11. I am beginning my own weight loss journey. And I'm trying to find something that works for me. I was hungry all the time on WW and constantly thought about food. Either cooking or eating, UGH!

    I promise to use this book. I've been on a bag making kick lately and love gifting them to my knitting friends as knitting bags. Pleaase pick me!

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  12. Oh, I'm Donkey from Shrek in the DVD menu! Pick me, pick me! :-)

    (If you ship internationally, that is. If not, that rules me out. :-))

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  13. I would certainly love and cherish (and USE) this book. I am also a first time commenter, but have been following your blog for a while. I am always impressed by how much sewing you get done, and it's all so beautifully done. Congrats on the weight loss, too. You look great!

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  14. Hi Debbie, had to comment on your atkins diet. I found chocolate of the 70% coca was decadent and also low carb.a small dice size piece went a long way. (happy for you, you have found eating pattern that works & are feeling well) You look fabulous.

    chloeE

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  15. BAGS! Oh yes I love love love bags. (Crosses fingers!)

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  16. Another long time lurker coming out of the wood work here :-) Love your blog. I found you when I was looking for coverstitch information and I've been hooked for a year. I love AB - her fabric and her bag patterns - and I would be thrilled to have this book.

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  17. What a fun looking book to try out! Looks like a lot of neat patterns.

    Can't wait to see what you make with the other knits you found. :-)
    Elley at zakula dot com

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  18. I'm going to pass on this giveaway too but I did think your comment interesting of how much you like the Amy Butler look but it's not you. I feel the very same way. AB is bright, neat shapes, wonderful color combinations. Would I wear any of these? No, not even in a purse. In fact they won't ever appear as a pillow on my couch. Yet I do like her style, just not enough to live with.

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  19. I'm not interested in entering the drawing (I have the book) but I have a similar thoughts about it as you. The bags are all gorgeous to look at, but they mostly don't fit my lifestyle. (Some are HUGE! Bigger than me...)

    The one bag I bought the book for - the blossom bag- is actually available as a free pdf. I was really mad when I found that out.

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  20. Congrats on the loss of dimensions! That's a wonderful accomplishment.

    I like the border print, other than that one rose that goes waaaay up the fabric. That could fall weird. But I have you beat. I'm too lazy to return fabric if I don't love it. I'll squirrel it away for something or donate to Salvation Army. (And I'm lucky if I get a donation out once a year...lazy.)

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  21. I do solemnly swear to cherish and love this book--should I win it! And if I don't-it's on my to-buy list!

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  22. I love making bags (I've been working on one today for my son's teacher) so I'd love to have a go with that book, there are several in the pictures you showed I'd want to make!

    Thanks for doing the give away!

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  23. I promise to love it and use it. If not for me, than as a resource for my classroom (jr. high/high school Home Ec teacher). Pick me, Pick me!!
    Thanks for doing this

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  24. I am commenting for the 1st time- and have to say- I love how unintimidating your blog is! I'm getting get inspiration. Thank you!
    I'd love an Amy Butler book,too!

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  25. I haven't jumped on the 1250 bandwagon either, mostly because I know it would require the tightest spanx known to womankind to rein in my caboose, and it's just too. damn. muggy.

    However, I look forward to your results, because I can definitely see loving it as a top for me.

    (Please omit me from the AB giveaway.)

    Andrea

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  26. I promise to honor and cherish the AB bag book. I have been eyeing this one for a while. I would love to know the name of the book you decided to keep. Let me read thru the comments in case you answered that for someone else.

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  27. Debbie, I would love to have this book for my times when my sewing mojo goes off to parts unknown. I've been a longtime "lurker" first time commenter. Thanks to you, I now know that stitched through elastic regains it's bounce after laundering. Well I've only been sewing for like thirty or forty years! When I think of all the things I've given up on because of the floppy elestic!!!

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  28. Debbie, I would love to have this book for my times when my sewing mojo goes off to parts unknown. I've been a longtime "lurker" first time commenter. Thanks to you, I now know that stitched through elastic regains it's bounce after laundering. Well I've only been sewing for like thirty or forty years! When I think of all the things I've given up on because of the floppy elestic!!!

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  29. I'd prob not use the book either, but I like that you are a nice lady and passing it on. Please don't pick me :-)

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  30. I'm not interested in the book (making bags is not for me); I wanted to comment on your prospective ab workout. Don't train any muscle group more than one day in a row; the muscles need the time to recover. Surely it's got to be good news that 20 minutes every day is too much. :-)

    Cheryl

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  31. Debbie, apologies for sending thie same comment twice, don't know what happened. Love your blog!!!!!!!!!!! Bev in Indy.

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  32. I love Amy Butler bags, particualarly the handbag in her book. I would use it, heaps. Love your blog and congrats on the continual weight loss, it feels great doesn't it?? I have had clothes in storage for four years, since my last baby was born and I am finally fitting back into them...YAY!

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  33. Ooh me me! I'm TOTALLY the AB aesthetic. Now you can enter me in one. :D

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  34. My neighbour has been wishing for this book for months now. I'd love to surprise her with it!

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  35. Pick me! Pick me! I LOVE making bags! I also love your blog Debbie. I look forward to reading your posts everyday, they are always very witty and real. Congratulations on the inches lost. I, too, have jumped on the low carb bandwagon. Kind of like Atkins, just no sugar, no grains. I feel so much healthier! Is your son still stationed in NC? Mine is headed to Camp Lejuene in a coupld weeks for 2 years. Opposite side of the US for me! )-:

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  36. Hi I'm not intimidated by your sewing but inspired by it. That's what I worked out this morning when I was thinking about sewing (mostly because I'm painting the lounge but want to sew!) I'd love the book as I'm starting university in two weeks at the age of 49 1/2 and I need to make a bag to suit me. sofiem@internode.on.net - just in case!

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  37. That would be a great book to make gifts for others and, let's be honest, for myself. Who doesn't love a cute bag?
    Emilee
    emisuess(at)att(dot)net just in case you need email address to contact winner :)

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  38. Yes, please! I love all things Amy Butler!

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  39. My daughters have both mentioned this book to me. Would it count if I promised vicariously that they would definitely enjoy it and probably use it? (if you ship internationally - or accept postage costs)
    I would like to know which bag making book you are keeping too. Your book reviews are very helpful.

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  40. Yes, Yes, Yes, I would Love and Cherish and USE the Amy Butler Style Stitches book! My 12 yr old granddaughter has always carried a purse/bag since she was a tot and is now interested in the different style components she sees. This book's tips and techniques would help me teach her to sew some and what creative rewards she can achieve. (I learned to sew on step-grandmother's treadle machine on doll clothes when I was 8). And, this book could help rebuild (sad story) my sewing library. Ever since your marine bags, I have been turning bags/purses inside out at the stores to see how do they do that.

    I appreciate the chance of giving this book a new welcoming home.

    Joy in Palmland

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  41. Please do not enter me in the giveaway as I do not need yet another bag making book. I love AB prints and her style-but it isn't me either. I wanted to comment because I don't comment here...and it is because I, too, feel like I need to get better before speaking! How dumb is that?! OK, I got that off my chest (which is not getting smaller either).

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  42. Oh, I would so use that book. Thanks for the giveways.

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  43. I have been making bags for friends/family for a while, and would definitely like to mix up the patterns I use all the time. I would love to have this book! :)

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  44. don't enter me in the giveaway (i have the book). i just wanted to comment that i've been losing weight too, or more accurately, getting stronger and firmer. anyway, my bustline NEVER changes. so it's not just you.

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  45. I will use this book over and over again. I love to sew and Amy Butler is one of my favorite designers.

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  46. I'm, the same, although my weight loss is mainly attributable to a nasty disease I am suffering from ( I have caught the exercise bug, strange for someone who is, essentially, terminally lazy). No matter how much I lose, I still have to shop at Less Bounce.com!
    Anyway, i don't 'get' AB, as such, far too many prints going on; but I do 'get' bags, and wonder how much nicer her bags might be when made up in some terribly conservative fabric! Please put me in the draw if Uk residents are aligible. (and I would love, honour and obey those patterns, LOL).

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  47. Marie-Christine5:01 AM, July 16, 2011

    I have good Japanese bag books, don't count me in for that (but thanks for offering).
    The Vogue dress is probably a good thing, nothing like distracting the eye upwards. Just make sure it's not tight, and you don't use one of those super-drapy rayon knits that show every detail. Ah, and also remember that when you have to buy new bras, you need to do down in the band but up in the cups. Could cause you to size right out of what's easily available :-(. Consider making your own :-).

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  48. I would totally not use this book (other than look at the pretty pictures), so better not include me. Good luck with the exercise.

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  49. Making bags is therapeutic to me and good 'palate cleanser' after a difficult or complicated project. Apart from the eye candy this book looks inspirational.
    I admire your work and blogging, which no doubt takes alot of time and commitment. Ive learned alot from reading. Recently I made your "Ikea Expidit" box bins pattern (18 boxes in total!) and they look great. I should take a photo for you when i get it set up in the new house. Ive only recently subscribed to your blog, but have been reading for over a year. Thankyou

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  50. Ha. I am going to try that same Vogue pattern today too, in fabric I don't care about because I suspect it will be tummy revealing, See how we go.

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  51. My daughters and I would absolutely use this book! We adore Amy Butler stuff and making bags! BTW, great job on the weight loss. I am down 65# and you are not alone on this journey!

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  52. I've got the Vogue 1250 all laid out and ready to cut, thanks to Carolyn's enabling AND the end of the mail strike, geesh. Because it has no side seams and it needs girth adjustments, I'm a little concerned how it will turn out and will be interested to see how you handle the alterations.
    I've had the AB book out of the library and think it is lovely and would love to have and make the hobo bag.
    That border print is scarrrry!

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  53. I love anything Amy Butler. This book has been on my wish list in Amazon since before it came out. I was hoping my hubby would get it for my Birthday but sadly he didn't. The first thing I ever sewed was a bag and I was obsessed with bags in the beginning. I have since moved on to clothing and such but still love all the bags and bag patterns. Thank you for the giveaways this week!
    Michelle

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  54. If I win, I solemnly swear to love this book forever and ever. (which will be easy because I love everything Amy Butler)!!

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  55. I haven't made a bag yet but I have some fabric here all ready to make one. I don't comment ofteron your blog but I read it very regularly as your describe your fitting issues so well and I need to do some of the same alterations

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  56. I too think I will try that pattern, but I will have to wear spanx to hide the tummy. Love the idea of a two piece pattern. Too good to pass up. I would love to win the book. Thanks for the exciting give-aways.

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  57. I promise to love and USE the book...although at first, I admit, I will have to admire the photography. AB stuff is so beautifully styled and photographed.

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  58. Yes, I would very much like this book. I havne't made too many purses in my sewing life, but I would like to make more and perhaps this purse book would inspire me to do so!

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  59. Just found your site and...looky...giveaways! Yay. I would definitely use this book. I've recently come down with purse/bag obsessiive disease and can use more how to's and inspiration. Now..off to explore more of your site.... Jacque

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  60. I would definitely use this book. I like the look of Amy Butler's designs and I can never find funky enough handbags in the shops so I would love to make some of my own.

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  61. "I bought another bag-making book and I'll be keeping that one for reference when the bag mood strikes." Am I the only one dying of curiosity to know what bag book you are keeping? Must be! I'd love to know.

    BTW congratulations on your weight loss and great smile. I'm praying that a great new job is coming your way as well. Thanks for sharing your sewing adventures and your life with us. Nadine

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  62. I bought this book and my daughter took it. So maybe I can get a copy now.

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  63. I love your blog. You give me inspiration to keep on sewing since we have a similar body shape. Love Amy Butler bags.

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  64. Would love to try some of these bags.
    Julie

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  65. Is it too late for the bag book? I would love to customize a bag with good instructions... I have tried it on my own with limited results. Thanks for blogging!

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  66. Hi Debbie,
    Well, I'm not a first time commenter (by ANY means) but I HAVEN'T commented in a LONG time!!!
    I'm so impressed by what you've done lately - (in every aspect, and I'll probably be emailing you privately)! I'd like this book, but I'd LOVE the couture one, and I DID comment on that post, but something happened to that comment when I tried to commnet, and mostly I'm wildly waving my arms to let you know I'll take ANY and ALL boobage that might just melt off! :-). I'm DEFINITELY one of those who loses it from there FIRST, ALWAYS! And I'm pretty sure it DOESN'T come back when I regain. THEN it goes to my thighs!!! Sigh.

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  67. Please enter me for the book too. I think it would be a fun mother/daughter project for my DD & I. :-)

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  68. No problem with you "singling me out" lol I appreciate your comments although I'm not convinced that you are a lazy seamstress - - - - I almost never even do a muslin. Therefore, you are not as lazy as me!

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  69. I just commented for the first time too(on another of your giveaway posts)! But I'm excited to have found your site-I'm petite but busty so I'm especially happy about all the info you have on doing FBA. I definitely need to try doing that sometime-I've never made any of my own clothes, but I think I'd be much happier and more comfortable if I did!
    Anyway, I'd definitely have fun trying some Amy Butler bags. My son is getting old enough I think it's time for me to carry around something other than just the diaper bag.

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  70. I was so excited to see your giveaway! Amy Butler is visiting a local fabric store and I so wanted to go. But I've already made plans to fly across the country to visit with a friend I met on a sewing board. Winning the book would be just wonderful, like having my cake and eating it too.

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  71. The book would be so useful in my sewing room, I have just made my first bag and need all the help I can get.

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  72. Hi Dawn,
    I would really like to make my own bags and this book would come in very handy, I will treasure it,

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