It’s that time… time for me to start begging for help. I’m looking for some testers for the patterns from the book. Do you have some free time? Fabric in your stash dying to be made into a toy? Want to help out your fellow sewers by being the first to discover that whopping mistake that is inevitably there in every pattern?
This isn’t like our normal pattern testing so it may not sound as appealing to some. First thing, time. I’m looking for people who can start right away and finish in a timely fashion. Unlike my own self-publishing that tends to drag its feet, this is on someone else’s timetable. And second, it has to be top secret, hush hush, on the down low. The projects can’t be blogged or flickr’d or fb’d. I know that’ll be a bummer to those of you who like to blog the craftiness, sorry!
But when you’re done you’ll have a new friend to play with and I’ve also got some cute thank you treats in mind. If anyone’s interested leave me a comment and also maybe what sort of project you might be up for… simple, more complicated, for a girl, for a boy, baby, embroidery, hand-sewing, etc.
Thank you!
Oh geez! Thanks everyone! I feel bad I didn’t close comments sooner, I went out to run errands. I’ll go through the list and hope to get back to everyone soon. If you volunteered thank you so much for offering to help!!
I wish I had a sewing machine and could help you. What cute pictures.
OOOOooooohhh! I would love to! I am up for anything…I love hand sewing and I also have a small son and a daughter so something along those lines would be fun too. I am an experienced sewer, I can meet a deadline, and I can keep it hush, hush.
Thanks for the opportunity!
Hello! I would love to, but need to know the timeline before I can commit (just a couple other projects in the way. . .). I’ve made numerous versions of your bears and kitties and prefer to post on other’s blogs. Thanks!
I am available. (I have the materials on hand, too.)
i’d love to try! i’d be up for something simple, although i have an experienced sewer to coach me too. machine or hand sewing is fine by me. i have a 2.5 year old gal & a 7 month old little guy that i love to make things for, but really anything is good for me.
shannonladyman AT hotmail DOT com
I would love to help and I can keep a secret. I can sew but I work full time so keep me in mind for simple projects of any kind. I will be on vacation the week of Jun 29 thru July 4th. This would be SOOO much fun. Love your blog.
i would love to be a tester. i’m free now until the 2nd week of july. i’m willing to try something new other than the normal bags that i make. would love to try and making a doll from one of your patterns.
Well, since I just got a new sewing machine (not my first, mind you…I think I have three now…), this would be a good project for me to test it out on. 🙂 I have a 4.5 year old girl, so something for her would be awesome, but I also have 22 month old boys (twins), so most anything really.
Thanks.
Hope I can help out.
I’m down. What’s a big ol’ pregnant lady to do–other than sew? As long as the project isn’t too big, I can hack it.
hillary, i can help if you still need it. i don’t blog so won’t publish and have made all of your previous toys. i have plenty of stash, so just let me know.
ooh, yes please! Hand sewing for either a boy or girl would be lovely. I also really enjoy embroidery (and could do with something to keep my hands out of the chip packets!)
i work from home, and i’d LOVE to test out your new pattern.
what a treat !
Hi, I would def. enjoy the challenge of helping try out a pattern. I have not done embroidery for a long long time so that might not be a good idea. But I would be willing for anything else if you need the help!!!
Did you need more qualifications – I can work “now” in the evenings, starting tonight. I have been making quilts for almost 10 years. I own several of your patterns, but I have not tried them yet, so I am almost virgin to your style/techniques.
oh… and throw anything at me. i’m up for everything listed
Me! ME! PICK ME! I love sewing of any kind and I’m a stay at home momma with a decent amount of “free” time. I have a 4yr old girl and a 11month old boy. I promise not to blog or facebook about it, girl scouts honor!
shellystout@cox.net
Ooooh I’d love to have a try! It would need to be simple as I’ve never attempted a toy before, but somthing for ether a boy or a girl would be fine. 😀
I’m not a Master Sewer or anything, but I have a machine, a stash of fabric, can keep a secret and would love to test out something, anything!
jenmbarnes at gmail.com
I would love to help out! I’m off of work for the summer, so a fast timeline isn’t a problem. I’ve made many of your dolls before, and am up for anything– boy, girl, embroidery, complicated.
If you are interested in having a newer/intermediate sewer (I have a machine and use it!) test a pattern, I’d love to do it! I have a little boy but I often make gifts for our friends’ daughters too.
Count me in! I have a darling niece who is just under 1 yrs old – I’d love to make something for her! Hand sewing, machine sewing, and embroidery is just fine! Fun stuff (like being part of a secret club)
I’m down for embroidery or something for my 10 month old girl. I’m all about middle-of-the-night sewing projects! I have a ridiculous stash that needs to be down-sized and a love of all the wee wonderful patterns I’ve made before!
wow- look at all your help! maybe you could start asking them to wash your windows or bring over dinner ;)…can’t wait for your book!
I offered to help out in the past, but of course you had plenty of helpers, and I wasn’t needed. If you find yourself in need of a quiet crafter, with a significant fabric stash, and who doesn’t have a problem dropping everything (woo hoo, I don’t have to clean the bathroom!) to work on a project, I’d still love to help. You can see examples of my work in my Etsy Shop or on Flickr – tinystitches.
i’m a little further away than most (nz) but would love to work on something. i am happy to work on the more complicated and can embroider. have large stash – no materials required!
Hi,
I’d love to help! I’m up for anything: sewing, embroidery, complicated, whatever!
I’m in! I have a 2 year old girly girl, and a rough and tumble 1 year old boy. I’m a intermediate sewer, and I *really* need something to do to keep my mind off the fact that movers will be here in 12 days to bring our little family to Chi-town!
Let me know!
i would like to take a shot at it. hand sewing and embroidery can probably be done quicker for me than machine. i can take the hand stuff with me. i would say i am an advanced beginner if that helps you out
Oh forgot: I’ll work on anything you send me. Hand, embroidery etc… whatever!
simple. for a boy. embroidery a-okay.
I love your work and would be happy to test whatever you have in mind! I have a 3 year old girl, but am totally flexible — I have the summer off yippee!
sequink(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am willing to do anything! I have a five year old daughter, I would love to do something that she would like, but will do anything! I am a stay at home mom, so fire away!!
It looks like you have a lot of eager volunteers (yay!), but I’d be happy to help as well. I’m more experienced at hand sewing and embroidery but also know my way, tenuously, around my machine. Perhaps I can be the test model for “I know how to sew but not all that well so let’s test if I, inexperienced but eager sewist, can figure it all out”! 😉
Oooh forgot to say that I have a 4 year old girl, a 3 year old boy, a sewing machine and a ready stash… drawers full!
I would love to! I am not a great hand sewer, but I have a daughter and a boy on the way, so any kind of toy would work great here!
i don’t have any sewing mojo right now so i don’t think I would be good to test a project. But I just wanted to let you know i just love that toy sewing machine. So adorable.
Wow! You have so many happy volunteers already. But if you happen to need another I’m here. I’ve begun making my own clothes, have made stuffed animals, bags, and an apron. I have experience with lots of different things so keep me in mind. Thank you.
I can do it and would LOVE to do it! I would be honored!
Oh, and can hand-sew or machine sew, embroider, etc. Could handle more difficult project with a few pulled out hairs. haha.
I have a girl and 2 boys aged 4-6
Thanks!
I’d love to do it! I have plenty of free time right now so I could get on it right away. I don’t blog or post much on flickr, so I have no problem keeping a secret.
I would totally love to test a pattern or two. I am a SAHM, and have the time to do it promptly, I also have tons of fabric in my stash, and have already made Olive for my little girl last year. I think I would be the perfect person to do this b/c I am a new-er sewer who would follow your directions to the tee and let you know what is not clear. I love embroidery and I do not mind hand sewing. Thanks for all your great creativity!
Hi! I can help if my skill level wont be a problem. Im kinda new at a sewing machine, but I can work it and would love to test as a “beginner”. I can hand sew and embroidery. I can also keep a secret:) I dont care which theme, because I would just be happy to help!
I would LOVE to test a pattern! I would say that I’m intermediate-ish in skill, as long as it isn’t something that needs to be worn out of the house 🙂 I enjoy making things for my boys to love on (16 months and 6 years) and like to make things for my house (pillows, quilty kinds of things – though I’m not a quilter) and accessories for myself (bags, patchwork scarves, aprons, etc.) You have a ton of volunteers already, but I’ll look forward to the book even if I can’t be a tester. Thanks!
A machine sewing project for a boy– any difficulty level –would be right up my alley… I would love to have a special (mums-the-word) project to work on from my stash…
I would also love to help if you need me to. I could do any range of difficulty and any type of project that you would like me to do. And I will be glad to keep it secret & get it made quickly.
Good luck with your book!
I would love to be a tester for one of your fab creations. I consider myself advanced in sewing and can do just about every other crafty thing I’ve ever tackled. I have a couple of little girls with birthdays soon (1yr in 2 weeks and 3 next month) – and I could use some birthday inspiration!
I’d love to embroider something, if you still need embroidery testers! I can do a quick turnaround because I’m working part-time. And, not an expert embroiderer but I have some experience.
I would love to make anything! I love your patterns and have made so many of them! 🙂 Please pick me… I’d love to do something in the middle range. Not too hard, but I like a challenge!
Thanks!!
I would love to test something embroidered or for an infant or a boy. I’d say I’m an intermediate sewer (lots of experience but I do tend to wing it) but I do have pregnancy brain at the moment so maybe not your most complex pattern.
If you need someone I would be pleased to assist.
I should probably stick to machine sewing on the simpler end! I am a huge fan of your work and would love to take part.
I am also good at keeping secrets!
I would love to help! I like to machine sew, hand sew and embroider and would be happy to work on any type of project you need tested.
i would like in! something beginner to intermediate., embroidery is a-okay, and something for boys would be fab. daggum me for not having instant internet mojo! i’m like 70million on the list. 🙁
I’d love to help too! I’d only want to do something simple as I do work full time and I’m not the most experienced sewer out there. Machine or hand sewing – either is fine with me. 🙂
Wow, I was going to volunteer (grades are due tomorrow and then I will be living the leisurely life of a professor in summer – HA!) but it looks like you have volunteers coming out of the woodwork!
I would absolutely adore testing a pattern for you. I have been itching to sew anything lately and I’m great with deadlines. It looks like you already have quite a few volunteers but feel free to pick me!
I would love to test something complicated for either a boy or a girl, whatever is needed. I have tons of fabric, lots of time and can keep a secret.
Your patterns are always so good, I really appreciate you taking the time to get them right.
I’m sure you’ve already got more than enough testers … but I’ve been a fan of your patterns for a long time and would love the chance to try out a new one. I’ve got 2 more months of this bun in the oven and am in full nesting + crafting mode right now. I’d love to try any type of baby item you may have in the works!
I’ll help!
I have a sewing machine and basic sewing skills. I can hand sew as well.
I’m more than happy to keep it hush, hush…sounds like it adds to the appeal to me…something innocently secretive. 😉
I have a 2 1/2 year old girlie for whom I’d like to make things. Also boys who are almost 10 and almost 6.
My schedule is pretty wide open. As long as it’s not terribly complicated I can get most projects done over a weekend…when I have a papa around to help distract the wee ones.
You have plenty of comments already, but it really would be a treat to test one of your creations.
–I have a little gal (4) and a little fella (2) and have the time, materials, skills (sewing, stitching, etc.), and enthusiasm for whatever you’d like to throw my way.
I can be silent and very excited for you at the same time 🙂
I would love to test a pattern for you! I can do easy or complicated, boy or girl, you name it! I’ve got lots of time, lots of fabric, and lips that are locked. I greatly appreciate you investing the time into getting the patterns perfect BEFORE they’re printed!!
me! me! me!
If you need any more testers, I’m available! I’m a mom of 2 boys, but I also have nieces I can sew for – I’d prefer the boy stuff but if you need girlie help… 😉 I’m also an advanced sewer, so I can do whatever you need! And I’m not currently blogging, so my lips will be sealed.
Thanks! How exciting!
I am up for it even though you probably have enough people. 🙂 Something simple and boy or girl. I have a huge stash of material waiting to be created into something useful.
I would love to test patterns. I’ve sewn your Wee Bunny, Wee Turtle, Mr. Gnome, Spaceboy and Robot without difficulty–so whatever levels those are would be appropriate for me.
I would be more than happy to make something right away. I’ve only been sewing for a year so probably something on the easier side -either hand stitched or sewing machine is fine. I have three little girls (ages 6, 4, and almost 2) so girlie projects are the best for me. My youngest is turning 2 June 30th. I’d love to make her a little doll for her birthday! I’m fine with keeping the project a secret.
ooooo … pick me! pick me! :o)
i’m up for anything … simple, complicated, boy girl – you name it!
of course, judging by how many comments you’ve already received, i’m not sure you need me, but just in case … I would LOVE to help!!
I would love to help. I’ve been sewing for a couple of years but still consider myself pretty green. I’d like to challenge myself a little with a more complicated pattern. 🙂
Wow, what a response already! I’m guessing you’ve found all the help you need. If for any reason you could use more, let me know! Hand or machine sewing…embroidery would be fun…whatever! 🙂
Oh I’m so far down the list 🙁
I would love to help you out and test a pattern. I’m up for anything too! Please keep me in mind as you scroll down the list. I’m no expert, but do try and come up with good quality finished products.
If you still need people, I’d love to help out. I’m a stay at home mom to six and four year old girls. We aren’t going out of town until late August, so I’ll be home all summer. I’ve made your dolls before and I make quilts and clothes for my girls. I prefer mostly machine sewing and can handle pretty advanced levels. I can keep quiet because none of my friends sew and I haven’t written on my blog (that no one reads) in months. If you want to see examples of what I can sew, let me know. I have a few things on etsy but I’m just letting it run out because of all the crazy CPSIA stuff.
I would be in for some hand-sewing or embroidery. I have done quite a few Sublime Stitching embroidery projects, but would still consider myself a bit of a beginner.
Hello, I am currently on maternity leave, with a 7 month old baby girl and would love to be a pattern tester for you. I just received a copy of Spaceboy and Robot and am looking forward to making them for my daughter for Christmas. Happy to test any sewing project and I don’t have a blog so wouldn’t have anyone to tell! I have so many boxes of fabric to use up and could start straight away!
Good luck with it all. Best wishes,
Katie (ellieandbinks(at)yahoo.co.uk)
i’m up for it all! hand sewing. embroidery. boy. girl. baby. machine sewing.
love to test sew for you!
I would love to do whatever you needed.
I have made a chloe, a louise, olive, archie,robot and spaceboy.
and, mums the word…
I could totally help you out here :o) I have actually made a few of your patterns already. I could do anything. I’m not the best at embroidery but can follow directions pretty well :o) I work 3 days a week as a RN, so I’ve got 4 whole days each week free to sew sew sew!
I am interested! I am a sewer of modest skills (I do know how to read a pattern, though) so I might be a great tester or a bad tester depending on how you look at it! I would be interested in sewing, machine or hand. I have an almost-four girl. I have a slight preference for girly but it’s no big thing!
I can’t imagine you’d need more volunteers, but I’ve tested for you in the past and would be happy to do so again. Not pregnant and barfing this time so I can start this afternoon if needed!
I would love to and I don’t even blog so you are safe there.
traceypa@yahoo.com
oh you’ve got so many comments already! I would be happy to be a pattern tester and I’m up for anything. I’ve got a two year old girl and a baby boy due in September.
I’d love to be a tester! I have 4 boys and several new nieces, so boy or girl. Hand sew, machine sew, embroidery…I love all kinds of stitching.
I’d love to. Am up for anything, though it looks like you already have tons of volunteers….
I have made one Kit/Chloe/Louise and it is posted in your flickr group.
Absolutely! I’m up for something mid-range for either a girl or boy. I’ve never tried one of your patterns before (though I have dreams) and would love to have a go!
Hi…I would love to…I’ve been sewing for pleasure for thirty six years and professionally for twenty…I’m use to dead lines but I’m also very careful about details and what the finished product will look like…I would very honored if you chose me.
Oh I would absolutely love to!
I’m beginner to mid-range and have a young daughter.
I see there’s quite a few people already, but if you’re looking for one more I’d be totally game, as I thinking to start one of your dolls in the next little bit here anyway 🙂
I’d love to. I’m up for whatever type of sewing you need (boy, girl, embroidery, etc.).
I would just love love to do this! I’m an experienced sewer and use to be a patternmaker. I can try any level you want.
I love your work, its just gorgeous. My 3 girls would love it too. I have alot of gorgeous fabrics just waiting to be used.
Your secret is safe with me!!!
Oh, I’d love to test a pattern for you!! I like simple, and have a 13 month old daughter to sew for.
Your work is lovely, I would loooove to volunteer!!
i’d be up for trying anything. i have several of your past patterns and have really enjoyed making them. i also have a huge stash just begging to be called upon!
I would love to test a pattern! I have made one of your dolls (Kit, Chloe & Louise pattern) and some of you patterns you have free online. I would love to help out!
I’d love to help! I’m an experienced sewer (with a degree in Clothing & Textiles) and a bit of experience in pattern making (though for myself and friends, not for pay).
I’ve also got a huge stash of stuff needing to be used.
Plus, I just ADORE your dollies and I’d love to give one a try. Boy or girl, but would prefer not to do baby stuff. Sewing and hand-sewing is fine, but I’m not a very experienced embroiderer.
I would love to help out. I have embroidery, machine and hand sewing skills, and a good stash of fabric. No preference on boy/girl, so I’m basically up for anything!
i would love to take one for the team. since i am on summer break from school, this is the perfect time to play with a new project.
I’d love to help. I’m a beginner at sewing, but have a machine, and use craft directions a lot. I have a five year old boy but am up for any kind of project.
I would love to help and I could do anything, as June is my slow month at work. I only work 2 days a week.
HI Hillary!
Would love to help. I’m probably more of the hand sewn or embroidery type help… not so great at the machine made toys.
I would love to try out some of your embroidery patterns. I love hand embroidery! 🙂
I can also work a sewing machine moderately well. Not advance but not beginner. So if you still need someone for that, I could do that to.
boy/girl/whatever! 🙂
Linsey
http://www.applelikesorange.com
I would love to help! I have enough free time for the upcoming few weeks. (and am actually projectless at the moment) I like embroidery most but am also experienced in handsewing, machine sewing, pattern drafting etc. I’m up for pretty much anything that involves crafting/sewing.
I have a ton of free time and can test out a variety of patterns, simple to moderate in difficulty. I have a good sewing machine, a bunch of fabric I’ve been dying to use, and I have already made some toys from patterns I bought in your shop! I’m sure there are plenty of commenters to choose from but I would like the opportunity to help out in any way I can.
Best of luck!
I would absolutely love to give it a go! I see that you already have a mighty big queue of crafter, but I hope that I’m still in with a chance.
I’d like to help too. I can do not-too-complicated machine sewing and basic embroidery or basic handsewing.
Summer
Hi Hillary, hope this message does not come too late.I would love to help you out.I bought some of your doll pattern in the past. I would love to help out with anything.
I sure would love too!! I got a girl who just turned 7 the other day who loves dolls!!! Please give me a chance!! thank you
I’d love to help if you still need volunteers. I like machine sewing and embroidery.
I’m interested!
I’d love to help – but maybe you need people a bit closer? I’ve tested patterns for others in the past, have a substantial stash!, and can work to deadlines at the moment..
you probably have plenty of offers, but I can DEFINITELY do this in a very timely manner! I can do embroidery, boy, girl, complicated, not complicated, hand sewing…i’ve done all your patterns and I’ve a very avid sewer.
Pssst Are you looking for embroidery in combo with sewing, because I only can squeeze in a smallish embroidery project without sewing I think! I have a bit of knowledge about embroidery patterns because I make them too 🙂
I’d love to do a little fun project. I have a 2 yr old boy and 3 1/2 girl. I can keep a secret and love to sew. I am pretty good with my machine and love to embroider and applique. My kids tend to wake up to new clothes or toys because the “crafting fairy” usually works late at night at our house.
How fun! I would be happy to try a pattern out. I am an intermediate sewer and sew for both my daughter and son.
Looks like you have a lot of options, but I will throw my name in to! I can pretty much handle whatever you need.
I’m way late in the game but I’d love the chance too. I’ve been sewing for a while but still figuring things out. I’ve got a machine, lots of fabric, not picky towards a project type and am in desperate need of distraction from my job as a medical librarian! And I’m awesome at keeping secrets.
Looks like you have a few volunteers- LOL. But if you need embroidery or sewing done, I can help.
I am sooo far down the list you probably won’t even see me.. But I want to try it!!! really, badly!
I’d love to. Somewhere between simple and complicated, girly projects for any age are preferable, but I can work with boys. I can machine or hand sew or hand embroider.
and I can keep a secret.
Ohhhhh wow …. what fun. I am probably too late though. I would love to help you out. I am an experienced mama/nana-taught sewer and SAHM to 2 young boys (2 y/o and 6 mths). I am up for a top secret challenge. Look forward to hearing from you.
I’d love to test your patterns. I don’t do much hand sewing but am willing to make anything on my machine – quilts, clothes, dolls, you name it!
Good luck with your book.
If you pick me I pinkie-swear to do a great job. I am dying to be a sewing tester and I’m not too proud to beg. I will do anything – sew, embroider, sew on a deadline…you name it, I’m in.
I see that I’m probably too late but if you still need another person to test, I would love to try out a pattern. I don’t have a preference concerning gender or technique. I’m a teacher and I have most of the summer off, so a timetable is definitely something I can manage.
I’d like you most likely have plenty but just in case I would love to help!
Hmm, sorry my phone changed some of the words on me! I meant that it looks like you have plenty but I would love to help!
I would love to take one for the team! You can see the dolls I usually make on my blog, or in my shop. http://www.ginghamworld.blogspot.com
I love a good project I can work on after my kids are in bed and I don’t have one going right now so I could get right on it. I don’t have a preferance, I’ll sew anything! Fingers crossed you pick me!