And the LUCKY 13 Winner is . . . . Bette Loyd

And the Lucky 13 Winner is Bette Loyd! Not because her comment was the longest. But because of what she said. It is gratifying to hear that a pattern that I created has the power to not only inspire the sewer and in Bette's case rekindled her enthusiasm for sewing! But, that the finished product created (in this case a handbag) has an impact beyond that and brings positive social interaction and fun to someones life!

Bette, I am so grateful that you chose to share your story with me and the rest of the world. Thank you! It's customers like you that make my job a joyful experience!

You can read Bette's entire post below! And thanks ever so much to all 79 of you who participated in this giveaway. I appreciate each and every one of you!

My first sewing project after 20 some years of raising a family was the YinYang bag. It turned out great, and my best friend liked it so much I gave it to her, intending to make another for myself. I never got around to that, but my sewing enthusiasm was rekindled! So much so that my mother & sons surprised me with a super-duper sewing-embroidery machine for Christmas. I have so much fun playing with it, but my first real project on it was the Original Scrap Bag. It is my favorite because of its perfect size & shape, but mainly because I get so many comments and compliments on it-from girls & women of all ages. The cashier at Al's pizza (not much more than a teenager) now remembers me as the "lady with the cute purse". The hardware store clerk( also very young) admires it every time I come in. I have had people stop me on the street & in the mall to ask where I got my cute purse. Don't I love to say "I made it myself"! My neighbor (in her 70's) gave me a brand new computer printer and all she asked in return was "Please make me one of those adorable bags!" That will be my next project. I am anxious to try many more of them, so I would love to win the contest. Mainly, I am grateful for patterns that are easy to follow & quick to complete. To have a new and productive hobby at age 62 is great fun! My Social Security check seems to be going for fabric these days. Thanks, Jamie for the inspiration! Bette Loyd (BHL8185 at yahoo.com)

June 30, 2010 8:13 AM