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Sunday, October 27, 2013

How to Fit a Skirt by Cynthia Guffey

Back in August I reviewed the first of the Cynthia Guffey videos that I purchased from dailycrafttv.com.  I was so thrilled to find videos online that captured the essence of Cynthia and also gave me the opportunity to watch them over and over again.

At the time, I purchased The Seven Core Sewing Skills, I also purchased "How to Fit a Skirt" by Cynthia Guffey, as well as, the video, "How to Fit A Jacket." It's taken me a minute but I watched the skirt video while I was sick. Hey it was better than daytime TV! 


After viewing this 60 minute video, I will be making some fitting, construction and designing changes to my straight skirt pattern to get a better fitted straight skirt. A few general take aways first ~ she makes the changes look so easy to understand and do and she discusses how to interpret drag lines or "travel lines" as she calls them and how to fix them.

Here are some additional things I took away from the video:

~The skirt's side seams should always be straight on the side of the body.

~Adjust the widest area of the skirt first and then make everywhere else fit first.  For most of us this is the hip area but for a few it will be the waistline.

~Cynthia started with a princess seam line skirt instead of the standard one piece front and two back pieces for the skirt.  She says there are more fitting opportunities that don't involve the side seams if you use a princess seam skirt pattern.

~By using her grading techniques, you can take a skirt that use to fit and grade it up or down so that it fits you now.  A vintage skirt, a skirt pattern that you use to sew and loved can be graded to fit your body now.

~Watching her draft a new facing for the skirt instead of using a waistband was worth the cost of the video alone!  Watching her explain it and then do it was so crystal clear that I almost jumped up and down and shouted hallelujah!

~When making adjustments to the pattern, she draws a line parallel to the grainline to make changes - whether adding or subtracting width - that way the grainline is never thrown off.

~Cynthia says that one of the questions she's asked most is, "What length should the skirt be hemmed at?"  She has an interesting take which mirrors my own, that the hemline should end at the place where the leg curves into the calf, that this is the most flattering place on most women...unless of course you have amazing legs and can wear minis!

~About the circumference of the skirt - Cynthia says that she adds fullness to the front of her skirts (pleats, gathering and kickpleats) because that's where she walks (forward).  That adding to the back only ends up in the skirt pulling or the kick pleats and slits folding/bending and generally winding up looking askew. Another lightbulb moment for me!  The video is only $9.99 and chock full of wonderful tips and things to learn. 

However, the wonderful people at dailycrafttv.com are offering a free skirt video to one winner from my blog.  Yes, this is the giveaway I alluded to earlier.  So how do you win this wonderful video? Simple, just leave your name and email address in the comments section on this post ONLY by Wednesday, October 30th at 11:59pm EST.  

I will announce the winner on Thursday, October 31st and submit your name and email address to the dailycrafttv.com team who will set you up with viewing privileges.  This video is available to anyone in the world, so if you want your very own Cynthia Guffey skirt adventure, leave a comment.

Now for full disclosure, I will be reviewing one sewing video per month from the dailycrafttv.com site for free.  I do get to choose which video I want to watch and review so rest assured that they will all be about sewing...but I thought you should know that I do have a vested interest.

...as always more later!



112 comments:

  1. I hadn't heard of this series before--thanks for sharing!
    ydechance(at)hotmail[dot] com

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  2. I would love the opportunity to win this. I am scared of skirts and I need to grade them up.

    bevinvest(at)bigpond(dot)com

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  3. JJ4Mayor@gmail.com

    Love you and follow you on Instagram (Sam The Cat).

    Jana

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  4. I need all of the help that I can get!

    sisterdi60@yahoo.com

    Thank you! Diana

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  5. This sounds great, hope to win!
    savitarsiberians(at)netzero(dot)net

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  6. I bought the video but haven't seen it yet. I looked at her other two videos and they are great learning experiences. I'm glad to read your review. I like making skirts so it will be very helpful.

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  7. what a great series! I would love the chance to win. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  8. I would love to win!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

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  9. Please let it be me !

    Thanks for the opportunity.

    jhk(dot)mac(at)gmail(dot)com

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  10. Cynthia spoke to our ASG Chapter a couple of months ago and I was fascinated by her explanation of the way she did the side seams. Would love the video

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  11. I am so excited about this video! I am especially interested in making some of my older skirts and patterns fit me again!

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  12. I definitely could make use of this video. Haven't got the skirt right yet.

    cberfeld (at) gmail (dot) com.

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  13. What a lovely opportunity to try out Cynthia's videos. Thanks for the opportunity

    Kmaggierose At aol dot com

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  14. Would love this opportunity! Thanks, Caroline!

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  15. I bought CG's 2 videos after your review and loved both. This is a video that I don't have and think it will be useful. Thanks for the review and giveaway.

    Kay
    Misskayosis AT Gmail

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  16. Please add me. I'd love a Cynthia Guffey class.

    jsrhea at me dot com

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  17. Carolyn, like you I have attended many classes with Cynthia at Worchester and just love her. After you mentioned the videos, I signed in and purchased all three also. They are great and do capture her essence. Someday I may try to find time and attend a workshop at her home if she is still doing them. Thank you for sharing your find and I also recommend the series. I hope she does some more.

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  18. Wow! I've never heard of tis teacher, but I would love to learn more!

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  19. I would love to win! Katielarch31 at hotmail.com

    Thanks,
    !

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  20. Here in Australia I haven't heard of Cynthia. Would love to learn from her. Vwlene at gmail dot com

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  21. I'd love to learn how to grade up vintage patterns. krncpa at yahoo.

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  22. I would learn to love some new techniques and help my sewing get better. Nataki at utalum dot org

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  23. And here I always thought princess seams would make things more complicated, not less. That sounds like a cool video.
    Thank you for sharing!

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  24. The video series looks wonderful!
    Thaack@gmail.com

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  25. I would really appreciate winning this lesson. I have been struggling with sewing a flattering skirt!

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  26. Yes, please enter me in the drawing.

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  27. I would love to have a chance at viewing this video

    Thanks

    donnalynn600@aol.com

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  28. I would love to win it. Pat

    pat06042@gmail.com

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  29. I took a class with Cindy Guffy and loved her. I would love to have the video.

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  30. I really want to get a TNT skirt pattern (or two) figured out - what a great help this course would be!

    Julie Christine

    wantasew at gmail dot com

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  31. Thanks for the review! I do enjoy when you review dvds or classes, as I often think of purchasing one, but then never do because I don't have a good sense of which techniques are covered. Love your blog - you are an inspiration to us all!
    Thanks,
    Michelle
    m.wall01(at)sasktel(dot)net

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  32. Jessica Townsend
    vmt@tesnet.com

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  33. I have the same three videos. I just sit there with my mouth open at how she simplifies fitting and sewing issues. They are like missing link for getting to the next sewing level.

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  34. Thanks for highlighting a new craft series. Your review was terrific. Count me out for the skirts freebie however. I don't wear them. Only trousers or dresses for me.

    http://bobbinsbikesandblades.com/wordpress/

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  35. I'd love to win this - just reading your comments of what you learned is interesting

    njteigen(at)gmail(dot)com

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  36. I think this video would be very informative. I would love to watch it!

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  37. I purchased the 1st video after reading about it from you previous post. Would love to add this one to improve my sewing and fitting. thanks for the chance to win a great giveaway beside your great fabric giveaway :)

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  38. I would love to win! Thank you for the giveaway :)

    Melonie.stanton@gmail.com

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  39. I went to three of Cynthia's fitting classes in Fort Worth a couple of weeks ago. She was amazing! I would love to take her 4 day hands on class.

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  40. I am always interested in learning and making better and shorter (you know where I am coming from!) skirts, so please count me in!

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  41. This video sounds wonderful.Thank you for sharing..
    kennycoke@ripleycable.net.

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  42. The video sounds incredible! Even if I don't manage to win, it is on my list to buy. :)

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  43. I would love this video.Marilyn
    mpgizmo2 at bellsouth dot net

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  44. This sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
    amymaddison@gmail.com

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  45. Hey, hey, hey (in my best Fat Albert impersonation) sign me up!

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  46. Dear God I need this ! I haven't made a skirt that fits yet !
    Pugluv@ns.sympatico.ca

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  47. I purchased Cynthia's Seven Core Sewing Skills and keep watching it and learning and I would love to have the skirts video as well. sharonspils at gmail dot com

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  48. suseblues@hotmail dot com

    I would very much appreciate a chance to see this video!

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  49. Thank you for the review, it was really informative. I hadn't even heard of these videos, so that alone was useful to me! I'm looking forward to the rest, so I'm glad that you are getting to review more. I'd be intrigued to watch this myself, so please throw my details in the ring: lawson(dot) rachel(at)gmail(dot)com
    Rachel :-)

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  50. What an exciting giveaway! I'd love to be entered.

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  51. I want it! I hope I win!

    Naomi_abc(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  52. Sounds like a very useful video. I would love to win it.

    kathyschuller25(at)gmail(dot)com

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  53. I would just love and love and love to win this video. I need to improve my sewing skills as a matter of urgency because I must lose weight drastically and must resize all my clothes.

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  54. I'd like a chance at this great giveaway.

    kjn09705@yahoo.com

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  55. Always interested in learning new things about sewing and fitting!!!

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  56. Thanks very much for the opportunity to win this video, which I can use. (I am a fearful sewer - so silly!) I am so glad you will be doing other reviews as well!

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  57. Would love this! Went to one of her sessions at a sewing expo once upon a time.

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  58. Because of your earlier post about CG's videos I went to dailycraft.tv and purchased the sewing basics. I picked up a few great tips on cutting out patterns, etc. Would love to try this one as well. I find that you can teach "an old dog new tricks" as I have taken advantage of some other sites sewing classes. Please include me in your long list of potential winners of the video
    lwlamona at yahoo dot com.

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  59. I'd love this - I've been desperately trying to fit a skirt to my small waist and large hips for a while now :)

    x underscore smilie at yahoo dot com

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  60. I fell asleep last night reading up on this very subject! How fortuitous!


    door 72067(at) yahoo (dot)com

    thank you!

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  61. This video sounds WONDERFUL.
    Thanks for a chance to win it.
    buttonhole at charter dot net

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  62. I just love how you make everything to do with sewing sound fun!!
    I would love to try the skirt video
    Pleasssse
    Wendy

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  63. Patty Hudson
    phudson@thehudsons.com

    Thanks!

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  64. I've been sewing so many skirts lately, this could be so helpful.
    Bridget astexcat @ inbox dot com

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  65. I haven't sewn a skirt for years (jackets are what I sew). If I can win this video I could be sewing skirts!

    Karen in Houston

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  66. Thanks for this Carolyn. I feel the same about Cynthia Guffey. I have the other two videos and have learned so much. I love it when that happens. My address is
    dda@nbnet.nb.ca

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  67. Thanks for sharing this opportunity. bkh56kats(at)gmail(dot)com

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  68. Sorry - here's my email: karenhmulkey@gmail.com

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  69. I would love to win! kj2007@bellsouth.net

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  70. I watched her other two videos in this series. I would love to see this one, too. Count me in.

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  71. annmade2@gmail.com

    I am interested in her videos and this would be an opportunity to do that.

    Thank you for the great preview.

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  72. I took some in-person classes from Cynthia Guffey a few years ago -- and it changed the way I did quite a few things. Need to go back and revisit my notes!

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  73. I hadn't heard of this series either, and now I want this video! I don't want to wait all week, though, so I'm off to get it now based on your review. Thanks! K

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  74. Thanks for these tips, I just bought a skirt pattern with princess seams and I'll use what you said to fit it.

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  75. I am a new follower and I can tell I'll learn a lot from you. I'd love to win a fitting video; I need the help!
    tmrdl(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  76. Thank you for offering such a nice giveaway!

    becky(dot)pottsbaker(at)gmail(dot) com

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  77. I would love the chance to win. Thanks for the giveaway!
    sosewlost(at)gmail(dot)com

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  78. Want. Video. shepherd@buckeye-express.com

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  79. Thanks for writing the blog, you give me inspiration. Also thanks for telling us about the video series, sounds really great. Would love the chance to win. sonia.hinson@xtra.co.nz
    Great giveaway.

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  80. Learned a bunch from you and would love to win the video to learn even more!

    Thanks!


    nalani
    goldenstar60022 at gmail dot com

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  81. From your earlier post on Cynthia I purchased the jacket and the basic knowledge, would love the skirt fitting
    Jocelyn
    jocelyn.crosby@gmail.com

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  82. I would love to access to such a video! Lynne Williams lwms101@gmail.com

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  83. This sounds like a great video. I would love to win.

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  84. You enticed us nicely with your description of the class! I would love to win it! Kellysrunning(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Thanks Carolyn!

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  85. OMG - just reading your take away had me ready to click on the link and purchase. And I shouldn't enter since I won fabric, but man could I use this class - and it was just my birthday!! g

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  86. I have never done a video course and I don't wear skirts because I never find ones that really fit correctly...this would solve both things!

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  87. I also had never heard of this series of DVD's.. but after reading your glowing reviews I went ahead and bought the three from Cynthia. Wow… I've watched part of the seven core sewing skills and have already learned so much - more than once I audibly commented "So THAT'S why that happens!"

    She has a number of books, have you read them?

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  88. Evelyn elh1960 at yahoo.com
    Thanks for a chance to win!

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  89. Hi! The odds are against me, but I'm in anyway. carmencitab at carmencitab dot com

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  90. You are an inspiration to me. I would love to win this video. Carolyn Otterness, cotterness @ gmail . com

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  91. That video sounds amazing! Hope it's my lucky day! Anneehill7@gmail.com

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  92. I really enjoy Cynthia Guffy's videos.

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  93. Please toss my name into the hat for this generous & timely giveaway.
    creativediva728(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  94. So glad you reviewed this class. I bought Cynthia's 7 Skills class and was debating about this one. I would love to get it free but if not I will be purchasing it. Thanks for all your reviews.

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  95. Thanks for the great review of Cynthia's skirt class, and the opportunity to win a free class of her's.

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  96. What a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing some of the posts you learned and for giving us a chance to win the video. I would love to be included in the drawing. This is a video I will definitely buy, if not the one who wins it. The jacket one looks interesting too and that will also be added to my wish list. Again, thanks. Sounds like you are feeling better and I am glad of it,

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  97. This is just the help I need right now, I'm stuck mid-skirt!

    ak93012 at aol dot com

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  98. Thank you for your blog. I look forward to each post. I still have a lot to learn, even though I've been sewing for some 50 years!
    Denise
    Dmclong@surewest.net

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  99. On your recommendation I bought and watched the core sewing and jacket videos. Well worth the money and I definitely wouldn't mind getting the skirt video for free! So, please enter me in the drawing.

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  100. Wow! I would love this video. After reading your previous posts on Cynthia Guffey, I purchased her other 2 videos, but not the one on skirts. It would be great to add this one to the collection. Amazing that I recently bought a princess seam skirt pattern.

    I'm happy to have found your blog a couple of months ago. You are a sewing inspiration!

    Iris Gartrell
    ictgartrell@gmail.com

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  101. I would love to win this!

    Meigan
    getmystitchon at gmail dot com

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  102. Never to old to learn a new trick or two! Please consider me in the drawing for the video.

    Lynn Barnes

    lynn@alamancechurch.org

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  103. I have learned much from Cynthia Guffy. I would love the opportunity to learn more.
    sewbobbi@gmail.com

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  104. I appreciate your review and insights about the dailycrafttv.com website. Very helpful! Cynthia is a great, dynamic teacher--she came to our area a couple of years ago and did a seminar. Really enjoyable!

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  105. Any information/knowledge that I can obtain always comes out to my sewing better. Please enter me in your give away.
    djcogdill@q.com

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  106. great.
    maryp@durhamcoke.com

    Thanks

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  107. Please enter my name for the giveaway skirt video. What a lovely thing to do for the rest of us!

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