I’m developing a new workshop called Beautiful Basic Binding for Beginners. I know; that’s a lot of B’s. Apparently I’m into alliteration. In preparation for my “guinea pig” class this spring I needed samples. I had originally thought of putting some really nice bindings on pre-quilted muslin squares (ick) but I just couldn’t bear to waste my time on it. So then, naturally, I went into “overkill” mode and thought I’d make five or six new quilts just for the class.
After a shor while my sanity returned and I decided to pilfer blocks from a UFO and turn them into some smaller quilts, which I thought I might actually be able to finish in time for the class. Great plan! I got most of the mini quilts done, showed the rest “in progress,” and pulled about 75 pounds of quilts from around the house for a killer Show & Tell. (I was teaching in my @Home Classroom, after all.)
Well, the class came and went, and I learned a lot! More on that some other time. Today I want to share the deconstruction of the UFO, what has become of the blocks, and why I am so excited about this project.
Those of you who took my Puppus Doggus workshop at Houston Quilt Festival way back in 2002 might remember this quilt top. Still not quilted after 14 years, I figured it was fair game.
At first I thought it was a little sad. I had spent quite a bit of time making the blocks, and sashing them together. I had also gone a little around the bend painting all the white dots in the border fabric purple. (The white stuck out.) Plus I had the backing fabric already pieced and the batting cut to just the right size. Should I have let sleeping dogs lie? Not with a seam ripper so close at hand. Besides it fit no known bed and was too large to hang on a wall. And, remember, I was on a mission.
I may have backed into this particular project for all the wrong reasons, but it is turning out to be quite exciting. At first, my plan was to take one block, border it, and bind it. Done; next? But, as I sewed I kept thinking what a great opportunity this was turning out to be.
First, I was working in a “series,” like all great artists are supposed to to. Variation on a theme and all that. I’m sure it’s in the Great Artist Bylaws somewhere. I have never worked in a series. (Sitting up a little taller in my chair as I write this now.)
Second, it was so much fun thinking of all the different ways I could bind each little quilt that I started thinking of all the different ways I could border the quilts too! YES! This is getting REALLY fun now!
Third, as long as I was going to bind them and border them I realized that I should probably quilt them too. How many different ways could I come up with to quilt them?
Finally, I could share all the quilts one at a time here on the blog so that I could challenge YOU to play along with me. Aren’t you glad you’re reading this?
So lets recap, what do we get to learn, practice, experiment with, and have fun doing? Bordering, Quilting, AND Binding! Why am I so jazzed? We’re talking small quilts here. Small is “do-able.” Small is manageable. Small is why not take a risk and try something you’ve never tried before. What’s the worst that could happen?
My absolute favorite part of quilting is binding…making it, stitching it to the quilt with walking foot, and hand sewing it down, not to mention the challenge of getting the corners to be perfect. I even volunteer to bind our quilt guilds projects at times. But who says an old dog can’t learn new tricks? I’M IN!
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Awesome, MaryJean! Glad to have you along for the ride.
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I can always learn something new. Actually I want to see what happens with the Puppus Dogus quilt?
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You and me both, Sharon! I’m not in any big hurry. Just enjoying the process.
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This sounds like fun!
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Cool! Glad you’re intrigued, Amy!
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Well I may not be able to play along Ami but I will certain stop, listen and learn!
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That works for me, Mary Ann!
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I had to laugh so many times reading this, sound like fun to me. I ripped apart half a quilt yesterday just to get to one block that was bothering me, no I am not a perfectionist I just had to fix this block. Long story. Anyway I am interested in your next blog for sure.
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Glad you’re looking forward to the next blog, Patti!
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This sounds like fun! (Can cats come, too, or only dogs allowed?)
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Yes, cats are welcome for sure, Pam!
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I am excited
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Me too, Maureen!
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Wow! Sounds really interesting. And I like the idea of small and do-able.
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Thanks, Judy! I like small too.
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I am in
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Excellent, Debbie!
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New tricks sound like a winner.
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Everybody loves a good trick, right Sara Jane?
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Sure, I’ll give it a whirl if only to see what you do!
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Oh-oh, the pressure is on.
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Sounds like fun! I may watch more than do, but I’m sure I’ll learn something.
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Works for me, Lynn!
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Puppus Dogus sounds so fun
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Just trying to be technically correct, Claire.
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Sounds interesting. I’d love to watch and learn. Count me in, please.
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Yay! Glad you’re going to be tuning in, Terry.
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please add me to your list, this sounds like fun and maybe something I could do with things I have started
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I’m really enjoying the project, taking my time and savoring…
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Great idea! I have lots of “independent” blocks that refuse to play together!
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Chris, that sounds like the perfect solution.
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Yes, count me in.
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1, 2, 3, ….. OK, you’re IN!
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I’d love to join you in Old Dogs/New Tricks. I’m anxious to hear about the deconstruction as well! I’ve been quilting since 1985, and that’s A LOT of UFOs. A lot. Many.
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Glad you’ll be along for the ride, Laurel!
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I’ll have do a new technology too…Blogs or will my email get me each challenge? Oh good looks like my answer is the box to check below. Great I’ve missed reading your notes.
Abbie
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Abbie, I will mention each new blog in my newsletter. They also go automatically to my FaceBook and Twitter account. Or, you can (as you just found out) sign up to get an email notification when each new blog posts.
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Great idea! I’ll follow you anywhere! I wish you would come back to Dallas for more workshops! I think of you every time I iron strips together (I took your strips workshop).
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So glad you’ll be following me! If you want me back to Dallas, all you have to do is tell your Program Chair. I have openings next year and 2017 is almost totally open.
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Sounds like fun.
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Terrific! Thanks, Carolyn!
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There are several UFO’s lurking in my “studio”/chaotic sewing room – I need INSPIRATION! Ami, your Great Experiment sounds like the push I need to finish SOMETHING!
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My pleasure, as long as I don’t push you over the edge.
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I think this sounds great! I have a project box filled with orphan blocks that beg for borders and binding! And a new-to-me sewing machine that is begging me to practice with it! Maybe they could turn into doll/teddybear quilts for a guild Xmas project? I am in!!!
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Great ideas, Bev!
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Pondering….
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Pondering is good. This is simply inspiration as needed.
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Sign me up. Sounds like fun.
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No sign-up required. You’re immediately approved, registered, stamped, and ready to go.
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I think I am up for a challenge. I will give it a whirl.
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Excellent, Edna!
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sounds like fun! I was in that class, so much fun. My furbabies were just puppies themselves; now Buddy has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and Lucy is now an old lady–a very spoiled one!
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Thanks for remembering that class, Bonnie! Sending a belly rub to Lucy.
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This sounds like fun!
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I’m having a blast, so I hope you will too, Nancy!
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binding…. the bane of my quilting existence! And don’t get me started on actually finishing something… please count me in :)
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Terri, I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve. Hopefully this will help.
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I’m always UP for a challenge. Count me in! When do we start?
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Awesome, Donna! We start with the next blog post. Not sure when that will happen, but soon hopefully.
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I’m in.
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Terrific, Shelly!
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Me too! And thank you!!
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Great, May Lou!
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very intere4sted
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Excellent, Sharon!
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Reminds me of when we made Priority Alzheimer’s quiltlets!
Hugs, Bid
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Yup! I never had the time to make any once the project grew legs.
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I’m in
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That’s wonderful, Cindy!
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Mourning the loss of that beautiful Puppus Doggus quilt, Ami! But I’m looking forward to seeing what it becomes in its next incarnation.
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I hear you. I loved that top too, but alas, it never morphed into a finished quilt. Change is good.
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I’m getting older as we speak. One more project, why not?
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I like your attitude, Deborah!
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Let the fun begin.
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I’ll be sharing the first finished quilt in the next blog. :)
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i’m in!
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That’s great, Vicki!
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I’m ready, set. Go!
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Me too!
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I want to learn! I want to experiment! I want to practice! Count me IN!
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You’re in! So happy you’re jazzed about it, Pam!
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Please, please let me join!
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Of course, Julie! Consider yourself joined.
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In definitely curious about this. I’ll certainly be following along, even if I don’t have time to participate. I always love learning about how other quilters work.
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That works for me, Jolly and Delilah.
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Thanks!
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Can’t wait to join the fun! My fabrics are screaming at me saying, “Use me first!” This project puts a big smile on my face!
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Chatty fabric. I think that’s a good thing.
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Sounds like fun and such a cute quilt
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Thanks, Nancy! It used to be! Ha ha.
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I have always loved that quilt, sign me up. Game on!
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You got it, Karen!
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I’m very interested in seeing what you have come up with!
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(Me too!)
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Looks like a fun time! Count me in!
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You’re in and counted!
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I’m in! I need some new tricks!
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I think we all are! Glad you’ll be joining in the fun, Renie!
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The older I get, the more appealing small projects become to me, so this sounds like it’s going to be great!
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I can learn faster on smaller projects. I ran out of beds years ago, and there’s not much space on my walls either.
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I have several ufos so I’m looking forward to seeing how this goes.
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Me too, Liz!
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Make that 95 of us!
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Glad you’re in, Dian!
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Great idea for some of the block of the month UFOs.
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Good thinking, Meta!
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Lets give these doggies a whirl!
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Love your enthusiasm, Janie!
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Looks like fun! I really need to get a Facebook page.
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You can hang out with my on my blog. You don’t need a facebook page, but do sign up for the blog or my newsletter: https://amisimms.com/freenewsletter.html
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Would love to join. Will be a great warm-up for when you come to our guild next year!
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Yay! Great news, Velda!
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I always enjoy watching and learning new techniques.
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Good for you, Jan!
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I rarely get good corners on my quilts. When I do get a sharp one I can’t figure out what I did differently. I am so in!
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I’ll see if I can help, Mary!
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I also like the binding process, so I am very interested in what the outcome of this project will be.
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Me too. We’ll both have to stay tuned, as they say….
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sounds like my kind of thing–excellent
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Wonderful to have you on board, Cassandra!
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Great idea! I’m in, too!
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Great, Phyllis! Welcome!
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Love the dog themed blocks. Can’t wait to see what you do with them. I’m in.
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Thanks, Susan! I can’t wait to see what I do with them too! Ha, ha!
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I’m in….I would love the challenge(s)!! Besides, it’s just good to hear from you, Ami! Always enjoy your posts/newsletters!
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Thanks so much, Pam!
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Ami, sounds like a fun challenge. count me in. Thanks for all your designs, ideas, and fun sidelines. Zoey is adorable! I made a Puppus Doggus quilt for charity some time ago and sent you a block in exchange for the pattern. Loved it–so fun to do. I’m ready. What’s next? Melanie
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So glad that you’re on board, Melanie! for now just hang lose until the next blog post goes up. It will be a few weeks, I’m sure.
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Good. I’ll get caught up on “things” meanwhile. :o)
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Okay, let’s try this again, I’m going to follow along and see if i learn some new tricks.
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That’s a great plan, Judy!
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Looking forward to this
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Me too, Emalee!
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I’m teaching a total beginners group and think I have over challenged them with a Judy Hopkins (remember her?) “mystery quilt’. I am curious what you are introducing to us. Is it something that an old quilter like me might like?
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You’ll just have to wait and see, Rebecca!
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Why not?? Sounds like fun.
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Yay! Glad you’ll be tuning in, Mida!
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I’m in..always looking to learn new things
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Great attitude, Kathleen!
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Let’s do this!
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You bet!
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I’m in but I probably don’t have to officially join?
Mary Anne Kingston
>
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We are totally non-official here. :)
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Always enjoy learning new techniques and love to read your newsletters. This sounds even more fun.
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Thanks, Nancy! I appreciate the kind words.
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Maybe…just maybe…. this will help me do something with all those not-so-orphan blocks just waiting for a brainstorm to occur!
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Maybe….. :)
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Could hardly find the end of the list!
Add me, please!
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Welcome, Diane!
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I am always up for a new challenge!
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Excellent, HelenMarie!
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Sounds like fun, count me in!
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You’re IN, Moira!
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Great idea! I’ve got a “few” old UFOs lurking. Count me in!
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You’re IN, Deanne!
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This might be just what I need to get some small quilts done. I am great at making them but bad at actually finishing them. So I think when you post something I will pick one of my little quilts and use it to do the techniques on.
Thanks
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Excellent idea!
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This sounds like great fun and there is always more to learn!
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Glad you’ll be following along, Julia!
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Very clever idea and it has me thinking! LOL I don’t have a Puppus quilt to use but maybe something else possibly?
thanks for the inspiration
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Any blocks will do, BOM’s, orphans, total rejects you don’t want to pitch.
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i like binding, but don’t always do a good job, I’d like to do better, Helen
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Let’s see if I can help, Helen!
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Definitely sounds interesting and fun. Love your blogs
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Thanks, Cathy! Glad you’ll be tuning in.
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I’;d love to get all the information and watch the fun. Right now I’m a bit busy with a full time plus job and two very new grandbabies – twins, boy and girl, born 8 weeks early and FINALLY home. They weren’t supposed to be here until July 8th (born May 15th at almost 3 1/2 pounds each and about 16 inches long) They are T I N Y – but so perfect and I’m loving just watching them. I can hardly wait until they giggle and sit and then crawl. Then the real fun begins. But soon I will be back to making lots of quilts and I’d love to know a few new things. I remember when the puppus doggus pattern was around. Guess I’ve been following you for a while. Keep up the good work and I love the grandma news, too !!
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Hi Mary Ellen! Congrats on the new grandbabies! Tune in when you can.
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Sounds like great fun ! Thanks for inspiring us :)
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Thanks for the kind words, Kathy!
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Great idea for trying new things. And I love the pups!
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Cool! Glad you’re along for the ride, Dorothy!
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Please add me to the list. Sounds like fun!
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You’re already on the list, Cheryl!
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Love watching “new, different” techniques to add to my “stash of ideas’
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Glad you’ll be joining us, Gerorgia!
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Absolutely this old dog wants to learn some new tricks. Count me in, too.
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Woof! That’s great news!
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Ami, Like challenges. Count me in
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Pat, glad you’ll be tuning in.
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It looks like fun. I would love to be part of this.
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It’s settled then! You’re in!
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Count me in! I love your chatty newsletter and Scooter.
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Thanks, Linda! Glad to have you along.
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Sounds like fun
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I think it will be!
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I am willing to learn some new tricks.
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That’s great, Shirl!
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Always up for a challenge and learning something new!mik
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Excellent, Mary Ellen!
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Sounds like fun. Small projects seem to get done before larger ones!
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Oh yeah!
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Ya!!
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Ya! Ya!
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Count me in. I’ve been working on a needleturn applique extra large queen size quilt for ages. It would be great to work on something small and get it DONE!
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Glad to have you along for the ride, Gini!
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I’m an old dog who needs new tricks.
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Aroooof! Me too. Bark! Bark!
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Amazing that you respond to all of these comments! You must have Scooter do some of them for you. I miss seeing you, your sense of humor, and tapping into your knowledge and skills. I will enjoy this.
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Yes, I am certifiable. But I’m glad you appreciate it. Miss you too!
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I would like to join too always ready for a new trick.
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Welcome, Peggy!
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What a great idea! I hate binding, but love taking something to a different place (that is a better place). In my over-60ness, I have become a major recycler of all kinds of things in the garage and attic, whether it’s for the garden, the chicken coop, or a fiber project. And it’s fun to actually finish something once in a while. Go Ami !
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Thanks!
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Hope it’s not too late to join in–maybe I can get the table runner I made in a class in April bordered & bound!
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Of course not! Welcome, Judy!
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Not sure how I missed this, but I’d like to follow along too. Love those old dogs. Looking forward to learning some new tricks. Enjoy your humor!
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Cool…and thanks!
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Count me in…can’t wait…
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You’re in! Welcome, Kathleen!
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I’m in, always willing to learn something new or different than how I might do it. Your puppy blocks are precious. Hugs,
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Thanks, Sandi! Glad you’re in on the adventure.
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I’m in , maybe this will get me to like binding
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Cool!
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Sounds great to me! Count me in!
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Ami, looking forward to learning from you again…I was in New Hampshire last October. (Hard to believe you haven’t done bias binding until now!!!) l am a dog lover from way back and look forward to seeing what this class actually is…got confused when reading your commentary. But YAY!!!
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Hadn’t done bias binding with a stripe. :)
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Always love to learn new things! Thanks for being such an awesome teacher/creative force/person.
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Aren’t you sweet, Beth! I’m sitting a little taller in my chair.
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Can’t wait to join in. I made the Puppus Doggus quilt for charity years ago after sending you the payment block and receiving the pattern. So much fun, and will enjoy this process along with you as I’m still intimidated by machine quilting! Go, Ami! I’ll tag along, too. :o)
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Way cool, Melanie!
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