Monday, February 20, 2012

Book Review Blog Tour….AND GIVE AWAY!!

Well it looks like this retired teacher is going ‘Back to School’… CORRECTION.. that’s ‘Back to Charm School’ by Mary Etherington and Connie Tesene of Country Threads!

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Today is Day ONE of the ‘Back to Charm School’ Book Review Blog Tour…and lucky ME, I get to be a part of it!! 

Look what came in the mail last Monday…TWO AUTOGRAPHED copies of ‘Back to Charm School’…one for ME and maybe, just maybe…one for YOU!

Before we get to the GIVE AWAY, let me tell you a little bit about ‘Back To Charm School’.

As soon as I pulled this book out of the brown envelope I KNEW I was going to LOVE it…just LOOK at the cover quilt…SCRAPPY goodness!!  I slowly turned the pages and audibly ohhhhed and aahhhhed each project…yup all 20 of them!! …OUT LOUD! The projects range from lovely table toppers to scrappy runners, to wonderful quilts and tree skirts…even the cutest pillow ever! And so beautifully illustrated!!

When I got to this little table topper I KNEW I HAD to make it..RIGHT NOW!!  GORGEOUS!!

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I pulled out my charm packs…I only had two choices so the decision was an easy one!!  I went with Primitive Gatherings new line of fabrics called “Seasonal Little Gatherings”.

Now I am going to be honest with you…this project called for making a template and it also called for hand piecing the little honeycomb pieces together…both of which I had NEVER done before.  Hey, if this is a good book, then the proof would be in the pudding…right? 

So I made my template…easy!  Cut out the shapes…easy!  Marked my shapes…easy!!  So far, so good!P1170323This is going to be a breeze!!  Machine stitched the rows…done!!

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Now came the hand stitching…not so easy!!  BUT thanks to the box labeled ‘Country Know-How’, Mary and Connie talked me through it!!…EASY or should I say EASIER!!  I read it word for word… “Don’t be intimidated by hand sewing…”  Ok I can do THIS!!  P1170378

I followed Mary and Connie’s EXCELLENT instructions and this little quilt magically took shape!  Yup…everything matched…and stitch!

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I used my applique iron to open the seams…P1170347

And before I knew it…these little honeycomb shapes became a little quilt top…

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Now in REAL LIFE the green linen border is the same colour as the green  prints inside the quilt…and looks much better..just sayin’…:~)

Yesterday I set out to do the quilting…P1170366

…but life got in the way…and I didn’t quite get it finished…but ALMOST!  I still have the right seven honeycombs to quilt before the binding goes on! 

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Yup…I’m loving my little Honeycombs…and thanks to Mary and Connie for talking me through it!!  I could have NEVER done it without their EXCELLENT instructions!!

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The projects in ‘Back to Charm School’ are all geared to be made from Charm Packs (hence the title) but  what happens if you don’t have a Charm Pack?  Mary and Connie have thought of EVERYTHING! There is a special section called “Making Do” where they give you the yardage needed to complete each project.  Very clever of them!!  True quilters for sure!

If I had a blue fabric stash hiding under my couch in the 5th Wheel  I would definitely be whipping up this beauty!!  I LOVE this quilt!  But no…this quilt will have to wait until I get home…sigh…

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But not to worry…I have lots of other projects to keep me busy until I get home…see my stickies marking future projects…think I’m going to have to get more Charm Packs!! heehee

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Thanks SEW much, Mary and Connie for letting me review your book!!  It was totally my pleasure… If you should ever write another book, I hope you will think of me…I would LOVE to do it all over again!!

Now onto the the GIVE AWAY!  Mary and Connie (and Martingale) have generously donated a copy of “Back to Charm School” to be given away to some lucky recipient!!

Rules for the Give Away? Let’s keep it simple!!  Leave a comment!  If you are a follower of this blog, then leave ANOTHER comment saying that you follow and you will get a SECOND chance to win.  Mr. Random Generator will choose the lucky winner on the last day of the Blog Tour…which is Saturday, February 25th

Here is the a list of all the Blog Tour participants!  Hurry over to Maureen’s and see what she has to say about “Back to Charm School”…and enter to win her Give Away!  Just think.. you have ELEVEN chances to win this wonderful book!!

‘Back to Charm School’ Book Review Blog Tour   Participants~

Feb.20~ Maureen Baly                moequiltz.blogspot.com

Feb.20~Paulette Doyle                sweetp-paulette.blogspot.com

Feb. 21~Lori DeJarnatt                humblequilts.blogspot.com

Feb. 21~Jo Kramer                        joscountryjunction.com

Feb. 22~ Sherri McConell               aquiltinglife.blogspot.com

Feb. 22~ Karen Griska                    selvageblog.blogspot.com

Feb.23~ Julie Winkler                    juliekquilts.blogspot.com

Feb.24~ Sarah Craig    confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com

Feb.24~Suzanne Melkoski            coloradolady.blogspot.com

Feb.25~Michelle Marr               mychellem.blogspot.com

Feb.25~ Pat Wys        silverthimbletalk.blogspot.com

Thanks again, Mary and Connie!!  I love your new book…and I love my new Honeycomb quilt…Oh and thanks again for all your help!!  I couldn’t have done it without you!:)

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Have a Magical Monday and Happy Quilting!~P

365 comments:

  1. Looks like a great book and I'd love to win! Mary E sent me!

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  2. Would love the chance to win the book. Looks like several neat projects inside. KMA

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  3. I am also a follower of your blog. KMA

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  4. looks like a great book. keep up the good work.

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  5. Jo's Country Junction sent me! Hand-sewing .... am I brave enough? Thanks for the chance to win!

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  6. Great review and I would love to win this book! Thanks

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  7. Love the runner you made. Looks like a book that I would enjoy.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

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  8. Looks like a lovely book, and this project is one I'd definitely one I'd like to try

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  9. Love the book. Charm packs are such fun to work with. I would love to win.

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  10. The book looks wonderful with great projects.

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  11. Great review and thanks for the chance.I`m a follower!!

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  12. I'd love to win this book. The honeycomb quilt is so cute. Now I want one.

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  13. Looks like a great book to win. Thanks for the chance.

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  14. Great job tackling that little quilt. Thanks for sharing your project!

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  15. Your work is wonderful! It is one thing to be told that a book is good, it is quite another to be shown! Thanks! Mary E. sent me!

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  16. I have Country Threads goes to Charm School and I can recommend it, would love to win this one. Thanks for the chance.

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  17. Wow!! beautiful quilt...I want that book now,,lol. Your teaching skills shine when you explain the procedure...thanks paulette

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  18. I love little quilts, and would love to try out some in this book. Thanks for the giveaway. Kathie L in Allentown

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  19. I just recently found your blog and enjoy reading it daily :o) Thanks for the the visuals and feed back on this charm book. Looks like it will be a great addition to many quilter's libraries and hopefully mine too.

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  20. I am one of your loyal followers. Kathie L in Allentown

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  21. Love Country Threads - you know Mary sent me. I am a true follower. Thanks!

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  22. Love Country Threads - you know Mary sent me. I am a true follower. Thanks!

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  23. Looks like a great book! Love the project you made.

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  24. I love the book projects and yours is so cute and looks doable! Good job.

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  25. I love the idea of the book to use charm squares...who doesn't have those?! Thanks for the chance to win. Your quilt is beautiful!

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  26. I am a follower!! Love chances to win!

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  27. What a great little project and wonderful idea!

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  28. That's great! I love the little honeycombs---

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  29. That book looks like one I would love to have in my collection The table runner is very cute and charm packs are a great way to go. No cutting

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  30. Paulette... Loved your review of this book, you did an excellent job! Your quilt is lovely. Thanks for the opportunity to be included in your give-a-way. This book looks fabulous!

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  31. I also follow your blog... Really enjoy reading it each morning!

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  32. Very cute quilt... It would be fun to do a hand project and not a machine. The book looks like a good one.

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  33. Love this quilt and the book. I got Mary e.'s email about the blog hop and had to see your blog. Thanks for the review.

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  34. All those patterns and I might deplete my charm pack pile !

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  35. That book is one of the best books around! I love every pattern. If I don't win the book then I'll take your cute quilt. LOL

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  36. I would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance!

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  37. Looks like a great book. Thanks for offering it as a giveaway.

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  38. I love the honey comb quilt. How clever to combine machine and hand sewing.

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  39. You've done a great job on the review, Paulette. Testing it out on something you have never tried before and being successful speaks highly indeed to the quality of the book. Please enter me in the giveaway - I'd love to make my own project.

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  40. I am also a follower and enjoy that immensely.

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  41. Mary and Connie always do wonderful things! I don't have this book yet so I would love to win it.

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  42. Sweet P.......Mary sent me, too! And you know I follow your blog as well. Can't wait to see who wins.
    Launa

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  43. Sweet P,
    I would love to win Charm School as it looks wonderful.
    Launapet

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  44. Please enter me in this book draw. I have collected several charm packs and would love to win this book. Their instructions sound very thorough.

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  45. OMGosh, I love it, no doubt, because I love everything you do! My bday is Friday so this would be a lovely present! This would be a great die for the GO.
    Jan

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  46. That honeycomb is as "sweet" as can be - "Sweet P." wink wink!

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  47. Oh and I'm a dedicated follower.

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  48. Thanks for your insight and for the chance to win.
    Caroline

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  49. You did a great job on the honeycomb quilt. You've sold me on the book.

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  50. Yes, I want to be in your drawing. I have Mary & Connie's books and would love to have this one too. Love the little quilt you 'whipped' together. Good job!

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  51. Yes, I'm a follower, every single day, and love it!

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  52. Love the Honeycomb quilt. Not something I would think of making, but your book review makes it sound doable. I think this book is definitely a winner. It would be awesome to win a signed copy.

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  53. I'm a very happy follower. Look forward to reading you everyday!

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  54. I am your newest follower! This sounds like a great book, I love that it combines both machine and hand stitching!

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  55. Charm Quilts scare the daylights out of me. You make this book sound like it could chase away the fright!

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  56. Your little quilt is gorgeous and the book looks great! Thanks for a chance to win, I would love this book!

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  57. This looks like a great book. Your honeycomb quilt is beautiful!

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  58. Great project! Love these books, thanks for a chance, Paulette.

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  59. Such a neat Book!
    Love to win it!
    Thanks so for sharing!
    Happy Quilting all!

    msstitcher12@yahoo.com

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  60. Happy to follow you!
    Happy quilting!

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  61. Great Book, would like to win it !!

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  62. What a useful book! Already two quilts I like the look of and would like to make....

    Thank you for the chance to win.

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  63. Looks like you had fun reviewing the book. I'm amazed at how quickly you get a project done. I'm watching curling!!

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  64. Great review. My charm squares are just waiting! Thanks for the chance to win a signed copy.
    Cheryl

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  65. I have been drooling over this book for some time now. I haven't bought it YET though. But I really think I need it if only so I can make the adorable coffee cup wall hanging! Thanks for the chance to win!!
    sunshdws at yahoo dot com

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  66. Wow....thanks for the tutorial. Your finished quilt is great and the new books looks interesting. BTW...tell me about your neat little iron ?
    I'd love a chance to win.
    Maureen B.

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  67. I am also a follower...THANKS
    Maureen B.

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  68. Thanks for the review. It sounds like a great book"

    Mrs.Hearts
    www.busyhandsquilts.blogspot.com

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  69. I am a new follower of your blog!

    Mrs.Hearts
    www.busyhandsquilts.blogspot.com

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  70. I would love to win this book, and of course I am a follower, who wouldn't be.

    Nancy in MT

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  71. Thanks Paulette for the chance to win. I have the first Charm School book and Connie and Mary are favorite quilt authors. I actually see them every year at the Country Living Fair here in Columbus, OH, and last year they were vendors at the Cincinnati International Quilt Show. They are really nice. Mary said in her email to tell you that she told us about the blog hop. You do a great demo! I am now a new follower.

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  72. Awesome book and nice job on the hand piecing!

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  73. The book looks great. I like your honeycomb quilt. Thanks for a chance to win the book.

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  74. Hi! Great giveaway! I'm a follower of your blog. Thanks!
    Bev

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  75. Years ago I toured a small place called Charm,Ohio. The local joke was that the children,who lived there went to 'charm' school.
    Would love to win the book
    Ann

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  76. Since I can't resist picking up those cute little charm packs, it would be very helpful to find some inspiration to actually use them! Thanks

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  77. Adorable - looks like good scrap use ideas, too!!!

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  78. I love to win this book. The quilts look interesting and fun! Thanks for the chance!

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  79. I'm a long time follower and enjoy your blog very much!

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  80. I enjoyed your post very much. Learned about you via Jo's Counry Junction who I follow. Sounds like Country Threads has done it again with more great patterns. I'll be sure to come by again. Sandi

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  81. Me again...I'll be following. See you tomorrow! Sandi

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  82. Anything Scrappy does it for me, thanks for the giveaway.

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  83. Love these little quilts! Please include me in your giveaway. Oh, and I'm a follower. :-)

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  84. I have the first book and would love to have the second one! I adore little quilts!!

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  85. The book looks like a great way to use stash fabrics too. Would love to sew up a new table runner, if I had the book!

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  86. Yes, I am a follower and check you out every day...missed you so much when you were sick at Christmas time.

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  87. This looks really fun! Thanks for your step by step tour of the process. I am really inspired. And I love your blog! Mary E. sent me!

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  88. I have the first book and love it, would be great to have the second one as well. Thank you

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  89. I'm a follower using Google Reader. Thanks

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  90. I love your honeycomg quilt!
    Count me in please!

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  91. A charming giveaway - thanks for the tutorial.

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  92. I'm a newcomer to your blog, but thanks to Country Threads, I am a new fan. The book sounds great - thanks for your review!!

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  93. What a great review of this wonderful new book! I love your new Honeycomb quilt and would love to make one too! I love hand piecing :-) Thank you for the chance to win a copy!

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  94. And I'm a follower :-) Thank you for even another chance to win this cool book!

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  95. That is a great quilt and the book looks fantastic.

    http://richardquilts.blogspot.com
    Stop by for my quilt givaway to guess my babys b-day and weight.

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  96. Follower also.

    http://richardquilts.blogspot.com
    Stop by for my quilt givaway to guess my babys b-day and weight.

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  97. Thanks for reviewing their book! Mary E. sent me, let's help her get into this 'blog' world. :-)

    mequilt1206 (at)comcast (dot) net

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  98. Paulette, What would a day be like without reading your blog? That just doesn't happen at my house! Thanks for letting me "walk" by your side. ...Sandi in MN

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  99. I love Country Threads! Their quilt shop on the farm is something that everyone would enjoy....Sandi in MN

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  100. Looks like a great book, I love charm packs and I love scrappy quilts. Great combination!

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  101. I also follow your blog, and thanks for adding your Pinterest link! A new addiction for sure.

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  102. I have a bunch of charm packs that I need a pattern for. This book would be great.

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  103. I am a blog shop hop follower.
    Mary E sent me.

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  104. Would love to win the book...your little quilt turned out adorable!

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  105. Love this book! Sure would be fun to win. Thanks

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  106. Thank you for such a wonderful review as well as demo of a hand pieced quilt that was a new technique for you. Wonderful job and this is really a book on the 'wanted' list.

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  107. What a great book. Thanks for the chance to win it!

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  108. I love charm packs-- so this book would be one that I know I would put to good use! :-) Thank you for the chance to win a copy!!

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  109. This book looks like fun. I like that they can coach you through the hand stitching -- maybe I could do it too!

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  110. This one looks like MY kind of book - would love to be a winner!
    Myrtlesgirl

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  111. Love this, I do hope I win as I love charm squares and little projects.

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  112. Love this, I do hope I win as I love charm squares and little projects.

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  113. WOOHOO! I'd love to win this book! Thanks for the chance!

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  114. Your quilt is adorable! Love charm packs so I know I'd love this book! Thanks for the chance to win.
    ~Terry~

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  115. Hi! I love your blog and I love the girls of Country Threads! I would love to win a copy of their new book. Looks like some fun projects. Thanks!

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  116. Oh, I need, want, crave that little book! You are so right—you have plenty of projects now to work on. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  117. I'm a follower for sure! Luv your blog, Paulette! Thanks for the wisdom you share with us.

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  118. I have their first book and I love it. This book looks like it is just as good. Sure would like to win it.

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  119. Thanks for the giveaway! Would love to win it.

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  120. Looks like a great book,LOVE the runner you made. Thanks for the chance.

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  121. I am a follower and really enjoy your blog!!!!

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  122. ohh thanks for the giveaway, this looks like a great book and your runner is so cute..lovely fabric choice

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  123. I would love to win this book. It sounds great. This is my first time to your blog, but I will be back. You mentioned a 5th wheel...two of my favorite things, quilting and camping in my little Scamp.

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  124. I would love this book, it appears to have great projects. I love your tablerunner

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  125. Oh what a great looking book. I'd love to win this one. I have a large amount of charm packs that I need to do something with. This looks just perfect. And that honeycomb quilt is awesome.

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  126. I am already a follower also. Thank you for the giveaway.

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  127. Thanks for the review Paulette, you defiantly captured my interest in this book! I had been ignoring charm squares for all of my quilting life until about 3 months ago, now I am addicted, so this book would be perfect! Happy quilting, Sue SA

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  128. Wow, such cute projects!
    And being a newbie quilter, I always wondered what the little charm packs were for.

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  129. Thanks for telling us that hand quilting is quite doable! The honeycomb quilt is quite adorable.

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  130. Love your little quilt! You sure have been stitching up a storm between this little quilt and your absolutely GO!RGEOUS ;) blog hop quilt! Thanks for a chance to win the book.

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  131. Of course I'm a follower! Sign me up for the drawing, please.

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  132. Cute cute table runner. I hope I win a copy of Back to Charm School.

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  133. I am always looking for projects with charms, so this would be a great resource! Thanks for the introduction!

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  134. I am a happy follower of your blog!

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  135. Love how your piece came out, would love to make that one, too.

    Debbie

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  136. I LOVE how your little quilt turned out so cute!!

    Great review!
    Please include me~ I LOVE charm packs!!

    Tanya

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  137. I am a follower of your blog.

    thanks so much!

    Tanya

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  138. I just love how wonderful your little honeycomb quilt looks. It's absolutely adorable. I really, really, really love to make some of the quilts in the book.
    Best wishes from Germany,
    Alex

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  139. Hi Paulette!
    What a lovely little quilt!
    Thanks for the Give away!
    Take care, Leslie

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  140. Hi Paulette!
    Of course I'm a follower, for about 3 yrs! It was you who inspired me into my own blog, thanks!
    Take care, Leslie

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  141. This book looks amazing!! I love the honeycomb quilt you made. Thanks for the wonderful review, and for the chance to win!!!

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  142. Wow, I was going to say "Of course I'm a follower" (of which I am)...LesQuilts must have Esp-n and probably doesn't even know it! I liked your choice of fabrics...could you have pick a more difficult pattern out of the book??? Happy stitching, L

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  143. Looks like a great book. Thanks for sharing. And I would love for you to throw my name into the hat for the drawing.

    Thanks

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  144. And I am a follower - love your blog.

    thanks again for a chance at the book.

    jleibfried@aol.com

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  145. I am a follower and your blog is one of my favorites.

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  146. I have loved Country Threads for the last 20 years, I would love to win their book.

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  147. This book looks awesome!! Thanks for the chance!

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  148. If I did this right I am a follower of your blog. Looking forward to reading every day.

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  149. That book would be a great addition to my quilt library. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

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  150. That looks like a great book!

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  151. That books looks like it has a lot of great ideas. Hope I win.

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  152. Look like a great book. I love your new little quilt.

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  153. Have been lusting after this book, would love to have it.

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  154. Looks like a great book!

    Tammy
    morrowrj@telus.net

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  155. This book definitely looks like one that I want/need. Thanks for the chance to win it.
    lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com

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  156. I'm a follower by email.
    lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com

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  157. I love how your topper turned out. It looks great. Thank you for the chance.

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  158. I am a follower. I love your blog.

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  159. I am a follower. Thanks for the generous giveaway.

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