Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Charms and Barres

Little side note before I get into the heart of this post: My hobo bag that's featured on the cover of Tricia Waddell's new book, The Best of Stitch: Bags to Sew, came back to me yesterday and, within minutes of opening the package, I  loaded it full of yoga supplies and headed off to class. I'm so happy to have it back!

Anyway, back to my real point or rather points for being here today.

This:
and this:
One explanation at a time.
The first image is of a simple quilt I'm calling Baby Barres using the solids from my Simple Marks collection for Moda. For those of you who knit and read the Purl Bee, you might just recognize the inspiration for this baby quilt. It's my sewn and quilted take on the Super Easy Baby Blanket.
I've long been influenced by knitting patterns, though why I knit in Texas remains mysterious to me. Be that as it may, knitted and crocheted designs often inspire me.
It's incredibly easy to make, just seam together 6 full length, quarter yard pieces (9" x 44"), along their long ends and, voila, you have your pieced top.
I remember the first time I saw the knitted version on the Purl Bee. I thought it was so simple and really quite beautiful in its simplicity. Well, I think this version captures that. Also, you can really adjust the basic design to suit your tastes just by selecting different solids. And, for those of you who love the quilting part of quilt making, this design is great place to let your stitching prowess show. So, give it a try and let me know what you think.

As for the second image, well, that there is a pair of charm packs of my Simple Marks Summer line slated to be released this April. This pair is being offered to two of my lovely readers by a terrific sponsor, Marmalade Fabrics. I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Tammy, proprietress of Marmalade Fabrics, at Quilt Con a couple of weeks ago and she's just as fabulous in person as she's been over the phone and via email over the past year or so.
So, if you'd like a chance to win one of these, leave a comment and I'll pick and announce a winner on Friday.
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105 comments:

  1. BrendaMarch 13, 2013 at 9:14:00 AM CST

    pick me, pick me! thanks for the chance.

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  2. lemonade sandwichMarch 13, 2013 at 9:16:00 AM CST

    I can't wait to see these fabrics in person!

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  3. MicheleMarch 13, 2013 at 9:19:00 AM CST

    Your new fabric looks yummy.

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  4. PaulaMarch 13, 2013 at 9:21:00 AM CST

    I really love how the baby quilt turned out. The colours are stunning. I am looking forward to the release of Simple Marks Summer. Thanks for the chance to win some now.

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  5. craftykarenMarch 13, 2013 at 9:26:00 AM CST

    Simple and yet such a strong design due to color and color placement, plus some nice quilting! Would love to have the charm pack and thanks for offering this giveaway.

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  6. PoppyprintMarch 13, 2013 at 9:35:00 AM CST

    I love the colours you choose for your fabric lines - they're unique and not found anywhere else. I like that. I could add these 2 charm packs to the 10 of your last line, still patiently waiting for a queen size massive scrappy zizzag quilt. I am undecided on background solid!

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  7. pennydogMarch 13, 2013 at 9:37:00 AM CST

    I would LOVE one, if only to push me to order a F8 bundle!

    kerryATpenny-dog.co.uk

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  8. Domestic BlissMarch 13, 2013 at 9:46:00 AM CST

    Your baby barres quilt is awesome! The quilting looks like knitting stitches!
    And your Simple Marks Summer line is so vibrant. It would sure cheer up any space in a hurry!
    Nice work... thanks for sharing.

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  9. AlisaMarch 13, 2013 at 9:51:00 AM CST

    Love the baby quilt!

    You could always send your knitting up here to Canada :)

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  10. Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O)March 13, 2013 at 9:53:00 AM CST

    Lovely colors and i thank you for holding this give away.

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  11. LauraMarch 13, 2013 at 9:54:00 AM CST

    I love Simple Marks!! We are hoping to get Malka to our guild this summer.

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  12. misplacedpomMarch 13, 2013 at 9:54:00 AM CST

    This quilt looks like a great way to practice and show off free motion quilting!

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  13. JessicaMarch 13, 2013 at 9:56:00 AM CST

    Love that quilt- the simplicity and the great colors!

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  14. stitchinpennyMarch 13, 2013 at 9:59:00 AM CST

    The simplicity and vibrancy make the fabrics and quilt amazing.

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  15. Tina ShortMarch 13, 2013 at 9:59:00 AM CST

    Love the quilt..and the fabric.

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  16. LeilaMarch 13, 2013 at 10:27:00 AM CST

    Love the summer colors!!! Thanks!

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  17. mjbMarch 13, 2013 at 10:32:00 AM CST

    I like how the quilting stitches give the texture of knitting.

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  18. Lisa CMarch 13, 2013 at 11:00:00 AM CST

    Don't you get jealous when you read blogs from people up north and they are talking about snow and knitting and snow and knitting? Dallas, TX is cooler than Austin but yes, knitting is an interesting hobby in Texas. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  19. IherbaMarch 13, 2013 at 11:05:00 AM CST

    Esas telas sn un diseño precioso y el color me encanta. Cualquier Quilt que se haga con ellas quedaría precioso. Un saludos

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  20. SegelfliegeMarch 13, 2013 at 11:23:00 AM CST

    I just discovered knitting for myself and I love it.
    That fabric looks really special - I would love to call it mine.

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  21. AmyMarch 13, 2013 at 11:32:00 AM CST

    Such a fan of your work!

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  22. GillMarch 13, 2013 at 11:33:00 AM CST

    I love the baby quilt! Simple and stunning!

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  23. JillMarch 13, 2013 at 11:46:00 AM CST

    I've been waiting for inspiration for a baby quilt I want to make for a friend. These fabrics are perfect!

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  24. HollyMarch 13, 2013 at 11:58:00 AM CST

    I'm very excited about your new fabrics and am even thinking of dyeing my own based on your book of techniques!

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  25. MaggieMarch 13, 2013 at 12:05:00 PM CST

    Your fabric line is stunning!

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  26. Four dogs and one quilterMarch 13, 2013 at 12:07:00 PM CST

    Loved the Super Easy Baby Blanket on PurlBee too, but my knitting skills are rusty and I enjoy playing with fabric more than yarn. Can't wait to make your interpretation, it is lovely. Thanks for sharing a great idea.

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  27. Norma's Bag BoutiqueMarch 13, 2013 at 12:13:00 PM CST

    So vibrant! I love them! Thanks for the chance to win and for creating amazing designs.

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  28. NinaMarch 13, 2013 at 12:15:00 PM CST

    That's a really nice quilt. Gives me an idea for a little new boy coming in June... Thanks for the giveaway! I love your fabrics, such vibrant and saturated colors!

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  29. CatherineMarch 13, 2013 at 12:18:00 PM CST

    I would love to win some of that beautiful fabric! Thanks for the chance.

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  30. JannyMarch 13, 2013 at 12:28:00 PM CST

    Beautiful fabric! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  31. Pamela S.March 13, 2013 at 12:29:00 PM CST

    I'd love to win these beautiful charms and thanks for hosting the giveway! Am making a star quilt now with 2 Stitch in Color charm packs and enjoying creating with them ~

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  32. PatriciaMarch 13, 2013 at 12:54:00 PM CST

    I am a fan of all your fabric lines! I sure hope I win!!

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  33. UnknownMarch 13, 2013 at 12:56:00 PM CST

    Wow awesome fabric. I really like the colors you chose! I like it a lot. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  34. Gemma LMarch 13, 2013 at 1:09:00 PM CST

    I love this fabric, can't wait to have a play with it!

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  35. wendyDMarch 13, 2013 at 1:24:00 PM CST

    such delicious fabric.. I would so enjoy 'playing' with it~

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  36. jmjMarch 13, 2013 at 1:25:00 PM CST

    love the bright colors!!!!!

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  37. AmyMarch 13, 2013 at 1:28:00 PM CST

    I always love your color sense. Looking forward to sewing with this new line!

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  38. WtrstoneMarch 13, 2013 at 1:29:00 PM CST

    Love your colors... thanks for a chance to win!

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  39. Vicki HMarch 13, 2013 at 1:30:00 PM CST

    Wow, love those bright colors. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  40. UnknownMarch 13, 2013 at 1:48:00 PM CST

    I would love for that fabric to be mine and stay in Texas.

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  41. LinMarch 13, 2013 at 1:48:00 PM CST

    I really love your Baby Barres Malka - so simple and stunning! I have a baby quilt to make in the next few months and this is just the inspiration I need. I am a hand quilter so I am thinking kantha here. Thank you.

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  42. Jane S.March 13, 2013 at 2:05:00 PM CST

    Well of course I'd like a chance to win -- your fabrics are so much fun!

    I'm a big fan of the Baby Bars knitted blankie too, it never occurred to me to do it in fabric. Great idea! :)

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  43. AmandaK@whatthebobbinMarch 13, 2013 at 2:23:00 PM CST

    Love your fabrics!
    AmandaK@whatthebobbin

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  44. Debra LeeMarch 13, 2013 at 2:34:00 PM CST

    I love love that baby quilt!

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  45. AnonymousMarch 13, 2013 at 2:38:00 PM CST

    Your baby quilt is gorgeous! Thanks for a chance to win such happy and cheerful fabrics... :0)

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  46. SuzyMcQMarch 13, 2013 at 2:58:00 PM CST

    I am literally salivating looking at your new line, Malka!
    It looks incredible and, win or not, I have to grab some up as soon as it's out! A big congratulations to you!

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  47. AnonymousMarch 13, 2013 at 3:05:00 PM CST

    Hello I really ned that charm pack

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  48. lindarooMarch 13, 2013 at 3:06:00 PM CST

    Oh, I would love to win these, and use them to make a Hobo Bag!

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  49. SusanMarch 13, 2013 at 3:12:00 PM CST

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  50. SusanMarch 13, 2013 at 3:13:00 PM CST

    Amazingly rich colors. Can't wait for your new fabric line to be released.

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  51. HeatherMarch 13, 2013 at 3:34:00 PM CST

    Great giveaway thanks. Your books have really inspired me back into the quilting world.
    hezbez13(at)gmail(dot)come - Apparently I am sometimes a no reply blogger.

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  52. HollyMMarch 13, 2013 at 3:44:00 PM CST

    I absolutely love your fabric! Lovely giveaway!

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  53. RachelMarch 13, 2013 at 3:47:00 PM CST

    Ooh! I love this fabric.

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  54. SusanMarch 13, 2013 at 3:56:00 PM CST

    Your fabric is fantastic! I'd love to win

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  55. SueMarch 13, 2013 at 4:08:00 PM CST

    These look gorgeous!

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  56. triciaMarch 13, 2013 at 4:15:00 PM CST

    i loved taking your batik class @ quiltcon! would love to win some bits of your new fabric! :)

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  57. AnneMarch 13, 2013 at 4:23:00 PM CST

    Great fabrics! Thanks for the chance to win them.

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  58. Ben_DMarch 13, 2013 at 4:28:00 PM CST

    Great prize!

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  59. PattiMarch 13, 2013 at 4:29:00 PM CST

    Gorgeous fabrics! Thanks for a wonderful giveaway.

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  60. Esch House QuiltsMarch 13, 2013 at 5:01:00 PM CST

    I'd love a charm pack of Simple Marks! I wish I'd had a chance to meet you at QuiltCon :(

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  61. RosaMarch 13, 2013 at 5:09:00 PM CST

    These fabrics are stunning and remind me the warm days.

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  62. SarahMarch 13, 2013 at 5:24:00 PM CST

    I love the new colrways!

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  63. mekMarch 13, 2013 at 5:41:00 PM CST

    Oh I would love to win one of those packs - there is no chance my LQS will get this line in (things are very traditional over there)!

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  64. A Quilters PlayhouseMarch 13, 2013 at 6:17:00 PM CST

    Thanks for hosting the giveaway and can't wait for Simple Marks to be available. Enjoyed the class with you at Quiltcon.

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  65. JenniferMarch 13, 2013 at 6:20:00 PM CST

    Would love to try your new fabric

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  66. TeriMarch 13, 2013 at 7:21:00 PM CST

    Great idea for a simple, easy baby blanket.

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  67. AritaMarch 13, 2013 at 7:46:00 PM CST

    The new fabrics are beautiful; would love to add them to my stash.

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  68. Jen LLMarch 13, 2013 at 7:47:00 PM CST

    I would love to sew with your beautiful fabrics!

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  69. jenMarch 13, 2013 at 8:02:00 PM CST

    Thanks for the chance at the giveaway! I follow you on pinterest and clicked over here .... you always have such great stuff. :)

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  70. ShariMarch 13, 2013 at 8:24:00 PM CST

    Yeah! Been waiting for the release of the "summer" version!

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  71. DollyMarch 13, 2013 at 8:33:00 PM CST

    Oh, I want some of these fabrics everytime you show them ! Please pick my comment !

    I like that quilt in it's simplicity too !

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  72. Heather BMarch 13, 2013 at 8:41:00 PM CST

    The baby quilt is amazing! I would love to learn how to knit one day, but in 5 months we will be moving back to Texas. lol

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  73. UnknownMarch 13, 2013 at 9:09:00 PM CST

    I would love the opportunity to put your fabric in a quilt. I just love all your colors! I will hope for the best!! Thank you! I love your baby quilt.

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  74. UnknownMarch 13, 2013 at 9:24:00 PM CST

    I can't not enter. It's just too good.

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  75. cindyMarch 13, 2013 at 9:42:00 PM CST

    Love this new line! Would be fun to play with.... I adored your last line of fabrics also!!

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  76. AnnetteMarch 13, 2013 at 10:02:00 PM CST

    I have already made a quilt of stacked coins with this line but summer colors? Oh yeah!

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  77. NikolaMarch 13, 2013 at 10:55:00 PM CST

    these are awesome! thanks for having a give-away:)

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  78. AnonymousMarch 14, 2013 at 1:03:00 AM CST

    A very exciting charm pack! Looking forward to the April debut.

    Valerie - vjwildman at yahoo . com

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  79. RumiMarch 14, 2013 at 2:16:00 AM CST

    I am sure this time I WIN! :)

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  80. NykieMarch 14, 2013 at 2:32:00 AM CST

    Yummy colours!!

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  81. meli BMarch 14, 2013 at 4:14:00 AM CST

    I loved your last line of colours. Glad you have put out a new range.

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  82. TammyMarch 14, 2013 at 4:42:00 AM CST

    Love the baby quilt. Simplicity at it's best. Yet extemely modern. Love the bright colors. I'm a brights kinda gal. Thanks for a chance to enter for the fabric giveaway. It looks gorgeous. Would love to be the proud new owner. conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  83. MargaretMarch 14, 2013 at 5:00:00 AM CST

    When everything is covered with snow and its falling yet again, those colours just make me think of summer!

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  84. GunillaMarch 14, 2013 at 6:37:00 AM CST

    Lovely fabric and prints! I would love to make a quilted tote, pattern Moda bake shop. The colors make me happy!!!

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  85. PamMarch 14, 2013 at 7:13:00 AM CST

    I'd love to win these beautiful charms - thanks for hosting the giveaway!

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  86. Lee AnneMarch 14, 2013 at 9:52:00 AM CST

    I have always loved your fabric/quilt designs....love your use of glorious COLOR!!!

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  87. {beige cannelle}March 14, 2013 at 12:06:00 PM CST

    I really love the colours of your fabrics ...

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  88. SegricaMarch 14, 2013 at 1:56:00 PM CST

    I love your fabrics. I send you regards from Europe.

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  89. AustysmumMarch 14, 2013 at 2:03:00 PM CST

    I'll happily enter your draw! Love the bright colours.

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  90. AnonymousMarch 14, 2013 at 4:08:00 PM CST

    Such wonderful and bright colors - I'd love to win these fabrics.
    Thank you so much for this giveaway.
    Martina

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  91. AnonymousMarch 14, 2013 at 6:05:00 PM CST

    just gorgeous I'm always drawn to lovely bright things xxx

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  92. DianeMarch 14, 2013 at 6:30:00 PM CST

    Ooh can't wait to get these! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  93. MelanieMarch 14, 2013 at 7:09:00 PM CST

    So happy I just discovered your blog.

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  94. SewjournalMarch 14, 2013 at 8:46:00 PM CST

    These Simple Marks fabrics are gorgeous. The colours are just so vibrant.

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  95. Pamela S.March 15, 2013 at 5:22:00 AM CST

    Beautiful fabrics and awesome creativity!!

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  96. JeanMarch 15, 2013 at 7:44:00 AM CST

    What a beautiful collection!

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  97. JeanMarch 15, 2013 at 7:44:00 AM CST

    What a beautiful collection!

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  98. GabiMarch 15, 2013 at 8:20:00 AM CST

    Why not send one of these packs overseas? I've been a fan of yours for a long time, have both your books and buy your fabric when I can get hold of it here in Germany. Love the new line!

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  99. AnonymousMarch 15, 2013 at 11:35:00 AM CST

    I saw your new fabric line at QuiltCon. I want them!

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  100. Debbie LittlejohnMarch 15, 2013 at 3:30:00 PM CST

    I love this fabric; hope I get lucky and win some.

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  101. AnonymousMarch 19, 2013 at 4:39:00 AM CST

    I've admired your work for a long time and can't wait to add your new line to my stash.

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  102. Heather in Montreal (hmcclure@sympatico.ca)March 19, 2013 at 8:02:00 AM CST

    I would love one of these. Its the bright colours and simple designs I love the most!

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  103. Leisurely LesleyMarch 20, 2013 at 9:38:00 PM CST

    Thanks for this opportunity and to Marmalade Fabrics. Hope I win!

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  104. ValMarch 21, 2013 at 8:23:00 PM CST

    I've been a fan for quite some time and it's been fun to watch you grow! Looking forward to seeing the new kine!

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  105. bobbie23ncMarch 27, 2013 at 4:27:00 PM CST

    Oh yeah, I like this fabric, no wait I love this fabric!

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