January 30, 2015

Happy First Anniversary, Shades of Bold Blog, With Giveaway




This contest is now closed.

Wow, has it only been one year?  One year ago today, I wrote my first blog.  It was hard to write a blog that no one else might read but it gave me time to figure out the ropes.  How many hits would I get on my blog in the first year?  I had no clue.  I was hoping that somehow over the year I might eventually get 5,000.  Well, all of you wonderful people who have a been a part of my blog by stopping by have amazed me.  I reached 20,801 hits in my first year.  Thank you all so very much.

I have made so many new friends in this blog year.  Friends from all around the globe.  So many different backgrounds but all drawn together by our passion for sewing.  You all inspire me everyday and on the difficult days, you push me forward.  For that I thank each and everyone of you.

Now is my time to give back.  How about fabric??  Funny thing is, we all have "too much fabric" but "not enough fabric" at the same time.  Don't even try to figure it out.

I am giving away six 1/2 yard pieces of fabric from my stash.  That is 3 yards total to one lucky winner, US or International.  All you have to do is leave a comment on this post to enter.  One comment per person, please.  A random number will be drawn on Tuesday, February 3rd and will be posted on my blog.  Please make sure that I have a way to contact you.  Here are the fabrics:



Set one.



Set two.



Set three.



Sorry the last picture is fuzzy.

Good luck to everyone.  Thanks, again, for a great first year.  On to year #2.



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155 comments:

  1. MrsSMJanuary 30, 2015 at 12:06 PM

    Happy First Birthday to your blog, Marilyn, and may you have many more!! Your bag projects inspire me--I love coming here to visit and look and learn. Looking forward to what the next year brings! :)

    Krista

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    Replies
    1. MarilynJanuary 30, 2015 at 1:13 PM

      Thanks, Krista. I always look forward to seeing what you are up to, also.

      Delete
  2. AlidaPJanuary 30, 2015 at 1:02 PM

    Happy Anniversary! I have been following your work for a while and you have always been very inspiring! Looking forward to see more this coming year! I absolutely love all your handbags, you are super talented!! :)

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    1. MarilynJanuary 30, 2015 at 1:41 PM

      Thanks so much, Alida. I appreciate you stopping by.

      Delete
  3. UnknownJanuary 30, 2015 at 1:04 PM

    Wow, has it really been a year already. I can't even remember how I found your blog, but I always look forward to what you are going to show us. You have "mad" skills when it comes to making bags and I find your work inspiring. Thanks for the chance to win, but even greater thanks for the postings and eye candy pictures you give us.

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  4. Cheri the Quilting NannyJanuary 30, 2015 at 1:05 PM

    Congrats Marilyn for offering us a whole year of inspiration! I love those prints and colors!
    Cheri, the quilting nanny
    quiltingnanny(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  5. GillJanuary 30, 2015 at 1:48 PM

    Congratulations Marilyn!
    I've been following your adventures for a while and didn't realise you were in your first year of blogging! I'm looking forward to year #2 !

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    Replies
    1. MarilynJanuary 30, 2015 at 2:05 PM

      Thanks, Gill. It took me a long time to have the courage to blog....what was I thinking???

      Delete
  6. Michele TJanuary 30, 2015 at 2:08 PM

    Congratulations on your first year of blogging!! You've picked some very pretty fabrics for your giveaway and you are so right in saying we seem to never have enough fabric... I would never say that I have too much (but my DH would beg to differ!! lol)

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    1. MarilynJanuary 30, 2015 at 2:14 PM

      Thanks, Michele. I don't think I have too much fabric either but others (those who don't sew) think I do.

      Delete
  7. Melissa KoehnJanuary 30, 2015 at 2:13 PM

    Congrats! I enjoy seeing the bags you make. Makes me wish for more time for that kind of sewing.:)

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    1. MarilynJanuary 30, 2015 at 2:15 PM

      Thanks, Melissa. I haven't been sewing as much as I would like lately. Back to more sewing in the new year.

      Delete
  8. barbara woodsJanuary 30, 2015 at 2:59 PM

    congrats i am in my forth year

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    Replies
    1. MarilynJanuary 30, 2015 at 5:58 PM

      Good for you, Barbara. I was late to the show...but loving it.

      Delete
  9. TorieassaJanuary 30, 2015 at 3:24 PM

    Congratulations on your first year! You are such an inspiration!! Thank you for the chance to win the loveliness and I cant wait to see what you make in your second year!

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    1. MarilynJanuary 30, 2015 at 6:00 PM

      Thanks to you, Torieassa. I can't wait to see some of the new things that I will make this year, too. But I'm sure I'll make some old favorites, too.

      Delete
  10. MariaJanuary 30, 2015 at 3:29 PM

    Congratulations on your first year. I thought it was longer. I always look forward to coming over and seeing your creations. My bags were a bit drab but thanks to you I'm venturing out into more colour. Those fabrics are fabulous especially as two of the sets have blues and browns. Thanks for the chance to win and I'm looking forward to your second year of blogging.

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    1. MarilynJanuary 31, 2015 at 10:53 AM

      Thanks, Maria. You know that you have been a big inspiration to me. Love seeing the pops of color I am seeing.

      Delete
  11. RamonaJanuary 30, 2015 at 5:14 PM

    Congratulations on your first year! I have been a follower for a while and really enjoy your blog. I look forward to all the fun in the upcoming year! You are so right, we never can have to much fabric. Thanks for sharing some of your happiness with your readers.

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  12. DebbieJanuary 30, 2015 at 5:14 PM

    Congratulations on your first year. I like your projects, thanks for sharing your talent and providing inspiration. Thanks for the great giveaway too. Your fabrics are lovely. I've also shared your giveaway on my Giveaway List for just sewers & quilters at wowilikethat.com. Thanks again. (debbie at wowilikethat dot com)

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    1. MarilynJanuary 31, 2015 at 10:55 AM

      Thanks, Debbie. I removed your duplicate entry because one per person.

      Delete
  13. DebbieJanuary 30, 2015 at 5:16 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  14. DawnJanuary 30, 2015 at 5:23 PM

    Congratulations on your first year. I just found your blog and am happy to say I'm a follower via email. Thank you for the chance to win (the giveaway prize is awesome). Have a wonderful day!
    dawnm1993(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. SydneyJanuary 30, 2015 at 5:27 PM

    Congrats on your first year! Happy Blogiversary!

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  16. Linda NelsonJanuary 30, 2015 at 5:33 PM

    Great fabrics! Happy First Year!

    lenelson(at)mail(dot)com

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  17. amyJanuary 30, 2015 at 6:13 PM

    Many more blogging years to you! and keep making those bags! Great inspiration for me. I am a beginner and haven't attempted a bag yet!

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  18. Vicki HJanuary 30, 2015 at 6:22 PM

    Congratulations! It's great reaching milestones. I don't know if we can ever have enough fabric. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  19. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2015 at 7:16 PM

    Those are some nice fabrics! I'm just starting to sew, so trying to collect some nice fabrics. Thank you for the giveaway, Amber. Email: amberkw24 at hotmail dot com

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  20. LyndaleeJanuary 30, 2015 at 7:19 PM

    Congratulations on your anniversary! I love your choice of fabrics. I am a quilter who is starting to make some cute objects out of my treasured cottons.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Kathy DavisJanuary 30, 2015 at 7:55 PM

    I especially love the pinks!
    kdavis1@centurytel.net

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  22. msmissy02January 30, 2015 at 7:57 PM

    Happy blog-aviversary! The fabrics look beautiful! Thank you for the chance! msmissy02 at gmail dot com

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  23. Norma's Bag BoutiqueJanuary 30, 2015 at 8:04 PM

    Has it only been a year? Wow! Congratulations. I never thought myself I ever had blogging friends. So cool to share about our common love: sewing bags.

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    Replies
    1. MarilynJanuary 31, 2015 at 11:54 AM

      Thanks, Norma. I love seeing what you are making, too.

      Delete
  24. Pam AJanuary 30, 2015 at 8:15 PM

    Such fun fabrics

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  25. OhioLoriJanuary 30, 2015 at 8:53 PM

    Happy Happy !st Blogiversary!! Wooohooooo!!! Love your Blog...and wishing you many more years of sharing with us all!! Thanks too! :)

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  26. JenetaJanuary 30, 2015 at 8:54 PM

    Congratulations on your blog milestone!

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    Replies
    1. MarilynJanuary 31, 2015 at 11:06 AM

      Thanks, Jeneta. Good luck on the fabric giveaway.

      Delete
  27. CyndyKJanuary 30, 2015 at 9:04 PM

    Congratulaions on your 1 year blog anniversary! I'm surpeised youcan part w/ such pretty fabric! Thank you for sharing with us and I wish you continued success with your blog! cknapp3626@sbcglobal.net

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  28. papayoungJanuary 30, 2015 at 9:08 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  29. PamelaJanuary 30, 2015 at 9:25 PM

    Happy Blogaversary Marilyn! And congratulations on the huge number of hits! No wonder - your handbags are gorgeous! Thanks for generous giveaway. What a delightful assortment of fabric!

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  30. Lisa SJanuary 30, 2015 at 9:25 PM

    I love your blog! Happy anniversary!

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  31. Linda BJanuary 30, 2015 at 9:48 PM

    Congrats on your Anniversary....the fabric is sooooo summery......can't wait for warmer weather.....

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    Replies
    1. MarilynJanuary 31, 2015 at 11:57 AM

      I am with you Linda. This is the time I start thinking about lighter, brighter colors.

      Delete
  32. CindyJanuary 30, 2015 at 10:14 PM

    20000 followers in one year? You did awesome writing your blog. I love the fabric too. cdahlgren at live dot com

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    Replies
    1. MarilynJanuary 31, 2015 at 11:57 AM

      Thanks, Cindy. I am so grateful for all of my readers.

      Delete
  33. Christina Vandervlist, SpiritbeadJanuary 31, 2015 at 12:26 AM

    Congratulations! And the final fabric pairing just tickles my fancy; delightful!

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  34. SarahJanuary 31, 2015 at 12:30 AM

    Congratulations on 1 year! What have you come to learn/appreciate since you began blogging? :) Thanks for the great giveaway, and I love how you picked pairs of fabrics! sarah@forrussia.org

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    Replies
    1. MarilynJanuary 31, 2015 at 11:59 AM

      I've made great friends, everyone is so very helpful and a passion for sewing can bring so many people together, regardless of where they live.

      Delete
  35. GranChrisJanuary 31, 2015 at 1:17 AM

    Congratulations on year 1. Yes there is never enough fabric. These would be great for charity quilts.

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  36. UnknownJanuary 31, 2015 at 1:29 AM

    Congratulations on your blog! I'm starting mine up soon but finding it so difficult... over 20,000 hits! Now thats impressive. Oh, by the way gorgeous fabrics!
    babyboet@gmail.com

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    1. MarilynJanuary 31, 2015 at 12:02 PM

      Good luck to you. I hesitated so long to get started on my blog because I was afraid I might make mistakes. I was a little overwhelmed. I set a date to get started and jumped in. Now I wonder why I was so hesitant.

      Delete
  37. KayJanuary 31, 2015 at 4:07 AM

    Happy blogaversary, I ope you celebrate with cake and maybe some new fabric too for yourself. Thank you for a lovely giveaway. x

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    Replies
    1. MarilynJanuary 31, 2015 at 11:47 AM

      Thanks for participating, Kay. Good luck.

      Delete
    2. MarilynJanuary 31, 2015 at 11:47 AM

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  38. SarahJanuary 31, 2015 at 4:15 AM

    Thank you for the chance. theyre lovely.

    sblake1[at]student[dot]framingham[dot]edu

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  39. UnknownJanuary 31, 2015 at 4:21 AM

    Well done for your year's blogging.
    Lovely pairs of materials....thanks for the chance to win.
    Best wishes
    WBooth-Boyd@hotmail.com

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  40. Carla SJanuary 31, 2015 at 6:02 AM

    This fabric is so cute. I love the floral prints!!!
    shivercarla at gmail dot com

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  41. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2015 at 6:04 AM

    Congratulations on your first anniversary! Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  42. scrapperdianeJanuary 31, 2015 at 8:12 AM

    Happy Birthday on your first of many more to come.

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  43. Leslie's Itchin to be StitchinJanuary 31, 2015 at 8:27 AM

    Happy Anniversary, your blog add so much inspiration to the world of quilting, thanks!

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  44. SonjaMJanuary 31, 2015 at 9:10 AM

    Yay happy anniversary!!!!!! Love the variety in the fabric:-) would look great in quilts!!!! sonjasmith76@yahoo.com

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  45. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2015 at 9:12 AM

    Thanks for the giveways. Congratulations on your first year of blogging darling. These fabrics are really pretty,would love to win them. Thanks.

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  46. Stitchin At HomeJanuary 31, 2015 at 10:02 AM

    Happy blogiversary! I hope I can get up to 20,000 in my first year. I really like set #1.

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  47. UnknownJanuary 31, 2015 at 10:05 AM

    Congratulations on your first year. That gives me inspiration to just keep on learning and sewing.

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  48. Grandma GJanuary 31, 2015 at 10:55 AM

    Happy Anniversary! I'm glad I found your blog, and I always love looking at your bag creations. You have such a great sense of what works for fabric combinations, and your work is impeccable! Looking forward to more posts from you!

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    Replies
    1. MarilynJanuary 31, 2015 at 11:19 AM

      Thanks, Grandma G. On to year #2. Good luck to you.

      Delete
  49. UnknownJanuary 31, 2015 at 11:30 AM

    Congratulations on you first year! Great fabric choices. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  50. Rhonda D.January 31, 2015 at 12:44 PM

    Congrats on your first year! Wonderful fabric choices! Thanks for the chance to win!
    wigglypup2 at yahoo dot com

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  51. Rhonda D.January 31, 2015 at 12:44 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  52. TawaJanuary 31, 2015 at 2:06 PM

    One year down, hoping for many happy blogging years to come. Tarnia.hodgesATgmail.com

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  53. Her IndoorsJanuary 31, 2015 at 2:46 PM

    Happy Blogiversary, Marilyn. The prize fabrics are so yummy - your stash must be amazing :-)

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  54. SueJanuary 31, 2015 at 4:44 PM

    Congrats on your first year, Marilyn! I enjoy coming over and seeing what you have been up to! I love your take on the bag of the month purses....Great giveaway! Thank you because you are correct, you can never have enough fabric!

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  55. juliehallfeldhausJanuary 31, 2015 at 8:42 PM

    Thanks for the chance to win fabric!! The fabric would make a cute table runner:)

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  56. mlhummyJanuary 31, 2015 at 11:14 PM

    Happy Anniversary! Thanks for the chance to win these pretty fabrics! I'm a costumer who's just breaking into quilting.

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  57. SuperMomNoCapeFebruary 1, 2015 at 12:34 AM

    Congratulations on your one year blogging anniversary! And thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  58. tktlFebruary 1, 2015 at 12:55 AM

    I hope I'm not recommenting....but internet issues intervened just as I was saying how much I enjoy your blog and hope you'll have another year even better than the first!

    t_ktl at yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. UnknownFebruary 1, 2015 at 8:58 AM

    Thanks for the giveaway , congratulations on your anniversary... Carol02@gmaildotcom

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  60. UnknownFebruary 1, 2015 at 11:35 AM

    These fabric are so pretty! I would love to use them in a bag project like yours. I can never have too much fabric!

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  61. MarilynFebruary 1, 2015 at 11:55 AM

    Good luck, Katie.

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  62. MarilynFebruary 1, 2015 at 11:55 AM

    Good luck, Katie.

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  63. Allie February 1, 2015 at 12:49 PM

    Congrats on 1 year!!

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  64. UnknownFebruary 1, 2015 at 1:13 PM

    I was so pleased to find your blog on a link party just as I was getting interested in making bags. I've only made one so far that wasn't just fabric, but I've been gathering materials and will be making more. Your blog inspires me and I was so pleased when you felt well enough to sew again. Congratulations on your one year anniversary.

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    Replies
    1. MarilynFebruary 1, 2015 at 5:20 PM

      Thank you, Sarah. i have better days than others but sewing keeps me moving.

      Delete
  65. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2015 at 5:52 PM

    Congratulations on your first year anniversary!

    wlinda_ca(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  66. LindsayFebruary 1, 2015 at 6:07 PM

    Happy Anniversary! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  67. KristyFebruary 1, 2015 at 6:18 PM

    Congrats on your milestone! :) Happy to have found your blog, and thank you for the chance at your giveaway! :)

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  68. johnnypFebruary 1, 2015 at 6:23 PM

    congrats on your first year. You have a lovely and inspiring blog
    cooladam1 at live dot com

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  69. JanieFebruary 1, 2015 at 6:43 PM

    Congrats on your 1 year anniversary. The fabric looks lovely. Thanks for the chance.

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  70. UnknownFebruary 1, 2015 at 7:30 PM

    Congrats! 1 year of blogging is great - hopefully there are many more to come! Thanks for the giveaway chance, what a great way to celebrate :)

    ReplyDelete
  71. Kathy E.February 1, 2015 at 8:59 PM

    I know just how you felt as you started out in the blogging world. It's a bit intimidating knowing you are writing and posting photos of your work and have no idea who in the world (literally) will see it and/or like it! You're doing just the right thing since you hit a milestone at one year and so many followers! Congrats!

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  72. UnknownFebruary 1, 2015 at 10:56 PM

    Congrats on 1 year at your blog!!

    And you can never have too much fabric!

    ReplyDelete
  73. lauraluvsloonsFebruary 1, 2015 at 11:02 PM

    How quickly a year flies by. Congratulations for your wonderful blog - I love seeing you bags.
    This fabric looks great, I'd love to win.

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  74. marjoFebruary 2, 2015 at 5:13 AM

    Congrats on your anniversary! Here's to many more years to come. And many more followers!

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  75. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2015 at 10:45 AM

    Congrats- I admire anyone who takes the time to write a blog and share all the wonderful inspiration, tips and tutorials with the rest of us! Thanks! Love the fabrics! Sarah: crjandsbj(at)netzero(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  76. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2015 at 12:12 PM

    Happy 1st year. Hope you have many many more. I love your blog, and I always come to your page for new ideas. These color are beautiful. Congrats again. Alicia: alicia(DOT)ware987(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  77. Lisa EnglandFebruary 2, 2015 at 2:35 PM

    Congratulations on your blogging milestone! Your comment about too much fabric but not enough fabric made me smile. If only husbands understood it!

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  78. mumbird3February 2, 2015 at 4:33 PM

    Happy Blogging!! Enjoying your writings...
    churcae(at)auburn(dot)edu

    ReplyDelete
  79. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2015 at 6:23 PM

    So glad I found your blog. I too love making bags and enjoy looking at your beautiful work. Thanks for the opportunity to win a couple of your fabrics. Jan sewwhat46 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  80. UnknownFebruary 2, 2015 at 10:14 PM

    Wow! What a great first year. Thanks for all your support and comments as I began my blog this past year. You continue to inspire me. Love the fabrics you are giving away. And even if I don't win, I will continue to follow your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Denise MarieFebruary 3, 2015 at 9:18 PM

    I think you must have a gorgeous stash!! It would be fun to sew w/those cuts!

    ReplyDelete
  82. UnknownSeptember 29, 2015 at 12:26 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete

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