Thursday, February 24, 2011

A Book to Give Away!

Last week, the mailman braved the ice and snow to bring Grandma Coco a big puffy envelope.  Ooohhh, we love puffy envelopes! Inside there was a shiny new book hot off the presses from That Patchwork Place.

¡Quilt Fiesta! – Surprising Designs From Mexican Tiles by Cheryl Lynch is just the thing for a mid-winter picker-upper. It’s a little bit travelogue, a little bit history and a whole lot of great quilting.

Cheryl Lynch went on vacation to La Puebla, Mexico and was inspired by the tiles that the local artisans have been making there for the past 400 years. And no wonder she was inspired! Those tiles were just begging to be translated into quilts. And that’s just what Cheryl’s done.

But first, she reminds us that perfection is highly overrated. She says it’s better to finish a job than to abandon it because we can’t make it perfectly. How true. The Mexican tile painters don’t aim for perfection. What’s important to them is “the joy of creation”.  “Enjoy the process”, says Cheryl Lynch.  That’s something Grandma Coco is trying to learn.
 
You see, Grandma Coco has always enjoyed doing things in a methodical and meticulous manner. She’s kind of a control freak. But Mr. Coco…well, he isn’t really a detail-oriented person. Close enough and pretty near are good enough for him. And you know, most of the time, in the end, his projects turn out just fine. As much as she loves her Mr. Coco, sometimes this just makes her crazy.

So, when Cheryl Lynch says you can make beautiful quilts like the ones in her book without worrying about perfection, Grandma Coco wanted to know how.  What she’s discovered is one of the things that sets this book apart … Cheryl Lynch offers actual techniques and tricks that bridge the gap between Mr. Coco’s slap-dash-ness and Grandma Coco’s OCD (Obsessively, Compulsively Disordered) approach. Cheryl Lynch has a background in science (she was a graduate student in chemistry at MIT when she made her first quilt) and maybe that’s why she has developed some seriously clever techniques to insure perfect-looking results. Grandma Coco has observed that people who use their left brains a lot, don’t leave things to chance.  So, when Cheryl Lynch encourages us to forget about perfection, we can do that because in her book she’s given us the tools to stack the deck in our favour.

The designs in this book are based on fusing fabric and on foundation piecing. You all know that Grandma Coco has been a bit of a technophobe in the past and that she is trying now as an old(-ish) dog to learn new tricks. Fusing fabric blocks was just the kick-start she needed. She decided to tackle the Black Bean Mole quilt.

There are 4 things that Cheryl says are good to have to accomplish the quilts in ¡Quilt Fiesta! :
  1. An open-toe presser foot………Check.
  2. Blanket stitch option……………Nope.
  3. Needle-down option…………… Nope.
  4. Knee-lift………………………... Nope.

Oh, well. There are always work-arounds. Cheryl says you can use a narrow zig-zag in place of the blanket stitch so that’s what we tried. And, you know what? It worked just fine. There are 2 versions of the Black Bean Mole quilt shown in the book….a luscious brown and rust one and a summery blue and white one. Such different looks from the same pattern! We decided to try blues and celery green. 

Grandma Coco's version of the Black Bean Mole quilt from ¡Quilt Fiesta!
We've only made 4 blocks so far but here, by the magic of photo manipulation, is what a larger quilt might look like. Pretty, right? 

If Grandma Coco can do this with her bottom-of-the-line 40-year-old Singer, then, really, anyone can do it.

We changed the corner beans to hearts because Cheryl said we could. Well, OK, not us personally. But she wrote a whole chapter on design and switching things up. Grandma Coco has trouble colouring inside the lines. She’s really not too keen on books that are merely recipes….you know, follow these steps and you’ll get this. Exactly. She likes books that give you the basics but then go on to offer options and ideas to set you free to explore your own vision. This is her kind of book.

¡Quilt Fiesta! offers patterns for 10 projects, including quilts, place mats and a bed runner. Each project was inspired by an actual tile (which is pictured) so you can see how the design evolved. All in all, Grandma Coco gives this book an enthusiastic 2 thumbs up!

And the best news is this: We have one copy signed by Cheryl Lynch herself to give away! And you don’t have to live in the Kingdom of Coco to win. We’ll mail it anywhere in the world, so don’t be shy. Leave a comment here on this blog post to have a chance to win it (…but don’t comment anonymously because then Grandma Coco won’t be able to contact you to say you’ve won and that would just be a shame). You have until March 1st . ¡Buena suerte!

Grandma Coco’s Designs is pleased to be part of the blog tour for this book.
Be sure to visit http://quiltville.blogspot.com tomorrow for the next stop on the tour and another chance to win a copy of  ¡Quilt Fiesta!  

And, of course, to learn more about Cheryl Lynch, and see the actual ¡Quilt Fiesta! quilts hanging at her official book launch, you’ll want to visit her blog: http://www.cheryllynchquilts.blogspot.com/

This contest is now closed and a winner has been announced.

114 comments:

  1. Your rendition of Black Bean Mole is wonderful! Thanks for your informative post and I'm so happy you like my book.

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  2. Your enthusiasm for this book is infectious. I'd like to win it. Sally
    sw6944@gmail.com

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  3. Sounds like a fantastic book, my collection is just starting, so it would be a great addition !!
    Cathy
    kraftstogo@aol.com

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  4. like the start of you bean mole...who wants to color inside the lines????? I'm planning the televerde (??right name??) and planning to go outside the line as well!

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  5. This sounds like my kind of book. I sew and quilt for my own enjoyment and I would like to work towards perfection but I sew for enjoyment and from my heart. I don't like putting pressure on myself because that takes the fun out of my what I enjoy doing. Quilt Police are not Welcome in my House!!

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  6. I would love a chance to win a copy of this book.

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  7. I enjoyed visiting your blog and looking at your lovely drawings. I'd also love a chance to win the book.

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  8. Know that will like any book that gives pattern options - mix and match so to speak. I still watch Bob Ross painting on PBS - and he always said - it's your world, you can paint it the way you like. That's the way I feel about quilting. Please enter me into the drawing for Quilt Fiesta! Thnaks for hosting this stop on the blog book tour.

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  9. Great review of this book. I'd love to win a copy to start my collection of quilting books. Thanks :)

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  10. I enjoyed your review of the book; lots of good information.
    azpthomas@gmail.com

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  11. Thanks for the review. I would love to see how her tips/tricks play out as I could always use them.

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  12. What a great book review you have given and your rendition of Black Beans is very pretty. I like that Cheryl says you don't always have to be perfect!!! I would love to win this book!

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  13. I love your black bean mole!
    and I'd love to win a copy of Cheryl's book!

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  14. Thanks for the giveaway! What a great book to win!

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  15. looks like my kind of bean mole!! Her inspiration looks like a fun book. Thanks for doing this!

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  16. You did a wonderful job of interpreting one of Cheryl's designs. I would love to see what else is in the book. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  17. My BFF is pretty slap-dash with her quilting. She is twice as fast as I am, and her stuff looks pretty good. It drives me crazy, but I can't really change the fact that I strive for perfection. I guess it takes all types!!

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  18. Don't have needle down; no knee lift; use old sewing machine but hey, it works just fine! Your rendition looks great....light and minty! Would LOVE to win the book! Cynthia

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  19. Grandma Coco - I would love to have that book!

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  20. I do not live in the Kingdom of Coco nor even drink cocoa, but I crave Cheryl's new quilt book and would love to try my hand at a new quilt. Thanks to you and to her for the great giveaway!

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  21. I'm glad to get glimpses of the quilts within the book...gets the inspiration flowing! thanks for the review.

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  22. This is for Mary in Kincardine who had trouble with the comments but would like a crack at winning the book!

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  23. I too have had trouble posting a comment but will try again. I love your blog. I, too, am married to a Mr. Coco, bless him.
    That Patchwork Place is one of my favourite quilt book publishers. Anything from them is a winner.
    Anna

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  24. Ah, a book that isn't full of "you must do it this way or else"!!??? I can't wait to see that! I'm forever fudging things in my quilts. Guess I'm more like Mr Coco there. Thanks for the chance to win, Grandma!
    And today is my son's birthday too! What a great day!
    Kathi Desko
    near historic Gettysburg PA
    kdesko@gmail.com

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  25. Sounds like an incredible book! I know I would love it.
    Micki

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  26. Okay, now I think I have this figures out. Lets hope it works. My son has been to Mexico twice and needs a quilt for his new home, so yes, I would love to win this book!
    Kate

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  27. What a lovely post about this book. I like being excused from perfection. Doing the best I can is okay with me.

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  28. Love the fact that I don't need a super duper top of the range sewing machine to use this book. Fingers crossed!

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  29. I've just found your blog...will have to take more of a look round but I like what I see so far...and that book looks like it's right up my alley...and we are expecting more snow tomorrow...and maybe Saturday so a new book to huddle down with would be perfect
    Thanks!

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  30. Dashing around the web trying to win a copy of this book, but completely enchanted by your review, will pause and have a wander around your blog now :)

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  31. Hello Grandma Coco - you sound like a very busy woman. I love your rendition of the quilt, the colors are wonderful. Have a great Friday!

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  32. Grandma Coco - I love reading your blog & seeing your drawings. This book sounds like it is right up my alley.

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  33. Thanks for the review. NOW I am really wanting to check the book out. It sounds good. I like that you say Cheryl encourages creativity over perfection.

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  34. Thanks for the review. It sounds like an amazing book. Thanks for sharing a copy.

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  35. This looks like a wonderful book. I like to incorporate patterns from different cultures.

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  36. That's a wonderful review you've written,Grandma CoCo! The book sounds wonderful.

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  37. Sounds really interesting. Thanks for the chance to win the book.
    Bea

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  38. Just found you through the Book blog hop, will certainly be back again! Love the version of the quilt from the book BTW...Keep going on it!

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  39. Looks like an interesting book. I would love to check into new ideas for quilts.

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  40. I'm following Bonnie Hunter's trail and this has been really fun. I love seeing the work inspired by Mexican tiles, which I've admired in various places for a long time. Great work!

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  41. Being new to quilting and having been always drawn towards Mexican and Spanish tiles, this book could be a great resource for me.

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  42. I am a new quilter and have been learning applique - I see patterns on all the rugs in my house! Thanks for the chance to win this fun book!

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  43. I really like that pattern. Looks like a good book to have.

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  44. nice bright tiles, and SSSOft, wouldn't I be happy to bump my weary head into them!
    ;^}} Sew, give it to Meow and my fluffy friends
    Irene from a grey Amsterdam!

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  45. I'm so glad you are part of this blog tour because I think I love your blog!!! I'm going to pour myself a second cup of coffe and check out your archived posts. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. It looks right up my alley!! ~karen

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  46. Hi! Thanks for the review of Cherly's book and for sharing a copy. I would love to win one. I am new to your site, but will be back. Looks like a great book. I would love it!

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  47. I am so amazed at just how much beautiful inspiration there is in the world we live in. I have always thought people that design tile have such a unique and special talent. To be able to see that now interpreted in a quilt is beyond expectation. Wonderful book and I surely would love to have it on my shelves. Wonderful giveaway. JudyCnNC

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  48. The more I read about this book the better it seems

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  49. Thanks for the book reviewing. I'd love to have a copy of the book since I've wanted to make a quilt based on floor tiles for years.

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  50. The more I see of this book the more I want it. Love the quilt you are working on. Thanks for the chance to win the book. Hugs

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  51. How cool you did a sample from the book - looks like something I need to be doing! So, of course, I would need the book. Thank you for the opportunity.

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  52. What a great book this would be to win....I hope that you pick me!!!!!

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  53. Thanks for the giveaway. This looks like a wonderful book and I would love to have a copy.

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  54. I can remember seeing tiles and floors wondering how to do that as a quilt or even incorporate it into my tatting. That certain curve or color choice is great. Life is interesting. Hope I get the opportunity to win. Thanks. Robert, in northern Iowa.

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  55. I may be too late for the book,but I enjoyed reading your blog.

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  56. I went and visited Cheryl's site and checked out the book further. Some really nice stuff in there. Love what you did with your blocks. Thanks for introducing me to such an imaginative quilter.

    heatherdpear at hotmail dot com

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  57. I've sketched, drawn, taken pictures of carpet patterns, bathroom floors, etc., etc. --- all with the idea of using them someday in a quilt --- have done it only once --- BUT, I still have them for future use. Would love to win a book that is based on the same.
    quiltschon@att.net

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  58. Love finding the greatest ideas & meeting the coolest folks on these blogtours. Want to see how your Black Bean Mole beauty turns out ... yummy!

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  59. I love color and I think the new book Quilt Fiesta would be very inspiring to work with.

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  60. So happy I discovered your delightful blog. Really enjoying it. I am in love with Mexican tile and would love to win this book.

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  61. This books looks great! Thanks for a chance to win it.
    lraetaylor@gmail.com

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  62. I would love to win this book. I have always liked the colors in Mexican tiles. Bet they translate to quilts very, very well!!
    Debbie Barnes
    barnes2676@sbcglobal.net

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  63. I have a large box of mexican tiles that has moved multiple times with me...thinking if I could use this book to translate some of them to quilts the moving guys would be very happy!

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  64. This looks like a great book! A great inspiration!

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  65. Bravo Grandma Coco!!! Your review of the book and your post are just really delightful. I'm most definitely becoming a follower of your blog!!!
    Being Mexican myself (I know, my name is not Mexican but, I promise I was born and raised in Mexico), what can I tell you... Grew up surrounded by the beauty and color of Mexican tiles. Wish I would've known quilting back then but, is never late to learn something new, right? Would love to give home to such great book that would bring sweet memories along with inspiration.
    Thanks Grandma Coco and Cheryl for the giveaway!

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  66. The more pictures I see from this book the more I want to see the whole book. Love those mexican colors

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  67. Thanks for a chance to win the book. Will take some time and look over your blog.
    Cindy W.
    cwcavy @ hotmail. com

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  68. Please include me...I'd love to win this interesting book.

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  69. Very interesting book - I'd love to win it!

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  70. My machine has all 4 features - I have no more excuses, and obviously, I need this book.

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  71. The more I read about this book the more I am loving it. It looks like an exciting book.

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  72. Cheryl's new book looks wonderful! I have recently decided to stop "buying" fabric and start using the yards and yards of stash I have. This book looks like it would help. My email address is candlelady127@gmail.com

    Thanks! Jennifer

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  73. A very teasing look don't ya think? If you can do so well with your Singer, I can surely accomplish something with my kneelift! (?) Worth a try...

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  74. Looks like a fun book to make a few nice quilts from. I would love to win. jndclark@gmail.com

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  75. I love the start of your Mole quilt. I sew on a 1904 treadle and love it's FMQ! I need that book to ease this terrible winter we are having.

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  76. Wow! What a great recommendation for Cheryl's book!
    I am like Mr Coco so I bet I can learn a lot while having fun creating if I win the book!
    Thanks for the chance

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  77. Thank you for this wonderful review! Now we all need this book! Who wouldn't want to learn some "new tricks" to improve without being perfectionist!
    marta.santiago. (at) yahoo.es

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  78. What a great book. I love your mock-up!
    Cheers,
    Dionne

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  79. I have been thinking of making a quilt for my hallway matching the old tiles that line the floor. This would be a wonderful opportunity to find out how I translate floor tiles into quilt blocks.

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  80. I am visiting your blog for the first time...on the book blog hop. Your post is so well written...I enjoyed my visit :) And your quilt from the book is beautiful!

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  81. I'd love a chance to enter :)
    Thanks!
    kimberlybreid at hotmail dot com

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  82. I love looking at tiles! Our local university added mosiac floors in a remodel of the original buildings and, amazingly, MARINER'S COMPASS showed up! It's my favorite hall to walk down. I'd love to win this book!

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  83. I'm visiting here from Quiltville, and I think I'll stick around for a while!
    I have loved Talavera tiles for a long time, and I have no idea how to translate their designs into quilts. Cheryl's book looks like just what I need! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  84. Would love to win a copy of this book. I would give it to my friend (after lookin at it first!)
    who spends every winter camping in Mexico.

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  85. Your description of Cheryl's new book has me so excited about getting a copy and trying some of the quilts. I agree with you, "Enjoy the process!"

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  86. This book looks like it has some wonderful new projects. Thanks for the chance to win one.

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  87. I am lucky enough to live in AZ, only a few hours from Mexico. I know we have our problems but I personally love to visit Puerto Penasco. We have made many fine friends there. I love their art-especially the bold colors. I would love to have a signed copy of this book.

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  88. Liked what you did with a pattern from Cheryl's book, especially the colors. Would love to receive the book.

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  89. I would love to win a copy of Cheryl's book. It looks very interesting. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  90. I am really loving all the pictures seen so far from Cheryl's book. I'd love to win one of my own to see more and make some of the things in the book.

    vburr at charter dot net

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  91. The details you described from the book make me want a copy even more. I am so excited about getting to start one of these! :)

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  92. This book is on my wishlist and I am so glad I found your blog!

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

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  93. Awesome book! I'm hoping to win it but if I don't I will definitely purchase it... a must for any quilter's library. Thanks!
    micheletimms at gmail dot com

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  94. Oh how I'd love a copy of this book. Fingers crossed. thank you

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  95. This book will bring back happy memories of trips to Mexico. Just loved the colorful pottery and tiles. Thanks for the drawing.

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  96. I would love to win a copy of the book, Quilt Fiesta. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

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  97. I love your illustrations. Your version of the a quilt form Quilt Fiesta is great! I too sew on a 33 year old Kenmore. It doesn't have too many features, but I seem to be able to get many things sewn.

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  98. This book sounds just like a book that I would like to have. I play with patterns lots of times.

    teddyelaine@yahoo.com

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  99. Oh, you are making me drool over the book with your post! My fingers and toes are triple crossed!

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  100. I've been to Mexico three times, and every time I come away inspired. I'd love a chance to win the book! (and I am definitely a student of the "done is better than perfect" school!)

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  101. I've only read a few of your blog posts, but I already love you. :) And this book sounds just wonderful. Thanks for hosting!
    cmdoduck (at) gmail (dot) com

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  102. I would love to own this beautiful book.
    nettecan at hotmail dot com

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  103. I've enjoyed visiting your blogs -- love your drawings! And winning a copy of the book would be great. jill (at) columbia (dot) edu

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  104. Your blocks look great. I love the sentiment you picked out from the book about letting go of perfection and finishing regardless. Simply put, sounds like an awesome book!

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  105. Ooo I love that Black Bean Mole design! Thanks for the generous giveaway!

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  106. Cheryl is a great teacher. I'm not surprised that you love her book.
    Sara jane
    Sjs724@aol.cvom

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  107. I have all 4 things for my sewing machine that Cheryl recommends. I'm ready! This looks like one fabulous book. Can't wait to read, study and sew from it.

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