Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Crafted Applique: New Possibilities Blog Hop and Giveaway


Welcome to my day of the Crafted Applique: New Possibilities Blog Hop! When Lara asked me to be part of the hop and do a review of her new book I was honored but, once I had read the book I was excited. She's come up with an idea for treating fabric so you can applique without worrying about fraying. 

So let me tell you about my friend Lara Buccella, the author (I just love saying that), we met through "Pet's on Quilts", it's true you meet the nicest people there. It wasn't until we had discussed pets, rescues, kids and so much of our lives that I found out she was writing a book, that's a good thing since I would have been awestruck, keep your movie stars, I'm impressed with creative people and boy, is she creative. Check out her blog and make sure you look at her "Good and Done" page and then look at her "imperfect" free motion quilting, I dream of being that imperfect.  

The book was waiting for me when I arrived home after a 2 1/2 hour drive from Key West, yes my life is hard. I thought I'd just skim it, but I ended up reading it cover to cover and became completely lost in the projects. Oh my, those projects! 


Look at this house, it's a sewing machine cover! The instructions are so clear and detailed I see this in my future, mine will probably have dogs in the flowerbeds and maybe a gremlin or two on the roof. 
That was biggest problem I had with this review, which project would I want to make first, they're not just patterns, although you can use them that way, they're projects to make some really fun, original things. 

I had an epiphany moment though and dug out my box of "I'll never make these" patterns. 
 I bought this ages ago and after looking at those tiny pieces and raw edges I knew it couldn't survive in my house, if something can't go through the dishwasher or washing machine it can't live here. 

I recently had this happen to one of my quilts that I had satin stitched all around the edges of the applique
and the last applique I did was orange peels with turned under edges and I'm not fond of how much the iron burned my fingers doing it that way.

Using Lara's method I made my little wall hanging, the prep time is a little longer than just ironing on a fusible, but after getting all the pieces in place I realized I didn't need to sew them down before sandwiching, I would normally spend hours doing a satin stitch. 
Here's my project out of the washer and dryer.

Then because I really wanted to see how good this was I threw that wall hanging into the washer and dryer every time I did laundry, he's been washed 6 times.

Here it is again after all of that washing, I did press it since my poor mama manatee was pretty wrinkled.

Here are the pieces that I couldn't have turned or zig zagged

Nothing is fraying, it all looks perfect and I am thrilled. 

The book also has a method to back coat fabric to stop that annoying see through when you layer a light applique over something darker, I've had that happen a few times, so on my next run to the mainland I'll be getting what I need so you can't see Santa's jolly red coat through his fluffy beard, so annoying.

The no fray and back coating processes are so easy and they won't gum up your machine or needle. I've been sworn to secrecy so don't ask, you can try to bribe me with fabric, that could be fun and a good test of just how strong and trustworthy I am. 

Lara has generously offered a copy of her book as a giveaway on every stop of the tour, so make sure you hop to each of the other bloggers, the list is below.

To win a copy here, just leave a comment about anything by June 4. You can tell me if you like applique or what fabric you would bribe me with :)   Please make sure I have an email address for you.

Even if you don't win a copy, this book is amazing and I highly recommend you buy a copy. Amazon is currently sold out (you rock Lara!) with more copies due on May 5th, but you can order a signed copy by clicking here


Crafted Appliqué: New Possibilities Blog Hop - May 1st to June 5th

Sunday, May 1 - Introduce the Hop and post the schedule on BuzzinBumble
Monday, May 2 - Valerie Smith - Pumpkin Patch Quilter
Tuesday, May 3 - Dana Gaffney - Stormy Days
Wednesday, May 4 - Lorna McMahon - Sew Fresh Quilts 
Thursday, May 5 - Mary S. - Needled Mom
Friday, May 6 - Heidi Kuntz - Red Letter Quilts
Saturday, May 7 - Alycia Carmin - Alycia Quilts
Sunday, May 8 - Amy DeCesare - Amy Made That
Monday, May 9 - Sherri McConnell - A Quilting Life
Tuesday, May 10 - Lara Buccella - Sew Mama Sew 
Wednesday, May 11 - Christina Cameli - A Few Scraps
Thursday, May 12 - Melissa Corry -  Happy Quilting
Friday, May 13 - Sarah Craig - Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Saturday, May 14 - Soma Acharya - Whims and Fancies 
Sunday, May 15 - Val Reynolds -  Val's Quilting Studio
Monday, May 16 - Angela Pingel - Cut to Pieces
Tuesday, May 17 - Sandra Walker - Musings of a Menopausal Melon
Wednesday, May 18 - Cheryl Brickey - Meadow Mist Designs
Thursday, May 19 - Judy Murphy - Quilt Paradigm
Friday, May 20 - Yvonne Fuchs - Quilting Jetgirl
Saturday, May 21 - Cindy Pieters - Stitchin' at Home
Sunday, May 22 - Susie Zlogar - Susie's Sunroom
Monday, May 23 - Connie Kresin-Campbell - Freemotion by the River
Tuesday, May 24 - Ruth Bourke - Charly & Ben's Crafty Corner
Wednesday, May 25 - Kaja Zieslar - Sew Slowly
Thursday, May 26 - Ann Brooks - Fret Not Yourself
Friday, May 27 - Cynthia Brunz - Quilting is More Fun Than Housework
Saturday, May 28 - Monday, May 30 ... Memorial Day Weekend in the U.S.
Tuesday, May 31 - Jenn Trott-Zisserson - Quarter Inch From the Edge
Wednesday, June 1 - Paulette Horn - The Way I Sew It
Thursday, June 2 - Sandra Jansen - Studio Sew of Course
Friday, June 3 - Christine Sherman - Triangles and Squares
Saturday, June 4 - Darlene Simmons - Quilt Shop Gal
Sunday, June 5 - Announce BuzzinBumble Giveaway Winners - Lara Buccella



One last picture because Wilbur loved the book and Brady's in the back photo bombing.

Later Gators,
Dana

125 comments:

  1. How lovely to host a review of this book! I don't do a lot of fuse or raw edge fuseable - prefer needle turn or facing backed. I'd send you fabric, but I have those tiny bits you don't like.

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  2. I like applique. Any fabric is a good bribe!

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  3. I have always been worried about putting things with raw edge applique through the wash so I am really intrigued by this book and technique. Your little quilt is just lovely and I'm amazed at how well it held up to washing. I think I really need this book. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. Oh man!! You got me hooked. I'll try to win a copy..or just go buy it. I definitely want to see what this process is!!

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  5. I'm doing some applique now, a close buttonhole stitching on raw edges (unfused - used Roxanne glue-baste) and was wondering how they were going to hold up after washing. Have only done this on one small wall quilt previously but this one is a bed quilt. I'd love to learn more about this method and how stiff the fabric becomes. I just found some great sea turtle fabric in my stash, would that do?

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  6. Very cute sea cow...very you. So exactly how does this work.....I only see top edge stitching. I have bags of fabrics to send that will make you crazy. If I bomb you will enough uglies, will you tell to make me stop? Probably not, so I will need to win or buy.....you are such a tease:)

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  7. I can't bribe you with fabrics...........I can't part with any of me pretties....but I would like to win the book ;)

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  8. I really want to learn this method!!! Less fraying after all that work is great!!
    cork@pa.rr.com

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  9. Dana, I am the one who is honored... and so happy to have met you! It didn't take us long to bond over even more than our love for our pets. You make life better and a whole lot funnier for everyone around you. :)

    Your little manatees are so huggably adorable! I love the details you added - like the expressions on their faces. Holy mackerel did you put your quilt through the wringer... literally! I had tested the process by washing and drying too. But only once through the gauntlet. Six times is the olympics of method testing and it's really thrilling to see how well your quilt is holding up. You are very brave, and we must not forget to mention strong and trustworthy too! LOL Debbie's threat about bombing you with ugly fabrics until you tell her the secret would be too much for anyone to endure though ... so I would understand if you caved when beset upon like that. :)

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  10. Well I do love applique and I am curious about this book now. I won't bribe you with fabric, but lord knows I have enough to bribe you with, lol!!! I hope I win the book, but I definitely will be going to the book store if I don't.

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  11. Although I have not done a lot of applique, I think it's beautiful. And this book looks awesome! Thanks!

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  12. Gee, how much fabric do you want????? ;) This sounds like a great book.

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  13. Good morning! I have the book on order - patience is not my forte. Can't wait - in the meantime I am doing mending! I can't wait to start a project with this new technique. I have two rescue puppies that I adore. Micki - she's missing an eye and Buddy - he's missing a leg. They are best friends and watch out for each other. Have a blessed day - - oh, not gonna try to bribe you with fabric. It's mine! all mine! Susi

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  14. would love to win, thanks for the chance

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  15. HELLO, I do like to applique! My work is making baby charity quilts and love to applique animals,birds, hearts etc on them! Thanks for sharing in the Hop+Giveaweay!
    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  16. Love your Sea Breeze quilt and testing!! It turned out brilliantly, even after all of those washings!
    Susie

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  17. Love your Quilt!!! I have only done a lil' Hand Applique brfore...and it took long time because I am sooo slow at it. Did some Raw-edge Applique too..like it better due to machine is quicker! lol This book looks Awesome! And your experience is encouraging me to try Applique again.. Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way too! :D

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  18. Great post Dana! What a sweet little quilt! No fray and back-coating sounds fascinating!
    I'd love to win a copy of Lara's book.
    Thank you for a chance to win!
    Barbara xx
    Theflashingscissors@gmail.com

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  19. Great review. I love how you showed the washing effect on applique, using Lara's technique, to show how well it works. So amazing for raw edge applique.

    QuiltShopGal
    www.quiltshopgal.com

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  20. Love your quilt! So cute!! Really do not like raw applique because of the frayed edges, but if there is a way to fix that, I'm in.

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  21. What a tease of the secrets this book contains! Your project with these lovely manatees is fantastic as was your testing it to the max!
    Beautiful finish Dana!
    Especially lovely wall hanging since it reminds me of our trip to the Everglades to see these sea mammals a couple of years ago while we stayed in Key Largo for a couple of days. What a Great vacation!

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  22. I hope to see Gremlins on the roof of your sewing machine cover one day, hahaha!

    I am sooo excited to see how well these hold up under the abuse of life! And how happy to pull out, and complete the lovely McKenna Ryan pattern!

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  23. I've done some applique but never really cared about it--until now. This might be the answer for me.

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  24. This book sounds amazing - I want one!
    I've appliqués some, and this method sounds wonderful!

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  25. I love applique and yours looks awesome!

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  26. Love appliqué, and am thoroughly intrigued by this mystery non-fray method!!

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  27. I've not been crazy about applique but this method does sound intrigueing. I love that camper on the cover of the book.

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  28. You've got me very curious about Lara's applique secrets! I do love applique, but not always the satin stitching and it's imperfections. I'm impressed how well your project held up through so many washings!

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  29. love applique, any method! i'd show my stack of scrap baskets [color coded]to let you know I had bribery collateral. [btw, i'd offer my green basket to win your copy of issue 13.]

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  30. I want to learn how to applique. I've tried a few times by my own rules. I think maybe it's time to learn from someone knows what they are doing. Thank you for the chance to win.
    Dmac5958ataoldotcom

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  31. This is intriguing--I have a pile of McKenna Ryan patterns that I have wanted to make but have been chicken for the same reasons as you were. Thank you for your review and opportunity to win a copy!

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  32. This is intriguing--I have a pile of McKenna Ryan patterns that I have wanted to make but have been chicken for the same reasons as you were. Thank you for your review and opportunity to win a copy!

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  33. I love your wall hanging! Can't wait to see the book, thanks for the chance to win.

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  34. Can not wait to see this book.

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  35. Looks a fabulous book. At the moment curiosity levels are rising as to the method used!
    fabricstasher24@gmail.com

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  36. Great job on the wall hanging. I know exactly what you mean about " I will never make them " patterns. I have a few of those too. I would be so happy to win this book.

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  37. I'm excited to find out more about this new technique; it's all very intriguing! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book.
    annamariehlustik@googlemail.com

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  38. Great looking book. Thanks for sharing

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  39. Sounds quite intriguing! Love the book cover.

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  40. Lara's really uses some great techniques for applique and your little manatee quilt still looks perfect after 6 washings!

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  41. I can't believe the results after all those Washington! I need this book!
    Ohioholman@aol.com

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  42. I love your little lizard! And that wall hanging is so cute! Can't wait to try out this method.

    thesewleopard@gmail.com

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  43. I do like applique but have unsuccessful results with needle turn applique. This method is very intriguing. I love your manatee wall hanging. cknapp3626(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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  44. I would like to do more applique. This book really tempts me. LOL
    gml448@yahoo.com

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  45. I love that you test washed the piece. It came out looking great! I love applique but sadly, not the process. I have tried them all. I can't wait to try this new method!!

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  46. thanks for your input into this book. Love applique and this new technique sounds very interesting.

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  47. Okay, I am starting to believe that Lara's method real does work---six washings and no fraying. I am so intrigued.

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  48. I've always done needle turn but have found that more projects sit around half done cuz they take too long and I lose interest. I'm super duper curious about this non-fraying method!

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  49. Such a cute wall hanging! Your multiple washing test results are amazing. Looking forward to trying a little project of my own soon with Crafted Applique!

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  50. The more I read about this book, the more I like it. Those tips you mention sound like they would really help. Thanks.

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  51. Cutest ever wall hanging! I've tried applique, and enjoy it. I am always afraid it will fray like yours did!

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  52. Your wall hanging is adorable! Yes I do some applique here and there, either blanket stitch or satin stitch.

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  53. Love the wall hanging. I have a box of probably never do patterns too. I will have to try this new method. I think I want to try a few from this book as well. I hope that camper pattern is part of it.

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  54. There will never be another type of appliqué for me! Your sea scene is beautiful. Aren't momma manatees wrinkly??????

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  55. Very intrigued by this new method - could be a game changer!
    basaran.family@rogers.com

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  56. Love how your project turned out! Very excited to try something new!

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  57. I am so curious about this technique, I can't hardly stand it. crystalbluern at tds dot net

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  58. I am so excited to see your test! I have another of the Sea Breeze patterns, the turtle one, and I have been putting it off. Huzzah!!!!

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  59. I also have one of those patterns that have so many, dauntingly small pieces that I keep putting it away untouched. If this method can make it that easy to make, I'm buying the book. (Mine is sea turtles. Your manatees are darling!!)

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  60. Wow, thank you for the stress test results! I'm excited to try this new technique.

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  61. That is a lovely picture you have used Lara's method with! Don't enter me in the draw though, I have the book and will be in the blog hop later, too...

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  62. Love being challenged with a new idea. Can't wait to try this - something for the grandchildren, for sure.

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  63. I love that manatee! Really excited to try this new method--I hate applique, but like you have some patterns that I just wish I felt I could actually make!

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  64. I love appliqué and this new technique has peaked my interest

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  65. I like the look of applique, but not the fusible.

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  66. I am so curious about Lara's technique. I usually do a blanket (buttonhole) stitch around my applique projects...unless it's a Baltimore Album type then I do needle turn...which is difficult and time consuming. Thanks for a chance to win. p.s. Just WHAT would it take to bribe you???? lol

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  67. I am glad Lara's method of appliqué got you to reconsider the pattern. Such a cute wall hanging!!

    -Soma

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  68. I am so intrigued by this method I can hardly stand it. I am almost at the point of bribery but I'm sure you'd not give in - no matter what!!

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  69. What a sweet manatee! I would love to learn about this technique!! thanks!

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  70. Okay, I can see there a techniques I want/need to know in this book. My fingers are crossed!

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  71. Such a beautiful way to applique...love it! Thanks for showing the washing of it so now I know that it won't fall apart. :O)

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  72. Wow! What a ringing endorsement! Love your manatee. I'm gonna need this book now. Your enabling me, just so you know.

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  73. The book sounds great - would love to be in with a chance of winning a copy. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  74. Wow! You are thorough when testing something out. I would love to win a copy of Lara's book. I am very curious to see what is in there and that sewing machine cover is the best!

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    1. I meant to add this and hit Publish too soon. May I make a suggestion? I had to scroll a long ways before I could find how to follow your blog by e-mail. You may want to move that gadget to the top of your blog to make it easier for new subscribers. :)

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  75. That secret treatment is really something else! Washed 6 times and not a frayed thread? Pretty amazing. I must read this book!

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  76. I'm amazed! I need to see this book!

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  77. Love the sea pic. Must look at book to see how it is done.
    Nancy

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  78. This book sounds like a must have! Very curious about this method!

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  79. Your quilt looks wonderful. Six washes and no fraying is very impressive :)

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  80. this sounds like a must have book. I have never been good at applique, maybe this would help! Bribe, bribe you with batiks....
    sewfabrics@outlook.com

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  81. i can't wait to get my hands on this book, i love learning new techniques.

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  82. I am fairly new to appliqué but I really like the idea of non fraying work. I tend to blanket stitch my edges by hand which is rather time consuming. I am particularly pleased to see that you was he dour sewing a few times to see how it stood up to being used. x

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  83. I love seeing applique pieces.

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  84. I am always afraid of fraying after all the hard work of cutting pieces. I am anxious to learn the secret! Thanks for the chance.

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  85. I love machine applique that is turned under ~ can't wait to try this raw edge method.

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  86. I don't like applique but after reading about Lara's technique, I'm tempted to give it a try.

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  87. I love to applique and am interested in learning a new technique. Thanks for the opportunity to win Lara's book.

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  88. Sounds like a lot of fun. I haven't don't much applique, but did make an orange peel block for the stash bee. That was a lot of fun, it would be nice to have a really nice way to do the finishing steps though. Thanks for the chance!

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  89. I can't wait to learn the technique. Thanks for the chance to win the book.

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  90. I am always looking for an easier applique method. Sounds like a great book with some new ideas.

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  91. Your applique experience mimics my own! Hate fraying. Lara's done a great job in creating 'buzz' about her book - intrigue abounds!

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  92. I really look forward to the book -- and I'm enjoying the blog hop!

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  93. This book look amazing. I would love to learn the secret!

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  94. I would love to win Lara's book. I need so much help with my machine applique.

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  95. I love applique and using various techniques so I would love this book. If it helps, I'm willing to ship chocolate although I'm not sure whether that would work or if it would melt.

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  96. I am learning to like applique and I have a feeling this book will encourage me even more!
    kakingsbury at verizon dot net

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  97. I do like applique and i'm intrigued as to this method!

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  98. I do love applique and learning a new technique to make it more durable would be great. Kristawells at nl dot rogers dot com

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  99. I have appliqued by hand and machine. It is a skill that I am glad I have. I am very much interested in learning how the no-fray technique is done.

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  100. I've tried numerous types and methods of appliqué. Certainly intrigued by This new approach. Thanks. Camille(at)focus20(dotcom)

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  101. your mini is wonderful. i love that it washes and stays. I have done hand applique and would love to try machine applique
    quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

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  102. That house sewing machine cover looks adorable!!!!

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  103. Gorgeous applique. Thanks for sharing

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  104. Can't wait to see how this is done!

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  106. Ok now I'm curious. I've tried many forms of appliqué, but this is intriguing. Thanks for the post. Camille(at)focus20(dotcom)

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  107. Always interested in something new.

    slowery@shaw.ca

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  108. I'd bribe you with batik - since it's so densely woven I bet it would work well.

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  109. I love to hand applique because I can do it while watching TV with my husband.

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  110. I want to learn a new way to applique

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  111. I use applique in my art quilting so I'd love to learn this method. Batiks are my favourite!

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  112. I do enjoy applique, but tend to do a lot more piecing than applique. My current applique project is sort of "in the background" for when I need a break from piecing. I'm also always "up" to learn a new way of doing things - especially if it adds to the overall beauty of the quilt with less work!! Thanks for the opportunity to win!!

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  113. I love applique and can't wait to learn a new method. I need the book!

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  114. I would love to win a copy. I enjoy trying new techniques and look forward to learning this new method. Raw edge is my favorite!

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  115. Your little Manatee quilt is adorable. I love McKenna Ryan's patterns. I'm so curious about the technique or product that Lara Buccella has come up. It would be really great to win a copy of her book.

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  116. I don't do applique, but this looks like a good place to start. Thanks for the giveaway chance. refusestofear at yahoo dot com

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  117. That sounds amazing! I love applique and would love to try this out.

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  118. I'm impressed with the lack of fraying after so many washes. Thanks for the book giveaway.

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  119. I love that you washed your piece that many times and showed us the results. Great endorsement of Lara's method!

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  120. This book looks awesome! I love the house sewing machine cover! I would definitely make that one.

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  121. You are an inspiration! I have a few of McKenna Ryan's patterns that I never had the courage to try and Lara's new technique is a game changer. Thank you for sharing and the giveaway.

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