Thursday 11 October 2012

Sweet Treats Blog Hop – A Cushion

{Giveaway now closed}
Congratulations to the winner of the $25 gift certificate: Amira of littlemushroomcap!

Today is my day on the Sweet Treats Blog Hop! Have you seen those itty bitty mini charm square packs – you know the 2.5” ones? They are ridiculously cute, but what could you make with them? Well wonder no longer – this blog hop will give you some great ideas, tutorials and patterns!

When Alyce invited me to the blog hop, she added “I don’t think paper piecing will quite work for mini charms” (and something else about feel free to try it out etc etc) – all I heard was “I challenge you to paper piece with 2.5” squares”. To which of course I answered Challenge Accepted!!

So, I give you… Too Pretty for Pickles! A paper pieced pattern similar to a pickle dish design BUT no curves! Yay! You can find the pattern in my Craftsy shop – it’s free for the month of October (after that, it goes towards paying for my fabric habit hehe). The pattern makes a 12” block.

Too Pretty for Pickles

The 2.5” mini charms are perfect for this, and with coordinating solids, so pretty pretty! But what to make the block into?! I decided on a cushion/throw pillow/soft decorative thing/call it what you will.

Sweet Treats Cuzco Too Pretty for Pickles Cushion

Right, so details! This cushion cover used 2 mini charm packs of Kate Spain’s Cuzco (love!), a 1/2 yard Platinum Bella Solid and the purple is less than a fat quarter of Amelia Purple Bella Solid. Did you know United Notions lists the coordinating Bella Solids for their Moda fabric ranges? Seriously awesome. All I had to do was whip over to the Fat Quarter Shop and pick up my supplies!  (Ok and then wait for what seemed like forever for the postie to deliver them! Patience is perhaps not my forte hehe)

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Once I had the block finished, I added some small grey borders then I decided to piece the rest of the mini charms into a gorgeous scrappy border which gave me an 18” block – perfect for the cushion form I had floating around!

Too Pretty for Pickles cushion cover

I used the rest of the Platinum for the backing and even added in my very first invisible zipper (which is not so invisible but the grey matches nicely with the Platinum so we’ll pretend.

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So there you have it! Challenge completed! A paper pieced pattern featuring 2.5” mini charms. I had an absolute blast making this and it was a delight to work with Cuzco again!

Sweet Treats Too Pretty for Pickles cushion detail

I will add – there are a few angles in the paper piecing which can be a little swear-word inducing. So! I have done a little tutorial on how I paper piece angles to help you out. You can find the tutorial here and the pattern is here.
 
At the sewing table

A big thank you to the Fat Quarter Shop for sponsoring this blog hop  and also to Alyce from Blossom Heart Quilts for hosting it. We’re headed towards the end of the hop now but it’s absolutely worth checking out all of the hoppers – each of us has a $25 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop to giveaway (with a big $50 giveaway happening on Alyce’s blog on the 13th!).


Monday 8th - Beth at Plum and June
Tuesday 9th - Jennie and Clara at Clover and Violet
Wednesday 10th - Lindsey at Happier Than A Bird
Thursday 11th - Kristy at Quiet Play – you are here!
Friday 12th - Jane at Want It, Need It, Quilt
Saturday 13th - Wrap up at Blossom Heart Quilts – Big giveaway! 

Sweet Treats

Giveaway! Now closed.
Want to win a $25 gift voucher to the Fat Quarter Shop? Why that'd cover the supplies to make your very own cushion just like this one with some to spare! ;) 
 

To enter the giveaway, simply leave me a comment on this post – any comment you like!

For a second chance, leave a separate comment telling me you’re a follower of my little blog.

Entries close on 17th October and winner will be notified by email so please make sure you can be contacted (i.e. not a no reply blogger).



Good luck and thanks for stopping by!!






159 comments:

  1. You are too funny! The cushion is fabulous and I love that you made the whole thing work for your addiction :-)

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  2. Sweet pillow - sweet fabrics.

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  3. I do believe that I'm your number 1 stalker... err... follower. ;)

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  4. LOVE that cushion, as you know. Currently planning a stealth mission to break in at night and steal it. x

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  5. I love you pillow! Fabulous!

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  6. I'm impressed that you were able to paper piece with those tiny charms! The pillow looks so cute! Thanks for the chance to win. :)

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  7. I love it Kristy! I am definitely going to try this one! You are so inventive!

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  8. Everytime I see another project made with Cuzco, I love it more. Your cushion is gorgeous. I really can't wait Until the yardage hits the shops.

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  9. I absolutely love the cushion! And the 2.5 inch charms ( I joined in the 2.5" charm club from FQS). Love those little squares.

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  10. And I am a happy follower of your blog.

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  11. I must admit that the more I look at my version of this block the more I love it! Yours is super pretty and I love the border round it.

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  12. The cushion is gorgeous! I love those colors.

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  13. I have charged myself to try new things and your tutorial has inspired me to try this pillow.
    thanks for the chance to win.

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  14. I follow your blog! I'd love to win!

    Michelle

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  15. I love that pattern! I hope I can make it someday.

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  16. I am a follower! Thank you for sharing your project.

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  17. Great project.
    Those mini charm packs are just too cute for words.

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  18. Wow! I knew you'd accept the challenge! this is fabulous - thank you!

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  19. Challenge well and truly met! Great cushion and no curves, it just gets better.

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  20. I have fallen in love with the Moda's candy. I want some!

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  21. That's a lovely cushion! And I certainly wouldn't mind a gift card to feed my fabric habit. ;)

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  22. Obviously I am following your cute little blog. :)

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  23. Great pattern - thanks so much for sharing! Paper piecing is next on my "To-Do", but I am very right-left and flip-reverse challenged, so it will not be easy. Your pattern may just be the thing that inspires me to take the plunge!

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  24. Wow! What a beautiful pillow. I just love Kate's fabrics and given purple is my favorite color also, if I win I want your pillow. LOL

    I guess I'll just have to make my own though since I'm pretty sure you aren't giving that away. Thank you for the pattern.

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  25. I am now following your blog. I took a peek and love your Diamond in a Square block as well as the Red Herring block. They are both so pretty.

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  26. I love the colours in your pillow! And kudos on the zipper!

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  27. the pillow is so cute....i'll be checking out the pattern!!

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  28. i just became a follower of your blog!!

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  29. I love this cushion, the purple would make it work perfectly in my bedroom. The tiny charms are so cute too. Thanks for the chance.
    ks(dot)eyles(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

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  30. I am a follower and loving the blog hop.
    ks(dot)eyles(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

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  31. That is gorgeous. I'm a paper piecing newbie, but I'll give it a try!

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  32. Thank you for the pattern! I love paper piecing and am always looking for a fun new pattern!

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  33. I have one of those minis, a gift from a friend. Looks like a fun pattern to try. Thanks for sharing.

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  34. I love your purple pillow! Thanks for providing the pattern for free! :)

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  35. What a cute pillow, I love the colors

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  36. Hey, Good Morning! Your blog is a new one for me and I've decided to sign up. Love your banner heading and after I saw it I knew I would be reading.

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  37. I love your cushion! I don't think I'd ever dare piece with such tiny parts! I love that line of fabric too.

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  38. I LOVE it!!! Great job and awesome tutorial. I want to make one! Thank you.

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  39. I'm your newest follower. =) Can't wait to check out more here!

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  40. That is awesome! I would have agreed with Alyce about the paper piecing, but this is awesome. I'm definitely making one!

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  41. Your pillow is so pretty! The scrappy border is the perfect compliment to your pretty pickle!!

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  42. I follow your little, wonderful blog :)

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  43. I love the pillow! Now I want to make one!

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  44. and I'm a new follower in Reader

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  45. I love your pillow and how you accepted/interpreted the challenge! Genius.

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  46. Pretty pillow! I really like the colors you used.

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  47. HAPPILY FOLLOWING YOU!
    THANKS FOR SHARING!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  48. HELLO! LOVE YOUR BLOCK+FINISHED PILLOW!
    I'M WORKING ON A 16" STAR BLOCK OF BURGUNDY PIECED WITH CREAM FOR A CHRISTMAS TABLE RUNNER FOR A CHRISTMAS GIFT>SO FUN!
    THANKS FOR SHARING!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  49. That's lovely! I'm really enjoying seeing the patterns on this hop.

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  50. Too cute! I just joined a swap for these 2.5 inch squares!! What a perfect project for it!!!

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  51. I am now a follower too! Such great inspiration!

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  52. This is so cute! Can I ask how you did the zip? I'm making a double sided cushion for a friend and can't figure out how to place the zip at the edge. Ta!

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  53. Wow, you really did great taking on that challenge

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  54. That is a fabulous pattern - I did say you were the @queen of the Paper pieicng' ;-)

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  55. Very cute. I love the design.

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  56. What a great blog. I will be stoping by for now on to get more great tips and patterns.

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  57. Love the cushion and love paper piecing!

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  58. OMG this is awesome! I might finally try PP.

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  59. Your little blog is definitely growing. I remember being No.100 just a little while ago which means I'm follower in case you didn't notices, lol.

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  60. This cushion is absolutely gorgeous, Kristy!! Well done!

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  61. Your pillow is looking great and I love the colors you choose.

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  62. I really love the pillow!!! And paper piecing too because it makes me look like I can get those points accurate even though I know I can't. Yet! LOL

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  63. What a wonderful pillow - love your fabric choices and placement! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  64. Oh my gosh! Girl!! LOOOOOVE your Pillow!! AWESOME job!!

    Have never paper-pieced before...must try now! :)

    Thanks for chance to win your Drawing! (can throw in pillow if ya want! he he he)

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  65. I am a Follower of your very cooool Blog already!

    Thanks for a second chance to win! ;)

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  66. Thanks for the block pattern. This is a pretty little pillow. I haven't attempted paper piecing before so appreciate your tutorial as well.

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  67. What a cute cushion! The fabrics are gorgeous. I'll have to look for some of those prints.
    Thanks for the chance to win =D

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  68. I am also a follower of your blog =D

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  69. This is so beautiful! It has such a nice crispness to the design and the mini charms really add so much color and liveliness to it. Thanks for sharing the pattern with us. :)

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  70. Wow that is lovely, I might just have added it to my to do list!
    thanks for sharing

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  71. I have been following the hop and there has been some super cute items made. My local fabric shop didnt have any cute mini charm packs. I will have to play with some next year..

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  72. Kristy! You are so clever! I have one pack of Cuzco mini charms - might have to get another!

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  73. I am a new follower... looking forward to more of your inspiring projects!!! Love this pillow, especially the fabrics you chose! Thanks!

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  74. Loving this wee charm blog hop - beautiful projects!!!

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  75. I love your pillow! I really need to try and make one myself. Thanks for sharing.

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  76. Kristy, this is gorgeous! Love it. I saw Cuzco in the flesh the other week. I think I need some.

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  77. Such alovely block.. You are so crafty...

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  78. Love your pillow very envious.Thank-you for the give away chance.Becky
    derry04@yahoo.com

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  79. I am a follower I actually took up paper piecing when I discovered your site.Thank-you for the help and encouragement to try it out and thank-you for the give away.Becky
    derry04@yahoo.com

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  80. What a fab cushion. Like the colours. :)

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  81. Love the pillow. Thanks for this chance

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  82. Congrats on rising to the challenge - I bow to the Paper Piecing Queen! Lovely cushion and pattern - thanks for sharing it!

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  83. The cushion is adorable. I love the coordinating solids you chose to go with Cuzco, especially the purple.. divine!

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  84. I love paper piecing. What a great pillow! I love your other ideas also!

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  85. I get your emails. The new ideas are great! Thanks!

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  86. Great cushion, I love the colors.

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  87. I love it, the colors are so bright. Thanks!

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  88. great block! great colors! great pillow! thanx for sharing!

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  89. I'm a new reader. Love the pillow, but the pink owl and the awesome firetruck applique in your archives take the cake. :-)

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  90. Love your cushion, a really great tutorial and I love the trick of folding the material, I must remember that for the next paper piecing project

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  91. Kristy, I love your cushion! Love the fabrics and I bought the pattern, thank you! :) I just did the paper piecing part of the BOM class on Etsy and She used a method that I find very helpful for checking if the fabric will be covering up the patch completely.
    I am totally with you with the impatience! When I order something, I want it to be here RIGHT NOW! :) Not in a week, not in 2 weeks. It's harder for you being on the other side of the world.
    Lastly, thank you FQS for the giveaway!

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  92. Just love your cushion. Time that I learnt how to paper piece!
    Deborah

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  93. I follow your blog by email.
    Deborah

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  94. Love the cushion (and your choice of fabrics)! I'm so glad to have some ideas for what to use the mini charms for :)

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  95. What a beautiful square - I'm going to have to try that!

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  96. What a great project, thanks for sharing.

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  97. I LOVE your pillow! I've never done paper piecing.

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  98. Awesome tutorial, who knew you could make a design like this using the smaller charms!

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  99. Great job on your tutorial. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  100. Love your block! And that purple is fabulous! Thanks for a chance to win! :)

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  101. I am a new follower of your blog.

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  102. I found you through the blog hop and I'm a new follower by email. Looking forward to some great posts!

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  103. Love the pillow design. I can see where the mini charms make it easier to put together.

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  104. I'm a new follower. I love you banner.

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  105. Beautiful cushion. I love the Cuzco fabric. I really, really want some to make myself a quilt with.

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  106. What a cute cushion! I love it! Thanks for the chance to win!
    craftnursequilt(at)gmail(dot)com

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  107. Very nice pillow - those tiny little charm square packs look like they would be fun to play with! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  108. So sweet, and such a nice purple. See there are some nice purple out there.
    Thank you for the giveaway.

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  109. Thanks for sharing a great pattern with us. I'll be checking out your swear word reduction tutorials next!

    Hugs
    Naomi

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  110. I'm a follower.

    Hugs and thanks for the chance to win.
    Naomi

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  111. Great pattern! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  112. Love that it doesnt involve curves:)

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  113. What a cute pillow! I would pick paper piecing over curved seams any day of the week!

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  114. This is the perfect pattern for my pillowtalkswap partner! Thank you!

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  115. I'm a long timr follower!

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  116. Hi Kristy,
    You mention here that United notions provide a list of the solids that go with their fabric ranges. I've looked on their site but I can't find a list - it's probably staring me in the face but I had no luck. As you can imagine, living in the middle of nowhere, I buy a lot of fabric online and it's so easy to get the solids wrong - I can even get the wrong moda white!! Can you help by pointing me in the direction of this very useful list? Many thanks, Lynne

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Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I read each and every word! I'll do my best to reply to them either via email or here on the blog, when time permits!