Monday, December 8, 2014

A Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day Newbie!


*This giveaway is now closed!
Since I skipped my 4 yr. blogging anniversary earlier in the year, it seemed like a good time to join up with the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day--something I've never done but always enjoy participating in. Such a fun event! A very big welcome to those coming here for the giveaways, and to my regular readers, I love you so much. Thanks for making my day brighter by coming back to visit once again.

For those that have been here before, yes, I did get that pattern made. In fact, I picked it up one day before our town went up in flames. Uh huh. After all the energy and time invested in preparing the Happy Flowers pattern, nature just kind of stuck a big fat pin in my plans and I deflated like an popped balloon. It took me awhile to get back to a regular routine of sewing, quilting and making, something that I need in my life like others need their hit of coffee in the mornings! In the meantime, my priorities have shifted a bit and my outlook is very different from what it was back in mid-July.

A giveaway!
Primarily, I feel that I am a maker. I do things with my hands in order to still something within my soul, in my very being. It is something that absolutely keeps me grounded every single day in our very busy, chaotic life. For the present, there doesn't seem to be enough time in my day to make those things and then also put the things I make into words and a readable pattern to sell.*sigh  Maybe later. Maybe even next year! If you know me at all, you totally get that I need to be immersed in my quilt projects without getting jumbled up in the paperwork--there's enough of that piled up on my desk already.

But enough about that. I have these patterns sitting here and a giveaway you came here to find out about! I will be choosing three winners: the first winner will get a copy of the book 'Time to Make--Throw Yourself At Your Creative Life' by Ginger Hendrix {a funny and very insightful book about the importance of making} plus a copy of my Happy Flowers pattern. Yay! And because I have so many of these patterns I don't know what to do with right now, I will be giving a Happy Flowers pattern to the second and third winners as well. A bit of a consolation prize I know, but you could always refuse to send me your address if you don't want one.*wink

So... To be a winner of this giveaway, please leave a comment telling me how important 'making' is in your life or what part of your quilting process feels most 'creative' to you. Either one, I'm easy. Followers can have an extra entry, just tell me how you follow! The giveaway is open internationally and will be open through Friday, December 12th. I usually try and answer every comment made to my blog, but for this giveaway post, I may not be able to keep up!



132 comments:

  1. I make things because I have to. I have 6 kids and most people would argue that I don't have time to make things, but I'm sure I'm a better mother when I take creative time for myself and de-stress.

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  2. Audrey - I also make things because I have to - I can't imagine life without having something (or many somethings) in the works. Your words about MAKING really struck a cord with me - I think there are a lot of folks just like us. Making keeps me sane - and happy - and healthy too!

    Of course I'm a follower - you're on my sidebar.....and I 'think' I follow you on Instagram?

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  3. Like you I make because it's part of who I am. Quilting is like breathing to me. I am not sure I would know how to carry on without it. :) I am so excited about your pattern and would love to win a copy! The book looks really fun too. And I don't just follow you, I pretty much stalk you...but you probably already knew that! Oh, and I love you too!!

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  4. Well it looks lie picked the perfect day to try and catch up on my blog friends! How wonderful to see your beautiful quilt in a pattern. Why am I a Maker? I have to make things, it is who I am. I always have had something in the works, whether it is knitting, quilting, or baking. I guess I could say my Maker made me a maker. My quilting has certainly helped through the last couple of months. I follow with Google Friend Connect and your blog is on my blog's blog list.

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  5. That was supposed to be like, not lie. Sorry!

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  6. Making is so important! I love to knit, sew, cook, and so many other making things.

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  7. My daughter and I just had this conversation this weekend. She says some people have a real knack for trying to figure things out. The really need to know how or what if. She is a software engineer and used to think she got her engineering skills from her Dad, but now she knows better. LOL I tend to agree with her, it a need to understand why,how and what! I follow you thru Bloglovin and really love and get your posts on your feelings on quilting. I must say for me adding the actual quilting design is my favorite part of quilt making. Adding those little stitches in the right places to pull it all together is like magic.

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  8. Happy is a man who has a hobby, these are my words to live by. That creative outlet that enables us to disappear into a place where time doesn't exist, just the here and now. The place where our brain sighs..."ahhhhhh that feels better" and we recharge our spirit. So be it quilting or quilling we all need a hobby. You know there are people out there paying gurus big bucks to find what we have.....we are blessed. I love reading your thoughts as you are kind enough to share your passion and we get a wee little peek into your brain.....I like it! :-)

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  9. You've said it so beautifully--that you make because it keeps you grounded. It's some patch of sanity in a very hectic world. I think many of us are wired this way. I think about the pioneer women comforting themselves and their children by making quilts and the African-American slaves who created a way to speak their own minds with their designs. I know I make quilts because I have to, for my own sanity. If I go a day or two without sewing, I get anxious to sew. As I say to my friends, "It keeps me out of trouble!"

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  10. Making is my life! When I was a kid I had projects going on all over the house, when I left school I became a florist, and then I discovered quilting. Even when I'm not making I'm thinking about making, that's where the wish for more time comes into it. sigh. Congratulations on your first pattern, that's really exciting!! The presentation with the logo looks great!

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  11. Quilting is what keeps me sane, it calms and quiets my soul, helps me sleep at night. I too am a maker, and by that I mean not a designer. Not a bit of artistic talent but I can follow directions or make an individualized interpretation of a pattern I love. Thanks for the chance to enter your giveaway, and I follow via my google dashboard.

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  12. I make things with needle and hook because I can't paint...the drive to create has been with me since birth...my heart and soul are soothed by the repetitive motions of hooking or hand stitching...I follow your blonde...you're on my sidebar...

    please don't consider me for the book giveaway...what I'm drooling for is your pattern!!!

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  13. Making things with my own hands has always been something I've done...ever since I was a child. I started with crotched, then moved on to latch-hook rugs, embroidery, cross-stitch, needlepoint, scrapbooking, altered art, quilting, wool applique...whew. I've probably left a few thing out. Hand-stitching is one of my very favorite ways to unwind and de-stress in the evenings after work, with wool applique and quilting with applique my two favorites. I would be thrilled to win your pattern!

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  14. making quilts started as a hobby for me and then it became my life - I love making - I love all parts of making a quilt but I am not always so good at making my own design - would love to win!

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  15. I have you on my Feedly reader so I know when you post and go right to it and read it.

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  16. I just started following you on Bloglovin.

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  17. I'm a new quilter and I am thrilled when something I've imagined becomes a reality.

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  18. I have always been involved in some sort of needle work since my high school days. When I first became pregnant my DMIL got me involved with quilting. I love the "making" parts of quilting .... piecing & quilting (all mostly by hand). It all has become my creative outlet, especially now .... since hubby & I are empty nesters

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  19. I follow each post on Old Reader and also visit your blog. Thanks!

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  20. I have a need to make / create and it doesn't really matter what I'm making. It's the process. This part of me has been kind of dead this year...it went away with the death of my father. I still see glimpses of it and am hopeful it will return and be stronger than ever.

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  21. Deciding on the fabric and pattern are the most creative part for me.

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  22. Audrey I really do not know why thus is but I create everyday or work on some kind of project for a few hours when I get home from work

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  23. Todos los días miro para tus publicaciones!!
    me gustan tus edredones muchísimo
    flores felices creo que es genial,
    hacer edredones, cocinar, cuidar mis plantas
    así paso mis días
    gracias por la oportunidad de participar
    saludos

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  24. what a nice give away~ I've been making things since I can remember. I still love all kinds of crafts.
    My favorite creative part is designing and solving problems/challenges.

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  25. Feels good to be able to "make" something for a loved one. Something special that you can't buy in a store-important to me to be able to leave a piece of me behind when I pass from this earth-something I hope that will be cherished.

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  26. Its funny how you do not know sometimes you do not know how important something is until its missing for a day or week or month or so. I do soooo much better if I have something going in my hands and mind!

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  27. I love to make things-to start with nothing and see it become something. I also like to watch the design come to life when I do embroidery.

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  28. Almost all of the quilting process is creative to me. My least favorite is cutting the fabric and basting.

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  29. I know just how you feel I have designed some cross stitch patterns but after a day a work I really just want to stitch. Thanks for sharing your wonderful treasures, but if I'm not lucky enough to win where can I get your pattern I love it!

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  30. Actually I enjoy cutting up the fabric and piecing it back together. It's like a big puzzle. thanks for the great giveaway!

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  31. I'd love to win your pattern! I love choosing fabric for a project, but I like working my needle in some way (applique, hand binding) in the evening while watching a bit of tv with my husband. it is a relaxing way to end the day.
    I dislike power sewing!
    I'm a follower with bloglovin.

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  32. My favorite part is the beginning, thinking of fabrics, choosing a pattern, making the first block. Thanks for sharing.

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  33. This is a great pattern, I follow you on Bloglovin.

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  34. I make things because I find it very relaxing.

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  35. I follow you through Google friends.

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  36. Your words resonated with me :"Primarily, I feel that I am a maker. I do things with my hands in order to still [ express?] something within my soul, in my very being." That is just right, that s what I feel and never could put into comprehensible words. I love imagining things, then bringing them to life with my hands, and I suppose my brain. I think creativity is a blessing and a gift, but also something one can learn. LOL I never win things but I d be thrilled to receive one of your patterns.

    lizzy at gone to the beach

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  37. PS I follow you by bookmarking your page, does that count?

    lizzy

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  38. I have to be crafty in any aspect, whether it is sewing something up or making up a batch of soap, lip balm, other beauty products or cooking.

    detroitgirl77 AT gmail DOT com

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  39. I follow via bloglovin

    detroitgirl77 AT gmail DOT com

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  40. Making things has been a part of me for as long as I can remember, whether it is sewing and quilting, knitting, cooking, gardening or even music. It makes me complete and happy.

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  41. I started following you via Bloglovin.

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  42. I grew up with a mother who made things (still does) and I am the same - it distracts me from other things, completes who I am, and helps me grow.

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  43. I make things as stress reduction therapy. I'd go nuts without it.

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  44. Handmade things are for me a therapy, I always loved cooking, knitting, quilting, and to be a stay at home mom.

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  45. I make things because I enjoy the creativity. It clears my mind of the stresses of daily living.

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  46. I love your happy flowers but then I generally love all of your quilts, ha ha : )

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  47. I make things as it helps to relief stress.

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  48. I try to sew something everyday its my stress therapy and I love it

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  49. Making is important but this year finishing has a higher priority.

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  50. I like to make and give things that I've made as gifts because I think people appreciate it more!

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  51. I love to make/create it's saves my sanity ... it's a total escape from the real world

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  52. I follow you with bloglovin. sarah@forrussia.org

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  53. Answering that question is like answering, "How important is breathing to you?" for me... it's something I've always done, and don't even think about needing to do until I stop... then my brain stagnates, my stress level rises, and I feel unfocused and generally anxious and lost. It doesn't have to be sewing; it can be making a nice meal, making a schedule that helps the kids live happily, making an organized file... but it has to activate the creative side of my brain. What a wonderful question to think about! I would LOVE one of your patterns! sarah@forrussia.org

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  54. I love the creativity of choosing fabrics and applique! I started quilting when I had my fourth child for mental survival and can't imagine not quilting. Although I have little time for it, it's always a treat when I can. LOVE your pattern :) I follow you through Bloglovin

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  55. I love the feeling of taking different fabrics and turning them into something beautiful . I love applique because some many little pieces can be used

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  56. making is very important to me. Quite simply, I can't imagine a world where I don't do something creative with my hands every day

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  57. I love doing applique and would love to win one of your pretty patterns.
    'making' is good for my spirit. it lifts me up to create beautiful quilts and other things.

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  58. I feel most creative when I'm immersed in solving a design dilemma in a quilt of my own design; head, hands and heart working in unison.

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  59. I've always made things and I can't imagine not doing so

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  60. for me...its piecing...i just love the piece work...and i love using fabrics in a very random manner...i dont often plan many quilts, but your new pattern looks amazing@ i just lvoe it. thanks for a chance.

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  61. im a new follower just love your side bar projects..bloglovin

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  62. Making stuff is as necessary as breathing to me! I am lost without it.

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  63. I forgot to say I follow you on bloglovin - so I guess an extra chance - how lucky.

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  64. I love the process, I try to work on my quilting for a little each day. julie.mckay@xtra.co.nz

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  65. I follow you through RSS feeds in my browser. julie.mckay@xtra.co.nz

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  66. I love watching a new creation emerge from scrappy little pieces of fabric. I especially love to sit and quilt by hand. No matter what is going on in life (and there's always something going on) those steady and patient stitches bring comfort to my soul.

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  67. I follow your blog with Bloglovin.

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  68. I love making whether it be with the grandchildren, my children or by myself. Putting together fabrics to make a design that I like is my favorite creative part of quilting.

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  69. Like you, Audrey, making keeps me sane. The joy of working with colour and design fills me with satisfaction and touches the core of my soul. I follow you on bloglovin.

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  70. "making" is a part of who I am, its how I express myself and retain a part of my self that might otherwise get lost in the day to day of being a mother, wife, etc.

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  71. I really like the look of your blog so I am now a new follower via bloglovin

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  72. Oh yes I AM a follower--love that pattern--so cute...thanks for the nice giveaway...hugs, Julierose

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  73. I have a high tech job (uses left analytical brain) so need a high touch hobby like quilting (uses right creative brain) in order to keep me balanced and not walking around lop-sided.

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  74. I work in tech and I make to keep myself sane.

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  75. I'm not even sure why, but I must create! It just comes from deep inside this great need that must be fulfilled. I'm not sure that I would thrive if I didn't have quilting.
    I just love to quilt!

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  76. Creating centers me and fills my soul. 15 minutes playing with fabric after a bad day at work is calming. And creating something beautiful for someone with their likes in mind is a double gift, one for them and one for me.

    And thanks for the lesson on Baptist fans. I found your blog on a Google search for them. You saved me this week on a baby quilt. I cut my own template and the quilting is coming out just like I envisioned it.

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  77. Merry Christmas from Oklahoma. The whole process is a learning experience each time. Always trying new things. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

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  78. I am a new follower on bloglovin. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

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  79. I'm definitely a "maker". Quilts, bags, cookies, stuffed toys, pottery - I seem to NEED to create. They don't all come out like I envisioned, but that's OK. It's the doing/making I seem to crave, not the finished product. I'm sure you know what I mean!

    And, for an extra bonus, I'll answer the other question too. The most creative part of my quilting process is the designing. I love that part, and feel the happiest when I'm making it my own.

    I follow you in my side bar on my blog. I love reading your insights into your creative process.

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  80. Making is central to my life. The creative bit for me is fabric choice, especially the colours. I struggle sometimes but it is worth taking time and effort over.

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  81. I make because I can and I it's something that is central to who I am :)

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  82. Making is very important in my life, using my hands either for quilting and stitching or for making some delicious bread is something that brings me great joy.
    My favorite part of the quilting process is the planning of a new quilt. Thanks for sharing, love the pattern.

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  83. well it keeps me sane lol! I work out of the home and run kids everywhere for their activities and this is my time! My fav part is planning and piecing.

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  84. Maker is how I identify myself as well. Something tangible at the end of a day is very satisfying.

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  85. I love to dig through my piles of fabric and get creative with what I have mixing and matching accessories and trims.

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  86. Making is my salvation. I suffer from several chronic pain diseases, and to distract myself from the pain, and to keep sane. Making also helps fight the depression of being disabled and unable to contribute financially to my family. Maybe I can become good enough at making to earn money some day. cdahlgren at live dot com

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  87. I'm a new follower on bloglovin. cdahlgren at live dot com

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  88. Sewing/quilting is my only Therapy besides fabric shopping.

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  89. I make things to relax, and unwind, it is also a great distraction from every day life.

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  90. I am a new Bloglovin follower
    faramena at gmail dot com

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  91. I'm always thinking about making... in fact, it takes up a huge space inside my head.
    Best part about quilting is definitely playing with fabric selection. It makes me very happy!!!

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  92. I like that you describe yourself as a maker. That's a word I've used about myself forever. A little boy I used to take care of (now in his mid-twenties) once asked me, "How come you always have to be makin' somethin'?" It was tough to come up with an answer that satisfied a 5-year old, when my real answer is simply "Because." I've been like that since I was a kid, coming up with ways to make what I wanted. From using Kleenex and tape to make Barbie clothes and peach crates and left over hot pink enamel bathroom paint to make a doll couch to disassembling anything that didn't work (and some that did), just for the challenge of "making" them again. I just gotta. Because.

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  93. When caring for two small children, making is the thing I do for myself everyday. It's my outlet!

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  94. Creating things has always been a part of me. Without sewing, stuffing, appliqueing or whatever I feel like I have lost an arm or a leg. Would love to win -- but I would also like to know where you found the pattern for the strip pieced tulips love it!

    Lila

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  95. Making and creating relaxes me in a way no other activity does, I love cooking, baking and sewing, and I knit and crochet now and then. Thanks for the chance!

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  96. I love making things. Any things. All crafts too. I like learning new things. I knit, paint, work on popper, sew, learning to quilt, always learning something new. I love giving handmaids. Make it so special. While making it, thinking of that person, but also when you give it and see them waring or using what you made.

    Thanks for the chance. Beautiful!
    naturallyfundays(at)gmail(dot)com.

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  97. Oh how awesome it would be for me to get something of yours to inspire me. You're my quilting idol! I feel so strange when I'm NOT making something. I think it stems back to my mother and all the warm, fuzzy memories I have of us sewing and embroidering together. I also feel like a quilt shows my love for someone in a tangible way .... I'm keeping them warm with my love type of thing. I just moved into a new house and it's been so long since I've done anything creatively so I'm just aching to get started with a project right after the holidays.

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  98. Oh I forgot... I'm a follower via feedly (since google reader bit the dust).

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  99. I have to make or design. If an idea stews too long in my head I get restless. I think the designing is the best part, but then there often is quite some re-designing during the making as well...

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  100. Because it is part of me and that part makes me feel good. Thank you for being a part of the Sew Mama Sew giveaway and being so generous with your pattern. Merry Christmas to you.

    Sandi Timmons
    sandit1@sbcglobal.net

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  101. Making is the thing I do for myself each day while I care for my two small children. So its my therapy! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  102. I love using inspiration from fabric

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  103. For the past few months, I haven't had enough time to "make" and I'm really missing it. "Making" relieves my stress and makes me happy! Working with color is the best part of it all for me.

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  104. I cannot imagine a life without "making". It fulfills a need to accomplish something and to have something to show for my efforts. And it helps me deal with stress and loneliness. I can get so lost in my creative doings that time just flys by. And it gives me something to be proud of every time I can say the words, "I made that". Truly making stuff just fills me with joy and it is something zi have passed on to my children. We are a making family!

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  105. I follow you on Google Friend Connect.

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  106. I definitely think "making" is an important creative outlet for me, sometimes a bit of an escape from the reality of diaper changes and vacuuming the dining room over and over and over, but also helps keep me grounded in my family-I come from a long line of quilters! And it keeps me thinking. I love the math behind quilting and I think doing it helps keep me sharp!

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  107. picking the fabric is the most creative part of quilting to me. ksmith8@emich.edu

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  108. My fav part of the process is petting, I mean, choosing fabrics! And when the whole quilt top is finally coming together! AND when you give it to someone! :)

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  109. I love making quilts and doing embroidery. I had to learn how to write and walk again after I had a stroke. I am so thankful I can still grip a needle. I am slower in stitching, but it is great physical therapy! Thanks for the chance to win!
    wigglypup2 ( at ) yahoo ( dot ) com

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  110. Creating helps me get rid of stress. In this fast paced world, it is my time to slow down and enjoy.

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  111. Making is so important, whether cooking or seeing or anything else. Makes a house a home, and some people, a family. :)

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  112. Following on bloglovin. :) Happy Holidays!!

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  113. It's stress relief. I can be all crazy worked up about something and then just sit down and work on something and I then feel so much better. It's like my personal happy bubble. :)

    jhunsberger (at) gmail (d0t) c0m

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  114. I'm now a bloglovin follower :)

    jhunsberger (at) gmail (d0t) c0m

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  115. Sewing is a really great way for relaxing for me. I rush around all day and then in the evening or at night I sew. My favourite part is maybe designing what I want to sew. The idea, it's were it all starts!

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  116. Quilting is truly my therapy. Like all parts and am always anxious to get on to the next project. Love your Happy Flowers - would love to purchase a pattern.

    Terry

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  117. Audrey, So happy to see you go the pattern done - a BIG congratulations on that!!!! I know it is a very time consuming endeavor. Sewing and quilting is truly what soothes my soul, makes me content in a busy crazy world and fulfills my need to create. I must confess, I have started my own version of Happy Flowers. I have not posted on it yet, but will soon. In any event, I would LOVE to have a copy of your pattern since it has been an inspiration to me for my quilt I am calling Audrey's Flowers. :-)

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  118. I feel most creative when it comes to the quilting. For the rest, I am usually following a pattern or picture, but for the quilting, I usually do my own thing, and it is nice to see everything come together.

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  119. The most creative part for me is deciding on the layout. I'm always amazed at how one block can look super terrific one way, and super stinkarooski another :) Welcome to the giveaway week. You are a veteran now!!! Congrats!:P

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  120. Making is huge ! It's one of the things that keeps me sane as a mom. I can't do a lot of things (I'm a musician and I seem to be only able to practice when they're asleep... when it wakes them up !) but I can sew and be creative when they're alllll sleeping

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  121. Hi there Audrey,
    Making is so important because I have a sense of accomplishing something. I have Fibromyalgia and suffer from Chronic Daily Migraines, so any 'make' is a big deal for me.
    Thanks so much for the giveaway,
    Jacqueline in Pitt Meadows
    snausages22@yahoo.ca

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  122. Making is VERY important in my life. I have to be creative, doing something, not just be busy, but to, well, create. I satisfies me. When I can't, or get interuppted, I find I get cranky! lol

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