Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Modern Basics Blog Tour


So who knew three years ago that when I met Amy Ellis online that she would one day write a quilt book?  Surely not me but here it is . . .


and I was thrilled when she asked me to review it and share my thoughts.

Wait a sec.


::My thoughts.  Does she realize how scattered those can be?::  

Anywho.

If you've been around here for any length of time you know that when it comes to quilting I'm not a pattern type of girl.  I'm more of a have-an-idea-and-start-cutting-fabric-and-hope-that-it-all-works-out kind of quilter.  And Amy's book arrived and it was chock full of patterns.  Uh-oh.



What a relief when I opened the book and saw page after page of quilt patterns that were approachable.  Patterns that were adaptable.  And patterns that made me want to pull fabric from my stash and get to work.  I've been crushing on solid fabrics for awhile now and see this above quilt in my near future.  It's called Tumbling Cubes and can be found on page 9.  But Basic Puzzle on page 32 is going to be made in 2011 by me as well.

I can see it now. . . "Look Mom!  I'm sewing from a pattern!" . . . she'll be so proud.

It's fun to look at quilting books for inspiration. But it's extremely fun to look at quilting books and not be intimidated.  I've never met the author in real life but when I do I will be sure to give her a hug and tell her job well done.

Want to win a copy for yourself?  Leave a comment here to this post and you'll be entered in the random draw to win a copy of Modern Basics.  One entry per person. International entries welcome.  Leave your comment before Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 6pm US EST.  Winner will be announced Friday morning.  And be sure to check out other bloggers also reviewing and giving away copies of this book.


Piece N Quilt   
SewCalGal  
Terri's Notebook  on February 24th
Crazy Mom Quilts  on February 25th
Wild Card Quilts  on February 26th
BumbleBeans    on February 27th
Fat Quarter Shop  on February 28th
One Shabby Chic on March 1st
Canton Village Quilt Works on March 2nd
Diary of a Quilter    on March 3rd
Fat Quarterly  on March 4th
Amylouwho   on March 5th

262 comments:

  1. I was so excited to see she had a book coming out - the patterns look very fun and fresh - and relatively easy!

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  2. I'm looking forward to seeing more about this book! I love the quilt in the picture!!

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  3. I can't wait to see this book. I love that tumbling cube quilt too.

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  4. I'm really looking forward to seeing a copy of this book!
    I love Amy's Tumbling Cubes!

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  5. Looks great! I love patterns that can be adapted, too...they're a great place to start and then let our creativity soar.

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  6. Oh..a new "user friendly" pattern book! Just up my alley!

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  7. Look what the internet has done to me! I started looking for blogs to learn more/inspire my sewing (clothing for my kiddos) and now I want to make a quilt. Another one, I guess. I made one to help with the overrunning scraps problem, but I have enough scraps for plenty more. Can I make just scrappy quilts? I'm getting carried away.

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  8. That looks like a fun book to add to my book stash!

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  9. Yes, "Modern Basics" sounds like EXACTLY what I need! Thank!

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  10. I have some great fabrics due in the mail any day. I could really use this book to turn them into an amazing quilt!

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  11. If the book's as enjoyable as her blog, I'd love to own it! Thanks for the chance to win:)

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  12. What I've seen of the book looks wonderful. I would love to win a copy.

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  13. I'm so excited for this book. Congrats to Amy!

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  14. I first 'met' Amy through the quiltalongs that started with you. She is marvelous and I am so excited that she has published a book! I would love to win a copy. Some days my creativity needs a big boost!

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  15. The more I see of this book the more in love with it I am! I love that quilt on page 9...so cute!!

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  16. Would love to win a copy! Please!

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  17. I have just discovered your blog and I am very inspired at your quilting style, especially on the banner of your blog...how fun! I would love to win a copy of the book and certainly try my hand at some of these very creative pieces of art!

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  18. I am really excited about this book! I also am more a get-an-idea-and-figure-out-how-as-I-go kind of girl, but as a new quilter, I really need some basics to start from!

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  19. I'd love some simple ideas for using up my stash! Thanks for hosting a giveaway opportunity!

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  20. I love good quilting books! There's just something about sitting and turning the pages instead of always looking at inspiration online! This looks like a good one too!

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  21. I would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance!

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  22. Thanks for the opportunity to win this exciting book.

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  23. I'd like to check this book out. Thanks for sharing.

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  24. The book looks fantastic! I was planning on doing a "solid" quilt next.... The book would be great inspiration!

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  25. I'm so glad Amy wrote a book! Thanks for counting me in, Dana.

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  26. Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful book!

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  27. That is a great quilt! Can't wait to see more. Here's to hoping I win so I can!
    Thanks for the review.

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  28. Thanks for the review! And have fun making a quilt from a pattern!! That's too funny! I'd love a copy of Amy's book.

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  29. Looks like a great book. Thanks for a chance to win.

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  30. Hey...isn't that bottom quilt the one on the Sewing Summit icon?:)

    Have fun reviewing....YOU CAN DO IT!:)

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  31. I am so excited for Amy's book. After participating in a quilt-a-long with her I know what amazing instructions she gives. I can't wait to see her book :)

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  32. I know what you mean about crushing on solids -- my solid stash has grown considerably and it is time to get on with it!

    Great book giveaway!
    deb

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  33. It looks like a great book. I'm sure that it'll be a great addition to any quilt library.

    Heidi
    ahmotz at xplornet dot ca

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  34. This book looks brilliant. I've yet to make a quilt as I'm a bit scared, so this would be a great place to start

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  35. I recently have added quilting to my long list of hobbies. In the last month, I've completed one quilt and have started two more. I am hooked! Thanks for a chance to win this beautiful book.

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  36. Looks inspiring and very approachable. Thanks for the chance!

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  37. This book looks like it could be a really useful tool. I love seeing all the different patterns and trying to get inspiration from them!
    -Jen

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  38. I'm sure Amy's quilts will be super fun and easy to make!

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  39. This book looks so great an I hope I´ve a chance to win. :-)) Greats from Luxembourg/Europe

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  40. I'm really excited to see this book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. Good luck everyone!

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  41. I would love to win this!

    Lauren

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  42. The book looks great, hope I have a chance :o)

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  43. I would love to win this book. It looks like it be a good one and I think the giveaways are great as they are introducing me to lots of new blogs! Yay!

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  44. oh lovely!! I hope it's my lucky day!

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  45. The book looks great! Would love to add it to my library!

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  46. I got my book in the mail yesterday and LOVE it. I would love to win and give my copy I just rec'd to a dear friend who I got her started in quilting a year ago. Can't wait to go thru my stash and make a AMY quilt. Thanks for the chance!!

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  47. I want one! Thanks for the opportunity!

    jenashford at swbell dot net

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  48. yay! I've been waiting on this book :0)

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  49. I would love Amy's book! Thanks for the opportunity to win!=)

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  50. Sounds like a great book, thanks for the giveaway.

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  51. Looks like a great book...thanks for the chance to win!

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  52. Thank you so much for the great interview! I'm really looking forward to this book!

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  53. I think I'm kind of like you when it comes to patterns. So if you are seeing ones to try, I'd be game, too. I'd love to win a copy!

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  54. Would love to win this book. Thank's for the chance!

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  55. I am so excited about this book. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  56. Thanks for the chance to win this book! And keep up the beautiful work on your quilts - love the Princess & The Pea!

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  57. This book looks lovely!

    Mary
    iammaryburke@gmail.com

    http://www.ourhoppyplace.com

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  58. I follow Amy's blog and she is such a creative gal. I'm sure her book is amazing! Thanks!

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  59. I admire your ability to grab some fabric and just start cutting. I need to do that more.

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  60. Thanks - the book looks great!

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  61. I had a chance to look at the book at one of my LQSs. Would love to win a copy! Love your blog...just subscribed.

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  62. I hear you about the just going witht he flow and not using patterns. I however in the last year or so I've used them alot.

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  63. love discovering new blogs. some cool stuff here.

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  64. i have been excited for this book! i have it on my list to buy... here's to hoping i win it instead!

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  65. The more I see of this book the more excited about it I get.

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  66. This would be a great book to add to my stash.

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  67. Looks like a great book that I'd love to win
    Thanks!

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  68. This book looks like a winner to me!

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  69. aw ha! Yes, please enter me in your drawing :0) Thanks a bunch, Sarah

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  70. I like what I read about the patterns- approachable & adaptable.
    Would love to win this book!

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  71. I'm excited to see this book in person! Thanks for the chance to win! And I made kolaches again yesterday! Too good!

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  72. This looks like a wonderful book! Please count me in, thanks!
    ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

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  73. I am so excited the sneak peek is very exciting.

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  74. Wow that looks like an interesting book. I love quilting books that make you feel like quilting right then and there. :)

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  75. I've made two quilts with Amy and I love her style! I would love to win her book because I think of her as one of my first quilting friends. You're my first BTW ....

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  76. I loved your review! I also love your blog! Your kolaches look too delicious!

    theredkiwi(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  77. The more I see of this book the more I love it.

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  78. Looks like a wonderful book - I'd love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance...

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  79. I am following this book around the blog hop and it's so cool to discover some new-to-me cool blogs. Glad I've found you!
    Thanks for the chance to win. :D

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  80. Awesome thanks! I would love to try a couple of these patterns!

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  81. Love the quilt on the cover!
    Thanks for the opportunity to win.
    Looks like an awesome book!

    catsknit(at)yahoo (dot) ca

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  82. Looks like the kind of book I need! Thanks for the chance to win!
    ktyoung1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  83. What fun looking patterns. I love her quilts.

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  84. I LOVE LOVE LOVE patterns, and am attempting to copy one of yours, I'll write you about it if it works out... Enter my name!! I love your blog!!

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  85. thank you for your review on Amys book. I would love the chance to win, hopefully I am lucky. Her book looks wonderful.

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  86. Looks like a great book--"adaptable" is always good. Can't wait to see your interpretations as well.
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    L,A-

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  87. I am soo excited about this book. I can't wait to get a copy! I also can't wait to see your projects from it!

    smurfy4ever@yahoo.com

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  88. The more I read about this book, the more I want it! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  89. This book looks perfect for my newbie quilting self!

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  90. This looks like a fun book! Thanks for the chance to win. :)

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  91. Would love to dig into that book!

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  92. I am like that also. Trying to follow a pattern is sometimes hard for me. I have seen this on another blog and it looks fun and easy. Would love to win a copy and if I don't I am seriously thinking of buying this baby. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  93. Looks like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win!

    kirsten_13@hotmail.com

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  94. Oh hey, I'm the 100th commenter. Cool.

    This looks like an awesome book. I like modern. I like patterns. Modern patterns - perfect! Sign me up :)

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  95. This book looks great, something I would actually follow the pattern from! THANKS for the chance!
    ourbusylittlebunch(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  96. Those and not my grandma's pinwheels! And I love the quilting on the Tumbling Cubes. I hope I win this one!

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  97. Looks like a great book, and as it's by Amy,well, it'll be brilliant! Been followingher blog since I've been blogging! Thanks Dana :)

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  98. This book looks amazing and just what I need to get back to my quilting! I love to read your blog and see all the quilts you make. How do you find the time?

    Blessings,
    Joy

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  99. This book looks like incredible fun!

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  100. Wow! Amy's book looks great. Thanks for the sneak peek and your review, Dana.

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  101. Love~ thanks for a great giveaway!!

    krencamp (at) gmail (dot) com

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  102. I would love to win this book. Thank you for the opportunity.
    nettecan at hotmail dot com

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  103. This book looks awesome!! I need some good inspiration.

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  104. Looking forward to seeing this book.

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  105. EXCITED ABOUT THIS BOOK!
    THANKS FOR SHARING!

    jldouglas@wispwest.net

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  106. looks like a fun book - thanks for the giveaway opportunity! :)

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  107. But it's extremely fun to look at quilting books and not be intimidated.

    That sounds like a great reason to want to peruse and own this book.

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  108. i would love to take a peek inside that book!

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  109. I love the quilt that is on the cover!

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  110. I want this one as it would be a really nice present for a new quilting friend

    by the way, have made princess on the pea block, you can see it on flickr under my photos (fissiett)

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  111. yay for Amy! I can't wait to read this book! not that I need any more someday projects...

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  112. finnishwahine@yahoo.comFebruary 23, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    i will try again.....
    looks a really kool book, could be the first for victoria. i am going home to kauai this summer and have many projects planned for us. one is, she wants nana to teach her how to sew. i need to get her a good used machine before i get there. i like the quile with the little squares.

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  113. Sounds like my kind of book! I also am not good at following the directions when I quilt but i love looking at pictures for inspiration.

    PS love your blog!

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  114. That is a really pretty quilt.

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  115. The patterns look great, I'm enjoying the blog tour previews!

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  116. Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

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  117. Your quilt-a-long is the reason I started quilting again and then met Amy through the Flickr group! So fun!

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  118. I sooo want a copy of this book. I will have to save up if I don't win one on the blog hop.
    Thankyou for the chance to win!!!

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  119. Approachable? Sounds good to me. I'm not much of a pattern girl either. I'm still staring down the pinwheels.

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  120. I'm not necessarily a pattern kind of girl either. Really, I sew like I cook--patterns and recipes are jumping-off points! So adaptable, approachable patterns would be awesome!

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  121. Would love to have this book in my quilting stash! Love your blog and all of the inspiration you share.
    Sharon M.

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  122. I like your idea of cut the fabric and design as you sew (I do a lot of that)...

    hugz
    Pam

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  123. I am glad to hear from somebody who is like you that doesn't do patterns a whole lot. If it works for you, then it'll work for me. :-)

    Thank you for the chance to win!

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  124. I'm so excited about her book too! Great review as I'm a 'fly by the seat of my pants' quilter (typically) as well :)

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  125. I've been following Amy's blog for a long time now and I'd love to win her book.

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  126. Amy's blog is one of the first I ever discovered and began to read. I've followed some of her tutorials so know this book will be well written. So, I would thoroughly enjoy winning a copy. Thanks for the stop on the blog tour.

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  127. I would love to win the book! I enjoy reading about you and your family.

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  128. Thank you for the chance to win, I have had this book on my Amazon wishlist since I first heard about it!

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  129. Ummm ... yes, please!! My zigzag quilt is still one of my favorites. We use it everyday :)

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  130. I would love to win a copy of this book. I like Amy's fresh style and her enthusiastic, conversational tone.

    I'm glad to discover your blog; I'll be back!

    wordygirl at earthlink dot net

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  131. Love the book, and love both Amy's blog and your blog! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  132. I love the cover quilt, that reminds me of kites on a spring day

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  133. this book looks great! can't wait to look through it.

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  134. I can totally relate to the way you go about making quilts. I've found that I tend to do the same thing. Thanks for doing the giveaway.

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  135. Those types of books are my favorite--approachable and inspiring.

    chancyf at gmail dot com

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  136. Yes please! I'd love to win a copy of Amy's book - this blog tour is getting me drooling :) Thanks for the opportunity to get my hands on a copy.

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  137. I love your quilting "just go for it and hope for the best" attitude!

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  138. I would love to win this book.

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  139. Sounds like a fun book to be able to peruse. I'm anxious to see it.

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  140. Looks like a great book! Thanks for the giveaway!!

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  141. Fun! I am just about to finish up my current two quilts. I need to win so that I can get inspired for my next quilt!

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  142. Clever, clever! I love the title of the book, makes it seem "approachable" too! :)

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  143. Glad to hear you liked the book! Can't wait to see a copy for myself!

    Thanks for the chance to win one.
    Sandy A

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  144. I'm not big on patterns either, but I like what I hear about this book.

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  145. Would love to win this book. I love Amy's blog. Thanks for the review and the chance to win.

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  146. Amy's quilts are beautiful. Hope I win one of the copies of her book.

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  147. Super cute quilt in the picture. I'd love to see what else is inside that book!

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  148. whoa...just this quilt is a spring board of inspiration for me already! would love this book.

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  149. Love the idea of "adaptable" patterns--so me! It seems I never make things exactly the way they are "supposed" to be!!!

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  150. That is what I need. A pattern book for people who don't do patterns :)

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  151. Modern? Basic? I would love to own that book! Thanks!

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  152. Awesome! Great to have a chance to win! Thanks

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  153. I'd love to win a copy of this awesome book.

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  154. I love that square quilt too! I hope I win! :)

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  155. Tumbling Cubes looks like fun! I love Amy's fresh approach to design. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

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  156. Looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  157. I'm excited to get my hands on this book!

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  158. the quilt on my cover caught my eye. And then tumbling cubes. Now i have to see Basic Puzzle

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  159. This looks like a really great book!

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  160. I'm a pattern gal, until I have the experience to branch out, so I'd love to get my hands on this compelling book!
    Thanks for the review, Dana!

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  161. I was very excited to see this book. I'm loving what I am seeing on the blog hop so far and know for sure THIS is an excellent book to have. I'm crossing my fingers that I'll be one of the very lucky ones to win.

    vburr at charter dot net

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  162. Looks like a great book - I'd love to win it (and if I don't, then I am going to keep an eye out for it in the local shops).

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  163. please enter me. this looks like fun.

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  164. I would love to win...new inspiration!

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  165. I would love to this book! I have it on "need to have" list.

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  166. You can never have enough quilting books. Sign me up please!!! I love the modern quilt movement that is taking place.

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  167. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book. I can't wait to get one.

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  168. She is a very creative lady so it would be great to have her book. I never win giveaways though, so I'll have to be on the lookout for it!

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  169. I would love to win this book. Thanks for giving us the opportunity. :)

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  170. I love that tumbling block quilt! Fingers crossed.

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  171. Would love to win...because there are some of us who really do need patterns to follow. Me! :)

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  172. I'd love to win this book - it looks great!

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  173. Looks like a wonderful quilting book! I'd love to win it!

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  174. This looks like a great book. Sign me up please.

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  175. I have seen this book advertised somewhere recently...can't remember, but looks like a great go to book for inspiration and simple yet beautiful quilts. I would love to win a copy! Lisa in Texas

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  176. Love the book - you are right, it looks like the patterns are perfect for a busy soul. Thanks!

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  177. I've never sewn by pattern either! But I think this book would be where I would want to start!

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  178. ooooh fun! I can't wait to see inside

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  179. I would love to win this book - it looks perfect for a beginner quilter, just my level. Thanks for a chance to win!

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  180. I have some Kona solids in my stash that would look great in the Tumbling Cubes pattern. Thanks for the giveaway. :)

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  181. Oh Dana, I'd love to win! This book looks so beautiful and just the thing to get someone like me off of my laurels and back into action. Thanks for the chance!

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  182. I would love to have a copy of this book! It looks wonderful!

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  183. Seeing that, like recipes, I can't follow a pattern to save myself- perhaps this is the book for me?

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  184. oooh I love the tumbling blocks quilt too... very cool :) Would love to win a copy. Crossing fingers and toes.

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  185. very excited to read her book. My strengths are sewing in straight lines...ok, it' my only strength. nonetheless, i'm excited to see the variety of patterns that can be done with just straight lines! thanks for the giveaway. crossing my fingers.

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  186. I made a small quilt for my cat a few years ago and have been wanting to make a bigger quilt for years. This book might just get me going if the patterns are nice and easy.

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  187. Approachable, adaptable - I like that! And it looks like oh so beautiful!

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  188. I'm with you, no patterns. The one time I tried I found it so confusing. I love Any's style though and have seen her tutorials, so I think this book could change my mind. Thanks for the review.

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  189. Can't wait! I hope Lady Luck in on my side ^_-

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