" Sensational Square-agonals" Craftsy Class

" Sensational Square-agonals" Craftsy Class
My newest venture - I'm a Craftsy Instructor!

Welcome to Sandi's "Stitched Buy" blog....follow me and my future quilting adventures.

Follow the adventures and activities of a quilt author, me, with my my series of "Square-agonals Books and Patterns. As I travel on my "book tour", scheduled events at quilt shops, quilt guilds, workshops, retreats and quilt markets, let's see what I get into! Thanks for following me!



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Thursday, November 20, 2014

Today is my day for the Blog Tour

If you leave me your comment you have a chance to win a copy of Volume 10, Quiltmakers 100 Blocks or my two new patterns.

Please leave me your comment "My favorite quilting 
tip is........" then click on the Blog Tour Link to go 
to the next designer blog on the tour!

The name of my block "Forever"
I named it after I decided to use red, white, and blue fabrics.  It reminded we should be forever grateful for the duties, bravery, and sacrifices of the military, past, present and future. 

So join in the fun! Don't forget to leave me your comment and then visit all the other blog participants. All comments left during the blog tour are eligible for prizes. Good Luck!

136 comments:

  1. My favorite quilting tip is: change your rotary cutter blade! You'll cut so much more easily and accurately. Every time I change the blade on my rotary cutter I wonder why I waited so long.

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  2. Favorite tip is the old standby, measure twice or three times and cut once. Just not at midnight when you are tired.

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  3. My favorite FMQ quilting tip is practice, practice and practice; never give up!

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  4. My favorite quilting tip is if you start to drop it... let it go. Holding the thread if you drop the bobbin/spool does not work. :) And I broke my finger trying to save a bolt of white fabric from hitting the ground.

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  5. My tip is to use the spray to hold the layers together for quilting. It's a revelation. So easy and no pins!
    judybarr@iearn.org.au

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  6. My favorite tip is change your needle with each new project. If you are doing a large project, change it after about 8 hours of sewing. It really makes a difference and you'll have better results.

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  7. My favorite quilting tip is the age old measure twice and cut once! And double check what size you are supposed to be cutting!

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  8. Elmers Glue - love it to "baste" tiny blocks - just a few dots and iron and you are ready to roll.

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  9. Forever is wonderful! My tip is to clean my machine regularly...dust build up changes everything! Thanks for the chance!

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  10. Love your block. I have a red, white, & blue quilt on my bucket list.

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  11. Great block. My tip is to use spray starch or Best Press on bias seams when you press them.

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  12. I love using elmers glue to keep my squares straight. So much easier than pinning

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  13. My tip is to look at the fabrics or stitchery threads at the daylight. I had once a bad surprise as the thread really just didn't match but I ony realised it the next morning....

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  14. My favorite quilting tip is: Press as you sew. Everything you sew will look better with proper pressing. -- soparkaveataoldotcom

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  15. Great block! My tip...take care of your machine. Clean, oil when/if needed, new needle often and talk lovingly to it.

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  16. My favorite quilting tip is to use quality fabric and throw away pieces that are questionable.

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  17. my tip:turn on your favorite tunes, relax and enjoy--it's your time!

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  18. My favorite tip is: try new techniques and blocks that you think they are not "your style"... you never know what you may end up liking after all and you may learn something new!! Thanks for sharing a great block!!!

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  19. My tip is enjoy don't make sewing just another chore!! drhodes9@cox.net

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  20. My tip is just SEW!!!! Daily.... work on a block or practice your machine quilting... make yoyo's or hexie's by hand or work on that binding while watching tv... Before you know it you have created and finished more projects than you ever realized you could and daily practice makes your skills better.

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  21. My tip is challenge yourself! It is fun to keep learning new things.

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  22. Great block!
    My tip is to leave your sewing machine out all the time - you can sew whenever you have a spare half hour rather than waste time setting up and clearing away!

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  23. Love your block! My tip is to have fun! It will make you want to sew more.

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  24. Your block is beautiful! My favorite tip (given to me) is - Embrace the mistakes, they are what make it hand made.

    Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  25. Really like the red, white and blue. A no stress block, in my opinion, the best kind. 2 tips really, relax and realize no one is perfect, and test for your 1/4" seam allowance then mark it ===no stress quilting. poladydwd(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  26. I really like your block. Perfectly patriotic. My tip is to know that you have creative license to do things your way. Blaze your own trail and set your own standard.

    tushay3(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  27. My tip is measure twice and cut once. Great block and I like the name and the reason behind it.

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  28. My tip is any quilt looks better a week after you finish it!

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  29. great block. my tip is to sew at least 15 min every day!

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  30. My favorite tip is "never make stitches smaller than you can rip out", LOL.

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  31. My fave quilting tip is measure twice and count 5 times!!!

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  32. May favorite quilting tip is to make sure you are sewing an accurate quarter inch.
    auntie.clark@gmail.com

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  33. Great block! Thanks for the chance to win. vickise at gmail dot com

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  34. Love the block and congrats. I'm a red/white/blue type of quilter. My best tip is to measure twice. LOL ask me why?

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  35. My tip is keep a tiny hook crochet hook near your sewing machine. You use it to pull the thread by the needle, tie knots, clean out holes in the iron, grab lint from sewing machine and so many other things. That little hook is so handy. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  36. Great block. My tip is to keep at whatever task you are doing. The more you do it the better you get.

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  37. Love your patriotic block! It's a good reminder to be thankful! My favorite tip would be to enjoy the process. Quilting is fun!

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  38. "My favorite quilting
    tip is to use washable glue sticks to hold fabrics in place. I use mine to hold applique' pieces, or for holding seams together sometimes."

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  39. My favorite quilting tip is press don't iron.

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  40. Oh, I love your block! Not only does it look great in patriotic glory, it lends itself to any fabric combinations! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  41. Love the block. I love red, white, and blue quilt blocks. Congrats on being chosen to be in the magazine. My tip is to always measure twice and cut just once.

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  42. What great tips everyone has shared.......my new favorite is using Frixion pens for marking. So helpful when quilting, just don't mark where you can iron it away because heat causes it to disappear which is wonderful when you want it to disappear.

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  43. What a fun block. I will have to share this with my guild quilt as we are making red white and blue blocks and this fits right in. Thanks for sharing.

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  44. Good name for your block. This would make a great Quilts of Valor quilt also. My favorite quilting tip is to always make sure your thread cutter is by your side and you are having a good day. If not, stay away and find something else to do. Thank you for being a part of this Blog Tour and the chance to win your giveaways. You can't go wrong with the colors red, white and blue.

    Sandi Timmons
    sandit1@sbcglobal.net

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  45. I use a letter opener with a razor to cut threads between chain pieced blocks. I have received several of these free as advertisements. I did not hear this tip from anyone else.
    jitney41@gmail.com

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  46. Your block is wonderful as I like using patriotic colors. My favorite tip is to measure twice, cut once (I wonder why)

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  47. Beautiful block. My favorite quilting tip is to use sharp scissors or rotary cutter blades.

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  48. Love patriotic blocks. This one is great

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  49. My favorite quilting tip is to keep a 1x6 inch ruler handy (in my purse). It comes in handy in a lot of different situations.

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  50. My favorite tip is this: take your time. How many of us have rushed through a part of the process only to grab our seam ripper because we didn't take the time we should have?! Slow down and enjoy the process, my fellow quilters!

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  51. Love this block! My favorite quilting tip is... when you don't know ask(or google)! I'm new to quilting, but there are so many great resources to help me learn new techniques! Thanks for the chance to win! Sarah: crjandsbj(at)netzero(dot)com

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  52. Love your block!! Thanks for sharing. My favorite quilting tip is: use a scant 1/4" when piecing.

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  53. I'm just getting back into quilting so no tips yet. I'm amazed how things have changed in the last 15 years.

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  54. Nancy: rangerer@sbcglobal.netNovember 20, 2014 at 3:18 PM

    Love your block and the patriotic colors. I have a son-in-law who is a Navy SeaBee. He has served in many parts of the world including Iraq and Afghanistan. My tip is to always keep your scissors in the same place when at the sewing machine so they are easy to grab.

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  55. My tip - use Aurifil threads - why, more on the bobbin, less lint, its a 2ply Egyptian cotton thread, and it actually gives you just a fraction of a smaller fold on blocks. 2nd tip always use a fresh blade when your cutting fabric, 3rd tip - measure twice, cut once, 4th keep your pattern instructions close to hand and don't rely on memory when in doubt look it up, that alone will save your from those 'AH SHUCKS!' moments.

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  56. Congratulations on being chosen for the magazine. Love your block. My quilting tip is: If you are unhappy with how the block/stitching/quilt looks, drink a margarita, wait 10 minutes and look again. It will look much better! Cynthia cknapp3626@sbcglobal.net

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  57. My tip is .... measure twice, cut once. Learned that the hard way.

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  58. My tip is to press with a light starch before cutting out your pieces to prevent warping ( I use Best Press) and to never drag your iron but lift and press. I know this is very basic but many new to quilting don't realize what a difference it can make.

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  59. I'm still a newbie so I would have to say - go ahead and give it a try - you'd be surprised what you can do! I'm doing that right now with some FMQ. Thanks for the chance to win :)
    Debby E
    samtaylorcjsmimi (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  60. My tip--Read the directions! Love reading through everyone's tips!

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  61. My favorite quilt tip is to mark all the seams on my binding with a pin or clip. Then I can lay it out to make sure that none of the seams land on a corner before I start sewing.

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  62. I am new to sewing, but I would say measure three or four times and then cut, yep it takes me that many times to feel confident. I have messed some projects up do to improper measuring. dawnm1993 at gmail dot com

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  63. My quilting tip is have very good lighting on the project and read the directions very carefully! Your block is lovely, I'd like to make a quilt using it.

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  64. As in tile installation (long story) measure twice & cut once. Have made that mistake more than once. I prefer quilting and glad there is no more tile installing for me! :)

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  65. My favorite quilting tip -- measure twice, sew once. Whenever I forget to do that, I am sorry. I like Forever and am grateful for the sacrifices our servicemen have made.

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  66. Use every project to learn or practice a new skill or try new color combinations. This keeps me learning and challenged both technically and artistically.

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  67. My favorite quilting tip is - don't compare your quilts to others. Everyone is on a different quilt journey.

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  68. My favourite quilt tip is to measure twice cut once.

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  69. congratulations. your block is very pretty. I love the name you gave it. Thanks for sharing.

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  70. I like the simple beauty of your block!

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  71. My tip is to keep your sewing area tidy. It's easier to sew when you have an open area in which to work.

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  72. Love the sentiment behind your lovely block. My favorite quilting tip is to keep a pair of snippers at the sewing machine to easily cut the thread close to the fabric.

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  73. My favorite quilting tip is to to learn all the wonderful tips from the more experienced quilters

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  74. Measure twice (sometimes 5 or 6 times! lol)..and cut once!!! Is my Mantra! (yep...ask HOW I knooow...grrr)

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  75. You can always learn something new from others. Thanks.

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  76. My favorite quilting tip is: when pressing HSTs, press with the straight of grain, not the bias, when pressing the seam.

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  77. My favorite quilting tip is: Be courageous and be brave. Okay, that's from a Rod Stewart song, but it applies to quilting. Try new things without fear -- you never know what you might learn!

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  78. My favorite quilting tip is: get up and move around frequently when you quilt. Relax your shoulders and neck and move them gently. Your body will thank you!

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  79. Wonderful block! When piecing and sewing, have xtra bobbins ready to go.

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  80. My quilting tip is change your sewing machine needle before beginning a new project.
    bhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  81. My tip: Square up your blocks. They'll fit together better & your quilt will probably lay flatter too. Thanks.

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  82. My tip is to wind several bobbins before each project.

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  83. My favorite quilting tip is measure twice, cut once. My first quilting class instructor stated that & I have never forgotten.

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  84. My tip is, there are many ways to make a block. Find one that works for you, even if it is different than the pattern.

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  85. the old saw ... measure twice. then set up your fabric ready to cut, go back, check the measure again before you cut.

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  86. I love Patriotic quilts, so your block is perfect to burn through my stash!
    My favorite quilt tip is to check your 14" seam often!

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  87. Great block and perfect for a QOV quilt! Favorite tip - press seams open if there will be more than 4 fabrics intersecting there - like with pinwheels!

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  88. My favourite quilting tip is don't be such a perfectionist. In the end the quilt will be beautiful even with the odd blemish. Just like people...

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  89. My tip is to practice drawing quilting designs on paper before quilting them on your top. Thanks for the giveaway. Great block!

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  90. My favorite quilting tip is.....Measure twice..cut once! I love your patriotic block...I have made a lot of QOV and your block has made me want to make another.
    "QUILT ON AND DON'T LOOK BACK !"

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  91. My favorite quilting tip is Quilt with friends. It makes the work go faster and it's always more fun! Thanks!

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  92. Press not Iron!! Love your block! genipickens at gmail dot com

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  93. My favorite quilting tip is to realize that there is no Quilt Police - no rules to break; if you make a mistake don't sweat it. Have fun!

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  94. My favorite quilting tip is... When trying a new skill for the first time, I try to find online videos to walk me thru the process.

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  95. My favorite quilting tip is to pin on each side of the intersection when piecing, it has helped me tremendously.

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  96. My favorite is measure twice, cut once. Sometimes I get it wrong, lol.

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  97. Really nice block....not could tips, just be careful with the rotary cutter.

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  98. That is a really cool block!
    Favorite tip....only sew what brings you great joy!

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  99. Great block! My favorite quilting tip is to prewash your fabric.

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  100. I agree with Nicole-- I always prewash

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  101. Go slow; don't do anything if stressed or extremely tired.

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  102. WALK AWAY when you get frustrated...it's ok! Only quilt while you enjoy it!

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  103. My favorite quilt tip (really, a life tip): accept imperfection. sarah@forrussia.org

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  104. My favorite quilt tip is to relax: it's your quilt and you can do anything you want. Fie on the quilt police. Enjoy yourself.

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  105. I like the way the colors are used in this block. I could also see the colors reversed...hmmmm....

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  106. Love to read all the tips and I don't have any that haven't already been mentioned. Love the blogs and all the gorgeous quilt blocks, Thanks for sharing

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  107. Have good lighting & double check yourself before you sew your seams so you don't have to rip out!

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  108. My favorite quilting tip: when drawing the pencil line to make half square triangle blocks use an emery board. Nice straight line and no slipping.

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  109. I'm trying to learn that "Finished is better than Perfect!" That's my best tip.
    Lanie
    remills at amtelecom dot net

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  110. My favorite tip....read all instructions before starting.

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  111. I use 60 wt thread and an applique needle when hand stitching hexies so my stitches "disappear" as I whip stitch the pieces together.

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  112. I like your block,I have my eyes on it to make till summer(4th july)...thank you for the giveaway...martamanole@yahoo.com

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  113. I use Best Press on everything; and the sewline white mechanical pencil is the best! thks for giveawy. Pam R pjrcontest at msn.com

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  114. Use plenty of spray starch when you press your fabric prior to cutting it. Also use it on your quilt backing.

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  115. Get your quarter inch seam right before you begin! :o took me several long years to learn that one!

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  116. My favorite quilting tip is.....it's not a race! Enjoy the process. Love your block!

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  117. I love Patriotic colors and blocks. This reminds me of picnics and 4th of July decorations.
    My tip.....challenge yourself to try something new....if there's something you want to make but don't know how, go for it--learn it and ask for help--we quilters are a helpful, kind bunch! I've learned that from experience!
    reillyr2(at)Hotmail(dot)com

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  118. Your block is great! My Tip: Have Fun! thanks!

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  119. I like your block! My tip is to measure twice, cut once, and be sure to not stress too much over the small stuff.

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  120. my favorite quilting tip: "relax, this is supposed to be fun, as long as it looks good to you, it's fine"

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  121. This is a great block - looks nice and easy to try. My favorite tip is to NOT sew if I'm feeling scatterbrained - it's sure to be a disaster! Instead I will cut up scraps, play with design ideas, or just do a one-off block for a table topper or mug rug; anything that won't be ruination if I screw it up :)

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  122. Very patriotic looking block. My quilting tip is you can never go wrong when going scrappy. You will feel so satisfied using up your leftover strips and very smart for not spending any money on you new quilt.

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  123. Love your block, so simple but shows off your fabric choices! Enjoy every project and always learn something new!

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  124. Love your block :) Quilting tip, don't quilt tired…too many mistakes …

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  125. Love the block. My favorite two tips are measure twice, cut once and read the directions FIRST.

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  126. always measure your seams at the start of a project, and make sure they are 1/4 inch.

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  127. Measure twice, cut once--whether you are working with fabric or wood. This can save you a lot of stress. Great block.

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  128. Favorite quilting tip? Sharp needles and rotary blades can make life easy and smooth.

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  129. I love your block, and will be using it in a hero quilt for a local veteran.

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  130. My favourite quilting tip is stay organized.
    Great block.

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  131. What a beautiful block, love it in red, white and blue! My son who is in the USMC, is currently deployed in Okinawa and will be traveling around for the next several months. I love to hear all the support for our military! My tip is to use the same ruler for the entire project. Doesn't seem like much but different thickness of lines and where you cut can make a difference.

    Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  132. This block reminds me of fireworks.
    My tip is to watch what kind of fabric you are using before using pins. Some fabrics, like Lame, cause pin pricks to become permanent.

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  133. My quilting tip is 'measure twice, cut once,'. Oh and read the cutting directions twice - somehow manage to mess one of those up at least once each quilt. Love your patriotic block. As a former military brat, wife of vet, and mother of a Marine, many thanks for your support for our military.

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