Friday, October 5, 2012

Leafs Me Happy Blog Hop (My Day and a Giveaway)

Autumn has begun in Arkansas and I'm so excited to be entering this wonderful time of year!  When I walk through my yard now I see these wonderful fall views -



You can't see the beautiful fall flowers and grasses without being inspired by their colors and their graceful stems.

I have lots of fall books so when I began to think about what I wanted to make for this blog hop I found lots to choose from; but when I came to this book I knew I'd stumbled across something I couldn't wait to make.

This pillow was where my eye kept returning.

I didn't really want a long pillow, and the blog hop rules said to make a 10 1/2 or 12 1/2 block so I measured and calculated and decided I could make a block at 10 1/2" and it would make a nice square pillow.  I pulled out some warm, rich colors of scrumptious wool that might look like the colors of the leaves and pumpkins in a field -

and I came up with this block:

I think it made the cutest pillow!  But you know, working with wool is kind of like eating potato chips - you can't stop with one.  So I made a pair.  :)


As much as I love these they didn't solve a small problem I have - my Ackfeld wire hanger still has an Uncle Sam block on it!  Certainly that won't do for fall so back to the bookshelf I went.

I used a pattern from this book to make this block -


And turned it into this little quilt.


(No I didn't make two of these.  :)  I just took one picture on the deck and one on the fireplace and couldn't decide which one I liked more!)


For a chance to win this glow-in-the-dark Halloween bag just leave a comment below!


Thanks so much to Madame Samm for the dream of these blog hops and to Cherry for coordinating this one!  Be sure you visit the rest of the bloggers on today's schedule (posted below) - you don't want to miss anything!



Friday 5
Insanity Defense
Michelle May and the Bunnies
Sparrow In Flight
Quilted Delights
Quilting With a Marmalade Cat
Traveling Quilter
A Stitch in Time
Cherry Blossoms
Tea Time Creations
Moose Stash Quilting
Stitchin By The Lake
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114 comments:

  1. WendyOctober 5, 2012 at 12:10 AM

    Well done, Marlene, Well Done!!! Adore your bitty quilt and your pillows are wonderful! Thank you so much for finding the time in your busy schedule to fit in the beauty of Fall! Bless you... :)

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  2. JudithOctober 5, 2012 at 12:58 AM

    Your pillows are sweet and love the mini quilt. Thanks for sharing...Judith, Texas

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  3. Vroomans' QuiltsOctober 5, 2012 at 1:03 AM

    Wonderful pieces for some great resources. The pillows are just so sweet , but love that mini! Thank you for sharing such treasures with us today.

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  4. Sunshine GirlOctober 5, 2012 at 1:33 AM

    Oh they are all lovely - particularly like the quilt I think. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. GillOctober 5, 2012 at 2:34 AM

    Fabulous cushions! but the quilt is my favourite! I love the hanger too!
    Thank you for sharing

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  6. FarahLinOctober 5, 2012 at 2:53 AM

    Cute cushions and beautiful hand stitching on that mini quilt.

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  7. Julie FukudaOctober 5, 2012 at 2:58 AM

    You are now all set for fall and can go out and enjoy those flowers. I'm wondering if I dig out my fall runners, the weatherman will take pity just a bit.

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  8. mary mahooOctober 5, 2012 at 3:16 AM

    I love your pillows! And it's time Uncle Sam hibernated for sure! Thanks for sharing Marlene!

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  9. SueOctober 5, 2012 at 3:36 AM

    What great work! Thank you so much for sharing with us!

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  10. LesleyOctober 5, 2012 at 3:57 AM

    Your pillows are adorable. as is your table frame quilt. Love your creativity and wonderful pictures to show us your quilt stories! Thanks for sharing!

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  11. charlotteOctober 5, 2012 at 3:58 AM

    Very cute. I especially love the pillows.

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  12. TheresaOctober 5, 2012 at 4:41 AM

    Love your pillows, they're gorgeous and what a great mini - thanks for sharing.

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  13. Farm QuilterOctober 5, 2012 at 5:10 AM

    Super pillows and mini!!! Thanks for sharing them with us!!

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  14. hueiseiOctober 5, 2012 at 5:24 AM

    I like the cute pillows :)
    Thanks for sharing.

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  15. Sowing StitchesOctober 5, 2012 at 5:34 AM

    Your marigolds made me homesick! Where I live now...they just don't like the soil...thanks for sharing! I can certainly see why you were unable to stop with just one of those adorable pillows...they are perfect for fall!

    sowingstitches [at] gmail [dot] com

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  16. MicheleOctober 5, 2012 at 5:43 AM

    Really adorable, both projects. The colors just sing Fall.

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  17. SheilaOctober 5, 2012 at 5:51 AM

    Love both your pillows and the little hanging. Thanks for being part of the "Leafs me Happy" hop.

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  18. Sandy DOctober 5, 2012 at 5:54 AM

    Love the Little hanging and pillow . This hop is so much fun.I love all the Fall ideas .

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  19. JeanieOctober 5, 2012 at 5:55 AM

    Love both of your projects! I enjoy working with wool and felt too. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  20. CalicojoanOctober 5, 2012 at 5:57 AM

    I love that book, and you have done a fabulous job with your projects. I should dust off mine and actually make something from it!!! Great inspiration :-)

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  21. ThearicaOctober 5, 2012 at 6:06 AM

    Love both of your blocks.. I am drawn to the 2nd... Thanks for hopping!

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  22. WendyOctober 5, 2012 at 6:36 AM

    such lovely blocks, it's hard to decide which I like best!

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  23. gpcOctober 5, 2012 at 6:56 AM

    I love your pillows! Both are just beautiful!

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  24. Lisa EnglandOctober 5, 2012 at 6:57 AM

    Great projects! I especially love that little flower quilt.

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  25. krislovesfabricOctober 5, 2012 at 7:00 AM

    I can't decide which of your projects is my favorite they are wonderful! I have that first book and have been meaning to make something from it...I will have to dig it out now! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  26. DebbieOctober 5, 2012 at 7:00 AM

    Super projects. Love how you interpreted the patterns in wool.

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  27. Kathy HOctober 5, 2012 at 7:07 AM

    I love both those blocks, such beautiful colors. I love the autumn gatherings book, I want to make everything in it.

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  28. ReneaOctober 5, 2012 at 7:12 AM

    thanks for sharing. I am in need of a Fall block for my Ackfeld wire hanger. I better get busy.

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  29. Marjorie's Busy CornerOctober 5, 2012 at 7:16 AM

    lovey pillow; and I really like the third block.

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  30. SparkyOctober 5, 2012 at 7:17 AM

    Good Morning Marlene...wellllll are you being great friends with your camera...it shows...your pieces are exceptional..and it leafs me happy to say..yes it does...go this way....( psst over there)

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  31. AureaOctober 5, 2012 at 7:23 AM

    Such neat ideas, my head is full with them. Thanks.

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  32. JudyCinNCOctober 5, 2012 at 7:36 AM

    Really love what you did with your block and pillow. My love for Fall colors has been so rich in this blog hop. Everyone has been so unique and special. Judy C

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  33. RosaOctober 5, 2012 at 7:41 AM

    Love your blocks and displays.My favorite is the mini quilt.Thanks for shairng!!

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  34. louzeekreativOctober 5, 2012 at 7:46 AM

    Very nice pillows! This picture really looks like autumn.

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  35. LindaOctober 5, 2012 at 7:57 AM

    Great job, Marlene! I love your pillows and the little wall hanging! They certainly say "fall" to me!

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  36. Daryl @ Patchouli Moon StudioOctober 5, 2012 at 8:15 AM

    So pretty Marlene. The pillows and the topper are so nice.

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  37. PaulineOctober 5, 2012 at 8:34 AM

    I love your pillows and how adorable is your small quilt, they combine beautifully. Thanks for sharing.

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  38. Carol SwiftOctober 5, 2012 at 8:55 AM

    I've never sewn with wool, but I love your projects so I may have to try. You made me laugh about still having Uncle Sam on your table topper--my Bowls With Border one is still hanging there. :O)

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  39. Needled MomOctober 5, 2012 at 9:07 AM

    Those are both wonderful wool projects. I am sure that the sunflowers make a much better decoration for this time of the year.

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  40. Truffle queenOctober 5, 2012 at 9:10 AM

    Hi Marlene! Wonderful blocks! Love the one on your "hanger"!! and those CUTE pillows! I just took my Uncle Sam stuff down last week!! Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win your Halloween bag! So cute!! I wonder where you found the time to sew?! Bless you!!

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  41. PattyOctober 5, 2012 at 9:27 AM

    Hi, love your pillows, and the flowers. I also love reading your blog to keep up on the state of your state.Thanks for the chance to win a bag I would use year round.

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  42. Bonnie58October 5, 2012 at 9:29 AM

    Love the pillows. I have just started workig with wool and it is great. Thanks for the opportunity on the cute bag.
    bonnielarson58@gmail.com

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  43. Osage Bluff QuilterOctober 5, 2012 at 9:35 AM

    Great giveaway! Where did you find that cute little mini quilt hanger?
    My sedum looks about like yours. That is until it frost Sunday!!!!!

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  44. Jane's QuiltingOctober 5, 2012 at 9:47 AM

    Your mini quilt and pillow are so sweet. I really like the mini quilt hanger. Thank you for the chance to win, hope I am lucky.

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  45. Heleen GrootOctober 5, 2012 at 10:14 AM

    I love your pillows and your mini quilt. The pillows look really comfortable. I admit freely that the mini quilt looks amazing in both places. Tough choice to make.....It might blow away from the deck in those autumn storms, then again you might light the fire and forget it is there....I would probably advice against both placements!

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  46. SuzeOctober 5, 2012 at 10:31 AM

    I love the pillows and I love the flowers even more. The colors in the flowdies are more to my taste. Me all have our preferences and that's part of what makes life more intersting. Thanks for participating and sharing,

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  47. LynOctober 5, 2012 at 10:31 AM

    I really love your little quilt you put on the hanger. Your little pillows are really nice too! Thanks for being part of the hop!

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  48. pinsandneedlesOctober 5, 2012 at 10:39 AM

    Very cute pillow and mini table topper. Thanks for sharing!

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  49. SIMPLESEWOctober 5, 2012 at 11:02 AM

    They are gorgeous.. I love the pic on the fireplace. You should check out the Traveling Pic hop, this lake pic would be a gorgeous block. Jealous I am, I have always wanted to live in AK, I live in TX.. the closes I got was Texarkana, but I have been in AK alot camping and love it.

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  50. ChrisOctober 5, 2012 at 11:06 AM

    Lovely, Marlene. Cutest punkins around ;-)

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  51. sew.darn.quiltOctober 5, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    The flowers are just marvelous, the colours are so rich and yummy:)

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  52. nhladyOctober 5, 2012 at 11:33 AM

    Your pillows and small wallhanging are ever so "fall-ish."

    Thanks for your efforts and for the giveaway.

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  53. Sharon DawnOctober 5, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    One of my favorite fabrics to work with is wool. I really like the pieces you made, especially the flowers. I am always partial to flowers, in fabric or real like your pretty ones from your area :-)

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  54. BelindaOctober 5, 2012 at 12:02 PM

    Beautiful works of art Marlene!! I don't know how you get so much accomplished!!

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  55. deborahOctober 5, 2012 at 12:05 PM

    So beautiful!!!

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  56. CarinOctober 5, 2012 at 12:26 PM

    What a great pillows and quilt you made. Love that little pumpkin in the middle of those pillows !
    Thanks for the great give away.

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  57. AnonymousOctober 5, 2012 at 12:28 PM

    Marlene-Happy Belated birthday! Your little pillows and min-quilt are very cute. Thanks for sharing.

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  58. LeahOctober 5, 2012 at 12:40 PM

    Love your blocks, they are very unique.

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  59. Rosemary B❤️October 5, 2012 at 12:41 PM

    Rosemary B Here:
    Oh my your projects are wonderful I am going to look for those books. What great ideas.
    Fabulous creativity too

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  60. KatherineOctober 5, 2012 at 1:00 PM

    This season brings so much inspiration and you have been channeling it into beautiful projects, Marlene! The pillows and the mini are so lovely - perfect decorations for the season. Beautifully done!

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  61. Judy BOctober 5, 2012 at 1:37 PM

    I love your use of wool for your projects! Thank you for sharing. Love your giveaway.

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  62. CindyOctober 5, 2012 at 1:54 PM

    Love the pumpkin pillows!

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  63. Scrapbook-ChickADoodleOctober 5, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    Very nice! Love the colors of the pillows and the table topper is perfect. Congrats on being one of the chosen.

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  64. MommarockOctober 5, 2012 at 2:04 PM

    I have GOT to get me one of those neat little hangers. Perhaps that is what I will ask for at Christmas time. It would look lovely in front of our un-used fireplace. Then at least I could decorate it with something. Lovely work.

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  65. AnonymousOctober 5, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    Beautiful blocks! Thanks for hosting!

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  66. Rebeckah AustinOctober 5, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    Love the pillows.

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  67. BizyStitchesOctober 5, 2012 at 2:54 PM

    Your pillows are adorable. A glow in the dark bag, interesing. Thanks for the chance to win it.

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  68. Maria KievitOctober 5, 2012 at 3:13 PM

    Love your pillows! Great job. Thanks for sharing.

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  69. Carrie P.October 5, 2012 at 3:22 PM

    I have the first book and I want to make everything in it. Love both your fall projects.

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  70. CindyOctober 5, 2012 at 3:52 PM

    Wool is such a great fabric to use for fall projects. Lots of loveliness there. :)

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  71. TriciaOctober 5, 2012 at 3:53 PM

    Marlene.... I think both the pillow and the mini quilt are just darling!! I'm love the look of wools as to me they seem to add an extra bit of warmth to whatever you make. The GID bag is tooo cute and I would love to give it a new home. Thank you for sharing with us today and the chance to win.

    Sincerely,
    Tricia

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  72. Britt-IngerOctober 5, 2012 at 4:23 PM

    Thanks for sharing your beautiful projects
    Britt-Inger in Sweden

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  73. julesOctober 5, 2012 at 4:26 PM

    What a beautiful mini quilt.

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  74. Emily COctober 5, 2012 at 4:47 PM

    Love the super cute little pillows.

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  75. Michelle May-The Raspberry RabbitsOctober 5, 2012 at 5:02 PM

    Sweeeeeeeeeeet! Well you know I love them and all that wool! Fabulous girlfriend!
    xx

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  76. AnonymousOctober 5, 2012 at 5:27 PM

    This time of yr is wonderful except for ragweed yukky!!sneeeze

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  77. Patty October 5, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    Great pillows. Thanks for sharing,

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  78. SpartanBabeOctober 5, 2012 at 5:42 PM

    Love the pillows and the table topper quilt is adoreable! Thanks for sharing with us :o)

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  79. UnknownOctober 5, 2012 at 6:09 PM

    I loved both of your projects, the little wall hanging quilt in front of the fire place is beautiful The colors just popped. You can always use two pillows.

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  80. Terry@ a quilting blogOctober 5, 2012 at 6:12 PM

    What beautiful projects..thanks for sharing!

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  81. auntdebbiequiltsOctober 5, 2012 at 6:41 PM

    Love your blocks! Debbie

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  82. SheilaOctober 5, 2012 at 7:01 PM

    I love both projects and I agree with wool it is hard to stop at just one !

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  83. ThreadCatcherOctober 5, 2012 at 7:30 PM

    The pumpkin pillows are wonderful! Thanks for sharing.

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  84. Helen@Till We Quilt AgainOctober 5, 2012 at 7:36 PM

    Both are Great! Thanks For Sharing.

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  85. Ellis2RoamOctober 5, 2012 at 7:41 PM

    Nice pillows and two look better then one. Thanks for sharing.

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  86. ritainalaskaOctober 5, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    nice, colorful autumn projects! perfect for gift giving. thanx for showing and sharing.

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  87. SherillOctober 5, 2012 at 8:08 PM

    How cute your pillows turned out and I love your block on your stand. Good work!

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  88. Just Quilt ItOctober 5, 2012 at 8:10 PM

    I always enjoy your work. Beautiful work!

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  89. GwenOctober 5, 2012 at 8:43 PM

    I love the pretty sunflower block! And the pillows too! Perfect for Fall! :-)

    Thank you for the chance to win the cute little Halloween tote! I know a sweet little girl who would just love it! :-)

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  90. KarenOctober 5, 2012 at 9:03 PM

    Great wool work! Those pillows are the perfect additions to your chair.

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  91. Teatime CreationsOctober 5, 2012 at 9:45 PM

    You did make the cutest pillow. Beautiful wool work.

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  92. JulieOctober 5, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    Beautiful work! Great use of color!

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  93. Gina LoomisOctober 5, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    I love your pillows & mini, they are beautiful!! Thanks for participating & inspiring us today!!

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  94. LJOctober 5, 2012 at 10:28 PM

    Both of your blocks are wonderful. I loved the posies and like that one the best. Fall is invigorating!

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  95. JudyOctober 6, 2012 at 12:07 AM

    wow!!

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  96. CatherineOctober 6, 2012 at 4:05 AM

    As usual you don`t disappoint. Beautiful work.
    Your Fall flowers are beautiful.

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  97. Josie McRazieOctober 6, 2012 at 8:12 AM

    Rules shmules! I did a runner and I like it! Lol but I do live your little flowers, too!

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  98. carlaOctober 6, 2012 at 8:21 AM

    Hi!!! Cute pillows!!! Love the flower block!!!! Sew pretty!!!! Great for fall!!!!

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  99. Cherry's Prairie PrimitivesOctober 6, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    Loved those super cute pillows and flower block!!

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  100. BrendaOctober 6, 2012 at 11:37 AM

    Another cute project in wool! I'm going to have to try wool it makes a very nice look! I love your blocks that you turned into pillows but i like the wallhanging the best. Wonderful! hulseybg@gmail.com

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  101. LoriOctober 6, 2012 at 11:59 AM

    your pillows and quilt are lovely. thanks for sharing.

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  102. Nan S.October 6, 2012 at 1:35 PM

    Thanks for your inspirational projects. Love the pillows.

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  103. Jane's Fabrics and QuiltsOctober 6, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    Oh Marlene, How beautiful. You have inspired me to try my hand with wool!

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  104. tink's momOctober 6, 2012 at 8:48 PM

    love the pillows but the wreath is stellar. Great job and thanks so much for sharing them all with us.

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  105. UnknownOctober 7, 2012 at 6:03 AM

    The pillows are really cute and so is your block with those yummy colors....

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  106. DiOctober 7, 2012 at 7:12 AM

    Marlene, you're a super quilter! I love both those blocks,though perhaps the flowers set my heart going pitty pat just a little more than the pumpkins. Gorgeous work!!!

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  107. TeriOctober 7, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    Both of your blocks are wonderful.....I think I must try my hand at combining wool and cotton...and make myself a mini quilt....thanks for the great ideas....and giveaway....

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  108. LyndseyOctober 7, 2012 at 4:54 PM

    The pillows are beautiful and I love your mini quilt.

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  109. ArianeOctober 7, 2012 at 7:40 PM

    Your pillows look great!! I love your mini quilt too!! Gorgeous!!

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  110. nicolesenderOctober 8, 2012 at 12:02 AM

    I'd love to win the glow-in-the-dark Halloween bag. Your pillows are lovely!
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  111. RobinOctober 8, 2012 at 2:03 PM

    Your pillows and your block are all so pretty. I love wool applique but haven't tried it yet. Great job!

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  112. VesuviusmamaOctober 8, 2012 at 4:33 PM

    Wonderful stuff there! I have that skeleton fabric, but I didn't know that it glows in the dark!!!

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  113. PamOctober 10, 2012 at 2:58 PM

    Hiya Marlene! Happy fall to you!!! I just love your little pillows---so cute. Thank you for sharing your work with us and for having the giveaway---such a wonderful bag. Blessed be, hugs!!!

    playamom57 at yahoo dot com

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  114. MoeWestOctober 10, 2012 at 10:34 PM

    Your pillows and mini sure say fall to me! Thanks for sharing them.

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