Thursday, May 2, 2013

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, vol 7!!

 I'm very happy to say that I am have another block in the latest edition of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks!!

                                                      My name is Renelda and I've been quilting for several years (OK - over 30!).  I love to design quilts, especially using geometric shapes.  I'm standing in the office of the Loudoun Breast Health Network in front of a huge pink quilt (2012 Text on Textile Exhibit, International Quilt Festival, Houston, TX) which I made and hangs in our office!  (We are an all volunteer, 501 (c) (3) non-profit).  I'm also working on a quilt book to honor the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces - if you are interested look for details in the blog and email me.

         The block in Volume 7 has been, quite literately, years in the making.  I have been creating Bargello quilts for over 25 years and when I've tried to 'help' my friends catch Bargello fever, everyone complains that it looks too hard to do.  So I simplified the process - how could I possibly simplify a Bargello?  What if instead of long rows of little blocks I made actual 4" x 4" or 12" x 12" blocks?   And then joined them together?!  Sounds simple?  It is!  I call them 'Julep Blocks' and they are very easy to make!   


My block is block #686 'Spring Julep', page 64, it is a 12" x 12" (finished) block which can be assembled in many ways.
The quilt to the right appears in Volume 7's "Designer's Gallery" on page 12 - it is a mini-gello (small Bargello) entitled "Spring Julep" and it measures 11" x 11".  It is made from four scaled-down Julep blocks each rotated and joined together.  The mini-quilt blocs have some special construction techniques to aid in their assembly, but they are so cool to put together!
 

       The quilt to the left, "Mint Julep", (69" x 69") is made from 20" x 20" blocks and give the appearance of motion.  The larger the 'Julep' block, the larger the quilt!!

       Julep blocks and quilts have more 'pop' if you have one or two fabrics that really stand out.  Look for several light fabrics, several mediums and a few dark fabrics.




         The quilt on the left measures 41" x 41" and was done using a Moda Jelly Roll.  Jelly Rolls can be good to use if they have enough contrast, this one had the red, white and blue I was looking for.  That is not true of most pre-cut 2 1/2" rolls.           

          
      The quilt to the right is another mini-gello measuring 14" x 14".  It is composed of 100% scraps - mini-gellos are great for up-cycling your scraps!!



           If you are in the Northern Virginia/Maryland/DC area check the schedule below for when I'll be speaking in May and June several area quilt shops about Block # 686!!  Carolyn Goins, block # 666, 'Counter Spin' and I spoke at a local quilt shop when we both had blocks in 100 Blocks, Vol 5 and it was such a huge success we decided to branch out to the entire metro area!!


          My brand new 'helper' Smudge just came from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter last week and already she is a "big" help!  She is what we call a 'love sponge' - she'll suck all the attention she
can get from you.  She has already shed, I mean provided a protective coat, on many of the quilts going into my book!

 

 
 
 

149 comments:

  1. I love bargello quilts! Have never tried one, but want to.

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  2. I love the Mint Julep quilt. I have not tried bargello and you have certainly got my attention. I have a nephew who lives in Maryland near DC. I just sent baby quilts for their new twins and a tote for the 3-year old. So, I guess I don't have a reason to make a trek from OK to that area. I wish I were there, I'd love to hear more about this. Now the magazine is a must, a need; not a want. Thanks for inspiring us.

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  3. Lovely block! Bargello is on my to-do list.

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  4. I love a Bargello quilt and this block looks like a fun way to do it!

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  5. What a great block - I love the Spring Julep version!

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  6. Smudge is so cute. We have a shelter cat too. My daughter named her Princess Sugar Cookie. Makes it interesting when I call the vet.

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  7. Love Smudge, such a cute name and what a fun versatile block.

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  8. I love your mint julep quilt! Looks like a fun pattern to make. Smudge is a great little helper. My cat always loved to sleep on my quilts even at the top of a dresser.

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  9. I've never made a bargello quilt but I've long admired them. So I'll have to try your simplified version - the results look wonderful. Thanks.

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  10. That block is so dynamic--your quilts are gorgeous! Love the kitty--the affection they show is remarkable. I think we get more love than most cat owners because they love our quilts!

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  11. Love seeing all the different variations of your bargello block! Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Wow, a simpler method for a Bargello quilt. LOVE IT! Made a king size Twisted Bargello in Christmas colors last year and it took weeks to piece together. Thanks for sharing the variations.

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  13. So many possibilities! Love your color choices. Congrats!

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  14. Love all the differents versions and love your fabrics choice.Thanks!

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  15. Block by Block Bargello --- what a new and unique idea! I've done one mini Bargello and had plans to try a larger strip version but doing one by block might be a more interesting challenge. This issue of 100 Blocks has really put out a lot of new things to try!!

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  16. It would be great to try a simple bargello quilt. Thanks

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  17. Pretty! I would like to make a Bargello one day. Thanks for sharing.

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  18. Wow your quilts are beautiful! Love the bargello quilt.

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  19. I really like the Mint Julep quilt. Pretty colors and this does give the appearance of motion. Gotta make this one. Thank you for being a part of QM 100 Block, Volume 7 tour and giving all of us a chance to win. This Mint Julep quilt is going to look so good on my bed.

    Sandi Timmons

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  20. Very cool, I've always admired bargello quilts, but never imagined how to put one together. Now I'll have to try this block! Thanks!!

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  21. I can't wait to try this block - the results of your technique look beautiful.

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  22. Great block! I have been looking at Bargello for awhile now and haven't ventured out but your block may give me that push I needed. I love what happens when you put the blocks together different ways.

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  23. Love your block, congratulations in getting it in the magazine. thanks!

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  24. Will love to see how this block is made. It is a fascinating block.

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  25. I have been plying with different "Bargelo" layouts and looking forward to trying out your block

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  26. Great block. Love your layouts. Smudge looks like he will be a wonderful helper!

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  27. Your bargelo blocks are beautiful.. can't wait to see the magazine.. I have them all

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  28. Wow what your block can become is amazing. Thanks for sharing and for a chance to win.

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  29. Wow what a wonderfully versatile block. This is lovely. I also have a quality control kitty that covers all I do in gray coatings to make sure it is good and ok. LOL I love my helper so much. Thanks for this give a way and sharing.

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  30. Amazing block! That would make bargelo quilts easy to make! PS love your cat!

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  31. I have always been intimidated by Bargelo, but a single block seems doable. Love your new love sponge cat.

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  32. Great idea. I may have to give this a try.

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  33. Love your bargello block! Congratulations on being included in the magazine. :-D

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  34. I am anxious to see your tips for Bargello. It has always scared me to try it.

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  35. Love Bargellos, love your block. I really want to learn how to make one with your easy method. Smudge is a cutey and I am happy you have given her a forever home. Why is it our kitties MUST test out every piece of fabric we sew with?

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  36. I would love to get tough and try a bargello. Yours looks do-able Thanks

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  37. Congratulations. I like the idea of your block. Now to learn how to do it. I need a magazine!

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  38. I think that your idea is genius! Congratulations on the book, but mostly congratulations on Smudge, adoption can buy happiness.

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  39. I love your quilt. One day I will get bravve and make a bargello. Thanks for sharing

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  40. I like bargello quilts. On a small scale I might get brave enough to try it.

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  41. I agree with your friends about a large Bargello project being daunting! I will have to give your block a try:)
    Welcome to Smudge! Love the name!!! I have 5 full time helpers at my house:)

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  42. What a great way to do a bargello quilt!! I can't wait to see it in the magazine.

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  43. Love the movement! Can't wait to read more about it in Vol. 7! Congrats on being in the 100 again!

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  44. I would love to try this pattern out! Congratulations!

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  45. Nice pattern. Have yet to try anything Bargello.

    syvisser@gmail(dot)com

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  46. Cute kitty, love the blocks.

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  47. Congratulations! Have not done any Bargello quilting. Looking forward to seeing your tips.

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  48. Fun block--can't wait to get the magazine!

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  49. I never tried a quilt using the bargello technique, would be fun to try it

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  50. Always thought that bargello quilts were out of my league but maybe I'll try it yet.

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  51. I'm fascinated by bargello quilts, but I've never gotten up the courage to make one. Your block looks like it's just the thing to get me started! Thanks!

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  52. What beautiful color choices! I will try your block and maybe fall in love with bargello quilts. Thanks for sharing.

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  53. Very nice! Congratulations and thanks for sharing!

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  54. Yet another easy way to do a Bargello. Thanks for your fun block and ideas for making cute quilts with it. Hope to WIN a Copy!

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  55. I love Bargello, but haven't tried one, yet. I'll try your way.

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  56. Your Smudge is a cutie. Rescued pets are the best, aren't they?

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  57. I like the look of Bargello, but haven't had the courage to try yet. I'll take a look at your block when I get my copy of the magazine - hopefully it will make me brave!

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  58. I like your bargello-type block AND your new little helper!

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  59. I like your block. Looks like one I'll have to try when I win my copy of the magazine.

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  60. Very interesting block! Congrats on having a block in the magazine! It is great!
    lisamcgriff (at) hotmail (dot)com

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  61. Talk about a versatile block; it does amazing things when you change its direction. What a cute helper you have in Smudge.

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  62. Very lovely bargello block and quilts. I have never done that technique. I am particularly taken with your Mint Julep quilt and may have to give bargello a try :)

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  63. I live in Loudoun Co. Too! Very interesting block. I would love to see your presentation at one of the local shops.

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  64. I would really like to see how these blocks are made. Bargello seems to complicated to me.

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  65. I am going to try to make it to one of your appearances, I love the bargello look. Thanks for sponsoring a giveaway of Vol. 7

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  66. I always wanted to try bargello quilting. I appreciate your block and the various ways you've showed to use it.

    LizE

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  67. Thanks for showing the different ways to set this block. It looks like a lot of fun!

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  68. Thank you for sharing! I like your block.

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  69. Very kind of you to share how to make this block look easy. thanks

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  70. Your Mint Julep is a wonderful block. Thanks for showing all these variations for setting. Saturday we will be watching the Kentucky Derby though probably without real mint juleps! Congratulations on your block being selected for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 7.

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  71. Wow! I have been a bit afraid to try a bargello quilt, but you make it look a lot easier. Can't wait to get the magazine!

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  72. I've yet to try bargello because of space needed to lay it out. The blocks would be a great way to get around spreading it all out until the blocks are finished. Great job!
    hulseybg at gmail dot com

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  73. your block makes me want to try this technique! VERY pretty! I also have a kitty named Jax who loves to help me quilt! Congratulations on having your block published in Volume 7! I can't wait to get my hands on one to get started on the many projects!!

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  74. Thank you for simplifying this for us.If I don't win a Magazine I'll have to buy one to make sure I have all these beautiful blocks.

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  75. Very pretty block and for all the information on your blog. I hope to win one of the magazines. Thanks for sharing.

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  76. I'll take your word that your technique makes this block easy because it sure doesn't look like it would be. It certainly is beautiful and I just might have to give it a try. I love the motion in "Mint Julep".

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  77. I really like your blocks, and your color choices. I would really like to win one of the magazines very much.

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  78. Love Bargello patterns...my husband calls them "jello shots" Thanks for the chance to win.

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  79. my hubby didnt like bargello quilting, but I think that block is going to change his mind, so I can make a wall hanging like I've always wanted without driving him crazy!

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  80. I love your block!! I have always wanted to make a bargello quilt and this block just may have pushed me over the edge. I can't wait until the magazine comes out so I can try making this block.

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  81. aww, I love Smudge ;)

    What an awesome way to explain Bargello. I get it! I really love Spring Julep. I also really like the blue quilt after that. my favorite blues!

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  82. What a great idea! I love your bargello block and the colors you have used in Spring Julep. Good job.

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  83. Hmm... my comment isn't posting
    Congratulations on your block being selected for publication. I like your block and it's appropriate seeing how the Kentucky Derby is Saturday with all those mint juleps. Thanks for the giveaway, and chance to win.

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  84. Very striking block. It makes up into a really nice Bargello quilt. I love the colors in the different quilts, too. Thanks.

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  85. Very beautiful block! I like your color choices too.

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  86. I love your Mint Julep quilt. Congrats on your new family member.

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  87. Congrats on your block and being a new mommy to Smudge. She's just trying to help a smidge. She's beautiful!! She probably thinks she now lives in heaven. Soooo many quilts and soooo many naps to take! Kudos again on being included in vol. 7!

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  88. Love your block..can't wait to try it out. Thank you for the chance to win.
    thim3@hotmail.com

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  89. I got my kitty quilt inspector from the animal shelter as well......:)

    Great block

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  90. I've often admired the Bargello quilts. I would absolutely love to make one some day. I will defintely be checking your block out in this issue. Thank you for showing us.

    Smudge looks like a great helper. I love that moustache she has.

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  91. I have always admired the bargello quilts but never tried one.Your mini would be a good one to start with. COngratulations on being in the magazine.

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  92. Great block, and a good start to learning a Bargello pattern. Well done rescuing a kitty friend too! You know shedding just increases the thread count!

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  93. Congrats on being included in the 100 quilt blocks, Have never tried a bargello quilt, this looks like the one to start with. thanks for the chance to win!

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  94. Your "Spring Julep" block looks gorgeous. Can just picture it made with batiks. A simple bargello block technique which will translate into those wonderful quilts. Thanks for linking your blog to this tour.. and Congrats for the honor of being included in this issue of 100 Blocks.

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  95. Thank you for this updated way to do Bargello. Looks like more fun.

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  96. I've made one Bargello table runner (it was a quilt as you go project done in Christmas fabrics) and I've bought several other bargello patterns but your block looks like a simpler version to try.

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  97. I'll experiment with these blocks with some preemie quilts. Love Smudge! My new black-and-white rescue kitty has just discovered the quilting table this week, but she got spooked when I started the sewing machine. I used to live in Centreville VA. I miss G Street!!

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  98. I would love to try a Bargello but will have to wait until I have a bit more experience. I have just started my first quilt and am still a bit intimidated

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  99. I've been meaning to try a Bargello quilt for years., maybe this will get me started. My cats love quilts especially when I'm trying to work on one.

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  100. Bargello's always look so complicated to me, but when you see it as a block to be built into a larger quilt, it seems a lot easier to comprehend. Love how you use shading with the variations on the colors.

    Debbie

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  101. What a sweet block! Congratulations on being in Volume 7!
    mgw070 at shaw dot ca

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  102. What a wonderful quilt (Mint Julep), actually I love them all. Great Block and congratulations!

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  103. Congrats on your block. my favorite is Mint Julep. I'd love to experiment with patterns in the book

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  104. Spring Julep looks good enough to eat. Such yummy colors!. Thanks for a chance!

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  105. What a great idea! making the bargello block simpler! Cool quilts!

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  106. I LOVE your block, it's perfect.

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  107. I like that you can make single blocks of bargello. That's a nice innovation.

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  108. Love love your block. Can't wait to get a copy of the magazine so I can make your block!! Congrats on being in Volume 7 of QM 100 Blocks magazine. All of the previous issues have been so inspiring to me. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.

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  109. Neat block; I've never tried bargello before. I know what you mean about shedding...I have a large maine coon cat that is shedding her winter coat. Like Smudge, she is light and dark so no matter what color fabric, her fur is sure to stand out!

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  110. How lovely your quilts are and what a wonderful block. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  111. I can understand how others feel intimidated by bargello quilts - Me too! This looks like a marvelous idea. Mint Julep is gorgeous!

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  112. Marvelous block - it will help the "un-initiated" to build bargello quilts.

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  113. Congrats on having your block appear in the magazine! I love the idea of doing bargello with blocks. I've wanted to try a bargello but it's a bit overwhelming to me, but not anymore. I think your block & the quilts look wonderful! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  114. Great block. Thanks for sharing.

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  115. Very interesting idea of making miniblocks to assemble into a quilt top. You have some great ideas. I will try to keep following you.

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  116. What a great block! You're a smart cookie to have figured out a shortcut for the Borgello block and quilt. Love the red, white and blue quilt! I'd love to learn more about the quilt book you mentioned honoring the men and women of the Armed Forces. My Dad was retired Air Force and my son is currently serving in the Marine Corps. I'm a new follower via BlogLovin and I'll email you soon.

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

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  117. Very cool block! Love all the different quilts you made up with the block too! :)

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  118. Your bargello is so pretty. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  119. Your block is great. I like the red, white, and blue colored quilts.

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  120. I like your mint Julep. The colors are right up my alley and the movement is cool. ll_gee at hotmail

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  121. I love bargello quilts. It was the first full size quilt I ever made. Like how you simplified the bargello process by making blocks. May have to try it.

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  122. Congratulations on having your block in the magazine. Very pretty block.

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  123. I like bargello quilts, but haven't tried one. Will look for your simpler instructions in Vol. 7. Mmm - I'm skeptical :). swalker287 (at) aol (dot) com

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  124. Awww, I LOVE Smudge. Aren't cats great? :D

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  125. Your Smudge looks just like my Popeye! He checks all of my quilts as well. Congratulations for being published in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 7. Spring Julep looks like it would be a great way for me to use some of the scrappy extras I have been saving. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  126. Your Julep block is very clever! Thanks for sharing. (Smudge looks very cute.)

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  127. Gefeliciteerd met het mooie blok. bedankt voor het delen

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  128. Creative bargello ideas for sure!

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  129. What a wonderful block. I will have to try bargello, now!
    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  130. "Congratulations!" "Thank you for the tips to
    encourage us to create a Bargello quilt!"

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  131. I have always wanted to try Bargello but never have done it..I really like the looks of your quilts.

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  132. Congratulations to you! What a great technique - thanks for the tips!

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  133. Your blocks and quilts are wonderful! I have always loved bargello quilts, but have only made one. I love the idea of making a mini one. Thanks for sharing!

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  134. Wow, that's a great block, thanks for simplifying it One day I will try a Bargello.

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  135. I've always wanted to try but it looks hard. Maybe I'll try now.

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  136. Mint Julip is so beautiful! I might have to try it!

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  137. Definitely going on my to do list.

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  138. Realmente es un bloque diferente. También es diferente el resultado. Interesante para jugar con él.

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  139. what an interesting technique. can't wait to get the magazine so I can read more about your technique

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  140. CAN'T WAIT TO READ HOW TO DO TI. gREAT MOVEMENT AND PIZAZZ.

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  141. going to have to try this block...

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  142. I have not tried a bargello pattern yet. I like the idea of a mini version. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  143. I've never made a bargello quilt, but I sure love to look at them. I think a small work like yours looks more doable for me. Thanks for designing this block!

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  144. Wow, Bargello in such a small block, love that and the challenge!

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