Sunday, September 27, 2015

Traffic Jam - A Quilt Tutorial for Jaftex 85th Anniversary Celebration!!

Good Morning and Welcome to Happy Quilting if you are popping in for the first time ; )  I am so excited to share with you my newest quilt finish and a tutorial for it all as part of the Jaftex 85th Anniversary Celebration.   And so let's show you the quilt . . . I call it Traffic Jam and I so love it ;)


When I was contacted by the wonderful folks at Jaftex a few months ago to participate in their anniversary celebration I was instantly on board and so very excited.  I mean, who doesn't love a month long Blog Hop celebration!!!    And what an honor to be part of such a fun party!


I was sent this gorgeous Fusion Illusion Fat Quarter bundle from Blank Quilting.  And let me tell you, the ideas started churning.  Now, if you have been around here for anytime at all, you would have expected me to gravitate towards those jewel tones on the bottom right ;)  Which was my initial pull, but then I decided, I had all of these amazing colors to pick from, so why not try something a little different for me.  


So I went with what I have deemed the "Urban Jungle" colors and once I had decided on those the design just involved into this super fun Traffic Jam.  So let's show you how to make your own!!


You Will Need:
(7) Fusion Illusion Fat Quarters
2 Yards of Solid White
3/8 Yard of Solid Black (or favorite color) for Binding
1 1/3 Yard of Solid Black (or favorite color)  for Backing (and some scraps from your Fat Quarters)


STEP 1 - CUTTING

From your Solid White yardage cut:
(21) 2" x 18" strips                                 (5) 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares
(10) 2" x 7 1/2" rectangles                     (10) 2" x 4 1/2" rectangles
(8) 1 1/2" x 9 1/2" rectangles                  (8) 1 1/2" x 7 1/2" rectangles
(8) 1 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles                  (8) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangles
(10) 1" x 10 1/2" rectangles                  (10) 1" x 9 1/2" rectangles


From each of your 7 Fat Quarters cut
     (3) 2" x 18" strips.    For a total of 21 2" x 18" strips.
 It is okay if your fat quarter is not exactly 18" wide, these will be sub-cut so you have some wiggle room.  Just stack up a few fat quarters,  trim the selvage, and then cut the three strips ;)


The rest of the cutting will be from the remaining Fat Quarter Pieces.  For each cutting step, simply stack up the designated number of fat quarters, choosing different color combo's each step, Cut the given number and sizes of strips and then sub-cut the pieces.

From each of 4 Fat Quarters cut (4) 1" x 18" strips.  From the strips sub-cut (2) 1" x 10 1/2" rectangles and (2) 1" x 9 1/2" rectangles.  Scrap the remnants of the strips.


From each of 4 Fat Quarters cut (2) 2" x 18" strips.  From the strips sub-cut (2) 2" x 7 1/2" rectangles and (2) 2" x 4 1/2" rectangles.  Scrap the remnants of the strips.


From each of 4 Fat Quarters cut (1) 2 1/2" x 18" strip.  From the strip sub-cut (1) 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" square.  Scrap the remnants of the strip.


From each of 5 Fat Quarters cut (4) 1 1/2" x 18" strips.  From the strips sub-cut (2) 1 1/2" x 9 1/2" rectangles and (2) 1 1/2" x 7 1/2" rectangles.  Scrap the remnants of the strips.


From each of 5 Fat Quarters cut (1) 1 1/2" x 18" strip.  From the strip sub-cut (2) 1 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles and (2) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangles.  Scrap the remnants of the strips.


And that is all of the cutting.  I know it seems like a lot, but it will go fast ;)  Once you are done all of the cutting, group your fabrics in like sizes, aka match the white rectangles to the print rectangles ;)


STEP 2 - MAKING THE SASHING

We will start by making the sashing for the quilt.  You will need to 2" x 18" strips in white and prints to do this.   Place a print strip on a white strip with right sides together.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge.  Again, it is okay if the ends do not line up perfectly, so you can simply align the two pieces as you stitch.


When you get to the end of the first pair, you will simply feed the next pair into your machine.  Don't clip any threads until you have stitched all 21 pairs.  This is called Chain Stitching and it saves a lot of time and thread ;)


Once you have stitched your 1/4" seam along all 21 sets, go ahead and clip your threads between sets and then press all of the seams towards the print fabric.


And now it is time to subcut the strips ;)  From 14 strips, 2 strips from each color, you will subcut (3) 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" rectangles.  To do this, simply align  4 strips with a horizontal line on your cutting mat so they are nice and straight.  Place your ruler along the left hand side of the strips and use a vertical line on your cutting mat to cut a straight edge.   Then measure over 5 1/2" inches which you can check on both your ruler and cutting mat.  Cut along the edge of the ruler.  Repeat this two more times.  Scrap the remnants from the ends of the strip.  Repeat for all 14 strips.


Then from 7 strips, 1 strip from each color, you will subcut (5) 3 1/2" x 2" rectangles and (1) 3 1/2"x 5 1/2" rectangle.  To do this again, align  4 strips with a horizontal line on your cutting mat and cut  a straight edge along the left hand side of the strips.   Then measure over 2 inches which you can check on both your ruler and cutting mat.  Cut along the edge of the ruler.  Repeat this four more times.  Then measure over 5 1/2", checking your ruler and mat again, and cut along the edge of your ruler.  Scrap the remnants from the ends of the strip. Repeat for all 7 strips.


And now, with the subcutting done you can piece the sashing units ;)  Layout 4 Sets of 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" units as shown below, 2 sets together in opposite layouts.  I know they look like you can flip them and they would be the same, but they are not ;)   You will be making 12 sets of each of the 2 layouts and once again, chain stitching here will save you time and thread.   Place the right hand units onto the left hand units with right sides together.  Nest or pin the center seams.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge of all 24 sets.   I like to press the seams open so there is less bulk, but if you prefer them to one side, that is great too ;)


And lastly, we will do the cornerstones of the sashing.  Once again, we will be chain stitching all 16 sets.  So place (2) 2" x 3 1/2" units together with right sides together, taking care that the print and white squares are opposite, and chain stitch a 1/4" seam along all 16 sets.  Press the seams open or to one side.   And now you can set aside all of this sashing as we move onto the blocks ;)


STEP 3 - MAKING THE BLOCKS

This quilt has 9 blocks.  There are 4 blocks of one layout and 5 blocks of the opposite layout.  But they are all sewn the same way so the instructions will walk you through both layouts at the same time  I will be chain stitching each step sewing both the 4 blocks in the first layout and the 5 blocks in the second layout as this will save lots of time and thread ;)    Take care that whenever you are using prints, you use the same color for all 4 pieces in a border.

Start by laying out your 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares in the center and the 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangles along the sides of the squares and the 1 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles along the top and bottom of the squares taking care that the white solids are matched to the print squares and the print are matched to the white square as shown below.


Place the side rectangles onto the center square with right sides together.  Chain Stitch a 1/4" seam along the left hand side  for all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and then chain stitch a 1/4" seam along the right hand side of all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and press the seam allowances outwards.


Place the top and bottom rectangles onto the center square with right sides together.  Chain Stitch a 1/4" seam along the top for all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and then chain stitch a 1/4" seam along the bottom of all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and press the seam allowances outwards.


Now layout your center units and the 2" x 4 1/2" rectangles along the sides of the squares and the 2" x 7 1/2" rectangles along the top and bottom of the squares taking care that the white solids are matched to the print outer border and the prints are matched to the white outer border as shown below.


Place the side rectangles onto the center unit with right sides together.  Chain Stitch a 1/4" seam along the left hand side for all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and then chain stitch a 1/4" seam along the right hand side of all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and press the seam allowances outwards.


Place the top and bottom rectangles onto the center unit with right sides together.  Chain Stitch a 1/4" seam along the top for all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and then chain stitch a 1/4" seam along the bottom of all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and press the seam allowances outwards.


Now layout your center units and the 1 1/2" x 7 1/2" rectangles along the sides of the squares and the 1 1/2" x 9 1/2" rectangles along the top and bottom of the squares taking care that the white solids are matched to the print outer border and the prints are matched to the white outer border as shown below.


Place the side rectangles onto the center unit with right sides together.  Chain Stitch a 1/4" seam along the left hand side for all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and then chain stitch a 1/4" seam along the right hand side of all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and press the seam allowances outwards.


Place the top and bottom rectangles onto the center unit with right sides together.  Chain Stitch a 1/4" seam along the top for all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and then chain stitch a 1/4" seam along the bottom of all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and press the seam allowances outwards.


And finally, layout your center units and the 1" x 9 1/2" rectangles along the sides of the squares and the 1" x 10 1/2" rectangles along the top and bottom of the squares taking care that the white solids are matched to the print outer border and the prints are matched to the white outer border as shown below.

Place the side rectangles onto the center unit with right sides together.  Chain Stitch a 1/4" seam along the left hand side for all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and then chain stitch a 1/4" seam along the right hand side of all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and press the seam allowances outwards.


Place the top and bottom rectangles onto the center unit with right sides together.  Chain Stitch a 1/4" seam along the top for all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and then chain stitch a 1/4" seam along the bottom of all 9 sets.  Trim your threads and press the seam allowances outwards.


And just like that, you have 9 awesome blocks!!!  5 in the center square white layout and 4 in the center square print layout.  And now we are going to turn them into a traffic jam ;)


STEP 4 - ALTERING THE BLOCKS

Now we are going to cut each block into 4 quarters.  To do this, place your ruler onto the block ad align the 5 1/4" mark along the edge of the block.  Your ruler should also be aligned on the center square seam at 1", double check that so you know it is nice and straight.  Cut along the edge.  Now, without moving your pieces, repeat the seam process on the horizontal to create (4) quarters that will each measure apprx. 5 1/4" x 5 1/4".

Turn the quarters outwards and mix and match the 4 quarters of your block within the two layouts  (don't mix the two layouts together)  as shown below.  These will be our new block layouts.


Now it's time to stitch them back together.  Place the right hand side quarters onto the left hand side quarters with right sides together.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge.  Once again, you can chain stitch all of the sets here to save time.  I still pressed my seams open, for consistency, but you can press the top row to the right and the bottom row to the left if you like so they will nest ;)


Now simply place the top row onto the bottom row with right sides together.  Pin or nest the center seam and stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge.  Chain stitch all 9 sets and the press the seams open.


And now, we have 9 great Traffic Jam Blocks!!!  Lay them out as shown below, mixing the colors until you have a layout that is pleasing to the eye.


STEP 5 - MAKING THE QUILT TOP

And now, you are ready to add the sashing back into the quilt top to make it a true Traffic Jam!!   Place the Cornerstones and Sashing between the blocks as shown below paying close attention to the placement of the whites and prints of the sashing.  Once again, you can play with the layout of the prints until you get a look that is pleasing to the eye.  When you have a layout you like snap a quick picture of it, it is wonderful for reference.


And now you are ready to sew your quilt top together.  we will start by sewing the pieces into rows.  For the sashing rows, place the cornerstones onto the horizontal sashing units with right sides together.  For the Block rows, place the vertical sashing units onto the blocks with right sides together.  You can nest here, but I recommend pinning all of the seams.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edges and then press the seams open.  Repeat for all the rows.


And now, you can sew the sashed units into rows.  Place the second sashed unit in each row onto the first sashed unit.  Align the seams and pin or nest them.  Then stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge.  Then, place the third sashed until onto the now sewn together first and second sashed units.  Again, align, pin, and stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge.  Repeat for all the rows and then press the seams open.


And now your rows are all made and all that is left to do is sew them all together.  This is just like making the rows only on a longer scale.  We will start by attaching the sashing rows to the block rows.  Place the sashing rows onto to the block rows with right sides together.  Pin each of the seams (and there are a lot) and the stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge.   Press the seams open.


Now place the sashed second row onto the sashed first row with right sides together.  Pin the seams and then stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge.  Finally, place the third sashed row onto the now sewn together first and second sashed rows and pin the seams and then stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge.   Press the seams open.


And Wha La!!!!  You have an awesome 41" x 41"  completed Traffic Jam Quilt Top!!!  Yippee!!



STEP 6 - FINISHING THE QUILT

Now it's time to Baste It, Quilt It, and Bind It ;)   I know, that is a lot in one quick little sentence.  If you are new to quilting and want some pointers on these steps, you can check out my Finish Your Quilt Video Tutorials, they will walk you through step by step on how to do each of these three components ;)


For the backing, you will want to piece in about a 4" strip of your leftover fat quarters  That way you backing will be long enough and you are not having to fiddle with tiny little amounts of overhang :)


And when it came time to quilt mine, I decided to add to the concept of a Traffic Jam by doing a fun grid quilting.   I used straightish lines both vertical and horizontal to give it that extra little pop and it came out just perfect and so added to the overall design.  I love it!!!  Then it was a quick binding and done!!!!



STEP 7 - ENJOY!!!

And now you can sit back and enjoy your adorable 40 1/2" x 40 1/2" Traffic Jam quilt!!!  This is the perfect size for that new little wee one and all of the amazing colors and movement are sure to keep him/her squirming around on the quilt top ;)


I hope you have enjoyed this Traffic Jam Tutorial ;)  If you make your own Traffic Jam quilt someday I would love to see it ;)  You can email me a picture at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com or add it to my flickr group here ;)  Happy Quilting!!!


Thank you so much to the the Jaftex Corporation for having me as part of their 85th Anniversary Celebration!!!  It was so much fun!!!!  I hope you will join in the celebration!!!  There is so much fun going on this month!!!


First off, you can win some totally amazing prizes!!!  Sewing machines, Aurifil Threads, and Needle Tins for the top three winners!!!  To enter, just pop on over to the Henry Glass Blog right here ;)  



And be sure to check out this whole month's worth of amazing projects!!!  There is some serious eye candy and lots and lots more giveaways!!!

September 1 - Kim Diehl guest posting @ American Patchwork & Quilting
September 2 - Pepper @ Pepper at the Quilt Studio 
September 3 - Anjeanette @ Anjeanette Klinder 
September 4 - Leanne @ The Whole Country Caboodle   
September 5 - Mark @ Mark Lipinski's Blog
September 6 - Heather @ Heather Kojan Quilts  
September 7 - Heather @ Trends and Traditions  
September 7 - Martha @ Wagons West Designs  
September 8 - Linda @ Linda Lum DeBono 
September 9 - Heidi @ Red Letter Quilts 
September 10 - Jill @ Jillily Studios  
September 10 - Dana @ My Lazy Daisy  
September 11 - Penny @ Sew Simple Designs  
September 12 - Ida @ Cowtown Quilts 
September 13 - Liz and Beth @ Lizzie B Cre8ive  
September 14 - Melissa @ Sew Bitter Sweet Designs
September 15 - Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl    
September 16 - Amy @ Kati Cupcake 
September 16 - Barbara @ QuiltSoup2 
September 17 - Erica @ Kitchen Table Quilting 
September 18 - Leona @ Leona's Quilting Adventure 
September 19 - Margot @ The Pattern Basket  
September 20 - Sylvia @ Flying Parrot Quilts   
September 21 - Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts  
September 22 - Kim @ Aurifil Threads  
September 23 - Rebekah @ Don't Call Me Becky   
September 24 - Julie @ The Crafty Quilter 
September 25 - Mary Ellen @ Little Quilts  
September 25 - Mary Jane @ Holly Hill Designs 
September 26 - Daisy @ Ants to Sugar
September 27 - Melissa @ Happy Quilting  (you are here!)
September 28 - Janet @ One S1ster
September 29 - Jenny @ Martingale& Co.
September 30 - Teresa @ Third Floor Quilts

And speaking of lots and lots of Giveaways, Let's have one!!!!

Jaftex has graciously sent me an extra Blank Fusion Illusion Fat Quarter Bundle for one lucky reader!!!   

For a chance to enter simply leave a comment below :)   It can be anything you like just please one comment per person ;)   The  giveaway will close on Friday the 2nd at midnight and I will announce a winner Saturday morning ;)   GIVEAWAY CLOSED

The winner is  . . .



Congrats Anita!!! I have emailed you ;)


Thanks so much for popping in today and have a very Happy Quilting Day!!!
Pin It!

215 comments:

  1. Very nice quilt and love the fabrics.

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  2. I love this quilt, I can see it made in so many color variations.

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  3. What a great idea for your quilt. The many colors you could do this in

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  4. Love Love LOOOOVE your Quilt!!! Would be Perfect for our new lil Granbaby! Cool guy design! Looove it!! Do love the Whole Bundle too lol Would be Trilled to win your Give-a-way! Thanks for the chance!!! :)

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  5. Traffic Jam is awesome as are all the Fusion Illusion fabrics. Thanks for the tute!

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  6. Love your quilt. Thank you for sharing a tutorial. Beautiful fabrics. Thank you for a great giveaway. vkh6210 at gmail dot com

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  7. I love the patterning in this quilt, thank you for sharing. dawnm1993(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. Very pretty and great tutorial, thanks
    cork@pa.rr.com

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  9. Gorgeous quilt and fabric. Great tutorial. Total #CreativeGoodness

    QuiltShopGal
    www.quiltshopgal.com

    ps - I hope it is ok, as I added your giveaway to a page where I share insights to giveaways & contests: http://quiltshopgal.com/giveaways-and-contests/

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  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  11. Thank you for that tutorial ~ your quilt is beautiful! This bundle of fabric would be a great addition to my stash as it is always lacking in tone on tone or "plain" fabrics to go with all my prints. (phonygal@msn.com)

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  12. Thanks Melissa. Always love your patterns. I'm about to start one from your Irish Chain book.

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  13. I absolutely love this quilt! It's on my list of baby quilts to make. Thanks!

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  14. Thanks for sharing another great quilt and tutorial. Really like your color choices!

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  15. Thank you for the tutorial and the awesome quilt!
    I love it!
    Thank you for the giveaway.
    kcummings71@gmail.com

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  16. Beautiful fabrics in this collection, great colors. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  17. Love these fabrics! And your tutorial looks so easy to follow. Will have to try it out some time soon!
    Sandy A

    scotty4me39 *at* yahoo (dot) com

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  18. Thanks for the great tutorial! Your quilt is beautiful.

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  19. Love the quilt - not sure that I would want to tackle that many pieces - love the fabric choices

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  20. I love your quilt - it really seems to move!

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  21. You have written such a fantastic detailed tutorial for this awesome quilt! This looks like a fun quilt to make and I will add it to my to do list. Thank you for sharing and the great giveaway! Have a wonderful creative day! brend_ack@yahoo.com

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  22. So fun to see the quilt again. Looks amazing. And great tut.

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  23. Your quilt turned out lovely. Thank you for the inspiration, and the tutorial.

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  24. Your tutorial is very clear. Thank you. Like the calm impact of your fabric choice for this quilt. Feels like a "guy" quilt.

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  25. Beautiful quilt and an excellent tutorial! Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  26. Beautiful quilt, Melissa. thanks for sharing and for the giveaway.

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  27. Beautiful quilt and great tutorial. This would be a great quilt using those colors to make for a guy.

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  28. Love your quilt and tutorial. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  29. Love your quilt in these colors! It's fall like to me!

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  30. Lucky girl love the colors they gave ya and the quilt is very pretty ty for step buy step....happyness04431@yahoo.com

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  31. Beautiful colors in the bundle! I enjoyed all the step by step pictures in the tutorial. Nine blocks seem very doable for a fast quilt. Thanks for a chance in the giveaway, Melissa.

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  32. Wow, you are one PROLIFIC quilter! I love the palette you picked for the traffic jam quilt. Looking over my own stash, I realize I'm not drawn to brights, so if I win, I get a chance to play with brights (cause all of the other stuff in the bundle will land in different projects!) Saw a lot of amazing quilts in your archive.

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  33. This looks like a fun quilt. I think it is fun to cut blocks apart and mix them up.

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  34. Great looking quilt, as always Melissa. Thank you for the wonderful tutorial. I just love the Fusions collection. They're such great looking, rich colors.

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  35. Love your quilt and thanks for the fantastic tutorial. I know that I will be making one. In fact, I think this would be a fantastic project for the quilt retreat that I am going to in November.

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  36. Lovely quilt-the Fall colors are just perfect for this time of year and the Fusions just add a bit of texture too.

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  37. I love your quilt, so appropriate for fall! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  38. I love your quilt, so appropriate for fall! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  39. Great pattern
    Sushikrazy@hotmail.com

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  40. I love your Traffic Jam quilt. Thanks for the great tutorial.

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  41. Love love love your quilt!! Thanks so much for the tutorial--I know I'll be making this one in my future!! The fabric choice is just the greatest so thanks for the chance to win the giveaway!!
    Canbesweet@aol.com

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  42. I love your Traffic Jam quilt. You done a great tutorial. Have a great week. Thanks for being a part of this anniversary blog hop this month.

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  43. Thank you for another great tutorial! I am planning to show my father-in-law because he asked for a predominantly orange and grey quilt and I think it would look amazing in this pattern. I am lo ing how fun the illusion fabrics look, thanks for the giveaway!

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  44. Love this quilt! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  45. Hehe, the first thing I thought was a maze, but a Traffic Jam works too! Thank you for the tutorial on it and the giveaway!

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  46. I love your Traffic Jam quilt! Thanks so much for the great tutorial.

    lin.web.28 at gmail dot com

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  47. Your quilt is lovely! This pattern would work with any number of colors and its character would change depending on the fabric you chose - so fun!!

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  48. What a great quilt. Would just be perfect for my oldest son!

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  49. Oh I love the quilt! There would be so many ways to use more color schemes and use my plethora of FQ's. Thank you for sharing and letting me join in this Blog Hop=) My first and what an amazing learning experience!

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  50. I saw this on Instagram and had to come check out the tutorial! Iove this. And your instructions are very clear. Can't wait to try it. Thanks!!

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  51. Nice tutorial! I love the name too. ;)

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  52. Liking this new tutorial.........great giveaway...

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  53. Liking this new tutorial.........great giveaway...

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  54. Beautiful quilt. Thank you for the tutorial and giveaway.
    fabrixstasher24@gmail.com

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  55. Love the quilt. It is now on my list. Love, love, love the fabric. Good luck everyone.

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  56. Thank you for the terrific quilt Melissa! The directions are headed to my bucket list
    Kathy O in GA

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  57. Thanks for the tutorial. Your quilt looks wonderful and I love these fabrics!

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  58. What a sweet treat. I love this pattern, strong on piecing, fun with color and tied up with a thorough tutorial. Thanks for the great instructions and pics to go with it. Your entire blog is full of goodies, I hae an excess of jelly rolls and your Irish Chain has been added to my to do list.

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  59. Hermosa tu manta. FELICITACIONES !!!!!!

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  60. Beautiful - I love the way slicing and rearranging always can make a quilt look harder than it is.
    basaran.family@rogers.com

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  61. The colors you chose to use really make this quilt resemble tiles, something I always love. Tiles, traffic, there is a real feeling of "pathway" to this quilt I guess.

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  62. I love your colors. Such a pretty palette.

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  63. What a great name for that quilt! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  64. Love this quilt and such explicit directions too!

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  65. Traffic jam is so cool a quilt pattern! The fabrics look gorgeous! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  66. The quilt if fabulous! I love the tutorial!

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  67. Love your quilt.cthus would be an. Awesome patten to use up scraps.

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  68. I love chain sewing. It saves time.

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  69. Oh, Melissa, your quilt is beautiful! Thank you so much for the tutorial. Another addition to my list of must makes!

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  70. Lovely lovely quilt. I have some fat quarter batiks I am going to use.

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  71. Thx for the great tutorial! The quilt is lovely!

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  72. Traffic Jam is great, this is now on my list of quilts to make. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  73. That's really a cute pattern & would look good in many color combinations. It reminds me of Bento Boxes with pieced sashing.

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  74. I would love to win these fabrics for TeamCharityQuilts!

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  75. Well.... I'll be darned!!! It looks so complicated but your fantastic tutorial simplified it and I know that I can easily make one!!! These colours would make a perfect quilt for a guy!!! Thanks so much!!!

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  76. NEAT QUILT! THANKS FOR YOUR BLOG+GIVEAWAY!
    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  77. Fabulous quilt and the name you chose is perfect! Thank you for the great tutorial with tons of pics. Adding this quilt to my to do list.

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  78. Love the name you gave your quilt, and the cool design. Thanks for showing us how to make it.

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  79. Traffic Jam is a quilt that would be fun to make because of all the endless color possibilities. Looks like it would also be good for using up scraps . The tutorial was interesting and much easier to follow for me than written directions. I will have to make this soon before I misplace the site I saw it on. Thank you for being in this contest.

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  80. What a great idea to make blocks and split them. At first your quilt looked very complicated but you actually made it very doable. I love your quilt.

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  81. Great tutorial. I love the Fusion Illusion fabrics.

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  82. I wonderful tutorial for a beautiful quilt. Thanks for sharing and for offering a giveaway of this gorgeous fabric.

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  83. Thank you so much for the tutorial. I have a fat quarter pack I just got that would be excellent for this pattern.

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  84. Love your Traffic Jam!!! Great tutorial - thank you so much!!!

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  85. I love the colours you chose....gorgeous quilt!!!!!

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  86. Love ALL your tutorials. Thanks for helping me build my quilting skills.

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  87. I love your tutorial and while I was reading all the steps I was thinking again outside the box and thinking, oh I'll quilt that with Orange Thread!! It would show up with so much fun against all the darks and then the white. thanks for the fun
    dmr1157@hotmail.com

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  88. This fabric collection is just beautiful and your quilt pattern and easy tutorial are great. I just might have to make one up soon. Thanks so much for being part of the blog hop. You have such creative energy. Karen kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com

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  89. I just love your Traffic Jam. The first time I did a disappearing block it felt like jumping out of an airplane. I almost could not cut those blocks in half. But just like parachuting - it was a new experience. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

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  90. Beautiful quilt, Melissa. Thanks so much for sharing. I love the colours

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  91. What a fun quilt! I'm definitely saving this tutorial for future reference. I really appreciate that you share your great designs for free; it helps me keep my costs down for the charity quilts I sew when I don't need to purchase a pattern.

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway, too.

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  92. What a fun quilt! I'm definitely saving this tutorial for future reference. I really appreciate that you share your great designs for free; it helps me keep my costs down for the charity quilts I sew when I don't need to purchase a pattern.

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway, too.

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  93. Melissa, thank you for an awesome pattern! And, of course, for the chance to win the great fabric.

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  94. Beautiful quilt you made. I'm working on my first quilt. It's taken me 2 years. I can't wait to start my next one. Joanrob8@gmail.com

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  95. Melissa, you create such gorgeous quilts and this one tops the list! I would be in such a panic if someone asked me to join a blog hop and create something unique. OK, then a week after the panic attacks, something great would appear in my mind and I'd be sewing away!

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  96. I love the Traffic Jam quilt. I can't wait to get some more light fabric so I can make this quilt!

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  97. I love the dynamic lines in your quilt, and the phrase "urban jungle" to describe the colors. Perfect! Thanks for the great tutorial!

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  98. Love your quilt - thanks for the tutorial. Happy anniversary to Jaftex & thanks for the chance to win.

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  99. Love your quilt! It's fun to hear designers also get stretched out of their comfort zone and use colors that aren't their norm!

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  100. Great quilt! Thanks for the tutorial--your step by step instructions are excellent.

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  101. WOW - what a great tutorial! It looks like you spent a LOT of time putting it together. I'm bookmarking it for a later time - I really liked this quilt! Thanks for the chance to win a bundle - I could use it for your quilt :)

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  102. This has b en a great hop. Thank you so much for this really interesting tutorial. I want to make a quilt for my son and I think this pattern would be perfect.

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  103. That's a great quilt top. I'll be curious how you quilt it. Thanks for the tutorial Melissa.

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  104. I really like your Traffic Jam quilt. Looks fun and easy to do. Thanks for the tutorial.

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  105. I love that the "gridlock" quilting keeps with the theme! Great quilt!

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  106. Love the graphic nature of this quilt! They look like fun fabrics to use. annesimonot@sasktel.net

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  107. What a great quilt! I have been looking for a good guy pattern to make a quilt for my grandson. This just might be it! Thanks!

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  108. Cute quilt! Thanks for the tutorial and giveaway.

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  109. Love the quilt! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  110. Awesome quilt! Great tutorial! Gonna gather fabrics and get started soon.

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  111. Thank you for the great tutorial for the lovely quilt and the generous giveaway.

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  112. I really appreciate the detailed tutorial. This looks like a fun quilt to make. You did a great job. mtmom57@gmail.com

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  113. Thanks for your tutorial. Your quilt turned out great and I bet it would look lovely with the jewel tones as well!

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  114. Your quilt is sew pretty. Thanks for the great giveaway.

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  115. Love the colors you chose for this project. I find it hard to get the right balance of colors and patterns when making a quilt for a guy and this one fits the bill perfectly! Plus since men don't ask for directions, they tend to cause traffic jams... :-0

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  116. Traffic jam will now be on my quilt bucket list.

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  117. Traffic jam will now be on my quilt bucket list.

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  118. What a beautiful quilt. Love all your pictures explaining in detail how to create it.

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  119. Thanks for the great tutorial, fun quilt!!

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  120. Thanks for sharing with us! Your quilt is very cute and I love the fabric. cknapp3626(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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  121. Great Tutorial, I may have to give this one a try!

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  122. Oooooh, I love how this looks! I think I need to give it a try

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  123. Thank you for the tutorial for your very pretty quilt.

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  124. Love the quilt!! I really like your tutes, you make everything sound so easy. :)
    craftyccain@gmail.com

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  125. I love your quilt. If I win some fabric I will make it but if I don't I will make one anyway. Wonderful. Thanks for the tutorial.

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  126. Great quilt. How do you have time to make all of these quilts???

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  127. This is a beautiful quilt and beautiful fabric. I'm too much of a beginner to think about trying it though, at least not any time soon. I do hope I can work up to something like this some day.

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  128. This is my first blog hop. I love your tutorial and quilt. So many quilt patterns so little time.

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  129. what a super duper quilt and such a clear tutorial for us to follow, have saved the link to this in case my skills are ever good enough to make this

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  130. I love the way you cut the square bulls eye blocks in fourths and then turn them. It reminds me of the disappearing nine patch quilts. I've been having fun using this technique for making quilts for my grandkids.

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  131. Thanks so much for sharing the tutorial, Melissa! Your quilt turned out beautifully and I love the grid quilting.

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  132. What a fun quilt Melissa, thanks for the tutorial and chance to win that beautiful bundle. Have a great day.

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  133. Your quilt has such great visual impact! I wouldn't have been drawn to those colors like you, but they look fantastic. Thank you for the tutorial. jarvenpa1ne at gmail dot com

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  134. Thanks so much for the great tutorial! Your quilt is beautiful! susan430(at)cox(dot)net

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  135. Muchisimas gracias por su generosidad de compartir este tutorial.
    El quilt es muy divertido de realizar según lo indicas.
    Es un gran detalle el sorteo de las telas.
    Gracias y besos

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  136. This would make a great little boy quilt. Thanks for the tutorial!
    Linda_collum@hotmail.com

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  137. Thank you for the tutorial -- I love the quilt you made!!!!

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  138. Your quilt is very eye catching!! I love the fabric used in this design!! Well done!!

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  139. Thanks for the great tutorial. Love the vibrant colors in the giveaway bundle. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  140. Thanks for the great tutorial. Love the vibrant colors in the giveaway bundle. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  141. I LOVE your "Traffic Jam"!! Thanks so much for the great tutorial and the chance to win :)
    Debby E
    samtaylorcjsmimi at yahoo dot com

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  142. Thank you for this giveaway chance. Love the woolly-looking fusion fabric. You did a wonderful job on your Traffic-Jam Quilt and the quilting you used. Beautiful!! sigigolnik at gmail.com

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  143. This is an awesome tutorial. I love how you not only gave directions, bur showed step by step pictures as well!

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  144. How fun! Thanks for sharing and the opportunity to win.

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  145. Loving the quilt. Simple design yet it shows off the fabric wonderfully.

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  146. I love your quilt tutorial. I think I'll have to make one and enlarge it. Thanks!

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  147. I really like your quilt and the fabric bundle is to die for! Thank you for taking the time to teach us.

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  148. Beautiful quilt and thanks for the giveaway x

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  149. What a fun quilt. Thank you for taking the time during the sewing process to document the steps. That took a lot of effort and it's much appreciated.

    anndunn24(at)gmail.com

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  150. I have filed this tutorial as a "must-do"! A super cute quilt - thank you for sharing!

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  151. Love the quilt, and the fabrics are beautiful!

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  152. Lovely use for these beautiful fabrics, Melissa!

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  153. i love the colors in your quilt. these fabrics are so pretty, thanks for the chance to win.

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  154. Love the colors and would use them in a quilt

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  155. Would love to play with these lovely fabrics!

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  156. You do so much, Melissa. It's truly amazing how many quilts you get pumped out each year.

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  157. Thank you for a great tutorial and the chance to win such a pretty bundle of fabric.

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  158. Fabulous quilt - thanks for the tutorial!

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  159. I really like your quilt and appreciate the directions. Thanks so much.

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  160. That is Uber cool! Thanks for sharing your ideas!

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  161. That is Uber cool! Thanks for sharing your ideas!

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  162. Thank you for the tutorial. I love your quilt!
    Dmac5958ataoldotcom

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  163. What a great pattern, and one that could be made many times and each one different! Thanks for the wonderful tutorial and for the chance to win.

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  164. Cool quilt pattern! I love the idea of making a block and then cutting it up! Thanks for sharing!

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  165. Cool quilt pattern! I love the idea of making a block and then cutting it up! Thanks for sharing!

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  166. Wow, what a fun site - so glad I found you! Thanks for the detailed instructions.

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  167. Thank you for the great tutorial. You are always such an inspiration

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  168. Perfect in all ways. Thank you & God Bless.

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  169. What a neat quilt pattern. Thanks for sharing the tutorial.

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  170. Truly neat how many different quilts and projects can emerge with a set of fat quarters!
    N.snaer@gmail.com

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  171. That's a great quilt pattern Melissa!! I love it!! "-)

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  172. Beautiful quilt Melissa.
    jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

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  173. Thanks so much for the detailed cutting and sewing instructions. As a newbie, I love learning how blocks are formed and how they work tog to form a total quilt. Lots of effort in this posting. dian gdavidhoffmanatyahoodotcom

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  174. You always make making a quilt so easy to follow. Thanks for a great tutorial!

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  175. Such a pretty quilt. And pretty fabric prizes, too. Thanks.
    joyecox@yahoo.com

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  176. Thanks for a great tute, a pleasure to follow.

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  177. These are beautiful fabrics , I'd love to win!

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  178. Thanks for the directions to make Traffic Jam. It will be the perfect accompaniment to In Your Neighborhood.

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  179. Beautiful quilt and a great tutorial! I would love to win some of those neat fabrics!

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  180. I have loved all the fusions since i found my first ones in 2001 in bowling green, ky during our corvette convention. he races, i quilt shop hop!!! sounds fair to me!!!

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  181. Thanks for posting the tutorial. It was good to see how you got from the strips to the finished quilt.

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  182. Wow, beautiful quilt and fabulous fabrics. Thanks for the tutorial.

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  183. Beautiful quilt -- very interesting to see the construction process -- it must be time consuming to take all those photos along the way; thank you for doing that to share with us. sarah@forrussia.org

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  184. Great use of the fabric and a great tutorial! Just one thing-no babies in my family right now-I want one big enough for me!

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  185. I have a grandson that would love this quilt, thanks for the lovely pattern and tutorial.

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  186. Love the quilt. Can't wait to start one of my own. Would love the fabric too!

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  187. Thanks for the chance to win. I'm new to your blog, thanks for being part of the celebration. I'm enjoying all of the blogs.

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  188. Great tutorial! Wonder what this pattern would look like using jewel tones on black?

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  189. You always present such accurate and detailed tutorials, I just love them. Your quilt is amazing, I might try one soon. bestbelle2010@aol.com

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Thank you so much for your sweet comments. I just love hearing from you!!
Have a Happy Quilting Day :)

Melissa