Sunday, December 9, 2012

The Bloggers are hopping again

I am not very good at the technical aspects of Blog Hops but I tried this before and it was fun, so I will give it another shot. Earlier in the week I went to "Fabric Town" (the fabric wholesale district of Tokyo) and picked up two panels for the give-away. The first one is a panel of the twelve animals of the oriental zodiac.

This panel is about 19" x 44" or 48cm. x 112cm.













The second panel is a child-friendly print of bears. The block pattern around the border says baby baby baby.
It might make a nice backing for a baby quilt.
The size is 44.5" x 35" ... or 113cm x 89cm.

Both panels are cotton.



So... what do you need to do to win one of these useful objects? You might try bribing my dog, Nikko. (She will do anything for cheese and she will get to pick the winners on Christmas Eve.)

Please leave a comment saying which of the panels you might like to own.......

And while you are at it, I have a problem you might help me solve......




I have assembled the blue and white blocks for my table runner.

As you can see in this picture, the runner is a wee bit narrow for my coffee table.

It would probably be OK except I have a husband who fills glasses of water, or tea, or whatever with ice, and then puts them on the table and forgets them, thus leaving white rings (like the one in the upper left). Another inch in width might save the table from further destruction.

I could add one-inch blocks along the outer edge using fabrics found in the mixed blocks.
Or, I could add a one-inch strip  of yukata fabric along each side.
Then, again, I might add a border of darker blue around the whole thing. Perhaps there is a better idea I have not considered.

Well, Nikko is watching to see what comments come our way. She is also thinking of how Mama will use cheese to reward her for picking two winners.

Have fun hopping to the other blogs I'm sure there will be plenty to see and lovely give-aways and friends to be made. Blog Hop Party with Give-Aways

or here... Blog Hop Party  Having begun my third year in the blogging world, I celebrate the friendships I have made, both personal and virtual, and wish you all peace nd joy this holiday season.

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92 comments:

  1. GillDecember 9, 2012 at 3:32 AM

    I like the first panel!
    I love your runner just the way it is!! Could you train your husband to put his glass further onto the table???

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  2. tinyDecember 9, 2012 at 4:48 AM

    I add a border of darkblau around the whole table runner.
    For de give away I like the first pannel with the animals. Have fun with the blog hop party and see on my blog I'm also a blog hopper.
    Have a nice day. Tiny

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  3. beaquilterDecember 9, 2012 at 4:48 AM

    I like both panels, but maybe the bears better :-) what about adding a scrappy 1" border around, like the blocks, just a bunch of 1" squares maybe or 1" logs? and a solid blue binding then?

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  4. SewjournalDecember 9, 2012 at 5:03 AM

    Your table runner has turned out beautifully Julie

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  5. Eat Sleep QuiltDecember 9, 2012 at 6:20 AM

    I love your table runner, the way you have it pictured gives the impression of looking out a window! I would add a border of dark blue all around, something that matches one of the blues in the blocks. Thanks for sharing :o)

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  6. WoolenSailsDecember 9, 2012 at 6:42 AM

    I like the panel, the way it is, I was thinking, what about a plain white cloth underneath it, with the panel laying on top of that?

    Debbie

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  7. HilachasDecember 9, 2012 at 8:24 AM

    How about making a border of the left over scraps? You could sew several together and cut a border of the necessary width. It looks so pretty already. If I were to win your giveaway, I would pick the bear panel along with some of Nikko's cheese, haha.

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  8. CassandraDecember 9, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    I think the yukata fabric or a dark blue border would be lovely. Your table runner came out great!

    Hurray for joining the blog hop! It's so much fun to visit all the different blogs. I love the first panel with the kanji. I need to go back to my kanji reviews... it took me a minute to realize 十二 isn't 20... :P

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  9. Diane-creweDecember 9, 2012 at 9:38 AM

    for the table runner I would add a border of very dark blue or balck and bind in the same colour xx

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  10. Nancy JDecember 9, 2012 at 9:45 AM

    Julie, I think a border of dark blue at the edge would set it off to perfection. Do you have any blocks left, and Linda at Razzle Dazzle on my blog list has directions to make "mug rugs", this would solve the glass and teacup marks. If your giveaway reaches as far as NZ, I would so like the Zodiac panel. And as for Nikko, she needs a runner all for herself, to put the cheese on...Greetings from Jean. p.s. 3 years, marvellous blogging!!!

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  11. Sandra December 9, 2012 at 9:51 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  12. Sandra December 9, 2012 at 9:52 AM

    Hi Julie, Hi NIkko!! She is so beautiful. I also had an Akita named Yuki. All the works are so beautiful. It is hard to choose one. I have never had any work like that, so I would like to get whatever you made.

    Best wishes, and good lucky to us X (this is my fingers crossed...)

    Hello Nikko, go girl.... hugs....Sandra

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  13. A Left-Handed QuilterDecember 9, 2012 at 11:33 AM

    Hi Julie - Your table runner is BEAUTIFUL - blue and white is such a wonderful color combination - especially in those fabrics! I would add a one inch border of yukata fabric to each side and then bind it in a darker blue. As for the give-away - I would love to win the panel with the twelve animals of the oriental zodiac. Does Nikko accept bribes?? - haha - ;))

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  14. SandyDecember 9, 2012 at 11:58 AM

    Is Nikko drooling yet? LOL! I love the panel of the twelve animals of the oriental zodiac. I certainly would not see panels like that in the US.

    I think the dark blue would make the table runner pop. Off to visit the other Blogs. One of these days, I'll join the giveaway blog hop.

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  15. LauraDecember 9, 2012 at 3:46 PM

    I love that first panel. For the table runner, i would add a wider stirip of a traditional blue and white fabric, let it overhang the table by about3 inches, and sew ilttle pockets all around the border, each big enough to hold CHEESE. I say 12 pockets on each long side and 3 on each end. (Is that good enough, Nikko?)

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  16. JanetDecember 10, 2012 at 2:14 AM

    I would love the Zodiac panel. I like the idea of a border made of the fabrics from the blocks and then a thin dark blue again.

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  17. M-R CharbonneauDecember 10, 2012 at 5:32 AM

    Ooh, I love that first panel. I think I would try some Sashiko with it. For your piece, I'd either add little wonky strips on the edges or more of that blue. I think it's the perfect size as is, but I get accident-prone husbands. ;) Thanks for the giveaway!

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  18. AnonymousDecember 10, 2012 at 6:44 AM

    I'd love to have the Zodiac panel. I've got some fabric from my trip to Japan and some Korean fabric that I'd use with it.

    For your coffee table I'd add a border of the dark blue which I think would make the quilt look bigger, would be less work, and would save the table from your husband!

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  19. VickieDecember 10, 2012 at 7:12 AM

    I like the baby panel, and the idea of getting something from Japan. I think a white border and another blue would frame your runner perfectly.

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  20. VesuviusmamaDecember 10, 2012 at 7:50 AM

    Oh, you're playing along, too - what fun! And you are listed just after me - we're neighbors! I like the idea of the black or dark blue border, and I love that first panel with the zodiac animals!

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  21. Mary AnnDecember 10, 2012 at 8:11 AM

    I would add a dark blue border and then bind in white. Sweet doggie. Mine will do anything for cheese as well.

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    Replies
    1. Mary AnnDecember 10, 2012 at 5:10 PM

      Oops! I meant to say I would love the first one. It would be great for a gift for my niece.

      Delete
  22. Cheryl's Teapots2QuiltingDecember 10, 2012 at 8:14 AM

    Hey Nikko, I hope you get lots of cheese. How about piano keys around the edge?

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  23. Barb NeiwertDecember 10, 2012 at 8:28 AM

    You might try adding the yukata fabric to add an interesting appeal. I'd choose the first panel as my first choice. It's fabulous, and not something I'd ever run across here. (I like how your dog posed patiently for the photo!)

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  24. Lucy | Charm About YouDecember 10, 2012 at 8:36 AM

    I love the zodiac panel! I thought you should add a dark blue border as son as I saw the photo! Perhaps something with a small scale print :)

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  25. MaryDecember 10, 2012 at 9:48 AM

    I prefer the bears panel. Thanks. As regards the table runner I would add 1" logs to that outer edge.

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  26. ShannonDecember 10, 2012 at 9:53 AM

    I love the zodiac panel! Your runner is so pretty. Have you thought of a border of blue and white flying geese?

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  27. Textile RecyclerDecember 10, 2012 at 10:55 AM

    Oh for sure the zodiac panel. I love all things Asian and collect all Asian fabrics to use in my quilts.

    Second, your dilemma... I would use a dark patterned (subtle) fabric to add as a border. The 1" squares I think would be too busy. Or you could attach a nice size rectangular piece just where your husband sits :)

    And third, sorry no cheese for Nikko. I'm allergic to it :(

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  28. Kathy HDecember 10, 2012 at 11:24 AM

    I would pick the zodiac panel. I was thinking maybe some prairie points to add to the width but with those squares, I think little border squares would look much nicer.

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  29. WendyDecember 10, 2012 at 12:54 PM

    I love the little bears!

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  30. LisaDecember 10, 2012 at 1:07 PM

    I like the bears. On your table runner, I would add a dark blue border then i would bind it in a stripe or dot border in white with dark blue stripes or dots!
    lisamcgriff (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  31. barbara woodsDecember 10, 2012 at 2:23 PM

    i love the bears thanks

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  32. BossymammaDecember 10, 2012 at 2:39 PM

    I prefer the first panel.

    As for your table runner, I would keep it simple and put a plain dark blue border

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  33. KatkatDecember 10, 2012 at 2:49 PM

    I like the first panel. I like how the brown of the table looks so maybe border it in a brown.

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  34. GeorgiaDecember 10, 2012 at 5:19 PM

    Hi Julie dear! I love all the suggestions for keeping your husband from doing what he does so naturally. If only... I was all in favor of a dark blue border until I heard the prairie points idea. I wonder how that would look?




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  35. barbDecember 10, 2012 at 5:25 PM

    I love the first panel it speaks to me. Are you listening nikko? Lol i would add another border thank you for a great giveaway babscorbitt@gmail.com

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  36. hueiseiDecember 10, 2012 at 5:36 PM

    I love the teddy bears panel. haha.. so cute.. Nikko, Pick me. I will be good this Christmas :D

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  37. LethargicLassDecember 10, 2012 at 6:04 PM

    I like the darker blue idea, but with the mixed blocks (sorry to complicate it lol)... my dog used to love cheese so much we had to spell it :)

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  38. BarbaraDecember 10, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    Beautiful table runner. I would add a border using all the fabrics that you have used in the table runner. The first panel would be my choice. Thank you for being in the blog hop.

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  39. tubilinha tiacarminhaDecember 10, 2012 at 7:13 PM

    Estes ursos...Sou avó, então não posso ver nada infantil que quero para eles.Seu corredor está lindo,gosto da ideia das bordas em marron.Sou seguidora nova GFC 182.Obrigada.

    FELIZ NATAL!



    tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com

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  40. Vicki HDecember 10, 2012 at 7:19 PM

    I would like the zodiac panel. I like the runner as it is.

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  41. Pat V.December 10, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    I would add a darker blue border, one that picks up on the dark color in the blocks.

    The zodiac panel is fabulous.

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  42. SallieDecember 10, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    I would choose the zodiac panel and I'd do a border of dark blue to enlarge your table runner. Thanks for the great giveaway! Merry Christmas!

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  43. Judy BDecember 10, 2012 at 9:03 PM

    Love the zodiac panel. Your table runner is beautiful. Leave it as is and hand your husband a coaster or mug rug! jbechosend at sbcglobal dot net

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  44. AnonymousDecember 10, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    I like both panels and have a hard time deciding which one best - maybe the zodiac, because my son loves all things Japanese and I could use it to make something special for him. For the table runner, I was thinking maybe dark blue and white hst border. Thank you for the chance to win.

    dezertsuz at gmail

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  45. FaithDecember 10, 2012 at 11:33 PM

    I love the first panel.... hello to Nikko from my hounds Scratch, Jazz, Scruff and Bongox

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  46. conny's quilts en creatiesDecember 11, 2012 at 1:19 AM

    I think you might do a small white border-strip around your runner and then maybe a blue one too, to make it fits the table....I love those white and blue colors, my all time favorites. When I might win I would klove the first panel! Maybe I can put it in my blue and white sampler I am working on at the moment!
    Have fun with your give away and thanks to organize the fun for us!

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  47. AnonymousDecember 11, 2012 at 1:51 AM

    Ooooh, such LOVELY gifts of yours, Julie ! Well, I'll try my luck this time, and IF I might be the lucky, lucky winner (crossing my fingers AND toes ;>) I'd go for the gorgeous Oriental Zodiac panel. THANKS for putting me on your list, dear.
    As to your beautiful table runner, I'd rather choose your second solution, I think it would be perfect.

    XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
    NADINE

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  48. Barbara O.December 11, 2012 at 5:03 AM

    I'd love the first panel! It's gorgeous, you don't get these things here in Germany. I hadn't known that there was a whole fabric district in Tokyo. Might be a reason to travel there! :-)
    You table runner is gorgeous, congrats on this wonderful piece of work!

    Best wishes,
    Barbra

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  49. Emily CDecember 11, 2012 at 5:30 AM

    The darker blue option sounds good. I also like the sounds of yukata, but with no pictures, it is hard to tell.

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  50. Mary BethDecember 11, 2012 at 6:48 AM

    I love the zodiac panel.
    I think a solid dark border would look good.

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  51. AnonymousDecember 11, 2012 at 8:59 AM

    I like the first panel! Sorry I can´t help you with your problem, but I´m not that good with this things!
    Gun, Sweden
    gun@lapp.se

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  52. ClaireDecember 11, 2012 at 9:24 AM

    I like the child panel. I think I would make a thin (1/4 inch) black border and then blue and white checkerboard border to the edge.

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  53. SusanDecember 11, 2012 at 9:40 AM

    Touch decision...but since my first grandbaby will be arriving in May, I would have to choose the teddy bears!

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  54. Sandy DDecember 11, 2012 at 9:58 AM

    If I have got to make it bigger{because I love it the way it is} I would make a border using pieces from the center.I like the first panel.You used a term I have not heard Yukata fabric what is it?

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  55. Catskill QuilterDecember 11, 2012 at 10:02 AM

    I am thinking that a darker blue around the table runner might "frame" it and make it look complete! I toyed with a pieced border, but that would take away from the lovely blocks you have sewn. I love the first panel, which would make an astonishing gift for my sweet new Japanese daughter-in-law!

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  56. Martha December 11, 2012 at 10:15 AM

    Your table runner is beautiful. How about adding white all around and a scarppy block on each corner.
    Thanks for the giveaway. Love the second pannel.

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  57. NM_CreatrixDecember 11, 2012 at 11:54 AM

    Oriental Zodiac is my fav

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  58. SandraDecember 11, 2012 at 12:42 PM

    I love cheese and I would gladly share with Nikko. I would add a dark blue outer border to your runner and that would make your runner look bolder. You did a great job on your runner. Besides, I love the color blue. As far as the panel I would choose the bear, thinking of my great grandson. Thank you for the awesome giveaway and giving all of your followers a chance to win. Happy Holiday.

    Sandi T.
    sandit1@sbcglobal.net
    Sonora, CA

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  59. LensDecember 11, 2012 at 12:42 PM

    Your table runner is really beautiful. I like the idea to add a border of darker blue. What do you think about add a sashiko embroidery to that border. A simple embroidery in bone thread will be fabulous.

    the first panel is my fave :)

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  60. Sis-ODecember 11, 2012 at 1:28 PM

    Both panels are sweet but I am a fan of blue and white. And while we are on the subject (of wet rings left on furniture), I am the one in my house that is always going around shoving a coaster (paper towel, saucer, etc.) under someone's drink. Thank youfor this generous giveaway.

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  61. Mother of fourDecember 11, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    The Japanese Zodiac is my fav panel. As for the table runner..... I would go along with a solid edge so the whole runner but's the edges nicely... and a fly swatter so each time hubby put a wet cup/glass onto the table he got a little thwak... it'd train him in no time ;-)
    Take care,
    Janey x

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  62. StitchinByTheLakeDecember 11, 2012 at 3:11 PM

    Julie have you tried rubbing mayonnaise on the white mark? I've heard it helps but haven't tried it myself. I love the idea of the yukata border but also think a darker blue border would be pretty. As for your giveaway, don't include me in this one since you've already sent me some lovely fabric - I don't want to be greedy. Well, yes I do want to be greedy but I'm trying not to be. :) blessings, marlene

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  63. Lisa CoxDecember 11, 2012 at 4:41 PM

    I love the little bear panel.
    I think a border of dark blue would look great

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  64. BrendaDecember 11, 2012 at 5:06 PM

    I bet if you put that runner on the table he'll scoot it over so he won't mess it up and still set the glass on the table!
    hulsey at gmail dot com

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  65. DebDecember 11, 2012 at 5:39 PM

    I love the oriental zodiac panel! And I'd put a solid piece of fabric around the edge, not something pieced, because it will drape at the edge better.

    ReplyDelete
  66. KimiDecember 11, 2012 at 7:05 PM

    I like the zodiac print! I am Year of the Monkey :)

    The idea of putting in a strip of yukata fabric is nice, I love Japanese textile prints so I say the more the merrier!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Debra LeeDecember 11, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    I like the zodiac panel. Maybe some blue and white striped fabric would be nice!

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  68. JolandaDecember 12, 2012 at 5:58 AM

    I love the zidiac Panel. For your table runner, why don't add a strip mada out of rectagles from the same fabrics you used for the center?
    thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Maria KievitDecember 12, 2012 at 6:00 AM

    Like the little bear panel. Thanks for a nice giveaway. For your table runner, I like the idea of attaching one inch squares along the sides. I think that would look really nice together, or piano keys in a little longer length. Good luck in trying to find a solution!

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  70. Bonnie58December 12, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    Love the Japanese panel. I would also recommend a narrow scrappy border around your runner. Thanks for the opportunity on this wonderful draw and have a very Merry Christmas.
    bonnielarson58(at)gmail(dot)com.

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  71. Marjorie's Busy CornerDecember 12, 2012 at 8:52 AM

    Wow!! I would love to win the Japanese panel....so very net. thank you

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  72. TammyDecember 12, 2012 at 3:37 PM

    I like both panels. But the zodiac panel is definitely very unique. So probably the uniqueness of It would win out with me....Thank you for a chance to enter into your giveaway. I could not imagine liveing so far away from home for so long. I am sure you probably love it over their.
    conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  73. ThearicaDecember 13, 2012 at 4:33 AM

    Your tablerunner is gorgeous!

    If you have to make it larger this is what I would do..

    A very thin border of solid white around what you have... and then frame in a solid black...

    ReplyDelete
  74. ThearicaDecember 13, 2012 at 4:34 AM

    If I were to be so lucky as to win, I would choose the Oriental Zodiak.

    Merry Christmas!

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  75. AnonymousDecember 13, 2012 at 5:34 AM

    Thanks for the giveway...The zodiac panel looks really awesome.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

    Usha
    usharaneem@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. MyselfDecember 13, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    I love the teddy bear panel- perfect for my nursury :) Thanks for the great givaway!

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  77. Dresden QuilterDecember 13, 2012 at 12:33 PM

    I would add the one inch blocks. I love the first panel. Thanks for the great giveaway.

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  78. Jodi - usairdollDecember 13, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    Your runner is gorgeous! I love it just as you have it, however, if you're wanting it wider maybe some more of the same blocks as the inside and thenn the binding in the same as well. The dark blue might also look nice. I love both your panels and would be happy with either one.

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

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  79. MCDecember 14, 2012 at 6:18 AM

    I really love the table runner, I thin kit would look great with a thicker border of the same solid blue. I am a fan of the zodiac panel, thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  80. UnknownDecember 14, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    I love the first one. Lovely table runner, could you shorten the table? of course I am joking, add a border. hugs from Italy

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  81. Nanbon44December 14, 2012 at 1:27 PM

    I love both the panels and would be thrilled to win either one of them

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  82. ✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄December 14, 2012 at 7:57 PM

    The first panel is gorgeous!
    They are all beautiful!
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    x
    Erin
    (p.s.: I'm not sure if you'd be interested or not, but I've started a new bee: Simply Solids: a modern {bee}, and we're looking for Australasia members...here's my blog if you want any more info!
    http://mummyquilts.blogspot.com/2012/11/members-wanted-simply-solids-modern-bee.html)

    ReplyDelete
  83. vickiDecember 14, 2012 at 8:12 PM

    I like the zodaic one. Your dog is beautiful. I'm not sure what to do about the table runner. Thanks and Merry Christmas. vickise@gmail.com

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  84. KarynDecember 14, 2012 at 9:29 PM

    I like the zodiac panel. I would add a dark blue border around the table runner. Thanks for the chance!

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  85. joyceDecember 14, 2012 at 10:38 PM

    I think a darker blue border on your runner would anchor it. I love blues. Think the bears would make a cute baby quilt. I have a niece with a baby due in a month.

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  86. Richard HealeyDecember 15, 2012 at 10:57 AM

    The first one looks fantastic. But both are great thanks for hosting a giveaway.

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  87. MargaretDecember 15, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    I like the dk blue but would be happy to win either of them Your table runner is very nice the way it is

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  88. Dolores QuiltsDecember 15, 2012 at 1:44 PM

    I like the first panel. I think you should add the miscellaneous squares around the edge and then put a solid border around that.

    ReplyDelete
  89. JenetaDecember 15, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    Love the Zodiac panel. I think a dark blue border around your table runner would work well - will continue to draw the eye inwards.

    ReplyDelete
  90. KarrieDecember 16, 2012 at 1:37 AM

    I love your table runner. I would totally pick the Zodiac. I am in love with it seriously. I would bring a pound of cheese over and dance with Nikko all day long so she doesn't gain too much weight ;) Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  91. carlaDecember 18, 2012 at 10:00 AM

    Hi!! I love the table runner!!! Did you know you can take a little white toothpaste to the water rings and rub it out!!! Works!!! Hubbies do that a lot!!! Great give away!!! I love the zodiac fabric!!! Thanks for the fun!!!

    ReplyDelete

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