Sunday, July 12, 2015

Mystery Quilt-Along!

Okay, here's the deal...but humor me first by allowing me give you a bit of the background which got me here.

If you remember...and if you don't, that's okay too...when a couple of months ago I was asked to design a line of fabrics?  I was taken completely by surprise and was in 'shock and awe' mode for about a week.

To make a long story short, I was given about six weeks in which to complete everything from start to finish.  

I have always worked best when under pressure and this adventure proved that I haven't lost it since retiring in 2006.  I made the deadline with time to spare and to be honest with you, it took the wind right out of my sails once it was done. 

The great news is that Blank Quilting loves it which was another burden lifted from my shoulders because there's always an element of self doubt when you're under contract and designing for someone else.

After all the work was done and everything was sent off to New York city, I kinda lost my mojo.  I was designed out and really didn't feel like starting into anything new.  Yes, there was an attempt at starting Leanne Beasley's Journey of a Quilter but I soon realized that the fabric I had chosen from my stash just wasn't me and quickly put it aside.  As a matter of fact, that same fabric is now living in Washington state with a friend because I knew that it would just languish and collect dust in my stash cupboard(s).

I made a few 'smalls', two pincushions that I shared with you both here and on Facebook.  I thoroughly enjoyed designing and making them because I am not a happy camper when my hands are idle.

Still, no desire to start a new quilting project.

But I always have my sketch book handy and the other night while I was doodling at the kitchen table where I do all of my handwork, I came up with an easy peasy house block.

Now who doesn't LOVE house blocks?

In my last post, I spoke about starting a new project which at the time was going to be a mini quilt.  I didn't want to commit myself to anything larger for fear that my mojo would run away again.

Remember this photo?



Can you spot the little house block there, right beside my sketch book, the one with the red roof, aqua door and black sides?  I made that as my prototype to see if the measurements worked and if it was going to work for what I had in mind.

Well guess what?

It did!



And to the extent that I think I got my mojo back because I'm not going to stop there!


So would you like to make your own along with me?


Here's what I'm going to do.

For lack of a better term, we'll call it my 'Mystery Quilt-Along'.

At least once a week I'll post the next step with photos and measurements.  I'm not going to "teach" you how to make this quilt because as you'll see, it won't be difficult to make.  And of course there'll always be the option to either email or PM me if you have a question.

It is my intention to make this a queen size quilt and of course you can stop at any time if you reach the size that suits you.  This is definitely going to be a great stash buster because that's all I'm going to use.  As a matter of fact, all I've used so far are off cuts and left overs from previous projects.  The scrappier and more colorful the better is my motto!

So, are you in?

Just leave me a short comment or even a 'yes' or 'no' so I can get an idea of how many will be playing along.  Oh, and there will probably be a giveaway in the next little while and the winner will be chosen at random from the comments left on this post.  

You'll be happy you did!!!

So spread the word because it's always more fun when we have lots of company.

Frankie has given his approval and says, "Welcome on board!"



So come on back this Tuesday the 14th when I'll be posting the information to get you started.  In the mean time, round up all your scraps and get ready to have some fun!

Are you excited?

I am!  And I'm even happier that my mojo is back!!!


Happy stitching!


154 comments:

  1. Hello Kaaren

    I'll wait the next post with instructions to decide.
    Lovely quilt with the house blocks.

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  2. Looks like a fun project. I'm out of town but will be home on Tuesday so will check back in then.

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  3. This sounds like an adventure. I would love to join in. Thankyou.x

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  4. Ok, I will jump in with both feet. I think I will tackle it! Count me in.

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  5. I would love to join you! Thanks

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  6. Absolutely I am in, love house blocks and want to start getting a handle on my scrap binssss! What fun

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  7. Count me in Kaaren, I can't wait!

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  8. Great idea! Will definitely make some houses with you!

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  9. Stash busting opportunity? And a cute quilt too boot? Count me in, Kaaren. I look forward to sewing along with you!

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  10. Look good, nice to do. I'll make at least one house with you.

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  11. I probably will. They look like fun.

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  12. I'm in. We're contemplating a move, so need to reduce my "treasures" into an easier way to carry. A quilt is better than fabric in a box! Thanks.

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  13. Looks like fun, thank you I can't wait!

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  14. Kaaren! You always inspire. I'm in! I've been wanting to get back into machine sewing and this gives me the push I need. I "hope" I can keep up each week. Seems easy enough but life does get in the way sometimes.

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  15. Sounds like a fun way to keep ALL of our quilt mojo's going :-)
    The house blocks are sweet. Nice idea!

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  16. Hi Kaaren,

    I'm in. Cant wait for the instructions. Looking forward to your fabric line when it comes out.
    Just hope i can keep up. Have a wonderful day.
    Dianne

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  17. I'm in. And I'll really try to keep up.

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  18. I'm in!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to do this!!!

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  19. What a cute block? I would love to join you. I am going out of town for awhile, but will try to keep up. Thank you!

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  20. What a great little block... And lots of possibilities for lots of different finishes...count me in .......J.Melanson :)

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  21. What a great little block... And lots of possibilities for lots of different finishes...count me in .......J.Melanson :)

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  22. What a great little block... And lots of possibilities for lots of different finishes...count me in .......J.Melanson :)

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  23. Can't wait, count me in and ready to go.

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  24. I am EXCITED!!!!
    And I would love to follow along too! Thank you, Kaaren, for all the time and effort you expend on everyone's behalf. Thank you!!

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  25. Yes, I would like to be included QAL, thank you.

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  26. By the looks of all the comments I think you have a class! I am not really a quilter but oh yes please count me in. I think a wall hanging would be it for me!

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  27. Looks like fun! I'm traveling over the summer, but will do my best to try to sew along.

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  28. So gorgeous.Can´t wait.And which is the mesure of the block?

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  29. Yes...oh I'd love to join in Kaaren. This is just what I needed! I've been in a no sew mode for too long now and this I hope will give me the kick start I need. Thanks and count me in :)

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  30. Sounds like fun to me , count me in !

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  31. This will be a great project for me! I have tons of scraps! Thanks so very much.

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  32. Count me in. What's one more project.

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  33. So glad you found your mojo because this is gorgeous! Count me in!!

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  34. Always wanted a house quilt - I am in

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  35. I always look for projects that will make a dent in my stash. Look forward to it. Thanks so much.

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  36. Sounds like great fun but I have just too many UFO s right now. Sure looks cute- thanks for sharing!

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  37. Yes I'm in, I've wanted to make a scrappy house quilt for a long time. Thanks Kaaren! Glad your mojo is back. 😃 Toni Anne

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  38. I need some quilting Mojo. I am interested. Thanks,

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  39. I am in! I love house blocks. I may not make mine as big, but it will still be fun.

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  40. Your houses are looking very cute! Queen size will be waaaay to big for me! However, I'm excited just to see how big my quilt will get. That will be my own Mystery! Lol. Thank you and let the fun begin! ��

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  41. I would love to give this a go.

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  42. Sounds great! My mojo has gone walkabout too

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  43. would love to join in one of my favorite blocks

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  44. Yes :) I'm in. I may make it a little smaller - like lap or twin. So I'll begin with a smaller center. But it sounds like fun!

    Karen

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  46. I would love to make the quilt. It looks like a great way to use up some of the scraps I am drowning under. Maybe it will help me get back my mojo. I haven't sewn anything since the end of April.

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  47. I love scrappy quilts, and can always start another! Count me in!

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  48. Scrappy House blocks - you bet I'm in!! I've been working with my scraps all year, but still have plenty to choose from. thanks for bringing us on your journey.

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  49. I love a mystery and your little houses are so cute. I too like using my scraps. Looking forward to this. Happy Stitching.

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  50. I love scrappy house blocks. Count me in with the mystery quilt.
    cyeon at videotron dot ca

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  51. Yes! Sounds like fun! Could Frankie come help me? :-)

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  52. I would love to join in on your mystery quilt, thank you.

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  53. Sounds like a great idea. I've naturally got plenty of scraps(what quilter doesn't) so hopefully I'll put a dent in the pile.

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  54. I'd love to sew along with you. Maybe this is what I need to get my sewing mojo back...it seems to have gone missing! LOL

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  55. Just what I have been wanting to do. I'll be checking on Tuesday.

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  56. I'm in. This looks like so much fun!

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  57. Can't wait to see what you come up with. Looking forward to giving it a try.

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  58. Would love to join in. I guess I have to dust off my sewing machine, about time.

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  59. Yes, please, I'm in for the Mystery ride!!

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  60. I'm in, it looks like fun! I like the idea of using what I have on hand. Hugs,

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  61. My mojo has left me as well - hope this will bring it back! I'm in! Thank you!!

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  62. I would LOVE to participate! I am looking forward to using my scraps to make a beautiful quilt!

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  63. Yes.
    I will follow along . I have very much emotional termoil in my life at present so I might not sew but it is so helpful to look forward to something positive right now thank you so much for doing this.
    Colleen

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  64. I would LOVE to participate! I am looking forward to using my scraps to make a beautiful quilt!
    busybeemom

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  65. I love houses so I will definitely participate. Thank you Jeannie j_westenberger@hotmail.com

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  66. Who can resist those cute little houses? :-) And scrappy is even better! In!

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  67. I'm in. I definitely love scrappy. Thank you.

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  68. I'm in! Love moving scraps out-ready to go!

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  69. I am interested love scrappy quilts

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  70. Of course I'll play. Darling small houses and love to use scraps, so....waiting until Tuesday.

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  71. My mojo has been awol for a while so although I should be completing other projects, this sounds like more fun. I'll try to participate.
    Adrienne

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  72. Definitely want to join in your mystery. Many thanks for the opportunity!

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  73. let me think..... hmmmmmm, YES!!!! love it! thank you very much.....

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  74. Oh Kaaren, I love this new project you are sharing with Soo many of us. I would love to be part of this group. Thanks. D.

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  75. I'm in and boy do I have scraps. Thanks.

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  76. Oh boy,my all time favorite block! Count me in! I'm heading for the scrap piles!!

    Be especially blessed, Kathy

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  77. My mojo has flown the coop lately also. I love being in my sewing room, but summer time usually means more yardwork and that makes me sad. I think this might help...I love house blocks. I say YES!

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  78. I'll have to pass. Waaaayyy too many UFOs!

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  79. i'm in looks like a great quilt in the making

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  80. I will take the challenge and can't wait to get started.

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  81. Excited to quilt along. I definitely need to use up scraps!

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  82. I need another Project--NOT! But the houses are just too cute. I have lots of scraps I need to cut up! I'll share this on my Blog in the AM. Glad you got your MOJO back!

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  83. Count me in. Love scrappy quilts!

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  84. I would love to join in, it will work great using my scraps and scrappy quilts are my favorite kind.

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  85. I will definitely join. Sharon K.Lozano slozano5@earthlink.net

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  86. To make this scrappy cute house quilt with you or not, what a silly question. LOL. Looking forward to Tuesday.

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  87. would love to take part fingers crossed it is not foundation paper piecing as I cannot get my head around that, shame I have used all my scraps in a scrap vortex quilt so will have to delve into the stash!

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  88. Yes! I'm in too.... I really need a scrap quilt ;-).....

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  89. I would love to be in, I love scraps!

    Greetings from Spain

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  90. I so need to get rid of some scraps! I have just made a scrappy granny square quilt for a friend and I am nearing the end of a scrappy Irish chain quilt for our bed. Would love to make another scappy quilt.

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  91. I would love to join in. I love scraps !
    Have a nice day
    Best regards from France

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  92. I've been wanting to do something with houses for the longest time - and this really speaks to me. So, YES!

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  93. Hola!
    Claro que sí!!! Yes!!! Mi cama es tamaño queen, así que creo que te voy a acompañar todo el camino

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  94. I'm in. My first house block!

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  95. I'm in, I love the idea of using scraps of which I have mountains!

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  96. I'm glad you got your mojo back because I need a push. I love the houses and it looks like fun. I'm in. Nancy P.

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  97. Oui cela me tente beaucoup, j'aime beaucoup ces maisons colorées. Merci d'avance.

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  98. This looks like it will be fun! I too have lots of pieces around, and with the heat we are having, hiding out in the sewing room is just the ticket. Thanks!

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  99. I love your designs and they go well with my scrappy stash, so I'm in too!

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  100. Will be in and what fun to use up scraps.

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  101. claro que me apunto, adelante.

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  102. Three cheers to your returning 'mojo' and yes count me in, sign me up for the house blocks love to use those scraps. Also loved the pin cushions!!

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  103. Yes, the scrap basket overfloweth! And I just love little houses.

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  104. Hi Kaaren..I'm in! Just looked at my 1st. wall hanging and it is little houses too.

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  105. I have never made a house block nor have I took part in a sew along. So, think this might be a good time to do both! I have loved everything that you have done so far! Thanks...

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  106. I would love to !!! looks like fun!!

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  107. Yes, I will sew along! Have been wanting to do a house block quilt for sometime, and this will launch me in that direction. Mine will most likely be small...but definitely scrappy!

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  108. I'm IN!!!!
    Fun, fun, fun...
    Claire
    c7lonergan@rogers.com

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  109. Yes, definitely. Boy do I have the scraps to use! Thanks. bjchaplin@willcountyhealth.org

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  110. I would love to join you. Haven't made a quilt in years!!

    Wildraspberryhill@comcast.net

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  111. Hi Kaaren,
    I would love to join in. Have loads of scraps just waiting - LOL.
    Warm hugs,
    Ruthie

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  112. I can hardly wait! Thank you.

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  113. Maybe your mojo will rub off on me. :-)

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  114. I love any chance to use up some of my stash and if I can use some of my scraps even better. Thanks Judi

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  115. I always love quilts with houses and lord knows I have lots of scraps so I'd love to join in.

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  116. Would love to play along with you!

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  117. Love to quilt with you!!!!! yes yes yes

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  118. I'm happy your Mojo is back too! Thanks for sharing and I hope to join in too.

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  119. Ooh yes, how could I not with that encouragement? Looking forward to it
    Kaaren. Thanks sweet friend xxx

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  120. Ooh yes, how could I not with that encouragement? Looking forward to it
    Kaaren. Thanks sweet friend xxx

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  121. I would love to join in. Just the thing to get my creative mojo going again too. We have just moved and it makes me think of my new neighborhood. So many pretty houses and I have no idea of what is behind each door. Thank you!

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  122. This looks like a great scrap buster without looking like a scrap buster. I'm in.

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  123. Hi Kaaren, I sent you an email too, I'm in!

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  124. Hi Kaaren, I think I will give it a try. I wasn't sure if I could keep up since I have to start a baby quilt as well but I do love the houses and have lots of scraps to use up.
    Thanks for doing this.
    Mary

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  125. I am going to jump in and try this ... Thanks for Sharing ....

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  126. This looks like fun. I love scrappy.

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  127. Love to try your project , as a doll quilt .
    Thanks Kaaren

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  128. Three possibly five from Logan Lake BC are joining you on this journey. Thanks Kaaren. Glad your mojo is back :)

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  129. OK, this sounds wonderful!! Kaaren, will we be able to see each person's progress? I love to see how other quilters interpret a project;)

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  130. Just found your "Mystery Quilt-along" through Primitive Quilts blog post and love it! Count me in on the happy scrappy house along-thanks for your designing mojo returning!

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  131. Looks like fun! I love everything you make, so I'm in!

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  132. I am in, too. I love house blocks. I love quilt-a-longs as it is a great way for me to get things done. One little bit at a time. Thank you for offering this. I can't wait to get started.

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  133. Love house blocks. Looks like fun.

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  134. I‘d like to join in, I‘ve never taken part in something like this before, not even made a queen size quilt, so I’m looking forward to this .
    gunnaherm@gmail.com

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  135. Cute house block and a great way to attack the scrap basket.

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  136. I'm just catching up on my blog reading. These look so cute when you get a bunch of them together. I'll be making some!

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  137. I want to join in! I'll pull my fabrics and get started this weekend. It looks like fun!

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  138. late start here - but will try to get caught up
    rahobbit@yahoo.com

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  139. I would like to join, but I have to wait until I will return home, now I'm visiting my son and his family in Houston.
    I follow your blog and I love the thousands project you do, you're a source of inspiration to me.
    God bless you and keep your hands busy!
    Greetings from an Italian lady in Houston.
    Rina Spina (no blog). june.seven60@gmail.com

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  140. Looks like fun and so I'll join!

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  141. A tad bit late to the game, but count me in! Cute quilt, and I love house motifs.

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  142. Zooo, jij krijgt veel reacties op je blog!
    Maar bedankt voor jouw reactie op de mijne.
    Prachtig is je quilt, vol met fleurige huisjes.

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