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Monday, May 08, 2017

A Moth in the Window Day!

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We made so many great blocks yesterday!

All colors, all styles of fabrics, so much variety!

This quilt is likely my favorite from the Addicted to Scraps Book.  And I’m hearing from so many that it is their favorite too!

I love blocks that can be made simply out of two different strip widths using specialty tools like the Essential Triangle Tool for half square triangles, and my students were falling in love with the easy of construction from simple strip widths for this block that has so many possibilities.

While I made my quilt with recycled fabrics from clothing, we had everything from batik to civil war repros to 1930s repros and beyond.

A plethora of inspiration!

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The bliss of simple Sunday sewing!

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Friendly chatter while pressing matters!

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They were all so happily busy!

It’s the best sound in the world, a happy class room!

Tap your toes and join on in:


I’m so glad so many came from far and wide to join us in Manassas for two days of workshop fun. 

A few of us were left to sew in our mostly empty class room after dinner:

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THREE DIE HARDS AT WORK!

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Can you spot the Y2K Millennium fabric?? LOL!

We sewed until the cleaning crew kicked us out as they needed to prepare for another group that was coming in at 7:45 this morning.  We quilters can leave behind quite a bit of thread, lint and dog ears….

My presentation is tonight at the evening guild meeting of the Stone House Quilters. 

Tomorrow is going to be a bit hairy as I leave the hotel here at 6am to drive to Hagerstown for a a Tuesday guild presentation with the Antietam Quilters!

Because of this travel business, I’ll be revealing our winners of my Quilter’s 100 blocks vol 15 giveaway in TOMORROW MORNING’S post, written ahead and set to post while I’m on the road to Hagerstown.  Oh, the anticipation!  Who has won?  You’ll have to wait and find out!

What will I do with my free time today?  Catch up on some emails I am behind on.  Take care of travel arrangements for some June venues coming up. Do some other behind the scenes writing that has to happen.  And by lunch time, I hope to be out and about and exploring some of my surrounding area.

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Quiltville Quote of the Day!

Yesterday I had a student tell me to my face my quilt was ugly, she didn't like my fabric choices or colors, and that her methods of construction were better.

Why do people do that? What did that accomplish? Where have our filters gone?

Never fear, it didn’t ruin my day – just left me laughing and shaking my head.  But in this age of information overload, I think perhaps we speak our minds too much.

Why say “I really didn’t like your colors and I thought your fabrics were ugly so I changed them to my own….”  when “I chose these colors” would suffice?

Why say “Your quilts are far too busy for me so I left the pieced sashing out….” when “I set mine this way”  would be eagerly received?

Why say “Your quilt just didn’t appeal to me so I redesigned it….” when “This is my variation, inspired by your quilt”  would be a much better way to phrase something?

I know we aren’t all going to like the same thing, but please don’t preface your point with a negative that puts down someone else.
 
If you say “I really don’t like scrappy quilts” to my face in class, I’m going to wonder WHY you paid to take the class and are doing it!  Instead, why not say something like “I’m here to learn, I’m expanding my views, I’m pushing my boundaries, I’m open to new ideas.”

You just might like green eggs & ham, Sam I am!

Have a wonderful Monday, everyone!


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65 comments:

  1. Oh, dear. No filter for sure. So glad you could laugh and move on. While I don't use recycled shirts ('cause I am too lazy to go find them), they are incredibly homey and comforting and I love to look at them. Yours especially.

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  2. No filter indeed! People who make those sorts of comments seem to feel they need to put others down in order to make themselves look or feel good! In truth they only make themselves look bad!
    Love this quilt and it is definitely on the bucket list!
    Ellie

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  3. some people are just so rude. I am sorry that you had to experience that. Good thing you are not 'owning' it....I would have loved to take that class (or any class with you)
    Have a splendid week !!

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  4. It sure looks like everyone there was having a blast!! Love the pics, and all the colors!

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  5. You do have to wonder about some people! While you shouldn't have to perhaps you need to start your workshops with a language etiquette lesson. Just think of all the good you'll be doing...changing the world one stitch and one negative nelly at a time! You know that isn't what I wanted to type, right?!? Travel safely Bonnie and keep doing what you've been doing.


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  6. I'm sorry, I had to laugh at this comment. I am happy to hear you shrugged it off too. Indeed why was she taking one of your classes if she doesn't like scrappy quilts. There's almost always one in the crowd and they are usually unhappy people. Have a super day!

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  7. My mother always said and enforced "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." I love your quilting. You inspire me to do fun quilting. Thanks.

    Norma J. May

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  8. Glad you let it roll off your back and just chuckled. She obviously wasn't a happy person or having a bad day. You are so gracious Bonnie and I just love reading all of your blog posts. You are coming to the So. Oregon Rogue Valley in September through Mountain Stars Quilt Guild and I hope to get into one of your classes. Keep doing what you're doing. Love it! Diana

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  9. Oh Bonnie, Your sweet spirit has triumphed again. To be able to laugh off a rude comment is a gift. Your positive spin and your quilts are an inspiration to me. Praying for your safe travel.

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  10. I had a friend say, "that is the ugliest backing I have ever seen (she only uses backing fabric in one piece and it has to be a fabric that is in the quilt.) I said, "Well it's a good thing that I am not making this quilt for you." LOL

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  11. All we can do from that is learn from it and decide and become who we want to be, heh? I'd love to live in an area where you could teach me your scrap quilts, each and every one!! Happy travels to you, Bonnie!

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  12. I enjoy your qote of the day soooo much! Too many of us have no filters! I have to say, however, that listening to them has taught me a better way to interact with others, because I don't want to be like them! That said, I never feel like I have to duplicate a designer's pattern. I always "make it my own," even if only by making a small change.

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  13. On the other hand, Ms "I don't care for scrap quilts" could be on the first step of her journey. Three years ago before I stumbled across Bonnie's website, I had only made one quilt without a tightly controlled color pallet, and that was from a workshop with Fons and Porter that taught crumb piecing.

    Most of my quilts up to that point were reproducing vintage quilts or published designs. Bonnie's beautiful quilts opened up an entire world to me, though I'm still a bit leery of 'anything with a white base' neutrals LOL.

    Good for Bonnie to shrug off that comment and know that she's opened up a whole world of lovely quilts. Keep on! Hopefully I'll make it to one of the classes at some point.

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  14. Glad you can laugh and go on with your day. Some people are socially inept and aren't gifted with emotional feelings. Doesn't make conversation easier for those of us that do or are overly gifted with feelings.
    Thank you Bonnie for always taking the "High Road" and keeping things on even keel.

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  15. Taylor Swift sang it well , "why'd you have to be so mean"

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  16. My sister speaks out just like this student did. She often says, "If I have an opinion, I'm going to tell you what it is, and you're going to listen. Furthermore, I always have an opinion." She's 56 years old, and needless to say has few friends. I have learned from her lifestyle, and I go out of my way to be kind and tactful. Words hurt. Believe me, over 50 years of words, they hurt! Shake it off, and move forward.

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  17. Oh, MY! You are correct, filters have been lost. I so hope it did not ruin your day. I LOVE scrappy quilts and I have not seen one of yours I did not like. They are all marvelous. I have learned so much from following you. In the past when it said neutral, that meant to me it had to be a shade of ivory and they all had to be the same and solid or at most a tone on tone. NOT anymore, if it says neutral, I go for the scraps that are either in the light category (white, ivory to paper bag brown) or dark (which can be anything from medium gray to black)! AND I now realize they can be prints, they do not have to be solids. THANK YOU for all you do. Enjoy your day.

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  18. While she was working so hard to say something hateful, she missed a great opportunity to learn from you. Poor person must be absolutely miserable on the inside to spew out that my hatefulness and jealousy!

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  19. I think people who say things like that are rude, insecure and jealous!!!! No need for comments like that.

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  20. My first thought was as yours...if she doesn't like the quilt or scrappy quilts, why would she be taking the class??? We all have styles or colors we like, or use designs for inspiration. I very seldom make a quilt just like the pattern, but I don't bash the design or the designer who made it. I appreciate their design and color sense as much as my own. I'm glad you could just laugh and walk away...I think I would have had to locate the door for her....lol

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  21. I hope these kind comments will be an antidote for Meanie Minnie's comments. What you do isn't exactly a secret!

    I, for one, love scrap quilts, and you have taught me much even though I haven't taken a class in person. I have been quilting for decades and still learn great stuff from those of you who share and teach.

    Travel safely, and continue to love life and spread the word.

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  22. Your words have opened my eyes. I have been known to state things a little too harsh. If I have to think of the politically correct way to say something I get a headache. My foot has been in my mouth so many times it’s a wonder I don’t have foot and mouth disease. So thank you for the wording that I will now use when a quilt is not to my taste. I will be quoting you in the future.

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  23. I feel sorry for that lady! What she misses is that there are so many of us that would LOVE the opportunity to meet you and take a class with you! Glad you can let it roll off and not take it personally. It still stings, but does make you wonder why on earth she even signed up in the first place. Must be she is ignorant of all things quilty. My Mother always said if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Must be this lady's mother didn't teach her those useful things. I hear another saying frequently that kind of fits here: You can't fix stupid (and rude)!

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  24. At a recent guild quilt show, one member complained that all the quilts displayed were "way too busy". "Like this one", she said, pointing to the one in front of which we were standing, "I really don't like it". You guessed it, it was mine, full of scrappy Hawaiian prints. So I told her the story behind it, and she liked the story but probably still not the quilt. Oh well, we both left happy anyway.

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  25. In my teaching experience (not quilting) at the local college, I frequently encounter students (fresh out of high school) who want to tell me how wrong I am and are happy to enlighten me (with my 30+ years of working in the field). It's a fascinating dynamic and I'm constantly shocked by the arrogance!

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  26. I am amazed by the rudeness of your student! Why on earth did she choose to come yo your class and pay for it when she liked nothing about the quilt you were teaching? I think I am getting old - I don't understand half of the behaviour and rudeness I see or hear of these days. Good manners appear to have been relegated to the dinosaur era. PS. Did you like your student's fabric/colour choice/method? If not I bet you just smiled sweetly!😇

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  27. To those of you who have never seen Bonnie's quilts in person: you are in for a shock! They are GORGEOUS!! The close-up photos in her books and on the blog are all beautiful and let you see how pretty and interesting her fabrics are. But photos just can't capture that third dimension......they are awesome in person. It's a wonderful experience!

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  28. My dear Mother had no filter. Sometimes the first thing out of her mouth was unintentionally hurtful. We learned to wait for a while to hear her kinder words on any subject!

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  29. Aquí, tenemos un refrán que dice "A palabras tontas, oidos sordos", no entiendo si pensaba eso de sus enseñanzas, fuera a asistir a una clase, podía haberse quedado en su casa y esa plaza la hubiese podido disfrutar otra persona que estuviese interesa. No he asistido nunca a una clase suya, ni creo que lo vaya a hacer, pero ya hace años que la sigo y he disfrutado realizando "En Provenza", y estoy deseando el momento que Vd. decida realizar otra colcha. Un saludo desde España

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  30. Bonnie, as I was reading your post it occurred to me that this woman may have Aspergers or be on the Austism spectrum and just not be able to communicate well. Obviously, she wanted to take your class so I'm glad you were able to "sip the honey from the sting."

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  31. I loved your 'Quote' suggestions!! I know I sometimes open my mouth and am a little surprised at what comes out, but those folks who open with an insult as if they aren't actually insulting you are something else. I often wonder what is going on in their head that they think it's okay. It's good you have a sense of humor. Hold on to it! And for the record, I love your scrappy quilts... otherwise, why would I be here?! LOL

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  32. I'm with you, Boonie. I just can't figure why people have to preface everything with a negative. They must never listen to themselves, or possibly have "delusions of grandeur"! I grew up hearing "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything". Too bad others never learned that.

    On a happier topic, I have saved so many of your Quilt Square Quotes that I finally had to make a folder for them. They sure bring me back to earth, settle me down and make me think.

    Thank you always for how much you inspire me with your work and thoughts.

    As usual, You Rock!

    Loretta McGinn

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  33. Well said Bonnie. I wonder sometimes if people just like putting other people down so that they don't feel so insignificant, or to make themselves feel better. I think we should be nice to one another and encourage each other. Life is hard enough without adding stress or hurt onto others.

    I'm doing a BOM pattern for my local quilt guild. It's the first time I'm writing a pattern for others. I know that there will be some who don't like it. But, I'm forging ahead hoping there are more nice people then not.

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  34. Your post made me smile. I think that if you were not out there meeting so many new and wonderful people, you would not keep running across the occasional grump. It's like a squirt of lemon juice in great sweet tea. Another way to look at this story is that this sour person gave us, the quilting community that admires you so much, an opportunity to surround and support you. I read every one of your blog posts because you are such an uplifting, determinedly positive person. It's not just about your extraordinary talent as demonstrated in your beautiful quilts--it's about who you are as a person. Thank you for all you do, which includes reminding us through the lemon-juice stories that we all need to be careful with our words.

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  35. All I have is one word WOW!! There are those of us who would do anything to take a class with you....

    Bonnie, you are the best!

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  36. What people say communicates more about who they are than of what they are speaking. Did she think you were going to switch and make your quilts out of a select number of fabrics purchased just for that quilt? Was she lobbying for a Bonnie Hunter mid-career style change?

    When I encounter someone like that, I have learned to play along, especially if others are watching. I'll say "Of course, you are right. Scrappy quilts are...scrappy. Tell me how you do your quilts? How many have you made? I'm sure your training and experience have taught you...could you explain how you go about it?" I am dead serious when I do this, and the other person will invariably dig herself a hole and will realize it soon enough. It helps me keep my temper and go along with a ridiculous situation.

    I don't think you can attribute this to Asperger's Syndrome. Most women on the spectrum have garnered a bit of social polish by adulthood, and will tend to stay in the background rather than put themselves forward in such a way.

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  37. You are such a wonderful teacher, Bonnie. I love your quotes of the day. I email them to my brother who needs support right now.
    Thanks.

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  38. I agree! Why would you sign up to take a class if you dont like scrappy or you think the quilt is ugly?! If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all! Thanks for all you do!

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  39. I know you are a tough cookie and just let this slide. I have no idea why some people are just plain nasty.
    Love all do for us quilters.

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  40. Bonnie, I am glad that you can rise above the ignorance of others and not let them steal your joy. Life is too short to allow pettiness in your life. Keep up the good work. YOU ROCK!!

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  41. Oh my! Bonnie you inspire so many quilters. Today I posted on Quiltville Open Studio several of my "Bonnie quilts" and challenged others to do the same. HUNDREDS of Bonnie quilts are up for the viewing pleasure. All inspired by your patterns. I hope you feel the love of the rest of the 79,000 followers too.

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  42. And that is why I like Bonnie Hunter so much (aside from all the wonderful inspiration and patterns) - you always try to find a positive response! I appreciate that so much in the midst of an often rude and unkind world. It costs absolutely nothing to be kind. Thank you!

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  43. The mean comment (no other way to describe it) took my breath away. I was so fortunate to have a spot in the class and drove over 4 hours to attend. My husband came along as we modified our vacation plans so I could attend the two workshops. I even asked him to make sure he came by the class at the end so he could see the quilt in person, it was just so breathtaking. Bonnie was so gracious, she showed us the back which was just awesome and shared how she loaded it on her longarm so I can share that with my longarmer.

    Can I say again how blessed I felt to have a spot, so thankful a guild close to me had the foresight three years ago to book a weekend with Bonnie, and had the willingness to open up the class to non-guild members. The happiness in the room was wonderful. (Thankfully, I don't know how the negative nanny was.)

    I came to learn...tricks and tips were freely shared by Bonnie..so many that will help me in my other quilting endeavors. I just hope I remember them all!!! And Bonnie, you have a way of putting together colors and shapes that make a quilt sparkle. I know lots of quilters want to do their own thing, they don't want to buy a kit since others will make it the same way, etc., etc.....well, not me.....I want kits of all Bonnie's quilts.....she can make the fabric, pattern and blocks just sparkle....well, I want all that!

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  44. I have to say, I am one of those who has a problem with filters. I don't MEAN to say some things but they sure come out wrong! But, I am also a person who can't stand when people don't say what they mean. I have a friend who always pussyfoots around how she really feels, and then gets ticked when you follow her on it. I did this once with a designer, and said I THOUGHT I didn't like her patterns, but then went to find that I had them all! And that I didn't even realize it. Not cool, but trying to say that I really DID like them and it was a duh moment. Not meant as an insult to her, but to me. Anyway. I am glad you could blow it off too. Some of us just don't have it as together as you all do! Thing is, when I really WANT to slam someone, it's never subtle...but I will try to do better too! And I am a Bonnie fan, been since you started your blog or shortly after! You were just starting massage therapy and still quilting for others, I think!

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  45. I am with you. I can not believe that someone actually said those things to you, in class no less! Yep, makes you wonder what happened to the old adage, " If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all".

    Donna
    Kasilof, AK```````

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  46. Well, you're a better man than me, Gunga Din. I don't think I would have said something "smarty" back to her but also don't think I would have smiled or laughed. Can't imagine why she was there other than to do what she did. Go figure.

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  47. "Mean Girls" are all ages and I simply don't understand why people feel it's OK to act like that. It was wrong as a teen in junior high, and it's wrong as an adult.
    Love, love, love your positive attitude.

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  48. I wonder if people are getting sloppy and mean with their comments in person because they can get away with it on the Internet anonymously? The Internet has allowed some to lose their civility and yes, be mean. I always wonder how and why they lost the behavior they must have learned as a child. I also feel very sorry for these people, because as they age, their only friends will be those who share their negativity - is that the way to be live and be remembered?

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  49. You won out, Bonnie, with your positive attitude. What a joy it would be to get together with so many who enjoy your passion. Some folks are just born negative, I think.

    Unfortunately, in today's world there are far too many who think free speech applies only to their point of view, and they will shout you down or become violent if someone offers a different opinion.

    I myself long for Mayberry days...

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  50. I love the looks of scrappy quilts but I must admit that I tend to quilt using organized fabrics (civil war) but I want to expand my colors and styles so I can wrap my brain around scrappy so I took 2 classes with you and I'm getting better at mixing it up. Thank you for making me comfortable in a new arena of quilting.

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  51. If everyone had the chance to put a positive spin on their words before they were spoken...this world would be soooo much better! Kudos to you for looking past this woman and her negative ways!

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  52. As we in the South say, "Bless her heart, she must not have gotten much raising!" Does she have any idea how bad she made her mother look when she said such a thing? I love Bonnie Hunter quilts and most of what I make come from the Quiltville website or from the books I have bought through her store. Do mine look like Bonnie's? Somewhat, but never the same because I don't have the same fabrics Bonnie has, and I think that is the beauty of scrap quilts. I'm not clever like Bonnie to be able to create my own designs so I just follow along and that works for me. Thank you, Bonnie, for your generous sharing.

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  53. Last night I fell asleep early, woke up then couldn't sleep. My husband woke up and saw me reading your addicted to Scraps book and just smiled at me. I have thumbed threw it many times,but just wanted to start at the beginning. I love the dedication! The part about about the 10 year old girl, and your note from school. You are an encouragement, there are so many children that are like you. I have a step grand child like you, the teachers sat him on a ball to learn when he was young and schools wanted to medicate him His mother said no. He is in eighth grade now and has straight A's. Struggled at times, but he is wonderful and inspires me all the time. Your quilts are bright , cheerful , busy and beautiful! Like you! I'm trying to decide on which one to do first Carolina chain, or Moth in the window. I'll try to shorten my note next time. Thanks for all the awesome things you share!

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  54. Anonymous11:11 AM EDT

    Bonnie, as bad as these sound, remember she is not saying "I don't like these choices for you." She is saying, "I don't like these choices for me." I know you don't want everyone to copy your designs all the time as I've read that you encourage people to grow in making their own decisions and in making quilts which satisfy them. You teach. And in this example, even though poorly stated, I find a compliment to your teaching ability that she felt free to change and adapt your teaching and design to take the basic and make something she enjoys. And learning choices from your expertise is probably why she took the class. Ivy

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  55. I wonder why someone would take a class if they didn't like what you do? Doesn't make sense to me. My husband would have looked at her and just laugh and walk away. You are a strong woman!

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  56. Your comment along with a mini version of your truly gorgeous quilt will soon be hanging on the door to my new sewing room. Always good to set rules aint it?

    Love from Switzerland
    Ursula

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  57. Well, you are better than me cause I would have said something like "poor you, why did you put money in my pocket by taking my awful class, silly woman".....I mean, really - what the heck is going on in the USA today....People are out of control of their emotions!!!

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  58. Always amazing- me I LOVE scrappy,just have trouble doing it. SO I took all the workshops I could while you were in my area. I loved every minute. Thanks for all you do to inspire all of us.

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  59. To quote Thumper, the rabbit in Disney's "Bambi": "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all."

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  60. Well, Bonnie, some people just need to open their mouths to prove their lack of common sense, upbringing and manners! A Bonnie-quilt just would not be the same made with just two or three fabrics, and to pay for and participate in a class with you, without even knowing what you are all about - well, that also proves a lack of some cells in the upper appartment...
    I think most of us who follow your blog DREAM about both taking a class with you and tomeet you in personand to see the happy scrappy and beautiful quilts you create - som, don't thonk about this woman or her remarks, they surely say much more about her than about your quilts and fabric choices!

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  61. Hurtful people are hurting inside so I just feel sorry for them I love making quilts and feel blessed to have your quilts to inspire me my first mystery quilt is your en Provence and I wouldn't have chosen the colors we used and I would have been too afraid to try if you hadn't picked them out and led us through I love my en Provence the colors look perfect to me and I gained so much confidence from finishing such a complicated top thank you for sharing your spark with us

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  62. Lack of filter, thoughtfullness and consideration. Whatever happened to do onto others. If you can't say something nice do not say anythingoodbye at all

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  63. Why was she there, if she didn't like Bonnie's quilt? Just a guess--peer pressure (yes, with adult quilters) or someone close to her wanted her to attend. Whatever the reason, it's no excuse for being unkind or insensitive in her comments to Bonnie.

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