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Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Dec 4th Quilt Cam! Bobby’s Debut!

It’s been a busy day – but what else is new?  I had workers here most of the day un-installing and re-installing a new back and front door – so while they were busy doing their thing, I stayed close at hand sewing on bindings, sleeves and labels on the couch in the living room.

I’ll have pictures to show of the doors as soon as it is daylight in the morning ---it’s too dark to get good photos now.

I’m a bit shy about this little guy you see here ---he has a story --- In fact, he’d probably tell me all about how I neglected him and abused him for months and months and months because he needed a re-wiring job.  And there were other machines in line ahead of him – no matter how much I liked him.

Why am I shy?  Because I know you guys are going to think I am completely nuts!  But -- I have a penchant for blue machines, and this guy doesn't have a scratch on him!

He is a 1950s Singer Clone made in Japan -- and though in perfect condition other wise --his wiring was dry, cracking and DANGEROUS.  I found him for a mere $35.00.

About a month ago I dropped him off at my trusty fix-it guy, Alan.

He came back all shiny and ready to go last week when I dropped off Missy the Magic Bus to correct her timing issues – this is feeling a bit like getting one kid out of braces, and dropping the next one off to put them on!  But I like my machines to be in top working order, or why have them?

I’ll show more pictures of him in a future post – right now I just want to SEW on him!  Won’t you come play along?

Why is this one a HE?  I don't know.  He just is.  Just the same way my black Kenmore is.  His name?  Bobby. :c)

I'm turning on the camera for an hour or so.

I'm back to working on Moth in the Window blocks....I need to test the seam allowance and be sure it is where it is.

I've kitted up more spools for Leaders & Enders ---and I'm dying to get into my box of 2.5" squares with some ideas mulling around in my head.


You can leave a comment in the comment section below, or leave one in the guest book by clicking the blue guest book button in the left hand side bar, While I can't answer them all ---I do pick randomly and try to answer questions as I sew!

104 comments:

  1. damn commercials...anyway...love the Moth blocks..especcially that blue one on the table. I am making them too!!!

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  2. Anonymous9:00 PM EST

    Wait --- I have to go to the car and get my square it up ruler.....

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  3. Anonymous9:00 PM EST

    Quiltcam time - fab! I'm sorting through my 1.5" squares box to make 4-patches for the 4-patches Revisited quilt. I've now kitted up 4 Leaders and Enders quilts so that should keep me busy for a while. p.s. I love all your sewing machines.

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  4. Bonnie, Feed is choppy and sound also.

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  5. How about making 1/2 square triangles squares with some of those squares? I know, I know, you no doubt have a bin of 1/2 square triangle squares already on hand. But, that is all I can think of to do with them that you haven't already done.

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  6. The audio is good, but you only move about every 10 seconds.

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  7. Hi Bonnie,
    It's nice to see you on quiltcam tonight but I'm having trouble with the sound. What is the name of the quilt on the long arm? It's fun to see which quilt you put out.

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  8. Watching on my Kindle Fire...love it cause their are no commercials! Cut up my colors for the Plano Mystery Quilt,have them all kitted now cutting the lights/cream while watching you on Quilt Cam! Sew Bobby Sew! Darn streaming is quirky but audio is great!

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    1. Hi Bonnie, It's working much better now, feed i matching audio. What kind of light is that you have over your machine, it's black and bendy, thanks this is fun!

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  9. Love the new, old machine. I am piecing a quilt for my daughter's college silent auction. Love the quilt cam. Tanya in Springfield, MO

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  10. VERY bad "reception" on Quiltcam tonight ... choppy!

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  11. Hey Bonnie Nanette from Florida here, watching on my early Christmas present a new laptop, it has to work for quiltcam or it's going back!!

    When you are working on a quilt like bowties or the spools, do you make all the smaller blocks and then assemble in 12 inch blocks when done, or do you make 12 inch blocks along the way??

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  12. Bonnie, no sewing for me tonight, but I will watch you sew while I grade papers for school. Just posted my life list of Bonnie Hunter quilts. I think I should get the "Bonnie's biggest fan" title with 25 of your patterns finished or under construction. Thank for way too much inspiration!

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  13. Hi
    Tuning in from Australia....have a rare day off work in the middle of the week....have two screens, one i'm watching you and the other internet fabric shopping for dot fabrics........fun!
    About to load a quilt to quilt for a customer!

    Cheers, Maree

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  14. I had some trouble with the streaming, so closed everything else down and refreshed the cam, and you're working a treat now!

    Suzie from South Australia

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  15. Hi Bonnie, I'm sewing my Easy street 4patches with spools as leader/enders with you tonight .Thanks for the company tonight .made so of the 10 minute table runners this week but tonight I'm sewing for me :)

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  16. Sorry ... still really choppy. Audio seems ok (stops/goes a bit) but picture freezes up for minute or more. Bummer!

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  17. Hi Bonnie, finally made it home in time to play with you during quilt cam. I like the hourglass block. And your 'new' sewing room. want to organize mine next month when the house is done?

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  18. Feed is great for me on my iPad . Love the idea of the hour glass blocks my quilt group is doing these as an exchange ours is civil war fabric and very scrappy

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  19. There is a broken dishes quilt featured on Sue Garman's current blog post at www.suegarman.blogspot.com. Scroll down a bit - it's the antique quilt top just after the snowball quilt. And it has cheddar in it!

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  20. Hi Bonnie, I was working on Easy St. with Mountain Majesties for leader/ender. Now the mountains have taken over and demanding I finish them.

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  21. I keep telling DH that I want a Blue machine and he just rolls his eyes. but son has told DH there are machines on Craig's list. again with the eyes.. If I ever find one it willlllll be mine. Did my first Crumb piecing and love it. thanks.

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  22. i did the scrabs over a 2.5 inches of A4 paper it is not easy t remove without spoiling the stitches
    so i put them down on a water then i remoe the paper easly
    its a goo way but have to dry them all befor makeing a quilt
    SAWSAM
    U.A.E

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  23. Bonnie can you move your Ipod away from the speakers? The music is coming through louder than you sometimes. Thanks, love the studio, it looks so bright. I'm also loving all those bins of strips and squares. Nancy

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    1. ipod is on the stereo across the room. can't get farther away than that. I'll turn it down next time. Some recordings play louder than others too.

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  24. Bonnie meant to write want to help me organize?

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  25. Anonymous9:20 PM EST

    Good evening Bonnie, Point of interest, I think a lot of feed problems is on the viewer end. When I watch on my i-phone I have no lag, audio matches visual. On my lap top (another apple product) it is irritating. I also do not get the ads on the i-phone. Just need a bigger screen.

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  26. Hi Bonnie,
    We have a bottle of that starch and it's call Sta Flo. Working on Easy Street and the Moth block on the side. Enjoying them both. Thanks for all you do for quilters!!!

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  27. How you decide which quilt to put on display behind you each time you do quilt cam? thanks, Sue K

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  28. Bobby's really cute! If you don't mind talking about it, I'm just wondering, after you purchase your machines (often for a steal), how much, on average, does it cost you to get them into good working condition with rewiring and whatnot? I would like to pick up a vintage-ish machine for guild workshops, but I worry about what type of money I may be getting myself into! Thanks for the info!!!

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    Replies
    1. My guy will recondition and rewire for $70.00

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  29. Hi Bonnie,I'm sewing along on step 2 of Easy street. I'm using red in place of your purple- having great fun.

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  30. Hi, Bonnie! I so enjoy quilt cam. I'm in central Texas working on Dear Jane appliqué blocks.

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  31. No sound on all 3 computers so giving up ;(()

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  32. Hi Bonnie, cutting strips and wings for flying geese, for Easy Street. Just wondering if we are going to need more background fabric? Haven't used all of mine up yet bu getting close.

    PS - I don't get ads on when I watch on my I-Pad. I dont have to block them. :)

    Thanks - Faith in Maine

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  33. Watching you on my Droid phone. visiting my daughter in Colorado. I brought my Easy Street fg with me, but I'm too busy having fun with them. I went to the Quiltmaker offices yesterday. Mary C in Co temporary.

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  34. Did you like 'Scrap Vomit' as an idea for your 2.5 inch squares?

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    1. No! I am not doing a quilt with the word vomit in it.

      I have an antique quilt in that design from the 1930s. Smaller squares -- I'm not crazy about it with 2" squares.

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  35. I like your acrylic sewing table. I saw those inHouston at festival but can't remember the person who was selling them do you recall where you got it?

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  36. Laying in bed watching you sew! My hip bursitis is bugging me today. Why do you spin your seams on the 4 patches instead of pressing them open?

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  37. Hi Bonnie, I'm watching you on my Kindle Fire, which I bought partly because of all of the free Kindle books you have been recommending. Thanks, I love it. Today I finished kitting 702 cheddar bowtie blocks, from tangerine Prairie cloth and a ton of plaid cotton shirts, so that's what I'm sewing on tonight while watching you. My bowtie quilt will be just a little smaller than yours because I ran out of cheddar. Thanks again for quiltcam! Ava in Wellsboro, PA

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  38. Hi Bonnie! Just on a painting break and taking an hour to catch up with you. I think you like Netflix....any good recommendations. That's usually what I do when quilting.

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  39. Totally understand the need for commercials and it is a small price to pay to spend time with you! Lina

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  40. Hi Bonnie, Love quilt cam. I learn so much from you. But I have to say, my blocks (especially triangles) NEVER come out the correct size. I was just looking at the 4 block you just showed and your size is perfect, mine would not be. I measure and do have 1/4" seam. Maybe its experience.

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  41. I have a question for you, I started making 9-patch blocks using 2.5 in squares. I have quite a few made and was looking for a pattern to use them in. I decided I would do your Rick Rack Nines quilt. Only problem in hindsight is your pattern uses 2in blocks. How do I go about figuring out how to adapt your pattern to use the 2.5in 9-patches? Any suggestions would be wonderful!

    Thanks,
    Genevieve in Alabama

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  42. hey Bonnie ,I was watching you treadle the other night and the treadle machine looks too low for you .Is where you sew now higher ?

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  43. Enjoying hanging out with you tonight - not a single problem with feed here in Rochester, NY. This is my first Mystery Quilt AND my first scrap quilt - I think you've got me hooked!

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  44. I just checked in; happy to see you tonight! I am using your method of webbing a Charlotte's Basket. I have not done this with shashing before. It is working really well. I saw you demo it on a previous web cam. Thank-you Thank-you. I am puzzleing about borders. grrr

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  45. Happy to be participating on "Easy Street" Took your class at VCQ in April; my world fell apart when my son died in August, but I'm back at sewing, partly because of your enthusiasm. Thanks, Kathy Ackerson in Virginia

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  46. Hi, Bonnie: Since you asked, I'm working on Christmas presents tonight. I've been doing that the last few Quilt Cams to get them done, then after QC I reward myself by working on a project for me!

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  47. Hey Bonnie!

    I'm getting into vintage machine purchasing too - so far I have a Singer 201-2 named Betty and a Featherweight named Veronica!

    I was wondering if you had a "white whale" vintage machine that you're always looking to find and what your criteria are when shopping?

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    1. When I shop for machines, the condition of the machine is the first thing that grabs me. It has to be one that is easy to operate, and parts have to be readily available. I passed on some machines because they take a different harder-to-find needle size -- not going there.

      I prefer straight stitch machines, but have some with zig zag.

      Price. I like machines on the cheap. I'll pay up to $100 if the machine doesn't need servicing -- but if it needs to be taken in, I don't want to pay over $50.00

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  48. Hi Bonnie!

    Well, I have 35 flying geese done for Easy Street - gee, only how many more to go??? :) But I have to thank you for leading me to the new rulers (companion angle, easy angle), these are the easiest geese I've ever sewn. Hoping I can figure out how to use these rulers on another quilt I am working on.
    Am now going to work on a Christmas tree pattern that uses the Li'l Twister.

    Ann Mary

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  49. Working on an owl themed baby quilt and watching quilt cam! Love the Brother machine! Thanks for all the inspiration! I'm all caught up on Easy Street and can't wait until Friday! My first mystery.

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  50. can you show the eyebrow shaper tool again and explain how to use it

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  51. That is a great deal from Two Chicks Design. The shipping is expensive! But things are made to order so the shipping can be delayed if they get slammed with orders.

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  52. aak, missed the name of that web site - please repeat thanks. :)

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  53. Bonnie, I bought 4 yards of the tangerine Prarie Cloth, and am only about 1/8 yard short of getting the 729 blocks you made. Some of it might be due to having to re-square the ends a couple of times while
    cutting my 2" squares :)

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  54. When looking for the older sewing machines, how do you know, or learn what to look for? I mean, for a beginner, what should I look for if I want to get one? I love the old machines.
    Also, when you say you have kitted something up, does that mean you have cut out squares, etc? I see that on your site from time to time and just figured that was what you meant.
    Thanks for sharing with us!

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    Replies
    1. kitting up means I've pre-cut all the pieces ahead of time so the block is ready to sew.

      If you are a beginner with vintage machines, be sure you get one with all parts needed included, and one that is in working condition, and get the manual ---it will teach you everything you need to know to operate it.

      be prepared to fall in love!

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  55. Hi, Bonnie from down the road in Greensboro, NC. Finally got started on the part 1 four patches. Need to get some more black & whites. I'm really enjoying this mystery.

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  56. Hi Bonnie,
    I'm working on the flying geese for Easy Street. Thanks for the tutorial using the Easy ruler and companion. They are coming together just fine, and I'm determined to stay caught up with you! Love your new Brother machine. Which of your machines is your favorite?

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  57. Anonymous9:48 PM EST

    When you finger press, do you smoosh the fabric between your thumb and finger, or scrape along with your nail? I'm a smoosher, not a scraper, but wondered which way others do it.

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    1. I"m a scraper. I want a good sharp crease on that seam :)

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  58. I find that if the throat plate is catching I sometimes can get it to fit better by swapping the screws holding it down with each other. Sometimes it just fits better then.
    The feed was bad at first but I moved my router D-Link closer to the wall and it is feeding fine now.
    Dorothy PS I am doing hand embroidery on the last of twelve blocks that are darling. Still a lot to do to make the quilt as it has a scrappy sashing.

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  59. Hiya Bonnie! I'm sewing up a teacher quilt tonight while hanging out with you on Quiltcam. Did you ever used to make quilts for the teachers when the boys were in school? I am also teaching all the kids in the 4th/5th grade class to use sewing machines (picture the vintage collection going to school!) VBG They are loving it! I have a spot to keep the machines in the classroom now, since some of them sure are heavy buggers, but they all sew great!

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  60. ads do not run at the same time on all tabs...

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  61. about 2 tabs .. haven't checked the ads, but you when I did it once, I got the audio off both feeds, just a bit off, ....

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  62. I have two tabs open. They aren't playing ads at the same time. Wish I knew how to turn off during quilt cam time

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  63. Ok.. two tabs open... different ads.

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  64. I'm not sure about the same ad running because I've actually had ads that are specific to my province in Canada. Also, every once I get a French ad (I think Ustream thinks all Canadians speak French.)

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  65. Hey, Bobby! That is a favorite K T Oslin song. Bobby sounds great, BTW.

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    Replies
    1. OMG--Yes, Here come the Brides. Didn't we allll have a crush on Bobby Sherman? That smile!

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  66. LOL Bobby Sherman was for me and my friend was going to marry David Cassidy! Haha Them was the days, huh? What was that 4th grade? So funny

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  67. the adds are not at the same time and you are not synchronize between the two screens; 2 Bonnies are talking...

    Carole Y from Canada

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  68. Hey girl. In bed already. Was a tuff day at work. Stitching a binding down. Wnt make it much longer. 5:30 comes real early. Hugs see you in Ireland!

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  69. Do u sell your quilts or like me i feel its a baby when i finish one . Some times i plan one wall hanging as a gift then it turns into my drower to sleep there. lol
    My DD does not want me to use his shirts for a quilt couse not strong enough to live long as a quilt after too much hours of work. still i egnour
    SAWSAN

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  70. Hi
    Two feeds in Australia......both different timing of adds, but the same adds. When it comes back to you, there is an echo which is quite funny.
    You quilts are "timeless" in style Bonnie so they shouldn't go out of date!

    Cheers, Maree

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  71. Two tabs open. Get an ad at the beginning of opening each quiltcam. Must run every so often from the beginning and not at the same time.

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  72. Bobby Sherman was my 1st love. His birthday is day before mine July 22. He is now a police officer in San Bernardino CA.

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  73. Ok Bonnie using 2 laptops, ads at different times, feed just a second or two behind. When my Mom passed we had some of quilts on display at her service. Love the old brother, I have new brother machine, 5 breathing brothers, lol.

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  74. Hi Bonnie

    Love had such a crush on Bobby Sherman....thanks for jogging memory!

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  75. Hey Bonnie, I don't mind the ads they are no big deal. I watch ads on TV and most of what I watch on TV is not as good as Quilt Cam :) plus I would hate to lose Quilt Cam . I can't afford fees for quilt shows now so I wouldn't be able to afford you either :(

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  76. thanks for showing that eyebrow trimmer trick. Now to get that loose thread out...use another beauty aid. Gently rub an emery board across the loose threads and they grip onto the "roughness" and pull away. I use this trick all of the time.

    hugs from Grande Prairie, Alberta

    Debbie

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  77. Smart move to go to Australia in their summer. Shorts and tees leave lots of room in your luggage for fabric!!!

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  78. EEEKKKKKKK, Bonnie, you're coming to Australia???
    Where do I sign up. Yayyyy.
    Kerry in Melbourne Australia.

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  79. Anonymous10:09 PM EST

    AUSTRALIA??????? YAY!!!!!! Would love to do a class with you. Sanda in Sunny Queensland (yes it's hot in December).

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  80. When can we see a pic of the whole bowtie quilt?

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  81. Hiya Bonnie! Thanks for keeping it "cool" to be sewing on vintage machines. I love my circa 1949 White Sewing Machine that is turqoise, LOL! I finished my flying geese and was so proud to be keeping up. Now I just want to cut those 64 bricks in the morning when I'm fresh. I'm secretly hoping there are Sawtooth Stars in my future, LOL!

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  82. OOOOHhhh Bobbie Sherman!! He was the first concert I got to go to in as a freshman in high school. A friend took me for my birthday. Oh, what memories.

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  83. Anonymous10:14 PM EST

    Okay, roll on 2016 to do the class with you ;-)

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  84. are your moth blocks shirts?

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  85. Hi Bonnie, watching you on cam from New Brunswick,Canada. also doing your Easy Street and loving it.
    I wish you could tell us how you get so much done in your life. How many quilts do you do in a year?

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  86. Wahoo Bonnie! Just finished flying geese number 128! 6 North East Crazy Quilters at retreat celebrating my birthday. We are sewing with you! Pauline (Cherry Boom) in North East, PA

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  87. Hey Bonnie! I'm working on my 2nd set of Easy Street blocks. (Crazy I know!!) My brother in law died a couple of years ago and at his service we had his Minnesota Vikings quilt (that I made)on his casket.

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  88. My DD does not want me to use his shirts for a quilt couse not strong enough to live long as a quilt after too much hours of work. still i egnour
    SAWSAN

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  89. Oh Bonnie, my hubby walked in right when you said..." I love the feeling of warm fabric right after you iron it." He cracked up and said...you two are just alike!

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  90. Hi Bonnie,
    Love watching you and learning from you. I really like the iron you are using what kind is it..?
    Looks light and simple......
    Thank you for all you do!
    ORCHID from Nc

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  91. Bonnie, when I first got on tonight the feed was bad so I went directly to the UStream site and watched from there. The feed cleared up and guess what - there were no commercials. Weird - Right. Anyway I am going to try that again next time. Also when I made the screen smaller the comment feed was in a box next to the video.

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  92. I missed you tonight Bonnie :( But I'm cleaning up my Mum's beautiful Necchi Supernova. My Singer is skipping stitches & I need to find a new service person for it. Also, just wanted to say for all your viewers, the problems with viewing Quiltcam are not from Bonnie's end. It's all in how our various computer receivers are set up. How amazing is it that although I live at the bottom of Australia, I can watch & listen to Bonnie sharing her time & knowledge. It just blows me away. Thank you Bonnie!!

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  93. :-( Missed quiltcam. When is the next one???

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  94. I just wanted to send my thanks to you for the web cam last night. It was my first and it was great. I have to tell you , I found a japanese maching in the cabinet in the alley behind my house. OF course I drug it in, Since they were going to sent it to the trash heap , it is also a blue/green color. I did not even plug it in to see if it worked but I think I will. and i think if it needs some help I know where to take it to get it all fixed up.. WOW what a concept... I love your ideas of using old machines... I learned to sew on a 59 Singer model 401a and still have it ... Thanks again... Looking forward to taking your class in Plano on January 1, 2013

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