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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

4/23/2013 Quilt-Cam!

My bags are packed, I’m ready to go – but first a bit of sewing time!

I haven’t sat at the machine since before I left for New Hampshire..and this girl is dying to get some time in.

This is Charley…isn’t he cute?

Mary Ellen writes:

Bonnie,
Here is a picture of my newest cat, Charley. As you can see, he likes to quilt, too. I was quilting this little baby quilt and all of a sudden, I couldn't move the quilt. When I looked up, the reason was apparent.
I just love our quilting companions!
 
This is where we last left off:
 
sisterschoice1 084

Blocks for my Nephew’s Baby Quilt!
 
This quilt has no exact plan yet.  This quilt has no pattern ---YET.  But I’m working on it.  And likely after I finish it, I’ll write up the directions and post them in the free patterns section of the blog for you to make your own….but for now, it’s just a project in progress, and I am using Quilt-Cam time to make it.
 
Which brings me to another subject I wish to address quickly.  I received a comment on Quilt-Cam saying that it was nice, but it was getting boring just watching me sew—why didn’t I show cutting and pressing like some other websites?
 
Well, this is NOT CRAFTSY.  This is not a class, or a learning video teaching a set pattern or technique or skill.
 
This is ME – inviting you to share in my studio time while I make quilts for people in my life that I love.  Much like inviting a friend over for tea --- you don’t only go when she has something to teach you ((Or teach you for free!)) do you?

I don't want this to be WORK for me.  Just enjoyable sewing time that I don't get enough of.
 
Please keep in mind that I am giving up my home time --- to open my studio to you while I sew for me.  I hope that helps you understand what Quilt-Cam IS….and what it IS NOT.
 
Now let’s sew!

 

91 comments:

  1. I for one LOVE Quilt cam!! I DO NOT think it is boring, I think it is awesome that you do take the time to sew with all of us!! My 2 1/2 yr old grandson Thomas also LOVES watching "Bonnie sew kilts" He just got his first pair of scissors and is cutting construction paper right now while watching...in fact he is telling me to make Bonnie come back on because when I started this comment he could not see you!! LOL!! Just remember you can't please all of the people all of the time and there are always a few people that just want to stir the pot!! :)

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  2. I love stitching along with you Bonnie! It's like a old fashion sewing bee. I am usually working on some applique or hand quilting and enjoy sewing along!

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  3. Watching you sew tonight Bonnie. Not able to sew yet after knee surgery but soon I hope.

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  4. I really like quilt-cam time, too. You are so-o-o motivational. THANK YOU!!

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  5. I loved the workshop with you in Bethlehem! I have a renewed interest in scraps plus the pattern Oklahoma Backroads is quite addicting.
    Kathy B

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  6. Question on using shirts for quilts. If a shirt contains 65% and 35% rayon would you use it in a quilt? Until now I've been preparing shirts that are a nice quality 100% cotton (per the labels) but have a few shirts with great patterns that I would like to incorporate ... would YOU do it? Thanks for all you do! Linda

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  7. Anonymous9:11 PM EDT

    Enjoy joining you when I can. I always learn something when I do. I live alone and it feels like I am with you in the room! :)

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  8. Hi Bonnie! I love watching quilt cam and the new way with google +.
    I bought about 50 shirts at our thrift store and am in the process of "de-boning" them. They were either 10cents or 25 cents! Love it!

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  9. I love seeing your area and being inspired by your sewing. It's even more fun since I've met you. Thanks for all you do.

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    1. I'm stretching myself in the use of your kind of Neutrals in the making of my Sister's Choice for one of my new Grand-daughters that will be here the end of summer.

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  10. I was watching, but my phone is my only internet source and it is jerky. I will watch later. It isn't jerky then.

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  11. Anonymous9:13 PM EDT

    I don't know why my name didn't show up. SMAbraham55 just posted with the Garbled name ;)

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  12. Bonnie- I first seen you at Block Party in Williamsburg last summer & have been a "Bonnie fan" since then! Love just sitting listening to you! You're the best keep it up!

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  13. Until recently lived in Pittsburgh for 15+ years and the airport is one of the BEST in the country ... monorail from the plane to the main airport and the shopping mall in the middle of the airport is great!! Beaver guild you're going to see is a great group; wish I was living there still and would be in another of your workshops! Travel safely ;-) Linda

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  14. Anonymous9:15 PM EDT

    Not able to watch live QuiltCam tonight. Not liking the way I feel.. Have a safe and fun trip

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  15. Hi Bonnie! I'm so thrilled to see quiltcam going tonight.It's the highlight of my week to stitch along with you. I'm doing some paper piecing tonight. What size are the little squares within your blocks? They look about 2" finished to me, is that right?

    P.S. I love when you sing along to your music, you have a lovely voice.

    Blue Haired Daisy from Southwest Louisiana

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  16. Enjoying quilt cam as always, you get me motivated to get working on something.. there's always a ufo or 2 to work on. Safe travels.
    Thank-you Bonnie
    Gwen

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  17. Hi Bonnie...Just wanted to tell you that with out Quiltcam I would next to never get any binding done! LOL ..Thank you so much for inviting us into your corner of the world!

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  18. How hard would it be to get a bobbin case for the machine you are sewing on

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  19. Hi Bonnie. It's Mary in Canada where we are such fans if QuiltCam - DH watches with me. Putting my Rick Rack Nines together tonight. Been working in it for two years.

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  20. Hi Bonnie! YAY for Quilt Cam, and even though you don't THINK you're teaching, we are all learning plenty!

    How else would I know about Sparkling Ice Water (LOVE that stuff as soon as I found it here) and vintage machines? My "new" Singer 99 is at the shop getting a tuneup, and when I mentioned that I might be interested in a hand crank, the mechanic told me he has a couple for me to look at when I go in...fun fun fun!

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  21. Thank you for being so generous and we here in Pennsylvania are ready to welcome you with open arms by the way! I love sitting down to sew with you!

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  23. hello Bonnie, This is the first time I have caught you live!! I am cutting strips for a quilt I'm making for my niece. Love the quilt your working on!

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  24. Hi Bonnie, waving to you from Atlanta - and I'm working on cutting out an I Spy quilt in pairs for my absolutely adorable great nephew born last month! Wave to North Hills of Pittsburgh for me - we used to hail from there! So glad to be able to catch you tonight!
    Kathy O in GA

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  25. So glad to join you tonight. Small quilt group gals just left so I can join you now. Prepping paper pieced diamonds to take along to sew on to Ireland. Can't wait.

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  26. Working on 50 shades of green AKA Just Plain Nuts in green fabrics. About to call it a night. Awakened by a hysterical sister this morning. One of her labs ate a bag of coffee!

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  27. Hi Bonnie, I want to thank you for doing quilt cam. I love it and learn quite a bit. I wanted to know if I am the only one that can't actually see where you are sewing. I see right down to the where the presser foot lifter is but now below that. For some reason today it keeps stopping, must be my internet. But thanks, love quilt cam. Joyce

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  28. Hiya Bonnie!

    I'm binding a 4X4 block set of Civil War scrappy log cabins for a baby quilt and love what you are doing with your design! So far, I haven't tackled another Magnificent Midnight Flight block, but I will. Thanks again for a great time in NH!

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  29. I never find Quilt-Cam boring. I feel like I am right there sewing along with you (rather than the other side of the world where I actually am). I love "catching up" on everyone's news and I too learn some new tip or technique every single time I watch. Thanks so much for inviting me into your home Bonnie.

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  30. Hi Bonnie,
    Watching you from China!! First time I could actually catch you....12 hours difference is challenging. Love your work, thanks for sharing.
    Ramona.....we met in Florence SC where I used to live.

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  31. Working on Story Time Stars for my 3 year old great niece. Finished blocks earlier this evening. Cutting out 4 patches. Figured out webbing while watching you on quiltcam recently. Made putting these blocks together so quick. Used geese as leader enders. Learn so much from watching you! Thank you! Janice in Joelton TN

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  32. Hi Bonnie, Joining you from south central Wisconsin, where spring is finally arriving. It must be so, because I got my first wood tick yesterday. I love visiting you on quilt cam. wish I could sew along, but my sewing station is in the basement and I get no reception on the computer down there. I spent most of today working on a demo block for quilt guild tomorrow, and making mini spool leader/enders in between. They are so cute, it'w like potato chips! Loving your growing herd of vintage machines, too. I am overrun with them myself. Joined Treadle On in 1998 and have never looked back.

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  33. Love quilt cam just the way it is! You inspire me. I am working on a QOV quilt tonight in rainy cold Missouri. We have a request for 30 quilts by June for a group of Vietnam Veterans. I am thinking that the quilt you are working on will look great in red, whites and blues! I can't wait to see how it turns out. Thanks for all you do for us. Tanya in MO.

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  34. I'm working on floating stars from a swap (2005) goodness! I've sewn 200 blocks into twos and have about 316 more to go. Then turn them into fours. I've got about 100 more with 1 side w/ 1/2 sq corners and a box full of 2x2's ready to add to those.

    I'm going to start packing up the blocks for the leaders and enders bow ties - the quilt you posted this morning gave me the incentive! You give me inspiration and I've learned so much and continue to do so. I'm sending that package I (e-mailed) told you about a few months ago, dad had cancer and passed away April 6th, found the package lying on my cutting table the other day ... it will soon be on it's way.

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  35. From Christina in Cleveland
    I really like hanging out with you while we sew together separately. Feels like having someone over to sew with me and we can just chat. Or listen. Or just hang.
    Waving hello from Cleveland to you and all my friends by proxy!

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  36. Working on Story Time Stars for my 3 year old great niece. Finished blocks earlier this evening. Cutting out 4 patches. Figured out webbing while watching you on quiltcam recently. Made putting these blocks together so quick. Used geese as leader enders. Learn so much from watching you! Thank you! Janice in Joelton TN

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  37. Hi Bonnie, I'm enjoying listening to you on quiltcam tonight although I did work on Easy Street this afternoon. I have 3 rows left to do and then the borders. I tried finding on your site for your recipe for the start mixture but couldn't find it. I bought sta-flo and want to mix some up. Can you tell me the proportion you use?

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  38. This is the first time I have watched quilt cam! You just motivated me to go and do some sewing. Thank you Sam

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  39. Thank you for inviting us into your home. I appreciate being able to see you on QuiltCam because being from Canada I may never be able to meet you in real life. Meeting you in real life would be on the top of my list of amazing. You are so inspirational. Thank you again for all you do.

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  40. Good evening, thank you for opening up your studio for us. What are all those beautiful cheddar blocks in the background?

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  41. I, too, love Quilt Cam like it is! I've learned so much just by hearing you talk about your machines, answer questions that are asked during quilt cam, etc.
    About vintage machines...If you could have only one, would you prefer a singer 301 or featherweight?

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    1. Susan- I just brought home a 1956 Singer 301a and I am told it is the big sister of the featherweight. I have one of those, too. Tonight was my first night sewing on it. Both are dandy machines and though a little heavier, I could see myself taking the 301 on a retreat or to a class. I would also like to get Bonnie's opinion, but I am glad I have one of each. It is fun to have multiple machines to drive! Paula in Omaha

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  42. Maybe a zigzag border for the baby quilt, like in#II stars over shallotte

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  43. Way cool, Bonnie. I tuned in this evening to see my Charley on your web page. He's watching with me now. Don't change anything about quiltcam. I love sewing with you. Tonight I am playing, making folded log cabin blocks.

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  44. Bonnie, what is the the name of the quilt on your long arm? I absolutely love the colors and it does look very southwest-like.

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  45. Quilt Cam is perfect the way it is. I usually let the quilt tell me what borders it wants. I <3 the process. I'm working on the borders for the Scrappy Mountain Majesties. I renamed it Amazing Appalachian Mountains. I loved those mountains when. I was a kid in WV. Bless you Bonnie.

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  46. Bonnie, To me ....Quilt cam is perfect and has been since it started . I like that it is not a Class or whatever . I LOVE that it is just you sewing and talking back & forth kind of . I sew alone all the time . I 'm not in a guild or can't have sewing friends over often .Quilt cam is my Quilt bee kind of ....I get lots done ....sometimes but I ENJOY myself always . Thanks for another buddy session :)

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  47. Bonnie, I just heard you ask about size. I love 40 to 45 inch square for my grammy quilts I do. It is perfect for floor and cuddling. But if you want it for the crib or for a toddler bed I like about 45" x 60" Love this quilt you are working on...

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  48. Karen check out Bonnie's scrap users system on her quiltville site.You will find it very helpful:)

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  49. Quilt Cam is great just the way it is. I get loads of information and don't have to watch every second for fear of missing something. It is great for sewing on my projects while you sew on yours and talk and answer questions. Don't let anyone change you.

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  50. Thanks to quilt-cam I sewed along and finished the machine quilting on a tablerunner. I've been working on completing the topper since a swap in 2010!! Better late than never. Have a safe trip.

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  51. If you don't join in right away, do you have to wait until the live broadcast is over? I'm getting snow on the quilt cam screen. It's says something like "the broadcast you are wanting is still live and will be available shortly." Waaaah! I wanna hang out nowwww.. Whine over.

    I love hanging with you Bonnie. It's like having a friend over to sew together. I appreciate what you do for us for FREE! You are one generous lady and I'm grateful.

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  52. Darn...I got sidetracked and missed tonight's quilt cam. I'll go back and catch it in the next couple of days....love that I can do that if I want! I have learned great tips while watching you...so THANK YOU for inviting me into your home. I like that you sew in your basement...or "cave" as I call my space! ALSO...don't quit "telling it like it is"...that's my motto too. I like your spunk!
    Cindy in NY
    PS I bought your book for the workshop in NY and I'm patiently waiting for String Fling to arrive in my mailbox!! WOOTS!!

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  53. Love quiltcam! Watching you and listening to "all the girls" helped me get motivated! And get inspired! Thanks!

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  54. Hi Bonnie, love quilt cam. Tonight I am working on jinny beyers bom solstice. I am doing this by hand "in my spare time". I work during the day and don't get time during the day and love to quilt with you whenever I get the chance

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  55. Mavis, join live Q-cam from the blog, not utube.

    Bonnie, you know there are more fans that love you and what you share with us than those that just don't get it. Like you, Quilt-cam motivates me to get in the sewing room and get busy...so THANKS! I am notalone in being absolutely delighted with everything you share.

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  56. I think I've missed Quilt cam :( You look so very sad. I've read the comment from that woman who's bored watching you sew. I hope that's not what made you sad. I am so lucky that half way around the world I get to see you & what you do. Thank you for everything & all the time you give so freely and generously. Happy trails honey XX

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  57. I missed Quilt Cam tonight. It's a shame...there wasn't anything to watch on tv tonight.
    My husband will be bummed ....when I'm watching it on my laptop in bed it lulls him to sleep.
    He loves it!

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  58. Hi Bonnie,
    I love Quilt Cam for what it is, Girlfriend Sewing Time. I know it is a little lopsided for you! lol Keep it this way. If I want to buy a video on that site, I would. I have learned more from you just sitting and sewing with us that any of those....
    Thanks!

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  59. I love Quilt Cam the way it is. It seems exactly as you said. A time when quilting buddies get together and sew and have a good time. I always learn something that usually stems from the email, comments that you take and try to answer. I like that you read them out to folks.

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  60. I love just how you do Quilt Cam! I enjoy seeing you sew and your comments while you sew in your own personal sewing studio. Some days when I haven't had time to sit at my machine & sew I'll move my lap top to where I'm doing whatever it is keeping me from sewing that day, like folding laundry or other boring but necessary stuff & I enjoy seeing you sew! Thank you so much Bonnie for inviting us into your sewing studio to see you sew & visit w/ us & often while you do that share so many hints & tips that you use!
    Penny in So CA
    Quiltingholliday[at]aol[dot]com

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  61. Bonnie. I love Quilt Cam. As I told you the very first time you did Quilt Cam, I would watch it even if you didn't say a word. Watching you piece and listen to the speed of the machine has taught me that I don't have to sew like a bat out of Hell all the time. I have learned little tricks that I would never have tried or thought of. I have learned about color, about placement and finding the 1/4 inch seam every time. I learned not to be so damn hard on myself about my choices. I have learned that the quilt police can kiss my......! I sew without the company of girlfriends. You are my company quite often, which keeps me motivated to keep going on a project that I want to throw in the towel on. Or to go to another project to refresh my creativity and go back to that one later. I learn not to waste that scrap of fabric that I only have a tiny bite left of and use it in a quilt for someone I love or want to share my passion with. Sewing with love has always been a part of me. Sewing with you just makes it so much more fun!
    Aileen in FL

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  62. Do you do this on a schedule? I might like to plan to be ready to sew next time. I just sort of happened on this tonight. It is fun to quilt with others. My hubby would die if he knew I was planning on quilting along with someone on line :)

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    1. LOL Janet. My hubby was a little surprised the first time I joined, too, but he's been very supportive since then!

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  63. I like Quilt cam just the way it is Bonnie. You are so kind to us letting us share your home sewing time. Hugs from the UK

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  64. Bonnie - just tuned in Wednesday morning from Germany. Watched while I iced my shoulder (1 week plus one day after surgery), ate breakfast, and unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher.

    I just wanted to say that I love the pinwheel shape in the center of the spool blocks you made! I think they're too cute!

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  65. My first time watching you! Don't think you're boring either! Nice to hear your voice.

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  66. How do you decide how to go with a quilt? Knowing so many options must make it harder surely!

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  67. I cannot believe that people are complaining about Quilt Cam being boring. Well, here is a novel idea.....if that is how YOU feel, you don't have to watch it. Bonnie is kind enough to open up her private sewing time to us, and we should be thankful for that. And, I learn something new every time I watch. So, she may not be formally teaching something, but the lessons are still there. I for one love Quilt Cam, and I will be very happy to watch, as long as Bonnie is happy to keep to doing it. Thank You Bonnie for Quilt Cam!

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  68. Hi Bonnie--I am watching QuiltCam at 7:20 a.m.--
    DH is still sleeping--and I woke up early. I love that it is recorded and I can see you sewing along at any hour now!! I find your sewing very encouraging to me--if you can fit this in with all that you are doing in your life--it makes me say "Well, so can I!" It is not boring at all. I get it totally!! Thanks a hundredfold for your opening up your studio to us all Hugs, Julierose

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  69. I love the baby quilts you are making. I can't wait to see how the pattern develops. I enjoy Quilt Cam the way it is, and it is like having a friend drop in to quilt with. One of the things I had never thought about before was chain ironing. Why didn't I think of that.... Keep up the good work. Thanks for all you do and for all the things you share. It is NOT boring.
    Carole in Arizona

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  70. Bonnie, we all love you sharing your time with us. We know your time is valuable. Quilt Cam is not boring.. And thanks for sharing all of your patterns with us too!

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  71. Quiltcam is inspirational. It makes me realize WHY I need to get to quilting in busy life. My dh is working 3 hours away out of necessity now and wanted to facetime last night during live quiltcam. I had to desert you. LOL! I love that I can come back over and over now. Thanks, Bonnie, for being there for me and so many other busy women. Your new pinker Sisters Choice is lovely and now, one I have to do!

    Lucy (in IN)

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  72. Honestly, I don't know what is up with some people!!! You are the most generous quilter out there and yet there are people who are complaining?! They need to get a life and stop demanding more out of yours! You have so many followers that I doubt you will have the time to read this, but if you do, I want you to know that there are quilters out here who love and support you and treasure your books and drool over your tutorials and wish they could have your talent! Thank you for sharing and please don't let the bad eggs in this community get you down!
    Tricia

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  73. Whoever doesn't like Quilt Cam or finds it boring, just needs to not tune in. Sounds like a child who expects someone to entertain them all the time. I love Quilt Cam the way it is. I am able to sew along with you. If you were constantly teaching something, I wouldn't get any sewing done. I must say I do love the fact that I can watch it at a later time now. Especially now that my daughter has school activities every night at the end of the school year. Besides if I am really lonely and I want someone to sew with I can rewatch an episode.

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  74. I love, love, love Quilt Cam! I want you to know that!

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  75. Bonnie, I always enjoy Quilt Cam. It's fun to see what you are working on and what machine you are using. I consider it my "International Quilting Bee"--It's so much fun to be online in real time with quilters around the world!

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  76. Bonnie, please do not let negative people impact how you live your life and share with so many people who enjoy what you share and we love you. Thank you for being there, the Quilt Cam is just the icing on the cake, especially when we can watch it again should we wish too. Grateful for your generosity!!

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  77. I love Quilt Cam as it is. I do not want LECTURE CAM ;D

    And it's super to be able to watch it at anytime on You Tube.

    Thank you, thank you.

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  78. I was on a quilt retreat working on my Texas braid and there you were next to me on quilt cam. It was perfect sharing that time. Don't let the turkeys get you down.

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  79. Pigs, possums, peacocks, and porcupines... When people act like creatures please remember that the loving giving quilters who are PEOPLE know we are blessed to have you in our life.
    THANK YOU

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  80. some people have nerve is all i can say...love quilt cam just the way it is...

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  81. I agree with you Prima they do charge quite a bit although I am in on the Craftsy FREE BOM but other than that I am learning just watching FREE how to's and like watching someone doing it for a reason other than a pay check! I'd rather spend my money on fabrics & notions ect than on a class that you can find a You Tube that has a close design to what people are charging for a class!

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  82. (((((((((Bonnie!))))))))))))) You so very graciously addressed this issue! I, on the other hand would not have been so kind. As a complete bi-polar response, I am sad that infrequently am I able to watch Quilt-Cam in live forum. If/when Quilt-Cam did not peak my interest, I surely know where the red "x" resides on my monitor. I certainly hope that the positive responses far out weigh the negatives. What a loss to the quilting world it would be if you decided you didn't care to share as much and as freely as you do! love.Love.LOVE your new pink sister's choice!!! Frankly with your schedule I'm amazed at how much you accomplish. From one crazy Maine-iac, I appreciate all that you do.

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  83. And here I thought the purpose of QuiltCam was a quilting get-together. We all work on our own projects "together". Except that I don't have to lug my machine and notions and projects down 3 flights of stairs to the car, drive to the quilt store, get it all set up, and then do it all in reverse a few hours later!

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  84. I am thrilled, whenever I'm travelling to catch quiltcam (my internet here in Papua New Guinea is too slow and too expensive to watch it here). I think you are fantastic for sharing with us, and I've learnt things from just watching what you do.

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  85. Enjoyed QuiltCam tonight while making chicken fajitas for dinner and eating them too! Can't wait to see the baby boy quilts and I better get going on my spools turning into blocks too! :)

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