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Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Kitting Up & Stepping Out!

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And the cutting and kitting up continues!

I just can’t stop myself.

I absolutely LOVE taking batches of random scraps that don’t look like much and cutting them into the parts that will shine next to each other – first in blocks, and then in a completed quilt.

It’s as simple as putting on “Midsomer Murders” on Netflix, and cutting – all of the variety I need right at my fingertips in my own Scrap User’s System!

One of the questions that came in yesterday was repeated more than once, so I thought I would share since “inquiring minds want to know!”
question1

You ask, I’ll answer!

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My zip-lock obsession!

These snack sized baggies are reused and reused – each holding 2 blocks each.  It makes it easy for me to grab perhaps just 5 bags to go – if I think on this trip that it is likely that I’ll only get 10 or so blocks done during my evening time between workshops.

I don’t need to take EVERYTHING – just what I think I can do, and perhaps an extra baggie just in case.

Having things cut and kitted like this also helps me know how much is still left to do – it’s easy to count how many blocks are still left to do, just by the number of baggies in the basket.

Give it a try!

If you are planning on joining me for Quilt-Cam at 8pm Eastern tonight via Facebook Live,  you just may see me working on these blocks.  So find a copy of the May/June issue of Quiltmaker arriving to subscribers now and appearing on news stands near you. 

 If you can’t find it, it could be that we are just a tad early for news stands, so stay tuned.

While I have your attention, I wanted to bring something else up.  TWICE in the past week I have received emails from folks stating things like “I didn’t want to buy the magazine (or wait for the pattern) so I drafted it myself.”  And they sent photos!

One email even said “I saw what you were working on so I drafted it and I want to teach it at my local quilt shop.”

Even though many of my designs appear in Quiltmaker magazine I retain the copyright on my designs.

If you are just drafting somebody else's quilt (by software like EQ or even graph paper) simply because you didn't want to purchase the pattern you ARE hurting their business. Just think about it.

You are using their vision, creativity and inspiration and all of the hours of design work and stitching it took to bring that quilt together- not to mention the technical writing time involved to bring that quilt to pattern status. 


You may never have thought of this design on your own until you saw their creation in a photo.

If you want to support your favorite designers, please buy their magazines, books and patterns. Don't just draft it yourself even though you possess the mad math skills to do so. (And then email me about it!)


If it's something they are working on - not in print yet - wait!  Or at least buy the pattern when it DOES become available.

It's the truly honest way to say thank you for the designs you love.


What’s the big deal, you ask?  I am worried for our magazines.  I am doing this Diamond Tile Sew-Along as a way to promote Quiltmaker Magazine and to promote my Addicted to Scraps column which has been a running feature in the magazine for 8+ years now.  

I don’t want this to go away. Do you?

If we don’t support the magazine, there will be no magazine.  I will not have a column.  So please, will you think about it?

This also has me to the point of wanting to share less.  Because my quilts are being reproduced before I even get a chance to finish my own version of my design.  I now understand why other designers choose to keep their readers completely in the dark until a book is released.  They are protecting their designs until they have them in print for public consumption.

Anyway –thank you for listening.  This is something that has been heavy on my heart.  I have a sharing nature – I love to share what I’m working on, hoping it will inspire you – but  when, in the end, it hurts me – hurts my business, hurts those who publish me – I have to choose to do some things differently.

Please buy the magazine if you want to play along.  Drafting someone else’s design is like sneaking into the movie without paying for your ticket.  Thank you.


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On yesterday’s “Get Some Air!” walk!

It was chilly, but lovely!

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And oh, that sky!!

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And I love this purple!

It matches the quilt that is still NOT in the machine.

I couldn’t load the quilt – my scraps were all over the table side of the long arm – but today.  Maybe today.

Does anyone know what this purple ground cover is called?  Mona wants to plant some and I don’t know.

I’m looking forward to some Quilt-Cam time with you tonight. Don’t forget!

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Quiltville Quote of the Day!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday, friends!



98 comments:

  1. I think that purple is moss phlox. Love growing, spiky leaves. I love to see your spring pictures. We're still waking up to freezing temperatures here in CT. Which is ridiculous in the middle of April. It's not northern Vermont. We are even to have snow flurries again this week, so the pictures if spring blooms are balm for my winter weary soul.

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    1. In my neck of the woods it is called "creeping phlox" and is one of my favorites. Several colors.. this red, a pink, a blue, a purple, or a white.

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    2. Another name is ground phlox.

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    3. Pass on to Mona that there's also a "tall" phlox, so if she wants ground cover, be sure to get the 'creeping' type.

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    4. It is call
      thrift ground cover

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  2. The common name in the south for the purple stuff is 'Thrift' and I have noticed it looks amazing this year. Guess the weird weather agrees with it!! And, those folks who 'steal' your designs. What are you gonna do? They are few and far between so just overlook it. Know that because of reading your blog EVERY MORNING (I worry if you are late in posting, lol) I subscribed to the magazine. So there is a little positive reinforcement for you!!!

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  3. I so appreciate what you share with us and I try to respect your copywrites. That is the main reason I made my Straits of Mackanac quilt a leader ender project. I did not want to finish it until your book comes out at the end of this year. You are very generous with what you share and I do appreciate it. Thanks so much.

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    1. I just follow along with Bonnie K Hunter and watch what she is doing. To me it's like a mystery watching her sew each piece of a block together and then into squares. Then wonder just what is she making. A matter of fact if you were to look close she is actually working making two quilts at the same time when sewing together the leaders and enders.

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  4. Because of you, I subscribed to Quiltmaker. My first issue arrived this week. Your column is why I wanted it. I wasn't aware of people drafting their patterns after you showing yours. Sorry it's been heavy on your heart.

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  5. Well said regarding copying designs, patterns, etc. It is theft! I subscribe to Quiltmaker specifically for your Addicted to Scraps column. I appreciate everything you share and believe you are completely justified in keeping whatever you choose secret until publication. It is YOUR intellectual property.

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  6. I have that exact color of creeping phlox in my front flower bed, however, here in Michigan we still have the possibility of snow forecasted for next week and temps struggling to get into above 35, so it will be a while until I get to see them. I just received my Quiltmaker magazine last week. I so look forward to it's arrival. I admire your work, willingness to share, and sure do wish I had half of your energy. Blessings to you.

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  7. Bonnie, just my 2 cents worth. Keep your patterns to yourself! I get qiltmaker magazine, buy your books, patterns, rulers and zip bags. It's called making a living!!

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  8. I love getting my Quiltmaker Magazine every month and guess whos column I seek out first! Love the new block and keeping it all in order with Ziplocs

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  9. The purple plant is called creeping phlox up north. Here in the south it is referred to as Thrift.

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  10. thanks for the reminder....i honestly forget sometimes...

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  11. just like the acronym EGR "extra grace required" for dealing with certain personalities there should be ERR "extra reminders required" for dealing with quilters who like to share and be helpful. Most are trying to emulate you.

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  12. Just think, a yearly subscription to the magazine is likely no more than the cost of a yard of fabric these days! Very worthwhile to support not only Bonnie, but the magazine overall. I've got my issue! I appreciate all that Bonnie does for us!

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  13. I subscribed to Quiltmaker specially for your column. In Minnesota we call that plant creeping phlox. We won't see them here for awhile--mine is under a foot of snow, and lots of snow in the forecast for the weekend.

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  14. Just looked it up. It is called Creeping Phlox https://www.americanmeadows.com/perennials/phlox/creeping-phlox-purple-beauty?adpos=1o5&scid=scplp7537&sc_intid=7537&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5LbWBRDCARIsALAbcOdTwCrPJuSxU9XhPR_ektGAmhs2N3p_suTCSR6JIaEbOPDqTIPCl2caAo

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  15. I have that plant growing in my yard as well and didn't know the name of it, thanks to your readers I now know it. I do not buy magazines but I do look through all your patterns that you show on your blog and if I find one I want to make I purchase your book - I didn't realize how much less commission you get when purchasing a kindle format or from amazon prime for the print format - thanks for mentioning that awhile back - I didn't realize it was so much less than purchasing directly from your site.

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    1. Thank you. Most don't know that just like a shop, I have to buy my books at wholesale so I can sell them at a discount on my site. If someone buys from Amazon or through another online shop or brick and mortar store I get a small commission - amounting to about 90 cents per book or less. If you want to help your designer friends, buy from them directly. If there are 12 patterns in a book, and the royalty is 90 cents your designer is making only 7.5 cents per pattern if you don't buy from them. We really can't make a living wage on royalties. :)

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    2. Wow! I did not know that. It's great to buy books at a discount, but not if your favorite designer quits writing books because they can't make a living! Thanks for enlightening us.

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  16. I subscribe to Quiltmaker magazine for your articles. Thank you Bonnie for your generosity and creativity to inspire me. Always look forward to your posts and patterns.

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  17. Joining others who have purchased Quiltmaker's for your column. I have budget limitations & just can't purchase every magazine out there. Following your blog, Facebook, & patterns I have learned so much about scraps & patchwork. Every scrappy project remindes me of my mother & her 4 sisters, quilters all. On another note, have you watched the Artful Detective & the Miss Fisher Mysteries? I find these on the cable station Ovation. Love the images of the Dogwoods & Redbuds. Reminds me of my home State. Hugs (((())))

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  18. I posted this on the Facebook post as well - I get a kick out of deconstructing a block to see how it goes together, but if the quilt is something I want to make I still buy the pattern. I feel like a man is worth his wages, and I respect the work and honor it by buying the pattern. I find it insulting when you are showing something off that you made and some cheap-o snitty bitty comes by and says "Oh, I can make THAT" like you just spit on the sidewalk. The designer has a right to be paid for their knowledge and skill. If you're so cheap to not buy patterns there are plenty of free patterns out there. Get one of those.

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  19. Bonnie, I can understand why you needed the reminder. It is very disheartening to have someone come up to you and say they love you pattern. Then turn around and say everyone in their guild did a workshop day and made it (one pattern purchased and copies made). I don’t design much anymore. I have even had people stand right in front of me and tell their friend, “oh i’ll make you a copy”. Do what you need to do, even if it’s not sharing until published.
    Mary in Wa.

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  20. I know the purple plant as creeping phlox. My mother and grandmother would grow it on the road banks in front of their houses. People driving by would stop to take pictures. It comes in a wide variety of colors. It did well on the road banks in full sun, dry conditions, and the poor red clay soil of south west Missouri.

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  21. First Thank You. I feel in love with the diamond block and order me a subscription to Quiltmaker's yesterday in hopes that it will arrive with this issue so I will have your pattern. You are one of the most generous quilt teachers and if we don't support the industry we will be left with no new quilters to inspire us.

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  22. Anonymous11:06 AM EDT

    Great reminder. You do spend many hours one your blocks and patterns and you deserve credit for it. I for one never want you to go out of business!I buy Quiltmaker at my local quilt shop-got to support them too! And you are the reason I buy it-I love your column. I love this block - and since I am going on a quilt retreat in a couple of weeks I am going to work on kitting up some blocks to bring with me.
    Thank you for sharing all the color and outdoor color - here on Cape Cod, Mass, we are grey and dreary and cold - with snow showers occasionally!

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  23. I remember selling sewn items at craft fairs and people wanting me to lower my prices to less than what materials cost. Or looking at what I had done and telling me they could make it cheaper. I'm like so do it then. Or telling me the same thing was for sale at another booth for less. I'm like so buy it there. And then bringing that item back to show me they had gotten it cheaper at the other booth but saying they really liked mine better but I just wouldn't lower my price!!! I like your patterns & I buy your books to get them.

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  24. I've been a Quiltmaker subscriber for many years; way before you were a columnist. I love the mag; but I love your column even more. Thanks to your column, I've now purchased your books, cleaned out my sewing room, given away all my stash - or most of it anyway. I've got out my barrels of scraps, ironed them all, cut them into the appropriate shapes, and begun to work on your quilt designs. I love the scrappy look, and I will publish my photos of my work as I continue. I am having more fun in my "hobby" room now than I've had in the past twenty years. You are very much appreciated and I love your designs.

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  25. The purple flower looks like DIANTHUS.

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  26. I am a QUILT subscriber from way back! When you did the Moth in the Window for the column, I saved it. I still bought the book when it came out. Cheering you on!!

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  27. Love seeing spring flowers. It will be another month here in Alaska before we have anything beyond pussy willows. I was just exclaiming my joy that the driveway is nearly clear of snow.

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  28. You are absolutely right. These are your designs. We are so lucky that you are so generous with all your FREE patterns. You certainly could of sold them and we would of bought them. I subscribe to Quiltmaker mainly for your column. I rip them out and put them in a binder and store it with all your books that I own. Don't change, Bonnie, you do so much good for so many. Don't let the bad apples spoil and win. Us, good apples need you. Thank you.

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  29. I have received Quiltmaker for years and years. It is my favorite quilt magazine. Always look forward to see what block you have included for that issue. thanks for being a part of the magazine and for helping all of us quilters with your blog. You are truly inspirational.

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  30. Pretty sure that is phlox, but I'm far from an expert.

    I'll be buying a copy of Quiltmaker to get that pattern. Totally understandable to expect to be paid for your work, I expect to be paid for my work too. I love that you share so much with us.

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  31. Your column is the main reason I subscribe to Quiltmaker and I give it as a gift to friends and family. I can't wait for the new book and am appalled that people think it is acceptable to STEAL other people's work. That's what it is-stealing. Proud Bonnie supporter!

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  32. I have this plant in my flower beds, it is wonderfully beautiful, short lived flower, but non the less beautiful. We in the North East call it creeping flox. It is hardy and a perennial - one of the reasons I love it so much! Also, it spreads a bit each year which is also wonderful. It does come in different shades of purpley-pink and white-ish also...the greenery stays green throughout the summer months as well.
    I can believe that people do that (draft the pattern before it's release), but what I find hard to believe is that they actually emailed you to tell you this - AND that they are going to TEACH IT TO THEIR GUILD!! Takes a lot of nerve. Since you have a copyright, that is an infringement! From what I have seen of you on QuiltCam (wonderful by the way!!), I am sure that you really do not want to push this issue currently - but I have to say that I don't blame you for your post and/or if you pursue it. Please keep doing what you do, we all (at least most of us) really admire you and support you no matter the issue. We feel your pain when you are in pain and we feel your joy when you share it as well. I know I am heading to the store to pick up my copy of QuiltMaker Magazine very soon!

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  33. Phlox stolonifera. I gave the Latin name for creeping phlox to distinguish it from the upright phlox. The flowers are the same but the growing habit is different.

    I totally agree with you about buying the magazine. It is inexpensive and if you don't want the paper version, buy the digital edition. I have been doing this more and more of late as the decluttering bug has taken hold in my old age.

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  34. I agreed about buying the patterns. In fact when I see a quilt I like on a website, the first thing I do is to look and see if a pattern is offered, and if it is I will buy it.
    What puzzles me is when only the kits are offered.

    We all know that a pattern will be in the kit itself.
    I just wish that the people who only offer kits would stop and realize that they could probably sell more individual patterns if they would just offer them!
    if the fabric is lovely and I already have a pattern, I would be happy to buy just the fabric. Heck, even when I don't have a pattern I will buy lovely fabric just to have it when "the pattern" comes along.

    I am all for giving pattern designers and fabric designers my business provided they in turn give me an opportunity to buy from them.

    For heaven's sake, if the designers print good patterns, the patterns alone will sell themselves.

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  35. I am at an age when I need to de clutter and have stopped my subscriptions to most magazines. That being said,
    you should know the only reason I still subscribe to Quiltmaker is because of your column. I look forward to it, because I too am addicted to scraps!

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  36. Bonnie, your post inspired me to re-subscribe to Quiltmaker magazine. I let my subscription lapse because I primarily make “modern” quilts these days. But I really enjoy your scrappy block column, so I want to support the mag that publishes them. I miss the “Scrap Squad” of years past. I think a magazine entirely dedicated to Scrap Quilts (not just a special issue) would be very successful.

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  37. I am another who subscribes to "Quiltmaker" solely for your designs and have been since you first appeared. Also am purchasing your books as well, when I have money to do so. Bonnie, Thanks for all you do..

    - Darrell, one of your male fanatics.

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  38. The Purple flower is creeping phlox. It is a perennial that comes back every year and it multiples. Often it can be too invasive and people dig it out and will often give to some to a friend. It's great way to a variety of perennials at low cost. It is fun to trade plants with friends,neighbors and family. I've done this for years. My grandmother gave me some phlox in the early 80's. she has since passed but every time I look at them I think of Her. I have also been gifted or trade for Peonies, hosta and many other Plants. It is like I have all my friends and family with me in the garden. I just love trading plants.

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  39. I am too lazy to draft my own. I wait for my subscription to come but it is late. Contacted them, they are sending me a new one.

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  40. I read your blog daily for my moment of bliss, especially on teaching days. Right now I am in a row robin - instead of a round robin - and the length of each row has to be 40". Gads, that's hard. So, I re-checked your free patterns, and Little Monkey will work! Yay! But now, I need to recheck your Diamond TIle pattern to see if it will work too. Sheesh, this is hard when 40 is not a multiple of 2 and 3. THanks for all your patterns.

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  41. Stealing a designer’pattern is wrong.

    Writing to her to taunt her about it as about as tacky as a person can get.

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  42. Don't jump my case for asking this. I don't know which of Bonnie's patterns was bootlegged, and I'm not suggesting that it is ok that anyone did that. However, her post reraised a question I've wondered about for years: How can anyone today "own" a block that has existed for a couple hundred years? When does it transition from a common block in the public domain to one person's copyrighted, intellectual property?

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    1. I was wondering this too. Thanks for asking -- hopefully someone will answer. I think the copyright issue might be complicated.
      Also, I can understand that some people just might not be able to resist the challenge of doing their own drafting, especially if they've invested in a program like EQ. If they felt they were "stealing" something they certainly wouldn't proudly send a picture to Bonnie!
      I like to support designers and authors, and I purchase more patterns and quilting books than I should!
      I'm constantly amazed at all that Bonnie gives us. There is always new inspiration on Quilt-Cam and the blog. So happy to have discovered her!

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  43. About a year ago I decided not to renew my quilt magazine subscriptions. I have so many magazines in this house I don't know what to do with them all. But the one that I do miss is QuiltMaker. I thought I could pick it up now and then at my local grocery store or Walmart but that is not the case. They do not seem to carry it at all in this town and even when I have traveled and looked for it I've been unable to find it on the shelves. When you start a pattern like your current one I just wait for the book to come out and get the whole thing. I'm paying you to figure the amount of fabric needed, number of squares needed, number of each piece needed, etc. You've done all that work that I appreciate so much the least I can do is pay you for it is how I look at it. And what quilts of yours have I made you might ask? One of the free pattern quilts and a mystery quilt. LOL! I love your blog and look forward to reading it every morning. I realize as I type this, buying your books is my way of paying you for my few moments of quilt enjoyment each morning. Thank you Bonnie! I'm looking forward to the release of your next book.

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    1. I feel the same way: I read the blog but, in my case, I don't make the free mystery quilt each year. Even though Bonnie has provided an enormous wealth of resources in the Free Patterns section on her website, I make a point of buying every book as it comes out. It's my way of directing income to her to acknowledge her efforts and her impact on my own quiltmaking.

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  44. I am a longtime subscriber to QUILTMAKER magazine, even before your column appeared. I love Quiltmaker. I also subscribe to most other quilting magazines. In addition, I purchase several Special Publication quilting magazines. I am worried about the future of the magazines, too. My only complaint is now that many of the magazines are owned by the same company, they will put the same pattern in several magazines. Quiltmaker published "Wonky Nine Patch" by Carolyn Beam. Then it appeared in at least two other different magazines I subscribe to. I really wish this wouldn't happen. It makes me consider if I need to subscribe to as many magazines as I do. Plus I wish Quiltmaker would publish "alternate cutting instructions" using specialty rulers for the blocks in your column. Thank you for your inspiration!!

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  45. Anonymous2:42 PM EDT

    I too, keep my subscription to Quiltmaker, just for your column. When it first came out, I didn't know about you, but liked what I saw. And then I saw you were coming to Tucson to teach at our guild. I took time off work to be one of the first ones to sign up for both days of classes and I became a devoted fan after that. If I see a quilt that I like, I ask what is the pattern, then google it and find a place to buy it, if I can't buy it locally, but always from a quilt shop to help keep them in business. It's all about help others to make a living.

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  46. I did buy the magazine, albeit I did change the pattern, somewhat. (I am safe from chastisement, right?) BTW we call that flower creeping phlox.

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  47. I subscribe to Quiltmaker and my kids and hubby make sure I keep current with your books. If you respect people and what they do then you don't cheat them. If you don't want to spend the money then why are you quilting? There are cheaper hobbies.

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  48. I bought the magazine at Safeway a local grocery store in the Bay Area of California yesterday.

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  49. Bonnie, I loved the Diamond block and went to Quiltmaker's site to order the mag and then got distracted. Your blog has reminded me to go back and order a subscription. You share so so much with us whether it is knowledge, love or hope. I do appreciate it. Thanks! Loretta McGinn

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  50. Bonnie, I love your blog and all you do for us. I wanted to tell you I went to the Quiltmaker site and tried to order the PDF of the issue your Diamond block is in and it was not on the site yet. I would love to order it and I know how important these things are to your work as well as others. I have every book you have authored. Thanks again for all you do. If you could put the link to the issue for sale at PDF, I would be grateful.

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  51. I so understand your rant. It is one thing to copy someone's vision, quite another to email them a photo of the block! Egads, I can't say I wouldn't have responded with a fiery response. I think you have handled the issue well here. I hope to someday buy one of your books. But right now I have so many patterns already purchased I am never going to come up for air!! And, I have nowhere near the necessary scraps!

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  52. This is a topic that really gets my dander! Over twenty years ago as I was trying to get patterns published of my original work, before I could finish my quilts to be photographed, someone who had seen my "in progress" work stole EVERYTHING and had them in print before I could. I was busy working another job, raising young children, etc. She was young, single and could devote full time to quilting. Couldn't afford to fight her with legal action. But learned a valuable lesson, trust no one and work on original designs in private sharing with no one - not even someone you think you can trust.

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  53. I subscribe to Quiltmaker and have for over 30 years; I have all your books (so far, can't wait for the next one!) and my personal rule for all designers is, if I like one of their patterns, I purchase it. THEN I play with it in Electric Quilt if I want to do something different with it. I'm giving credit where credit is due that way. My quilt may look completely different in the end, but the inspiration came from someone else's work and they do deserve to profit from that.

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  54. As I'm in New Zealand I subscribe to Quiltmaker mag as a digital copy., I think it's about $13 or $14. It's cheaper for me this way, the whole subscription is the cost of one magazine (Nzd$20) at the NZ store as it's expensive to post to us in NZ. The extra bonus is I don't have piles of magazines lying on my sewing room floor. I just print out the page I need and we all know which page that is :o)

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  55. Hi Bonnie, Thank you for sharing with us. We love it! ❤️ The pink groundcover is Creeping Phlox, (Phlox subulata). The variety is ‘Red Wing’ 😉

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  56. Hi Bonnie, I am a subscriber to Quiltmaker just for your column. I am so sorry that there are people in our world who like to abuse others in thought, word, or deed. But some times I think people do it from lack of knowledge of how things work. I was thankful for one of your past blogs when you told me about percentages with Amazon! I was aghast!
    We appreciate all your hard and shared ideas. God bless you.

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    1. I agree with you Susann. I too did not understand how little the royalties are and I was VERY glad when Bonnie shared that information on her blog. Now I know to purchase directly from the designer. It is just one more way that Bonnie teaches the world about quilting...and so much more!

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  57. I respect a quilt teacher who either teaches her own unique patterns or has class participants purchase the needed pattern for the class. When your teacher does that it indicates that he or she has respect for intellectual property.

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  58. Ooh phlox. I recently dug mine up because we had the border changed to turf - I didn't want to lose it so it's in the greenhouse and about to burst into flower! I am rather jealous of your blue sky too. A rarity here this year. Anyone want to share our rain?
    As for the meanness of some people - thankfully they are few and far between, but it doesn't make it right. The PDF downloads are quite reasonable with regard to pricing. Just buy the download when you can afford it. Makes it all the more special when you've saved up for the pattern. Or buy the books and have more patterns! :D

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  59. I just ordered a subscription to Quiltmaker yesterday as I didn't want to miss anymore issues.I can never find it on the newsstand. I notice that there are less and less quilting magazines on the newsstand. The ground phlox are beautiful.

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  60. That flower looks like phlox to me too. Thank you for all that you do. I would hate for Quiltmaker to go by the wayside. As a matter of fact, I subscribe just so I can get your addicted to scraps column. Your blocks are so creative and different. Thank you for sharing your creative gift with us....

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  61. Quiltmaker is the only constant quilting magazine I subscribe to. It was because of your articles ,that I saw, when I first started quilting that I have every issue since 2009 and plan to keep my subscription going. You are my inspiration for quilting. Thank you so much for all you do for us.

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  62. I love everything Bonnie does.I buy whatever you put out, I might change things but you deserve designer credit. THANK YOU for everything. Do what you need to do.

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  63. I've purchased several of your books through your website, even though I haven't made a single one of those quilts. Why some may wonder? Because I've done several of your free mystery quilts. It's the right thing to do. And yes, I do intend to make some of them with the shirts I'm collecting :-) I've also subscribed to Quiltmaker for your column.

    Thank you for what you do. And if you need to refrain from sharing in the future because it is in your best interest....then you should do so!

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  64. Bonnie, first thank you for your creative and beautiful designs. what a horrible thought you must have when people do such horrendous acts of basic stealing... and then show you their pics. So sorry this is happening and yet so glad you are able to write about it and hopefully bring it to the conscious of the offenders. The magazines and you, as a creator of beautiful works of art, are the ones that are suffering. Hopefully your writing of this will fix most of the problems. Thanks again for sharing your talents, your life, and love. V

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  65. I finally found Quiltmaker at the market today. Not sure when I'll get home - vacation ends Sat., but will then be going to see my new grandson! He came a month early, but is doing great. I might be there a week, I might be there 3. Can't wait that long and doubt DH will want to mail mine. Bonnie's column is what drew me to Quiltmaker years ago!

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  66. quiltmaker arrived today (NZ) i also ordered this because of your column and love the fact they also give you quilting instruction. quilt as required means absolutely nothing to me I had no ideas whatsoever

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  67. Well, Barnes and Nobel do not yet have the magazine so......... I went today just to get it......

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  68. My mom always called this purple flower "Thrift". My sister and I used to love it too and we chased the bees (I know, not smart) and butterflies that it attracted. lol

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  69. Bonnie, you are so very right to talk about this kind of theft that goes on in the creative world. Every one gets excited about the Chinese stealing intellectual property from the U.S., yet many think nothing of copying a pattern or idea. It is--plainly put--stealing and nothing else. Last I heard, stealing is wrong, no matter what form it takes. I agree with others that you should do what you need to do to protect yourself and your very creative ideas. Thanks for all you do everyday.

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  70. The big quilt fabric companies need support too. Buying fabric from quilt shops is part of the support.

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  71. Thank you Bonnie for the info,I never knew this about where you buy your books.I have gotten from your store but also Amazon.I apologize for that.So very sorry about
    Others who take the fun away from your patterns.I haven't even started on any of your quilt patterns yet.But the books are great and so colorful and cheery too look through .Brightens my day 😊☺
    I really hope your followers stop and think about all the time and money that goes into what all you quilt designers do.Respect these artists everyone and purchase their work unless given too the public free.Your Blessed Bonnie and the Lord will help you through this.I love your photos of the pretty trees in bloom and the pink phlox.(I can't keep flowers going here on farm.)I put potted plants on my deck.Only plant perennials when able too.Probably will watch Quilt cam next Monday.I have great grandson to care for this weekend starting this evenng.Keep your smile on and keep doing what you love to do so glad you posted this info about the patterns and what is happening out there.Have a Great Day and Can't wait til your new book is come out.I will order from you and I would love your signature and a quote from you put in it too if that is ok😊💕🌷

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  72. I just wanted you to know that I may have to move out of my house I have so many quilt books. I am addicted, and I agree we must support those in the quilt industry.

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  73. I was out shopping yesterday, (Wednesday April 11) and I looked for the Quiltmaker magazine with your column and the diamond scrap pattern... it was out and of course I did buy it. I believe in supporting the artists I love and follow, as well as the companies that also support those artists.

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  74. I subscribed to Quiltmaker just because of your column and have just re-upped for another 2 years. I love the block you have just shown and was so happy to receive the current issue! I especially like it when you also tell us which ruler works well with the pattern too. I have purchased almost all of your rulers, I think, and also more that you have recommended from time to time. It's wonderful when you tell us which ruler works well with a particular pattern. I hope Quiltmaker knows just how many of us buy their magazine because of your column!

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  75. How do you begin to put the scraps together for a block? Grab a scrap, then look for others to go with it? I have the scrap savers system set up, ready to use, but then am stymied how to select from that.

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  76. How sad that people are steeling patterns. To me it is stealing. You share so much already with all of us for years and years. I am grateful for yoi. Made many lab quilts for Hospice from your free patterns. I also crochet for Hospice! It keeps my hands busy and I love doing it.
    G-D bless you Bonnie!
    Love, Yoka Bazilewich

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  77. I have tons of books and patterns. Can’t get enough.......but I do sometimes borrow books from the library. Is that considered a problem?

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  78. I enjoy your blog every morning with my coffee. I do subscribe to Quiltmaker and have the pattern. I am always amazed at all you accomplish in just a day in your very busy life. Thank you for all you do and so generously share. It seems though there are a few who have to be ugly about things, don't let them put a cloud over your sunshine.

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  79. Hello, from Louisiana! I just wanted to say that I recently started subscribing to a couple of magazines, and Quiltmaker is one of them. I love every quilt in the magazine - just wish I didn't have a job so I could sew all the time and get these beauties all done! I can't wait until the end of the year when I do retire, and hopefully you will be coming to a location close to me so I can attend one of your workshops! Thanks for all you do!

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  80. The ground cover is Phlox...we have blooming trees but it is soooo chilly here in the PNW

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  81. Bonnie, I read this today with a happy heart. Because I was going to sugges to my guild we do this block, the new one in the latest issue of Quiltmaker as a group along with you and tell them all to get the Magazine to follow along. And now, I know when I suggest it, I was right to say 'get the pattern here!! I get teazed a bit for following your patterns, they are amazed that I use such 'small' pieces. BUT saying that, when I do sew 'normal' sized pieces together, they just seem to take so long under that needle!!!! At tonight's guild meeting I plan to show my version of "Fair and Square" and also the flimsy of "Four Patch X". These quilts were not only fun to make, they were at the top of my Bonnie pile to get done and am going to be sew happy to get to the others now!!! Love to see your work, insperation and just the joy you give so freely. Thanks for the love Bonnie. And know I am sending it right back to you!!!

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  82. Anonymous5:46 PM EDT

    Am so glad you brought up the copyright issue also known by the name of "Theft of another's designs or ideas" ... having someone make copies of a pattern that is still under copyright in order to pass it out to others, especially when they are teaching it in a pay-for class makes my teeth grit. I've also had someone stand in front of 1 of my original designs and draw it and then make it and enter in a local contest! GRRRRRRRR!
    Too bad one can't report those folks so they get a ticket at least more costly than the purchase-able book or pattern ...

    Has no one considered ASKING a designer or author for permission to use their work?

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  83. I really appreciate and admire your words, designs and ideas. You and your fellow designers deserve recognition and compensation for your efforts. Long live you and your quilts.

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  84. I subscribed to Quiltmaker because of you and I have given gift subscriptions to my quilting friends. I have found that it is my favorite quilting magazine. I can't imagine being so bold (or is it stupid) as some of the people you have described. Wonder if they take a book & photocopy it & sell it? I admire designers for the work they do. To take their designs is stealing.

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  85. Maybe you will have to at least not share an Addicted to Scraps block before it comes out, especially if you haven't actually made the quilt yet. People love your quilts so much that they can't always help themselves if they know how to draft blocks. I know showing the block ahead of time is good advertising for the magazine, but there is a limit. Just as the mystery quilt is a gift especially for those that have a lonely holiday season, your free patterns are a gift to those who can't go out and buy a lot of magazines and books. These, I am sure help sell your other patterns, because these show people how well you write your patterns. A small group are always going to copy, but another bigger group are very appreciative of the free patterns that give them inspiration, and an inexpensive chance to make quilts. Some quilters want exact copies, while most need inspiration, and another group want to provide their own inspiration.

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  86. I have a friend who always wants me to copy the patterns I buy, and give the copy to her. She should know better, since her hubby is a lawyer. She gets mad when I won't make her a copy. Hey, how is the pattern designer supposed to earn a living? It's not like they get much from each pattern sale anyways. I do draft many of my quilt patterns, but, they are usually made from old quilt blocks that have been around for decades or longer. It's nice to buy a pattern, and have someone else do the math, etc. Well worth it. I redrafted your Tulip pattern (much larger) but, I purchased the book first. You got paid and I got a larger block. Both of us were happy.

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  87. Love you work, Bonnie!!! I'm becoming a scrapaholic too I think! I was at a "show and tell" at my fabric store recently, and what did I see!? An exact replica of your blog quilt! Although I didn't know the gal, I shouted that "Wow! you must be a Bonnie Hunter fan!!!" So cool! (I wanted to share the photo, but I don't know how to do that?)

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