Monday, August 1, 2011

Out of the Box With Mary Lou & Mel **Giveaway**


 Mary Lou Weidman & Melanie McFarland have a fun new book out!! The first time I saw Mary Lou was in 2000 at the Sisters Quilt Show. What a fun and personable woman. Her quilts were amazing and told such great stories. Although I don't make a lot of quilts like hers I was a fan instantly!! Here is my version of a story quilt I worked on for a year after seeing her in Sisters. This was a graduation quilt I made my daughter. You can read it about it on this blog post.
Back to the newest book......
Look at a few of the wonderful projects.


 These are fun, whimsical quilts that are not as complicated as they may first seem.


How sweet are these goofy cats?!!

Since I was asked by Mary Lou to review the book I wouldn't be honest if I didn't try the methods they give in the book.

I have to admit my letters need some work. Because there isn't actually measurements given I had a little problem. I needed a bit more contrast on my first letter too, but that is operator error.  Can you read the word?
Hoochy Mama Flying Geese


Hoochy Mama monkey wrench!!
The "Hoochy mama" method for making these last two blocks was fairly easy. I have to admit I am a visual learner and learn by watching someone else do something step by step. I used the book, step by step, and made these blocks with no problems. It was clear and concise.  Oh, and FUN too!!

I give the book a big thumbs up!! If you'd like a chance to win a copy please leave a comment and I'll draw a name on Friday.
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95 comments:

  1. Frog QuilterAugust 1, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    I definitely would love to win a copy of Mary's book.

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  2. AnonymousAugust 1, 2011 at 5:38 AM

    Please sign me up for Mary Lou and Mel's new book. I have all of MaryLou's other books and would most definitely want a copy of "Out of the Box"! Thank you.

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  3. Dixie HowardAugust 1, 2011 at 5:40 AM

    One of my friends from my Primitive quilting group made one of the high heeled shoes in this book. We are so proud of her to be published! And we had such a laugh about the hoochie mamas...

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  4. NancyAugust 1, 2011 at 5:55 AM

    Oh, I would so love to win this book. I just love her work. I have two of her books and the are so inspiring.

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  5. AnonymousAugust 1, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    That sure looks like a lot of fun to make quilts for the grand kiddies

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  6. reganAugust 1, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    This style is so out of my little box, but I'm loving those cats, and I think that princess is totally cute with those knobby knees! lol

    Your quilt is gorgeous....I'll bet your daughter just loved it!

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  7. MommarockAugust 1, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    I can sure see the grandchildren having fun picking quilts from this book!

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  8. qltmom9August 1, 2011 at 6:20 AM

    Ooo, yes, please. Thank you for the chance. Please, draw "Lucy".~

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  9. BetsyAugust 1, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    Lori, I have always admired MaryLou's work. Thank you for the chance to win.

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  10. cityquilter graceAugust 1, 2011 at 6:30 AM

    i would LOVE to win this! i so admire mary lou's quilts and methods but admit too timid to try them; the book would help....(hint, hint)

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  11. SusanAugust 1, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    I've read a couple other reviews on this book and it certainly looks like a "must have"! I just love those crazy cats! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

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  12. Juliann in WAAugust 1, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    Oh please add me to the draw. I have been rediscovering my love of wonky quiltmaking.

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  13. AnonymousAugust 1, 2011 at 6:42 AM

    Oh, let's RUN with the fun and hope I win the book....those owls are calling my name.

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  14. dotAugust 1, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    I have been following Mary Lou thru her blog. O like her work and would love the chance to win her book.

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  15. MaryAugust 1, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    I would love to win a copy. It's looks like so much fun!

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  16. SheilaAugust 1, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    this looks like just the sort of book i need to get me out of my box, lots of fun

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  17. KyleAugust 1, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    Your story quilt for your daughter is delightful. Doing a "quilting stretch" is good for us once in a while to get us out of the box. Thanks for the chance to own a copy of Mary Lou's book.

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  18. Needled MomAugust 1, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    Her work is amazing. I'm afraid that I, too, have problems jumping out of the box but I love to see the fun quilts that come from it.

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  19. WhiteStoneAugust 1, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    Count me in! Thanks!

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  20. DebAugust 1, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    I'd be very interested in the book! Love those owls!

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  21. Janet O.August 1, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    Wow, Lori, this is so far out of my comfort zone, but I can't believe how fun some of these things look. The kitties and princess for sure, would be welcomed by the grandchildren.
    The quilt you made for your daughter looks great!

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  22. WoolenSailsAugust 1, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    I love Marylou's books and style and I would love to do the kitty blocks.

    Debbie

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  23. northernknitterAugust 1, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    Love those crazy cats & hoochie mamas! Your quilt is just perfect - what a great idea.

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  24. Teresa RawsonAugust 1, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    I love Mary Lou's work! (especially those cute plaid cats!!) I am so attracted to her quirky side because I'm quirky as well...long live quirkiness!!

    In stitches,
    Teresa :o)

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  25. CathyAugust 1, 2011 at 7:34 AM

    Lori I love the quilt you made your daughter. So cute. I would love to win a copy of the book. Hugs

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  26. kynomiAugust 1, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Looks like fun, and I definitely need to be a hoochie mama.

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  27. Lori LAugust 1, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    What a neat book. I love the cats quilt(at least that is what I think it is--my first thought was owls but then saw the bow ties). These would make wonderful hospice quilts. Give someone something to giggle about. I'd love to win this book and give it a try. Thanks for the opportunity.

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  28. SmeekAugust 1, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    What a fun book. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  29. Carol C.August 1, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    This book looks like so much fun!! I would love to try something so "out of the box" for me! The quilt for your daughter is wonderful!! Thanks!!

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  30. pauletteAugust 1, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    This looks like a fun book...perfect for a touch of whimsy or for a child...and who knows maybe someday I will get more than a Grand-DOG!! Actually she would LOVE that kitty quilt...
    Thanks for the chance!!
    Take care!
    Paulette

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  31. Donna~~August 1, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    Such fun fun quilts! Would love to make a few--especially those cats!

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  32. awyoungAugust 1, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    This looks like lots of fun. Thanks for the chance!

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  33. mary eAugust 1, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    first visit and wow!!!! already a chance to win a hoochy book and i'm all about hoochy. and sewing. and fabric. :>)

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  34. SewWhatsNewAugust 1, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    Congratulations to your daughter. Lots of success in her future ventures.
    The quilt is gorgeous and the book really nice. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  35. hueiseiAugust 1, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    Thanks for a chance to win the book!!! Great projects!!

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  36. Jayne HonnoldAugust 1, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    Hoochy mamma flying geese - hilarious! I love that name!

    Fun and whimsical are definitely spot on descriptions of these projects.

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  37. Miki WillaAugust 1, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    I would love to win a copy of this book. I am a big fan of Mary Lou.

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  38. BevAugust 1, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    That book looks wonderful! I love the wonky blocks.

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  39. AnnieOAugust 1, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Each of those blocks and your quilt are smile inducing. Thanks for the Monday morning grins! The quilt you made your daughter is surely precious to her--I can see that on her face.

    The free-pieced word is R-U-N!

    Thanks for having a giveaway!

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  40. MaryAugust 1, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    I love looking at Mary Lou's quilts, too. I have one of her older books and it's such fun to get it out and look at all the pictures. Thanks for the chance to win her new one and please pick me!

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  41. KarenAugust 1, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    What a great book. These quilts/blocks look like so much fun to make. I'd love to win the book and give them a try.

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  42. Linda (Petey)August 1, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Those just make me smile...and with it being a hot, miserable August already, we all need to smile. Thank you.

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  43. LuciAugust 1, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    The quilts in this book make me smile! Thanks for the chance!

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  44. JenniferAugust 1, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    This book would be just the ticket to break me out of my slump. Been working on a lot of scrappy quilts and while each one is heaven to work on, I'm in need of something whimsical and fun to mix things up. Thanks for the chance!

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  45. SharonAugust 1, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    Love your Hoochi Mama blocks, they will work well with free form letters!

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  46. NylaAugust 1, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    I would love a copy of their book! I especially love the letters and would like to give it a try!

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  47. libbyquilterAugust 1, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    just stopping by to say hi. hope all is well.
    no need to put me in for the give-away.

    :-)
    libbyQ

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  48. BethAugust 1, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    It sure does look like fun. Those geese are just too much. Love them.
    Thanks for sharing. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  49. DeborahAugust 1, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    The book looks very interesting and fun. I like the quilt you made for your daughter.

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  50. NickyAugust 1, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    At first look I thought the crazy cat faces were funny little owls! But now I see the whiskers and such!

    Cute quilts Lori!

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  51. Sandie @ crazy'boutquiltsAugust 1, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    Oh I think this would be a fun book to play with! Thank you for the chance!

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  52. PDXPamAugust 1, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    I would love to win this book. I could make some awesome quilts for the grandkids! Thanks for the offering.

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  53. Kathy HAugust 1, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    I loved the bird on the front of the book right away and then looking at what you posted from the inside, it was great. Thanks for the chance to win in your great giveaway.

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  54. Granny SmithAugust 1, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    I just love these whimsical designs and as I have just become a new granny, am on the lookout for quilty good things to make for my gorgeous granddaughter! So please count me in!

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  55. Linda in NCAugust 1, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    Sounds fun to me, too! Thanks for the great opportunity.

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  56. Quilter KathyAugust 1, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    I would love to win this book...it looks like something right up my creative alley! I want to try those ice cream cones!

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  57. pam DoergeAugust 1, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    My quilting buddy and I have been trying for 2 years to branch out of our normal quilting style, without much success. This book might be just what we need. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  58. MB in MIAugust 1, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    Love those hoochie mama blocks--thanks for this chance to win a great book!

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  59. antique quilterAugust 1, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    I would love to win this book as I saw there is a great shoe quilt in it I would love to make for my DD she will be looking for an apt soon, how fun would that be to have a shoe quilt for the ultimate shoe collector! this is one quilt she would love.
    Kathie

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  60. rebeccaAugust 1, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    MaryLou's class was a fantastic experience !! I would love to have her new book!

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  61. janAugust 1, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    Those blocks look like a ton of fun! Thanks for the opportunity to win the book!

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  62. JoAugust 1, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    After just finishing my crumb quilt, this sounds intriguing.

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  63. JoAugust 1, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  64. BillieBee (billiemick)August 1, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    What a fun book!

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  65. ClareAugust 2, 2011 at 2:43 AM

    Count me in! Mary Lou was supposed to be coming over to my part of France last month, but the visit was cancelled. A copy of her book would be make up for being unable to meet her in person.

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  66. RachaeldaisyAugust 2, 2011 at 3:52 AM

    This book looks fantastic!! I was just looking at some ice cream cones today thinking they would make a great quilt. Thanks for having such a fun giveaway!!

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  67. SueBAugust 2, 2011 at 4:24 AM

    I would love to win Mary's book. I might get me out of being so perfect in my mind on quilting. And to just have fun with it..

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  68. KathleenAugust 2, 2011 at 5:33 AM

    OOOOOOOOO....a fun fun giveaway! I've really gotten away from 'traditional' piecing and this book looks like it would be an absolute hoot!

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  69. María ElenaAugust 2, 2011 at 5:45 AM

    Nice projects! I would to win this book.

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  70. AnonymousAugust 2, 2011 at 6:00 AM

    I have a couple of Mary Lou's books --- they have great and fun ideas, though I haven't made many --- maybe someday down the road. Thanks for the opportunity.
    quiltschon@att.net

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  71. mtquilterAugust 2, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    I'd love to win a copy of this book! It looks like it has some great projects in it. I especially like the hoochy mama's flying geese.

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  72. Linda in PAAugust 2, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    I have one of Mary Lou's previous books and love it. It would be great to have this one too. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  73. Quilts And PiecesAugust 2, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Yup! I"m in! I LOVE that chicken/rooster on the cover! How cute is he! What fun that book looks like!

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  74. SherrillAugust 2, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    count me in..looks very cute!

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  75. SherryBAugust 2, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    What a cool book....I love the cats! I can see a lot of potential projects with it.

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  76. MichelleAugust 2, 2011 at 1:37 PM

    That book looks like a lot of fun!

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  77. Deborah in AtlantaAugust 2, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    Oh no, I wouldn't like to win a copy. I'd LOVE to win a copy. Thsi is just the kind of stuff I'd love to do. Pick me, oh please, pick me!

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  78. JanetAugust 2, 2011 at 5:55 PM

    What a Happy Book. In this Texas drought we need something Happy that is for sure. Thank you for the giveaway. Would love to win something.
    Janet

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  79. quiltmom annaAugust 2, 2011 at 11:55 PM

    What a fun book - I would love to win a copy of it. Thanks for the chance.
    Regards from Western Canada,
    Anna

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  80. Sally Langston WarrenAugust 3, 2011 at 12:30 AM

    I would love a chance to win a copy of the book. It looks very inspirational and I sure could use some inspiring! Your daughter's quilt is precious!

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  81. ColoradoladyAugust 3, 2011 at 6:29 AM

    I would love this book. I have been seeing lots of quilts pop up like this in blog land and want to try it!! Thanks for the chance.

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  82. ShannonAugust 3, 2011 at 6:52 AM

    The book sounds great. I would like to try to be a hoochy mama, lol!

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  83. AnonymousAugust 3, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    I LOVE this book! Put my name in the "box"!

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  84. lindaAugust 3, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    This book is so inspirational! I love it! I also would love to win it!

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  85. MicheleAugust 3, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    the book looks like FUN, FUN, FUN. I'd love to win a copy. Thank you for the chance. Michele

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  86. Kelli Fannin QuiltsAugust 3, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    Oh how I'd LOVE to win this book. :) Will keep my fingers crossed!

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  87. JillAugust 3, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    This book looks like a lot of fun! Something new to try. I would love a chance to win. Thanks!

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  88. DennieleAugust 3, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    Looks like a perfect escape from the heat! Thanks for the opportunity.

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  89. KarenAugust 3, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    This book has so much creativity - I'd love to win a copy. Thanks for sharing.

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  90. HildaAugust 3, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    I'd love to win a copy of the book! Looks like some wonderful and fun techniques.

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  91. alittlebitcraftyAugust 4, 2011 at 5:48 AM

    would love to win this book. I have her others too and had a chance to meet her once. She is awesome!Thanks for the giveaway.
    Lydia
    Razzemtaz@aol.com

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  92. ShariAugust 4, 2011 at 6:23 AM

    I just love Mary-Lou and Mel's style! Would be great to have their new book. And how could you not love a method called hoochie mama!

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  93. Liz in WAAugust 4, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    This looks like so much fun! I would be so happy to win a copy. Thanks for the chance-Liz armstrongfc at comcast dot net

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  94. LizAugust 4, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    Mary Lou has so much fun, it would be great to try a project.
    Another Liz in WA....

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  95. KarenAugust 4, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    I only wished I had taken a class from MaryLou. I would love to win one of her books.
    Thank you....Karencg

    karencg@hotmail.com

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