Sunday, January 22, 2023

The Art of Riding Thermals: Villa Rosa Designs Blog Hop

Welcome to my stop on the first ever Fast and Fun Blog Hop with Villa Rosa Designs.


I was really pleased to be asked several months ago to be a part of this blog hop by Bernie of Needle & Foot. Make a quick quilt? Help out a designer? Be part of a hop? Sign me up!


The hop is based on a bundle of five super-quick quilt patterns. I chose Snow Goose and made it à la Sandra.

You can get all five patterns on sale right now by clicking here. If you are new to Villa Rosa Designs, as I was, then you might want to check out this link, which takes you to their shop where you can find... wait for it... over 500 of these postcard-sized fast quilt patterns. I had to look twice and scroll to a second page to believe my eyes: TWO DOLLARS per pattern. The instructions fit on a postcard. The quilts are super-fast.

When I was first asked to participate in the hop, I thought, cool, a quilt pattern on a postcard. Nope don't think I know VRD.
Then, when I sat down to write this post, I thought, wait a minute.... I feel like I may have made one of Villa Rosa Designs... I remember making a super-fast, easy quilt several years ago where the instructions were on a postcard that came in with the kit of fabrics... Yes! I made Cloud Nine back in 2013! (smacks self in forehead) You can check it out by clicking that link. Ten years later, here I am in a hop for them!

First dilemma: HOW to pick just one of the five to make?? I was drawn to Snow Goose because I do love flying geese, and I do love blues. My quilt did not end up being a runner and did not end up being blue. Those of you who know me, know that quilts talk to me all the time, and this one was no exception!

Last dilemma: The name -  Updraft/ Thermals/ Rise/ Wing It, were all possibilities.
The final name of the quilt came when I was researching how birds use updrafts. An article on Inside Science gave me the phrase 'The Art of Riding Thermals' which describes so eloquently what birds do to soar higher, without flapping their wings. The animal kingdom is so smart.

I knew that I wanted to put my own spin on the pattern by making the runner into a quilt. I wanted either a gradation of the geese or a rainbow, so I googled rainbow geese to see what would come up. Lots and lots of fun images. One block that caught my eye, because I love layered designs, is one I can no longer find! I think it was by Sherri McConnell but I can't find it now.
Update, Monday January 23: Guess what was in my Pinterest email this morning? And I don’t even have an Alexa or Google snoop thingie! Someone else’s rendition of Sharon’s Color Girl Quilts (not Sherri—welcome to my menopausally challenged mind) block. I firmly believe in giving credit, even if the end quilt is not quite the same as the original inspiration. I’ve seen my share of quilt design theft over the past few years… Like my block, hers has rainbow geese, but flying over grey on one side and white on the other, though her white and grey rectangles are longer, and she didn’t do a rainbow within each block.

I knew I would use my Island Batik stash and boy, am I glad I did. All but a couple of the batiks are theirs. Glorious clear colours. Here was my original block that I showed on Instagram:

Mine was rectangular, however, and the pattern is for square blocks. What to do? Head to EQ. (rhyme not originally intended) I drew the original Snow Goose block with five geese, not six as I had first tried, in EQ8 and started playing. A 16-block layout would yield a 40" quilt before borders. Oh MY, are there ever a ton of possible layouts. I settled on the one that had a sort of plus block with the geese swirling over it. Four black on the outside or four white? Another decision to be made. Black it was. I had fun throwing in several off-white patches to interrupt the starkness of the white, and to make you look again. Here's the flimsy:

The quilt gave me a few overnight sessions of 'letting it percolate' on the design wall before it was at the stage above. I had a brilliant idea to incorporate the (formerly ditched) purple goose into the final border. That meant I had to make eight purple sections, because there are eight aqua geese that touch the border. However, the plus sign shapes ended up not symmetrical, and although that is kind of a cool modern element, it bugged me a bit. So much that after a conference with MacGyver, who at first didn't notice anything, but then when I explained, yep it bugged him too, I took it all off, and did what I'd originally thought to do in EQ!
Done!

I already had known I would do dot-to-dot in the geese, and a circular themed quilting motif to mimic the way birds circle, looking for updrafts to help them fly farther faster on their way south or north.

Sidenote: I used to love watching sandhill cranes float in spires so high up they were hard to spot, and then suddenly, zoom! Off they'd go. I watched with joy in the spring, sadness in the fall. We were on their flightpath where we lived at the time, to the west of Edmonton, Alberta. Little did I know what amazement I would find one year in Florida when these birds outside our condo we had at the time woke me up around 7 am on a winter trip there with their strange bark/warble/cackle sounds. Those sounds are a LOT louder on the ground than a couple kilometres high in the air! Just listen for a moment:

Not only is the animal kingdom smart; it is absolutely incredible on so many levels, these cranes for one, with the great distances they migrate.

Anyhow. Back to my quilt. I wanted to accentuate the twirl I could see in the plus sections, but differentiate between the four black and the central white ones, so I simply quilted lines denser in the white.
Lots of Canada geese. No snow. Not good, as we usually have some that stays by now.


I spaced the black lines 1" apart and 1/2" in the white centre.  I also had the centre lines overlap. A double loop meander went in the other white areas of the quilt.

I quilted my initials as per usual in the lower corner.


Here's the back, another beautiful Island Batik fabric.
The quilting really shows up well, even in the the indoor lights.

More than the plus shapes that I first saw, the idea of circling birds, geese or cranes, stayed with me while I worked on this quilt. The dark shapes making me think of dark times in our lives, but we keep circling, looking for the thermal of rising air that will help us move on, and rise up out of the depths of despair or sadness. I do have a possible recipient in mind for this quilt.

The Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary in southwestern Ontario, founded in 1904, is a few minutes drive from our house, so I knew I’d take a couple of quilt shots there. Jack Miner was known as Wild Goose Jack, an American who made his home here in Canada and spent his life studying and protecting birds, so the quilt had to have a photo there.
The observation gazebo  is a recent addition

I had a lot, make that a bajillion, leftover triangles from making the geese, so I started stitching them back together to make… something or other. I can see makeup or project bags… However, I also made my own label for the quilt:


Quilt Stats:
Pattern: original design based on Snow Goose block by Villa Rosa Designs
Size: 42.5" x 42.5"
Fabric: Almost all Island Batik plus two or three others stash and leftovers
Batting: Pellon Nature's Touch cotton
Backing: Island Batik
Quilted: on Avril, 60 976 stitches
Threads: pieced with Fufus rayon; quilted with Robison-Anton rayon and Superior Threads So Fine! polyester. I used RA rayon in the bottom with the rayon on the top with beautiful results and no breaks; The Bottom Line with So Fine

Giveaway Information

Now for the TON of giveaways and what you have to do to enter! International entries welcome! 
Simply leave me one comment below telling me if you've ever made a Villa Rosa Designs quilt. Note that I won't be responding to comments due to the large volume during giveaways.

1. Each blogger on the hop gets to give away one complete set of the five patterns featured in the hop.

2. There are two Grand Prize Boxes overflowing with quilty goodness. Check out the photos at VRD blog. Every blogger will be selecting two people from their comments to enter that drawing.

3. Each blogger chooses three names from the comments on their blog to win one of the many other individual prizes such as books, prizes, precuts, notions, and more.

If you do the math, you will see that you have six chances at each blogger's post to win, so be sure to visit everyone and leave your comment! Also be sure if you are a no-reply or Anonymous, that you leave me your email address. Just write 'at' for @ and 'dot com' for .com

Prize registration closes next Sunday, January 29; winners will be selected during the first week of February and the prizes shipped out in February. If you are an international winner of the set of five, you will get digital copies of the cards, as I did! Saves paper and with the postcard-size instructions, it's easy to leave it on the laptop or iPad screen, larger than a postcard!😇

Sponsors

Here are the most generous sponsors:



Participants

Here once more is the list of all the participants so you can visit them to see what they've created.

230 comments:

  1. I don’t think I have ever made a VRD project, but now I’m inspired to go check out all of their patterns!

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  2. No, I have never made one of their projects. This blog hop is a great way to get to know of them

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  3. I haven't made a Villa Rosa Designs quilt. This blog hop has made me aware of their patterns and inspired me to try them. I love the way you added your personal spin to the Snow Goose design.

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  4. I love these patterns. So convenient and easy to make. Great charity quilts too. Jmikebalou (at) aol (dot) com

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  5. I love the color contrast you used in the quilt.

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  6. I love how you totally made this your own!

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  7. I have actually made the Hillside Charm pattern and have two more cut out. So great for panels.

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  8. I’ve got quite a collection of their cards and I’ve even made several of them. I forget that I can use the tablerunners as full quilts-thanks for the reminder. Rebecca Smith

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  9. I love flying geese. I see them flying overhead in spring and fall. Nice work! Those cranes sure are loud.

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  10. Yes, I have made charity quilts using Villa Rosa quilt patterns. The patterns are very easy to follow and make for quick sewing.

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  11. Love how you interpreted the pattern! By the way, Jo sent me!

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  12. I’ve made several Villa Rosa designs and have one cut out now. And don’t ask me how many cards I have for someday quilts!
    Rjoehnk5@aol.com

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  13. I have not made anything from a Villa Rosa pattern

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  14. I have never made one of their patterns - but I can see the possibility of one in my future. I love your take on the Snow Goose pattern

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  15. Jo Sent Me. I love, absolutely love your quilt. Your fabric choices and quilting make it so wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

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  16. Jo sent me. What a striking quilt -- it is just beautiful. Villa Rose patterns are great for making scrappy quilts. Barb H - rickhayden(at)comcast(dot)net

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  17. I really like the snow goose pattern and Love your design from it! I have never made a VRD pattern but this one and Nantucket are on my list to do! Thank you !

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  18. Jo sent me! I've never made a Villa Rosa design. Your geese are lovely!

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  19. Love the black/white idea you went with, Sandra! Make sure and check out the VR app, too!

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  20. Love Villa Rose
    (Jo sent me)
    Judyhutchens at yahoo

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  21. I love your color choice and design for this pattern! Kerie
    kerieinstitches(at)gmail(dot)com

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  22. OMG a what you did with Snow geese turned out beautiful. Thanks for participating in the Blog Hop

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  23. I'm hooked on these VRD patterns, made Random Shuffle and working on Smidge. Your quilt is stunning and I enjoyed reading about your work process.

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  24. Jo sent me. Wow, what an awesome way to upgrade the Snow Goose pattern. You definitely caught my eye for a future project.

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  25. Really lovely! And your thought process(es) always astound me. I so enjoy your blog.

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  26. I have not made nor heard of Villa Rosa Designs before. This blog hop is great as so many new quilters and shops are bring made known to me. Thank you

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  27. Jo sent me. Yes, I've made many VR patterns, they're fun! LOVED reading your process making the quilt from a table runner pattern! Isn't it fun to take an idea and run with it!! Beautiful quilt and the quilting, wow!! mrssummy(at)gmail(dot)com

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  28. Low the geese. Jo sent me.

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  29. I’ve made several VRD quilts and my all time favorite is Hillside Charm, it works up fast using 5” pre cut squares! I also use Honor for my QOV quilts.

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  30. I have made several projects using the VR patterns. I love to collect them. I keep them in little photo albums that have the sleeves in them. Perfect way to look through them for my next project. Thanks for the generous and amazing giveaways

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  31. I really enjoyed making the Snow Goose pattern! I even used it as a beginner friendly class I taught at my local quilt shop. It was fun seeing how everyone had different colors.
    BenthinNaomiatgmaildotcom

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  32. I just bought my first VR design postcard. Getting started on it today!

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  33. Hi Sandra! What a wonderful interpretation of the pattern. I have not made any Villa Rosa Designs patterns, and had not heard of them until this hop. I will certainly check out their website. Thank you, Sandra. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne

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  34. This is my favorite project that I’ve seen so far! I love how you took the basic design but changed it up! I’m also always drawn to black and white in quilts with a splash of bright colors. I think that I’m going to try this one!

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  35. I have made Gemini and have gifted assorted Villa Rose patterns.

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  36. I have Hillside Charm in my 'line up' to make...in the very near future I hope!

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  37. I haven't made a Villa Rosa patter yet, but I have several in hand to try!

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  38. Hillside Charm is my first. I do love this and love your twist on it! Funny how we want to do something different, and boy did you. Lovely photos too!

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  39. At dustkta@hotmail.com. I have used VRD cards with kits I have purchased. Easy designs. Love your concept on this one! Awesome job!!

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  40. This is the first that I'm learning of VRD quilts and I'm amazed! I love your interpretation of Snow Goose. The colors that you've chosen really catch the eye! Thanks for sharing. Now I'm off to look at all of the pattern postcards! patti(dot)mcg(at)verizon(dot)net

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  41. I have purchased VRD patterns and kits ...love the simplicity but uniqueness.

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  42. I was introduced to VR designs two years ago. Since then I’ve made 4 designs and 7 quilts. Shell688 at aol dot com.

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  43. I like your spin you put on this pattern! I have several of their patterns and have used quite a few since they are quick!

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  44. @ dj.preckwinkle@gmail.com I’ve made 3 quilts using Villa Rosa patterns. Don’t ask me how many patterns I have. They’re like candy. You can never have enough.

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  45. I have never made a Villa Rosa pattern. I really like what you did with the Snow Goose pattern. I live in southeast Texas (5 minutes from Louisiana). We have cranes here, too. We find them in our ditches hunting for crawfish and minnows.

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  46. Sandra, something I love about your quilt-making process is how you see designs in a unique way and figure out how to make them your own! I enjoyed making this pattern in the blues with white, but your idea is really spectacular. Beautiful quilting ideas, too. Love this one!

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  47. I haven't made a Villa Rosa pattern yet. I just discovered them a short time ago, but have purchased several of their patterns.

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  48. We use a lot of villa rosa designs when making quilts for quilters without borders. Jo sent me to your site. Nancy and since the browsers is not letting me login today my email it nhager@gmail.com

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  49. I have made one of their patterns. Your quilt is beautiful! Jo sent me. Have a great day!

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  50. Jo sent me! I absolutely love your quilt and the flying geese! Just wonderful!

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  51. I have not made one of the Villa Rosa patterns yet. Love your quilt 😻

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  52. I have not made a villa rosa quilt yet but can see that I will in the future. I have several panels and always have a hard time deciding how to make them a little more interesting in a quilt. The hillside charm is perfect. I love the colors in your quilt. It turned out great.

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  53. All I can say is “WOW!” I was not originally drawn to snow goose, but your design is stunning! I have gotten a few Villa Rosa patterns through the quilts without boarders program.
    Creativeoregonians@gmail.com

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  54. Jo sent me. Love your take on the pattern. Your quilt is stunning in the outdoor picture

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  55. Wow I love what you came up with using the runner pattern. I love making VRD tablerunner patterns and resently been looking for ways to meals them into a quilt. Thanks for the inspiration
    molly(at)villarosadesign(dot)com

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  56. The way you made this quilt your own is an inspiration.

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  57. Love Villa Rose patterns - simple and fun to do. Just ordered Nursery Rhymes and can't beat the price!

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  58. I have made many Villa Rosa quilts as they are great patterns. Your twist on the table runner is awesome!

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  59. Yikes Sandra - when I first opened this post, it took me a minute to think of what pattern you were promoting because it looked so very different from all of the covers we were to choose from. But you totally made this your own. The good thing about this is you have demonstrated that the VRD patterns are really flexible and can be used as a starting point. Secondly, I have to say your quilting is awesome. Well done. Thanks for joining in with us. :-)

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  60. Hi fellow Canadian. Yes, I have made Villaa Rosa designs - love the post card format. Jo Kramer sent me to your site, but I have been following you.

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  61. It was fun to read your post and follow your creativity with this VRD pattern. I find myself changing things around sometimes when I’m working on a quilt. Glad to see that others do the same!

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  62. You already know I love the little snips of ivory, and yes, they did make me look again. I also love the swirly quilting. It softens the sharp.

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  63. I love getting to see your quilting on the back of the quilt. Beautiful!

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  64. I haven't made a VRD quilt but am eager to do so after seeing all the possibilities. Josentme

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  65. Jo sent me. I'm also in your province and I know your area well as my son and family live there!! I haven't made any of their quilts yet but just ordered some digital versions last night.

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  66. I have never made a VRD quilt, but Snow Geese has been calling to me and I love your take on the pattern!!! Love the custom quilting you did on your quilt - thanks for showing the backing where the quilting really shines!!! Love your label too - I use leftovers to make my labels too!! I popped over from Jo's blog!! Susan the Farm Quilter, wild_blue_farm@yahoo.com

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  67. I have not yet made a Villa Rosa pattern, but I have several of them and hope to get a couple made this coming year. I love the 5 that are offered on this. Cathy, meladycat2000@yahoo.com

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  68. I first met Pat when she was living in California and quilting. She was just getting the VRD designs started and gifted me with one or two cards. I love the way you interpreted this pattern and, as always, I love the backstory of how you came to make this your own.

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  69. What a beautiful quilt. Just pops! Makes me think of birds playing around doing acrobatic moves in the sky.

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  70. Interesting post. The quilt is lovely. The birds are lovely also

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  71. Hello, Jo Kramer sent me here and I'm glad she did. I've signed up for your blog on email. Thank you for sharing your quilting work.

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  72. Jo sent me. I have never done a VRD pattern before, but I can't wait to try a pattern that can be completely written on a postcard. elcarman at att dot net.
    elcarman@att.net

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  73. My first quilt was a VRD and is precious to me for that reason. My local LQS uses VRD for swaps and, thus, I have made a few of their designs. I love to see how folks adapt the designs as you did with your “Snow Goose”. Thanks you.

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  74. My first quilt was a VRD and is precious to me for that reason. My local uses VRD for swaps and, thus, I have made a few more that way. I love to see how folks adapt designs as you did with your “Snow Goose”. Thank you…I accidentally posted this as anonymous earlier sorry…. jfoor at att dot com

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  75. I have not made a Villa Rosa pattern yet, although I have a number of them and plan to get started on one in a few months, when I finish up some other projects.
    jillsignup at gmx dot com.

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  76. I love the creativity of your version! Your quilting is fantastic! Until this blog hop, I had never heard of Villa Rosa Designs. It has been fun hopping and learning about the designs! :)

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  77. I have several Villa Rosa patterns in my library already. I had the same idea to use four flying geese blocks for a table topper. I think it symbolizes their migration. Your quilt is fabulous and I love the quilting designs as well. Thank you for sharing your design process.

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  78. Like your version of snow geese. dorthac at aol dot com

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  79. I know I have one of their patterns somewhere but I like what you've done with the geese here! This would be a fun pattern to embellish.

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  80. Blogger hates me and won't let me log in or follow with my Google Account. I'm glad I can manage to follow Jo without that or I would never have found the blog hop.

    I've made Villa Rosa patterns but wouldn't be able to tell you the names of them. I've picked them up at cash registers in many quilt shops. They are quick and easy.

    Jmrwdm(@) Gmail.com

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  81. I LOVE Snow Goose ala Sandra! It's stunning! I have made Winter Branches a couple of times and have taught it at a local shop. Many stunning table runners were made!

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  82. I have made several Villa Rosa designs. I just finished Ice Jam table runner. I watch faithfully every Friday for the Fry-Yay sale. Your unique flying geese design is absolutely gorgeous!

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  83. I really like what you did with pattern you chose! I am currently cutting my fabric for the Be Unique quilt! My email address is droseman58@yahoo.com

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  84. I have never made a Villa Rose pattern. Love how you made yours into a quilt.

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  85. Sew much fun to read about your projects and ideas. We are along the Flyway and enjoy seeing and hearing the 'traffic' overhead. peggibarrett808@yahoo.com

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  86. Oh, Sandra - wowza. What a fantastic variation of Snow Goose. Now I want to drop everything and make one :-)

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  87. I truly loved your story behind your quilt choice and design. I have not made any VRD quilts yet, but have started a long wish list.

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  88. I have never made a VRD pattern but have several. Hope to start sewing again soon.

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  89. I haven't made any of these wonderful little patterns before, but I would definitely try them in the future! I do love quilts that go together quickly!

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  90. I love your quilt!!!! I made Mod Tiles Too Villa Rosa pattern last year and currently making Radiance. I love their patterns, they are clear, easy and well designed.

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  91. I have made Villa Rosa quilts. I want to make twinkle and hillside.
    Wonderful how you made the Snow Goose into your own idea.
    djcutting2atgmaildotcom

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  92. Your quilt turned out wonderful! Very creative! I may copy your quilt, and also how you quilted the flying geese (I have a quilt with flying geese that I need to quilt). I just made my first Villa Rosa Design quilt. I have friends who have made them before.

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  93. Love your quilt! A great variation on the original pattern and the explanation on the various colors is meaningful! A pleasure to read as always! I have made the Villa Rose Design pattern Cascade and also have quite the collection of cards in my "waiting to make" pile.
    Kathy - kdcamp4attelusdotnet

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  94. I have made may Villa Rosa quilt patterns. I mostly sew for charity and these quick, easy patterns are perfect for that. [cooperrs@sbcglobal.net]

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  95. I have never made a Villa Rose quilt. I love your colors..

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  96. I'm gobsmacked by this quilt and it's journey to final finish. Thanks for sharing &I've looked at VRD's site many times. Take care and hugs.

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  97. I really like what you did with this pattern. I’ve made at least 100 of Villa Rosa’s patterns. quiltjane@apl.com

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  98. I like the way you think as you put your own 'tailspin' on a design! It was only about a month ago that I first heard of the Villa Rosa postcards, and when I looked them up it didn't make sense to me that they were an entire pattern - they seemed more like a trading card to me! But then I saw them in a shop and it made a whole lot more sense! Amazing. I haven't bought one yet - I was buying a machine that day, so I was trying to behave myself. But I should be back in the shop in a couple weeks, and you better believe I'll buy a few then!
    Thank you for taking part in the blog hop! Jo sent me and I'm so glad she did.
    sandrabogoniewskiatgmaildotcom

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  99. I really like the way you changed up that pattern. It is just lovely. I have never tried a Villa Rosa design before but I can see I will be trying them in the future thanks to this blog hop!

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  100. I have made Villa Rosa designs before. Love the price!

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  101. I have made several Villa Rosa Design quilts - love their patterns!

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  102. I have never made a VRD quilt. In fact, I'd never heard of them before, so this was a good way for them to get their patterns out there. carla.infante64 at Gmail dot com

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  103. Jo sent me. I am new to VRD, so I haven’t made any of their designs, but will certainly check them out for future projects! Thanks for sharing your flying geese quilt. It is amazing!!
    Sandra B
    scb23229@yahoo.com

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  104. Jo sent me. I don’t think I have ever made a VRD quilt. You are very good at reimagining a quilt pattern. Your result is beautiful.
    Amy Walter
    auntie.clark@gmail.com

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  105. I’ve started out on Villa Rosa!!! Table runner classes!!! So much fun and great for a beginner!!! I’ve done Dapper, coffee break, peppermint and Holly, Belle Amie, Unfurled, ice jam, pinwheel picnic,Whirlybird , Lattice, & my first quilt pattern is Hypnotized…. I’m addicted

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  106. I'm working on Villa Rosa's Nantucket this weekend!

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  107. I have seen the postcard patterns but have never bought one or tried one...that may change!!

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  108. Your quilt is lovely, also your quilting design. You made it your own. Jo sent me. I didn't find a way to include my email.

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  109. Love making quilts with Villa Rosa patterns as well as collecting the patterns!

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  110. Love hope your quilt really pops! Jo Kramer sent me

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  111. VRD cards are fantastic 😍. I took a class last year and we made 10 different VRD table runners.

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  112. They flew away lately this year to north africa our cranes… and hope to hear them comming back soon, so this is why Iove your quilt, go and come, black and white, sad and healing. And the black and white with the wonderful colours show this story very well. And the quilting is wow! The label is the dot on the i…
    Costureraatonlinedotde

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  113. I have not yet made it , but have purchased the "Bride's Dream" pattern and am anxious to try it!
    barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

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  114. I have made alot of Villa Rosa quilts, either purchased kits or from the VR cards. Fun and easy! My favs are Bohemia, Sisterhood and Hillside Charm.
    Stitchinbabe@gmail.com

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  115. I just came from Quilt with a View and said I wouldn't change anything from her version of snow goose. Then I see your version. Oh, my...it's gorgeous!

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  116. I love what you did with the pattern! I have made some Villa Rosa quilts. maymewyns@yahoo.com

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  117. Jo sent me ☺️

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  118. Jo sent me! I had never heard of Villa Rosa Quilts before this blog hop, so haven't made one (yet). lhtwccdcatgmaildotcom

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  119. Love your quilt, beautiful. Jo sent me and so glad she did. Love the patterns that are QOV size requirements all of these patterns would be great for that.
    Thank you
    Jsyoungsurgery@gmail.com

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  120. Yes, I’ve made Villa Rosa Designs quilts in the past. I’m lucky that Brooklyn Fabrics sends a free pattern with each order-that is how I was introduced to their designs! I love your quilt with the circling affect especially the flying geese with two different colors for wings. Nice work! Pblessmanclive@gmail.com

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  121. How clever of you to use black fabric with those colored geese and have them twirling around after each other! I would expect nothing less from you, Sandra! I have not made a Villa Rose Designs pattern before, but I am excited to try a few that I've seen already on this hop...it's an awesome way to showcase these designs and the twists one might use with them!

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  122. I purchased my first VRD in October but haven't made it yet- it's Firelight. nhdaydreams at yahoo dot com.

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  123. I love the way you used this pattern! It makes it look so cool! I might have to do this for my next project!

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  124. I don't think I've ever sewn a VRD quilt pattern. I like these patterns and am checking them out. Sew glad Jo from Jo's Country Junction is participating and sent me. golddust at kpunet dot net

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  125. I have sewn Villa Rosa patterns. Every time I see these patterns at a bricks and mortar shop I have to bring one home.

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  126. I'd never heard of Villa Rose Designs until this blog hop!! That's why they are so much fun...I get to find new, exciting blogs and get all kinds of inspiration!! I love your take on the design with the flying geese...very creative!! Thanks so much for the chance to win!!! Blessings! wvoaks at comcast dot net

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  127. I haven’t made any of the Villa Rosa designs yet but have ordered a few kits including the hillside charm. Thanks! Martha.gee@gmail.com

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  128. I have not made a VRD pattern but I recently bought Electron to make soon. Love your Snow Geese quilt! I thought about that pattern with the geese going in different directions but didn't think about two different backgrounds. Thanks for sharing.

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  129. I so enjoyed your blog today. I never imagined that beauty of a quilt by the Jack Miner sign was a variant of Tricia's Snow Geese. I have made Villa Rosa quilts and Tablerunners. I really liked Whirly Bird and Sisterhood. Thanks for the comprehensive post. Oh on a side note I saw 3 sandhill cranes come out of a corn field yesterday. It is unusual to see that in the winter in Pennsylvania. We don't see them often. rsicklesatwindstreamdotnet

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  130. Jo sent me. I have two patterns in my to do pile, but several of these will be great for interesting charity quilts. Louannj48@gmail.com

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  131. I love your take on the Flying Geese table runner. It is so colorful and the quilting is extraordinary. I have not made a VRD quilt yet but I have some of their cards in my pattern stash so I will be able to do one. Thank you for taking part in the Hop. Loved your video on the cranes. They fly over our house twice a year also. They are very high when they go over us but you can still hear them. Their calls are the only way you know they are there because they don't usually land in the area. We live on the Columbia River in North Central Washington state.

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  132. Hi. I have taken 2 quilting class so far and the shop uses Villa Rosa Design patterns. My next class will be flying geese So far I’ve made 4 quilts and all are Villa Rosa patterns.
    Name is Andrea
    Fpgrandmaatgmaildotcom
    Fpgrandma@gmail.com

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  133. Your quilt certainly shows the versatility of VRD patterns. I have several of their patterns and have made a few of them, some several times! quiltcarver at yahoo dot com

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  134. Wow-your imagination is awesome! I have a collection of the post card patterns, but have never actually made one! Maybe that should be a goal for 2023! Thanks for the chance at these great prizes!

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  135. I have made several Villa Rosa quilts. Especially nice when you need a quick gift. Your interpretation of this pattern is awesome.

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  136. I have not made a quilt from their patterns- but i do own 3 or 4 pattern cards. I liked your quilt!

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  137. I have a whole bunch of Villa Rosa pattern cards and so so several of my friends.
    Oh, Jo sent me.
    pjsdcrum@gmail.com

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  138. I loved the back story of the quilt and the process of your designing it. I don't recall ever making a Villa Rosa design before.

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  139. I am new to Villa Rose Designs & like you was flabbergasted that I've never seen her postcards before. I'm hooked. Will purchase the bundle & have plans to make Nantucket & a full quilt version of Snow Geese.

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  140. Jo sent me and I love these quilts. Ridaguardon@gmail.com

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  141. I loved reading about your design process and adaptation of the Snow Geese quilt. It’s led to a few ideas kicking around in my brain for another VR pattern. I recently finished the VR Cherrydale pattern.
    kathy_cocker@yahoo.com

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  142. Hi sandra! jo sent me and i'm so glad she did! i used to receive your blog by email but havent for quite some time. i t was wonderful seeing your creativity again. no, i never came across these patterns before.

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  143. I love how creative you were with this pattern. Villa Rosa patterns have long been high on my list, easy instructions and so much variety.

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  144. I have made a few quilts using patterns from VRD. I love how you made this into a quilt! our5girls.johnson@gmail.com

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  145. I really enjoyed hearing about your creative process and about the birds. Your quilt is beautiful. I really don’t know if I have made a VRD quilt or not. I can’t remember using a post card pattern, but I do have a couple. I am eager to try a VRD soon. Your blog has inspired me to look differently about quilt designs. Thank you for sharing. Linda

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  146. I love your take on the Snow Geese pattern - VRD patterns are so fun to change a little to make another fabulous pattern. And yes, I have done so many VRD quilts, in fact, I made 3 of them last week! They are my go to pattern collection! Sandy sandy.cole@comcast.net

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  147. I love your quilt. The Geese are so striking. I have yet to make a VRD pattern. They look like such fun!!

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  148. I have never used a VRD pattern, but yours turned out beautifully!

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  149. I've made a couple of Villa Rosa Designs quilts. I love the compact size of the patterns.

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  150. Cool Waters from VRD was my go-to layer cake pattern when I started quilting, even today when I need something quick! I was on the 4th floor of a condo overlooking Lake Ontario - just the right height that when the geese flew past you felt like you were part of the flock! basaran.family (at) rogers (dot) com

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  151. I was not familiar with Villa Rose patterns but they would be a great resource. Smithcindyk@gmail.com

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  152. Thank you for introducing me to Villa Rosa quits. I haven't seen the designs before.

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  153. What a fun variation on the Snow Goose design, Sandra! Way to ROCK the Hop!!

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  154. I love your Art of Riding Thermals. So neat! The brights just make it glorious. Tshquilts@msn.com

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  155. Wow, Sandra, your quilt is so cool! I love bright colors with black and white. You knocked it out of the park with this one. I haven't made a Villa Rosa design, and like you, I'm partial to flying geese. For some reason I prefer making them rather than HSTs.

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  156. I have several of the Villa Rosa quilt pattern cards. I've made several of the Lazy Goose quilts--perfect for that high school grad headed to college! Love your spin on flying geese with you pattern!

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  157. Haven’t purchased before and now that i’ve been introduced will sure have a look! Hope you get that needed snow soon.

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  158. I have a few cards, but alas my motivation is somewhat on the slow side!
    Loving the hop!
    Simmons_t2m at Hotmail dot com

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  159. I haven't made any Villa Rosa Quilts, but I love your adaptation and the story. Thanks Sandra!

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  160. I have not made a Villa Rosa design as of yet, but hope to in the future - I have a couple in my group of pattern cards. Thanks for the inspiration. cmberry@lsu.edu

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  161. I've seen the Villa Rosa cards at my LQS, but I haven't made any yet! Your post was inspiring and full of information on cranes and geese! Thanks
    yoyopattycakes at hotmail dot com

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  162. I do have a couple Villa Rosa design quilt cards in my pattern stash. I have picked them up at the checkout at my usual Quilt Shops. But, I do not believe that I have finished one of the patterns, as of yet. I will have to get them out and choose one. Thank you.

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  163. I have not made a VR quilt yet but after seeing all the different cards and patterns I definitely want to try one.{ or probably more...}

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  164. I haven't made any BE quilts yet, I'm still a beginner trying to get a hang of the basics.Love reading these blogs in this blog hop and seeing all the beautiful quilts.I want to try a couple of the patterns just not sure which one.

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    1. Sorry fat fingers little keyboard letters ...not BE quilts....VR quilts

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  165. Hi Sandra, I don't think that I've ever made on of their quilts but if the instructions fit on a postcard then it's my type of pattern!
    Love the quilt, the FMQ, the name and the photos. Way to go!

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    1. It's Andrée. No sure how anon. came about

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  166. wow your quilt is gorgeous. I love how you quilted it. thanks for sharing your video. I was holding one of our cats in my arms when I turned on the video. LOL lets just say I now have claw holes in my arm and she stopped purring and went on alert LOL I love Sand Hill Cranes thanks for sharing. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

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  167. I love Villa Rosa Quilts. I had one pattern from a few years ago. I went to a trunk show at our quilt guild last year and almost all the quilts were VRQ patterns. So many ideas. I joined the club. So fun. Higleydms@gmail.com is y email.

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  168. Love VRQ! And I have several of their patterns . kathleen.lutz@comcast.net

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  169. I have 2 patterns beside my sewing machine that are on my to do list. I love what you did with the snow goose pattern. What a fantastic idea!

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  170. Blog was great. Your vision of the pattern threw me for a loop. Very creative.
    Charlenm622@yahoo.com— Charlene Morris

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  171. The first VRD quilt I made was April Showers for my sister. It's super cute! edebey at sbclgobal dot net

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  172. This is awesome! Well done. I have not made any of these patterns and would love to win.

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  173. Love your version of Snow Geese. Very creative! I love a pattern that I can make my own.

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  174. I have bought a number of VRD post cards. Some have been kitted and are awaiting production. Some are just in my pattern box .

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  175. I have not made a Villa Rosa Design quilt. I love your creative spirit and how you made this quilt your own. Also thank you for explaining how you quilted it too. tkmattson at hotmail dot com

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  176. Sandra! Your quilt is simply amazing! I love how you made the Snow Goose pattern your own! Thanks for being part of the Blog Hop. Tricia -- littlequilts at windstream dot net

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  177. Thank you for participating in the Blog Hop. Your quilt is really unique. I would make some mug rugs with like 1 or 2 snow geese on them.

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  178. I have to admit I've never made a Villa Rosa quilt but I did buy some from a local quilt store and gave two to my grand daughter who has started quilting. I love your comments on Sand Hill Cranes - we have them all over here in FL!

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  179. I’ve never made one, but I think I have one somewhere in my “pattern stash” I bought years ago.

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  180. I've never made a VRD quilt, but I think I wi be making Snow Goose. Love your version of it!

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  181. Wowzer!!!! Your quilt is amazing, and I love that you shared how you were inspired. I have not done and Villa Rosa pattern yet as I was invited to this blog hop (my first) by a teacher. (Shout4joy) I am looking forward to the rest of the hop in the days ahead. Thank you again,
    Cheryl

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  182. I have never made a Villa Rose quilt since this hop is the first I have heard of them. I really like your quilt design and all the quilting.
    14themoney [at] duck [dot] com

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  183. I've made a couple VR quilts and have quite a few more patterns of theirs to try!

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  184. Over the years I have made many VRD quilts. I love collecting all the patterns too.

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  185. I saw your quilt on IG, but somehow didn't make it to the blog post until today. I have several of the Villa Rosa quilt designs, but I'm not sure I ever actually made one. I just love the movement in yours and, of course, admire the thought you always put in the quilting design.
    Pat

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  186. I have never made VRD quilt, but I like fast and easy. So, I am going to give one a try. Beautiful quilt, Sandra!

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  187. I don’t think I’ve ever made any Villa Rosa patterns, but I think I see one in my future. I particularly like S’Witched. Margaret. Mammich-at-comcast-dot-net

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  188. I've never made a Villa Rose Designs quilt, but this blog hop has made me want to make a Nantucket and a Snow Goose! teeteredm at windstream dot net

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  189. I have made a couple of VRD quilts. I am hoping to be lucky enough to obtain more patterns. The Snow Geese is my favorite. My email is wjohnson@grm.net

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  190. I have quite a collection of VRD patterns. I love your adaptation of Snow Geese!

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