Friday, November 19, 2010

Sarah Fielke - Material Obsession 2



Who is Sarah Fielke? Tell us a little about the person behind the name and the team that helps her tick.

I’m just a girl who likes pretty things. I love anything creative and always have – I draw, and sew, I like to sing and I read a lot. I have always loved making things with my hands, patchwork and embroidery, cooking, painting.

I would love to be able to tell you about my vast team of stunt sewers and house keepers, but there’s just me and my hubby! Damian runs Sewn, which is actually his business, I just write for him and his business partner. They have other websites they own and run as well. We both work from home, which has its good and bad points! I’m very lucky to have some marvelous friends who baste my quilts for me sometimes as I can’t do it myself, and of course my fantastic machine quilter, who turns things around for me in the blink of an eye when I’m up against a deadline.

What's an average day in your life? Share it with us...

Not very glam I’m afraid. I get up and have a cup of tea while I answer my emails and chat to friends on Facebook, then get my boys off to school, and usually spend the rest of the day sewing, drawing or writing and doing mundane things like the washing! There is always a quilt on the design wall and hand appliqué or quilting that needs doing. I teach classes twice a week from home so some days there’s that going on, or friends dropping in to sew or chat. Boys come home – homework, football practice, violin lessons, dinner – then sewing in front of the TV.






Most people will recognise you from the Material Obsession books. How has your life changed since the first book was published?

When we did the first book I had no idea that it would make the splash that it did. I knew that people liked my quilts and that they were somehow different than the norm, but nothing more. When you have a successful book like that, doors open for you where they would not have opened before, and I have had some wonderful opportunities offered to me since the first book was published.

When the book came out I was working full time in the MO shop – since then I have sold the business and I work from home, designing and writing and teaching, which is much more what I enjoy and more satisfying to me. I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the success of the first book though, plus a lot of hard work!




Material Obsession 2 has just been released in the US. It's a wonderful book, with a very interesting premise - explain the idea for the book and the notion of two...

I had the idea for MO2 before we even wrote the first one. When I decided I wanted to do a book I went to Kathy and explained the whole theory I had in my head – that the first book would be called Material Obsession One – One being not only the first book, but also your first quilt, or the first idea you have when you start a new project, the jumping off point.

Two was how to take the One idea that started you off and go off in two different directions to make the idea your own – which is why the quilts are in pairs and we both started with a similar idea germ and made our own interpretations of that idea.

My ideas for book premises went up to about 5 or 6 – I was getting just a little bit ahead of myself J We presented the first 3 ideas to the publisher when we first met with them. I may still use some of those ideas in future books, there were some good ones!


Do you have a favourite quilt in the book? (Mine is Fruit Tingles - I'm yet to start it, but I've got it on the list!).

I think my favourite quilt in MO2 is Sunday. It’s hard to translate how that quilt feels when you touch it into a photograph. The fabric I used is a Lecien self- stripe, with one of my favourite Kaffe Fassets on the back. The result is that the two fine fabrics combined with the hand quilting has made the quilt drape beautifully and the back has a lovely ripply feel to it. I don’t usually use plain fabrics (you may have noticed!) but I just loved making that quilt. It is on my bed and I enjoy looking at it every time I walk through the room.

The quilt I enjoyed making the most though was Charlotte Sometimes. I LOVE doing hand appliqué and all those little inside curves in the flowers really floated my appliqué boat.




Now that MO2 is out, what's next? Any more books in the pipeline? What tricks do you have up your sleeve? (tell us about sewn, dolly quilts etc etc)

I’ve always got something up my sleeve! At the moment I am writing for Sewn (www.sewn.net.au) obviously, that will continue into the foreseeable future and we have lots of amazing things planned, including the launch of Sewn Europe which will involve a lot more European content and features. I have projects coming up in Down Under Quilts, Quilter’s Companion and also Quilter’s Newsletter in the US. I also write my blog which I LOVE (Hi bloggy friends!) www.thelastpiece.net

I have just finished writing my third book, which is a book on my own this time. It will be published in Australia in 2011 and will be called, From Little Things. It has been SO exciting doing this book by myself and I am thrilled to see what my wonderful publisher comes up with for the layout. I am illustrating the book myself this time so that is another exciting happening!

I am running a wonderful dolly quilt program with my friend Amy from Mrs Schmenkman Quilts where Amy makes the quilt one month and I make it the next. The best thing for me is that I end up with 6 of Amy’s beautiful little quilts for my wall! People can sign up to get the 12 months of patterns or buy each pattern separately. You can see some of the quilts at my online shop, or at Flickr everyone is having such a great time and it’s not too late to join up.

I’m also running a Dolly Quilt program through Rhinetex in Europe – if you are in Europe and want to find out more about it, contact your local patchwork shop and ask them to ask Rhitetex! It’s called Sarah Fielke Dolly Quilts and it is fantastic fun, each shop is running the program a little differently so you are best to contact the shops directly.

Last, but I think most exciting, is my first fabric line which was released at International Quilt Market in Houston in October! It's being produced by Lecien and is called From Little Things (like my next book!) *pics below*
Drawing+fabric+quilts = one very excited Sarah.

And so you see that there really isn’t much more room up my sleeves at the moment, in fact I’m lucky I can fit in my shirts.


From Little Things

We have one copy of Material Obsession 2 up for grabs - signed by Sarah herself! Just leave a comment on this post and we'll pick a winner in a week's time. It really is a fantastic book, absolutely packed to the brim with inspirational quilt projects.

183 comments:

  1. i'd love to win the book... the fabric looks gorgeous...

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  2. Would love to win!
    Thanks for the chance :)

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  3. I would love to book. Pretty fabric.

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  4. I have the first book and would love the second to accompany it. Sarah's fabric is also gorgeous...

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  5. I love this book. would love to own it! thanks for the interview and the chance!

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  6. OH wow!! be still my beating heart! This lady is fabulous and full of inspiration! I would love to win her book!

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  7. I have the first and would love the second!

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  8. I have this book on my Christmas list so I would LOVE to win a copy!! Thanks for the great interview.

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  9. Sarah sounds positively wonderful! I checked out MO2 at the bookstore recently and can attest that it is great. Thanks for the chance to win one!

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  10. I love Sarah's fabrics and I hate to admit it but I don't own ANY quilting books - I would love love love the opportunity to win this :)

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  11. I would love it if Material Obsession 2 came to live at my house to give me some inspiration... thanks....
    Hugz

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  12. Oh, I would love that book. I have fondled the first one several times at the bookstore. It's on my wish list, too!

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  13. I would love a chance to win this book. Her designs look so fun and lively.

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  14. An MO book has been on my wish list for a while, fingers crossed!!

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  15. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of Material Obsession 2!

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  16. Great interview! I like her new fabrics. Thanks for a chance to win the book!

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  17. I'd love to have this book! Hope to win or I'll just have to buy it!

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  18. Love her fabrics!
    Thanks for the chance at her book!
    This is wonderful.

    =-)

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  19. Oh my gosh, I would love her book. I have so much fabric that is just begging to get sewn, and this book would be perfect to get the job done. Thanks so much for the chance to win.

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  20. Oh, what wonderful prints. Such inspiration. I'd love to win this book.

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  21. Love the first book... Can't wait to get my hands on the second one! I love those stripes in her fabric collection!

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  22. I'd love to get a copy of the second book, the first is so much fun!

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  23. What beautiful colors. I would love to add this to my library.

    Wanda
    http://wandas-quilts-crafts.blogspot.com/

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  24. I enjoyed this interview so much and think MO is a fun book....I'd love a copy of MO2. Thanks for the chance!

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  25. Thanks for showcasing such great artists. I am ashamed to say that I have never heard of Sarah, but look forward to searching out her book!

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  26. Thanks for a having such wonderful interviews, giveaways, and quilting info! I cannot wait to get my hands on Material Obsession 2...it's high on my Christmas wish list : )

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  27. i have the first book so it would be rude not to have the second one!

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  28. Oh, I have heard so much about MO 2. Thank you so much for the fun interview. It is so great to learn more about these amazing designers :)

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  29. i loved the first book, so would so love to get the second one! thanks for the giveaway!

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  30. This book looks amazing - and that fabric is gorgeous!

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  31. I would love to win a copy of Material Obsession 2. Thanks for giving us a chance to win :)

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  32. beautiful fabric
    marksey3@msn.com

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  33. Your interview with Sarah is great; love her concept of making the quilt your own. Please put me in the mix; I'd love to win MO2.

    thanks, jam

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  34. What a fantastic interview! So glad to hear about her next book coming out and the fabric line!! Thanks for a chance at the giveaway! This book has been on my wishlist for some time now!

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  35. The MO books are lovely... fingers crossed! Thanks for the chance to win :)

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  36. I love the first book, so I can't wait to see the second. Sarah rocks!

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  37. I find it funny that what Sarah describes her day as not being that glamorous sounds like a day in heaven for me! :) Sounds like a great book.

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  38. I would love to win this book! Thanks for a great interview!

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  39. I am finishing my first quilt today! I have definitely caught the quilting bug and would love to win a copy of Sarah's book. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  40. I love the first Material Obsession book. I'm excited to see the second!

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  41. What a great book.
    Thanks for the chance to win.

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  42. What a sweet interview, thank you!

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  43. I have yet to get my hands on MO1 and would love MO2, lots of good stuff in there!

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  44. What a doll she is! I've asked for a stack of sewing books for Christmas and these are both on the list!

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  45. Thanks for the chance to win the book! :o)

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  46. This book looks awesome!

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  47. What a great interview!! I have MO1 and just love it and would, of course, love to have MO2 as well!

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  48. She is one busy woman! I would love to win this book!
    Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    pojeda@embarqmail.com

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  49. I would love a copy of MO2. Beautiful, colorful quilts. Thanks!

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  50. Great interview -- thanks for the opportunity!

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  51. How fun to get to know Sarah! Thanks for the chance!!

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  52. Great inerview! I've akways enjoyed her creativity

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  53. Loved the interview! What a wonderful giveaway - would LOVE a copy :)

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  54. The title - Material Obsession - describes me perfectly!

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  55. First, I DO enjoy your blog! The book look like a great one. The fabric on todays post is so colorful and inviting.

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  56. Wonderful interview and giveaway!

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  57. Great interview! Saw Sarah's fabric on another blog as well. Just love the color combos and those dots just make me happy. Would love a copy of her book. I think the vast majority of us have a material obsession. Thanks for the giveaway and the interview!

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  58. Oh, I love the saturated colors in the fabric collection. *S*

    I also have the first book, so I need the 2nd to keep up with all the great ideas in them. thx for the chance to win it.

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  59. She is just bursting with inspiration isn't she? What a fantastic lady!! : ) I loved hearing all about her upcoming projects.

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  60. Cant wait to see this book. Thanks for the interview and the giveaway.

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  61. Wonderful interview. And, this sounds like an awesome book! Please enter me into the giveaway. Thanks!

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  62. I love Sarah's quilts. I would really like to win.

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  63. Would sooo love to win! Thanks!

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  64. What an inspiring interview! The book must be fabulous! Thanks for providing such informative interviews and fun giveaways!

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  65. Nice interview! Ill have to chekc out the book!

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  66. Ooooo! Can't wait to get my hands on this book!

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  67. would love to win MO. so creative

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  68. I love Sarah's new line of fabrics and would love to win her book.

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  69. I would love to win this book. I have the first one and it is my favorite quilting book, hands down. So inspiring!

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  70. I JUST (finally) read book one last night...what a coincidence!

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  71. I would love to win a copy of this book! YAY!

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  72. I would LOVE to get my hands on this book! Beautiful work!

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  73. I would love to win this book! Both Material Obsessions books are amazing! The fabric is lovely too. Thank you for the giveaway!

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  74. Great to hear a bit more about the inspiration and the person behind MO. Book one is fabulous...Can't wait to see Book 2

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  75. I'd love to win Sarah's book. She is awesome, I've been "reading" her for a while now. Thank You for the chance to win a lovely book.

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  76. Count me in. I'd love to win her book!

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  77. Oh I would SEW love to win a copy of Sarah's book MO2 :)

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  78. Great interview! Thanks for giving us the chance to win MO2....I love my MO1, so inspiring!

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  79. Thanks for the great interviews with all these talented fabric artists. I would absolutely LOVE to win this book! The fabric is delicious! I love the creative color combinations. Thanks for a chance to win!

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  80. LOVE that quilt ~ just beautiful!

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  81. Wonderful interview and such interesting quilts. Would love a chance to win.

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  82. Thanks for the chance to win the book!

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  83. Both this book and MO1 are on my Must-buy-soon list! If I win this one, I can buy MO1 and spend the other money on fabric. Hah!

    Thanks for the chance to enter. :)

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  84. Thanks for the interesting interview.

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  85. I already own a copy of the book (the Aussie release) but it is just the thing one of my friends would love and use. I am impatient for Sarah's next one but will satisfy myself with the fabric for now.

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  86. I would love to win a copy of your book. How wonderful that you can work from home doing what you love and enjoy.

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  87. I love MO (one) and winning this book would be fab! Thanks!

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  88. Looks like a wonderful book...I would love to win a copy!

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  89. I would love to win this lovely book!

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  90. This book is on my list. I'd love to win. Thanks for the chance.

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  92. I´d love to win this wonderful book as an inspiration for my quilting!

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  93. From Little Things fabric line looks very promising! What a wonderful, whirlwind-like life Sarah must be living--one we'd all love to be living! And Charlotte Sometimes is the best name for a quilt I've ever heard; completely poetic.
    MO1 was highly inspirational so I'd love to win MO2!

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  94. I loved her first book! I don't own (but my library...) but I would sure love to have her second one. Looks just as pretty and inspiring as MO1 :)

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  95. I would be delighted to get this book!
    Do not think I can have in Sweden.
    Best Regards from our snow-landscape!

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  96. This book looks great! Please count me in, thanks!
    ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

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  97. MO1 was/is so beautiful and inspiring; would love to see MO2!

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  98. Have been admiring the book on Amazon for awhile.

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  99. It looks like a good book. I'd love to win it. Thank you.

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  100. This past year I've been a subscriber to SEWN and enjoyed it. Damian and Sarah Fielke resolved every problem I had and did so quickly. I'd love to win MO2 because Sarah is such a good designer, quilter. and writer. Thanks for the opportunity now that the book is released in the USA. alternate email mlwright29 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  101. I love love love the article, the book and the fabrics - would love to win the MO2 book, now I am off to find the 1st one!
    ksolo59@hotmail.com

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  102. What a talented woman and such lovely fabrics.

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  103. Those fabrics look like they are going to be big sellers :)

    caitlindevlin@hotmail.com

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  104. I'd love a chance to win this book! Thanks! It sound wonderful.
    Sandy A

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  105. LOVED the first MO and have been eagerly awaiting the release of #2... FINALLY it's here!!!! Can't wait - maybe i'll be lucky and it will sooner than later :)

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  106. Thanks for the interview and a chance to win a great book!

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  107. What a great interview - and a giveaway too! Woohoo!!

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  108. Sounds likes like a great book to have. Thanks for the chance.

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  109. I have the first book, and if I never make one quilt in it, it is great inspiration and eye candy. Sarah has such a fresh look to her work.

    Leslie S. in MN
    esclante at comcast dot net

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  110. This book is on my wish list for xmas! I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the opportunity.

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  111. ohmy...I would absolutely LOVE this book!!! I had checked out MO1 through the library and devoured it. Sadly, it had to be returned. {grin} What a lovely interview and the fabric is beautiful!

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  112. Love love love sarah's quilts, her writing & her style. Can't wait to see the new book!!

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  113. Wow cant wait to see who wins..

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  114. I've been coveting this for awhile - The cover quilt is fantastic!

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  115. Wow! I love that fabric collection! And I'd love a chance to win this book!

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  116. super cool, who does not love books? thanks

    stacey

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  117. This book has been on my radar for awhile--I'd love a copy!

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  118. This book has been on my radar too! I would love a copy too...ha! repeating Miss Shabby but it is true!

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  119. Count me in please! This book is included on my Christmas list. I love Material obsession 1 so I'm sure the second will be fantastic adn signed by Sarah... a dream

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  120. Fabric is my obsession!!! Pick me please :)

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  121. Oooh please count me in as I have this book on my wish list.....wishing wishing wishing..Thank you

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  122. just starting to build a library- what a great addition

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  123. How fun! Thanks for the giveaway :)

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  124. I really enjoyed the interview, thanks! And of course I'd love to win the book :)

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  125. I would love to win this book...enjoyed your interview and now have new blogs to visit! :)
    Julie Boldry

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  126. The fabric is beautiful! I would love to have that book too.

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  127. I'd love to win a copy of this book...the projects look so inspiring and beautiful.
    Lisa
    mistyfuji *at* yahoo *dot* com

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  128. Lovely interview. I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you for the giveaway.

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  129. it was nice to learn a little bit about the author - the book would be a treat to win

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  130. The first book is one I go to repeatedly, I would love to win the second!
    Thanks.......

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  131. Sounds like a wonderful book - I'd love to win it and thank you for the opportunity!

    Janet
    jfquilts@gmail.com

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  132. Great name for a book, I think we all can relate.

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  133. Sounds like a gorgeous book, I'd love to win it!

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  134. I have wanted this book for so long ..have had it on my christmas wish list for some time now.. and my lovely familymembers dont get it..lol...
    So Maybe im lucky instead... :o) Cross my fingers..:O))

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  135. The fabric is yummy, and I'd love to have one of the books. Material Obsession, perfect name!

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  136. I enjoyed reading the interview; Sarah has accomplished a tremendous amount with her quilting and writing. I'm sure I would enjoy her new book. Thanks very much.

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  137. I have MO1 and LOVE it. I'd love to get my hands on MO2! Thanks for the chance.

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  138. Lovely interview - looking forward to seeing the book!

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  139. I have this book on my Christmas list so I would LOVE to win a copy!! Thanks for the great interview.

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  140. Sarah has energy and ideas to burn!Would love her book.

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  141. Loved reading the interview with Sarah and her book looks amazing.
    Mandy Hawkins.

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  142. Thanks for the interview with Sarah. I would love to win her book!

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  143. I have picked up the book many times and dreamed about owning it. I'd love to have a chance to win a copy. Thank you.

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  144. how exciting! I'd love to win! acp328@yahoo.com

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  145. I would love to win this book! Wonderful interview.

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  146. I'd love to win this book! Thanks for the opportunity!

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  147. The first Material Obsession book is one of my all time favorites! I would love to win the new one..... thanks for the chance.

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  148. Thanks so much for the great give-a-way! I have heard great things about the book and can't wait to see it!

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  149. Thanks for the great giveaway, this looks like an awesome new quilting book. kcarlson1152[at]hotmail.com

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  150. Thanks for the giveaway - I'd love to have a copy of this book!

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  151. It sounds like such a good book... I'd love to win a copy! thanks for the chance!

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  152. What a great giveaway! I've had this book in my Amazon wish-list since it was released, so I'd certainly love to have a copy!

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  153. I am a complete fan of Sarah, her fabric and her books!

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  154. Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful new book!

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  155. I have the 1st book and would LOVE to win the 2nd one! Thanks for the chance and the wonderful interview!

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  156. Love your first book, must have the next one. Really was inspired when I opened your book. It's great to hear about what you do.

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  157. I would love her new book. I really enjoyed her first.

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  158. OH MY I would so love to win the book....

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  159. I would love to win the book. Looks wonderful!

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  160. I'd love to win the book! Great interview!

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  161. Wow what a fabulous giveaway. The book sounds awesome. Thanks!

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  162. I knew there was something missing from my bookshelf! I'd love the be entered in the draw. Thanks for the chance.

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  163. Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the opportunity to own it.

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  164. I have book # 1 and I NEED book #2, to go with thosebeautiful fabrics thanks, de

    baker2038@aol.com

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