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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Catching Up {with life}

Now that Market is over,
I am excited to get to some long overdue items on my "to-do list". 

First, a bathroom make-over. 
I recently bought a few items from Ballard Designs (love that store!)
like this (in black) and this (in natural).
"Before" and "Afters" coming soon.

Second, I think it's high time I read a book
I can't remember the last time I did that. 
Maybe I'll try my husbands favorite, Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.

Third, my fridge is long overdue for a good cleaning.

Fourth, I desperately need to make a trip to the D.I..  Children's clothes from the last 8 years are taking over the floor in one of our guest rooms in the basement.  We want to turn that room into my husbands home office.

And finally, I really need to tackle this pile of unfinished projects: 


I've decided to start with this project, but I really need your opinion!  This Schnibbles pattern is called Hot Cross Buns by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. 

So my question is, do you like "Version A" (which is how it was intended)?


Or, do you like "Version B"?


(And, if you say you like the latter, you will save me a lot of time and I will love you for that, but if you say you like the first, then I will have to get busy and you may not hear from me for a while.  So.  Tell me your honest opinion and then I will do what I want with it.:)

And just to make it fun, I will pick a name after you give your two cents in the comment section below and one awesome person will win a pack of my 3 new patterns (Every Which Way, Simply Sweet and Fresh Squeezed).  See, this is tricky ~ unless you have actually read this long, long post of mine, then you wouldn't know that there was a giveaway at the end of it.  So your chances may be good at winning.  Be sure to tell me "Version A" or "Version B" and what your reasoning is for liking what you like.  This giveaway will end on Friday. 

Thanks, Amber

112 comments:

  1. I honestly like version B better-a whole lot better! Version A makes me a little dizzy or at least crosses my eyes! I like the little expanse in version B.
    And I'm not saying that just so you'll pck me (but it's really OK if you do!)

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  2. Hmm, that's a hard one, Amber. I like the first one, but the crosses are a little overwhelming. So I think the second one will have the same look but a little less of the dark in the crosses.

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  3. Actually... not trying to suck up to you or anything... but I do like the 2nd better... less busy... you see more of the fabric rather than just the X's...

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  4. Version B, definitely, and not just to lighten your workload (that's just a happy side effect)! I think Version A looks a little too busy and the brown crosses overtake the prints. Version B lets the prints shine through and the brown crosses just add form and interest. (Wow, I sound like some quilt critic here - Just my opinion!)

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  5. You've got lots of fun and work on your horizon! I like the latter. Easier on the eyes! I wish you were here so we could quilt together! I could use a different stream of creativity! xo

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  6. My vote is for Version B also. I think the first one hurts my eyes a little.

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  7. I'm loving version A. It looks kind of like lattice fencing!

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  8. Before I even read the rest of your blog, I had picked B...I think A is a little overwhelming....covers up too much color. Very nice!

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  9. I like Version B too. Version A is overwhelmed by the black crosses, B is easier on the eye. Love the Anna Maria fabs!

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  10. I really do like version B better. Love the graphic...

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  11. I like version B better...less visually overwhelming for me

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  12. Version B! The other makes my head hurt!

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  13. I like version 2 best. Version #1 hurts my eyes...it is still hurting my eyes and I am not looking at it. ;0)You are very tricky with your giveaways, requiring us the read the WHOLE thing.
    Speaking of WHOLE things you should read "Pillars" it is fabulous, genius and very in depth.

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  14. B as A would be to busy/heavy looking for me.

    Have fun
    Christine

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  15. I love version B. The solid color (black or brown, couldn't tell) is overwhelming in version A! You have a great eye for your colors though!

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  16. I LOVE Version A. I Gasped when I first saw the picture load.

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  17. I think version B is much better. It brings a little more attention to the fabric.

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  18. I would pick version B. I really like the "cross" bun effect but in version B you can see more of the glorius fabrics!
    Maureen

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  19. I definitely have to say version B. It's not as heavy as version A. It's much more pleasing to the eye :-)

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  20. I prefer B too! It's easier on the eyes not as busy as the other one. I notice the beautiful fabrics more too!

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  21. I am new to your blog and love what I am reading. I do not have a blog but love blog surfing and looking at all the creative people in the world. I am just new to quilting and the tips and ideas are wonderful. Glad I read your whole blog and got to enter for this terrific give away! I love version 2. Makes the fabrics just pop!
    Sandi
    smillerpitts@gmail.com

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  22. Oh, what a fun project! But I really love your "version B". It is less busy, and therefore more 'pleasant' to me.

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  23. I totally and thoroughly love plan B. It really switches up the pattern and keeps the eye moving.

    Mary

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  24. Version B gives the focus to the fabric and not to the X's.

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  25. I like B. And I am glad you did that since I have the pattern also. you saved me some time haha
    jillfroelich@yahoo.com

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  26. jillfroelich@yahoo.com''I like B also. Any I am glad you did that since I have that pattern also. You have now saved me some time THanks

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  27. Can't wait to see your new bathroom! I also love Ballard...I have been secretly coveting their bead board drying rack for...a really long time! So from far away (I stepped back from the computer) I like version B, close up I like A. Aren't I helpful! ;)

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  28. I like version B. But, if that is your favorite color in the x's, you may like A better. I just happen to love the light prints that stand out more in B. Thanks for sharing with us!

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  29. Version B! And not just because it looks like it will save a ton of time!

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  30. I like B. it reminds me of x and o, full of love

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  31. I think Version B because it's not as busy as the first one. Maybe if the stripes were a lighter color the first one would be okay, otherwise it's like BAM! chainlink fence in your face. (I'm not knocking the first one - it's pretty too, just a little too much color.)

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  32. B has my vote. I like the way the Xs frame the patterned fabrics. Choice A tends to focus only on the Xs. I want to see what it looks like on point. Hey! here's an idea! try putting all the xs in a vertical column and then every other column is just prints; I think that would feel like a climbing lattice and it would give length to whichever way you let it climb (meaning long-wise or width-wise) as well as show off the prints. what do you think?

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  33. Version B -- a seems a little too busy to me, maybe it's all the black.

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  34. Version B is much nicer in my opinion, it's easier to look at and the beautiful prints stand out much better. The X's are more of a secondary design element instead of overwhelming the prints as in version A.

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  35. I think I prefer the second version with not so many crosses -- it is easier on the eyes, not so busy. But -- of course you should do what you want anyway.

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  36. I like them both, but...I like Version B better because it's not so busy. i also like to see large areas of my favorite prints and those large squares are perfect for that!

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  37. Version B and I'm not just saying that to save you time! Although that would be nice. I just think it has a cleaner look to it. The first one seems too busy! Anyway good luck!

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  38. My vote is for Version B.....just enough black to make the prints pop! FYI....love your new patterns!

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  39. Version B! :)

    Sarah
    almondpanda AT gmail.com

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  40. Version B would be my choice....The X's are what you see on A and on B you get to enjoy the fabrics. Much less busy looking. k.bugbee@att.net

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  41. I think that version B is my choice, as well. I love that you don't lose the overall effect but can still have fabulous blocks of fabrics, too:)

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  42. I like version A because the continuous lines make your eye move all over the quilt. But if B wins out it looks good too! Oh and I loved "Pillars of the Earth" though it does get a bit long winded and the author kills off people you get attached to. I am reading "Fall of Giants" now!

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  43. I like version B. It seems a little easier on the eyes!

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  44. I think I like B the best. It shows off those fabulous fabrics!

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  45. I like the B option, lets the fabric really shine.

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  46. I was going to comment anyway because I actually have an opinion, but the giveaway is a nice bonus. :-)

    I like version B. I think it's less visually overwhelming, but you still get the same effect. You notice the fabric as well, rather than just the X's.

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  47. No question. I like B better!! :D

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  48. definitely version b is my preferred option - gives you a chance to focus on the lovely fabric and to show off some nice quilting!

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  49. My vote is for Version B also. I think it has cleaner look. The first one seems too busy and little bit "hard" on my eyes! Anyway good luck with your decision!
    Jana in Prague, Czech Republic

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  50. Like most others here, I like the B version best, too. It is less busy and allows you to showcase some of the fabrics better. See, we are saving you lots of time! :)

    And I have heard that Pillars of the Earth is a fantastic book! It is on my 'to read' list.

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  51. Love Version B, you can't X out all those gorgeous fabrics. I got a chuckle out of your comment, when you said you would do what you wanted anyway. :^).

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  52. My vote is for version B! I get a little dizzy with the "X" in A and the fabrics show much better in B. Love the fabrics choices.

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  53. I would make version B, I think this one is brighter. Good luck with this one.
    Greetz Roos

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  54. Version b baby! It's not so busy. Love it amber I want to hear all about market when I get home!

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  55. For me it's got to be version B!! Too many black crosses and my eyeballs pop. The lovely prints show better with a few less crosses... in my humble opinion. But... it's your quilt and the only person you have to please... is yourself!

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  56. First of all, I'm happy to see another person's stack of WIP. Makes me feel much better. I'm just finishing up today a few projects for others and I can't wait to work on one of my "unfinished" boxes- now which one?? So, long post, long comment LOL... I pick B for sure.

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  57. I like B. It is open and not crowded.

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  58. I really like B. It spaces everything out!

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  59. Definately version B. It's more restful on the eyes and isn't so graphically overwhelming.

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  60. I like them both alot! Version B does not seem as severe though so the gorgeous fabrics would show through better. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  61. I like version B better. I think because you can see more of the pretty fabric. :) And by the way, Pillars of the Earth is a great book!

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  62. I love the way B lets the eye focus on the beautiful fabrics, yet the lattice helps move the eye over the quilt. Then there is the rebellious side of me that wants to choose A. Just because no one else is. grin! Thank you for the chance at your generous giveaway for your fabulous patterns!

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  63. I love that it is so busy :)version A would definitely be my choice. (dark(at)y mail(dot)com)

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  64. I like version B better, less busy!

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  65. I think I'm in the minority here, I really like version A. Version B is awesome, but the lattice on it just seems a bit too open for me. Either way it's going to be a beautiful quilt! I think version A is a bit more complex and tingles your brain a bit, where version B is more calming.

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  66. Version B for sure! The first one you are too focused on the crosses to see the gorgeous prints. It's a beautiful quilt!

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  67. Version B is a great way to showcase fabric. Feel like I'm looking through a chain linked fence to see the fabulous fabric on the other side. You know it's always greener on the other side of the fence!

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  68. I must say, I like the second one better. It's because when you space out the x's, you can see the other fabric better and it's not so busy. As Caro said above, it's more restful on the eyes. Great job, it will be stunning!

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  69. Version B shows off your fabric while version A shows off the 'x'. I would go with 'B' - and show off the pretty background fabric.

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  70. I like B too! I like the lattice effect of the cross bars, and the places where you played with value on the filler blocks look especially great.

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  71. I agree with most of the posters here. Version B is easier on the eyes. I liked the comment about X's and O's. I agree. BTW, you're AWESOME!! See you soon!

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  72. I like them both but B is my favorite, really!

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  73. I'm a fan of Version B. I think the black in Version A takes over the quilt. But really if you can finish faster - that is a total win!

    Now that's my 2 cents

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  74. I honestly like option B better! A is pretty nice too, don't get me wrong, but with these particular fabrics I think less is more :)

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  75. I like version B a lot better. And it was great seeing you in person & your cute booth at quilt market!

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  76. I'm also going to vote B. In version A the black x's are all crowded together and look very serious. In the B version the blocks of fabric break up the serious black x's.

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  77. version b for sure. "too much" in version a.

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  78. Okay it looks like you are going with version B
    It is a lot less busy and would show your prints off mo better

    Good Luck either way you will be busy

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  79. I like Version B much better. I think there's way too much black/dark in version A. The Crosses look better when they're broken up by the solid squares.

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  80. Please do version B. Much more pleasing to the eye and shows off the fabrics better. I'll be watching for the before and after of your bath.
    Would love to win you patterns.

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  81. I love Schnibbles patterns and Carrie is an awesome designer!! But i do really like version B better....the dark brown lines are really "in your face" in the first version and you notice the fabrics better in the second version!!

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  82. I like version B much better. It's easier on the eyes and showcases the fabric better.

    Wow, that's a large stack of projects. Where do you get those clear boxes? I just started using boxes for my WIPs, just like the opaque ones much better.

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  83. I like A but it's busy but I really like B.

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  84. I prefer B - A is too cluttered for me!!
    Go for it!

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  85. I like Version B - while A is beautiful, I think the solid squares definitely break it up a bit.

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  86. I like B. Version A is a bit too busy. Hope you are well friend!

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  87. I really like version B, it is more pleasant to look at. I was thinking that before you mentioned that you wanted an opinion. And then what to my surprise you are giving something away for an opinion wow lucky us!

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  88. I like B better for 3 reasons:

    1.It is easier on the eye because there is space between the "x's"
    2. I love the prints you used, and Version B showcases them better.
    3. It will make your life easier!!!!

    Good luck! I can't wait to see how it turns out!

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  89. Version B. I've got this pattern and I wasn't totally sold but I think your version B may be the answer! I just like how it breaks up the x's!

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  90. "B" seems brighter and airier... love it!

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  91. I like version B. The first one is just way to busy with all the black X's. The second one is calmer and easier on the eyes. Thank you for a give away, how fun!! Good luck with the quilt!

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  92. I prefer the second! I think the first is too heavy and intense. Loving your blog! I just found you "by accident" today for the first time.

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  93. I like version B. It isn't as overstimulating. I like more of the prints showing. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  94. Version B. Love Pillars of the Earth - my fav too. Anything he writes - I read.

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  95. I like Version B. I think the first one is just too overwhelming. Love your blog and thanks for the give away.

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  96. I like version B, it is less busy and allows you to "see" the fabric.

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  97. Version B definitely! Not that I'm trying to save you time, but that you see the beautiful fabrics so much better and it is less busy.

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  98. Definitely version B. How wonderful.. Less work and a nicer quilt!

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  99. I really like the B- it is less busy and will highlight the fabric combinations.

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  100. Hands down version B!! Your brilliant, that really brings out the fabulous fabrics!

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  101. I really love version B better, is more like seeing the big picture of things! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  102. I like version b better. Version A seems too busy to me. Can't wait to see it finished!

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  103. I prefer version B. A little less black and the colors are more visible. Have fun with it.

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  104. Definitely Version B. Version A is way too busy. In addition, you can really see the "Hot Cross Buns" on Version B.

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  105. Version B. A is a little overwhelming.
    How about "Cross My Heart" or "Cossy Crossroads"

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  106. great to meet you... even briefly! i like v2...wink!

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  107. A is for ambitious, but B is for BETTER! I like B much more. The crisscrosses add more in the second one, still allowing the other fabrics to be seen and appreciated.

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  108. I actually like version 'B' much better. 'A' is just too much. I like that the colors of the fabric stand out much better.

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  109. I hate to say it but I really like A. I like how close together the design is. I do think it will be great whatever you decide.

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  110. B definitely B!

    Happy Sewing

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I ♥ to hear from you so please feel free to leave a comment. I read each one and try to respond as often as I can. Thanks so much for stopping by! ~Amber