Wednesday 19 October 2011

I promised you a giveaway...

Just over a year ago, I tentatively wrote my first blog post on my then fledgling blog, little knowing what an important part of my life it was soon to become.  Over the past year I've really enjoyed having a blog and posting my handmade efforts onto the blogosphere.  As well as increasing my sewing productivity about twenty-fold, having a blog has also completely changed my approach to clothes purchasing and consumerism in general.

But perhaps the best part of having a blog has been the on-line (and off-line) friendships I've made.  The on-line sewing community is just awesome: I've been inspired beyond belief by so many of you and the feedback and encouragement I've received in turn has been wonderful.  I've also had the pleasure of meeting a few of you in 'real life' and let me tell you, you do not disappoint!  I'm honoured to count a few of you amongst my true friends - you know who you are.

So as a thank you for your amazing support during my first blogging year, I'd like to announce a rather special giveaway - the lucky winner will receive a copy of The Colette Sewing Handbook.  


It's not published in the UK until the beginning of December but I can't think of a better Christmas present for a sewing blogger.

For those of you who've been inhabiting another planet for the past few months, The Colette Sewing Handbook is the first book from Sarai Mitnick of Colette patterns.  At the last count, I've made nine Colette pattern garments, and have many more I'd like to sew, so you could say I'm a fan.  I hope you are too, as the book contains five beautiful new patterns for modern classic pieces.

Licorice Dress
Pastille Dress

Truffle Dress

Taffy Blouse and Meringue Skirt

With their trademark easy-to-understand instructions and focus on a wonderful fit and finish, what's not to like?

To enter this giveaway all you need to do is be a follower of my blog (I think that's only fair, as some of you have been loyally following me right from the start) and to leave a comment on this post.  The giveaway is open worldwide and closes at midnight GMT on Friday 28th October. The winner will be chosen at random after this date and notified by e-mail.  The book will be posted to you as soon as it's published.  Good luck everybody and thanks once again for your support. x
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97 comments:

  1. Millie19 October 2011 at 13:50

    Oh...count me in please! I am already a follower of your blog and also a huge Colette Patterns fan.
    Thanks for a great giveaway!

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  2. Unknown19 October 2011 at 13:51

    What a fantastic generous giveaway Jane! Count me in!!

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  3. raggedynan19 October 2011 at 13:54

    Very generous, indeed. Love your blog!

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  4. Miriana19 October 2011 at 13:57

    Count me in. I don't know any real life people who sew, so I'm trying to 'encourage' my step daugher via this book!

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  5. Anonymous19 October 2011 at 14:01

    A wonderful giveaway that would make my Christmas! And what a wonderful, touching tribute you've written to the sewing blogging community. I agree - it's had a massive, unremittingly positive impact on my life and I've made some lovely friends.

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  6. House of Pinheiro19 October 2011 at 14:12

    Hi Jane, Thats very sweet of you !
    Congratulation on your 1st year. Your blog is a wonderful read and inspiration. xx

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  7. Brandy19 October 2011 at 14:14

    Thanks for such a lovely giveaway and Congrats on your first year and all you have accomplished in it. :)

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  8. Stevie19 October 2011 at 14:19

    Congrats Jane! Its been lovely seeing you at all the meetups! I have another one coming up soon to Walthamstow or Goldhawk and it would be lovely to see you!
    Please count me in for this giveaway! I've been waiting sooo patiently for this fabulous book!

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  9. khristie B19 October 2011 at 14:27

    Yummy. Yes please Jane and congrats, i always enjoy catching up on your blog. xx

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  10. Louise19 October 2011 at 14:31

    Fab giveaway, please pick me!!!!!

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  11. jadestar19 October 2011 at 14:45

    What a lovely giveaway. Belated happy first blogiversary!

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  12. Michelle19 October 2011 at 14:51

    What a fab giveaway, thank you x

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  13. Maryissewfast19 October 2011 at 15:05

    I am a loyal follower and have been lusting after this book...count me in and Thank You!!!

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  14. Irac19 October 2011 at 15:20

    Such an amazing giveaway!! I love Colette Patterns and I adore your blog! Since I am a hobby seamstress to, we have a lot in common and I enjoy reading your blog! :) Thank you!

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  15. Forrest19 October 2011 at 15:20

    Great giveaway! Hope I win and happy blogiversary!

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  16. Laura19 October 2011 at 15:30

    I've been following for a while, and count me in!

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  17. Suzie19 October 2011 at 15:46

    Congrats on the blogiversary - your blog is one I really enjoy reading as I love everything you make.
    What a fantastic and generous giveaway - thanks so much for the opportunity!

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  18. Tasha19 October 2011 at 16:05

    What a generous giveaway! And a very happy blogiversary to you!

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  19. Kate at M is for make19 October 2011 at 16:08

    ooh, yes please, I'd love to win this book!

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  20. Unknown19 October 2011 at 16:16

    This would be brilliant! It's already on my amazon wishlist sent to family and friends (I get in early with my xmas wishlist), the Truffle dress is my favourite.

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  21. helen ethel studio19 October 2011 at 16:34

    Oh, great giveaway!! I love her patterns, too. :) Thank you for opportunity. I'm a follower of you blog!

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  22. Unknown19 October 2011 at 16:35

    Wowzers Jane! What a brill giveaway. I have just passed my 1 year mark too and my experience of blogging has been much the same as yours. Who'd have thought the simple step of starting a blog would bring so many rewards?!
    Px

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  23. LLADYBIRD19 October 2011 at 16:53

    congratulations on a year of blogging! here's to hoping for many more wonderful years :)

    count me in for this giveaway :) so very generous of you!! wow!

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  24. LF19 October 2011 at 16:57

    What a cool idea! I've been following your blog for a little bit and really look up to established bloggers AND seamstresses!

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  25. Kestrel19 October 2011 at 17:01

    Hi Jane - happy blog birthday! I'd love to be entered for the giveaway please, like you I'm a big fan of Colette Patterns and love the look of the new book.

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  26. Isis19 October 2011 at 17:42

    What a lovely giveaway! I would love to participate. :)

    Happy anniversary!

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  27. Gill19 October 2011 at 17:45

    Congratulations Jane!
    I like Colette patterns too and would love to win this book!

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  28. Kirsty19 October 2011 at 18:14

    How lovely of you Jane ! That is a real gift for anyone, please count me in. I have been following since you made the most beautiful colette crepe dress, and you inspire me often. Thanks for your generosity xx

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  29. Nikki19 October 2011 at 18:30

    Wow! That's a lovely giveaway! Please count me in. Congratulations for the first birthday!

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  30. Unknown19 October 2011 at 18:31

    Why thank you my dear for the giveaway! Blogging really is a great way to expand your world and I enjoy mine too.

    Steph @ Tart Deco
    tartdeco at gmail dot com

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  31. Scruffybadger19 October 2011 at 18:43

    Happy blogiversary Jane!! What a wonderful giveaway. It's def on my amazon wish list. I too am so happy to be in this blogging community and like you, meeting in real life is the business!! Xx

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  32. Anonymous19 October 2011 at 19:02

    I'm a follower as well...please enter me in the giveaway!

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  33. Amanda19 October 2011 at 19:03

    Such a great giveaway, and congrats on a year+ of blogging! I found out about the Lady Valet dress form through you (love it!) and always love seeing your creations!

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  34. Robin19 October 2011 at 20:27

    this book is on my Christmas list. I would love to win it. I am already a follower. Thank you!

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  35. Rebecca19 October 2011 at 20:55

    Such a fabulous giveaway! Enter me please!

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  36. Amy S19 October 2011 at 21:06

    This is just too fabulous! I love the Colette patterns (who doesn't?!), and it's so sweet of you to host this giveaway! Please count me in!!! :D

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  37. Dangtryagain19 October 2011 at 21:41

    I am a follower! Please enter me in this giveaway.

    Nadine (dangtryagain@msn.com)

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  38. Star speckles19 October 2011 at 21:49

    wow, I can't believe you've only been blogging a year - congratulations!

    Thanks for hosting such a fab giveaway

    x

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  39. Kat19 October 2011 at 22:06

    Wow what a great giveaway, the book looks fantastic. Congrats on your anniversary :)

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  40. Michelle19 October 2011 at 22:52

    I love your blog! Your projects are so inspiring!

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  41. Jenni19 October 2011 at 23:37

    Wonderful giveaway...congrats on a fabulous year of blogging!

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  42. Meri19 October 2011 at 23:37

    Yeah for your anniversary. Truly the online sewing community has been a huge inspiration to me!

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  43. sertyan20 October 2011 at 03:06

    Happy Anniversary! I am a follower and I have been very interested in getting this book. Thank you!

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  44. Angie20 October 2011 at 04:36

    Since months I followed your blog in my favourite list, since I found your site It is just great and I love it. Your giveaway is as great as your blog! Thank you for having the chance to win it!
    Angie

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  45. Jennifer20 October 2011 at 08:16

    Thanks for the giveaaway. I am already a follower of your blog and find it inspiring to actually start sewing for myself and not just my kids.

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  46. Gail20 October 2011 at 09:19

    Nothing like a give away to bring your followers out of the woodwork! I'd love to own this book, so Jane please count me in. Thank you for your generous offer.

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  47. Anonymous20 October 2011 at 10:23

    I would absolutely love to win this book - I bought my first sewing machine this year and am starting classes very soon, so it would be great to have some projects to work on.x

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  48. Unknown20 October 2011 at 10:54

    Wow! Fabulous give away - have just received 2 or the 3 new Colette patterns, so the book would be incredible! Happy 1st Year Anniversary! Sharon x

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  49. Angela20 October 2011 at 10:56

    Congratulations on your first blog anniversary. I'm already a follower, though not a great commenter. Thanks for a great giveaway.
    Angela

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  50. Chantal20 October 2011 at 11:25

    congratulations on your first year blogging, plaese count me in

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  51. Anonymous20 October 2011 at 12:25

    I would like to enter the drawing - thank you for the opportunity! As an aside, you and I have sew several of the same garments during the past year and it has been inspiring to see your finished pieces!

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  52. Unknown20 October 2011 at 12:35

    Oh yes please! thank you for the opportunity and congrats on your blogaversary!

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  53. rosessimone20 October 2011 at 13:09

    I am a new reader and am enjoying all the sewing advice. Thanks, Simone

    mayzesimone@hotmail.com

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  54. Handmade and Vintage20 October 2011 at 15:33

    Congratulations on a year of blogging. I've loved seeing your creations and marvelling at your skill. Don't enter me for the draw though - it needs to go to someone whose garment sewing skills are greater than mine!

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  55. Eleanna20 October 2011 at 16:30

    Oh, yes please! I'm already a follower of your blog.

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  56. merry faith20 October 2011 at 16:35

    thank you for hosting this giveaway! I'm following on google friend connect and bloglovin'. thanks for sharing your creations with us and happy first blog-iversary!

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  57. green2320 October 2011 at 18:52

    Happy anniversary. I love seeing your completed sewing projects.

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  58. Magpie Mimi20 October 2011 at 20:22

    What a lovely thing to do! Thank you so much for some lovely inspiration and such a fantastic giveaway too! Happy blogging and sewing!

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  59. ohsewfantastic20 October 2011 at 20:45

    Well what can I add to the lovely comments already made! Not only can I visit your fab blogspot for inspiration and sheer enjoyment, but now can enter for a chance of a giveaway, and not just any giveaway, but a Colette giveaway! Count me in as well! x

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  60. Jamie20 October 2011 at 20:47

    What a generous give away. I just love reading your blog and seeing what you have made for yourself. It's inspiring!

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  61. Emilee20 October 2011 at 21:26

    What a great giveaway! Thanks,
    Emilee

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  62. No Regrets, Inc.21 October 2011 at 00:02

    Thanks, Jane...but I've just ordered it off of Barnes & Noble.

    Congrats on 1 year!!

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  63. Jacqui21 October 2011 at 02:47

    Happy anniversary, having been following you on google reader since march.
    Keep up the sewing and the trips down memory lane for me of London.

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  64. dotted lines21 October 2011 at 06:03

    Congratulations! I actually found your blog through your Colette items! I love her patterns - I have 3 of them - and I'd love to make a few Licorice blouses.

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  65. gi_janearng21 October 2011 at 06:16

    Been following your blog for about a couple weeks, so I'm fairly new, but hoping that Blogger will give me some luck in signing in as a follower, for some reason it never wants to accept my account. :P I found your blog looking for high-waisted pants and yours look fab so now I'm hooked!

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  66. erinkg21 October 2011 at 06:24

    This looks like a fantastic book!

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  67. javede21 October 2011 at 08:28

    Happy anniversary!
    I like reading your posts and follow you via google reader since I do not use that blogger feature.

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  68. HoffiCoffi21 October 2011 at 09:42

    What a lovely looking book. I agree - I would love to find this in my stocking on christmas morning! :)

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  69. Liz21 October 2011 at 14:25

    What a fab giveaway :)

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  70. jeannine21 October 2011 at 21:16

    Great giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  71. uglybeat22 October 2011 at 00:03

    This is great! Happy anniversary. I've been reading your blog for forever, but now am "officially" a follower!

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  72. Stitchybritt22 October 2011 at 09:57

    I've made two items from very simple Colette patterns before, but I'd love to make some more. Please count me in!

    Stitchybritt

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  73. KL22 October 2011 at 10:46

    Oh, oh. Pick me, Pick me! I love Colette patterns, and I've been reading your blog for months. Especially I liked the dress you made for the wedding. Lovely. ;-) And the me-made month: so impressive! Kay

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  74. Pauline22 October 2011 at 13:37

    Hi Jane,
    Just found your blog when I jumped over from What's Up Cupcake? I can't wait to read through all your achives and learn all of your tips and hints. I have learnt so much about sewing through generous people such as yourself.

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  75. sorbetsurprise22 October 2011 at 14:36

    Wow I bookmarked this book on Amazon as soon as I heard about it, so would love to win one!

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  76. LunaLoo22 October 2011 at 21:50

    Congratulations on your annivesary! You and I are both newbies so to speak. Please count me in on the Colette giveaway.. and I agree that their patterns are incredibly well thought out and designed.

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  77. Ms Marple22 October 2011 at 23:09

    This book is on my birthday list, so would love to win it! Jane, I only discovered your blog a few months ago and love it! Thanks

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  78. Susan23 October 2011 at 04:31

    I would love to win! I've been eyeing off the Colette patterns for a while but never made the plunge to buy and try! Cheers, Susan

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  79. Josephine23 October 2011 at 11:49

    I'm a very happy follower of your blog. Congrats on your blog birthday. I hope there are many more years of blogging for you.

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  80. helenb23 October 2011 at 17:49

    What a fabulous Christmas present!!
    Please count me in!

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  81. CarmencitaB23 October 2011 at 17:50

    What a great giveaway! Thanks a lot.
    I'm in!

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  82. Amy23 October 2011 at 20:29

    Fabulous idea for a giveaway! I'd love to have a go at that Truffle dress. Congratulations on your blogoversary :)

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  83. badlydrawngirl23 October 2011 at 22:35

    I'm a new follower but your blog is ace and wow what a giveaway!

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  84. Carla G24 October 2011 at 04:07

    What a great looking book! Thanks for a chance to win! And congratulations on your blogoversary! I'm a new follower! :)

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  85. Deb24 October 2011 at 06:38

    Congratulations on your first year of blogging. I have enjoyed reading about your sewing adventures and am looking forward to lots more to come!

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  86. nette24 October 2011 at 15:40

    Congrats on your very first year of blogging! I have had mine some weeks ago and can only agree with you about the benefits. Wishing you lots of luck and many new years to come!
    Beautiful giveaway. Thank you for that!

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  87. Anonymous24 October 2011 at 18:14

    Love this book, and your blog! Congrats on a whole year x

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  88. Anonymous24 October 2011 at 18:34

    Hi Jane
    I found your blog through 'did you make that' and it's wonderful - I'm now following through RSS. Congratulations on a whole year of blogging!

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  89. Lynneb24 October 2011 at 19:35

    Jane, I would love a chance at the Collette book! I've been reading and commenting for awhile, so now, I will officially become a "follower!)

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  90. Lynn24 October 2011 at 21:03

    Oh what a nice giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity! Love your blog!

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  91. e.giraffe24 October 2011 at 21:35

    Wow you have a lot of comments! Looks like a fantastic book - I would love to have a chance. Cathx

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  92. laglov24 October 2011 at 22:59

    Congratulation on your blogging anniversary! I actually just whipped up Simplicity 2654 after seeing your version. I loved your and now mine are my new favorites. Thanks for your posts and for the fabulous giveaway.

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  93. HuxleyWuxley25 October 2011 at 06:19

    What a great giveaway! I love reading your blog too!

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  94. Anonymous26 October 2011 at 17:57

    Happy birthday Jane's lovely blog! I think you'll find the pleasure has been all ours!! I would love very much to be entered for your giveaway.... what a wonderful prize!

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  95. Bridget27 October 2011 at 20:29

    I love reading your blog and who doesn't love Colette.

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  96. Auset's Stitched Treasures28 October 2011 at 19:41

    Congratulations your blog. Well done. Please toss my name into the hat. I've been admiring the Colette Patterns since they first came out but still haven't purchased one. This book will give me an opportunity to take a closer look at the methods behind the wonderfulness.

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  97. Sonia Hinson28 October 2011 at 23:10

    What a great giveaway. Love your blog and love Colette Patterns. Sonia

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