Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Crafty Gear 411: Decorative Stitching + Pellon Stabilizer Giveaway

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It's time for a new edition of Crafty Gear 411, my way of sharing sewing room secrets I've learned to help others make the most of their sewing adventures.  For this round I wanted to focus on the tricks & tips for doing Decorative Sewing



Appliqueing, decorative stitching, machine embroidery - they add lovely embellishments and a professional finish to projects, but getting started can seem a bit daunting.  



There's a big misconception that they require complex tools or expert sewing skills to achieve.  Not true!!  This week I'll be showing how to get started with these different techniques, the gear needed and some simple project tutorials so you can be decorative sewing in no time!



The key to success with any of these techniques is using the right notions.  The two things that create great results with decorative sewing are embroidery thread & embroidery stabilizer.


Embroidery thread (not to be confused with embroidery floss) is a special thread that is less twisted and more lightweight than regular sewing thread.  It also has more of a shine to really make the decorative stitching stand out.  There are loads of colors, metallics, even glow-in-the-dark, ombre & variegated.


Embroidery Stabilizer is the backing that adds support & strength to the fabric while it's being stitched.  In insures that the design is sewn flat and evenly, as well as keeping the fabric from puckering, tearing or over-stretching.  This is key when sewing on an applique, adding decorative stitches or machine embroidering a design.


Pellon

Pellon makes embroidery stabilizers for all weights of fabric, from delicate lace to heavy napped velvet and are easy to remove by cutting, tearing or dissolving in water.  And since they know it can be overwhelming to figure out exactly which type you may need, Pellon now offers their embroidery stabilizers in easy to understand, color-coded packages so it's a breeze to identify exactly what will be ideal for your project.




Each box gives info on what kinds of applications it's best for and easy follow directions for use.  You can look for these products at Joann's stores starting this month and in more shops very soon.  But how about having a chance to win them all right here?


Thanks to Pellon, I am giving away a full set of all these stabilizers!!

One winner will receive all of the following:
  • Sol-U-Film Lite is great for edges, shadow work, lace work, bridging, etc, and since it completely dissolves in water, it makes it the ideal stabilizer for delicate and intricate designs. 
  • Soft-N-Stay is a leave-in stabilizer that's perfect projects that will come in contact with skin. It features a lightweight, soft texture that remains with the fabric and works great in open-weave fabrics, organza, netting, lycra, dense embroidery designs and free-form embroidery.
  • Fuse N Tear is an iron-on embroidery stabilizer for decorative stitching, appliques, buttonholes, monogramming, chartered needlework and stenciled borders. It saves time and hassle by eliminating pinning & shifting and just tears away.
  • Stitch-N-Tear Lite sews-in & is great for decorative stitching, quilting, satin stitching, thread sketching and buttonholes. Being soft & lightweight means it does not pull or distort stitches during removal.
  • Stick-N-Tear is great for knit fabric, velvet, ultra suede, brushed denim, silk, flannel and nylon. the ideal stabilizer to use for small areas like ribbon, doll clothes, cuffs, collars and socks. Easy to use by simply peeling off paper backing, applying to fabric and tearing away when done.

This is nearly 50 yards of stabilizer and 
with a total value of over $90!  
It's a great way to get a jump start on some decorative sewing.

To Enter:
Say which type of Pellon Embroidery Stabilizer you'd like to try most.  Be sure to include an email address if it's not on your profile.

For Additional Entries (leave a separate comment for each one):
Stop by PellonProjects.com, then come back and leave a comment saying your favorite project 
- Become a fan of Pellon on Facebook
- Sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of the PellonProjects.com
- Link to this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter
- Follow Sew Can Do
- Like Sew Can Do on Facebook
- Follow Sew Can Do on Pinterest

Giveaway IS CLOSED will be open until 11:59PM EST February 28th, 2012.    Giveaway is open to residents of U.S. and Canada only.  Void where prohibited.  The winner will be chosen at random and announced later that week.  Good Luck Everyone!  


Come back tomorrow to for a tutorial on how to make amazing appliques:)

258 comments:

  1. I would love to try the Stick-N-Tear because I use a lot of knits
    mframe00@gmail.com

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  2. I love the Memory Tote
    mframe00@gmail.com

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  3. I like Pellon on FB- Michelle Frame
    mframe00@gmail.com

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  4. I Like Sew Can Do on Facebook- Michelle Frame
    mframe00@gmail.com

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  5. I am thinking the soft and stay. I need to start practicing embroidery stitches!
    missysaprons@yahoo.com

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  6. I'd like to try Sol-U-Film lite because I have some kitchen towels I'd like to machine embroider and that would be perfect to keep the stitches on the top.
    jchlangley@gmail.com

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  7. I posted a link to this give away on my blog.

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  8. I would like to try the Fuse-N-Tear

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  9. I would love to try the Stitch-N-Tear Lite. I've just started sewing and this would really help! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!!

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  10. my favorite project is the nifty needle case!

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  11. Hi Please enter me to win...I follow Sew Can Do. I like stitch N tear

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  12. I would like to try the Stitch-n-Tear Lite - Thanks for the chance to win!

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  13. I am a fan of Pellon on Facebook.

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  14. I follow your blog and love to see the projects and ideas you come up with!

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  15. I signed up for Pellon's newsletter.

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  16. I signed up for the newsletter on Pellon Projects

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  17. My favorite project at PellonProjects.com is the Loyalty Card wallet. I need one of those!

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  18. I follow Sew Can Do on Pinterest!

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  19. Tweeted the giveaway.
    https://twitter.com/#!/AlphaBecky/status/171967545119744001

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  20. I already follow Sew Can Do on Pinterest.

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  21. I think the soft-n-stay sounds interesting!

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  22. I'd like to try the fuse 'n tear. I use a lot of tear away, now. This fusible one sounds interesting.

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  23. The Caliti convertible clutch at the Pellon site is definitely going on my to-do list!

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  24. And I follow Sew Can Do.

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  25. I would love to try both the Sol-U-Film and the Stick-N-Tear... I am just now getting back into sewing after having my machines in storage for 5 years! I have lots of projects planned that would be so much better with the help of Pellon!!

    lisami72@gmail.com

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  26. I'd love to try the fuse n tear! Edelge@yahoo.com

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  27. I follow sew can do on pinterest

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  28. I think my favorite project would be the tasty tote lunch set! But I *need* to make the ebook pouch for my oldest daughter... she received a Kindle for Christmas.

    lisami72@gmail.com

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  29. I am BRAND NEW to machine embroidery. I would be willing to try any of the Pellon stabilizers. I have loads of testing to do and learning by doing to master my new machine.

    Email: info (at) adlibcorner (dot) com

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  30. Followed Pellon on Facebook.com.

    Email: info (at) adlibcorner (dot) com

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  31. Signed up for PellonProjects.com email.

    Fave project is the Tasty Tote Lunch Set.

    Email: info (at) adlibcorner (dot) com

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  32. Followed you at: http://pinterest.com/sewcando/


    Email: info (at) adlibcorner (dot) com

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  33. I would love to try the soft-n-stay to embroider shirts/blouses for that one-of-a-kind touch. Already did "simple" embroidery on shower curtains and window treatments for coordinating looks. I'm hooked!
    Already subscribed to Pellon newsletter!
    Thanks,
    Arly
    email: Headmom30@hotmail.com

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  34. Linked over to this post via Facebook:
    http://www.facebook.com/adlibcorner

    Email: info (at) adlibcorner (dot) com

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  35. I'd like to try Soft-N-Stay. Most of my sewing projects are for infants and children and I think this stabilizer would be gentler for them. roadwarrior026@gmail.com

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  36. I follow you on Pinterest!

    lisami72@gmail.com

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  37. I love the large checkerboard mat, my son wants to play checkers every day!

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  38. I follow your blog on Google reader!

    lisami72@gmail.com

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  39. My favorite project is the small fry duffle bag.

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  40. I tweeted the giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/IamLilyMunster/status/172018079528787968

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  41. I want to try Fuse and Tear because I need to use my iron for something!

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  42. checking yo out on Pinterest
    (my name there is bestlectic)

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  43. I'd like to try the Stitch-N-Tear Lite!

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  44. I am signed up for Pellon's newsletter.

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  45. I'd love to try the Soft n Stay. Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  46. I would love to try the stick n tear. I have never tried it before for fear of gumming up my needles. cattt410@yahoo.com

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  47. I've "liked" you on Facebook!

    lisami72@gmail.com

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  48. I've linked up to this giveaway on Facebook.

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  49. I'm a new follower. Yipee!

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  50. And now I "like" you on FB too.

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  51. My favorite project would have to be the nifty needle case!

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  52. I'd like to try the Stitch-N-Tear Lite!

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  53. I would love to try fuse n tear. I'm new at all this but I do enjoy using stabalizers for art quilts and prayer flags. Thank you for the opportunity.

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  54. I'd really like to try the Sol-U-Film Lite because I keep seeing all these great lace projects and just haven't gotten around to giving it a try because it looks sort of complicated.

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  55. I'm also a fan of Pellon on Facebook.

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  56. I'm signed up for the Pellon newsletter, too.

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  57. I also subscribed to Sew Can Do by email.

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  58. I like Sew Can Do on Facebook.

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  59. I now follow Sew Can Do on Pinterest.

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  60. And, finally, the project I'd most like to try on PellonProjects.com is the T-Shirt quilt. I have a lot of old shirts that I still love but that no longer fit and that seems like a fun way of reusing them.

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  61. Stick & Tear. Seems like it would solve a multitude of problems.

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  62. I would like to try the fuse and wear


    nelly dot barney at yahoo dot com

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  63. I like Pellon on fb


    nelly dot barney at yahoo dot com

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  64. I would like to try the patchwork placemat


    nelly dot barney at yahoo dot com

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  65. I am a follower of sew can do

    nelly dot barney at yahoo dot com

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  66. I like sew can do on fb

    nelly dot barney at yhaoo dot com

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  67. I would LOVE to try stick & tear!

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  68. i follow sew can do on pinterest

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  69. i tweeted about this giveaway! @hollycsharp

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  70. Stitch and tear would be my choice. I love all things iron on. It sounds like the one I would get the most use from.

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  71. I would love to try the Sol-U-Film Lite. I have just started doing shadow embroidery and some lace work.

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  72. I would like to try the Sol-u-Film Lite. I like this giveaway! So nice of you to offer this. The tute is cute too. Thank you.

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  73. I'd like to try the Fuse N Tear
    Jaime P
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

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  74. I would love to try the Stick-n-Tear. Love your site. Giving me so many ideas just wish I had the time to do them all. I am fairly new to embroidery but what I have done so fair has been fun and turned out great.

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  75. I like the Small Fry Duffle Bag
    Jaime P
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

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  76. a fan of Pellon on Facebook
    Jaime P
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

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  77. tweet
    https://twitter.com/#!/Copperllama/status/172437356798935040
    Jaime P
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

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  78. Follow Sew Can Do
    Jaime P
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

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  79. Like on Facebook
    Jaime P
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

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  80. This is such a fantastic giveaway. I have never used any of their embroidery products but am very eager to do so. I have always used another brand I buy from my Viking dealer and I am interested to see the comparison between the two brands and pricing.

    One of my favorite projects to do on my embroidery machine since buying it in late 2003 was FSL (free standing lace) because it's so pretty and makes awesome (and very impressive) gifts. Because of that, I would love to try their Sol U Film first. I've tried a few other water soluable stabilizers and a few of them really leave a nasty slimy mess in my sink so much that I will never use a few of those brands again nor finish what I have here in my sewing room.

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  81. Pellon has some awesome projects on thier site already. It's very hard to choose just one favorite but, I very much like the Market to Market Tote because it has the insulated insides.

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  82. I have previously 'liked' the Pellon page on FB already.

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  83. I wasn't sure if I had already signed up for the Pellon newsletter but thought I had. Just to be sure however, I signed up again.

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  84. I am now a follower of Sew Can Do blog.

    I must add that I just adore your Hershey's applique tutorial. That is just too cute. I can't wait to make one for my Granddaughter. Thank you.

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  85. I've also now liked Sew Can Do on Facebook as well. Thank you for such an awesome giveaway.

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  86. id like to try the stitch and tear! scg00387 at yahoo dot com

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  87. http://www.pellonprojects.com/products/1287-rings-of-love-quilt.aspx id like to try this! scg00387 at yahoo dot com

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  88. i like you on FB scg00387 at yahoo dot com

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  89. i like pellon on FB scg00387 at yahoo dot com

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  90. I would like to try the Fuse n Tear! :) Jaclyn

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  91. I have always wanted to try a t-shirt quilt with all our race t-shirts, but also love the thought of embroidering some kiddo artwork! I need some more skillz before I get there, but a girl can dream!! :) Jaclyn

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  92. I would like to try the Soft-N-Stay!

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  93. I had a great time looking at all the free downloadable projects...but my favorite is....The Steampunk quilt- I hope to make it one day!?!

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  94. I would like to try the Soft-N-Stay, have never used that. It'd be nice for some baby clothes.

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  95. I am also a follower of Pellon on FB! P.S. I also somehow never new about embroidery thread. Thanks!

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  96. I'd love to try the fuse-n-tear or the soft-n-stay.

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  97. Love the essential clutch pattern...

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  98. Follow Sew Can Do on Pinterest

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  99. I became a fan of Pellon on FB!

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  100. Fun! I'd love to try the Soft and Stay.
    Thanks!

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  101. I like the wash away stabilizer - I'm not great at cutting/tearing them very well and so there's always a piece that itches...

    jess.alora[@]gmail[.]com

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  102. I like Pellon on FB!

    jess.alora[@]gmail[.]com

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  103. I like your FB page!

    jess.alora[@]gmail[.]com

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  104. I follow all of your pins!

    jess.alora[@]gmail[.]com

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  105. I would really like to try the stick and tear.

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  106. I follow you on Pinterest! Gotta love Pinterest!:) Thanks for the great giveaway.

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  107. I would love to try the Stick-N-Tear. I've always been afraid to applique on knits and it looks like this would make it super easy!
    Jean
    jean@cu.net

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  108. I also love the Urban Jungle bag on the Pellon projects page.

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  109. - I signed up for the Pellon Projects newsletter
    - I linked this blog to Facebook AND Twitter but I wasn't able to tag you.
    - I couldn't find you on twitter
    - I "Liked" you on Facebook
    - I Follow you on Pinterst.

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  110. I think I'd want to try the Sol-u-film--I've never used a stabilizer that dissolved before and I want to branch out.
    cholden@fandm.edu

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  111. My favorite project on Pellon Projects has to be the cup of tea! So cute! thanks for the chance!
    cholden@fandm.edu

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  112. oh i want to try some soft and stay for embroidered ruffled baby bottoms. skeime gmail

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  113. I'd really love to try the Sol-U-Film Lite! I just saw a really cool scarf that was made using ribbon and fabric scraps stitched between layers of a water soluble stabilizer, and I'm itching to try it! But, after seeing your tutorial for the embroidery stitches on the ribbon, I want to try the Stick-N-Tear, as well! Thanks for the chance to win such great supplies!

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  114. I want to try the stick ad tear


    sblake1[at]student[dot]framingham[dot]edu

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  115. GFC follower


    sblake1[at]student[dot]framingham[dot]edu

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  116. the heart satchel is cute on pellonprojects.


    sblake1[at]student[dot]framingham[dot]edu

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  117. like pellon on fb.


    sblake1[at]student[dot]framingham[dot]edu

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  118. like so can do on fb.


    sblake1[at]student[dot]framingham[dot]edu

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  119. I'd love to try the stick and tear...I hate messing around with keeping everything in one spot.

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  120. I follow Sew Can Do on Pinterest.

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  121. I would love to try the stick-n-tear stabilizer to make my own embroidered ribbon.

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  122. I follow Sew Can Do on Pinterest

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  123. Ooh, that baby tree activity mat on Pellon Projects looks fun to do!

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  124. I am a fan of Pellon on Facebook

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  125. I would like to try the soft and stay for embroidery! thanks!

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  126. i like the memory tote project on their website!

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  127. i follow Sew Can do! thanks again!

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  128. I liked Pellon on FB!
    Wilma

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  129. I would like to try Soft-N-Stay.
    Wilma ~ mecoate@bresnan.net

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  130. I'm following Sew Can Do on FB.

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  131. Shirley said:
    I would love to win this giveaway. I want to use it on quilt blocks, lettering and about everything else. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  132. I would like to try the Fuse N Tear.

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  133. My favorite project is the Tee Shirt Quilt.

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  134. I'd love to try the Stick and Tear! I can think of so many awesome things I could do with it!

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  135. My favorite project is the t-shirt quilt!

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  136. I follow Sew Can Do on Pinterest :)

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  137. I like the stick and tear , I follow Sew Can Do, will check you out on pinterst, daylilly3162@aol.com

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  138. I like the Small Fry Duffle Bag, how cute!

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  139. I'd like to try Stick N Tear on some knit shirts! Thanks for a chance to win! :)

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  140. I like the Lindsay Tote. This bag is on my list of must dos! :)

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Getting your comments brightens my day. I'd love if you left one:)

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