Monday, June 2, 2014

I'm Ready To Picnic!

Leave it to Madame Samm to throw a picnic that includes people from all over the world! A Perfect Picnic is hosted by Mary at I Piece 2-Mary and you can find the whole schedule HEREThanks to both of you for making this such a fun hop and to Peterboro Basket Company and Riley Blake Designs for sponsoring our big picnic!
My picnic started out in the park, but ended up inside and outside my daughter's house due to some stormy weather. We managed to get some hot dogs barbecued before the storm hit and it didn't dampen our fun at all!


Lots of pictures ahead!

I love my little Cuisinart barbecue with a red lid...it matched my picnic quilt perfectly!

Off to Costco we went for potato salad, fruit, and the makings for hot dogs. 
No complaints from the Monkey Boys!

I like my hot dogs very blackened and with mustard only.

Dessert was a red velvet cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes...yum!

As for the picnic quilts...

I used Riley Blake Design's laminated fabric because it was perfect for
 a picnic quilt that will be sitting on top of moist grass. It stays dry and wipes up so nice! 

The Ants Attack!

For my first picnic blanket I used RBD's red polka dot cotton fabric for the front and 
RBD's red polka dot laminated fabric for the back. I loved sewing with the laminate fabric!

A few machine embroidered ants joined the picnic.

With an added strap to tie it all up, this quilt can be rolled up and thrown in the 
back of the car to be ready for an impromptu "PICNIC EMERGENCY."



The Little Kid Play Mat
This quilt-as-you go blanket was made with RBD laminated fabric on the front and back. It's the 
perfect size for a baby or toddler and the zipper pocket in the corner can hold a diaper and wet wipes.






The smaller picnic quilt worked out for my "grandson", RJ, who needed a dry spot to lay down.

This old guy loved rolling around on it! He's 14 years old, but still thinks he's a puppy.

Thankfully, RBD's laminated fabric is water resistant, too!

Rain and wind are coming...time to move the picnic inside!

Did "That Other Lady" say no electronics during our picnic? 
Monkey Baby thinks otherwise! 

Off and running with my phone...yes, it is purple.
Catch me if you can!

A little horsing around

Who said "no running or jumping in the house?" Not grandma!




Thank goodness for a break in the stormy weather...get those boys outside for fun and games!






Is it time for the Monkey Boys to go home, yet? I'm exhausted!

My Peterboro picnic basket came after I'd already had my family picnic, so I guess I'll just have to plan another "perfect picnic" so I can use it and my Riley Blake laminated quilts. The basket is lined with Styrofoam so I will be able to keep my Diet Dr. Pepper and the hubby's REAL Coca Cola perfectly icy cold.

Thanks for scrolling through all the photos from my picnic...it was a great day!

Yep, there's a giveaway...

*You might want to buy some RBD laminate fabric if you win...you would love it!

The rules...
  1. Leave a short and sweet comment!
  2. It can be mailed anywhere...yes, even to the other side of the world.
  3. You don't have to be a follower to play along.
  4. Giveaway ends at 5 p.m. PST on June 9thEntries after 5 p.m. PST on June 9th will not be included in the giveaway.
  5. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT: If you aren't sure whether or not you are a no reply blogger, LEAVE ME AN EMAIL ADDRESS...pretty please! You can't win if I can't contact you! If you don't get a reply from me to your comment, you are a no reply blogger.
There are some really cool picnics happening during this hop!
Check out who's having a picnic today:



Thanks again for stopping by to visit my picnic!


Don't forget to check out this, too:

104 comments:

  1. Love both your quilts and all the great pics! Is that your own pattern? Looks like they would make great gifts.

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  2. Lots of great photos of the kids, Carol! Fun!

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  3. Love the little ants making their way through all those polka dots, Sew Cute. And those little monkeys are sure getting big. Looks like you had a great time. Thanks for having us along on your picnic. :)

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  4. Lovely quilts, those ants are just adorable! I can see you guys had a great time!
    I have to get a hold of some laminate backing, it would be perfect for my next picnic quilt.

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  5. What a fun filled day! Love your polka dotted picnic quilt. Thank you for sharing.

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  6. Love the quilt, and the play-mat is genius! Oh what I would have done to have one of those when my kids were smaller, especially from that adorable red polka dot vinyl. I really love the design, and it looks like you had a wonderful day. Happy picnic-ing with your new basket, it is a beauty.

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  7. I want to come to your picnic. You know how to eat a hot dog. Love the ants and the monkey boys.

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  8. Love both quilts and I think a good time was had by Ll

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  9. Oh, what fun! A Monkey Boys and Girl Picnic! I also love your quilts and your furry picnicer. Looks like you need to tuck a few doggie treats in the zipper pouch. I love the idea of the laminated playmat with the pouch .. and the straps on your Any Attack Quilt. Did I mention that the ants are too cute? Too cute!! Thanks for sharing ... :) Pat

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  10. I loved your picnic. First, your quilt is awesome. Love the addition of the ants. Love those monkey boys! They remind me of my grandsons. I'm with the dog, though, they do wear me out. Looks like a great day was enjoyed by all!

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  11. Ha, ha! Another fun post! Great photos, awesome picnic quilt and heaps of fun regardless of the weather!

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  12. Oh what fun - and yes it looks like the boys have a lot of energy. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  13. I should comment on your quilts first, which are just darling. Those ants are on a mission and so very cute! The energy from the MB's just leaps off of the screen and make me smile. What a fun picnic that no rain can dampen! Thanks for sharing your day with us!

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  14. OHHHHHH I am exhausted but sooooo full and I love everything even the ants..totally love your picnic quilts....love the maze...mmmmm what a novel idea....
    the monkey boys are a joy to view

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  15. WOW! I am tired just watching those young men have so much fun! I wish I had half their energy!

    Your picnic quilts turned out great and you love your hot dogs the same way I do! :)

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  16. lol love your post Carol. Your quilt is really clever with the embroidered ants, and also because it rolls up. RJ is darling!

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  17. Carol I love everything about your picnic - the quilt(s), the hot dogs, but especially the monkey boys! What a wonderful idea to have the strap for rolling up and the zipper pocket for wipes. Love this! blessings, marlene

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  18. Very nice Carol!!, You always have wonderful pictures and projects .

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  19. LOoks like a fun day to me. cute quilt too!

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  20. I love the pictures of the boys running and jumping - and the little monkey with the phone is too cute.

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  21. Looks like everybody had a wonderful time. Lovely quilts and photos!

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  22. Looks fun. I went on a picnic this weekend for my birthday and it was lovely.

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  23. I love that the dog had his very own picnic quilt whether you intended it as such or not. The ants are wonderful marching along. Both quilts are terrific. Love that you let the boys do their thing in your house. ;-}

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  24. Carol you have done it again! You always come up with such clever ideas, and the kids all look like they had a blast. Thank you for playing along.

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  25. You are the first picnic so far that has included the dog. I don't think you can have a good picnic without one!

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  26. What a fun post to read, I like your ant attack quilt, so tiny details which give the whole a great finish, fantastic!
    And everybody enjoyed the time on the grass, even your little puppy, LOL!

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  27. I LOVE the little pocket in the picnic quilt....what a clever idea. Would love to win some laminate.....

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  28. Oh, Carol! Your quilt is lovely!! The grandsons are adorable too! (Wwow, that brings back memories of the three sons I raised. They had enough energy to power a small city!) It looks like you made a stormy day into a picnic they will remember for a long time!

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  29. Perfect picnics are all about perfect memories and it looks like you make some great ones. A great quilt too! Those ants are too cute.

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  30. Wow....I love the action shots of the boys! The laminated picnic quilt is perfect and so pretty too.

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  31. Love the picnic quilt. It's so bright and cheery. Thanks for sharing

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  32. I love how cheerful and summery these quilts are. So pretty :)

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  33. Oh! the marching ants are Just So Carol perfect...I knew you would do something too cute like that ! And you have given me a great idea for baby William Kole, due in August !

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  34. Laminated fabric.. who knew? Love the ants!

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  35. Oh, Carol, how fun! Great quilts - loved your little ants a-marching all around the picnic quilt - great idea to tie it up for picnic emergencies, haha! Love your sense of humor, too. And those monkey boys, aren't they darling? What a fun day with grandma. Great pictures - I see your "grandson" has a fun personality too, and with a quilt of his own! Love the idea of inserting a zipped pocket into the laminate quilt so it can transform into a changing table if needed. Brilliant! You are so cool. Thanks for sharing your fun day, it looks perfectly wonderful.

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  36. Oh Carol so many fun things happening at your Picnic and your Children are adorable!! The embroidered ants on the quilt are just too fun..love it!!

    Thanks so much for sharing your Perfect Picnic with us!!

    Huggs, Nancy

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  37. Your embroidered ants are the icing on the cake...er, quilt! Both of your quilts are fabulous and it looks like everyone had a great tie at your indoor/outdoor picnic! Thank you for the great giveaway!

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  38. Love your quilts - especially the ants!!

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  39. Carol, what a fun day! Your monkey boys are so cute. Love the ants on the quilt, great idea to embroider those. And that giveaway is the best! Very nice basket!

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  40. What fun your picnic quilts inspired. The boy look like they are full of energy and ready to enjoy the picnic and your precious pet knows how to live the "life". I really like polka-dots and they mke a wonderful quilt.

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  41. Oh, those embroidered ants are perfect. Love them!! And the boys antics are really great fun to see...is one truly climbing the wall?

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  42. I just love that quilt! And your grandkids are adorable!

    Beth

    oneoldgoat1962 at gmail dot com

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  43. Carol I love the pin-nic table cloth and thank u for sharing the sweet pictures with us...have not chatted with u in a long time but I still get to gander sometimes...as for my own blog I hv lost all pics not sure what is going on with it....nice to visit with you

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  44. I really like the picnic quilts! And your camera is obviously amazing ... It captures the lighting perfectly and the kids in action without blur! I am envious in all accounts

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  45. Oh my gosh! THe post alone is fun! At first I said.."forget the quilt..give me that plate of food with the hot dogs!"...then going down.."ok,...would you at least share that amazing quilt?" and then..."I love those ants...I want that quilt!" 2 thumbs up for you..by the way..how did you do the ant sashings?
    Cheri
    quiltingnanny at yahoo dot com

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  46. Whew, that gang looks like they are high energy! LOL. What a great polka dot picnic cloth. Great way to enjoy the outdoors!

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  47. What a wonderful way to enjoy a picnic, the food looks delicious and the mat is a nice idea for sitting on.

    Debbie

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  48. Love the red and white dots - so picnic like. The ants were a perfect addition - I like the embroidered kind better than the 'real' ones!!!

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  49. I have not been a fan of laminated fabric, even gave some away cuz' I didn't want to sew it! OK, OK, I was afraid to sew it! But if I win, I may buy some afterall, you kept saying how easy it was...I'm gonna trust you! sewingblogsarefun@yahoo.com

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  50. I love all the pictures. Aren't older dogs so sweet? I am going to have to stitch up some laminated fabric...and I loved the ants. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

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  51. Your monkey boys seem to wear everybody out!

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  52. These are so adorable. Love the quilts and love the dog. I've been looking for laminated fabric for a long time. Would you be willing to share your patterns?

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  53. thank you so much for sharing the pics! it looks like everyone had a great time, especially the puppy dog. he looks so happy. babscorbitt at gmail dot com

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  54. So cute! Just love those little ants. Great use of the red and white!

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  55. I love your little quilts. I have a quilt in my car but this one would be so much cuter.

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  56. I loved looking at all your picnic pictures and your quilt is beautiful. My favourite colour is red. Thanks for sharing.

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  57. Would love to win the laminate fabric and especially because it is red! Your ants are cute. How many times have I said "No running in the house??"

    Gloria
    gyates625@bellsouth.net

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  58. The quilts are very cute. The monkey boys are too. Love the dog cart. Does he ride in it often, or just like to lay in it?

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  59. Smiling at all those ants running around your quilt. So fun!

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  60. Oops, disregard the last comment! Yours is the very cute double sided polka dots, very cute!!

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  61. I felt like I was part of the picnic party. Love your picnic quilts and the little ants are too cute.

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  62. Such a handsome family…and the quilts are great. thanks for sharing!

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  63. Great picnic and quilt. I'd love a chance to win some laminate

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  64. Wow!! Amazing! Love the colors and what fun pictures :)

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  65. Beautiful quilt and a great idea to put the zipper pocket in it and use the laminates.

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  66. The red and white quilt with ants is perfect for a picnic!
    missysaprons@gmail.com

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  67. Love your quilt . . . and also the puppy wagon :)

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  68. I love your picnic quilt w/ the ants! The laminate on the back is a great idea, too. Cynthia cknapp3626@sbcglobal.net

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  69. I absolutely love hearing about the escapades of the Monkey Boys. My baby sister (heck, she's in her 40s) has three boys all 21 months apart, and they can be, um, . . . When they had a baby sister two years ago, their biggest regret was that they couldn't be called the "Doe boys" anymore (yes, that is their last name).

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  70. I love the quilt. It is absolutely perfect for a picnic. It's a great picnic when you have to bring your own ants - lol. The monkey boys obviously had a great time. I love your "grandson" RJ resting on the quilt, too. I call my daughter's dog Abby - my grand-dog-ter. She's getting older and hurts in her hips and is like her "mom" - skinny. They feed her pepperoni and ham along with her dry food. When I go to visit, my little Jaxon there talks Grandma Sudie out of pepperoni when I'm feeding Abby. I'm sorry that your basket arrived too late for the picnic. It is a great reason for another picnic. Thanks for participating and the wonderful photos. You turned a stormy day into a delightful day.

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  71. Marvelous. Perfect. What else can I say? Plus you have all the qualities of a picnic: hot dogs, dessert and a few boys on sugar overload. Ha ha. Love the ants.

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  72. This looks like an absolutely fun time was had by all, even if the weather didn't cooperate. I like the hot dogs exactly the same way, and no one else in my family can understand that. :-) I love the quilts, ants and pockets included. Thanks for sharing your creations with us al.

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  73. I "sew" enjoyed your picnic! Now I'm hungry!!

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  74. Hi Carol love that quilt and the ants great combo! Love seeing the Boys having fun, just like my two when they were younger, although they are just as bad now they are 18 and 14!!!! Thanks for the giveaway and sharing. Susie x

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  75. Darling quilt and great photos! Thanks!
    hatlevig@integra.net

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  76. I love your dotty, roll up picnic quilt, ants and all! Now there is a machine embroidery motif that came in quite handy.

    The monkey boys seemed to having a great time even if the picnic needed to move indoors. (I keep looking at the overcast clouds today and wondering if I am going to lose my window of opportunity to get pictures) What a wonderful family you have there, Carol.

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  77. You can make my hot dogs anytime! How cool are those picnic quilts. The ants are just the right addition Love the red and white theme.

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  78. What's a picnic without ants? Love your quilts! I especially love the way it rolls up and can go anywhere. Looks like you had a great time!

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  79. Your quilts are lovely and what is a picnic without the grands. Oh and the ants go marching now is stuck in my head.

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  80. Your quilt is adorable (and so are your boys!) Love those little ants! :)

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  81. So sweet your quilt is. I would love a price of that cake. I have been on a diet for a long time. LOL Your picnic kooks very inviting.

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  82. Looks like you had a lot of fun on your picnic. I love the dog in the wagon!!

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  83. I love your quilts and play mat, but especially love the ants, that makes it even more "real"! Thank you for sharing your day.

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  84. The ants go marching one by one hurrah, hurrah. I now have an ear worm after seeing your lovely quilt. LOL Both of your picnic quilts are terrific. Looks like your darling monkey boys were horsing around just a bit. :)

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  85. Great quilts. I am going to have to get me some red polka dot laminate fabric. I love it and so perfect for a picnic quilt. Thanks for sharing and for offering a giveaway.

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  86. Wow, Carol! You make me want to go on a picnic with you - pretty quilts, yummy food and cute Monkey boys to add to the fun. :o)

    Adore those embroidered ants - they made me chuckle! Now, did you save me a piece of cake? ;o)

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  87. Your picnic quilt is such fun! And your Monkey Boys are adorable! Thanks for sharing!

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  88. Oh my goodness it looks like a very busy day! Love the picnic mats, especially the way they roll up!

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  89. I've never heard of laminate fabric, but it sounds so useful! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  90. I love your red and white picnic quilts! The play mat is a great idea!

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  91. I love the ants on your picnic quilt. Such fun. Up until now I've been a little intimidated by laminated fabric, but seeing how many used it in this blog hop is starting to give me more confidence.
    diannc(at)aol(dot)com

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  92. Very cute quilts and I'd love to buy some of that RB laminated fabric! Please put my name in your drawing. Your ants were a clever picnic addition.
    marsha.hodgkins@yahoo.com

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  93. Your quilts are just adorable and the ants marching across makesit so picnic like.. Hugs

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  94. You really did have a perfect picnic! Love those ants!

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  95. Enjoyed all your great pictures! Your quilts are awesome and the ants were so cute!
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  96. Love your work - and just love your dog - sew sweet personality! Thanks for sharing.

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  97. Hi Carol! So sorry to be late leaving a comment. Last week was the final week of school and all I ever did was breeze in, look and pictures, then keep goin'. Today I have sat down and read all the posts and stories and it has been such a great luxurious afternoon! Here I am with you and your Monky Boys! They are so adorable! You are a lucky Gramma :) The quilts...two quilts....are such a wow! I wish I had thought of zippers...fab! I did find iron on Velcro for fabric though and that worked great. LOVE the ants! And I'm sure there will be some vehicles using those white spaces as roads one day soon :)

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  98. You have a lovely family. And for some reason I really want cake now...

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  99. Such a fun blog post! I was thinking about how tired you would be after a picnic with 3 energetic boys, and a dog :)
    Time for a nap on the picnic quilt :)

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  100. Oh my gosh Carol! I'm dying over this quilt and those little ants. LOVE it!

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