Sunday, 30 June 2013

Happy Canada Day, Eh!

Yes, this beautiful spot is the Rideau River in Ottawa
Happy 146th birthday, Canada!

If you are visiting with the Stamp On It blog hop with Sew We Quilt, welcome! Special thanks to Madame Samm and Thearica for organizing such a fun hop.

There is just something so interesting and beautiful about art than can fit on a piece of paper that is usually less than 1.5" square, don't you think?

I also find it amazing that you can send a letter across Canada, to the States or internationally for less than a dollar (well, just over a dollar for outside of Canada).
Happy Canada Day, Eh!
I used to collect stamps as a kid and I still have my collection...somewhere. I was a philatelist. I was that cool. I know you are jealous. I still can't pronounce philately, but at least I can spell it.

Quilting Detail
Since this challenge required us to have our country, currency and date on our stamp, I decided to take this opportunity to also do something from my bucket list, #10 in particular. Yep, I now have a wallhanging to celebrate Canada Day.

I wanted something very modern. My inspiration came from these stamps, but a maple leaf had to be my theme.

Even though the current cost of a regular domestic P (permanent) stamp is currently 63 cents, I chose $1 because Canada is known for its loonie and 1 is my favourite number. And yes, I now remember that the dollar sign should be placed before the 1. Um, design element, yeah, that's it. ;)
Quilting Detail
Simple quilting to emphasize the design elements. The wavy quilting on the background is for our water.

It measures 20" x 35".

Happy Canada Day, Eh!
Meets the Rideau River



So here is my Happy Canada Day, Eh! stamp quilt. And just in time for Canada Day!



Some notes about its construction:
  • The low volume background are 2" pieced equilateral triangles. Used the HexNMore ruler - love!
  • The maple leaves, letters, numbers, cancellation mark and stamp edge are machine appliquéd. 
  • Quilting is mostly with Aurifil thread (#1103, 2260, 2612, and 2630). The cream on the stamp edge is Coats and Clark because that's what I had on hand and I was running out of time. My machine threw a hissy fit when I free motion quilted with it on the stamp edge and I was very close to making an emergency drive to Kanata for the matching Aurifil. Reason prevailed thankfully because I do not live close to Kanata. I did a major clean of my machine, changed the needle, rethreaded everything and managed to finish that section without too many more hiccups. Totally fabricated conspiracy theory: You know how people say that McDonalds puts something in their fries so people become addicted? I think Aurifil does something like that with their thread so our machines don't want other threads. Just putting that out there. ;)
  • The quilt has a non-mitred facing to finish it off.
Oh, the back? I found this stamp fabric in my stash. Couldn't resist. :)
Happy Canada Day, Eh! - Back
I can't wait to see what my fellow Stamp On It blog hoppers come up with this week:
July 1

 July 2

 July 3

If you've made it this far, kudos! Because it's Canada Day and I'm doing a happy dance right now, I'm going to share my favourite Canadian dance moves video with you to get you going too:

Thanks for stopping by. I always appreciate the company! Hope your day is fun, full of great stamp eye candy, and fireworks!
By at
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109 comments:

  1. Erin @ Once Upon a Donkey30 June 2013 at 23:28

    GASP! That is beautiful M-R! Great design and your choice of colours and quilting are, as always, perfect. Love everything and I'm not even Canadian. ;)

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  2. Amira@littlemushroomcap30 June 2013 at 23:35

    amazingly beautiful stamp michele! Love it

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  3. Jo30 June 2013 at 23:37

    What a fabulous stamp! Love it! Happy Canada Day!

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  4. Carla1 July 2013 at 00:09

    Brilliant! This is stunning

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  5. The Thimblemouse of Country Crossroads1 July 2013 at 00:11

    Wow! Your stamp is absolutely wonderful!!!

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  6. KellyS1 July 2013 at 00:14

    Completely amazing M-R!!!!! I am blown away by the appliqué, how precise it looks, even with the bonus design element. Great job!

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  7. Marianne1 July 2013 at 00:14

    This one is my favorite so far. I love all the well thought out details and the waving quilting is absolutely perfect.

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  8. Cathy1 July 2013 at 00:39

    Beyond lovely!

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  9. Judy B1 July 2013 at 00:46

    Happy Canada Day! Your stamp is lovely. Thank you for sharing.

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  10. Vivian1 July 2013 at 01:15

    Oh I LOVE your stamp quilt....absolutely love it. Happy Canada Day from the Land of the Midnight Sun!

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  11. Amy's Crafty Shenanigans1 July 2013 at 01:59

    Happy Canada Day M-R. I ADORE your wall hanging and am feeling quite inspired. My sister lives in Stittsville and my Nana used to live in Kanata so reading your post makes me want to be at home!!!

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  12. Lisa1 July 2013 at 02:25

    Yours came out awesome! I would love to hang it on my wall and I live in the US. Great job

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  13. Britt-Inger1 July 2013 at 03:12

    It is so wonderful your Canada stamp. And a happy Canada Day to you.

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  14. Anita1 July 2013 at 03:22

    A very cool Canada stamp!

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  15. Frederika1 July 2013 at 04:11

    So beautiful your stamp. Looks great. Thanks for sharing

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  16. Anonymous1 July 2013 at 04:47

    Your Canadian stamps are very pretty. I have collected some US stamps and I have about a dozen pair of earrings made from stamps that I wear occasionally and always get compliments. Your stamp commemorating Canada with the maple leaf is lovely. From California, thanks for sharing.

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  17. Unknown1 July 2013 at 04:57

    Very nicely done....it looks wonderful. Happy Canada Day to you..

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  18. Deonn1 July 2013 at 05:03

    Love the stamp!! Great design, beautiful quilting! Haha, I think I'm going to have to try some of these Canadian dance moves too... :) Extremely cool.

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  19. Heather J1 July 2013 at 05:10

    Happy Canada Day, M-R! Your quilt is stunning! Perhaps you can send your design along tho Canada Post and propose a series celebrating Canadian quilting. :)

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  20. charlotte1 July 2013 at 06:36

    Happy Canada Day. Your stamp is just gorgeous! I love everything about it.

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  21. Elizabeth Coughlin1 July 2013 at 06:52

    Happy Canada Day! Your stamp is truly stunning. I really love how you positioned the Maple Leaf to show only half of it; it makes for a very interesting composition.

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  22. lauraluvsloons1 July 2013 at 07:02

    Happy Canada Day to you. I love your stamp. The dance was fun, eh.

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  23. Robin1 July 2013 at 07:07

    WOW, that stamp is beyond stunning! I love everything about it, from the bits of color in the background to the half leaf! You did an amazing job.

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  24. Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio1 July 2013 at 07:07

    Gorgeous stamp quilt! I love your background and the partial maple leaf and the quilting it's all wonderful. Happy Canada Day to you too.

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  25. Marjorie's Busy Corner1 July 2013 at 07:08

    Fantastic job on your stamp M-R....a true Canadian stamp girl!!!

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  26. Izzy1 July 2013 at 07:21

    Happy Canada Day! Your stamp is just stunning. Everything about it is perfect. :-)

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  27. MOMENTS Designs1 July 2013 at 07:23

    Oh My God !
    the is the best Stamp yet !! You win hands down !!!
    Actually that is the best wallhanging I have seen in a while !!
    Being a Canadian I LOVE it !!!
    Will you be selling the pattern ?? I would buy it !
    I'm so impressed !

    Happy Canada Day eh !!!

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  28. SewWhatsNew1 July 2013 at 07:31

    Happy Canada day. Your stamp is gorgeous. I love it and I am inspired.Thanks for sharing.

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  29. http://thankfullga4471 July 2013 at 07:31

    Stunning the beige/gray and red just makes this stamp pop.

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  30. Michele T1 July 2013 at 07:41

    Your Canada Day Stamp hanging is absolutely gorgeous!!! Love, love, love it! This one is the best for sure!! I pinned it to my Quilt & Sew board on Pinterest!

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  31. Mary1 July 2013 at 07:43

    Your stamp is gorgeous. WOW! great job.Thank you for sharing.

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  32. Judy Cooper Textile Artist1 July 2013 at 07:44

    Your Canada Day Stamp wall hanging is just perfect! You did a great job.

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  33. Patty 1 July 2013 at 07:51

    This is amazing - my favorite entry in the hop so far. Well done!

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  34. Thearica1 July 2013 at 07:54

    Amazing stamp! Now why can't I think of good ideas like this! I bet you make top 2 today!!

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  35. Ginette1 July 2013 at 08:11

    This is fabulous M-R! I love everything about it! You know that in French, the dollar sign comes after the 1. I would definitely buy this pattern! Happy Canada Day my friend!!

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  36. vicki1 July 2013 at 08:19

    Happy Canada Day! Your Stamp is beautiful! Thanks for sharing it. vickise at gmail dot com

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  37. Vickie1 July 2013 at 08:23

    I don't know what to say about your Put a Stamp On It day, but....WOW ! I loved everything this ! Your stamp quilt is just beautiful, and it was the perfect day for your Canadian post. LOL LOL LOL the video is priceless ! Happy Canada Day ! Yup !

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  38. apple blossom1 July 2013 at 08:26

    absolutely beautiful!!!

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  39. Patti1 July 2013 at 08:42

    I've come to expect brilliance from you, M-R, but this absolutely takes the cake!! You are a genius! Happy Canada Day to you and your family.

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  40. Mara1 July 2013 at 08:49

    This is gorgeous, just beautiful! How did you do the stamp edge? You did an awesome job on the design, I checked out your inspiration and they should make your quilt stamp a real stamp!

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  41. Lisa in Port Hope1 July 2013 at 08:50

    Wow, just fantastic! The triangles background adds really nice flow and movement. I would say this is very characteristic of your design style. Happy Canada Day!

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  42. AmandaK@whatthebobbin1 July 2013 at 08:51

    Wow!

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  43. Brenda1 July 2013 at 08:51

    Fabulous! Happy Canada Day! are you going to celebrate on Parliament Hill? We drove from Winnipeg to Ottawa for Canada Day 10 years ago, and then drove to the East Coast.

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  44. Linda1 July 2013 at 08:56

    Gorgeous stamp!!! Wow!
    Love the video! My 5 year old grandson loved watching it with me!

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  45. Carol Swift1 July 2013 at 09:00

    Happy Canada Day to you! Your post has given me a wonderful start to my day with your humor AND your amazingly gorgeous stamp. Love it!

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  46. Sparky1 July 2013 at 09:05

    MON DIEU Michele, c'est belle...I am without words....well English ones anyway...
    YOUR stamp has our stamp of approval all over it....x

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  47. Linda1 July 2013 at 09:22

    Love your stamp so much! It is awesome!!
    Happy Canada Day from Canada's Ocean Playground. Love the video, shared it on my FB.

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  48. Catherine1 July 2013 at 09:30

    This is great! I love it!

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  49. Katie M.1 July 2013 at 09:48

    Awesome and I love the background for your photo!

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  50. Linda C1 July 2013 at 09:48

    This is a wonderful way to resume the blog hop and a great way to celebrate Canada Day! Hope you have had a wonderful holiday weekend. Appreciate your sharing the pictures of your stamp along with the construction details.

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  51. Suzanna1 July 2013 at 10:01

    I. am. in. awe! MR, your quilt is amazing. I love everything about it. The background diamonds are a wonderful tip of the hat to the centennial logo (people who don't know it can see it here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Centennial).

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  52. Vera1 July 2013 at 10:07

    It's awesome! Canadians are such a lovely people. At least those I met during my travel times :-) Great pics too.

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  53. Agnes B. Bullock1 July 2013 at 10:27

    WOW! This is stupendous! My favorite stamp

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  54. Anonymous1 July 2013 at 10:27

    Well, I think everything has been said in the previous comments, I just love your idea, your quilting, your stamp. Beautiful, most beautiful, perfect one!

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  55. Jane's Quilting1 July 2013 at 10:37

    Beautiful!!! I

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  56. Joanna1 July 2013 at 10:59

    I agree with you; postage is still a bargain, even though we in the States love complaining about it. Your stamp is a gem. Love it.

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  57. Jeanie1 July 2013 at 11:19

    This is just spectacular! The design, the quilting, the backing..... just everything, including the timing of the post on Canada Day! Wonderful job and worthy of today's picks!

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  58. Live a Colorful Life1 July 2013 at 11:20

    I love LOVE this quilt!!! (The inspiration stamps are all pretty cool...). And that video is one of my all-time favorites. My grandkids adored it when I showed them. We may have watched it many many times...

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  59. krislovesfabric1 July 2013 at 11:21

    This is a beauty for sure, love your stamp!!

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  60. Karen1 July 2013 at 11:42

    That is so cool!! Just perfect!!!!

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  61. Gill1 July 2013 at 11:58

    I love your quilt - my favourite so far!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  62. Sarah Correa1 July 2013 at 12:11

    Just gorgeous - really beautiful!

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  63. Glen QuiltSwissy1 July 2013 at 12:55

    Love your Canada stamp quiltl And the dance was hysterical! We skip the goose poop here too with all the Canadian geese you send to visit Evangeline here in Louisiana!

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  64. Katherine1 July 2013 at 12:56

    Happy Canada Day, M-R!

    Totally gorgeous stamp. Wow. Your design is absolutely perfect, from that low-volume triangle background to the stamp's shaped edge and your quilting - it's a positively brilliant design. What a wonderful way to celebrate Canada Day!

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  65. Barbe1 July 2013 at 14:09

    happy Canada Day back at ya from the other side of the country, bc.
    "I think Aurifil does something like that with their thread so our machines don't want other threads. Just putting that out there. ;)" Too funny, i think you might be on to something. lol
    barbepriceathotmaildotca

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  66. Unknown1 July 2013 at 14:51

    You win. I'm embarrassed about my stamp, now. I thought it was pretty good, and now... nope. Great job. Beautiful colors, concept, quilting, applique - It's just gorgeous.

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  67. The Slow Quilter1 July 2013 at 15:00

    After watching the video, I want to be Canada. The detailed work you put into your stamp is wonderful. Happy birthday Canada.

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  68. Cherry's Prairie Primitives1 July 2013 at 15:31

    Love your beautiful stitching!!

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  69. Scrapbook-ChickADoodle1 July 2013 at 15:55

    Stunning! Congrats on being one of the chosen.
    Thanks for sharing.
    The video was fun...especially liked skipping the goose poop.

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  70. Colleen G1 July 2013 at 16:12

    I was breathless when I saw it. So inspired. Every year I say this is the year for a patriotic quilt for Canada Day and I think you have pushed me over the line. I did check out the inspiration stamps as well and now my brain is cooking along on the Canada Goose theme as it's always been important in our house due to the family name. Thanks so much for the big shove!

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  71. Colleen G1 July 2013 at 16:14

    I was breathless when I saw it. So inspired. Every year I say this is the year for a patriotic quilt for Canada Day and I think you have pushed me over the line. I did check out the inspiration stamps as well and now my brain is cooking along on the Canada Goose theme as it's always been important in our house due to the family name. Thanks so much for the big shove!

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  72. Pieced Brain Quilt Designs1 July 2013 at 17:43

    GORGEOUS! Great job!!!

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  73. Scrapatches1 July 2013 at 18:15

    Very beautiful wall hanging! Happy Canada Day! ... :) Pat

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  74. evelyn1 July 2013 at 18:35

    My absolute favorite. Great stamp.
    Loved seeing the Rideau River again, I grew up in Ottawa. Love the video!

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  75. Jane's Fabrics and Quilts1 July 2013 at 18:45

    That is an amazing stamp! Congratulations on making top picks!

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  76. Emily C1 July 2013 at 19:13

    lovely stamp. I love the leaf and the small $ is a great element.

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  77. robin1 July 2013 at 19:41

    Truly beautiful!

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  78. JuliaP1 July 2013 at 20:33

    Congratulations on being the creative pick of the day! Very creative and beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

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  79. Renee1 July 2013 at 20:58

    Beautiful quilt! I love all the details you put in to it.

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  80. Leslie1 July 2013 at 20:59

    Just had my giggle of the day with that video and I love the stamp!

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  81. maggie1 July 2013 at 21:33

    I love your stamp. great job.
    It is my birthday and so I always tell my Canadian friends that I think that it is so nice to have a party for me. lol
    cheers
    maggie

    maggiemine42@gmail.com

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  82. LJ1 July 2013 at 21:36

    What a fun video - after the USA, I'd choose Canada!! :)
    Now...your stamp project. Honest, yours is absolutely outstanding. I'm close to calling it #1!! The background is cool, your #s and lettering are outstanding, the quilting is fab! It literally is a total favorite of mine. Thanks for sharing.

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  83. elle1 July 2013 at 22:19

    Great stamp! I do like that video!!! eh!

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  84. Allison1 July 2013 at 23:01

    your stamp quilt is fantastic! I just saw it won most creative over at Sew We Quilt - congrats! :)

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  85. amy2 July 2013 at 00:29

    MR, this is amazing!!!!!! And the dollar sign looks fab...I didn't even think about it as being the "wrong" order!

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  86. BizyStitches2 July 2013 at 01:16

    wow, I think your stamp should be a real stamp. Lots of beautiful quilting. thanks for the fun

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  87. Lesley2 July 2013 at 04:24

    Your stamp quilt is fabulous! I think this pattern would jump off the shelves if you decided to sell it. Gorgeous!

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  88. gpc2 July 2013 at 06:54

    Oh wow, what a fantastic stamp! Love it! :)

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  89. pennydog2 July 2013 at 07:32

    I need a stamp quilt!

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  90. Michelle2 July 2013 at 09:26

    Love your Canadian stamp. The quilting is fabulous! That Canadian dance moves song is catchy but why are they sorry for Celine Dion? I think she is fabulous!

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  91. Calicojoan2 July 2013 at 10:21

    Wow, wow, wow... Is this the most spectacular stamp I have ever seen. Only to be outdone by the beautiful background! Fabulous job!

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  92. Sew Sisters Quilt Shop2 July 2013 at 10:46

    That is absolutely fantastic!!!
    Such a cool quilt!
    Carol

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  93. CitricSugar2 July 2013 at 12:40

    Oh, wow! That is totally cool! Does my little patriot's heart proud… sniff. :-)

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  94. lej6192 July 2013 at 14:35

    LOVE it!! you did a great job!!

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  95. Sheila2 July 2013 at 20:56

    In one word , incredible ! I love it , you really did an amazing job , congrats !

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  96. In stitches and seams2 July 2013 at 22:57

    I just love what you did for your stamp...... when do you think it could be one I would get a book or two of them :)
    thanks for sharing with us
    in stitches

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  97. Marcy3 July 2013 at 00:26

    A very perfect stamp, Great colors and construction, A beauty.

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  98. John'aLee3 July 2013 at 04:45

    Oh that is a beauty!!

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  99. Dresden Quilter3 July 2013 at 13:47

    You are always so amazing! It makes me proud to be Canadian! I hope you had a great Canada Day.

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  100. Pam4 July 2013 at 09:33

    It's beautiful M-R .. love the background, and your quilting is inspired (as always!)

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  101. Anonymous4 July 2013 at 16:26

    That is an amazing quilt. I am totally in awe of it. Wow!

    beaniekins84(at)gmail(dot)com

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  102. Barb and Sharon5 July 2013 at 00:07

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE the quilt. I am inspired to make my own Canadian quilt for next years Canada Day. The video is hilarious. Would love to adapt this to do with the kids at my school, some censoring needed. I'll be in Ottawa next week and was wondering if you could recommend a quilt store to visit? I like bright colours and modern designs. Thanks for your help.
    Barb@Witsend

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  103. LethargicLass14 July 2013 at 17:35

    M-R, I am crazy about your stamp quilt! Let me know if you ever sell the pattern! :)

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  104. GailM.31 July 2013 at 06:16

    I love your quilt so much. I too would love to make one of these quilts if you decide to make a pattern. Wonderful quilting too.

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  105. Wendy19 August 2013 at 16:37

    Put me on the list of people who want the pattern! I think you did an amazing job of this stamp.

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  106. ann4 September 2013 at 17:37

    Swoon, gasp and all other theatrics...I am head over heels. Add me to the list ,of those who would like a pattern. I. MUST. Make this quilt. It is wonderful. ( my keyboard is acting all wacky, so please excuse weird punctuation etc. )

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  107. Anonymous7 December 2013 at 04:18

    I love it!

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  108. Audrey26 February 2014 at 23:55

    This is an amazing quilt! No wonder it was chosen for the Quilt Canada Juried Show 2014!

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  109. Debbie12 June 2014 at 23:59

    Not sure I saw this last year but sure glad to see it now - very cool!! and glad it's hanging in the Quilt Canada show!

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