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Wednesday 20 March 2013

MEET MY MACHINE BLOG HOP DAY 4 & GIVEAWAYS

It's my turn for the blog hop and I'm really excited.  Firstly thank you all for coming to my blog to hear about my sewing machine and what else I treasure.

Q. Please tell us about your sewing machine(s). How long have you had it/them? What do you love about it/them? Any critiques about the machine(s)?
I have a Janome TXL 607 which I purchased about 6 months ago and I love it.  I saw it at Lu Summers house and I figured if it was good enough for her then it would definitely be good enough for me and I LOVE IT.  It does everything I have ever wanted a sewing machine to do.  I had a Janome Jem Platinum 720 and it didn't have what I wanted so I sold it and purchased a Husqvarna Sapphire 870 which I bought second hand from a dealer and really didn't like at all.  I couldn't see over it - no I'm not short I'm vertically challenged, and I even bought a new (well to me anyway) Ikea table which was about an inch lower than the one I was trying to use but I still couldn't get on with it.  It's no good if you can't see what you are sewing and I had such good service from the person I bought the Husqvarna from that even though the company was up north I still bought the Janome from him.


Sorry I took this photo at night so it isn't great
but if you look very carefully you can see my Ecolux Light underneath
What do I love about it?  Well I can see what I'm sewing on the same table the Husqvarna was on.  It stiches straight stitches beautifully and to be honest I haven't tried anything else but I'm sure when I do try something else it will perform beautifully. I came with all kinds of feet and a large(ish) attachment table to go with it and I use the attachment all the time.

It's our granddaughter's 10th birthday tomorrow and she has been sewing on my machine for ages so I have bought her a Singer 4205 but although it has an electronic foot pedal it isn't electronic like my machine and the only way to make it go faster or slower is by the foot pedal so I think she will continue to use my machine for a while and I shall use this one when she is here as both machines are going to be living here when she gets it.

Q. What's your FAVORITE feature of your current machine?
The thread cutter on the machine.  I just love it.  You just push this little button and voila the thread is cut beautifully.  Another thing I really like about it is that I can have the needle down all the time and I don't have to keep programming it in.  It just does it every time I take my foot off the pedal.  It also has a feature where you can take out the foot pedal and press a start button and it just goes by itself at whatever speed you have set it at by the slider thingy.

Q. Do you have any critiques or issues with your current machine?
My one critique is that although I have only had this machine a little while the needle threader doesn't work or else I'm doing something wrong.  More likely than not it's me!!  But all the same it doesn't work and my eyes aren't the same as when I was 20 that's for sure.

Q. Does your machine(s) have a name? What is it?
She so should but she doesn't - sorry about that.  I had a name for my first car but I have never had a name for any of my sewing machines and there have been quite a few over the years.

Q. What's your favorite machine accessory or doo-dad?
Boy is that an easy one to answer.  It's without doubt and I don't even have to think about this one .....  it's my Ecolux Light which is superb.  I can even sew at night when the room is quite dark.  I even use it during the day - well the sun hasn't exactly been shining here of late.  Just look and see her in action:


With the Ecolux Light it just lights up the
whole throat.  LOVE IT!!!
It lights up the whole entire area and I thought the light on the Janome was good - forget it.  There are lots of things I could do without but not this light that's for sure.   It is THE BEST thing I have ever bought, besides my machine of course.  And if you look very carefully you can just about see the strip.  It is realy small and so easy to fit onto any machine.  Yes I am singing it's praises again because I love it so much and what's more if you have more than one machine you don't have to buy the whole kit again just another strip as you can just detach the plug thingy from the light and re-attach it to another light.  And no I DO NOT work for the company - I just love this light.

Q.  If you could have any machine at all, let's say you win one for free tomorrow, what would it be?It would be another Serger (Overlocker).  Dummy here sold hers when she got the Husqvarna thinking that it would be capable to serging too.  Boy am I ever sorry.  I want one again and will have one sooner or later because I really miss being able to serge all the raw edges.

Q. Show us your sewing space!
Ummm I would but it's in a bit of a mess sorry.  I can show you where I store some of my stash and stuff hope that will do.


I have around 8 of these filled with fabric I'm almost,
but not quite, ashamed to say.  And I love it all.
Now for the two giveaways.  The first one is only for the U.K. or Europe and it is from Backstitch who sell Klona (do not confuse with Kona) Solids.  They are amazing to use and I have gone on about these too.  Look I like what I like and I like these.  They are wider and cheaper than any other Solid Colours and are as heavy as Kona are.  Alice has said that she will give 2 meters of fabric to the first winner.  She will give you either 2 meters of one color, or 1 meter of two colors or 4 half meters of four different colors - the choice is yours.  Alice only sells quarter meters in packs but I'm sure if you wanted a delicious pack of fat quarters I'm sure Alice would let you put some money to what she is very generously giving as a prize. 



The second one is from the Kim Stewart who invented the Ecolux Light and she will ship Internationally.


What do you have to do to win either of these great  giveaways.  Easy Peasy - 

1.  Leave me a comment telling me what you would call my sewing machine
2.  Tell me you are a follower or become one and let me know please

Rules/Fine Print (because there must always be some!):
  1. Ecolux ONLY is open to International respondents
  2. The fabric is only open to UK and Europeans ONLY
  3. If you're a no-reply blogger, make sure to leave your email in your comment... no way to contact you = you can't win!
  4. Contest closes March 22, 2013 at midnight GMT (That's Greenwich Mean Time) 
  5. Winner announced shortly thereafter!
Good Luck all of you and I hope you think up a good name for my main machine - rather like my main man who trying to sleep beside me right now whilst I'm typing on this computer.

Here is the hopping schedule:
SUNDAY, MARCH 17

MONDAY, MARCH 18

TUESDAY, MARCH 19

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

Please go and see all the Hoppers because you never know what you'll learn or win.

See you soon
Patti xxx
American by birth and MOUTH
but British in every other way

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98 comments:

  1. I have never named my belongings so not sure what to tell you but I am a follower. I just bought a new quilters Husquarvarna addition in June and just love it. I have done so many interesting things with it that I never could do with my Kenmore. I also love the appliqueing stitch also. I never could do that on my old machine. Sewing machines are such a joy and I can't wait to get up and see what it is going to make today.

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  2. I would call her Jenny! I have a mini Janome (for traveling, which I do a lot of for work), a Juki TL2010 (not quite two months old), and two old Singers from the 60's and 70's - I love them all dearly! :)

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  3. Hi Patricia. I would love to be entered for a chance to win the light. It seems amazing. I, too, have trouble seeing late in the evening and at night so this would be awesome to win.
    Since you have a Janome, I would call her Jenny.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

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  4. I am following you through GFC.

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  5. I suggest you call your machine BFF for best friend forever!

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  6. I'd have to name your machine Austen--as in
    Jane-ome Austen. Just seems like a proper British name for it to have. Either that or Jaye (Jaye is the name of a kick-a** character in some new action movie, possibly with Bruce Willis). So if your machine is a tough girl, then Jaye Janome. I'm a follower too!

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  7. I have a Janome Horizon that I occasionally call Miss Janny. My first Singer 301 is named Casey Jones but my other vintage machines don't have names. My suggestion would by Jan or Jenny. I'm a follower from the US.

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  8. My machine doesn't have a name either. How about Jan, short for Janome. Not very creative I know.

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  9. Other than my son's name, the only names I've chosen are for pets, so I may not be qualified to help. But here goes! When I was 3 and my mom was expecting my middle sister I desperately wanted to name her Rosie. My parents didn't go for it. Could it be a fitting name for your machine?
    I am a follower and live in the U.S. Thanks for the chance!

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  10. I, too, love my Janome. A name??? How about Agnes...I have no reason why other than it sounds good.

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  11. I'm a follower, overseas though so only up for the Ecolux one.
    I'd name your machine Jenny, but this is from someone whose Bernina is called Bernie and Elna is Ellie.

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  12. I will share with you the name of my machine: Penny. Isn't that cheerful? Doesn't she sound reliable? Whenever I am frustrated over some mistake I've made at the machine, I can't holler--who could holler at a Penny?

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  13. I am a follower, happily.

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  14. I don't have names for my machines, either. You could call her Jan-evieve. My machines are not fancy by anymeans. I have a Brother cs6000, and
    a wonderful Household treadle that sews beautifully.
    I use it a lot when piecing quilts. Thank you so
    much for the chance to win, and including international folks!

    wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  15. I am so jealous you have the lights that I want! I have a Singer and the lighting is terrible on it! O well it'll get better hopefully with the giveaway! LOL love your machine also by the way!!!!! Glad my g/mothers, mother and sisters loved sewing they gave it to me and now my motherinlaw gave me the quilting bug. love sewing!!!! and I am a follower!

    darlene
    kittyklaws13411@yahoo.com

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  16. forgot to give ya a name for your machine! how about the little workhorse? our machines certainly do work some better than others! enjoy ;0)

    darlene
    kittyklaws13411@yahoo.com

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  17. I'd go for Janet the Janome for your machine. I love to read about people's sewing machines. I'm a dedicated Janome fan & sew on a MC6600P & I love it. Thanks for the giveaway(s) - I'm an international reader so I'd love to win the Ecolux light.

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  18. I would name her Redd. I am an international follower. Would love to win the Ecolux light. I don't have good lighting.

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  19. I would name her Redd. I am an international follower.

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  20. My machine is Lily because she's a Husqvarna Lily - not very original!
    How about Janice for yours?

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  21. I am a follower of your blog, I love reading your posts and loved looking at your sewing space. Thanks for sharing.

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  22. Naming my machine: That depends on how it is working. If it is running well it gets nice friendly names, if not...well you can guess the rest.
    So my suggestion is to go with a name that has no sentimental attachment because when it breaks......

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  23. This is not very original, but I think she should be called Jenny Janome.

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  24. I am one of your happy followers.

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  25. How about Miss Janey. I'm a follower (USA). Thanks for the chance to win.

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  26. I am a follower, thanks for the blog!

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  27. I would name the machine Luxie for the Ecolux light and the fact that it seems pretty luxurious!

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  28. I am a happy follower of your blog (USA resident).

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  29. I love the red so i would name her Ruby. I am an international follower. Wow I sound so worldly!

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  30. I would name her Ruby because of all that wonderful red. I am an international follower. LOL That makes me sound so worldly.

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  31. I think I'd call the machine Pixie...because the little design on the front looks like something very pixelated.

    Thanks for a lovely giveaway.

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  32. I"m a new follower...visiting from the Meet my Machine Hop! This has been so lovely. I'm an international reader, and that light would be amazing. =)

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  33. Misty would be a good name for a machine. thanks for the giveaway

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  34. I name all my machines :-)
    I have a Husqvarna D1 and I called her Queenie...she has ruled the house since the day she came in ! LOL

    I would call yours Jenny.
    Finally a giveaway for Europeans ( most times they are only open to US ) I live in Germany so I would love to enter both ...yepee !

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  35. I am a follower in the USA. I think she needs a British name like Elizabeth and if she ever misbehaves you can call her Elizabitch

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  36. I am a happy follower from warm Malaysia...thanks for the giveaway.
    I would name your sewing machine "Sweetie"...helping you stitch up such beauties.

    Usha
    usharaneem@yahoo.com

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  37. I'm a new follower. I'm from Kansas and have a Janome too. What about naming yours 'Lil Mule or Pepe. For some reason it popped in my head this morning. Maybe too much coffee. :) It's from an 80's movie Romancing the Stone. It was the name of the Ford Bronco in the movie. Just thought it fitting based on your story. Loving your blog.

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  38. I would name her Betsy. I would love to win the Ecolux light!

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  39. I am already a follower. How about Tonto, you know the loyal sidekick to the Lone Ranger. Oh, now I'm dating myself. I can see why you love your Ecolus Light. Here in the USA. 3bakergirlsgo@gmail.com

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  40. Umm, I'm not sure i know you well enough to name your machine for you but answer this:
    What makes you extremely happy? (one or two words)
    What is something that brings an instant smile to your face? (one or two words)
    Now think about your answers and name her from that! That way every time you sew you will be happy :)

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  41. I follow you now! I like your blog :)

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  42. I would call her Jane. No big reason, just seems to fit. Hehe.

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  43. I am a follower! Love hearing about everyone's machines!

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  44. I would call her Scarlett. I love the red accents on it. Thanks for the chance to win the light. I don't have much light in my sewing area (just a little corner in the dining room) so this looks pretty great! I'm in the US

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  45. my needle threader doesn't work either! my machine is a pain so he's a boy, but if you're is a girl, you should call her Mabel.

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  46. i am a follower a new one just found you :)))

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  47. i have not got a name for mine :))so not a clue for yours :))

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  48. Ruby.

    Already a follower :)

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  49. A name for your machine??? Whatever makes you happy!

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  50. I don't call machines names either, but maybe double 0-5, since it's a 6005 machine and you live in England.

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  51. I'm already a follower although a newbie :)

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  52. Great review! How about naming your machine something a little more old-school like Madge, or Heloise?

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  53. hi I and my daughter love my machine a Janome Professional Memeory craft 6500 I bought idk years ago…..it does everything I want….cuts thred, needle threader…knee lift…etc….I am a follwer too…thanks for posting! love the fabric for the giveaway too!

    openwindowstudio6@sbcglobal.net

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  54. A name... many have suggested something with a 'J'. How about little Jane? Great that you found a machine that you love!!!

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  55. How about calling her Nomi, a childhood friend was called Nomi because she couldn't pronounce Naomi! It also sounds like Janome. (I'm in Canada)
    Barb@Witsend

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  56. How bout Jemma Janome. I have a Jennee Jamome come meet my machines http://kwiltypleasures.blogspot.com/2013/03/nq-day-meet-my-machines.html

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  57. I am a new european follower!

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  58. Hmm, this is my first visit to your blog, so it is difficult to come up with a suitable name for your machine. I thought I would read about you, but there is no personal information here! Next, I look at your blog name...a YANKEE in Queen Liz's Court...
    can I assume you are an American? I visited your other blog...yep, you mentioned Boston in there... Now, you bragged about the Ecolux Light (which, by the way, I'd LOVE to have for my Juki)...

    I have two suggestions... 1. Sherlock, because I have had to do a bunch of investigating to come up with any ideas, or 2. Paul/Pauline...as in Paul Revere who famously lit the lights to warn of the coming Brits...

    Ok, that's all I've got..

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  59. Since you are an American, you should name her Yankee Doodle. :)Then instead of "sewing" you can be "yankee doodling". Lol!

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  60. I have one of these machines. I have had mine 18 months and I love mine too!

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  61. Fantastic post Patti! Thanks so much for hopping with us :) I think you should name your machine...Anna. :D
    That Ecolux light looks brilliant - what a fantastic giveaway!
    Sergers scare me, lol! Too 'final' or something!
    And of course, I'm a follower ;)
    xo
    Erin

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  62. Lovely machine. I'm really intrigued by the ecolux light and off to google it. 9I'm in the UK by the way :-) )

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  63. I'm a new follower - and realised I pressed send on my first comment before adding my name suggestion. For some reason, Lucy comes to mind as a good name (my machine doesn't have a name though!)

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  64. Your machine looks like a Janie (pronounced Jay-nee) to me.
    Thanks for sharing your machine!
    Sylvia

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  65. I am a new follower from the US too.
    Thanks!
    Sylvia

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  66. I am in the U.S, and am an email follower. I'd name it either Merlin or Genie for all of the magic you will create with the machine! Thanks for the chance!
    ellen(at)myerly(dot)net

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  67. I would call your machine Ruthie - I am a new follower from Canada

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  68. I think you should call her Ama-za-zing. When you really love a machine it is amazing.
    jannypoo00@live.com
    Janet Siler

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  69. How's about Lucy Lux. I like double names, so Lucy after the inspirer and Lux from the light you love. Bit daft but that's me!

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  70. Oh yes and I'm a follower, thanks for the great giveaway.

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  71. I'm a follower, I enjoy your blog. I have only named one machine, my longarm. I think a J name would fit. I live in the USA.

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  72. Nice machine! I like Janome too. Since your machine has pretty red accents that remind me of Valentine's Day, I would call it Lovey. Plus this sound very British to me. I haven't named my machines. I think it would really confuse my hubby if I started to refer to my machines by name.

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  73. I'm a follower from Canada ;-)
    Thanks for the chance to win the light.

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  74. I am an email follower from the U.S. I would love the win the light to brighten my machine. Thanks for the chance!
    ellen(at)myerly(dot)net

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  75. You could name your machine either Merlin or Genie, for all of the magic you will make with it! Thanks for the chance!
    ellen(at)myerly(dot)net

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  76. I would call her Jenny, don't know why, it just popped into my head!

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  77. Glad to know I'm not the only one who struggles using the machine needle threaders. A name is tricky - I call mine all sorts of names depending on how it's behaving, but most aren't suitable for publication!! How about Genius

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  78. And I'm a follower too. Thanks for the give always x

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  79. How about JaX. Or the pixels on the machine make me think of Pixie too.

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  80. Greetings from snowy Canada. I would call her Sunny for the wonderful light that shines from your Ecolux Light! I am a new follower and I love your blog. So glad that they had this blog hop. Thanks for the chance to win the Ecolux Light.

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  81. Sally!

    sntbosch(at)me(dot)com

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  82. I would name her Guinevere, as from King Arthur's court. :-). Thanks for the chance to win an Ecolux light.

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  83. I'm a follower via GFC from the US.

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  84. I'm a new quilter (one done .... many more to come), and new to your blog. Signing in from Canada!

    For the machine - how about Wallis ... after another Yankee who had intriguing relationship with the British.

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  85. I foloow you via Bloglovin'....I'm enjoying catching up on all my favorite blogs each night

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  86. Ooopp I forgot to say I think I would name your machine, Gertie...she looks to be a hard working solid girl, with just a touch of something special

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I absolutely LOVE it when you leave a comment and I read each and every comment and try to reply to you all.
Patti xxx