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Bittersweet Goodbyes Featuring Josy, Cougar, and Roger
After a month of grit, we packed our bags and moved on from Roger’s farm. I was grateful to have had one last ride on Cougar (so magical) and one last café date with Josy (so special).
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Heartache, Mug Cake, and a Big Life Take
Infrared ankle treatments in parking lots. Green curry and pumpkin soup. Game nights and girl talk. Emotional whiplash and grocery list politics. This week was a lot—and so is the news I’m sharing. New Zealand, it’s been real. But I’m heading home, with a full heart and a new address.
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Banoffee Coffee and Books to Steamy Soaks and Sundaes
We started with sandwiches on heavenly focaccia and ended with ice cream on Eat Streat. In between, there were bookstores, antiques, and hours soaking in Rotorua’s geothermal pools. It wasn’t flashy, but it was perfect. A full, sensory reset for two barn-weary bodies who really needed it.
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Fiber Not-So-Fresh and a Very Fresh Mare
Roger and I spent the day hauling discounted horse feed and impressing a wealthy client with her fancy warmblood and lakefront property. Meanwhile, Josy was left shovelling heavy sand alone in the aftermath of a storm. A field trip for me; another day of being unseen for her.
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Day of the Deep-Fried: Fry Bread and Homemade Schnitzel
Cooking schnitzel with a German. No pressure, right? Thankfully, it passed the Josy Test—and even our mildly charred brown sugar cinnamon sweet potatoes didn’t ruin the vibe. Bonus: surprise Māori fry bread for dinner!
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Hiding Animal Neglect Behind Beautiful Landscapes and Good Manners
What began as a promising work-for-accommodation stay in rural NZ turned into a whirlwind of long hours, trail rides through stunning terrain, and gut-wrenching discoveries about animal neglect. This is what happens when kindness toward guests hides cruelty toward animals.
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Auckland: Day 2
My last day in Auckland included 22km of walking, zero hours of sleep, a soundproof therapy booth session, a comedy club, a zoo, and the best French toast of my life. From scoring Royal Winter Fair tickets at 2AM to dodging junkies and summiting a dormant volcano, I definitely made the most of it.
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Auckland: Day 1
From a hilariously unhinged bus driver to an unexpectedly perfect hostel haircut, my first day in Auckland was full of surprises. I walked 16km, ate like a queen, and even managed to squeeze in a solo movie night.
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Saying Goodbye to Borgo
I could feel an enormous weight lift as the Uber drove away from Borgo. I’m grateful for what I learned there, but I’m even more grateful to finally be free of that manipulative, chaotic environment.
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When the Lesson Applies to the Teacher: Matching Energy
After one last attempt at peace, things briefly softened—then froze over again. I showed up with care, clarity, and boundaries. It wasn’t enough for Jo, but it was enough for me.
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Te Arai Beach: Day 3
Between a long, relaxing beach walk with Adrianne and the horses, a mind-blowing dinner featuring wild venison and fried banana spring rolls, and seeing a legendary Kiwi band live, today was the perfect escape.
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Changing Course with a Heavy Heart
Leaving early wasn’t the plan. But homesickness, misalignment, and a quiet discomfort told me what I needed to hear: this chapter is over. I’m heading home early, but first, I’m moving on to a new training opportunity.
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Te Arai Beach: Day 2
We shortened the route and dismounted to guide the horses past a spooky patch—no fight, no drama. It paid off: today’s beach ride was calmer, smoother, and a reminder that sometimes less really is more.
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Te Arai Beach: Day 1
The horses hadn’t been to Te Arai in over a year, and their nerves showed. Golda bolted, wine exploded, and saddles slipped—but my first NZ beach ride still delivered sweeping views and the hope that tomorrow will go smoother.
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Lesson 15: Approaching Object-Specific Fear with Incremental Exposure
After learning a technique for handling fear in Horse Brain, Human Brain, I applied it during training when both horses spooked at a man trimming branches—and was amazed how quickly their confidence returned with mindful, gradual exposure.
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Lesson 14: Make It Easier So You Can Go Deeper
I wanted to prove I could handle it all, but today I realized that accepting tools that lighten the load can actually deepen the work. Using the treeless saddle helped me stop bouncing in the trot so I could focus on helping Golda relax—and that shift made a big difference.
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Lesson 13: Dealing with Aggression
Today I tried out a connected horsemanship technique on Golda that I had read about in the morning, but instead of de-escalating the situation, she came at me harder. Jo then taught me that listening doesn’t always look like softness—it sometimes means holding your ground, too.
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Little Joys and Big Views
We didn’t train the horses today, but the day still felt meaningful. Between the market buzz, donkey visit, scenic drive, and easy rhythm of spending time with Jo, I found myself deeply content. It wasn’t productive in the traditional sense—but it filled a different kind of need.
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Lesson 12: Expanding My Toolbox
Today I woke up with sadness and doubt in my mind, but I breathed through it, adjusted my energy, and focused on connection. And the horses met me there. I didn’t get everything right, but I asked for help, stayed soft, and added a new tool to my belt.
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Lesson 11: The Power of Mindful Breathing
I didn’t bring my best energy today, and the mares noticed. But they still showed up for me—especially in our trot work. Learning to regulate my breath helped unlock softness with Ninka that I didn’t feel I deserved today, but she gave it anyway.
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Lesson 10: Sitting the Friesian Trot
Between my first ride on Golda and my first liberty trot on Ninka, today felt like a breakthrough. Riding Ninka’s enormous trot took some getting used to, but I found my balance with a small shift, and left the arena with Jo’s highest praise. Throw in a solid bike ride and good phở—perfect day.
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Lesson 9: Making Connections
Golda’s regression turned out to likely be a result of a change in routine. What felt like defeat yesterday became a quiet win today. I consider a new opinion on equine therapy for people.
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Lesson 8: It’s Not About How You Fall, But How You Get Back Up
I almost let a frustrating session derail my whole day. Instead, I paused, cried, breathed, then chose a new direction. Ninka gave me back my confidence, and Golda proved that taking a step back can lead to progress.
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Apartment Tour
My apartment is the smallest of the three on the property, but it provides by far the most privacy. The big skylight is one of my favourite things about it. It also features its own wraparound deck with a table with chairs, clothesline, lounge chairs, and small BBQ. I’m quite fond of it.
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Lesson 7: When It’s Not Working, Try Something Different
Between the farmers’ market, best sausage of my life, training session, bike pickup, and cinema film, today was packed. The most valuable takeaway was that when your training plan isn’t working and you hit a wall, don’t keep pushing—change the setting. Sometimes, a walk is the lesson.
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Lesson 6: Progress Is Not Always a Linear Process
Yesterday’s breakthroughs didn’t guarantee today’s success. Some days training feels connected and easy, other days it’s frustrating and scattered. But even the tough days teach us something, especially the tough ones. How we handle them is where the real growth hides.
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Lesson 5: Liberty Riding Basics
Golda was focused and responsive during groundwork. Ninka was more challenging. My first mounted liberty session with Ninka went extremely well. Jo said it was the best she’s seen Ninka ridden in over a year, which was incredibly validating.
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Lesson 4: Letting Go of Negative Energy
A tough morning reminded me that horses truly reflect our inner state. Later, Jo taught me a breathing technique she uses to reset before working with the horses, which I’m looking forward to trying.
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Lesson 3: Dolly Peg, Feather, Banana
Today’s lesson focused on liberty posture and communication: straight “dolly peg” legs, feather-light cues, and smooth “banana” curves. Golda responded beautifully to close-contact work, and Ninka showed real improvement on the perimeter.
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Lesson 2: Body Language
Refining my liberty riding with a focus on body language, posture, and connection—plus how Tai Chi, daily workouts, and mindful routines will help me become a more balanced, intentional equestrian both on and off the horse.
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Lesson 1: Liberty Basics
A breakdown of Jo’s liberty training theory, from groundwork to connection, intention, and relaxation—plus my first real attempts at the method with Golda and Ninka, where things got a little messy but deeply rewarding.
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Finding My Purpose in NZ
A journal of my working holiday adventure in New Zealand—starting with a tough goodbye, a birthday landing, and my first few days adjusting to jet lag, horses, and the emotional weight of leaving everything behind.
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0054 Cotton Candy Serger Cover
Project Information Pattern: Serger & Sewing Machine Cover by Closet Core Patterns (free)Version: SergerFabric: Teal Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill Project Notes
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0053 Turquoise V-Neck Long Sleeve
Project Information Pattern: Christina Top & Dress by Made for MermaidsSize: UnknownVersion: Empire Waist, Top Length, Long SleevesFabric: Turquoise Cotton Jersey from Fabricland Project Notes
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0052 Wavy Gingham Swim Bottoms
Project Information Pattern: Ranger Bottoms by Edgewater Ave Size: LargeVersion: CheekyFabric: Wavy Gingham Recycled Poly Swim Tricot in Lagoon from Blackbird Fabrics, Recycled Poly Swim Tricot in Deep Lagoon from Blackbird Fabrics Project Notes
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0051 Black Tie-Front Blouse
Project Information Pattern: Pattern Name by Pattern Company NameSize: 12Fabric: Black Cotton/Linen Blend from Fabricland Project Notes
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0050 Broken Hearted Long Sleeve
Project Information Pattern: Boleyn Top by Stitch Witch PatternsSize: 12Version: 1Fabric: Black Broken Hearts on White Bamboo Jersey from Stitch Happens Project Notes
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0049 Pet Stockings
Project Information Pattern: Self DraftedFabric: Christmas Dogs on Pink Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill, Sugar Cookie Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill, Banana Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill, Wild Animals on Beige Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill Project Notes
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0048 Celestial Orcas Tote Bag
Project Information Pattern: Costa Tote by Helen’s Closet (free)Version: AFabric: Cosmic Sea – Queen of the Sea – Midnight Metallic Quilting Cotton by Cotton + Steel from Fabricland, Bubblegum Pink Quilting Cotton from Fabricland Project Notes
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0047 Black Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
Project Information Pattern: Jane Dress by Dressmaking Amóre Size: MediumVersion: MiniFabric: Black Cotton Jersey from Fabricland Project Notes
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0046 Confetti Rib Knit Dress
Project Information Pattern: Ira Dress by Dressmaking Amóre Size: MediumFabric: 2×2 Charcoal Confetti Rib Knit by Shear Perfection Fabric Project Notes
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0045 Black Ultra Cropped Top
Project Information Pattern: Heidi Top by Edgewater Ave Size: MediumVersion: ClassicFabric: Black Jersey from Fabricland Project Notes
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0044 White Bamboo Ruched Mini Skirt
Project Information Pattern: Venus Mini Skirt Bundle by Not Your Cherry DesignsSize: 10Version: Ruched SidesFabric: White Bamboo Jersey from Fabricland Project Notes
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0043 White Bamboo Twist Crop Top
Project Information Pattern: Lola Twist Top by Dressmaking Amóre Size: MediumFabric: White Bamboo Jersey from Fabricland Project Notes
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0042 Blue and Grey Confetti Cardigan
Project Information Pattern: Blackwood Cardigan by Helen’s ClosetSize: 14 / D CupVersion: BFabric: Robin’s Egg Blue Sprinkles Sweat from Prairie Love Knits, Oatmeal Sprinkles Sweat from Prairie Love Knits Project Notes
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0041 White Cutout Bodysuit
Project Information Pattern: Cutout Sides Bodysuit by ActiveWearSewingSize: 8Version: CheekyFabric: White Cotton Jersey from Prairie Love Knits Project Notes
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0040 Pink Roses Crop Top
Project Information Pattern: Eloise Dress by Dressmaking Amóre Size: 8Fabric: Pink Roses on Turquoise Rayon from Fabricland Project Notes
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0039 Watermelon Booty Shorts
Project Information Pattern: Scrunch Butt Yoga Shorts by Soulmatte Size: Medium Fabric: Neon Pink Athletic Knit from Fabricland, Neon Green Athletic Knit from Fabricland Project Notes
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0038 Cotton Candy Booty Shorts
Project Information Pattern: Scrunch Butt Yoga Shorts by Soulmatte Size: MediumFabric: Neon Blue Athletic Knit from Fabricland, Neon Pink Athletic Knit from Fabricland Project Notes
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0037 Zippered Pouch
Project Information Fabric: Psychedelic Quilting Cotton from Dancing Stitches (provided) Project Notes
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0036 Pastel Tie Dye Clouds Leggings
Project Information Pattern: Avery Leggings by Helen’s ClosetSize: 8-10Version: AFabric: Pastel Clouds Athletic Knit from Fabric Styles Project Notes
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0035 Pastel Tie Dye Jumpsuit
Project Information Pattern: Nova Jumpsuit by True BiasSize: 6Version: BFabric: Pastel Tie Dye Cotton Jersey from Mimi Fabrics Project Notes
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0034 Crow Paintbrush Bag
Project Information Pattern: Easy Cosmetics Bag by So Sew Easy (free tutorial) Fabric: Crow Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill, Red Batik Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill Project Notes
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0033 Pink Marble Mini Skirt
Project Information Pattern: Nova Micro Mini Skirt by Not Your Cherry DesignsSize: 10Fabric: Pink & Gold Marble Viscose by Spool & Spindle Project Notes
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0032 Butterfly Tie Skirt
Project Information Pattern: Venus Mini Skirt Bundle by Not Your Cherry DesignsSize: 10Version: Ruched Lace-UpFabric: Butterfly Wings Cotton Jersey from L’oiseau Fabrics Project Notes
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0031 Butterfly Twist Crop Top
Project Information Pattern: Lola Twist Top by Dressmaking Amóre Size: MediumFabric: Butterfly Wings Cotton Jersey from L’oiseau Fabrics Project Notes
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0030 Lollipop Sweatpants
Project Information Pattern: Hudson Pant by True BiasSize: 6Version: AFabric: Lollipops on Grey French Terry from Pink Elephant Project Notes
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0029 Neon Riding Tights
Project Information Pattern: MyFit Riding Tights by Apostrophe Patterns Size: CustomVersion: Snug Fit, Vee Waistband, Full Seat, Fancy Hem, Low PocketsFabric: Neon Athletic Knit from Fabricland, Black Faux Suede from Fabricland Project Notes
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0028 Turquoise Linen Crop Top
Project Information Pattern: Saguaro Set (Top) by Friday Pattern Company Size: Extra SmallFabric: Rainbow Speckles on Turquoise Cotton Linen Blend from Ewe Knit Co Project Notes
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0027 Turquoise Linen Crop Top
Project Information Pattern: Saguaro Set (Top) by Friday Pattern Company Size: MediumFabric: Rainbow Speckles on Turquoise Cotton Linen Blend from Ewe Knit Co Project Notes
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0026 Cow Milk Crop Top
Project Information Pattern: June Crop Top by Dressmaking Amóre Size: SmallVersion: AFabric: Milk Bottles on Baby Blue Cotton Jersey from Mimi Fabrics, Cow Faces on Baby Blue Cotton Jersey from Mimi Fabrics Project Notes
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0025 Turquoise and Black Leopard Print Dress
Project Information Pattern: Persephone Dress by Lola NovaSize: 10Fabric: Turquoise Leopard on Black Scuba Crepe from Fabricville Project Notes
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0024 Wildlife Catheter Bag Cover
Project Information Pattern: Drawstring Bag by Melly Sews (free tutorial) Fabric: Wildlife Quilting Cotton from Fabricland, Wildflowers Quilting Cotton from Fabricland Project Notes
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0023 Blue Sweatpants
Project Information Pattern: Hudson Pant by True BiasSize: 6Version: AFabric: Blue French Terry from Fabricland Project Notes
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0022 Pink and Teal Confetti Cardigan
Project Information Pattern: Blackwood Cardigan by Helen’s ClosetSize: 8 / B CupVersion: AFabric: Marsala Sprinkles Sweat from Prairie Love Knits, Cyan Sprinkles Sweat from Prairie Love Knits Project Notes
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0021 Nature Apron
Project Information Pattern: Sam Apron by Helen’s Closet (free)Size: 8-12Version: AFabric: Festive Fauna Undergrowth Teal Quilting Cotton by Rebecca Elfast from Dancing Stitches, Nature Confetti Quilting Cotton from Dancing Stitches Project Notes
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0020 Turquoise Crop Top
Project Information Pattern: June Crop Top by Dressmaking Amóre Size: SmallVersion: AFabric: Turquoise Cotton Jersey from Fabricland Project Notes
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0019 Garden Catheter Bag Cover
Project Information Pattern: Drawstring Bag by Melly Sews (free tutorial) Fabric: Garden Tools Quilting Cotton from Fabricland, Garden Flowers Quilting Cotton from Fabricland Project Notes
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0018 Chicken Tote Bag
Project Information Pattern: Costa Tote by Helen’s Closet (free)Version: AFabric: Farm Friends Chicken Quilting Cotton by Mia Charro from Len’s Mill, Chilli Pepper Red Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill Project Notes
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0017 Mermaid Tail Dog Toy
Project Information Pattern: Self DraftedFabric: Pastel Mermaid Scales Quilting Cotton (Len’s Mill), Hot Pink Quilting Cotton (Len’s Mill) Project Notes
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0016 Patterned Seafoam Long Sleeve
Project Information Pattern: Jackson Tee and Pullover by Helen’s ClosetSize: 6Version: DFabric: Seafoam Swifts Cotton Jersey from Make1 Project Notes
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0015 Mermaid Dress
Project Information Pattern: m778 Dress, Romper, and Jumpsuit by McCall’sSize: 14Version: AFabric: Pastel Mermaid Scales Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill Project Notes
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0014 Turquoise Zippered Mesh Bag
Project Information Fabric: Holly on Turquoise Quilting Cotton from Dancing Stitches (provided) Project Notes
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0013 Thread Catcher
Project Information Fabric: Homemade Quilting Cotton Collection by Tula Pink from Dancing Stitches Project Notes
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0012 Holiday Pot Holder
Project Information Fabric: Christmas Words Quilting Cotton from Dancing Stitches (provided), White Snowflakes on Red Quilting Cotton from Dancing Stitches (provided) Project Notes
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0011 Plastic Bag Holder
Project Information Fabric: Seagull Quilting Cotton from Dancing Stitches (provided) Project Notes
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0010 Single Layer Serged Tote Bag
Project Information Fabric: Yellow and Green Patterned Quilting Cotton from Dancing Stitches (provided) Project Notes
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0009 Palm Springs Makeup Bag
Project Information Pattern: Easy Cosmetics Bag by So Sew Easy (free tutorial) Fabric: Groovy Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill, Seafoam Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill Project Notes
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0008 Abstract Mountains Tote Bag
Project Information Fabric: Abstract Mountains Quilting Cotton from Dancing Stitches, Sky Blue Quilting Cotton from Dancing Stitches Project Notes
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0007 Unicorn & Dragons Makeup Bag
Project Information Pattern: Easy Cosmetics Bag by So Sew Easy (free tutorial) Fabric: Pinkerville Blind Faith PWTP129 Cotton Candy by Tula Pink Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill, Purple Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill Project Notes
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0006 Horse Print Tote Bag
Project Information Fabric: Black Lightweight Canvas (inherited), Geometric Horse Print Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill Project Notes
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0005 Aztec Dog Coat
Project Information Pattern: Cozy Custom Dog Coat by Wholefully (free tutorial)Fabric: Aztec Fleece (inherited), Beige Faux Fur from Len’s Mill Project Notes
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0004 Turquoise & Orange Martingale Dog Collar
Project Information Pattern: Martingale Dog Collar by Country Brook Design (free tutorial)Size: Extra SmallFabric: Turquoise Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill, Pumpkin Orange Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill Project Notes
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0003 Autumn Martingale Dog Collar
Project Information Pattern: Martingale Dog Collar by Country Brook Design (free tutorial)Size: Extra SmallFabric: Autumn Leaves Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill, Goldenrod Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill Project Notes
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0002 Orange & Roses Martingale Dog Collar
Project Information Pattern: Martingale Dog Collar by Country Brook Design (free tutorial)Size: Extra SmallFabric: Greyscale Roses Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill, Orange Quilting Cotton from Len’s Mill Project Notes
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