It's Giveaway Day!

8:03 PM , 96 Comments

May is my birthday month so I'm having a few giveaways to celebrate!

Today's giveaway is being hosted by Sew, Mama, Sew!

If you're here for the first time, you probably want to know a little about me and my blog.
I'm a busy mother of three girls, living 'downunder' in New Zealand.  I design knitting patterns for children's clothing, constructed seamlessly from the top down (my patterns can be found here).  I also love to sew, mostly clothes for my girls, and currently teach basic sewing skills to a group of 10-12year olds once a week at the small school my girls attend.  This blog is a way for me to showcase all the crafting and creating I get up to.

But what you really want to know is:  What is my prize for Giveaway Day?

Last year I made myself a knitting work-in-progress (wip) bag that is used constantly.

My wip knitting bag

I loved the pattern from the first time I saw it on the U-Handbag blog and since making this one I've wanted to make another one just for the fun of it. I decided that it would be a perfect bag to have as the prize for my giveaway!

I thought it might be a bit too big and bulky to post so I shrunk the pattern to approx 3/4 size and left out the fleece padding to make a cute compact handbag.


The bag measures approx 24cm wide x 20cm high (approx 9.5" x 8") and the handles are about 18cm (approx 8").


I've put in a handy little internal pocket (approx 7cm/3" x 12cm/5") and the bag closes with a single metal snap.  I can't remember the name of the fabrics used as it was a stash-busting project, but the main fabric is light pink with swirls and the lining is a lavender mini floral.


The bag is fully interfaced, including the handles, which is a bit stiff when new, but softens up nicely with use.


Now, how do you enter?

It's really easy.  All you have to do is leave a comment below telling me what it is that keeps you interested in a blog and makes you want to comment on a post?


I will draw the winner on Friday evening (27 May) so you have until then to enter.  Only one comment/entry per person and there are no extra entries for facebooking, twittering, etc but you are welcome to anyway!
This giveaway is open to anyone, anywhere that I can post to.
PLEASE include a way for me to contact you in your comment or your entry will not be valid.


PS.  I will be celebrating my 100th post very soon with another giveaway, so make sure you become a follower so you don't miss out on hearing about it!  Also, scroll down (or click here) for a chance to win a hand-knitted shawl in my Birthday Giveaway!



Amber

Some say he’s half man half fish, others say he’s more of a seventy/thirty split. Either way he’s a fishy bastard.

96 comments:

  1. What a lovely cute bag! thanks for such a nice giveaway. I love variety on a blog and if the blogger asks something or shows something I always try and comment! thanks again.

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  2. I love a blog where I feel I can get to know the blogger. They don't need to share all their life or anything but more tips about what tools they use, what in their life inspired them to make something and their favourite recipes. I love cooking and its so fun to make things that bloggers make, I adore chevgirl's focaccia for example.

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  3. I love the variety that you show on your blog, between knitting and all the other crafts that you do. It helps keep me interested. :) I have what do you call...crafting ADHD (where I have a lot of projects going on)

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  4. That's a sweet little bag in my favorite color - Thanks for the chance :D

    I normally love tutorials with step by step photos and when people show their creations and that's when I mostly comment on them.

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  5. at the moment, I'm loving blogs that I can relate to (about families and little people) and things that inspire me to get creative. Templates are always handy and of course I LOVE giveaways.

    Thanks for your generosity.

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  6. I love blogs that update regularly and that inspire me to try new projects, new food, or new ways of doing things. I also like a blog that is friendly - those make me send comments back. The bag you are giving away is lovely! Thanks for sharing your giveaway!

    P.S. I love the color scheme on your blog!

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  7. i love you're bag. The reason why I love blogs, is to see how creative everyone is and to get ideas. It's so great to see that I'm not the only fabric nut on the world.

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  8. New and inspiring ideas that I actually use and find handy always make me comment and say thank you and share how it went

    karen s

    twannywun at hotmail dot com

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  9. You made a very nice handbag. I love blogging because it makes the world a whole lot smaller :)

    Kay
    http://kayzquiltz.blogspot.com/

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  10. You had me at the pink and lavendar! I love commenting on something someone's made and posted on a blog...Its really nice to let people know if you like something they've made and commenting is a good way of doing it!

    ebony-ivory-rainbow.blogspot.com

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  11. Hi Amber - First the bag is really cute. As for blogs - I like pictures, seeing what other people do and make. Very inspiring. I like sewing/crafting/quilting blogs - I have a 75% rule - I prefer when at least 3/4 of the posting have to do with non-topic stuff.

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  12. cute bag...a post written about a new idea or based on a lot of research makes me comment on it..
    BTW..Do come over and check out my giveaway too.... http://jewelsofsayuri.blogspot.com/
    email: jewelsofsayuri@gmail.com

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  13. I love reading about people's lives in a blog. I love blogs that are well written. Bad grammar and spelling really puts me off.
    Madison xxx

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  14. I love reading the funny stories of days that just don't go right, so I know I'm not alone.

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  15. Really cute bag! I guess what makes me revisit a blog time and time again is if it covers topics I am interested in, but in a way that expands my thinking about something I already do, so I can learn from them. Too far out there from my own interests or skills and while I may love it, I often don't return because I don't relate. When I learn from or am inspired by a blog, I want to visit as often as possible! As to posting, well I admit I rarely do but some days I just get chatty LOL. I like to post when someone offers a free cutting file (for my die cutter), recipe, pattern, etc. to let them know their time was well spent and appreciated.

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  16. I love it.

    I like to learn from blogs. I guess you could say I am a forever student. Learning new sewing techniques, tutorials, health, gardening, cooking. You name it I love to learn it.

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  17. Hiya. Lovely bag. I really enjoy blogs, especially if they feature things I love: sewing, knitting, cooking, well, crafting things in general. I also like to try to comment back if someone leaves a comment on my blog.

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  18. I love reading blogs that are creative or thought provoking. I also love entering giveaways! Great bag. Thanks for the chance to win!
    mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

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  19. What keeps me interested in a blog is brightly lit photos and a neutral background (so the photos stand out most). A sense of humour in the writing always makes my day :)

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  20. I love a blog where the writer has similar interests to me. As you have a few kids and love to sew, that's 2 things we have in common right off the bat! I spend so much time just with my kids that it is nice to interact with other adults, even if it is only reading or writing on a blog.
    KellyCraftsForKids@gmail.com

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  21. so pretty. i will comment on a blog and keep coming back if i can see the persons personality and if they are humorous. if they share something personal and things that they make i try my best to leave a comment.

    my email is attached to my profile

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  22. love tutorials and will return again and again for them!

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  23. I love colorful pictures and tutorials!

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  24. I seldom comment on posts even if I find them interesting. I don't really know why.

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  25. I love the bag...thanks for the chance to win. I love blogs with tutorials and lots of pictures.

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  26. Congratulations on nearing your 100th post. I love tips and tutorials. I also am prone to answering questions, so asking them is always an invite for me to comment. and link-up parties.
    Great giveaway! I'd be delighted to win!

    Phoenixpeacock(at)gmail(dot)com

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  27. Cute bag!

    I like orginality in a blog. I only comment when something really moves me or wows me.

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  28. Hi there :)

    Great bag!!

    I really like blogs from NZ and also ones that have children similar in age to my own :)

    Thanks

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  29. I come back o a Blog that I feel a connection to; great tutorials, crafts and day to day stories of life. Cute purse! Love the color and style

    gknee-d(at)comcast(dot)net

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  30. I like blogs that just keep posting about life, what they have made, silly things about thier kids any of that!!

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  31. I really enjoy reading about crafts, ways to help others, and giveaways of course! Thanks a lot!

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  32. Lovely! Thanks for the chance.

    I like inspiring tutorials.

    lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com

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  33. I enjoy blogs that post things I can relate to whether that is an awesome craft idea or recipe or even a similar life experience. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ravensrascals at gmail dot com

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  34. Lovely bag, and one any of us commenters would love to win.

    I love reading blogs (1) where tutorials are provided (especially if they have one of those "print" buttons so I don't have to copy/paste into a Word document to print it); (2) humor is incorporated; (3) "oopsies" and "screw-ups" are shown; (4) the creative process is shown, i.e., I'm a new quilter and I'm still struggling with fabric selection. I like to see "why" some fabrics are selected and others are not. For instance, I'm sure everybody out in blogland doesn't automatically pick the fabrics they use in their quilts right off the bat (or at least I hope they don't). So I'd like to see why some fabrics are used in the quilt and others are eliminated.

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  35. I like crafty blogs that are updated regularly at least once a week, lots of photos for inspiration, and those that like to try new things and share or mention where the pattern/material comes from so we can try it out too, also tutorials of course. I only comment if I have questions or really when I feel the need!! :o)

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  36. These bags are really cute. What keeps me interested in a blog is when they have tutorials on the items that they make.

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  37. so so so cute! I just love seeing fun projects, things that inspire me. :)

    amberortega at gmail dot com

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  38. What a lovely giveaway! :)
    What keeps me interested in a blog? (Still trying to figure it out for my own blog) I would say photos and posts daily.
    Trendymeg@msn.com

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  39. I love a blog that posts regularly and doesn't leave their readers in the lurch! A bit of humour and an individual touch doesn't hurt either

    I comment when I see something that I particularly like or identify with!

    hi from another kiwi crafter :)

    Thanks for the giveaway

    Sarah @ Kiwi Gets Crafty
    http://kiwigetscrafty.blogspot.com

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  40. I keep coming to a blot where the writer is down to earth, approachable kind a lady/guy. I know there are a lot of "celebrity" bloggers that have nice blog but seem so distant to you. That kinda make me want to lurk instead of commenting...

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  41. new, exciting information - great writing, good photos...clean blogs

    the bag is so unique, love the colors
    thanks for the giveaway!
    email in profile
    or
    nicmowat (at) gmail (dot) com

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  42. Who doesn't need a WIP bag?! I'll be coming back to have a leisurely read of your blog. :-)

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  43. I love tutorials or links to patterns that you may have used. I also like getting to "know" someone!

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  44. I think something new ... if I see things that I have seen already several times, it just does not grab me. "new" can be anything really - new color combo - pattern mix ... just some new or unusal idea. Also great photos are nice! I think I tend to get drawn to nice big images ...

    Thanks for the fun giveaway! You are welcome to enter mine, too. You could win some custom-made buttons!

    Love
    Ms Muffin

    ulli-xox [at] web [dot] de

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  45. I stay interested when there are tutorials and photos. I like to comment when they ask questions :)

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  46. Thanks for the lovely giveaway. I like to see tutorials.

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  47. For me a blog has to be about something I love and it has to be funny. epeanut79 at comcast dot net

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  48. I like blogs that are real and that share their experiences and tutorials!!

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  49. i like blogs which are talking about a topic known to me. when i have something to say i comment. but the most important is, when you get the answer to your comment... :)


    coprnca(at)gmail(dot)com

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  50. Love the bag! And I mainly read blogs for ideas that I can use - either in my home, with my kids, or in my crafting. And I always comment whenever I find something original!

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  51. Love the bag! Thanks for the chance! I like it when bloggers share a little bit about their self/family and I like lots of pictures.

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  52. Hi, lovely bag!
    I'm a visual person, so there can never be too many pictures!
    thanks
    sarajmason at xtra dot co dot nz

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  53. Lovely bag. I'm not sure what draws me to a blog. I like things that are well written, and well structured, that a blog has focus. I'll generally comment on something when the blogger asks for it, or as a way of saying thanks for something.

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  54. their content, what I like is getting to know the blogger, her pets, her family, her adventures... and pictures, lots of pictures... love scenery, crafts, pets and food photos, oh and flowers... on my blog you will find my misadventures, my crafts, my charity work, my furbabies and sometimes my family...and now and then I host contest.

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  55. So pretty!
    I love to read about works in progress and tutorials on blogs. I also love blogs which have gorgeous photography. :)

    Thanks for the chance.
    debyeo at hotmail dot com

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  56. Pretty bag! I have yet to make a pattern from U-Handbag, but I also love that site. I think that making this bag smaller was a fabulous choice for an every day purse. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Oh, and I like to comment on posts that spark my interests or ask my opinion. For instance, I like posts about eco-friendly crafting and living, posts with pretty craft pictures, or posts that share a personal touch.

    ammieloris (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  57. Variety keeps me interested, which you have down pat! thanks for the giveaway!

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  58. i like to see people finished project thats what keeps me going back to blogs..thanks for the giveway... lovely!!raineoc@yahoo.com

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  59. I like to see tutorials. Or at least some of the steps one takes to finish an item. Love your bags.

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  60. The bag is adorable, and designed very well :)

    jo.tee35 AT gmail DOT com

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  61. I love the bag!
    I want it. :)

    In a blog... I like ones that make me laugh and ones that make me think. And I love tutorials for simple crafts.

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  62. I like blogs that are real. Not everything is too serious or too perfect. I want to feel like I'm having a conversation with a friend over coffee!

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  63. what keeps me interested in a blog are tutorials that are simple enough for me to follow. Happy birthday month!

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  64. This is cute! I love the fabric that you chose before for your first one too!
    I stay interested in blogs when they don't post all the time and when their posts are interesting and inspiring... it doesn't have to be crazy, just something that is interesting and different. :)

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  65. I love the bag! I am most interested in a blog when they share their methods, especially if they are particularly original.
    delainaj36(at)gmail(dot)com

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  66. A lot of pictures usually draws me to a blog. Thanks for the giveaway!
    dcdyess289 at yahoo dot com

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  67. Hi! This bag is darling! I love it! Thank you for the opportunity! In answer to your question, if I spend any time at a blog; I try to comment. I love getting comments myself and so I feel how can I get some if I don't leave some, ya know? Also, the tone of a blog keeps me coming back. If there is something I want to try or have been looking for or want to try a recipe or just like your kids and cats or horses or whatever! I just love to see what other women are up to out there in this wonderful world! Nice to meet you!

    umali666@yahoo.com

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  68. Blogs that are light-hearted and fun to read will always bring me back. Thanks for the chance to win that gorgeous bag

    Atoxim at gmail dot com

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  69. Blogs that are light-hearted and fun to read will always bring me back. Thanks for the chance to win that gorgeous bag

    Atoxim at gmail dot com

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  70. Thanks for the generous giveaway!
    This is my first time visit your blog :) So not much comment, but normally i likes to read the tutorial sections from other blogs :)
    My favorite is from Pink Penguin. You may find the link below.
    http://ayumills.blogspot.com
    She have others nice and lovely tutorials too ^^
    I commented the most during giveaways times :)

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  71. I love a blog with a mix of tutorials and news and recipes and jokes and ... Just a good mix really!

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  72. Hi, nice giveaway.
    I love a blog that shows tutorials and things that I like an want to try it!

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  73. I like blogs that reply to comments personally... That's what makes blogging so personal.

    xo Steph

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  74. that is a very pretty bag. bags are so useful don't you think. I too have three daughters only mine are all married and I now have six grandchildren. I quilt mostly but I am just learning to sew clothing. I struggle with pattern language but I have discovered blogs and tutorials. I love to learn visually. The blogs I like most have tutorials and some even have video tutorials.

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  75. the uniqueness and the content. has to be meaningful and not a post just for the sake of posting

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  76. A tutorial will get me talking.
    Thanks for the chance.

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  77. I have to relate to comment. Sometimes I am interested but just have nothing to add. I read far more than I comment, but I love to look through tutorials.

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  78. Thank you for the great giveaway. It's lovely.
    atchisonsteph at gmail dot com
    I like blogs with lots of pictures.

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  79. Hello from the Washington DC area :) That is a good question. I'll comment on a blog if it is a heart exposing post, a tutorial I know they really worked hard on, or something that has struck a laugh riot chord with me. Sometimes it's hard to put my finger on why I want to comment, I just listen to my heart :)Thank you for participating in the giveaway blog hop!

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  80. Love your name! I love when they show what they have made and i love tutorials.

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  81. I love the bag,and the colors too.

    Usually on the blogs I read I comment when I have a questions about something in the post or blog itself or when I really like something and just want to give nice compliments.

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  82. New and fresh projects keep me coming to a blog. As well as good pictures and a "clean" site. I haven't commented much in the past, but am trying to do it more. Thanks.

    jessica (at) homfamily (dot) com

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  83. I enjoy blogs that have a sense of humor without overdoing it. I comment on most blogs that I read to simply let them know I was there and kind of a thank-you for their efforts. Comments after all is what keeps blogging fun and I don't want my favorites to get discouraged and quit because of a lack of them.

    Lovely giveaway. I would be thrilled to win.

    ajoyfulnoise (at) live (dot) com

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  84. I like to see all the amazingly creative things other crafty people have come up with- just browsing I guess you would call it. Tutorials are great when I have decided to try something new and need a bit of help.

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  85. Such an adorable purse! What keeps me coming back to a blog is good writing, good pictures and preferably tutorials or free patterns (unemployed for too long over here...). And all of this presented in a homey, unpretentious way. There are some blogs I follow that set my teeth on edge with their endlessly perfect lives displayed for the world. Life is messy - show that sometimes!

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  86. Very cute bag. I like to see pictures of projects and hear about what they are working on. Tutorials are always a nice draw too. Thanks for participating in SMS Giveaway day!

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  87. I like tutorials and inspiring pictures. I must admit, if there's too much text, I usually skip it (not counting tutorials, of course), simply because I should not be spending too much time on the computer--and I find it difficult to read on a screen. Thank you for the lovely giveaway!

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  88. This is a super cute purse. I absolutely love it. Thank you for the chance to win this. It is super amazing. Love it.

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  89. Hello from Canada! What a beautiful bag! As for blogs, for me they just have to be relevant, funny, interesting and consistant. I comment if I love it or relate to it. :) Thanks so much for this opportunity! Take care!

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  90. I'm very visual, so I return time and again to blogs with lots of pictures :)

    And commenting - gosh, I don't know, generally if the writer asks a specific question I'll comment... but not always. I'm not help at all!

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  91. That is a cute little bag, and I love the pink. Thanks for the chance to win it.

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  92. That's a lovely bag, and those are good questions.

    What keeps me interested in a blog could be ... tutorials for items I'd like to make, handmade projects that pique my interest and are something I might like to make myself, and crafty tips or how-tos :) What gets me to comment is a giveaway post (LOL), or a post that I can relate to - a tutorial I like, or a crafted project that I admire and might make, or even a pet or kid story that mirrors my own bratty kids/cat :D

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  93. Step by step tutorials with pics, and perhaps commenting where things went wrong when you were making your creation, that helps a lot! Although I am not a big fan of hearing every piece of a blogger's life, it's nice to hear about little things here and there. I comment when something featured is novel or if I have questions.

    kalviene (at)gmail (dot) com

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  94. Ladyblueeyez1860 at aol dot com

    Addiction

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  95. Hi from just across the Tasman! :)
    That bag is so pretty and a lovely giveaway. Have a beaut birthday this month, Sandy.
    sandangels1945(at)hotmail(dot)com

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