Thursday 2 August 2012

An amazing thread giveaway

** Giveaway is now closed**

I love discovering new to me quilting stuff.

I'm always looking to see what is out there. And then I found Empress Mills who have the most amazing selection of threads that I have come across. And they are manufactured right here in England by a family-owned company in the north of England and incredibly well priced. What's not to like?

So I ordered some.

Here is a comparison between a well-known 50s weight cotton quilting thread (left) and a 50s weight Empress Mills cotton quilting thread (right). It sews fantastically even.



And it wasn't just thread I discovered but loads of zips and 220 count Egyptian cotton fabric that you can use in quilting as regular fabric, use to embroider on or even dye and loads and loads of haberdashery stuff.

I realise I am probably beginning to sound like a paid advertisement for Empress Mills at this point but I can assure you I'm not - I've just become a regular customer who is empressed. Sorry, couldn't resist that.

Empress Mills would like you to be 'empressed' too so are offering the most incredible giveaway.

FIVE of you who leave a comment will get the following package sent to them:

4 x 50s weight 100% cotton thread
2 x 120s weight polycore machine quilting thread
1 x Smoke invisible thread
1 x Natural invisible thread
1 x bundle of Egyptian cotton fabric



You have four chances:

Leave a comment - if you could rule the world for just one day, what one thing would you change?
Second comment if you already follow - just type 'follow'
TWO bonus comments if you blog about this. I think Empress Mills deserve some blogland exposure so if you can help them - thank you.

The giveaway will stay open until Sunday 12 August 8pm Little Island Time, after which I shall use Mr Random Number Generator thingy to draw the five winners and then Empress Mills will send out your package to you. Giveaway is open to anyone anywhere in the world.

However, if you are not lucky, Empress Mills still has an amazing offer for you.

If you buy 4 x 50s 100% cotton thread or 4 x 120s polycore machine quilting thread, you'll get the 5th for free PLUS a free fat quarter of the Egyptian cotton fabric. Just pop the code 'ALISON' into the coupon code box at check out. Oh, and they ship worldwide.







239 comments:

  1. oooh, a new thread to try! How fab! There are way too many things I would change if I ruled the world. I wouldn't even know where to start. Free ice cream for all would be a good place ;-)

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  2. Oh wow--you're asking for politics on a quilt blog? I would ban gender-based abortion worldwide.

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  3. give all our gov. bodys christian faith

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  4. I would get rid of any laws that don't allow people to live their lives happily without harming others.

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  5. Wow! Great giveaway!! But if I had the chance to rule the world just for one day, world-peace would be great! (would it help if everyone started to quilt? Well, I wouldn't force them to that, even though I believe that would be good for everyone!)

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  6. The thread looks great! What would I change? It's selfish but at the moment I'd make vets' bills (and the cost of the medicines they prescribe) miniscule and if I couldn't have that I'd give everyone a free '99'...I hope you weren't looking for a serious answer ;o)

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  7. I am a loyal follower!!! :) really like your blog, found it recently...

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  8. To stay away from politics, how about: I would reduce or remove the cost of travel so that the huge online community of crafters and quilters could visit each other and all the fun shops and places without it cutting into material budgets!

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  9. If I ruled the World for a day.... hmmm... I would gather up the most intelligent people from all over the globe and we'd have a "Think Tank" to set forth some plans for how to run this place better from here on... lower taxes, less government, more affordable healthcare, job creation, less war, incentives for helping others.... on and on! I know that I surely couldn't figure out the answers on my own! :-) Thank you for the chance to win! I love starting a new spool of thread-- an adventure waiting to happen! :-)

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  10. Replies
    1. Or ... in other words ... WORLD PEACE! haha

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  11. If I could rule the world for a day I'd get rid of FB and Twitter! So much unpleasantness (I speak from personal experience)

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  12. Wow, what a wonderful giveaway and thanks for the recommendation. I'm a follower.

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  13. I would make a law saying 'news' people could not specutlate theorize etc and had to just report the actual facts. And had to report on positive newsstories more then negative.

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  14. Well, that's a no brainer on what I would change in a day: create WORLD PEACE! Then everything else would fall into place.

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  15. If I ruled the world for a day I would make 'Health and Safety' rules a bit more sensible. Of course I would love world peace, but don't think that will ever happen, but we can live in hope.

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  16. If I ruled the world even for just one day, everyone would have to be nice to one another and smile lots. Hopefully it would rub off on at least some people!!!! I do like the idea of cheaper vet bills. Car repairs for free would be nice too.

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  17. OOOH Free family travel for a day? Allow family to travel to meet each other on their special day.. I don't know what special day, but really family needs to be able to spend more time with each other without it costing an arm and a leg. I miss my family.

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  18. If I ruled the world, I would defi itely try to cut down o hunger.

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  19. What a great give away. I have been a little less impressed with a much raved about 50wt so very curious about this alternative. If I ruled the world for one day I'd give myself more power to change more than one thing. Then I'd set about sorting out world peace, poverty and dealing with starving millions. Then after lunch I'd make it that I got to see my other half much more regularly than I do!

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  20. I follow. Off to check the website out now and make a shopping list. I don't think I'd be lucky enough to win two of your give aways!

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  21. ugh, im totally debating with msyelf what i would do?! is it a change for just one day? or permanant? decisions decisions...so considering if i am incharge of the world for just 24 hours id ask that everyone, everywhere be well fed and hugged tightly for that one day that i ruled! that would be a great change of pace for many, right?

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  22. The thread is beautiful.I follow.
    Mmmmmmmmmm....If I ruled the world I`d try to end up with disease and hunger.I also would love invented the vaccine not the war for all the gov. but I`ll function while they`re governing.

    Dreaming is free!!

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  23. Uggh! Too much stress to rule the world for one day. :) Plus the problem is that there are no quick one day fixes for the world and you can't make everyone be nice to each other no mater how hard you try. Maybe I would announce a one day cease fire and host a world wide neighborhood BBQ. Maybe it would help.

    And I think your Camelot blocks are brilliant!

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  24. I'd make fabric grow on trees and be free ;) Just kidding, I don't know what I'd change.

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  25. Oooh, I'd love to win this!
    If I ruled the world for 1 day, I would make all fabric free. LOL
    Then we could all grab as much as we wanted and fill up our stashes.

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  26. http://simplesew.blogspot.com/2012/08/empress-mills-has-thread-sale-giveaway.html
    blogged

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  27. http://simplesew.blogspot.com/2012/08/empress-mills-has-thread-sale-giveaway.html
    blogged

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  28. Free lifetime diet pepsi for everyone!
    Boppiesgirl at gmail dot com

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  29. I'm a follower..thank you!
    Boppiesgirl at gmail dot com

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  30. Ooh thread is exciting! If I could rule the world for a day I would probably build shelter for the needy and community gardens over some golf courses. If there was time left over, free art supplies for all school age children :)

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  31. Empress are fab - I bought the thread for my wedding dress from them 21 years ago and have been hooked ever since!
    If I could rule the world, we'd sort out cancer and everyone would get a fair days pay for a days work.

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  32. I follow, but for got to say 349, lilac grey si a fantastic colour that seems to blend into any colour you want to put it with - I have it for my over locker and my sewing machine!!

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  33. I do not have enough wisdom to know what I would do.

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  34. I'm not sure what I'd change, I'd love to stop war or make all religions equal, but it would be impossible to do. Instead I think I'd make postage costs more reasonable.

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  35. One day: every child who is born is perfectly healthy!

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  36. Interesting question. If I ruled the world for a day I would make every world leader a woman. She would have to be a mother, a sister and a quilter. Think how much nicer it would be, instead of wars and greed they would be encouraging everyone to believe they could succeed. I'm sure they would get together, brainstorm and find a solution to any problem.

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  37. I second crickets corner reply... Woman rulers but most be mother sister and quilter!

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  38. For one day? Since we're going by magic...a magic, hypoallergenic kitten would be available to each and everyone for the day, and all would have peace, calm and time to play with their kitten.

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  39. If I can rule the world one day, I will banned airport tax, so everyone can fly for free :)

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  40. now that's a tough question - there's not much you can do in one day, I don't knwo maybe make everyone spend some time with their neighbours and think of something else beside themselves, maybe they will take something from the experience and change the world themselves. It's no use making people do something if they don't want to.
    Ohh I guess I would love to close some banks too ...

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  41. Hmm, I'm assuming we can't work miracles as world leader? I'd like to sort out the economy and get everyone out of debt, but failing that, I'd ban customs tax on fabric bought from the US!

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  42. If I would rule the world for one day I would travel to Palestine/Israel and try and make a difference there
    (I'm glad you don't ask for a detailed Plan of Action)

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  43. First What a great give away is this, thank you!

    If I could rule the world for one single day I would stop all wars and spend the money to hungry/ sick people who need it

    (ps might I win...please be patient for my address I am away some days and back at the 17th....thanks)
    greetings Conny

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  44. What a great Give away! And a difficult question: If I would rule the world for one day I wish I would be able to change some peoples attitudes: Meet other people with respect and without prejudices, talking to each other first and trying to understand why other are differnet and accept them like they are; hoping that these attitudes will help having a better, not that criminal world.
    (Hope my english is understandable, needed a translater for some words and hope that no one misunderstands something)

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  45. I am following your blog :-)

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  46. Love your Camelot blocks! I signed up as a follower!

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  47. If I ruled the world for one day--there would be a enough food for everyone to eat and a vacation day from any type of work to enjoy life

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  48. I would change suffering if I ruled the world for one day - not sure how, but I would make an attempt!

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  49. And I'm a follower :)

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  50. I would bring back people treating others with kindness and respect.

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  51. One day is not enough for all the major things - world peace, the end of hunger and universal free health care.

    So I will settle for everyone counting their belssings instead of imagining that the grass is greener elsewhere.

    PS I bought a roll of the cotton fabric at the NEC last year. It is lovely to work withand I plan to buy more this year.

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  52. See #85

    I meant blessings, not belsings!

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  53. Always love to hear about new companies, especially with something used constantly like thread! One day would only be enough for me to get a good list going:) But, in the spirit of the giveaway question I would want a day where everyone was nice to each other. No snarky comments, looks or even thoughts!

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  54. If I could rule the world? I would wipe out hunger. Thanks so much for the chance : )

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  55. That's a deep question. I really liked Crickets Corner's answer. Make every leader/decision maker in power a woman--indefinitely. I think the world would be more of a compassionate place, less war. As for my answer, even though it's impossible and this is purely hypothetical, I think I would make it so there are no "3rd World Countries." There would be only "One World Countries." We're all on the same planet. We need balance, caring, hope and generosity. There should be no hunger, starvation, poverty or suffering. I'd eliminate all power struggles and wars. All countries would come together to help their neighbors. What one has in bulk they would share with countries who need that resource and vice versa.

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  56. I'm following via GFC. :) Thanks for the awesome chance.

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  57. Oh my such a harrrd question! But pretending it was possible to do anything in a day... i would get rid of everyone currently in the US government and round up people that actually care and have no interest in "politics" to fix our system and current mess! I'd find loving homes for all the orphaned and foster children, and third world countries would be given everything they need to pull them out of such complete poverty! Do i still have time left in my 'day'? The list could go on... lol

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  58. I follow :) thanx for the cahnce!

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  59. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  60. What a generous giveaway! I just checked out their online store and signed up for their newsletter.

    If I ruled the world for a day... I'm torn. I'd either make a rule that everybody has to do what they say they will (a pet peeve!), or I'd make chocolate tax-free. Decisions, decisions.

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  61. Gee, if I ruled the world, I'd probably make it be international cupcake day. Everyone would need to share with their neighbors and friends. Lol

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  62. A rule? How about no one gets up before 9:00 am- every day! Can you tell I'm not a morning person?

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  63. For the first 20 hour period, every warring group would have to "walk a mile" in the opposing groups shoes. For the last 4 hours, they would have to really talk out the problem. The only other thing would be everyone making a special quilt for the other side.

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  64. If I ruled the world for a day I'd set it up so I could continue to rule (for a long stretch). That way I'd have time to fix all the things that need fixed.

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  65. I'd insist that everyone be content for one day. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  66. Bonus #1 - blogged about this at http://salliessampler.blogspot.com/2012/08/empress-mills-thread-giveaway-at-little.html

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  67. Bonus #2 - I blogged about this at http://salliessampler.blogspot.com/2012/08/empress-mills-thread-giveaway-at-little.html

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  68. I would make everyone take a nap. That would make people happier, I know it would make me happier.

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  69. what would change...all girls would be educated safely. nice giveaway, thanks!

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  70. HAPPY TO FOLLOW YOU >GFC!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  71. HELLO! HOW ABOUT EVERYONE SLOWING DOWN SOME!
    THANKS FOR SHARING A NEAT GIVEAWAY!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  72. I will make it into holiday! Or maybe i shd change the rule to allow me ruling longer...
    andri_chama(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  73. Already a follower.
    Thanks,
    Peggy
    peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

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  74. If I could rule the world for one day, I'd make people have a better, kinder attitude towards their fellow man.
    Thanks,
    Peggy
    peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

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  75. If I could rule the world for one day I would get rid of the "if it bleeds, it leads" news format

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  76. I would delegate where money goes in the country by a better hierarchy (major money would go toward education).

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  77. Follow!
    andri_chama(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  78. If I ruled for a day I would cut medical costs. A recent trip to the ER for a very minor eye abrasion was over $1000.00 and I didn't even see a physician! Ask me next week and my answer might be different. Thanks for a fabulous giveaway.

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  79. If I could rule the world for just one day I would make everyone read a book or read a book to those who cant read. Good question by the way and thanks for the giveaway!

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  80. I would make everyone take one day off where they are not allowed to work and need to relax!

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  81. I would obliterate the top 6 leading causes of death!

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  82. If I could rule the world for just one day, I would make a day of total tolerance for all people. That's the biggest thing I desire for this world.

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  83. Hmm, pretending it was possible - free/affordable and accessible healthcare for everyone and (healthy) food for the hungry.

    handmadebytracie at gmail dot com

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  84. Pode um pequeno conjunto?Acabar com:guerras,desperdícios e fome,no mundo.Obrigada,viajo 50km para comprar minha linhas.tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com

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  85. All the wars going on. Definitely would change that!

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  86. If I ruled the world for one day, I would abolish Money, Guns, weapons of mass destruction, reality shows and pass a law that intolerance will not be tolerated! (LOL) Perhaps this would encourage people to share and cooperate with each other. Also, I would like a stunning Tiara to wear for the day. Is that too much to ask? :)

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  87. If I ruled the world for one day - well let's pretend I'm omnipotent too, I'd make all the guns disappear into thin air.

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  88. If I only had one day I would set up a universal education system and ensure that all kids everywhere had an education with hot breakfast, lunch and dinner if they needed it too. I would then trust all those kids to solve the other problems.

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  89. And of course I follow your blog.

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  90. I'd have compassion and mindfulness taught and practiced in every school.

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  91. If I could rule the world for a day, the one thing I would change would be to provide affordable, accessible medical/dental services for everyone in the world. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  92. If I could I would keep the Olympics in London forever - driving in the centre has been great with everyone staying out of town.

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  93. If I ruled the world I'd add a few quilty challenges to the Olympic Games!

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  94. Replies
    1. And if I ruled the world...hmm...mandate an international moonbase to be created within fifteen years.

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  95. I'd institute universal healthcare worldwide.

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  96. What a wonderful giveaway! I would want no one to be hungry anywhere in the world!

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  97. I'm a follower, thanks again for a great giveaway!

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  98. I would do whatever it took to make sure everyone had a job. Thanks

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  99. One day? World peace is too much beautyqueen answer :) so I'd just say I'd make it long enough in order to manage to be with my two girls and finished all my unfinished crafts (and ofcourse get fully paid at work for it)

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  100. Hmm. I'd probably make men experience pregnancy, labour and delivery personally. I think it would make profound changes in the world. Interesting that you found a new thread. I did too. I love that 'popular' 50wt that has been talked about alot, but I've experienced a lot of breakage with it too. My new one (king tut) is 2 ply and it is a little stronger. I'd love to try this new brand out. I'm off to check if they ship to Canada!

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  101. If I could change anything, I'd change that stay at home moms would get paid to stay home with their kids. Thanks for a chance to win! :)

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  102. I would ask everybody to act ethically and respect Mother Nature.

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  103. If I could rule the world, I would invert things and make a rich and powerful state the opposite, if you wear someone else shoes you better understand their problems, so the next day you'll be able to do your best to help who really needs

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  104. I am your new GFC follower =)

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  105. here is where I linked to your giveaway:
    http://kikkamella.multiply.com/links/item/133/Little-Island-Quilting-An-amazing-thread-giveaway

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  106. Lovely giveaway - always love new thread!!

    If I ruled the world I would truly love to find a way for people to just plain get along, thats it, just not worry about what other people say about anything - just worry about themselves and I think other things would start working themselves out - maybe I am crazy, well thats not a maybe:), but I think people only can agree to disagree anymore and get their feathers ruffled over such little stuff.

    Thank you

    sandyb720 at gmail dot com

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  107. I am a new follower.

    Thank you

    sandyb720 at gmail dot com

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  108. Something I would change - the cost of adoption. If so many children are waiting for homes, why should people who want to adopt them have to pay so much...drives me crazy!

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  109. If I could rule the world for one day I would ensure there was world peace! awolk at rogers dot com

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  110. I am a new follower of your blog! awolk at rogers dot com

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  111. If I could rule the world for one day, I would let everyone eat dessert first!

    Deborah
    homemakerhoney @gmail .com

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  112. New follower!

    Deborah
    homemakerhoney @gmail .com

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  113. Wow great giveaway! Ruling for a day is a hard one, but given how our educators are being treated by unruly students I would force all parents who complain about teachers or don't take care of their kids to spend several weeks in a classroom seeing a teacher at work, without pay of course :)

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  114. I'd love to make everyone respect each other and ensure world peace but I have no idea how I'd do that! If only someone knew .....

    Thanks for sharing your new thread find and hosting this awesome giveaway!

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  115. If I could rule the world for the day I would put women in charge all over. That would sort things out!

    Thanks for the giveaway Alison.

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  116. Love the thread! And your blog :-)
    I would be the happiest person in the universe if i could make the world disease free.

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  117. I would wish for harmony in the. World...that everyone would care about others...think it would solve a multitude of ills. Thanks for the opportinity and have a great day

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  118. I feel the world need some "Patience" along with love, peace, etc. No one has patience for others anymore. Thank you for the opportunity to those fabulous threads.

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  119. Hey oh! I might have to replace automatic weapons with cotton candy and tell everyone to be good and play nice ;-) I've never heard of this thread before. So exciting!

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  120. If I ruled the world for one day, I would want everyone to see the world as a child does, with no anger, hate for anyone. Great giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win!

    wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  121. I am a follower!!

    wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  122. If I ruled the world for one day.. I would get rid of all the faff and PC nonsense, give the teachers and police back their powers without fear of being sued!

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  123. Wow! New thread. I seem to have a thread fetish lately. I keep buying more and more.

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  124. I am a new follower. If I ruled the world for one day I would knock some sense into all the kings, queens and presidents to get off their duffs and make this world work without all the political nonsense.

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  125. If I could change one thing, it would be that cell phones would not work when your talking with someone in person (I'm starting small here...)

    Wonderful gift, Thnk You!

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  126. What a great give-away! If I could rule the world I would allow prayer back in schools.

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  127. Wow, this is a great giveaway. However picking just one thing to change would be difficult. World Peace would be a great start. Thank you for the opportunity.

    a.ladyfarmer at yahoo dot com

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  128. I am a new follower. Thanks again
    a.ladyfarmer at yahoo dot com

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  129. If I could rule the world for one day I would give headteachers the right to run their schools their way

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  130. I would ban lying on TV- that means you cable news! :)

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  131. If I could have power for one day, there would be no bullying, between kids and/or adults. Glad to know about a great thread shop.

    Thank you and Empress Mills for such a generous giveaway and a chance to win. Five winners! Woot! Woot!

    isairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Oopps.. Email should be:
      Usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  132. I'm a new follower.

    Thanks again for a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  133. Free fabric to all if I ruled the world:)

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  134. I follow!

    LC (at) maychappell (dot) com

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  135. I blogged about this!

    Www.maychappell.com

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  136. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  137. A world ruler is unlikely, but peace would reign. How exciting to have a thread giveaway. I like to try new threads. They make such a difference on quilt projects. Thanks

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  138. I'm your follower via GFC/Blogger; thanks (EMAIL: marshudson at comcast dot net)

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  139. Good things for all the little children in the world who do without; thanks (EMAIL: marshudson at comcast dot net)

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  140. This comment has been removed by the author.

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