Saturday, December 21, 2013

The Totally Useless Stitch A Long 2014


The 2014 TUSAL is launched! 

Save those ORTs!

What is an ORT? ORT or ort ~ Capitalized, it stands for Old Ratty Threads. These are the cast-off thread ends a needleworker cuts away. These ends are often saved in clear jars as a decorative object. The word, "ort" does appear in the dictionary, meaning: a bit of something left over; usually concerning food. 

Why would you save ORTs and why on earth post a picture on your blog? Not everyone saves them. Some stitchers just toss them in the trash or let them decorate the sofa and floor. Sometimes this inadvertent decorating draws ire from those living with us. Saving these clippings in one place creates a random tangle of lovely colored thread. Posting a photo of this pile is "progress" of a sort and thus, the Totally Useless Stitch A Long was born. 

If you would like to join the Stitch-A-Long:

1. Comment on this post.

2. Get a glass jar or other container and save your thread clippings. Some stitchers include fabric trimmings, thread bands or any other stitching cast-offs they gather. You may continue filling this jar throughout the year OR you may empty the jar and start over each month ~ no firm rules here!

3. On (or about) each New Moon take a picture of the ORTs in your jar and post it to your blog. This is a blog game so YES, you MUST have a blog to be included.

4. Yes, you can use your current ORT jar or jars. This is no contest...the stitcher with the most ORTs doesn't win!

5. You should post a picture each New Moon, even if there has been no "progress" to show. We are aiming for "once a month" here...no whippings for being late, early or absent!

6. When you have posted the picture of your ORTs visit my blog and comment on my ORT report for that month's TUSAL. If I have a Totally Useless Giveaway these comments give you an extra entry. Make sure you comment on the right post, a few comments seem to sneak onto other posts!

The New Moon dates for 2014 are:

January 1
January 30
March 1
March 30
April 29
May 28
June 27
July 26
August 25
September 24
October 23
November 22
December 22

In years past, I have made up a "guest list" by adding a blog link list for everyone that joined ~however~ this year I probably will not do that. It takes hours and hours and hours of visiting blogs, editing the post, checking links, editing the post, correcting mistakes, editing the post. I'd much rather be stitching or visiting your blog on a recreational basis. Therefore, consider your comment to be your entry. Make sure either your profile is set to "open" so people can visit your blog or leave a link to your blog in your comment.

A request: I notice there are a lot of bloggers completely in the dark about your Totally Useless posts. They see lots of people posting pictures of ORT jars but they have NO IDEA why. They might want to join in the fun too! Please put a LINK to THIS sign-up page when you make your TUSAL posts. A link in your sidebar is great but ONLY if your readers SEE it and realize what it is.  

If you want to add the TUSAL link gadget to your sidebar (in Blogger): right click on it and save the photo to your computer, go to your blog's layout and choose "add a photo" and put the address to this 2014 TUSAL post in the link option. Upload the photo and save.

A shout-out on your blog to let other stitchers know about the Totally Useless Stitch-A-Long would be greatly appreciated! Plus, please change the links in your sidebar to this new post!


Thank you for visiting my blog today!
xox

170 comments:

  1. WOW!!! I would like to join the TUSAL 2014!!!!

    happy new year Sharon! and thank you for this fun posts!

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  2. Sharon, there's no February. No full moon on that month?

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  3. Is there a badge for this? Might give making my own one a go :)

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  4. hi, I join again as last year - http://olgahmel.blogspot.com/

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  5. I'm in! It's a weird year with 2 in Jan and March and none in February!
    What will we call our blog posts I wonder?

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  6. I'm going to try this again. I was good for about a total of three months last year.

    This year I pledge to make it to 5!

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  7. WOW! That's amazing! It doesn't have new moon in february!

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  8. I'm going to jump into the frey and go for it too! :)

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  9. I'm in - loved taking part this year :)

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  10. I'm in again…sounds purrrfect ;) I promise to behave and post monthly…
    Hugs
    Ma

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  11. I missed last year but would like to sign up for 2014 please xx

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  12. Yea!!!! I've been waiting for this post so I can join officially at the beginning of the year this time... LOL

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  13. Very interesting post schedule, but I'm in.

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  14. I'm in too. Feels like a little push every month, and I need that. ;)

    Enjoy the holidays!

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  15. Count me in again! Will try to post on time this year.

    http://stitchingincrossesandmore.blogspot.co.uk/

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  16. I'm in! Will go edit my link this second!

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  17. Count me in Sharon!!
    I wish you a Merry Christmas.
    Hugs from Spain

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  18. Thanks so much for doing this again! Can't wait!!!

    http://dragonsluver.blogspot.com/

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  19. Love being a part of this. So much fun. :) Thank you. Cathryn
    http://blueladie.blogspot.com/

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  20. I'm in! Now to remember to post! Thank you for organizing the TUSAL.

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  21. Sharon,
    I am joining this year! :)

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  22. I just started blogging and was sent here by a friend and was told I MUST do this, so I will. So far my ORT jar is a dvd package lid, but hopefully I'll get a real jar soon.

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  23. I always wanted to join!! Count me in for it, please!! Thanks so much for this opportunity, will have fun! ^_^

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  24. Oooohhh I'm game! I would love to join this as I am ALWAYS stitching on something!

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  25. please count me in for another year...thanks!

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  26. Yes Please !!! I fell by the wayside in 2012 (left the husband of 25yrs) and it has taken me until this month to settle back to a system of stitching, where I don't feel pressurised or a feeling of obsessively stitching - it's become a pleasure again.
    I fully intend to spend 2014 returning to the blogging fold and would love to start the new year with my TUSAL !!!

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  27. Hi,
    I would like to join the 2014 tusal and thank you for another great year!!!!

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  28. I am in!! Thanks for hosting this.
    Merry Christmas!!

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  29. I did terrible this past year, too many times my computer was out of action---got the pics, not the posts. But I'll try again in 2014!

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  30. Woo--hoo! Two Blue Moon months this year!

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  31. Count me in this year :) Thanks for hosting this!

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  32. Count me in again for 2014!
    Thank you Daffycat for hosting this little piece of fun! So looking forward to seeing all those little ORT's again for another year!

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  33. Wow, it's so soon time for yet another ORT!! I am in again. Thanks a lot for hosting this and keeping us all motivated to put in those stitches

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  34. I am going to give it another try. Hopefully I can make it through the entire year.

    Thanks for hosting!!

    Merry Christmas!!!

    CJ

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  35. Oh go on then I'll give it my best shot

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  36. Count me in for 2014.
    I joined in your TUSAL on November 2012, "disappeared" for quite a few months during 2013. Let's hope that 2014 will be a better year and that I won't miss any of our meetings. Happy xxxes and a Happy New Year.

    http://mycoloredlife.wordpress.com/

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  37. I would love to be part of this again. Thank you for hosting.

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  38. I skipped last year but not the upcoming year - too much fun even if I was late half the time.

    JHM

    http://needleworkerssamplings.blogspot.com/

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  39. Not a good stitchy year past--will be much better year this year. Just need to remember to post. Thank you for keeping this fun event going.

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  40. Hello! Yes I'll be joining in again next year thanks xxxx

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  41. Just posted on my blog my TUSAL for the past 18 months... ready to start afresh for Jan 1.
    Looking forward to joining the fun again.
    bronny

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  42. Not only have I explained what TUSAL and ORT are, but I have shared the link to your blog and invited others to do the same :D

    Thank you so much for doing this again for 2014 <3

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  43. I'm going to give it another go in 2014

    Http://tkdchick.blogspot.com

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  44. I'm in again. Thanks for hosting, again!

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  45. I would love to join again!

    Thanks for organizing this :)

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  46. Yes, count me in! I'll empty out my 2013 jar and start again in 2014!

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  47. I'm in!!

    http://ftstitch.blogspot.mx/

    Greetings!!

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  48. I'm happy to have found your blog...I love to join. Now I know what to do with my thread ends.

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  49. I'm going to join once more.
    I do hope I can keep on with the
    TUSAL challenge.
    Kay.

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  50. I would like to join the TUSAL for 2014. I WILL do it this year!!

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  51. Not sure if I have already, but I'm in! How great that the first one is on the first!! :)

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  52. I've created a badge for my sidebar for the TUSAL :)

    Hope you like it.

    http://www.ixari.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/tusal.png

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  53. I'm in again this year - I just changed the link on my sidebar to this year's post - ;))

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  54. I'm in! TUSAL button is attached lovingly to my blog :D

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  55. I'd love to join in the fun! I started stitching at midnight and have a few threads. I'll post today! Thanks for hosting!

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  56. Please sign me up! I'll do my best to keep up this year! Thanks for hosting!!

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  57. Count me in! I am going to get my jar right now! LOL hugs, and happy stitching, Queeny

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  58. Thank you Sharon for hosting the TUSAL again for 2014. Please include me for this year, I love participating in this SAL.
    Ann

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  59. Count me in too.
    Thanks for hosting.

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  60. I fell off track last year, but I'm in this year!

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  61. Count me in! Wish I had done this last year.

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  62. I'm in I just cleaned out my one from last year.

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  63. I'm in

    Hugs from Venezuela

    Tati from Mi Maleta Lila

    http://mimaletalila.wordpress.com/2014/01/02/tusal-enero/

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  64. I have been a part of this SAL from the beginning and I am not stopping now.

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  65. I have a large jar to start, with very few orts at this stage. However I'm sure to have more as the year progresses.
    Here is a link to my TUSAL jar, at my blog, below. http://www.sublimepastimes.blogspot.co.nz
    Kay.

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  66. Missed the first New Moon - but I@m in!!

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  67. I missed the moon yes but I'm in this year for sure!

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  68. I read this several days ago and have been mulling it over, and I'm in! I have a jar that I just emptied at the start of December, but I think I'll empty it again as I start the new year's projects and see how it goes. Maybe I'll even do two - one for my CQJP and one for all the other stitching!

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  69. Just found TUSAL and have been noticing these for years so I've decided to join in on the fun. I recently joined a Just Nan SAL and picked up 2 clear plastic ornaments from Joann's to keep ORT's in. I though it'd be neat to see my progress over the year and hang it on my tree next Christmas as a reminder of all that I've accomplished.

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  70. I would love to participate. Count me in. Thanks for hosting this again. I love saving ORTs because it is a colorful reminder of my stitching journey.

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  71. Ok, I missed the first New Moon (January 1st) but I'll join the fun for the rest of the year.

    Thank you.

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  72. I'm going to participate, and use the snippets of yarn from my finished knitting projects. I hope that's cool with you. :)

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  73. I'm in! I've got my page set up on my blog! If you guys are looking for some inspiration in 2014, http://internationalstitcher.blogspot.ca

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  74. Hi, I join again as last year - http://myhutorok.blogspot.ru

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  75. Just posted the link on my sidebar. Maybe this year I'll be able to take part in the fun. Now I'm off to take a photo of my Totally Empty ORT Jar.

    Take Care & Happy Stitching
    Hugs, Sandy In Montana

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  76. I'm checking in late this year. Count me in again!

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  77. Count me in! I would love to take part.

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  78. I'm in! I was trying to explain my ORT jar to my husband the other night, and couldn't remember the acronym for it :)

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  79. Late to the party, but I'm in!!! :D I see that I've missed the first post of the year. LOL!!! Not a great start, huh?

    xox

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  80. Better late than never...I have a jar :)

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  81. Count me in again, maybe I can keep up with the post this year :)

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  82. Stumbled across this SAL by accident this morning, and this really intrigues me. I always hate seeing all those colorful little threads being tossed - but had no idea what I could use them for. So I will give it a try. I posted it to my blog as well. : )

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  83. Este año me porto bien, participando cada mes, ya mostré la foto de mi pote, espero que todo vaya muy bien, desde hace muuuucho tiempo que soy tu seguidora. Un fuerte abrazo y un 2014 maravilloso para toda la familia.

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  84. Olvidé el enlace a mi blog http://gennyysusamigas.blogspot.com/
    Gracias.

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  85. Rhonda,

    thanks for joining the SAL...unfortunantly your profile is set to "private" so no one can find your blog.
    :(

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  86. Absolutely LOVE this idea! Count me in!

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  87. I wasn't able to participate last year, but here I am for this year! :)

    http://blessingsinthecountry.blogspot.com

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  88. Hope I'm not too late to join! UGH - wish I had been saving all my ORTS from last two weeks - I've been a crazy STITCHIN' MACHINE lately. ;-)

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  89. Just found a perfect jar. Please count me in

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  90. Please count me in as well. I'm trying to keep better track of my stitching.

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  91. I'm a new blogger and I would love to join if it's not too late.

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  92. Hey! How are you?? I have a question: Why February are not in the list??? Cause i will post first next month. Is ok? Thanks!!

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  93. I just knew about this game. It's February, and I hope it's not too late to join in.

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  94. Hello,
    I joined the game!
    I just love the idea of the totally useless.
    Greetings Tania,
    Belgium

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  95. Hello! Is it too late to join in? I've always just thrown my ORTs in the trash. I didn't even know what an ORT was until yesterday. :)

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  96. I've just found about this as well, so I'm going to jump on board....love the idea !
    www.countryfragrance.blogspot.com

    Sharm from Australia

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  97. I want to join
    http://jusiecreation.blogspot.ru/

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  98. Uhh... better late than never? Count me in!

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  99. ok i think i want to try this again,my stitching got pushed aside last year,it was crazy!!!

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  100. I hope I am not too late to join! Looking forward to March.

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  101. Arghhhh as always late to join the party! Missed January but I have March marked up on the calendar and am stitchin-up-a-storm so should have a little of the good stuff to share.....:-)

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  102. I'm back to blogging so I'm joining the TUSAL again. See you in March!

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  103. Trying to get my blog jumpstarted. Count me in! I have my special glass ort container already set...

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  104. I have also just restarted my blog so will also be joining in

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  105. I'd like to join. I have started actually ))) http://zhemchuzhiny.blogspot.ru/2014/03/tusal-totally-useless-stitch-long-start.html
    Evgenia, Russia

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  106. I'm a little late to the party! The first part of my year was crazy! But I'm in!!

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  107. I know I am late to the party, but better late than never! Www.the2nd35years.com

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  108. Better late than never?! Www.the2nd35years.com

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  109. Better late than never?! Www.the2nd35years.com

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  110. I also want to join http://moerykodelie.blogspot.ru/

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  111. I'm late but I'd love to join! http://stitchingandotherobsessions.blogspot.com/

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  112. I'm a bit late to the party but count me in!

    http://thegirlsgonecrafty.blogspot.com/

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  113. Hi :) I know I'm a lot late, but can I please join? Thank you :)

    http://theblogofthecraftyfangirl.blogspot.co.nz/

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  114. Fashionably late to the party but count me in for future months!

    twenty-something-sherbet.blogspot.com

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  115. Ooh, this should be fun, count me in too.

    kanitted.blogspot.com

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  116. Checking in...

    http://ortsfromfey.blogspot.com/

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  117. Late to the party but I would like to join in too!

    http://www.whitepicketfence.typepad.com

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  118. Joining in! We'll be posting our first pic in June.

    craftypodes.com

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  119. A little late in joining, but count me in!

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  120. I am following in Caitlin's footsteps....late, but want to still be part of the party!

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  121. And I'm following in mrjones's footsteps. I want to participate too!

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  122. Glad to see this still on! I've found some amazing blogs here in the past that I hope will help keep me motivated! http://nwredhead.wordpress.com/

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  123. It's a super late start, but these seems like too much fun not to join in!

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  124. Only just found this after following links on the Smalls SAL.
    Would love to join in - better late than never. I know I'm a few days late this month but you seem very relaxed about the rules of engagement.
    I have an Ort Jar and will take a photo and post it on my blog
    http://stitchwitchhazel.blogspot.co.uk/
    I've already added the TUSAL sidebar.
    Thanks

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  125. Even though I am very late to this game, I would like to join as well. I just started a blog, and I do have a lot of ORT's!

    My blog is

    HTTP://Strawberrystitching.blogspot.nl

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  126. I'm another late bloomer, I've seen the term on blogs, TUSAL, but was clueless until now! If I could, I'd like to join too :)

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  127. Will this be starting over for 2015? Hope so. I would like to join in.

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