Hello one and all, Wednesday is here again, and I’m happy to report that my hands have been just about worked off their wrists this week. Feeling much better and knuckling down to the job, I’ve made 20 x 4 ½" stars and they’re looking terrific. If I do the math I need 60 stars, which each take - 4 x 1 ½" squares, 1 x 3 ½" square, 4x 1 ⅞" squares and 1 x 2 ½" square. That makes 600 pieces to cut!! Ahh, I’m not sure I should have done the math!!

Some of you might think I’m crazy, but I cut each shape one at a time. This way I only measure once and never have to question whether the fabric “underneath” was sitting correctly or not. Also, I’m piecing each star one at a time. I find that by doing this I can concentrate on the accuracy of each seam allowance and seam match-up and end up with very satisfying results. It may take me longer than speed piecing through the machine, but I find that I can be certain that every block is neat, accurate and spot-on!

My latest article that was posted on the BellaOnline Quilting website is a book review about Hawaiian Quilting. I’ve always been intrigued with this genre of quilting, but never really felt sure I was up to the task. The beautiful quilts I’ve seen over the years have astounded me in their incredible design and magnitude. No little pieces here, that’s for sure.

I came across the book Hawaiian Quilting – Instructions and Full-Size patterns for 20 blocks by Elizabeth Root whilst surfing one afternoon and for the first time, felt I had found a resource that could take me in steady steps through the journey of Hawaiian quilting making. Please check this article out – here’s the link: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art56106.asp

I’ve been writing for the BellaOnline Quilting website for nearly six months now and am getting to know the site in more detail every week. I’m in the position now, of tidying up the subjects and links, and have decided to start a few new headings. What I’d like from you is for you to go to the forum webpage - here’s the link http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=43 and tell me what subjects you would like me to include as I’m rearranging the website. What subjects are you interested in that don’t seem to be included here? Are there issues you’d like me to explore regarding quilting and patchwork? Please hop onto the forum and let me know what you think. This website is yours and I’d like to tailor it just for you. So I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

In the meantime, my little gift for you today is more Hawaiian themed bits n pieces. Here’s a lovely poem written by a Hawaiian and I think it’s just lovely.


AURA AROUND by Edmund Wayne Canto

Fallen tears, yesterday's sorrow
Blissful today, continuing tomorrow
A given gift, illuminating aura
Finest moments, every minute every hour

Energy around you, disbursing light
Highlighting life, sharing it right
Sending out glory, the spirit you feel
Brightness above you, making it real

Your radiant light, lighting your day
Upon the brilliant, making its way
Standing in the light, cross the land
Chain of fluorescent, hand and hand

Throughout the ocean, sea and surf
Band of aura, around the earth
Lighted surrounding, bending curled
Speck in the universe, the chosen world

Copyright © Edmund Wayne Canto


Also, do you wonder what your name is in Hawaiian? I’m sure you do!! Here’s a site that will intrigue you.

http://www.e-hawaii.com/fun/hawaiianname/default.htm#J

My name Judith is translated into: Iukika
My husbands name Michael is translated into: Mikala

I had a look at the website for the Hawaii Quilt Guild – here’s the link. A very interesting site, especially their community link. Have a look: http://www.hawaiiquiltguild.org/index.htm Oh, and if you’re heading that way in April they’re having their Annual Quilt Show April 25 – May 4, 2008

Please visit Quilting.bellaonline.com for even more great content about Quilting.I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I thrive on your feedback!

Have fun passing this message along to family and friends, because we all love free knowledge!

Judie Bellingham, Quilting Editor
http://Quilting.bellaonline.com

One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com