Hello everyone, how are you today? I do hope this newsletter finds you all feeling on top of things. If not, take some time for yourself and let’s chat for a few minutes. Boy are you northern Hemispherians having some awful weather at present. I get on the weather channel most days to see what’s happening in your neck of the woods, and sometimes it’s a bit depressing.

But with every cloud there’s a silver lining and I can only envy those of you who are stuck inside without the ability to go out and do chores!! You HAVE to stay inside and quilt! I’m being a bit flippant I know, but from where I am in the world at present, I’d give my eye teeth for a bit of snow at my door!!! LOL

Anyway, I was with some quilting friends recently and the chat turned to the question of whether we make quilts for family members who don’t appreciate the effort or time or even what a quilt is. (I have a few family members that call them “blankets” and I’ve been quilting for 37 years!!!).

Some girls said they’d never make for their sister or aunt who don’t realise the effort or cost of making a quilt and would probably throw it away etc etc. Then another quilter spoke of the relatives that she’s made quilts for, and the quilts were never to be seen again. This quilter said she didn’t mind that the current owner of the quilt didn’t like it or appreciate it, but when it gets handed to the next generation, perhaps it will be different.

It got me thinking…… so I’ve created a conversation on the forum for you to contribute to if you wish. Here’s the link: http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/800834#Post800834 It’ll be interesting to see what other quilters think. I’ll be adding my comments too.

Last Sunday I posted the first list of 2013 Block of the Months that I’ve sourced from the internet. Some are free, some not, but there’s a great range for you to look through. Here’s the link:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art179282.asp

Well now, onto my goodies for you this week. Enjoy!

http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/10/make-your-own-floral-suitcase-.html spruce up your old suitcases with your favorite fabric

http://www.missmake.com/2012/06/mod-podge-rocks-book-giveaway.html what a great idea, and it stops the magnetic pincushion from destructing every time it gets dropped.

http://imaginegnats.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/cathedral-windows-qal-quilt-block-remix.html cathedral windows technique is making a comeback – hooray

http://janetclare.co.uk/blog/?p=1215 a very unique cat appliqué pattern, not free I’m afraid.

http://byanjeanette.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/im-ready-for-fall-with-charm-leaf.html a charm autumn leaf runner tutorial

http://thecraftymummy.com/2012/10/i-spy-quilt-tutorial/ a lovely I Spy quilt tutorial

http://mypoppet.com.au/2012/09/how-to-cross-stitch-chair.html what a super duper idea, love it, love it, love it!!

http://www.dontcallmebetsy.com/2012/08/double-flip-hsts-tutorial.html a great new technique for making a quickie block

That’s all I have for you this week, dear quilting friends. You know, with all the technological advancements of this day and age, I’m surprised that no one has developed a method of “group hug” over the internet. So maybe that’s what I’ve got to do. So…… arms out…….7&%#@@ here comes a big hug from me………………………#####LOL

Speak again next week. Here’s my email if you wish to be in touch: quilting@bellaonline.com
Cheerio for now


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

One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com