Happy New Year everyone – no matter where you are in the world, we all have commenced a brand new year, with brand new opportunities to change the way we do things, and a chance to make things better for ourselves and those around us. I always resist the old “new year’s resolution”, especially the ones that I know aren’t sustainable. Like losing weight, putting hand lotion on my arms and legs every day and eating more vegetables. I tend to have a five star ambition and one star ability to achieve resolutions such as these.

However, I do see the “rebirth” of a new year as an opportunity to be more sensitive to the needs of people in my community, and especially those who I know are going through a hard time. A simple meal, or a phone call or even a letter sent snail mail can be enough to brighten the day of someone who has not much to feel bright about.

Having been on the other side of the “need equation”, when I was undergoing life saving treatment, I received many simple messages of support from my friends and sometimes strangers that made ALL THE DIFFERENCE to my recovery. So, let’s enjoy the New Year and the possibilities for where we can make a difference.

I’m thoroughly enjoying my sewing at the moment. After completing the Hardanger Runner for my daughter, I’ve now cleared the way to get back to some needle turn appliqué. I’ve just started on the centre piece for my blue and white quilt and so far so good. I’ll bring you some photos when I’m a little further down the road.

I have also started back on machine quilting my “art quilt” that has been eyeing me off for the better part of 6 months. It’s a big job, but I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Will be putting that one together using the Quilt as you Go method. I’ll keep you posted.

I wrote a “timely” (pardon the pun) article last week on finding the time and space to stitch. I have a number of friends who literally freak out whenever I’m around because I’ve always got a bit of stitching stashed in my handbag ready to pull out whenever my hands are idle. They think it’s a hoot, I think it saves my sanity. Here’s the link: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art179089.asp

Glad we were able to help Jennifer out over on the forum. Jen had some questions about making the foundation block for crazy quilting. Don’t forget the forum is there for you to use. Any questions? I know we’ll find an answer for you. Hop over to the forum: http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/796184/gonew/1/Crazy_Quilting_Newbie#UNREAD

I’ve been having a ball over the holidays surfing the web and finding all manner of goodies for you. Knock yourself out!!LOL

http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/cutting-corners/2011/09/27/trick-or-treat-fabric-baskets/ these are trick or treat fabric baskets, but could be used as scrap bins or any other bucket thingy!

http://www.dontpaniconline.com/magazine/style/we-make-carpets carpet makers gone crazy

http://www.wagdoll.co.uk/2011/11/well-dressed-sewing-machine-cover.html sewing machine cover tutorial

http://piecenquilt.blogspot.com/2011/05/cubed-pillow-free-tutorial.html a puffy cubed pillow tutorial

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/12/fabric-fishy-purse-pattern-pieces-included.html nothing fishy about this purse!!

http://apassionforapplique.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/needleturn-applique-valleys-and-deep-vs.html here’s a very good tutorial on needle turning the valleys on appliqué.

http://wildolive.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/project-yoyo-magnets_20.html fridge magnets with a fibre twist

http://danielkornrumpf.com/artwork/998526_Austin_Texas_Detail.html amazing hand embroidery - by a man!

http://phar-ma.com/diaper-babiesthe-details a great little gift for the mother to be

http://www.100directions.com/make-a-doll-sleeping-bag-with-laura-kelly-fabric/ a dolly sleeping bag

http://www.flickr.com/photos/verybigjen/sets/72157594386689892/ the little devil in me loooooooooooooves this pincushion!!!

Well, that’s all from me this week. I do hope all’s good at your place and I’ll pop in again next week. Don’t forget if you’d like to email me you can on: quilting@bellaonline.com

Cheerio for now

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

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