Hello once again, to all the Bellaonline Quilt Newsletter subscribers around the globe. The week has been a busy and delightful one for me. My daughter and SIL arrived home after eight weeks touring in Europe and we had them stay overnight with us before they headed out to the bush where they live.

They looked well, but very tired. The long haul airflights from Australia to just about anywhere can be very tiring – and it’s difficult to avoid jet lag, no matter from which direction you fly back to Australia. They’ve had a wonderful time and had lots and lots of stories to tell. I’m so happy to have them home safe and sound.

The Sisters of Stitch had their first gathering for 2012 yesterday and there was lots of chatter and catching up to do. It’s a lovely group of ladies, from all walks of life and skill levels and there’s some amazing work being done (in between all the chat). We had some interesting show and tell yesterday, and an especially talented tatter who only joined us about 12 months ago.

Her work is absolutely perfect, and her tension is second to none! It’s a joy to see a crafter blossom with encouragement and I think being exposed to other crafters is a huge benefit also. I would encourage all of you, if possible to join a craft group. It doesn’t necessarily have to be quilters; just get together with like minded people. It’s great for the soul!

I’m busy reviewing some books at present and last week I posted an article on a complimentary book I received titled “A Touch of Rosie Quilts”. If you are interested in my review, here’s the link:
http://www.bellaonline.com/site/Quilting

I have a special request on behalf of my sister who lives in Tasmania. She has a son who loves and works on the sea and has worked on boats for pretty much the past 8 years or so. My sister wants to make him a quilt (he’s 32 I think) and we’re having trouble finding a good quilt pattern that reflects the ocean, working on the ocean etc and is suitable for a grown up. If you’ve got a pattern in mind, would you please pop over to the forum and let me know? Here’s the link, and may I thank you in anticipation.

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/740000#Post740000

So onto my little pressies for you this week. I hope you enjoy checking them out.
http://quilttaffy.blogspot.com/2011/12/neighborhood.html This is just a picture of a quilt, but very inspirational.

http://www.sewingdaisies.com.au/sewing_daisies/2011/03/kaffe-fusion-completed.html well, this one is right out of left field. I’m still making my mind up if I like it or not. What do you think?

http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2011/08/prize-ribbons-tutorial.html Prize winners tutorial

http://www.sharonhollanddesigns.com/?page_id=130 a different way to appliqué

http://naptimecrafters.blogspot.com/2011/11/duck-towel-tutorial.html a cute as can be duck towel tutorial for your little quacker.

http://www.greenkitchen.com/blog/2007/06/stripe-y-patchwork-cat-front.html cute pussy door stop

http://whipup.net/2006/03/01/stickin-it-to-the-pincushion/ yep another one – this one is a classic, but the tutorial is very good.

http://freebiesforcrafters.blogspot.com/2011/10/friendship-star-quilt-blocks.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FreebiesForCrafters+%28FREEBIES+FOR+CRAFTERS%29 a youtube tutorial for making a friendship star

http://strawberrypatchquiltworks.blogspot.com/2011/09/cool-tip.html a simple tip that can save lots of tears.

Well, that’s all from me for this week. Hope all’s well at your place and I’ll be popping in to say hello next week. Till then, keep on Quilting!!

Cheerio for now


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

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