Hi everyone. It’s a great week this week, with the opening of our 2011 Quilt Show. I’ve just been pouring over the images on our website and the quilts are really wonderful this year. Here’s the link to the winners gallery for this year: http://www.qldquilters.com/quilt_show_2011.php

I found so many I wanted to vote for as my viewer’s choice, and in the end I voted for a wonderful quilt celebrating the pioneering women of Australia. It was not a chosen as a winner by the judges, but it was a winner in my heart. The quilt was created in wool, which is unusual for a quilt, but it was handmade with exact stitching and heartfelt thought.

The winning quilts were well deserving and I had a bit of time yesterday, browsing through the show, mesmerised by all the wonderful work that has gone into these quilts. The Best of Show Winner, Margot Kitchen, in her acceptance speech, said that she was very glad that Queensland Quilters held an annual show, as it allowed quilters to make, finish and show their creations, instead of just building a stash of fabric.

I really get that message – it’s great to win at shows, but even better to create and make your quilts, and then show them off to your peers. Congratulations Margot your quilt is absolutely beautiful.

So I was busy in the Project Linus booth at the show, catching up with old and new friends, some I only see once per year at the show. It’s amazing how many quilters stop to chat with us, all with a story or mention of a group that is doing similar charity work, but back home in their own communities.

I had a chat with a girl from Vancouver, Canada, who also mentioned that similar things were happening back home in her quilting community. Quilters are very generous people, I believe, and it’s wonderful to be a part of this very giving group of like minded people.

Last week I posted the third of four articles showcasing the projects that I have sourced from the web, offering free patterns for Christmas. Here’s the link to that article: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art173239.asp

We’ve had a request from a new reader over at the forum, asking about organising our prolific sewing stuff. Please pop over and offer her some advice – I’ve had my say, now it’s your turn. Here’s the link to that forum article: http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/719073/Organizing_Tips_for_the_Quilte#Post719073

So onto my goodies for this week and next, as I’ll not be posting a newsletter next week. Hope these links are enjoyable for you:

http://www.ctpubblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/10691.pdf a lovely quilt pattern from CT Publishing called “Almost Woven”.

http://thelongthread.com/?p=6217 a handmade lunch bag

http://weefolkart.com/content/poinsettia-garland a Christmas garland

http://fromanigloo.blogspot.com/2010/12/ds-or-dsi-case-tutorial.html very timely, a DSI OR DS case to make

http://quiltinjeanie.blogspot.com/2009/04/stringpiecing-tutorial.html a string piecing tutorial from Quiltin Jeanie

http://crafty-side.blogspot.com/2011/01/scrappy-bookmarks.html a simple little gift

http://sewhappytocraft.blogspot.com/2011/01/on-menu-today.html this is a sweet idea for play time

http://lotsofpinkhere.blogspot.com/2011/02/boutique-style-bib-tutorial.html a boutique bib for baby

http://www.craftpassion.com/2010/04/tutorial-how-to-draw-hexagon-for-quilt-block.html a little bit of theory on drawing hexagon blocks

http://jembellish.blogspot.com/2011/02/jewellery-bags-tutorial.html great little tutorial to make jewellery bags

http://www.scribd.com/doc/47277230/Bed-Pockets-Tutorial bed pockets tutorial, great for grannies, grandies and just plain grown ups.

http://spoonfullofsugargirls.blogspot.com/2011/02/fabric-gift-pouch.html a gorgeous fabric gift pouch – make lots and give lots!

http://mamacrafts.com/2011/02/23/table-playhouse-with-thrift-store-bedding/ how to make a table playhouse using thrift store bedding – a great idea

http://modernquiltlove.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/the-tale-of-two-hedgehog-pincushions-and-a-free-pattern-to-make-your-own/ I know, I know, another pincushion!!

http://seilifestyle.blogspot.com/2009/08/magnets-diy-project.html fabric magnets look great on the fridge

http://www.craftpassion.com/2009/12/tutorial-tube-box.html I am the original Box Lady (or so my DH says!)

Well, dear friends, I must away, I’ve got a to do list a mile long for today, so better get started. I hope you enjoy this week’s gifts, and browsing through the Quilt Show winners. Remember, because you are a quilter, you are already a winner.

Till next time, take care, stay well and we’ll talk again real soon.

Cheerio for now

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

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