Hello again, it’s just me popping in to say hello. You’ve probably heard we’re having some serious bushfires on the eastern seaboard of Australia at present. A lot of people are saying it’s climate change, but we’ve had these types of fires since before the white settlers came in the late 1700’s, so it’s a bit hard to tell.

All I know is that Australians (just like our European and American friends) love to live in the bush, close to nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. Managing the bushfire risk just comes with the territory I think.

Our quilt show has finished and it was a huge success with a couple of real dramas. Unfortunately, one of the first prize winning quilts was stolen during or just after the presentation ceremony on the first day. The owner of the quilt went to pin her ribbon on her quilt and found it missing. We are all aghast at the audacity of the people or person who stole it. Hopefully it will be returned in good condition after the thieves have a change of heart.

Stolen quilts are nothing new – I had one stolen from a quilt shop that was using it to advertise a class I was holding there. I was devastated to begin with but soon realised it was only a quilt – not my children, not my pets. Sure quilts are lovingly made with skill and precious time, but they’re only quilts!

Last week I posted an article about quilting with the colour orange. Here’s the link if you’re interested:

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art181771.asp

Many thanks to Cathy D who wrote a great reply to my question about critiques from quilt judges. Please add your bit to this topic, I’m very interested to hear about the differences between the judging styles. Here’s the link: http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=43

Have been having a hoot surfing and finding interesting stuff for you this week. Enjoy!!

http://thecraftymummy.com/2012/02/chair-bag-tutorial/ we used to make these in school, but any mother would love to have them for their handcrafty children

http://www.aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com/2011/02/fabric-gift-pouch.html a pretty fabric gift pouch to make

http://www.craftbuds.com/mini-tutorial-a-pillow-for-remote-controls/ a remote control storage pillow

http://justsomethingimade.com/2009/04/unique-pincushions/ love this pincushion –very clever idea

http://www.fleecefun.com/free-diaper-bag-tutorial.html this will be handy for new mums

http://www.conniekresin.com/2013/02/twisting-heart-valentine-tutorial.html a very easy and impressive Twisting Heart tutorial

http://www.craftycupboard.net/2013/03/bunny-softies-with-free-template.html bunny softies, not necessarily just for Easter

http://craftystaci.com/2010/08/20/superhero-luggage-tags/ I like these luggage tags

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2009/05/seat-belt-covers.html a simple gift idea

Well, that’s all folks from me this week. I hope you are getting on with your busy week, but find some time to take a little break and browse the goodies for this week. Speak again next week,
Cheerio for now


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

One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com