Well, hello there, just popping in to say hello to the readers of Bellaonline Quilting. I’ve been editing this site for three years now, and I can’t fully explain just how much I enjoy doing so. I’ve learnt so much about writing, posting on the web and organising my life to write an article every week and to post this newsletter every week also. But mostly, I’ve made the most wonderful friends over the web. I’ve got to know some lovely readers who have emailed me with their news – both happy and sad, and lots of enquiries and requests for help. I hope to continue doing so for lots of years to come!

Well, I’m in my kind of heaven at present. Having shifted home and taught OS in the latter part of this year, I am finally settled in my “sewing studio” and have commenced machine piecing a quilt for our new bedroom. The curtains are “William Morris-ish” and so I’ve chosen a mono chromatic color scheme, using three different dark blues, with just enough value difference to show off the pattern. I think it’s going to look fabulous. I intend to use the quilt as you go method, as it will be reasonably easy to quilt, if I keep the pieces small. So I’ll keep you posted and hopefully a photo or two for you on its completion.

Last Sunday I posted the second and final part of my article on Gift ideas for Quilters. I was aiming that article directly at our loved ones, who are stuck for ideas for our Christmas presents. I hope the ideas were useful to you. Here’s the link to that final article:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art803.asp

I also posted the question “What would make a good gift for a quilter” on the forum and it’s been pretty shy on answers. Here’s the link if you’d like to add to the list of ideas so far. http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/642845/What_would_make_a_good_gift_fo#Post642845

So, onto my gifts for you this week. By now you will be aware that I’m a “Pincushion Tragic” and this week I offer yet another pincushion pattern for you. Please forgive my weakness when it comes to pincushions, can’t help myself!!! Have some fun!

http://mairuru.blogspot.com/2010/02/how-to-make-origami-drawstring-bag.html this is a delightful little bag, and can be made on a larger scale.

http://www.ctpubblog.com/2010/03/01/cupcakes-a-mini-quilt a pretty little quilt for the sweetie in your life

http://themagicbean.typepad.com/the_magic_bean/2010/04/fabric-baby-blocks-stuffed-with-memories.html OMG, a great present for new parents

http://www.fionamarie.com/freepatterns/kokeshistuffie.pdf cute Kokeshi Stuffie to create

http://helpinglittlehands.blogspot.com/2010/05/double-jet-plane-applique-with.html Always looking for boys appliqués.

http://www.craftbits.com/project/starburst-flower-hair-clips pretty clips to make

http://ivoryblushroses.blogspot.com/2008/08/sea-dreaming.html gorgeous crazy patchwork pincushion

http://notime2bbored.blogspot.com/2010/02/making-flower-crayons.html not quilting but great idea for your children or grandchildren and a way to use up those old crayons.

Well, I’d better be heading off again. I do hope that you are all in good health and getting on with the business of preparing for the holidays. Stay safe and keep those fingers busy!
Cheerio for now

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

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