Hi there one and all, it’s me tapping on your screen to say hello for this week. For those who celebrate Christmas I guess things are probably getting a bit stressed. Unless you’re one of these organised sort of gals who has everything sorted before November. Does such a person really exist? Or do you only find these kinda people in the movies?

It’s been hot, hot, hot here this week and yesterday was so hot, you could cut the air with a knife. The humidity was thick as bricks and all you wanted to do was find a cool spot and blob. It’s even hard sewing when it’s so humid. A storm last night cleared the air, though they say we’re up for a few more storms over the next few days. This is typical of our weather this time of year. We just sweat (or is that glow) and bear it!

I’m currently going through a “clean out my fabric stash” moment and sorting through what I’ve got and what I can part with. It’s something I do about three times a year. It helps me to not store stuff I won’t use and it also makes room for new stuff!!

The sewing room looks like something has exploded over night. There’s fabric everywhere. My darling just walks through on the odd occasion and says nothing – hasn’t he be trained well? There was a time when he would pretend he was walking in a bog, but he’s learnt that that behaviour get’s him into trouble. So who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

Last week I surfed the web for interesting videos and tutorials that you might be interested in. With the holidays in sight, I thought you might find the time to flick through them. Here’s the link to that article: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art178934.asp

I’ve had some chat on the forum – one reader is interested in quilter’s ideas of storing fabric. Pop over to the forum and help her out if you can. Here’s the link: http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/796562/fabric_organization#Post796562

So, onto my little distractions for you for this week. I hope you enjoy this lot.

http://www.patchworkposse.com/blog/2009/11/oh-christmas-fat-quarter-tree/ Make a Christmas Tree from Fat Quarters

http://cqjp2012.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/susan-s-wi-usa.html some inspirational crazy patch for you

http://pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/life-sized-body-maps-mixed-media.html?
utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+blogspot/HmTrN+(Pink+and+Green+Mama) absolutely loooooooooooooove this idea – never let a teaching opportunity pass!!

http://www.filminthefridge.com/2009/06/24/quartered-squares-a-modified-bento-box-block-tutorial/ a great quilt tutorial

http://saltypeanutstitchery.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/bicycle-panniers-tutorial.html make some panniers for your bike

http://www.amusingplanet.com/2010/07/incredibly-realistic-fabric-sculptures.html utterly amazing fabric sculptures.

http://www.mollyflanders.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/pyramid-quilt.html a pyramid quilt tutorial

http://www.recyclart.org/2010/10/recycled-boats-into-sheds/ not quilting but texturally energizing!

http://barij.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/07/14-days-of-lillybelle-day-8-doggie-bed.html an easy doggie bed to make

Well, dear quilters, I must away for another week. I hope that you are well and that all is calm at your place. For those who celebrate, I wish you a Merry Christmas.

Stay busy gals, enjoy the quiet times to get a bit of stitching done, and I’ll be back again next week.
Cheerio for now

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

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