Hi everyone, sorry for the lateness of this newsletter, someone stole my Wednesday!! I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find it! (just joking). As John Lennon said “life happens while you’re busy making other plans”. I’ve been chasing my tail all week and it’s finally caught up with me!

I’ve been busy cutting 8” squares of donated fabric that will be stitched together to make backings for the Linus Quilts. It’s a great way to use up fabric that isn’t “suitable” for the quilt tops, but never=the-less are quality fabrics and perfect for the backings. The added benefit is that the quilts can be “double sided”; two for the price of one!

I’ve also been busy with a fabric challenge with my Queensland Quilters (QQ). The fabric is “interesting” to say the least, and I’ve only got 2 weeks to come up with the finished creation. I’m battling to get there, but am pleased with the results so far. Art Quilter I am not, but I do like to dabble and play with fabric, threads, beads and whatever else I can find. I will post a photo when it’s complete (promise not to laugh!).

I posted an article last Sunday in response to request from a reader. She was finding it difficult to find free quilt and block patterns that are suitable for boys. So I spent an afternoon surfing and came up with a composite of sites that are free with quilt blocks and patterns for you. Here’s the link:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art4444.asp

Onto my little pressies for you this week. I’ve got a couple of doozies for you, and I hope you enjoy them.

http://www.craftandfabriclinks.com/apron2/apron2.html Here’s a good way to use up those orphan blocks
http://www.berninausablog.com/read/keep-a-clean-machine Some very handy hints on keeping your sewing machine in tip top condition.
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4070/organize-your-button-stash organizing your button stash

I’m sad to say, but that’s it from me this week. I hope you haven’t been too busy getting on with life, but that you’ve had a chance to stop and smile at a stranger, and spend some quality time with your busy fingers!!
Take care till next week, and remember have fun with quilting.
Cheerio for now

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

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