Hello once again, dear quilters, just me popping in to say hello. It is with such a heavy heart that I open this newsletter this week. To date, 2011 certainly has hit us earthlings right between the eyes. Japan is the latest in a long list of countries that have suffered at the hands of Mother Nature. I find it impossible to comprehend just how terrible things are in northern Japan after the almighty tsunami, and the horrible consequences that are playing out as I write this. This is a catastrophe of mammoth proportions and certainly helps to put my life and petty worries into perspective.

There is a sense of helplessness amongst my quilting friends. We feel that there is very little we can do for the Japanese people affected, at the present time. We have to leave the immediate future in the hands of others. What we can do is work extra hard for those in need in our own close community, in honor of those who have perished or suffered in Japan and New Zealand.

Those groups I’m involved with have worked extra hard in the last few weeks to help those we can. It’s a good feeling to be doing SOMETHING to help others, no matter where in the world they might be. The Sunshine Linus group that I work with has recently set up a blog. You might like to pop over there and have a look at what we’re up to. Here’s the link: http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/

From time to time, in my capacity of editor of this website, I receive complimentary publications to review. I must review these books with honesty and integrity, and say exactly what I think of each stand alone publication that I review. I reviewed a book titled Flower Show Quilts and posted the article last Sunday. Here’s the link to that review: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art4964.asp

All quiet on the forum front, though I was pleased to see that Felicity has been able to make a decision on whether or not to purchase a quilting business. Here’s the link to that subject: http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/664261/Buying_a_quilting_store#Post664261

So onto my gifts for you this week. I hope you find the time to browse them.

http://sew4home.com/projects/pillows-cushions/654-festive-fall-ruffled-pillows-in-three-big-sizes great tutorial for making big and I mean BIG pillows

http://vintagesheets.blogspot.com/2010/08/vintage-sheet-lunch-bag-tutorial.html a great little lunch bag tutorial from using vintage sheets

http://rabidcrafter.blogspot.com/2010/08/craft-box-tutorial-cluttertraps.html another crafty box tutorial, what can I say, I’m a box lady!! Don’t be turned off by the name of the blogger. It’s a great site.

http://thepaintedquilt.blogspot.com/2010/08/first-friday-freebie-12.html this pattern is delightful and would be a great gift for your sewing friend

http://pennyshands.blogspot.com/2010/08/hexie-caddy-tutorial.html a hexagon sewing caddy tutorial

http://alittlebitofkaos.blogspot.com/2010/10/jelly-roll-baby-quilt-tutorial.html a baby quilt using a jelly roll

I hope you enjoyed those links. I must away, have a friend arriving soon for a quilting lesson. She’s a real newbie to quilting and I love teaching newbies. You don’t have to break bad habits!! Anyway, I do hope all is well at your place this week. Try to find some time to do a little bit of quilting. It’s good for your soul and I can thoroughly recommend it!! I’ll speak with you again next week.

Cheerio for now


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

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