Hi everyone! Here we are in the middle of the week again, and time to say hello. My darling and I have just returned from a three week holiday. With the marvels of technology I have been able to continue with my newsletter during my absence. But it’s great to be back home again, amongst everything that is familiar to me. We travelled to Mt Kosciusko (the highest mountain in Australia), where we climbed to the summit.

Don’t be too over awed, our highest mountain in Oz, is but a pimple on the face of the earth, when compared to mountains around the world. But it’s OUR pimple, and I’m very proud to have been able to conquer it. It was very bad weather, raining with 60km winds, extremely slippery going in most parts and it took us just on 5 ½ hours. Took me 5 ½ days to recover I can tell you.

Of course whenever we go away, I take a suitcase of sewing with me. I got some things done (worked on my bluey and the hexagon quilt I hope to show in October), but mostly knitted as we travelled through the countryside. Travelling just on 2,000 kms, I managed to knit up three matinee jackets.

I have continued to post articles whilst on our travels and last week I posted an eclectic collection of quilt poetry and prose for you. I love the journey of finding these little gems for you. Here’s the link: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art175180.asp

There’s been some chat on the forum whilst I’ve been gone, and unfortunately, I haven’t been able to contribute, so my apologies for looking like I’d lost interest. I’ll get busy today and add my bits. Here’s a link to the forum for your interest: http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=43

So, onto my goodies. I’ve been discovering all manner of interesting stuff on my travels, and I hope you enjoy what I’ve come up with this week:

http://www.red-brolly.com/red-brolly/2012/03/here-it-is-a-new-easter-project.html The cutest pincushion from Red Brolly, just in time for Easter

http://helpinglittlehands.blogspot.com/2012/01/bird-and-bunting-quilt-with-pattern.html Bird Bunting Quilt to make – great tutorial

http://karensquilting.com/blog/category/tutorial/clover-bias-stem-maker/ a great little tutorial on using the Clover Bias Stem maker

http://www.happytogethercreates.com/2008/12/handmade-christmas-gift-idea-8-quilt.html another great idea for baby

http://sew4home.com/projects/pillows-cushions/1042-quick-a-cool-holiday-gift-30-minute-neck-pillows-in-super-soft-minky I think these might be very useful in nursing homes.

http://laura-griffin.com/blog/2011/01/07/squeaky-doggie-bone-tutorial/ a squeaky doggie bone for your four legged friend.

http://www.flaxandtwine.com/2012/01/finger-knitting-how-to.html not quilting, but did you do this as a child? Idea……. What about making a looooooooong one and sewing it together for a floor mat?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGyghDSiwoo&feature=related more interesting YouTube stuff

http://www.sewsweetness.com/2011/08/tutorial-junk-in-trunk-chair-cushions.html I like this idea of a puffed cushion for chairs.

Well, dear quilting friends, that’s all I have for you this week. I do hope this newsletter finds you in good spirits and health and managing to get through your busy week with a smile on your face.

Till next week, take care and
Cheerio for now

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

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