Good Day to all on this beautiful May morning here in Brissy. Just love this time of the year – very good for the soul I’m sure.

It’s the Week of the Volunteer in Australia (and probably around the globe) and I’m mindful of all the nameless, faceless people who consistently arrive at soup kitchens, opportunity shops, homeless shelters, drive hospital patients, visit the sick and dying, care for the disabled and the many thousands of quilters and crafters who make articles for the needy.

I know I haven’t mentioned every volunteer that exists, that would be impossible, but it is important for us to pause in our busy lives and give thanks to those who offer their time, spare resources and empathy for those in need.

It’s hard and even scary to imagine what our world would be like without volunteers. It would also be difficult for me to imagine not volunteering as part of my day to day activities. Helping others is an amazing form of therapy for me and helps me to keep my own issues in perspective. I can thoroughly recommend it!

It was Mothers Day last week, and I posted some ideas for gifts for quilters that I’ve sourced from the web. Here’s the link: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art180473.asp

Thanks for those wonderful readers who were able to give us some clues to the quilt book that our reader was looking for. I’m waiting to hear if we hit the jackpot, I’ll keep you posted.

I’ve had a bit of spare time this week and have been surfing on the web for some interesting goodies for you. Here they are, and have fun!

http://www.whateverdeedeewants.com/2011/03/spring-fling-recovering-umbrella.html how to recover an umbrella in your favourite quilting fabrics

http://www.craftbuds.com/quick-triangles-baby-quilt/ a very quick and easy baby quilt to make in half a day!

http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/tool-time-tuesdayfinial-to-raise-table.html need to raise your sewing table – here’s a quick tutorial

http://www.aquamoonartquilts.blogspot.com.au/p/art-quilt-gallery.html some great art quilt eye candy here

http://www.punkprojects.com/2011/07/car-book-holder-diy.html yep, every mom should have one of these

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2012/12/santa-hat-chair-covers-a-serious-bah-humbug-repellent.html I know we’re a long way from Christmas, but if you’re anything like me you need 6 months notice

http://www.jmddesigns.co.nz/tutorials/valentine_tutorial.htm sweet little fabric bowls you could use for anything

http://www.urbanthreads.com/tutorials.aspx?t=Happy+Cactus+Pincushion a very sharp pincushion – yummy!
Well, that’s all I’ve got for you this week quilters. I do hope you are able to spend a little time browsing through these links. I also hope this newsletter finds you well and in good spirits.
If not……here's a HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
from me!!
Cheerio for now

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

One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com