Hi everyone, I’ve been busy tidying up my sewing room and I’m coming to the conclusion that I have too much stuff. I have always been a bower bird and am reluctant to let anything crafty or possibly crafty to get anywhere near a trash can. Therefore I have an enormous amount of stuff, stuff, stuff. What to do? I’m guessing that I’m not alone. We quilters just can’t help ourselves. I love being able to use textiles and bibs and bobs that would otherwise be sent to the garbage, and I’m sure there’s lots of quilters out there nodding their heads. Aren’t we special!!!

I don’t want to dump it. So that’s out. I don’t want to just give it to anyone. I really want it to go where it’s needed the most. Enter – the local preschool. Boy do they have a place for my recycled stuff. I boxed up lots of stuff and drove on down to the centre. The leaders there couldn’t have been more grateful. The stuffing, buttons, tapes, threads, ribbons, bottle tops, batting, webbing, and fabrics are going to be used to make wonderful creations by tomorrows artisans. I feel very angelic!!

I’ve been busy gathering my embellishments in readiness for my first fabric postcard. Last week I told you about the new postcard swap that is being organised here in Oz, but is opened to quilters from all over the world. Well, this week, I posted an article on how to make a postcard. Here’s the link if you’re interested: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art171894.asp

I’ve found some great links for you this week. I hope you can use some of them.

http://incolororder.blogspot.com/2010/09/plus-quilt-tutorial.html a great quilt that is easy to make.

http://prettymodern.typepad.com/its_a_pretty_modern_life/2009/08/zippered-box-pouch-pattern-and-tutorial-fully-lined-with-photos.html great little boxy bag to make.

http://happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.com/2010/11/i-spy-quilt-tutorial.html An I Spy Quilt tutorial

http://verypurpleperson.com/2010/04/fabric-button-necklaces.html a nice jewellery fabric idea

http://www.vanishingdesignwall.com/faqscontact-us.html?success=1&ucfid=353749418303988184&text=Thank+you.+Your+information+has+been+submitted.& don’t usually put commercial things up in this spot, but I’m going to get me one of these, thought you might like to look see too!

http://shrimpsaladcircus.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-to-sday-quotable-tea-bag-tags.html what a great idea for a friend, not quilty but warm and fuzzy.

http://www.flamingotoes.com/2011/01/super-cute-spa-slippers/ supper spa slippers to make in a trice

Well dear quilting friends, I must away. I do hope that this newsletter finds you well and happy and managing to get on top of your busy to do list. Always remember, live life to the full and set a good example for others!!

Cheerio for now

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

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