Hello again quilters, hope this newsletter finds you all well and happy.

Most quilters around the world have access to a local patchwork shop/business that provides fellowship amongst similar hobbyists. Usually classes are offered together with “Itching to Stitch” sessions for quilters to gather and chat and sew. It’s pretty much a given in this day and age that the above is available to just about everyone.

Well, I’ve recently realized that just isn’t the case. Infact, there are said to be more quilters around the world, who live in isolated settings than those that live in cities!! A vast number of quilters don’t have access to the shops and businesses that we take for granted. With the advent of the internet, of course, these quilters do have access to the business side of things, but the teaching/learning side is a lot more difficult to access.

This brings me to my recent article posted on the BellaOnline Quilting website. I have conducted a review of a set of DVDs that have been published by Quilting Arts TV, the same people who publish the magazine, Quilting Arts. The DVDs I am reviewing are the 13 episodes from the first season (Season 100) that were aired in the US recently. The Editor-in-Chief Patricia Chatham Bolton (Pokey) is the presenter. Pokey herself was introduced to embellished quilting and the related needle arts in 1998, and has never looked back. Please have a look at my review. Here’s the link: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art23698.asp

A recent study showed that one of the reasons women take up quilting, is that it’s a craft that can be done alone and in an isolated setting. I guess, with access to a DVD player, anyone can spend time learning more about their preferred hobby/craft, regardless of their geographic isolation.

I’ve had a great number of responses on the forum regarding my previous article on “Why I Quilt”. Thanks for making comments readers; it’s wonderful to get your feedback to such a broad question. Here’s the forum link in case you feel a comment coming on!!
http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=43

So to my gift for you this week:

Do you every find when you’re busy at home on your own, quilting and creating and you need to stop for lunch, but the creative juices are flowing and you can’t easily stop? Don’t Panic!!
Judies’ Quickie Snackies is a recipe just for those moments. This recipe can be made ahead and will last in an air tight container for a few weeks. Hope you enjoy them!


You’ll need

3 cups grated cheese (I use tasty)
1 packet French Onion Soup
12 slices of white bread, cut off the crusts
2 eggs, beaten
½ cup of milk

Method:
- Mix ingredients and spread on bread
- Bake in a hot oven for about 15 minutes or till golden brown.
- Cut into triangles or long strips.

Cheerio for now, catch up next Wednesday.



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

One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com