Good day to everyone, it’s Judie Bellingham saying hi again from Brisbane Australia. Spring is well and truly on its way and I guess that those northern Hemispherians who subscribe to this newsletter are just about to go into fall, or autumn as we call it here. The days here are simply beautiful, with cool nights, but it won’t be long before the humidity gets up and we’ll be in for a long hot summer.

The skies are full of smoke at present – as the national park authorities make the most of the clement weather and get as much burning off done as possible, to reduce the fuel load that has built up over the last summer and winter months. We can’t see the bay as we normally can on these days, and the clothes come in off the line smelling of bushfire!

I’m gearing up for our Open Day & Quilt Show this Saturday. I’m as nervous as a 15 year old at a school dance – it’s been a while since I’ve organised anything on this scale. But I have the most wonderful team of volunteers behind me who are so keen to take up the slack and get on with the business – it should be a terrific and successful day.

Last week I wrote an article about one of the most treasured quilts in the Australian National Collection – the Rajah Quilt (co-incidentally, it’s on show here in Brisbane for a few weeks at the Art Gallery). Here’s the link to that article: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art181271.asp

It’s a really wonderful coverlet (not made into a proper quilt), and I’m in awe of the workmanship and expertise exhibited on something that was made under such difficult circumstances.

I have been surfing this week and have found some useful stuff for you – well, I hope someone will find something useful to them. Have fun!

http://justanotherhangup.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/pocket-pillowcase-pattern-tutorial.html here’s a pillowcase with a pocket – great idea for sleep overs

http://www.coletterie.com/tutorials-tips-tricks/free-pattern-a-gentlemans-necktie make a man’s tie

http://twistedsifter.com/2013/01/50-life-hacks-to-simplify-your-world/ great ideas here

http://mypoppet.com.au/2013/05/how-to-paper-pieced-hexies-template.html paper piecing hexies tutorial

http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com.au/2008/09/pin-cushion.html a very neat pincushion

http://justsomethingimade.com/2010/02/i-spy-blogging-with-child/ here’s a neat little game to play with the little one in your life

http://nannynotes2u.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/curtain-tie-backs.html a good way to freshen the look of your window dressing without actually changing the curtains.

http://fingeryoga.com/ an interesting website all about making your fingers flexible

http://www.aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com/2013/04/coat-hanger-cover-tutorial.html a covered coat hanger always makes a lovely gift

I’m off to spend the morning stitching with a friend. I do hope this newsletter finds you well and keeping up with your busy lives. Don’t forget to take a little time and sit and do some stitching.

Till next week, take care and Cheerio for now


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

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