Hello everyone, it’s time for another weekly catch up. I’ve been doing a fair bit of twiddling my thumbs this week, visiting a loved one in hospital and waiting for good news. I haven’t been able to focus on anything much, including any sewing which is very unusual for me. I’m pleased to say the news was good and the loved one is recovering with a little TLC from me!

It’s full on winter here at present, although not freezing, the southerly winds are blowing and my skin is feeling the dry. This time of year we get a lot of static in the dry air, and I’m often zapping myself on door knobs and car handles.

We’ve had a bumper year for tomatoes (our best season is winter for tomatoes), and I’ve been cooking up a storm using them. Chutneys, pasta sauce and pickles mainly, but enough to keep us happy for a while. I enjoy the sense of “thrifty” preserving the harvest, and I like to think I was a farmer’s wife in a previous life! LOL.

Last week I wrote an article about “Setting the Seams” which is a tailor’s tip I was given many years ago. It actually guarantees that your seams will stay flat and fully open. Here’s the link for those who might be interested: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art183821.asp

Don’t forget the forum is available for you to make comments. Here’s the link: http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=43

And so, onto my little gifties for you this week. A rather eclectic array of interests here this week. Have fun.

http://www.patchworkposse.com/2014/02/disappearing-pinwheel-quilt-block-tutorial/ disappearing Pin Wheel block tutorial

http://www.thesewingdirectory.co.uk/bag-handles-tutorial/ fabric bag handles, and how to make them professional looking

http://www.sewmccool.com/make-peacock-pincushion/ here’s a peacock pincushion for your sewing machine

http://www.dontcallmebetsy.com/2012/02/modern-mini-quilt-blog-hop-friendship.html a friendship block with many other uses

http://www.themotherhuddle.com/tutorial-little-scissors-case/ a sweet scissors case to make – embellish it to suit yourself

http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/2009/08/mitered-multiple-borders-tutorial.html mitred borders - easy peasy

http://www.craftpassion.com/2013/03/flower-applique-pattern.html/2 Flower appliqué quilt

http://www.mesewcrazy.com/2014/04/pocket-pals-pillow-a-tutorial.html a special place for those special things

http://www.downgrapevinelane.com/2013/08/tutorial-balloon-girl-embroidery.html wouldn’t this look gorgeous on squares in a quilt?

http://www.rainbowhare.com/2014/04/vintage-caravan-sewing-machine-cover.html wouldn’t this look terrific in your sewing room. Thanks Jan.

http://www.joquz.com/2160/playful-urban-interventions-by-oakoak these little distractions really make a place seem more warm and friendly

Well dear friends, I do hope this newsletter arrives at a convenient time to pour yourself a cuppa and browse a while. I’ll be back next week with more goodies and a bright hello for you all.
In the meantime, take care of yourself,
Cheerio for now


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

One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com