Hi everyone, just popping in for a quick chat. Hope you are well and getting some quilting done. I know it’s often very difficult with our busy lives to put our quilting and crafting ahead of all the other demands placed on us by our loved ones. I know that when you’re a dedicated care giver, it’s hard to put those commitments on hold for time for yourself.

What I also know is that without time for me, I tend to feel overwhelmed and somewhat “robbed” of my time. I discovered many years ago just how important it was to include “my time” on my daily to do list. It doesn’t have to be very long, but it has to be meaningful. Even a chance to hand stitch binding to a quilt is enough for me to feel that I’ve had my quilting fix for the day, and I’m prepared then to get on with the business of caring for others.

I agree that it’s a bit odd to be putting your priority ahead of others, but in the long run, everyone is satisfied and in general, harmony can be maintained. Give it a try, and tell me how you go.

Last Sunday I posted an article about your quilting tools, and how to maintain them to be the best investment you ever made. Here’s the link to that article: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art9988.asp

We’ve been having some chat on the forum and at present a quilter who needs some feedback about the purchase of an EZ Quilting Frame by Grace. Here’s the thread to that topic. Pop over there if you can help Teppy. http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/629278/EZ3_Quilting_Frame#Post629278

So onto my little gifts for this week. Hope you like them; I’ve had fun digging them out of the web.

http://sarah-craftywannabee.blogspot.com/2010/01/fabric-flower-with-petals.html cute little fabric flower to make

http://www.flowergirldesignscollection.com/files/readers-book-bag-with-pockets.pdf a book bag with lots of pockets

http://schoolgirlsamplers.com/pdftutorialspatterns/SpeedyBaby2.pdf Cute Quick Baby Quilt (great for charity quilts)

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/08/personalized-birdie-pillow.html Personalised pillow for someone special.

http://www.ctpubblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Lose_HappyBirthday.pdf a great idea for your littlies, and biggies too!!

http://squigglytwigs.blogspot.com/2010/05/tuesdays-tute-whenhow-to-teach-child-to.html a great tutorial on how to teach a child to sew on the sewing machine

http://freespiritartstudio.blogspot.com/2010/06/rainbow-pixel-project.html just for inspiration if you love color washes

Well, I must away, get tidying up; my daughter is coming to stay for a few days. Have to prepare the meals menu. I love to cook her some of her favourite meals while she’s with us.

I do hope you’re all well and taking care of yourselves

Cheerio for now

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

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