Good Morning all, the sun is shining through a thin layer of soft cloud and the garden is singing! We’ve had quite a bit of rain over the past few days, and as it’s spring here, the new shoots are shooting, and the buds a blooming. Such a lovely time is spring here in Brisbane, Australia. But unfortunately spring doesn’t last long and soon we’ll be head first into humid and moist summery days, with afternoon thunderstorms blowing up from the southwest.

I’m still discovering my new garden. It’s funny when you’re looking at buying a house; you try to “see” everything. But, after the chaos of moving, I am now finding time to wander the garden and am discovering lovely flora (and fauna). The fauna comes as big huntsman spiders, gorgeous butterflies and geckos and eastern water dragons (lizards), and bush turkeys who love to distribute our garden over about a 500 foot circumference!! We also have a large bird community here.

My next door neighbours have kookaburras who visit regularly and I’ve noticed lots of different parrots soaring around the skies. As for the flora, I have discovered three magnolia trees, two different varieties and very pretty. Not a lot of scent, but beautiful to look at. I’ve also discovered the most delightful hibiscus that is just about ready to explode with color.

We’re finally feeling settled and it’s good to get back to the serious part of life – quilting!! Last Sunday I posted an article on finding the time to quilt and I encourage you to go over and have a read. Here’s the link: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art1332.asp

The forum has had some activity – pop over and have a look at what’s going on there. http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/629278/EZ3_Quilting_Frame#Post629278

I have some interesting goodies for you this week. Thank you to those who write and give me feedback on the goodies I offer each week. It’s always nice to know what you’d like to read about and if these little special bits are useful to you. So thanks again.

Here’s your lot for this week:
http://www.merrimentdesign.com/baby-sunhat-pattern-with-ruffles-and-ties.php a lovely little Sunhat with ruffles for your little one.

http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2009/12/raw-edge-circle-quilt-tutorial.html a great tutorial on circles for beginner quilters

http://www.howjoyful.com/2010/05/howjoyful-bear-tutorial-and-pattern/ a cut bear pattern to download

http://expectmoore.blogspot.com/2010/08/pocket-week-pocket-quiet-book.html a great idea - a pocket quiet book for the littlies

http://craftsanity.com/2010/08/craftsanity-on-tv-handmade-key-fobs-to-help-you-keep-track-of-your-keys-in-style/ handcrafted key fob

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=527 great for old chooks like me who always require a “soft spot” when outdoors.

http://www.prudentbaby.com/2010/08/diy-nap-matbed-roll.html no it’s not a quillow, but equally as clever

http://www.scribd.com/doc/35531986/Embroidered-Card-Tutorial how to embroider a card tutorial

Well, that’s all from me this week. I’m going to Norfolk Island in a few weeks to teach at an International Quilt Retreat (here’s the link: www.quiltnorfolk.com )
So I best away and continue packing kits. Hope all’s well at your place this week. I’ll pop in again next week.

Cheerio for now and remember, if you don’t quilt, you wilt!!!

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

One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com