Hi everyone, hope all’s well at your place. Isn’t it so true – if you want something done, give it to a busy person. This week, for once in a long time, I’ve had a pretty quiet week and so I’ve slipped into the “tomorrow never comes” mentality. As a result- I forgot to post the newsletter yesterday!! I’ve been taking my time, casually doing the housework, writing some letters, catching up with friends over the phone and having a lovely slothful time!My apologies to you all.

We’ve just had news that there have been two major earthquakes in the pacific region, one in Samoa and American Samoa and one in Sumatra, an Indonesian island. Here in Australia we have a lot of Samoans living and working, who are also supporting their loved ones back home. My thoughts and prayers go to them, and those in Sumatra. You know, you can organise your life to the last second and you are still at the mercy Mother Nature; she doesn’t read timetables, life goals or anything else!!

I’ve been busy cutting fabric for some weighted blankets. These blankets are made for the local special school students who suffer from autism. These heavy blankets help to calm and placate students who find it difficult to relax. There’s a lot of sewing in these blankets, as you make 36 hidden pockets to hold the weights. I’m not a great sewer (I’m a great patchworker and quilter though, and there IS a difference!), so I struggle with the concept of plackets and the like. Anyway, I have a great teacher in Ruby who is very patient with me, and takes the time to explain and explain and explain!!

I recently have been receiving emails from readers who have been trying to access the New York block in the State Blocks of the USA series. I’d explained that that block had been created by a previous editor. Anyway, long story short, I’ve redone the block as it is shown in the Hearth and Home book, and I posted the new article on the site last week. Here’s the link to that block for those who wanted to use it:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art9042.asp

There’s also been lots of response to the Aussie Hexagon Challenge article, so I’m leaving that on the home page for a while longer, for readers to access it.

Now to your gifts for this week. I’ve found a couple of very easy patterns for you. One is called Housework Whenever and is made with specific fabrics. But you don’t have to use them; I think it would look great in any fabrics. Here’s the link: http://www.inthebeginningfabrics.com/pdf/housework.pdf

The second gift is a really pretty table topper which looks gorgeous in the instructions. Again, pretty easy to make. Here’s the link: http://sew4home.com/projects/table-linens/398-citrus-holiday-patchwork-table-topper-with-vintage-button-trim

Just a heads up. I promised some time that I would present a series of articles on the Theory of Color for Quilters. Well, I’m working hard at getting those articles completed and at this stage I’m hoping to bring them to you commencing this November. Keep an eye out for them, you’ll love the information you glean from it.

Well, dear quilters, I’ve gossiped enough today. I hope you’re all busy getting ready for Halloween, then Thanksgiving and of course the big “C” is coming soon too. I’ll have some more free “C” patterns for you soon also.

So, cheerio for now, and have fun quilting.

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

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