Hi all, it’s a very late newsletter again this week. My sincere apologies. It’s been a very busy week and like so many others around the world I am slowly recovering from the seasonal flu. The mind is willing; the body has gone “walk about”. Anyway, I’m here now, and have some news to share with you.
On Wednesday I spent a fabulous day co-judging a regional quilt show. The show is called Redlands Quilt Extravaganza (here’s a link to their site- http://redlandsquiltextravaganza.net/index.htm What a day!

I feel that it is the most awesome responsibility to be chosen to select the best quilts from so many beautiful entries. As far as we are concerned, all entry quilters are winners, just for taking that giant leap of faith and entering their wonderful creations. We had a pretty tough time in just about every category and were completely blown away by the first quilt entered category. These quilts were simply marvellous. The presentation is on this Sunday, and I’m really looking forward to participating in this fabulous event. Quilt Shows – Love em!

Thanks very much to the lovely readers who emailed me with their thoughts on the quilt pattern we were trying to identify. It appears it is a variation of the pattern “Birds in the Air”. I’ve done some surfing to check out the BIA blocks, and I think the consensus is right. Well done everyone, and I’m sure my friend Lynn in Calgary is very happy with your help.

Last week I posted another quilt poem by my friend Jenny Riley. This is a beauty and I hope you enjoy it. Here’s the link: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art172921.asp I’m sure lots of quilters will identify with this poem.

The Forum has been positively sizzling with quilters contributing to our Patchwork Alphabet Soup! In fact, we’re on our second run through the alphabet. Thank you to all the participants in this fun bit of distraction. Pop over to the forum and have a bit of fun with us. Here’s the link: http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/708297/Patchwork_Alphabet_Soup#Post708297

So, onto my goodies for you. I’ll pop a couple of extra one’s in to reward you for your patience with the late delivery of my newsletter this week.

http://www.craftpassion.com/2010/03/recycle-tutorial-braided-rag-rug.html Wow, a great use of scraps of fabric

http://thedillspiel.blogspot.com/2011/02/mitering-around.html another mitering tutorial

http://www.needlework-tips-and-techniques.com/how-to-prevent-rsi.html some good advice on avoiding repetitive strain problems while needle working

http://roued.com/greyduckling/gifts-for-the-seamstress/ yep another one!

http://luxquilt.blogspot.com/search/label/basket a great basket tutorial

http://mousechirpy-polkadotpineapple.blogspot.com/2008/06/tutorial-folded-hexagon-yo-yo.html this is a different kind of hexagon sort of Suffolk puffy type of yo-yo

http://www.mesewcrazy.com/2011/03/keeping-those-noggins-protected-baby.html a sweet little toddler hat.

http://www.stoffkram.de/de/stoffkram_spiele.php a couple of fun patchwork games. This site is in German, but is easy to understand and play. Have fun!!

http://buzzingandbumbling.blogspot.com/2011/03/applique-tutorial.html an applique tutorial

http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/2011/04/link-party-no49-tutorial-fancy-gloves.html absolutely what you need to make for all your friends, it will be a hoot!!!!

Well, I must away and get some housework done. I need to spend a few hours OUT of my sewing room today. Hope all’s well at your place. Take care and keep those fingers busy.

Cheerio for now

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

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