Welcome to the latest issue of the Quilting Gallery Newsletter.

Several of you have emailed asking what’s happened to the Free Projects on the site. I must apologize. It was never my intention to take such a long hiatus from posting them. It’s just been a matter of time and other things going on. They’ll resume shortly, as I have a long list waiting to be published.

Voting is now underway for the "What was I thinking?" – The Ugly Quilt Contest.

• Contestants & Submissions
• Cast your Vote

I’ve got several new things coming for the Quilting Gallery site for the end of August. I’m super-excited about them and hope you will be too.

Also, mark your calendar for August 2nd for a very special swap. I think you’re going to love this one as it’s super-cute and you can be very creative.

Happy quilting!

Michele (aka Mishka)
Quilting Gallery
michele@quiltinggallery.com

Summer Savings – Quilt Shop Locator

Welcome to the latest members of the Quilt Shop Locator:

• Minglewood Retreat – Lafayette, Indiana, USA
• Tanell’s Quilting and Sewing Shop – Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada
• the twiddletails store – Sammamish, Washington, USA
• The Quilted Hill Quilt Shop – Yamhill, Oregon, USA
• Spice Berry Cottage – Yucaipa, California, USA

The Quilt Shop Locator is a growing database of quilt shops, online retailers, retreat facilities, pattern and fabric designers, authors, teachers and other quilting professionals from around the world.

This powerful map-based tool makes it easy for quilting enthusiasts to find retailers and plan their travels. Don’t have a bricks and mortar shop but still offer quilting-related services? Our unique categories allow customers to find you here too.

Join today!

News from the Quilting Gallery

Most of the gorgeous mini quilts from the Spring Blooms Mini Quilt Swap have been sent all around the world. Check the Flickr group to see all of the gorgeous creations.

Partners have been assigned for the Good Ol’ Summertime Mini Quilt Swap. There are 210 participants from 20 countries. Follow the Flickr group to see the what’s being made.

Friday Give-Aways – A new give-away is posted each Friday. You have until the following Thursday to leave a comment for your chance to win. Many thanks to this month’s sponsors for their donations:

• Hand Dyed Fabrics by Lori – Double Rainbow Fat Eighth Pack
• Kimberly Wulfert – Antique Quilt Dating Guides…by Style
• Margaret Bucklew – Riley Appliquilt Kit
• Pink Panda Fabrics – Two Fat Quarter Packs

The Quilting Bloggers directory has more than 3,100 bloggers from 65 countries. Thank you to everyone that has joined and promoted the directory.

Around the Web

• Quilting Around the World is an online group of quilters that have been messaging, swapping, and chatting since 2002.



• BOMquilts.com is a web site dedicated to offering free block of the month quilt patterns and more. They not only design their own original patterns, they also scour the Internet in search of free patterns from quilt manufacturers and designers.

  This month is their Christmas in July 2009 celebration, where they have a brand new Christmas pattern posted each Wednesday. They’ve already posted the beginning of a six-month Christmas BOM quilt pattern, a Christmas card holder (pictured – so adorable!) and a wall hanging. They have more patterns in store, to help you get a start on your holiday quilting projects!

  Tammy Harrison is known by her children as the Quilt Designing Computer Geek, and runs such websites as www.BOMquilts.com, www.QuiltDash.com, www.MysteryQuiltDash.com, www.QuiltBlockDash.com and www.QuiltCoupons.com.

Ten Good Reasons to Buy Fabric!

1. It insulates the cupboard where it is kept.
2. It keeps the "economy" moving, it is my duty to support cotton farmers, textile mills and fabric shops.
3. It is less expensive and more fun than psychiatric care.
4. It’s a contest – the one who dies with the most fabric wins.
5. It keeps without refrigeration, you don’t have to cook it to enjoy it, you’ll never have to feed it, change it, wipe it’s nose or walk it.
6. Like dust, it’s good for "protecting" previously empty spaces in the house, like the ironing board, laundry basket, the dining room table etc.
7. It’s not immoral, illegal or fattening. It calms the nerves, gratifies the soul and makes me feel good.
8. Because it’s on "SALE."
9. Because I’m worth it.
10. And buy it now, before your husband retires and goes with you on all your shopping expeditions.

Reprinted with permission from Heartworks