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January 2023: WHY NOT: Use it Up, Tidy it Up, Make it EasyIn view of the current economic situation, we feel our usual New Year message of using what you've got is as relevant as ever. Now is an excellent time to review your resources, sort things out and get organised. By going through your stash you give yourself the opportunity to weed out anything that no longer appeals to you. Come on, we've all got those fabrics that now make us say "why, on Earth, did I buy that"! There is nothing wrong with this, your tastes change over time. You could pass the offending article on to someone else - at our regular sewing group we often do a 'bash-your-stash' and exchange fabrics; one person's trash is another's treasure. Alternatively set the fabric aside in a separate pile/box and use it on the back of a project. The most improbable fabrics make great quilt backs, just join several together if you need a larger piece - this is patchwork after all!Apart from the joy of getting organised, what better way to find a calm centre of being after the past few hectic weeks, than spending time sorting, stroking, refolding and generally playing with fabric. I guarantee you will find things you had forgotten, hopefully in a good way. We also hope some of the articles we have suggested here will give you the inspiration you need to get started and, in turn, inspire you to get creative in the coming year. Nothing like starting the year with everything tidy! Although it was good in parts, I think I am quite glad to see the back of 2022. For me it was a year of Spring tides; extreme highs and extreme lows. I am looking forward to 2023 and hope it continues on a rather more even keel. AitchBee and Helen Howes Contact us direct on newsletter@modernartquilters.co.uk Why not forward this message to your quilty friends who might enjoy our ramblings. They can CLICK HERE to go straight to our newsletter sign up page. HEADER IMAGE: Eaten too many sweets over Christmas? WHY NOT sew some instead! This is Liquorice Allsorts, one of AitchBee's SWEET TREATS series |
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WHY NOT use up some of those scraps and make Miniature quilts, wall hangings and other lovely things. Visit AitchBee's website for patterns |
 Love miniatures, but don't want to make your own? WHY NOT buy one for yourself, or as a gift for a friend. Lots to choose from on HH's website |
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Click on any picture in this Newsletter to read more.
These are mostly links to external websites and blogs - have fun and enjoy looking! 
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WHY NOT: Make it Consistent
Tips on folding fabric using a ruler from the blog POLKADOT CHAIR There is something incredibly satisfying about neatly arranged fabric. I will admit that I rearrange mine regularly, but it rarely stays tidy for long! |
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WHY NOT: Make it Tidy
Lots of storage ideas from the blog ALL PEOPLE QUILT |
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WHY NOT: Spend some time on this website
On her blog QUILTVILLE, Bonnie Hunter has so much useful information about organising and using your scraps |
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WHY NOT: Assess Your Tools
The CREATIVE GRIDS website has all sorts of both. If you find an unusual ruler, perhaps bought some time ago, that has become separated from its instructions, have a look at their useful videos. This is also a good time to check/change the blades in your cutters and throw away blunt pins - yes you are allowed to do this, pins get blunt just like other sharp things - they are not expensive, get some new ones. |
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WHY NOT: Review Your Gadgets
Are they useful? Have you used them recently? Have you ever used them? Have a look at the SUZY QUILTS blog to see what she sees as essential quilting gadgets |
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WHY NOT: Assess your UFOs and PHDs
THE SPRUCE CRAFTS gives us an insight into what the term UFO means to quilters There is nothing wrong with abandoning a project if you have fallen out of love with it. Pass it on to someone else (another candidate for bash-your-stash) |
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WHY NOT: Assess Your Workspace
Whether you are working on the Dining table between meals, or have a dedicated workspace, ergonomics should always be a consideration. Blog SATURDAY NIGHT STITCH has various tips and pointers. |
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WHY NOT: Organise Your Scraps and get busy
THE SEWING LOFT blog suggests various ways of organising fabric scraps which is all very well, but why not spend some time this New Year making little projects and use some of them up. |
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WHY NOT: Try a New Technique
Collages make for fantastic quilts. These are by one of our favourite artists, SARAH HIBBERT WHY NOT take time for some Slow Stitch? WHY NOT try a new fabric, perhaps linen like the beautiful Essex Linen Sarah prefers. |
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WHY NOT: Learn a New Skill
Lots of Quilt Shops run classes and, of course, sell beautiful fabrics! This is SEW & SO's of BUNGAY which is our nearest, and much frequented, quilt shop. HH and HB both teach at Sew & So's - click on the links below to see our individual teaching schedules: CLASSES with HH CLASSES with HB |
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WHY NOT: Set up a Pinterest Board for all your ideas
Have a look at this month's inspiration on our Pinterest Board A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING. |
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| Our mailing address is:- 4, The Raveningham Centre, Beccles Road, Raveningham, Norfolk, NR14 6NU. United Kingdom | |||||||