• It's Time to Put Winter Away!
• Two Birds—One Stone
• Newsletter Subscriber Appreciation
• WANTED
• Sew & Tell

It's time to put winter away and get ready for some fresh new designs! Whether it's a groundhog's shadow, a robin, or pretty new floral fabric lines – the signs are all here that spring is coming! Our March/April issue is already out and introduces you to the Fun (check out Lemon Pie); the Interesting (Graphix is a real attention getter); the Intriguing (South African fabrics make stunning quilts like Monkey Business - read more about Shweshwe fabrics in our Fons & Porter's blog), and the Fabulous (Liz's quilt 'Tucson Sunset' is a great example of how to put the 'wow' in your next quilt by using batiks). And right on the heels of this latest issue comes our summer issue of Easy Quilts (due out mid-March) – we've packed this one full of plenty of sunshine, picnics, gardening and even thrown in some tuxedo cats and dancing fairies.

Assuming you're ready for spring, and ready for a challenge – stop by shopfonsandporter.com , you'll find tons of great ideas and patterns that go perfect with April showers. For a real showstopper, be sure to check out the Giant Dahlia template set and see just how easy it can be to create your own floral masterpiece.

As always, don't forget to stop by QNNtv.com to check in with Mary Fons at her new on-line quilting series, Quilty. Mary's latest show takes the fledgling quilter on a 'behind the scenes' walk-through of a sawtooth star block – who knew quilting could be so simple.

Don't ever let the holidays slip up on you unprepared again. Here's a FREE E-BOOK DOWNLOAD of projects that are perfect for any age – everyone knows the best holiday ornaments and decorations are the ones you make yourself. Enjoy these fun projects and invite your friends and family to claim their own free e-book by clicking here! Just fill out the email address you already receive this newsletter at and you'll get access to the download link.

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WANTED: your very best recipes! We all know that quilter's are the best cooks – they've learned how important it is to pay attention to details! So, let's start the New Year off right with a new recipe category – Heart Healthy. What's your favorite recipe that's good for you, AND tastes great?!

Just like grandpa
submitted by Kathy Brisbin, Kearney, NE

After a beautiful snowfall that left 10" of white drifts behind, my 4-year-old grandson, Braxton, ran into the toy room to retrieve his play-mat, truck and loader. He needed to plow snow and push it into a 'huge' pile (just like grandpa). He discovered Grandma's jar of clipped corners and scraps from her projects and decided that would make perfect snow!!

Craft Auction – big success
submitted by the Newburgh United Methodist Church Quilters, Newburgh, IN

The Newburgh United Methodist church Quilters Group browsed through various quilting magazines for a quilt project that would be perfect for our 2010 Annual Craft Auction. The Granny's Star quilt in the July/August 2009 issue of Love of Quilting was unanimously selected by our quilting group. We expanded the quilt to be queen size. The group worked feverishly for almost ten months, finishing the hand-quilted project just days before the October 16 deadline. The best part of the story is the quilt sold at our Craft Auction for $1000 with one hundred percent of the proceeds going toward missions for women and children! Thanks to Fons and Porter and designer Nancy Mahoney for the wonderful pattern!

Caps off to you!
submitted by Kathy Brisbin, Kearney, NE

I am a beginner at quilting and wanted to make a simple, but special quilt for my graduating son. I borrowed the Nov/Dec 2006 issue of Love of Quilting from a friend who is an experienced quilter. With a few variations to the Flannel Brick Road pattern, the quilt wasn't as hard as I had expected. I used cotton prints of deer, fish, duck and camo. Since he was studying wildlife biology, this made a beautiful and appropriate quilt for college. I continue to enjoy looking through your magazines for ideas and simple projects for beginners. Thank you.

Click here to see the quilt.

Pretty in pink
submitted by Charlotte Gay, LaPlata, MD

My niece was delighted to receive this quilt for her graduation, especially in her favorite color, pink! I got the inspiration/pattern from your May/June 2009 issue of Love of Quilting. The pattern was Squares & Stripes by Patti Carey, and was perfect. Thanks!

Click here to see the quilt.