• It Really is 'Sew Easy'
• Thanks Mom!
• Camera Shy … I Think Not
• April Showers and Shows
• Quilting with Popcorn?
• Wanted: 3,500 Quilts and Blankets for Charities
• Sew & Tell
• Quilters Club of America – Community Update
• Special 2-for-1 Subscription Offer

We are constantly on the lookout for interesting new designs and techniques that will challenge and stimulate our readers, but at the same time we also encourage the beginner with some of our favorite tried and true patterns and methods. It's all about balance, throwing in a little something for everyone. Along the way, we try to offer a little extra help with our Sew Easy lessons – it's a great way for us to walk you through a new step via close-up photography and helpful tricks and tips. You'll find that the May/June 2011 issue of Love of Quilting has two great Sew Easy lessons – be sure to take advantage of these visual walk throughs, they're designed to help take the scary out of those 'something new's'. And, don't forget, we also have an extensive archive of past Sew Easy's available online at FonsandPorter.com

Why not try getting mom something she really wants this year … after all, doesn't she deserve it? We've packed the online Fons & Porter store with great products that any mother would love. For a gift of guaranteed smiles, visit us online at Just for Mom!

Don't forget to stop by QNNtv.com and watch Mary Fons' on her new FREE online show Quilty and/or visit Quilter's Club of America and get to know Mary through her Quilty blog. In between taping Quilty episodes, Mary has been busy taping Love of Quilting for PBS with her mother, Marianne.

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Let Your Creativity Grow At Baby Lock
Baby Lock is encouraging you to Bee Happy this spring, with plenty of free projects that will have you buzzing with excitement! You’ll find free projects and videos for fun projects like a whimsical bee-themed growth chart that every child will love in his or her room!

While you're there, be sure to check out the incredible bundles that Baby Lock is offering with select machines like the Sofia2. Sofia2 is full of ideas to bring your sewing and embroidery to life, like 70 built-in designs, 8 accessory feet and more. Visit your retailer today to meet Sofia2 in person!

Be sure to check the events calendar at FonsandPorter.com for a list of some great shows in your area. Get out and enjoy!

Join us on Facebook for some great online chat. We asked, "What's your all-time favorite movie?". We're still amazed at the variations of movie genre that you came up with. It's no wonder fabric companies are so busy - quilters are like snowflakes, no two are the same (tip to fabric designers: you may want to tap into a little Pretty Woman or Ghost for your next inspiration).

April 13, 2011, BOTHELL, WA—Celebrating 35 years in business, local craft-book publisher Martingale & Company®, home of That Patchwork Place®, has issued a blanket invitation to the crafting community. Their Share the Warmth campaign asks crafters around the world to share their talents with those in need by creating and donating 3,500 quilts, blankets, afghans, and throws of all sizes to local charities.

To kick off the campaign, staff members of the 100% employee-owned company gathered on a recent Saturday to quilt, knit, and crochet throughout the day. That day, the group worked on and/or completed 21 items to be donated to local charities.
To encourage other crafters to send their photos and be counted in the tally, Martingale & Company is offering prizes. The company will randomly select 35 participants to receive a free craft book of their choice. Quilt guilds are also encouraged to participate. One guild will be randomly selected to receive a free 35-book library.

To see how you can help Share the Warmth, call 800-426-3126 or visit Martingale's website and click on Share the Warmth.

Family Genes – very clever!!!!
submitted by happy quilter Dee Bartelme, Brookfield, WI

I want to share this project I designed and made for my daughter's 50th birthday. I made the wallhanging to hang above her cutting table in her brand new quilt room.

The wallhanging is 28 1/2" by 35 1/2" finished. Each square has a jean pocket attached to it from most of our 17-member family. The jeans were destined to be discarded by the different families, so I was able to rescue a pocket from each pair plus the background denim squares. I embroidered the family member's name on the respective pocket and titled my creation, "Family Genes". Flowers and leaves were appliquéd onto two empty denim squares. The seams were sewn wrong side out to create a fringed look.

This wallhanging is fun to look at, but also is utilitarian because the pockets can hold tools such as rulers, scissors, and other quilting notions.

When my daughter opened her birthday gift she was so pleased, and so were the other members of the family. They were all surprised with the end result of all their jeans. The grandchildren had fun finding each of their names on their pockets.

Do you EQ? It’s fun to peek in on the designs of those who do in the EQ Software group! Join in the fun and learn a LOT while you’re at it.

A wonderful collection of Quilts of Valor is growing in the Show & Tell Gallery. If you’ve made one, be sure to post it to inspire others!

Totes and bags are also hot! We thought this bug-lovers bag from skunkworks was especially cute.

Don’t miss these two contests! This month you can win a GO! Baby from AccuQuilt or a Quilt of Valor kit from Quilting Treasures called Let Freedom Ring. Choices, choices!

Fun fact: Did you know the average “dedicated” quilter has an average of 152 spools of thread? Now, isn’t that a good excuse to go thread shopping?

Get 2 great quilting magazines for 1 incredibly low price!

Now, for a limited time, you can get a FULL YEAR of both Quilters Newsletter AND Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting for just $25 — that's a savings of $52.88 off the combined newsstand price. Act now and you'll also receive 2 FREE PATTERNS instantly!

But hurry...this special offer is only for a limited time. Click here to claim your 2-for-1 Deal & Free Gifts!