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(Mary Balagna uses an AccuQuilt fabric cutter before annual Project Linus Expo)

Project Linus, an organization that makes quilts and handmade blankets for children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need throughout the nation, has more than 60,000 volunteers called "Blanketeers" in about 400 local US chapters.  Project Linus makes and collects more than 400,000 quilts and blankets each year.  WOW!  So can you guess how many quilt pieces Mary Balagna, the vice president of Project Linus, cuts each year for pre-cut kits for classes and expos? At least 20,000 pieces each year!!  "We just couldn't do it to her anymore," said Carol Babbitt, president of Project Linus. 

To see the solution they found that Babbitt of Project Linus says "if you are going to do anything on a large scale, there's just not going to be a better way to do it", click here and read their story in our TQS Articles section. 

Have you made a blanket for Project Linus?  Click on comments and let us know what you made.

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(Capt'n John) Cameras and quilting go together.  Whether you are looking for forms, designs, tile work, photographing your local quilt show, or taking a picture of your quilt to upload, you want a camera that fits your needs.  So if you have a camera you like tell us by adding a comment.  Give us a short reason why you like it and a general price range. 

I purchased the digital camera above for the Baltic Cruise.  I wanted the 10x Optical zoom because 3x on most cameras don't work if you are on a ship and far from the object.  It's a Panasonic DMC-TZ5.  I have been very happy with the zoom, the image stabilizer, 3" hi resolution screen, you can zoom while using the movie feature, and the quality of the pictures.  Get the TZ5 not the 4 to get the updated movie ability. The camera cost about $250 but with a better battery, a tripod, and larger memory it ended up at about $350.  I believe they are cheaper now.  The only negative so far is that it is not a small purse camera.  It will fit in a pocket but not comfortably.

Okay, what do you like?

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That's right.  It's Back-to-School time.  And as school bells begin to ring, it makes us wonder...aren't we all students of something??  So what is it that YOU want to learn this "semester"?   Maybe you want to learn how to do hand applique.  Maybe you want to learn about wearables.  Maybe you want to learn about different types of quilts around the world and the history behind them.  So let us know what it is that you want to learn.  And you never know, maybe one of your suggestions could end up in a future TQS episode or feature on the TQS website. (If you have an idea for a future episode, send your idea to Ruth and I'll pass it along to all at ARJJ).  So let's learn together from our friends all around the world.

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As you probably have noticed at the top of each show either Ricky or I show a technique, trick or something that will enhance your quilting experience. For instance, later on in this series Alex will share how to piece a circle in less than 7 minutes (thank you Dale Flemming for this great technique!). In the past, Ricky has shared set in corners, convergance quilts and Alex quilted using her thumb. We have a lot more tricks up our sleeves, but thought we should ask YOU what you might want to learn in these bite size mini lessons - In just a few weeks we will be heading to La Veta CO to shake the town up once again!

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While we were over seas, Ricky told me how pleased he was with Laura's show. Because of Internet connection issues (try about $1.00 a minute on the ship), and "catch up" on the home front, wedding preparations AND a cruise crud cold - I just got to watch the show. It is EXACTLY what the Doctor ordered. WHAT FUN!!!!!! Also, in the show Bob the Thread Guy showed up with great pearls of wisdom and Bunny opened up the TQS treasure chest. If you have not yet enjoyed episode 303, do not delay - it is a refreshing way to beat the summer heat! To watch go here.

member klwheeler said:

This has got to be one of the best shows ever! I thought the jokes were great, the cast fantastic, and best of all the pace of the show was fast and fun! Laura has one of the best TV personalities and really shines alongside Alex and Ricky. Her information on Fusing is top notch, and I immediately went out and found her teaching at a location near me, signed up and will be a happy student this fall in her class at PIQF.

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In the TQS Forum, several of our members have been asking each other about help for their Bernina BSRs.  Well our production sponsor Bernina already has a wonderful step-by-step listed on their website to help get you started.  Click here to the Bernina website to find out that "with a few basic tips and tricks, you'll be a master at free-motion stitching with BSR in no time!"  Thanks Bernina!

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Summer is the time for travel.  (I wonder how Alex and John are doing on the "High Seas"?!)  And we all know that you can always take TQS with you!  But what are your tips for taking your quilting with you? Do you pack fabric to cut at the beach house?  Do you take books to Grandma´s to plan your next project?  Knitters take their knitting bags.  What do you take?  Besides TQS of course! 

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(Oh the decisions at the pattern wall at Wish Upon a Quilt in Raleigh)

When school let out for the summer, I had my daughter make a list of things she wanted to accomplish over the summer.  Sleepovers...check!  Learn to wakeboard...check!  Make a quilt...not checked!!  So I need your advice.  Paige and I have decided to make our first quilting project.  So I am reaching out to the experts here at TQS...our fabulous members!  What do you recommend we do?  How should we start?  I look forward to hearing your tips and suggestions.  And keep coming back to see what we decide to do and follow our progress.  Thanks, Ruth

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That´s right - before you know it the 4th weekend in September will be upon us - Join us at Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore Ca for a most beautiful and unusual venue for a quilt show. This is our 11th year and it just keeps growing stronger. Check out the Alden Lane web site to register for lectures and classes - Also, if you want to submit a quilt, we can´t wait to see it. Also, the t-shirts are designed and we are ready to go at it in our t-shirt booth - oh yes, we are multi talented here at TQS! LOL John and Alex the T-shirt makers.............

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There are still a lot of fires in California.  Here was the Smokey Sunset last night in the Hills near Yosemite.  The air quality is still poor.  They say if you can´t see 5 miles, stay inside and watch Episode 301 with Jane Sassaman.  Okay, "they" is Capt´n John, but we think he´s right.