It's time to spring into action!
It's official, spring is here. However, for many of us, spring isn't so much a coming event as it is a feeling – a feeling that can be set off by the first sighting of a robin, or by the bright splash of yellow as the forsythia erupts in full bloom.

For us quilters, we tend to mark the changing of the seasons simply by the exciting debut of new fabric lines. And, with new fabric comes new inspiration. Many of these new featured florals and soft pastels would be ideal for some of the projects coming out in our next Easy Quilts (on newsstands April 21). This spring special will once again be filled with a wide variety of projects designed to be quick and easy.

Looking for a solution?
We have a huge online archive of quilting tips from our previous Love of Quilting issues. Check it out here.

Need some inspiration?
Take a look through our large collection of quilt images in our slideshows page.

Don't forget to stop by www.ShopFonsandPorter.com and check out some great newsletter subscriber-only bargains.

	Whirlwind Kit - This is a great project to work on this summer. The kit includes enough of this fun seasonal fabric to complete the top and binding of a 40" x 49" quilt. Regularly $55.00 on sale now for $44.00 with coupon code FP03271.
	Project Pouch with Handle - Find your supplies quick and easy with this handy see-through bag. Regularly $14.99 on sale now for $11.99 with coupon code FP03272.
	Flora & Fauna Fat Quarter Pack - Be sure to check out this beautiful fabric selection, it offers the perfect color palette for any new project. Regularly $76.00 on sale now for $60.00 with coupon code FP03273.
	Scissors Safety Sheath - Fits all sizes of scissors. Makes a great gift. Regularly $14.99 on sale now for $11.99 with coupon code FP03274.

From our readers by Mrs. Cher Thomas, Teacher's Aide, and Mrs. Karen Maxwell, Art I-IV Teacher (Frazier Mountain High School, Lebec, Calif.)

Ever since I received my copy of Great American Quilts in 1987, I have enjoyed seeing what you have contributed to the world of quilting. I especially like the ads with 'George'. I make my husband's Hawaiian shirts, and when they start to fray, I reclaim as much of them as I can and reuse the fabric in quilts. I used them to back a memory quilt for my daughter. It was an added blessing when I entered that quilt in the Kern County Fair and it gave me my first blue ribbon. My husband, Dave, now guards his shirts though when they start to get a little shabby. As I hang up the laundry he will say, "That one is still okay for awhile!!!"

I'm writing to share a story about our Art I class at our high school. We are a small mountain community in California, with a total enrollment of less than 500. We held a quilting enrichment class a few years back, and it was an incredible success. We limited that class to 26 kids, and we had to regularly kick out the stragglers who were 'on their way to the bathroom' and just happened to slither in to see what their friends were doing. This year, our principle Mr. Penner, has allowed quilting to be a part of the Art I class. I help six kids at a time complete a 9-Patch lap quilt under the heading of 'The Quilt as an Art Form'. They use the basics they learn in class concerning value, line, and form, and they also make great use of the color wheel.

The way that the kids have embraced quilting has been truly amazing. Kids who were the 'problem' kids in the class, suddenly no longer are. They're now too busy to disrupt the rest of the class. The Gothic kids with their black leather and studded clothing smile now instead of looking so serious. And, the really surprising thing about that group is that without exception, their projects are the most colorful. They may dress in black every single day, but it doesn't show up in their quilts. And then there was the group of all boys…a large part of our JV football team. It was a riot to see them on game day in their football jerseys bent over their machines or on the floor pinning the layers together. It was a little different from some of the other groups, though. I had to stop them from slapping each other on the back of the neck with hot fabric! They also had a SERIOUS tug-of-war over the wolf fabric. I told them that one of the great things about quilters is that they share their stash.

I am a teacher's aide to our special education class, and we have several of these students in this art class. One child in particular was regularly cutting second period art because he felt so inadequate sketching and the basics that are normally taught in art class. He was willing to take detention rather than feel embarrassed about his projects. But, he jumped at the chance to quilt, and never misses now unless he's sick. In fact, he is making a second quilt. His first one is one of the nicest projects…all red, white and blue, except for the center square featuring a fabric with a John Deere tractor. We have another student that doesn't speak in complete sentences, but with a little guidance, is making his first quilt.

This class has given the kids of today an opportunity to participate, to imagine, and to create, instead of just sitting back and watching someone else do something. My hope is that our story will be shared so other schools can see that even with no budget (all of our supplies and machines were donated by the community) this class has an incredible impact on students -we hope other schools will try this.

Happy Quilting!
    Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting

Give a Gift Subscription to Love of Quilting Magazine
A great gift that quilters love is a subscription to Love of Quilting magazine. Did you know that when you give a gift subscription, you are actually giving three different gifts?

#1. Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting
Each issue is filled with must-do projects, helpful tips, and the newest techniques from America's favorite quilting experts.

#2. Sew Your Style
The sewing professionals at Bernina® with Marianne Fons and Liz Porter, along with their daughters bring you this exclusive booklet of easy-to-learn techniques for stunning quilts, bags, home décor items, and wearables! With tips from the pros to guide you every step of the way it will be easy to create projects that match your own style. You don't have to work on these projects alone, they can be made with your daughter or a friend. Learn embellishing techniques to enhance any project and to take them from ordinary to extraordinary! Remember, we'll send this booklet FREE with your Love of Quilting subscription!

#3. Quilts for the Whole Family
This fun-filled booklet contains 15 SUPER quick-and-easy gift ideas you can stitch in no time. The experts at Paintbrush Studio™ teamed up with Marianne Fons and Liz Porter to bring you some of their favorite patterns for any occasion. Each project contains color photos, diagrams, and easy-to-follow instructions to make assembly a snap. Each design has alternate fabric options to suit your tastes. We'll give you tips and easy techniques to help you achieve success. Best of all—this booklet is FREE with your subscription!

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