Ready for Father's Day?
If you haven't already found the perfect gift for dad this year, you may want to consider some of the great new fabrics that are popping up everywhere.  Whether he is a fan of rodeo, race cars, fishing, hunting, or whatever … there are some very fun things you can do with these new prints.

Example: if dad is a true camper-on-the-go, you may want to just put an I.O.U. in his Father's Day card this year and watch for our Fall issue of Easy Quilts (on newsstands July 28). We have found a quick and easy 'Happy Camper' quilt that is perfect for any avid RV fan.

Or, reach for the stars and grab your July/August issue of Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting (due on stands June 16). This issue features tributes to Old Glory, spectacular projects in Blacks & Whites, and a great inspirational display of some very creative nautical scenes.

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

	Around the Block - Make this quilt with lots of visual texture in fun fabrics by Moda. Regularly $91.00 on sale now for $72.80 with coupon code FP05221.
	Quilters Variety Pin Pack -Fons & Porter Pin pack - 240 ct. Regularly $19.99 on sale now for $15.99 with coupon code FP05222.

The FIRST BABY Quilt submitted by Pamela Flippen.

“I have never done this before . . . it is all new to me.  I will need to muster my courage.

So many have accomplished what I am about to do. I ask myself,
                     “What is there to fear?”

A little voice answers,
                     “Others will see the results of your work – It has to be perfect.”

The FIRST BABY Quilt will surely take priority in the upcoming days of my life. Armed with the best “How-To” books and the latest tools available, I am prepared. With each step and as the beauty unfolded, my confidence soared. 
                         “I can do this!”

And then it happened . . . I made a mistake.  How can it be?  I am trying so hard.
At first, I cried and thought maybe I should turn the task over to an expert instead.
Then, I reminded myself that no one has her heart in the job like I do.  It was mine to do.

I was determined to “fix” the problem, vowing never to make the same mistake again.

However, no matter how I worked to conceal the mistake, there was no hiding it.
            “All I can do is forgive myself . . . this one time.  Next time, I’ll get it right.”

As the FIRST BABY Quilt grew in size, my mistake became less and less obvious.
It’s good it’s still there, a reminder that Perfection is only God’s and can never be ours.

The time flew by so fast, and before I knew it, my work was finished.  So lovely to behold.

Reluctantly, I must let it go . . . I will miss holding it in my lap”

Editor's note: Pam wrote this wonderful piece in an attempt to compare making that first baby quilt to raising that first baby. The proud new owner of this First-Ever baby quilt is Pam's son Matthew and wife Emily's first child – Isabella Good.

Stepping outside the box – but, a small box first submitted by Candy McNabb of Wheaton, Mo.

“I have been watching your program for the past five years.  Your show, more than any other crafting/sewing show is responsible for the immense improvement in my quilting ability.  I look forward to watching your show each Saturday morning. 

My latest quilt that will be given as a Christmas gift this year is a result of one of your shows.  The show was about using long strips with large patterns alternated with panels of blocks in the colors from the print.  In my quilt I also used a complimentary stripe print that bracketed the blocks. The backing material is in a mottled print in green from the leaves of the roses in the large print fabric. 

Your show has also given me the confidence and freedom to think outside the box and experiment (in a small block first) ideas I think would make a good quilt. Some work and some do not!                                                                     
- Thank you for your show!"

My hearts and bubbles submitted by Jackie Buckner.

“This is the wedding quilt that I made for my daughter and son-in-law for their wedding last year.  They just took their children and were married on the beach.  She loves the quilt and I think that she displayed it very cleverly on a curtain rod and curtain clips.  It hangs in their front hallway and looks beautiful there.  I bought the material and pattern from Fons & Porter -- pre cut.  The "football shapes" didn't lay quite right so I put extra batting behind them and used my embroidery stitches around so it smoothed right out. Then I stippled what I call "My hearts & bubbles".  Thank you for such a great pattern! I love your show and watch it every Saturday."

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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