Get ready, get set . . .
School's out, and deadlines for summertime commitments are probably coming at you at lightning speed. This may not be the most opportune time to start a new quilting project.

However, if life sometimes gets in the way, it doesn't mean you have to completely give up your passion for quilting, you just need to get a little creative. Maybe you could keep your favorite issues of Love of Quilting in the car, and while you are waiting to pick up the kids at camp or dancing lessons or ball practice, etc., you could revisit all those 'dog-eared' pages (everyone knows that finding that 'just-right' pattern is half the battle). And even more of the battle can be fought on the road to all those family reunions (there are a lot of great quilt shops along the way just waiting for you to discover them). And before you know it, the summertime flurry will die down and you will be well on your way to starting a fantastic new project.

With the pattern picked and the fabric selections already done, it could turn out to be a very productive summer after all.

Watch for the July/August issue of Fons and Porter's Love of Quilting to come out on stands in a couple of weeks. Many of the new projects would fit perfectly into a summer-long fabric spree, especially 'Granny's Star' or the 'Magic Isosceles Triangles' (your fabric choices are limitless). In fact, just to be sure you have enough fabric, you may want to get busy and schedule a few more out-of-the-way summer family reunions.

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

	Rotary Cutter Sheath - Keep your rotary cutter safe and clean while not in use! Regularly $14.99 on sale now for $11.99 with coupon code FP06021.
	In Lucinda's Garden -Fabrics in this quilt were designed by Jo Morton for Andover Fabrics. Regularly $99.00 on sale now for $79.00 with coupon code FP06022.

From our readers

Axel's reaction
submitted by Lynn Burdett, Lacombe, AB Canada

          The little man who I made this for just turned 2 and needed a full sized quilt for his Big Boy bed.  Axel is a real train nut and when I saw the photo on the cover of this edition, I new that I could really work with this pattern.  I didn't add the "faces" to the train cars as I wanted to give him something that would take him into his early teen years.  My version ended up being large enough to drape a full, twin sized bed.  I used flannel for the back for extra softness and warmth.  As you can tell from the photos, the recipient really liked his new quilt.  "Train, train," he yelled as he danced on it!
    I can't tell you exactly how many hours went into my project, but I worked on it pretty much steady for the better part of a full week.  Each of the train cars was finished in a machine satin stitch in black to give it a "coloring book" outline look.  The over all quilting was also done by myself, by machine on my Janome 6600, in the ditch except for the borders.
    I had a great time designing and completing this birthday quilt for a very special little man.
    Thank you so much for the inspiration! Have a wonderful day!

Super Grandma to the rescue
submitted by Lee DePuy of Cape Coral, Florida

      My grandson called & asked if I would make a quilt for his "expecting" teacher. I said, "Sure, when do you need it?"  He said, "tomorrow".  I hastily sewed an assortment of 10-inch squares together (I have a big stash) - making a baby-sized quilt top.  Then I put on plain muslin backing, machine-stitching it in large squares to hold it together.  I sent it with him the next day - along with pigma permanent markers.  All of the children and the staff signed the back of the quilt, and it was presented to her that afternoon.  She loved it!  
 

Paper Dolls
 submitted by Laurie McCracken,  Bella Vista, AR

I ordered the Paper Dolls quilt kit from you on 12/27 and received it this week.  I am 54 years old, just started quilting last August and only have one grandson (born 1/2/09) and no daughters, but I just had to have this kit!  I finished the quilt today (started on Wednesday) and have the clothes all ready to make.  I changed the pattern a little so I thought I'd send a few pictures of how mine came out.  I am so glad that I was able to get the kit and I'll enjoy it even if I don't ever have a little girl to play with it!     I really like your magazine and look forward to many more ideas to come from it.

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 decor 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 Studioâ„¢ 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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