Posted on Monday, October 5, 2009 | By Linda Smoker | 2 Comments

QUILT, Issue #106 - December/January 2010

The Gift of Simplicity

The year 2009 has come and gone too fast! I don’t know about you, but my “to do” list is not done and I wonder if by trying to do too much, I’m not doing enough. Like sitting on the front porch, coloring with a grandchild or renewing an old friendship. The uncertain economy can be a blessing in disguise, allowing us to get back to basics: enjoying people, taking time to read, playing in our own backyards, and making a quilt. The old adage “less is more’’ is so true…and such a gift!

As the editor of Quilt, I find myself focusing on my “to do” list for the magazine. It’s really pretty simple: finding quilt projects and articles that are easy, fun and inspiring! Let’s face it; most of us have enough pressure in life. And so I want Quilt to be relaxing with no-stress patterns, exciting with fun techniques, and inspiring with quilters’ acts of kindness. There’s no pattern too difficult, there are new skills to discover, and there’s always Quilting Friends to make us smile!

This issue has 17 great projects, and most of them are quick and easy! Try one of the wall or lap quilts, or even the Three Quarter Tote that can be stitched in less than an hour. Sew a fun checkerboard game or learn some fast ways to appliqué. Looking for a new book for the holidays? After you read our profile on Jennifer Chiaverini, check out her latest novel, A Quilter’s Holiday. This issue’s Quilting Friends takes us to Montana where the love of quilting forges friends and fights fires; and our Sew Thrifty quilters tell us how to save money by swapping those leftover scraps.

I’m hoping as the new year approaches that friends, family and savoring life are somewhere at the top of your ‘’to do’’ list. So here’s best wishes for a fulfilling year in 2010!

Debbie