• REDUCE ....... that scrap box and stash pile; even electricity, possibly hand piecing or quilting
• RE-USE ........ embellishments, e.g. buttons, ribbon, lace
• RE-CYCLE ... shirts, blouses, any clothing as long as it's cotton or cotton blend; even bedding such as sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers just as long as they too are cotton or cotton rich

Purchases from charity shops will be considered as re-cycled.
You are, however, permitted to use new wadding, that's if you are unable to cobble together your leftovers from previous projects.

Fabric dyes, paints and pens will help you transform plain cotton sheets (don't throw away the thin areas as they are useful for foundation piecing).

As you can see, the object of this challenge is to spend as little money as possible.

So off you go, clear out your airing cupboard, search through your wardrobes, get together and rummage through other people's scraps. Even think of having dyeing or painting "get-togethers" with friends.

But most of all - HAVE FUN.

Just one more thing - the minimum size for your piece of work is 26 x 37 inches, but remember the larger the piece the more 3Rs you use.

There are three categories for the quilts:

• Category 1      ENTIRE quilt 3Rs
• Category 2      TOP CLOTH 3Rs with backing fabric purpose bought
• Category 3      As Category 2, but with extra fabric bought for the top cloth e.g. borders or background

Hopefully there is something in this challenge for everyone, and it would be so nice to see as many quilts as possible from Category 1 and even some ready for the exhibition whatever the size or category.

So go ahead, have a go and enjoy.

JMW 709

Birthday cards, Christmas/Seasonal cards, Thank You cards, Invitations, Occasion cards ... to name but a few.

Requirements:

Maximum size 8" by 6"

Fast 2 Fuse or finished design bondawebbed (or something similar) onto suitable thick card or craft Vilene.
Fabric scraps.
Suitable embellishments, e.g. buttons, ribbon, lace etc.
Calendars, if needed - small purchased 2010 calendars.

As you can see from the above, there are no restrictions as to theme!  Just think of the recipient and go for it.

Just one more thing - it must fit into an appropriate envelope ready for mailing.

The Mabel Townsend Trophy will be awarded at the December meeting to members' choice of best Christmas Challenge.

JMW Mar09