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December marks the final stretch of the year, bringing crisp mornings, early sunsets, and a steady winter chill. Homes and streets brighten with festive lights, adding warmth to the darker days. It's a month filled with familiar traditions, time with loved ones, and a natural pause to reflect before the new year begins. Even in the cold, December carries a calm, welcoming atmosphere that makes the season feel meaningful and complete. This is the time of year when we show our appreciation to those people who have helped us during the year--neighbours, the postman/postwoman and others who provide services for us.
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I truly appreciate my Newsletter subscribers, and I thank you for sticking with me. As a special thank-you for subscribers only, use code Christmas2025 when checking out to receive 10% off your total order. You can use this coupon only once. Hurry though--all orders must be placed by the 8th of December.
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As a reminder, Red Bridge Quilts offers free standard postage to anywhere within the island of Ireland. So those of you lucky enough to live on this beautiful Emerald Isle always have this advantage should you choose to order anything. All other destinations will incur the normal postage charge unless the total reaches the 'free postage' amount. We also offer a free local pick-up service for everyone.
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FEATURED CONTENT THIS MONTH
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Quilting news and tips
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New this month
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Following are the new posts up on the website this month. They are a gathering of various topics and articles from the world of quilting. I hope you find them of interest.
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1
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World AIDS Day, 1 December, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic and mourning those who have died of the disease. Did you know that quilters have a special project dedicated to remembering those who have suffered and have died from AIDS? This project has been ongoing since 1987. And it's a quilt, of course! Read all about it and how you can get involved.
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2
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Helen Godden is a quilting instructor and internationally renowned art quilter from Australia. She is also a Handi Quilter ambassador and travels at least 100 days each year promoting HQ and teaching classes. In this video she shares what inspired her to make the "My Australia" quilt and goes through the process she used to make this incredible 22' long masterpiece. It is truly beautiful.
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3
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Here's a lovely story from "Grandma's Corner". In this month's edition, the author relates another memory of her beloved grandmother. Grand- mothers everywhere have their own home remedies for a sick grandchild. In this Grandma story, her recipes always include a special quilt. Of course! Read about her old-fashioned recipes for ill grandchildren and how her stories are even a much better cure.
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The Pumpkin Table runner is back in stock. This is a one-of-a-kind runner featuring five uniquely coloured pumpkin shapes stitched in a charming row. It will bring warm autumn character to any table. In the Shop now.
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Also back in stock is the Birds of a Feather table runner with a sage green background and backing. This is a very popular item and usually sells out quickly. It is in the Shop now.
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Staying with the Birds of a Feather table runner, this one is made with a Christmas red background and backing. It's a great addition to any holiday décor, or really any time of the year. Look for it in the Shop.
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Using Rotary Cutters
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One of the most essential implements in a quilter's toolbox is the rotary cutter. It saves time when cutting out fabric and allows for persistent accuracy in cutting. I am currently using the Olfa RTY-2/C Splash model. It has a comfortable grip, but what I really like is the ease of changing the blade. The quick-change lever makes it safe and easy to remove an old blade and pop on a new one. Plus, I love the colour! It can be found in most quilt shops or on Amazon.
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Watch this video from National Quilters Circle in which Ashley Hough discusses various types of rotary cutters as well as rotary cutter blades. Also, by clicking on the highlighted links in the "Description" section below the video, you can watch two more videos on "rotary cutter safety" and "how to change a rotary cutter blade".
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Under my needle
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I have several longarm jobs that I have been commissioned to do, so have decided to take a short break from my regular quilting work to do them. I am beginning with the first of two baby quilts for a customer.
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Looking for a Gift?
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Do you know someone who loves quilts? Or someone who appreciates a handmade item for the home? A Gift Card from Red Bridge Quilts takes away the hassle of trying to choose just the right gift. You won't have to worry if they will like what you choose or will want to return it or exchange it. Let them decide what they'd really like!! See RBQ's Gift Card options.
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Did you know?
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With every online order from Red Bridge Quilts you will receive a free quilted glasses case. These sturdy 100% cotton cases will protect reading glasses as well as sunglasses. The photo shows a few of the cases from the current selection.
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Red Bridge Quilts offers a Longarm Quilting Service. This means that if you are a quilter, and either don't have the time, are afraid of doing the quilting yourself, or you would like to have a professionally finished look to your quilt, then you might have a "longarmer" do the job for you. I have been "longarming" since 2018 and have many different patterns and thread colours from which to choose. Contact Red Bridge Quilts for more information.
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Below are photos of two lovely quilts that I recently longarmed for customers. I think the fan quilting design on the first one looks perfect with the geometric design of this quilt. Christmas will be here before you know it, and the second quilter is ready for it with her beautiful quilt with an all-over quilting design of holly and berries.
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A little something extra
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Here's a photo of an old-fashioned quilting bee that I thought you would enjoy.
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I hope you have enjoyed reading this newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to anyone you think might like to read it. As always, thank you very much for being here.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
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Vectors designed by Freepik and/or Vecteezy
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