Hello, hello, it's Kirsty here from Bonjour Quilts with another weekend newsletter for you.

What I'm Sewing...

I've almost finished my green and low-volume scrap quilt top - very appropriate given The Modern Quilt Guild tells me that today (Nov 4) is International Scrap Sorting Day. Sounds good to me!

I keep my scraps in clear bags in a cupboard, and I love having them pre-sorted and on hand. I'm sure there are a million ways different people define a scrap, but mine all have to be smaller than a fat eighth. Any bigger and they go back into my stash cupboard (also divided into colour piles) to live another day.

Some other cool scrap sorting ideas I've heard of:

• Cutting your scraps down immediately after they're created into standard square sizes. These are then used later to create a simple squares quilt or HSTs.
• Keeping your binding scraps separate for future scrappy bindings
• If space is tight there are lots of clever back-of-door storage devices that make it easy to sort and store your scraps (and other small sewing room items)

And if you're looking for patterns to use your scraps, I have several for you.

My most popular is Scrappy Lattice, which looks great in a single colour family, or with a rainbow:

If your smaller scraps are starting to overrun your cupboards then a Scrap Magnet quilt could be just what you need.

And don't forget the always popular Scrappy Posie baby quilt tutorial, over on the blog.

Last but not least, a fantastic scrap-eating tutorial for when you need a smaller project. This Patchwork Drawstring Bag Tutorial is a great way to put any size scraps to use (and you'll have gift-giving bags ready for the holiday season).

Interesting Links around the Interwebs

While it's Spring here in Australia, I loved reading about the golden carpet created by this 1400 year old tree. Stunning photography, too.

Ooh la la, I love the colourful abstract embroidery pieces by this French artist.

If you're feeling monotone, check out these more neutral pieces with fantastic texture.

​Halloween is over - it's time for the holiday season! I LOVE this PDF pattern for an amazing handsewn, embellished felt tree-topper.

Reader Quilts

I think this is everyone's favourite part of the newsletter! I love seeing the gorgeous quilts you've made from Bonjour Quilts patterns. Keep sending in your photos (just hit reply to this email) or tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

Kerry got right into the scrap sorting mood with this fantastic quilt made up of Scrappy Cross Quilt Blocks. This is a fun tutorial that uses up scrap squares and skinnier pieces.

Mary has sewn not one, but two, Lollies quilts! First up is this beautiful green version:

And next is a lovely combination of 1930s reproduction prints:

I really enjoy watching Sarah's Scrap Magnet quilt blocks as they appear - such a lovely blend of colours!

I've shown this before but it deserves another viewing - this is Joan's beautiful version of the Triangle Trove quilt, in the baby size. Dog included to show scale :)

Always a favourite, here's a When You Wish...baby mat, created by Livy. Such fresh and zinging colours!

And finally here's ​Libby's delightful baby quilt made from the Wildwood Baby Quilt Tutoria​l.

Keep sending those completed Bonjour Quilts creations in - it makes my day to see what you're making. Just hit reply to this email or tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

What's Happening at Chez Bonjour

It's been a busy and dusty week here in the Bonjour household.

We took a perfectly good window:

Knocked it out:

And installed a door.

Lots more light and better access outside. 👌 Now to repaint the trim and get the render fixed on the outside. 🤞

The Cat's Corner

The works above were a trial for the cats who really didn't like the brick saw and pneumatic nail gun. (TBH, neither did I - very loud.) Once it was done and they had the chance to sniff at it all, it was back to business (sleeping) as usual. Here's a selection of poses for your amusement!

Exhausting!!

That's it from me. I hope you're having a wonderful weekend and don't forget to sort some scraps in honour of International Scrap Sorting Day!

Until next time,

Kirsty x