This month's issue will be brief and breezy because I'm on vacation at the Jersey Shore with my family. I don't have access to all my usual files and my little laptop is pretty cramped to use.

We're staying on Long Beach Island, a long skinny island without any quilt shops. But don't worry, I brought two large totes full of UFOs. For starters, I'll be finishing a photo quilt that someone won in an auction over a year ago. I'm using three breathtaking photographs this couple took of waterfalls in Costa Rica to make a poster-sized quilt. At least I won't be jealous of their vacation while I work, since I'm sitting in a gorgeous rented house just steps from the beach.

I hope that you all are taking the summer seriously, and making time to rest, catch your breath, and finish a few UFOs.

COX QUILT SHOW INDEX DECLINES FOR MAY

I'm not ready to conclude that last month's uptick was a fluke, but my economic indicator based on ten top quilt shops coast-to-coast fell about 4% in May, to 643 from 671.

In any case, it would be hard to reach a general conclusion based on this month's survey, which showed a very wide different in the business fortunes of the 10 quilt shops. One shop, which has reported multiple months of falling sales, reported a 30, while another benefitted from a major quilt show nearby and had a 92, which meant one of the store's best months ever.

Several quilt shops in the Cox Index that also carry sewing machines reported an increase in machine sales after months of flat or falling sales.

LISTEN FOR ME ON NPR

My campaign to insert quilting and quilt topics into the mainstream media whenever possible continues with some success.

Recently, I taped two interviews for a terrific parenting show on NPR called The Parent's Journal with Bobbi Conner. I've been on Bobbi's show many times in the past to discuss my two books on family traditions and managed to talk her into some segments on quilting, which I think is filled with tradition. The first segment, on making baby quilts, will air the week of July 1.

You can listen to a podcast of the show online starting July 1, and since my 5-minute interview airs first, you won't have to wait long. In conjunction with the interview I've gotten permission from the publisher to post directions on my site to the crib quilt in my book The Quilter's Catalog. This is the second (and probably last) of the 12 projects in the book to be posted free on the site.

I recommend the Parent's Journal show to anybody with young children. And I highly recommend the host's excellent book, Unplugged Play. You can listen to my interview by going to Parent's Journal and clicking on the show for July 1.

My second interview for the show, about making quilts with children rather than for children will air in September.

NEW MAGAZINE FOR ART QUILTERS

The debut issue of Art Quilting Studio arrived on news stands this month, a fat, glossy 144-page magazine retailing for a hefty $14.99. The magazine will come out again in December and will switch to quarterly publication in 2010.

Those familiar with other magazines from Stampington & Co. such as Belle Armoire, Artful Blogging and Somerset Studio will recognize the aesthetic look and philosophy of the magazine. Because it's funded mostly from the high cost of subscriptions and single issues, there are few ads other than "house ads" for Stampington magazines, which gives it a kind of lush density of projects. You won't see any traditional quilts but you also won't see any quilts draped over rustic fences. There are many small projects, and many close-ups.

Much of the magazine is filled with reader challenges, so there will be many opportunities for readers of future issues to have their projects published. Some of the challenges included in this first issue that will be continued are "Quilts in a Jar" and Triptyches, while a continuing feature called "Around the Quilting Block" which in this issue meant challenging quilters to look in their purses for inspiration will next ask them to inspect their refrigerators and cars for ideas.

In an interview about Art Quilting Studio, editor-in-chief jenny Doh told me that each issue will include a lengthy artist profile. In the first issue, Denyse Schmidt is featured. I can't say I learned a lot about Denyse that I didn't already know, but the photographs are excellent and plentiful, showcasing some 10 of her original striking quilts. Jenny Doh described the magazine's focus as "passion-filled photographs and compelling narratives" and I must say I found a number of inspiring ideas, tips and techniques in this first issue.

I'm probably a bigger media junkie than most quilters, but for myself, I'll be looking forward to future issues and do think the magazine is worth what it costs. That's all for this month. I'll be back in July with a longer edition and plenty of news.

Quilt on! Meg