Memorial Day

 

Memorial Day is a day celebrated in the US in honor and tribute to the soldiers who have lost their lives to serve and protect our country.

"I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day.

I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did. "

~Benjamin Harrison

 

In memory and honor of those who have fought and died to keep our country free.

May God continue to protect and bless the United States of America!

Wishing you a safe and Happy Memorial Day!

Scraps galore

I came across a blog post (and I'm sorry I can't remember who posted) sharing how she used photo boxes to store her scraps. I liked the idea, and having a couple of boxes I set about to tame to scraps.

Started with one of several baskets full of scraps.

And here they are, sorted into the photo and shoe boxes.

Much better!

I Get By...

 Recently I have been lamenting my lack of mojo with sewing and quilting. It has been a year since I last sat down at my machine. My blogging friend, Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting challenged me. She said if I start, she would start. 

So we have started!

Happy Quilting!

Spring Cleaning

 Finally regularly clean your machine. Sometimes we get in a hurry and forget that our machine has been a little work horse. It's a good habit to clean and check your machine after you have sewn a couple of projects. 

I use this kit that attaches to my vacuum cleaner. It has several different size attachments to get to all the places you need to clean out. 

Take the throat plate out, remove the bobbin, bobbin case and hook race (if you have one). Clean under the feed dogs and around the bobbin area with a small brush. 

Don't forget to add a drop of oil to the hook before returning it to the machine. Check your machines manual regarding any area that might need oiling. Using only a small drop for each spot. 

One final hint. Always unplug your machine when you finish for the day. If for some chance there is a power surge, your machine, especially ones with electronics, will fry.

A surge protector will help, but we had a TV fry from a surge, even with a protector. Unplugging only takes a minute, and can save you a headache and a bundle.

You can easily maintain your sewing machine by yourself, but it is good to have your dealer check it over every couple of years. Your machine is your best friend and will give you years of service if you take the time to care for it properly. 

At Lighthouse Point

 

At Lighthouse Point is the last book in the Three Sisters Island series. After reading Books 1 and 2, I was looking forward to reading Blain's story.

Youngest sister Blaine Grayson returns home to Three Sisters Island after being gone to Paris for two years. Having been trained at Le Cordon Bleu as a chef, she dreams of opening a restaurant on her return home to Three Sisters Island. But things go awry when she returns to find the kitchen she dreamed of has been remodeled by her non cooking sister.  She finds so many changes after being gone for so long, she starts to doubt if she was really supposed to come home.

The story was well written and the characters well developed. Dialogue brought you into the heart of each one, as they struggle to find their place in the family. From Dad Paul, to sisters Cam, Maddie and Blaine. There is also Granddad who shows up after being absent for many years. And the friend of Blaine's who has traveled with her from France.

At Lighthouse Point is a story about the many dynamics of family and how love and faith can lead to reconciliation. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Revell. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thread lightly

 

Thread. Does it really make a difference? When you are having problems with your sewing machine, the first thing to do is change the needle. If you are still experiencing problems, check your thread.

Today there are so many threads to choose from. And quality may make a difference. You may have a machine that is really picky, so finding the right thread is key.

There is polyester, cotton, dual duty, spun polyester, silk..... And within those are different manufacturers. Some have more stray fibers than others. Finding the right thread can save you time and money. 

It is also helpful the be sure to wind your bobbin correctly. Make sure there are no tails hanging from the bobbin when inserted into the case. It can cause the machine to jam and make the upper thread break. Always use a bobbin designed for your machine. Trying to use a generic bobbin can cause damage to the bobbin case.

Needle I say more?

 Another key to maintaining a good running machine is to change your needles. 

I have to admit, I am not very good at doing it. I often go for miles of sewing before I change a needle. It is usually because I just plain forget! But having a proper needle for the type of fabric you are using is important. When the needle is compatible with your fabric and thread, your machine sews smoothly. Having the wrong needle will force the thread through the fabric instead of gliding cleanly through the needle hole. It may cause the thread to break. 

A sharp needle is the best choice when sewing natural woven fabrics. A universal needle has a slight ballpoint and was developed for synthetic polyester fibers. 

Sewing machine maintenance

 Most sewing machine problems can be traced to neglect,  If you sew a lot you may encounter more problems. There are several things you can do to ensure a healthy running machine. A few minutes of attention can help maintain and keep it in good running order.

One thing I have always done for my machines is cover them. 

Living with air conditioning can stir dust in the air. Which can settle on your machine and cause all kinds of problems. With the newer computerized machines dust, lint or even animal hair can settle on your machine. There are ready made plastic covers available, but my sewing machine repair man steered me off of those. So I have made a cover for my machine that I put over it every time I finish sewing.

Another thing to consider is to keep it away from open windows. Not only for the dust factor, but the heat from the sun can discolor your machine, especially if the casing is plastic.

 I sewed on this machine for years. But it was given to me used, and it was already discolored. Probably from age, but it could have been exposed to the sun. We do live in Florida :-)

More next time.....

Once Upon A Royal Summer

 

Enchanting. That's what I thought about Once Upon A Royal Summer. A Hallmark novel, written by Teri Wilson.

Lacey lives her dream job as Princess Sweet Pea at a Florida fairy tale theme park. During one of her tea parties at Ever After Castle she meets a single dad that turns out to be a real Prince. 

Henry, crown prince of Bella-Moritz, takes his young daughter on a trip to Florida to fulfill her birthday wish. Seven year old Rose has had a hard time and appears to still be grieving the loss of her mother. Henry, a widower, plans this trip to the theme park, trying to fit in as normal tourists. 

This story is sweet and funny, with a touch of romance. By the near end of the book, I was rooting for Lacey. All the characters were charming. I have really enjoyed reading the Hallmark books. Terri Wilson has a beautiful way of engaging the reader into her story. I could envision someone like Fiona Gubelmann or Jessy Schram playing Lacey in this Hallmark movie. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Celebrating YOU

 

Each one of us nurtures someone, whether it is a child, a friend, a co-worker, a relative, or any number of people that we come in contact with every day.

May this day be a special encouragement to you by knowing that your labor is not in vain and that you are sowing for a harvest that will multiply for generations to come.

Celebrating YOU!

Forever in My Heart

 

"If there ever comes a day when we can't be together,
keep me in your heart,
I'll stay there forever."
Winne the Pooh

Diana Grace

5/9/53 - 9/26/04

Life with boys

 

Thirty years ago, our last child was born. A boy. Ten years younger than our first born girl, and seven than our middle son.

Having two boys was a challenge for me. I grew up without a father, and having no brothers, was totally clueless about the nature of the male species. So when these little boys came into our family, I had no idea what I was in for.

Things start our small. Like climbing and making mud pies in the sand box.

But before I knew it, things escalated.  

They go from this...

 

 

...to this

My memory serves me when my middle son decided that he would take his Dad's golf clubs and hit a few. His one mean stroke sailed through the air, and went right through my bedroom window. 

Yes, boys. They are a breed of their own. 

 

 

 

But life sure would be dull without them.

pictures courtesy of Pixabay 

Happy Mother's Day to the mother of boys.

Seeking Inspiration

 We have been traveling last week to points north. While my hubby was in meetings, I was able to drive to different places.  One of them was a quilt shop :-)

I have been to Birdhouse Quilts in Warner Robbins Georgia before. They have a lovely shop and the people are very nice.

I really liked the gray, blues and red half square triangles quilt.

I was mainly looking for some inspiration as I really did not need any more fabric. 

Have you found any inspiration lately?