By hand or machine?

When I was a new quilter in 1985 I took a quilting class at the local craft store. Back then we were taught how to cut out the pieces with scissors and used cardboard templates. Towards the end of the class, our teacher showed us a tool that looked like a pizza cutter. She told us this was a Rotary Cutter and would speed cutting time. Of course we all laughed and said it could not take the place of scissors! HA!

About that same time, my sister in law took a class at a quilt shop. She learned Eleanor Burns Quilt in A Day pattern for the Log Cabin. She shared with me how quick and easy it was to use this method (using a rotary cutter). And as the saying goes, the rest is history.

I started this quilt around 1986. I purchased 100% cotton fabrics from a quilt shop. My plan was to make a quilt for my then toddler son. We worked on the Log Cabin pattern, and I completed the top. It was my goal to hand quilt this quilt.

So I started working on it, but did not make very speedy progress. Hand quilting took a lot of time. As a matter of fact it was not completed until 2004!

This is one of my favorite quilts and the only one I completely hand quilted. It was fun to work on, and I love how the colors all worked together.

Do you quilt by hand or machine? Or do you send your quilts out to a longarmer?  

Lost and found

 So as I was going through fabric, I came across two orphan blocks that I had made several years ago. They were supposed to be part of a blog hop I participated with a friend. My friend finished her quilt, but my little orphans lay around, just waiting for the day.

So here they are. I thought surely I must have some of that fabric somewhere.

Since organizing my stash I was able to find the background fabric. Which was a huge help.

I did not really want to make 10 more blocks so I was going to go for a table runner.

Easy enough to make one more block.

And enough extra fabric to work out a table runner. Yay!

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National Sewing Machine day

 If there is anything I love to talk about it's my Bernina Virtuosa sewing machine. Since receiving this machine I have enjoyed sewing so much more. 

When I graduated from high school I bought myself a Singer Stylist sewing machine. It was a basic model that I thought would serve me for many years. But after a couple of years it was giving me a lot of trouble. The repair man told me, there was one plastic part that kept breaking. It became a drudgery to sew. Thankfully a dear lady from church gave me her "old" Kenmore when she bought a new machine. I sewed on that machine for miles.

Then Christmas 2004 my dear hubby gifted me with my Bernina. I asked him how he knew to get a Bernina. He said he heard me say one time that Berninas were the best machines. And I have loved it ever since. She doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, just a few fancy stitches. Lately I have noticed that some stitches I used regularly are not working. So I am just hoping this grand lady is not going to bite the dust. I love it too much. And I would never be able to find another one to replace.it.

What about you? Do you have a machine that you love. There are so many fancy machines now, it would be hard to choose.

The Atlas of Untold Stories - a review

 

The Atlas of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold is yet another compelling story. The story concerns three women. Two sisters and their mom, on a trip to literary stops in the heartland of the US.

Chloe Vance decides to take her mom, Edie, on a road trip to all the places of literary significance. Cloe's motive is to ease her mom into her decision to move to Prague to teach art. Chloe's enthusiastic spirit fuels the trip, which includes her "responsible" sister, Lauren. Lauren is hiding the fact that she recently lost her job. But is resolve to watch over her sister and mother.  Chole's love of exploring new places and things kept the pace of the book moving. Her love of the Lord was displayed in her quiet time with God. It was her way of honoring the Lord along every step. 

This was a beautiful story about relationships between mothers, daughters and sisters. And how the relationships can sometimes be complicated. I loved how Chole patiently meets her mother and sister with joy and faith. This is a journey of untold stories that leads to healing and forgiveness. Along the way they find out more about themselves, and each other. Clean, beautifully written with deep characters who settle in your heart as you learn their stories.

I received a complementary copy from Revell and the author.  All opinions are my own.

SOOOO big

 This spring I planted a few tomato plants in my yard. I've never really had a lot of success with vegetable gardening. Usually I get one thing from the plant and then it dies. But this year I have a tomato plant that has exceeded anything I have ever planted before.

This plant is close to 6' tall! And is still producing tomatoes. I had to stake it up because it is so heavy it wants to fall over. I have watched a few YouTubes and the Millennial Gardener has been my go to source. I learned that when you plant in a container, you need to feed it more often. At least twice a month. So I did that. He also said not to let the fruit ripen on the tree. He says if you allow the fruit to ripen, the plant decides it has done its job and dies.  He has a lot of good advice. 

What are you growing this year?

Quilt shop no more :-(

 Finding a quilt shop in our area has become a challenge. Most have closed, owners retiring or just not able to make a living at it anymore. Case in point. Itching to be Stitching is a long arm quilting service, who recently decided to sell of all of her fabric and just do long arming. My quilting buddies and I made the 25 mile trip to see what she had left.

The sweetest Border Collie greeted us.

We did leave there with fabric to add to our stash. There is just nothing to compare to feeling and seeing colors in person. 

The Sands of Sea Blue Beach

 

The Sands of Sea Blue Beach is another compelling story by Rachel Hauck.

Emery Quinn and Caleb Ransom first fell in love as a teenagers when she and her family visited Sea Blue Beach. The trip ended up being the last time for Emery, as her mother passed away shortly after. She vowed to never return, as there were too many painful memories. Until she was offered the job as editor in chief for the small town newspaper.  

Architect Caleb returned to Sea Blue Beach to make a difference with his family and hometown. He never expected to run into Emery, the girl who captured his heart 16 years ago.

This story was about love and second chances. About East vs West, a long time warring rivalry. The love and forgiveness of family. The story was beautifully written with full characters and enchanting dialogue. The banter between Emery and Caleb was perfectly orchestrated. A must read on your TBR list. A good clean story, very engaging. One I could not put down.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

One more done

 Another quilt top done.

I have about 12 tops done. So I think I am going to start quilting them instead of waiting until November. This will give me a jump on finishing them in time for Christmas giving. Last year I only was able to finish ten to give to the ALF. So if I can completely finish these, I can work on more as time allows.

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The process

 Last August I started on a journey with a couple of girls from my church. Teaching them sewing and quilting. It has been a slow process, as they did not have any previous experience with sewing machines. But we made a good start and planned to get back together to finish their quilts.

As it turns out, the week we had planned to sew, a hurricane made a big mess of our area. So we put it off for another time.

Well yesterday we finally were able to gather together and work on their quilts. They are doing such a great job.

They finished piecing and tackled the quilting process with great courage.

We still need one more day to do the finishing touches, but all in all they were great to work with and I look forward to doing another quilt with them.

Have you ever taught someone to quilt? Did someone teach you?

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a truly patriotic holiday which is celebrated on the last Monday in May. It is a day set apart for remembering and honoring those who died while serving in the American Armed Forces.

In 1971 Congress passed a law making Memorial Day a national holiday. Typical Memorial Day celebrations include parades, special programs and speeches. Americans often attend picnics and baseball games, and almost any other type of outdoor event made possible by the freedom these soldiers died to protect. This holiday is the unofficial beginning of summer.


"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,the 23rd President of the United States. 
 

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

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."

John 15:13

3 Yards make me smile

 Recently I was introduced to the 3 Yard quilt books. My quilting buddies and I got together and we worked on a nice pattern. 

Two buddies finished theirs.

But as usual I am still working on mine.

It was a fun and easy pattern. Have you ever made a quilt using the 3 Yard quilting books?

The Atlas of Untold Stories

 Do you remember when I reviewed "The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip." It was by far one of the best contemporary novels I had ever read.  Well now, Sara Brunsvold has an upcoming new book The Atlas of Untold Stories? It's a mother/daughter adventure of faith, family and great books. 

You can pre-order a copy now. I am previewing the book and will soon have a new review for you.

Amazon: https://a.co/d/1C75sFr
Amazon CA: https://tinyurl.com/2nv57zfr

Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/semyafdh

Christianbook.com : https://tinyurl.com/yaueke4h

Books-a-Million: https://tinyurl.com/488yfk5c

Gone, gone, gone

 So sad to see JoAnn's gone. I have shopped JoAnn's even before they became an ETC store. It was not my mail fabric store, but they always had good sales on things like quilting books, needles, thread, etc....

So I went to see if they had anything left. And came away with a little bit of fabric, mostly for backing.

With all the quilt shops closing it will be harder to find affordable fabric for my hobby. So I will continue to sew through my stash, until the end of it :-S

Ongoing progress

 I was given some leftovers scrap trimming from a quilt one of my quilting buddies was working on. 

Nice triangles to put together.

I worked on rearranging them into some sort of pattern.

Then added some sashing and an inner border.

Now I need to find some fabric from my stash for a border as I don't have any of the fabric that was in these pieces. Hoping to make it into a lap quilt for the charity quilts that I am working on.

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Happy Mother's Day

Wishing each of you a Happy Mothers Day, whether you are the nurturer, or have ever been nurtured by a special lady in your life. May this day bring some sweet memory to cherish in your heart.


"Psalm for Mama"
Forgive me for the times I may have hurt you. Hear the song of love in my heart.

I do not remember the times I drank from your breasts, or the times I slept in your arms, or the times you sat beside me as I tossed with fevers.

I do not remember them, but I know those times existed. I have experienced those times with my daughter who will also not remember them.

I now understand things only mothers understand.

And at night, when I bend over and kiss your granddaughter, I sometimes feel your love in the room.

I only hope.... you can feel mine too!
(Terry Helwig)

My Pressed Flower Friend

Today would have been my BFF  birthday.  Diane lost her battle with cancer 20 years ago.  But I still think of her and miss her.  So in memory of Diane, I wanted to share this poem, written by Sherry Morris.

My Pressed Flower Friend

In my book of memories, 

there is a pressed Flower that fills a page,

With a gentle fragrance lingering still,

though it's faded now with age.

The way my Friend smiled and laughed,

The many ways she cared,

Are a legacy that she left behind

In stories I love to share.

So remember the hearts who've touched

your life,

It's what we each are here for.

A pressed Flower gently reminds us

To love and treasure our friendships more.

·.·.,¸¸,.·´¯`·.,¸¸,.·´¯`·.·\o/.(¨`-¦-´¨).\o/·.·´¯`·.,¸¸,.·´¯`·.,¸¸,.·.·

I love you Diane.  Your Fragrance still lingers.

The Light on Horn Island

The Light on Horn Island by Valerie Fraser Luesse is such a delightful story.

Set in Mississippi, Edie Gardener's loss of a beloved friend, sends her home to her grandmother, Punk. The Ten Spots surround her with love and encouragement. The sisters, Sugar, Cookie and Coco are the balm to sooth her grieving heart. With good creole food and the Gulf, Edie sets out to photograph Horn Island. But there is a mystery on the Island. A light that appears at night that no one knows where it comes from.

Cole Donovan was a summer romance that Edie had never forgotten. When she runs into him again, they recreate the teenage romance that had captured her heart. Edie meets a shopkeeper that offers her a job cataloguing photos of Hurricane Camille, she jumps at the chance. A difficult task as she interviews many of the survivors. 

This is a beautifully told Southern story that will touch your heart and stay with you. The characters were deep and well defined and the storyline well written. A good clean story, very engaging. 

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Dinosaurs

 I have always liked this pattern. It's great for featuring fabric. This one is for a little boy on his way overseas with his military family. The dinosaurs are always a favorite with boys.

Cute, huh? I hope he likes it.

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Just Desserts

 Another great Sew Sampler box. This one was for April.

With all the quilt shops and JoAnn's closing, I am enjoying these fun treats every month. 

Thanks Fat Quarter Shop. Check out their website HERE to see the details.

The Voice We Find

 

The Voice We Find by Nicole Deese is a rich story that will capture your heart.

August, Sophie and Gabby are such deeply moving characters. Learning to trust after being wounded, both physically and emotionally, was so skillfully written. The romance between August and Sophie blossoms slowly. The theme of forgiveness, mercy and faith are woven throughout the book. 

This sweet faith focused story touches some issues like hearing loss and fragmented family relationships. Nicole's dialogue, setting and characters are captivating and engaging. I have read Ms. Deese's other books, and like the others, this one is clean and will not disappoint. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary ebook from the publisher through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Charm quilt

 I haven't been feeling good for the last couple of days. A  stomach bug or something. But I was able to lay out another charity quilt.

I had a lot of charm squares, so I started laying them out. I like how this one will look :-)

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Easter Greetings

 

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" She said to him, "Yes Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world." (John 11:25-27)

"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said" (Matt. 28:6)

May the light of the Savior's love shine on you today.

Happy Easter!

Of Silver and Secrets

 

Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep. just like her other novels, is a most delightful story.

Bram and Eva's story is gripping and captivating. Having a history, Eva is reluctant to give Bram a second chance. But the professor has information that may help Eva save the family's estate. 

Ms. Griep story is very well written and captured me from the start.  She is a great story teller. This one is totally engaging and hard to put down. A clean romance with well rounded characters. Mystery and faith that will keep you guessing.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Charity quilt #4

This quilt used the pinwheels that were made from the short cut pattern in the previous post.

Another charity Christmas quilt top done.

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Miss Featherweight

 Miss Featherweight has returned. And she is running better than ever. 

She was repaired from the broken lift lever, cleaned and serviced.  She runs like crazy now, and I am so enjoying sewing with her.

I put her on top of an antique school desk that my hubby found 40 years ago.

If you have one of these gals hanging around your sewing room, you might consider having it serviced. She had not been serviced in years, and what a difference it has made. I'm loving her!

Short cuts

 I like short cuts. That is why I have always loved Eleanor Burns system of Quilt in a Day. So when I saw this method of doing half square triangles I had to give it a try.

Ok, so these are 10" squares. Right sides together. 

Sewn all the way around.

Draw a line from point to point.

In both directions.

Cut on the line in both directions.

And there you have it. Four HST already sewn together.

Which I made into a pinwheel. 

This makes a 13" square.

Yay for short cuts!

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