Inspire

 There is only one quilt shop left standing in our area. It's a little bit of a drive for me, but they have a wonderful selection and great samples.

Love the inspiration.

Lil Sparklers

 My grandchildren enjoying the sparklers on the 4th of July.

Grandkids ages 10, 9, 8, 6, 5.

America 250 years

 I mentioned before that I wanted to make a quilt celebrating 250 America. After I found fabric at Michaels and a local quilt shop, this is what I ended up making.

It hasn't been quilted yet. And I may still try to work in the bottom section (I ran out of one of the fabrics). But we proudly displayed it on July 4th.

Sew and Tell 

 Finished or not Friday 

 Brag About Your Beauties   

Scrap Happy

Wishing you a Happy 4th

 

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
The Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776

God Bless America.

Falling Into Us

 

Falling Into Us is a sweet clean romance novel by Denise Hunter.

Gabby's mothers dying wish was for Gabby to deliver a letter to her estranged mother. Gabby had never met her grandmother, Rosemary, and was very resentful of how her mother was treated when she found herself pregnant. 

Widower Mason Morrison is a reporter. And a landlord. Gabby rents his cabin for two days to locate her grandmother in North Carolina. Things don't go exactly as planned. Mason wants to help Gabby find her grandmother. A trail that ends up taking weeks. And in that time, a sweet romance starts to bloom.

This book is a heartfelt and emotional story. The characters felt so real. Gabby's issues with trust. Mason's guilty feelings over the death of his wife. Peyton, Mason's daughter, is such a sweet addition, hungry for a woman's touch. The Morrison family welcomes Gabby into the fold, even though they did not really know her. Grandmother Rosemary's cheerfulness in her surrounding. This is definitely a book you will enjoy.

Family, compassion, forgiveness and a romance round out this clean story. As always Denise Hunter is a master at writing well rounded characters. Her stories never disappoint.

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

Where did the year go?

 

It's in the bag

Do you have some wonderful resources for inspiration?? I have been a long time subscriber of American Patchwork & Quilting "all people quilt". I find they offer lots of free patterns and ideas that go beyond their magazine. There is also a community where you can find other quilters from all over the world. The most recent email has some delightful Patriotic Quilt patterns. You can sign up to receive these updates.

I had this wild fabric that was waiting for a great project, and this tote was perfect. The pattern was so easy, although it took me a couple of days to complete it. Only because I changed my mind on the straps and had to rip out what was sewn and audition other fabrics.

This is a great FREE pattern that works up into a really cute little tote.

 Sew and Tell 

 Finished or not Friday 

 Brag About Your Beauties   

Scrap Happy

Where to find fabric?

 Recently I gave all my patriotic fabric to some gals who make quilts for Quilts of Valor. But then I decided I wanted to make something for the 250th America anniversary. But where to find the fabric?

I actually did very well at Michaels. 

We have three Michaels in my driving area. And I went to all three. Found these beautiful blue and red fabrics at a very reasonable price of $3.99 a yard.

While I was there I also picked up these pretty pieces.

Some were even on clearance. Michaels seems to be getting more fabric in stock. They are really nice quality. Maybe not quilt shop but definitely better than Walmart. Most are $3.99 but there were higher end fabrics as well. Lots of batiks. You just can't beat the price. 

Happy Quilting!

Spring tablerunner

 I know that Spring has passed us by. But I wanted to make a spring table runner. I can use it next year. So I started with an idea and worked from there.

No pattern, just figuring it out as I go. I'll get it quilted before next spring ;-)

Sew and Tell 

 Finished or not Friday 

 Brag About Your Beauties   

 Scrap Happy

Decluttering

 I had been collecting Quilt magazines for years. I really don't know why because so many of the patterns were repeat. But do you remember these magazines?

You could travel around the US and visit Quilt shops virtually. 

I don't buy many magazines any more. Although you can get several different patterns for the price of one pattern. But I am trying to declutter and this is one the first things that went to the library and thrift stores. 

How about you? Do you have a stack of magazines or patterns that need to be rehomed? I still have some that I need to go through. You know, in case there is one or two that interest me ;-)

Quickstep

 Here it is. Quickstep quilt top finished. 

It is a Villa Rosa pattern.   I've never made a green quilt before. I think it turned out pretty cute.

I really like these little Villa Rosa quilt patterns. They are fun to make and are only $2 (free shipping).

 Sew and Tell 

 Finished or not Friday 

 Brag About Your Beauties   

 Scrap Happy

Have no worries

 

Relax, throw open the windows of our stuffy little souls and let the cooling breezes of a better world sweep through! What will all our petty worries amount to fifty years from now? Rejoice in the old simplicities which no man can take away—like spring and green woods and mocking-birds. And, better still, rest our souls in the goodness of God and His amazing grace. –V. Havner

Featherweight

 Giving my Featherweight a workout.

Woo-hoo. Getting things done!

Tangy Lemon Blueberry Loaf

 

This is the time of year for delicious blueberries and tangy lemons.  I found this recipe online, and I'm sorry that I did not note the author.  But blueberries and lemons were in my fridge so it was time to try this recipe.

Lemon Blueberry Loaf

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

3 eggs

2 tsp lemon rind

1 cup full fat plain yogurt OR sour cream

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

1.  Stir together first 4 dry ingredients.

2.  In a large mixing bowl, bet together eggs, vanilla, lemon rind, sour cream and oil.

3.  Add dry mixture and mix just until dry ingredients are well incorporated.  Don't over mix.

4.  Gently stir in blueberries.  (I coated mine with a little bit of flour so they would bake evenly in the loaf.

5.  Pour batter into well greased and floured loaf pan.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 50-55 minutes (test doneness with toothpick)

6.  Once baked allow to rest in pan for 10 minutes then remove to cooling rack.

Lemon syrup:

1/3 cup sugar

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1.  Heat together until sugar is dissolved.

2.  Poke warm Lemon Blueberry loaf with small fork and brush lemon syrup over loaf.  Allow to cool completely.

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Stir together and drizzle over cooled loaf.  Allow to set.

This is a great combination. Enjoy!

Off the Cuff

Several years ago I bought this book.

There are several really cute pincushion patterns and lots of creative ideas.

This is the one that caught my attention.

I had this idea if you use men's shirts for making quilt blocks, wouldn't it be cool to cut off the cuffs and make pincushions??

So I bought a mans shirt for $1.00 from the thrift store and gave it a try.


Isn't he cute?? I did not follow the exact directions given in the book, but just did my own thing. And I still think he turned out cute :-) The ears are flower buttons.

How about you? Do you ever go out of your comfort zone? Let's be creative today and make something outside of the box!

Sew and Tell 

 Finished or not Friday 

 Brag About Your Beauties   

Scrap Happy

Patchwork and Quilts

GO! Cutter

I made 5" blocks from fabric I had on hand.

 I like the way this one turned out so I went on and made second one.

This one is more for a baby boy. With my Accuquilt GO! cutter, I am able to cut 5" squares so quickly.

By cutting a 5 1/2" strip, there is very little waste.

Another one in the works!

 Sew and Tell 

 Finished or not Friday 

 Brag About Your Beauties   

Scrap Happy

Patchwork and Quilts

In Memory

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

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.

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!

America 250

 

With America 250th anniversary are you looking for free patriotic patterns? Check out Quilt Inspiration.  Not only does she have free patriotic patterns, she has hundreds of free quilt patterns. Look at her side bar or her quilt pattern archive to find different ones. So many to choose from. She also has quilt tutorials.

Happy quilting!

More travel day inspiration

 

 

A travel stop

You know when you are traveling, and you come reasonably close to Paducah KY, you just need to stop in Hancock's of Paducah to check things out.

Always an inspiration.

A Chance for Kallie Mae

 

A Chance for Kallie Mae by Ann Gabhart is a Christian romance set in the Appalachian Mountains. Living in the mountains in 1911 many adults never learned to read or write. Families held grudges as  bitter feuds fueled enemies. This story was a breath of fresh air.

Kallie Mae Bertram was left to care for her baby sister Emmie, and her brother Whitt when their mother died in childbirth. Kallie has been in love with Quinn Spencer since they were children. But his family was the other part of the grudge. Even though their families were enemies, their feelings for each other only grew. Aunt Sudie was a wonderful character and added so much to the mountain life.  

Ann Gabhart is truly a gifted writer. Her descriptions were well executed and the thoughts of the characters left you feeling like you knew them personally. This is a lovely story, centered around hope, forgiveness, a blooming romance and faith. Faithfully caring for family and sometimes heart breaking sacrifice.  The story is inspired by Cora Wilson Stewart, the woman who founded the adult literacy education program.  She started the Moonlight Schools, where illiterate adults were taught to read and write. Definitely a must read. 

I received a complimentary copy from the author.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Mobile quilting

 Hubby and I were on a trip recently. He insisted that I bring my sewing machine. I had a project that I wanted to work on, so here is the progress.'

The set up

And the progress.

Sew and Tell 

 Finished or not Friday 

  Brag About Your Beauties   

Scrap Happy

Patchwork and Quilts

Happy Mother's Day

 

Her children rise up and call her blessed.

Proverbs 31:28

Mother's Day is a special day. Not everyone is a Mother, but we've all had a Mom in our lives. Whether it was a natural Mother, an adopted one, or just a special woman who came along side to encourage you. My own Mom went to be with the Lord when I was in my 20's, but there have been women who stood in her place. I am thankful for God's mercies to allow me to share special "Mom" time with these women.

If your Mother is still living, be sure to give her a hug. And if your Mother is already gone, find someone who could really use a hug. It could be a relative, a friend, a neighbor, or even an acquaintance. In the Bible we see when Jesus hung on the cross, he gave His own Mother into John's safe keeping (John 19:26-27). I'm sure after Jesus died, Mary needed a hug. And when the Lord returned from the grave, in my heart of hearts, I know He hugged His Mother. Mary probably treasured those moments, just as she did when the shepherds told of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:19).

May the Lord bless each one of you, whether you are a daughter, Mother, Grandmother, sister, niece, friend or neighbor.

Exodus 20:12 ESV “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away. 

~Dinah Craik