Help for the unorganized

I think we all collect a healthy assortment of patterns as we make our way through this quilting adventure. Not only do I have patterns that I've purchased at the LQS, but I have also downloaded patterns from my computer. So what to do with all of these dreams in the making.

This file folder has worked really well to help me keep track of paper patterns.  Of course it is fun to use pretty folders.

Perfect for storing individual patterns.

Another great tool for organizing. I like going vertical as it frees up work space.

I found this storage unit at Target on clearance. It's also handy to carry if you need certain notions for a class.

I try to keep my craft scissors and fabric scissors separated. I use the little green garden tool holder and the jumbo pencil cup.

Whenever I find these magazine organizers at the thrift stores, I swoop them up.  It's a great way to have them organized. These plastic magazine holders can be pretty dirty, but  I can put them in the bottom rack of the dishwasher, and they come out good as new :-)

For years I have cut out patterns from magazines, or downloaded and printed them off of the computer. I like putting them in a clear sleeve and into a notebook which is a wonderful way to store them. Lots of inspiration to take out the notebooks and browse through for creative ideas.

A slotted wooden ruler holder is a great idea, but I really did not have a good place to set one up. So instead I just put a nice long nail (thanks dear hubby) into the wall and hang my acrylic rulers in an out of the way spot. Most rulers have a hole to accommodate such a feat.

So how do you organize?

Christmas! in July?

Yes there is this fun thing that happens in July. We are all craving Christmas! Stores have sales, and quilters make quilts!

Recently, I found some left over charms called Tinsel Time and thought I should use them up and make a mini quilt.

I added a couple of reds to round out the size.

Now I need to decide on a border.

So what do you think? Blue snowflakes or red ornaments?

Can I get a Whoop Whoop?
Finished or Not Friday 

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

A Daring Venture

If you have ever read any of Elizabeth Camden's novels, you know they are filled with authentic historical facts.

A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden is just one of those stories. Ms. Camden's attention to detail, making interesting facts intriguing, is one of her specialties. She highlights women of intelligence during times when women were thought to only be able to cook and have children.

Biochemist Dr. Rosalind Werner has a heart for making fresh drinkable water available to every home. After losing her parents to water borne disease, she made it her goal to finding answers to obtaining safe water.

Nicholas Drake, the newly appointed Commissioner of Water in New York, doesn't want chlorine in his water, which brings about a court battle. How can the scientist team prove the safety of chlorine if they are not allowed to test the process? It stands as amazing that chlorination of municipal water systems are now standard practice in the United States. But the battle that waged, in the early 1900's, was a true one.

I loved this book. I loved Nick and his fierce standards of protecting not only his family, but the entire city. I loved Rosalind's deep dedication, even through her attraction to the man who has become her enemy, she stands by her proven scientific testing. Ms. Camden does an amazing job of bringing her characters to life, in ways that are realistic and full of history.

 Elizabeth Camden's novels are refreshing and clean stories. She has an extraordinary attention to historical detail, yet brings the reality of how people worked and lived in the early part of that century. Watching Nick and Rosalind fall in love made for a delightful story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Babies grow up so quickly

Not a whole lot of sewing going on around here.  I did make a little pillowcase for Jonah for his first birthday. It matches the quilt I made when he was born.

Here's the little guy, all ready for a birthday party.

They grow so fast!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Well...

I'm not really a knitter. I've made several scarves but I've always wanted to make a shawl. I only know the basic knit and purl stitches and I'm not very good at following a pattern. So I tackled this easy shawl with a full skein of yarn. And this is the progress so far.

It's clustered onto circular needles, but I think it will spread nicely. Not sure if I will keep going and make it wider. It can be relaxing to do mindless knitting in the evenings. Anyone else a novice knitter?

It's hard to believe....

... but 45 years ago today, I walked down the aisle and became wife to this man I love.

Through happiness, and heart aches, we have been best friends. We really have grown up together.

The Hope of Azure Springs

Wow, wow, wow! From the opening pages to the end, I was totally caught up with this new novel by Rachel Fordham. The Hope of Azure Springs was masterfully crafted, bringing to life the struggles and loves of a young orphan girl.

Em and her sister Lucy ride the orphan train, seeking a better life after they are left homeless in the big city. But they become separated in different towns. After Em's guardian is shot and killed, her only hope is finding her sister.

Sheriff Caleb Reynolds takes it upon himself to solve the puzzle of Em. He is drawn to Em by his own insecurities. And the tender story envelopes the reader and touches your heart.

With the element of hardship that was common during the 1800's, Rachel Fordham, with her unique writing style, wove a compelling story that kept me turning pages. A beautiful story about a plain girl, rejected by many, finds friendship and love by her kindness and determination. A wonderful book I thoroughly enjoyed.  I would highly recommend it.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Summertime

Wordless Wednesday

Saluting the Red White and Blue

Red, white and blue.  This time of year brings out the patriotic colors.

 

We start off with Memorial Day, then Flag Day and then our American Independence Day.

Do you use these colors only at this time of year?

Do you use quilts to decorate for the different seasons?

 

Can I get a Whoop Whoop?
Finished or Not Friday 

So... yesterday

...was our granddaughter's second birthday.

Isn't she a cutie? She moves so fast it's hard to get a good picture.

She has the prettiest smile and an adorable belly laugh giggle.

She looks so much like my son when he was that age. Curls and all.

Now we have a house full of young people that are passing through Florida. One from New Zealand, three from Australia, one from Mexico and two from Chicago. A truly international visit. So not much sewing or quilting going on  this week. I'll be glad to have a normal week return. But until then...

Happy Quilting!