The Fifth Avenue Story Society

Wow! What a compelling story!

Five strangers, brought together by invitation to The Fifth Avenue Story Society. Who sent the invitations? No one seems to know. Yet these five strangers meet and even though the invitation is anonymous, they keep returning to meet every Monday night.

The stories they share, the secrets that are revealed makes this book so interesting. I felt that I was right there, sharing pizza with this little group. Jett, Lexa, Coral, Chuck and Ed, slowly unwind their tales. Their struggles, hopes and dreams. It certainly had me rooting for each one of them.

Rachel Hauck did not disappoint. She is such a  gifted writer. She develops her characters to the fullest, which draws you into their lives. It's a beautiful story, about love and second chances.

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

The Most Inspiring Quilter

Wanda Long of Franklin, Indiana, was the quilter all of us want to be when we grow up. At 88 years old, Wanda was happy to live alone, surrounded by her many quilts and getting out of the house often to volunteer at the food pantry. “My theory is everyone should have a hobby,” she said, “because one of these days you’re not going to be working and you need something to occupy your time.” Watch the video at the link below for your quilting inspiration.

Wanda Long 

https://youtu.be/Y8G8oEi3_CA

Wanda passed away in 2018 at the age of 91.

Winter in Florida

Scrappy cards

There is a tutorial on my sidebar on how to make cards from your scraps.

Here are a couple of fabric cards I have made.

Great for any occasion, but very fun for Valentine's Day.

Happy Quilting!

  Can I get a Whoop Whoop! 

Sweet as Strawberries

Plant City Florida has THE most delicious strawberries, and right now they are plump and sweet. It's a perfect time to make a Strawberry Pie! The original recipe called for "Wild" Strawberry jello, but it's no longer available. So here is my version.

Cast of characters includes -

1 quart Fresh Strawberries
Strawberry Jello (large package)
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup Sugar
1 1/2 cups water

Combine cornstarch, sugar and water. Cook over medium high heat - stirring constantly until thick and bubbly. Stir in 3/4 package Strawberry Jello and remove from heat. Let cool.

In a deep precooked pie shell, layer washed and hulled strawberries. Pour Jello mixture over strawberries making sure all the strawberries are covered. Refrigerate. (I find leaving the berries whole keeps the pie from getting soggy)


Serve with a dollop of Whipped Cream

Enjoy!

 

All About Home
  Share Your Style

Home and Garden Thursday 

  Grace at Home

Tablescape Thursday 
Saturday Sparks 

Good to know

Have you ever bought charm packs only to find that you don't have quite enough to finish your quilt?  Or maybe you just want to make your own charms.

That's when this handy tool comes to the rescue :-)

You can easily cut as many charms as you like.  Cut strips into 5" or 6" and then re-cut the strips to make the charms.

Here is the yardage recipe for a 6" charm pack -

1/4 yard = 8 squares
1 fat quarter = 12 squares
1/2 yard = 24 squares
3/4 yard = 40 squares
1 yard = 56 squares

You can also cut your jelly roll strips.

Very fast and easy.

 

Yardage guide for strips. I always find this information helpful when trying to decide how much fabric to purchase.

Width = Strips Per Yard -

1.5" = 23 strips
2" = 17 strips
2.5" = 13 strips
3" = 11 strips
3.5" = 10 strips
4" = 8 strips
4.5" = 7 strips
5" = 7 strips
5.5" = 6 strips
6" = 5 strips

This method seems to be just as effective as a cutting system.  Plus it doesn't take up storage room when not in use.  I just slide it next to my sewing machine table until I need it again.

Happy Quilting!
 

Antique Quilts

Don't you love the look and feel of antique quilts? They are from a time gone by, yet the stitches remind us of a shared love of quilting.

My sister in law is moving. And she has blessed me with a collection of antique quilts.

This one has ticking for the backing.

And this was the largest one. So pretty and well preserved. 

The only one that was signed.

My SIL also offered me her Quilt Display case.

She said they didn't go with the style of her new home.

Lucky me :-)

Happy Quilting!

Love at Christmas

I started reading Love at Christmas by Anne Greene the day after Christmas. The four novellas are each stand alone stories. Each story has it's share of drama and conflict.

As historical fiction, three of the stories are seated in the 1800's. My favorite, however, was from 1955. "A Williamsburg Christmas" finds Holly in Williamsburg  as a waitress. After disappearing 10 years ago, Trent is back in her life. But building trust proves difficult for Holly, after being hurt so many years ago.

In "A Christmas Belle", Amanda Geoffrey is a mail order bride, but finds one thing that is totally unacceptable with Frank Calloway. 

"Avoiding the Mistletoe", finds widow Olivia Rose accompanying her sister Darcy into the wilds of Seattle, Washington as a mail order bride. But she has no plans of marrying, only wishing to obtain a teaching position in the new territory. Sheriff Stark Macaulay has other plans. He purchased a bride and insists Olivia Rose complete her promise. Their courtship reveals that Stark is gentleman, and  a man of action. Second chances can be sweet.

"The Choice" follows the westward movement to the Oregon Territory. Felicity needs a husband to obtain the free land given by the government. But finding just the right one proves to be a challenge.

These historical romance novellas are each a delightful Christmas story.

 I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.