Puzzled

 Ever since we were kind of home bound with the pandemic, I have been enjoying doing puzzles. 

The round ones are a bit more of a challenge, but just as much fun as a regular shaped one.

What new hobby have you found during the past year?

Lost and Found Faith

 

"There was a kid in his yard."

Lost and Found Faith is the gentle story of a broken man, an insecure woman and a little foster boy. Neil Hamilton, high school History teacher, wasn't good with little kids. Yet he found a little boy in his yard one morning. Having climbed a wall and fallen, Oliver clung to Neil when Maggie came looking for him.

Maggie Byrne had been in foster homes. She knew the pain and heartache that being abandoned left. She was determined to foster Oliver and eventually adopt him. The trouble was, Oliver couldn't seem to bond with Maggie. 

When Neil's wife died, he lost all interest in living. Going day by day, just doing the job. He became known as the "Iceman" at school. When Oliver seemed to connect with Neil, Maggie came up with a plan. She was going to need his help. 

Laurel Blount has woven such a beautiful, tender story. Her characters were well developed and engaging. Her word pictures brought each character to life. It was heartwarming watching Neil grow, learning to love God again.  And in the process, allowed Maggie and Neil to find love.

This was a wonderful story that I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend it. 

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

Finding treasures

We often frequent antique malls whenever we travel. It's fun to dig around and find some hidden treasures.

 I find quilts among the goodies.

And then there is always something creative.

And some fun sewing machines.

This one was my favorite.

It makes me wish these machines could talk :-)

Baby Quilts

 As I was gathering material for backing of the baby quilt, I found two (TWO) more baby quilts that I had started and never finished.

This second one is made from baby flannel, and I'm not sure it will quilt up very well. Any suggestions on how to stabilize it? 

                        Can I get a Whoop Whoop?

Riverbend Gap

 

 

Deputy Sheriff Cooper Robinson comes across an accident. A car is preening on the brink of falling off of a cliff. The problem is there is still a passenger inside. After nearly hitting a deer, Katie Loveland's car swerves out of control and perches on a tree hanging over a cliff. Cooper talks with Katie until help can come, trying to keep her calm. But in the process, he feels something is special about Katie, an instant connection. They are able to share and communicate easily. The problem comes when Cooper tries to return Katie's phone, he finds out that Katie is his brother Gavin's girlfriend.

I loved this story in all kinds of way. It was sweet how Cooper and Katie tried to refuse their feelings for one another. Yet they are constantly being thrown together. Neither one of them wants to hurt Gavin, yet they are magnetically drawn. And in the small town of Riverbend Gap the rumor mill is alive and well.

Riverbend Gap is a clean Christian romance by Denise Hunter. Ms. Hunter is such a skilled story teller, being able to bring her characters to life. She can convey their feelings and deep emotions. You really start pulling for the Katie and Cooper. I loved the dialog between them, all the way to the end. I am looking forward to reading the next book, whether it is Gavin's or sister Avery's story. Riverbend Gap is an exciting place to visit.

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

Welcome to the baby shower

Baby showers can be lots of fun. There is usually food, games, and of course the Mom opening her gifts.

                                

And now gift opening time.

I think she liked it :-)

                                               Friday Favorites

                                                Saturday Sparks

Cleaning your quilt

Have you ever thought about how important it is to share your knowledge of quilt care with the person you give your quilt to?

Case in point. I happen to see a quilt that I made for someone in it's present condition. It was faded and worn, mostly from hard washing. If the quilt had been for a child, I would have expected it to have that kind of treatment. But it was not made for a child.

So here are a few pointers to share when you gift a quilt.

Cleaning your quilt ~

If you see a stain, try to immediately treat with a small amount of mild soap and water. If washing is necessary, wash in the delicate cycle of your washing machine. Wash the quilt by itself and use lots of cold water and a very mild detergent. There are products specific for washing quilts, such as Orvus Quilt soap.  Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to keep colors bright. Rinse in cold water and use the spin cycle to remove excess water. If possible spread a clean sheet and lay your quilt flat on top to dry. Never wring. You can also dry the quilt on low heat in your dryer for a few minutes and finish by air drying,

To store your quilt, fold or roll loosely and wrap in a cotton sheet. It is best to store the quilt in a dark dry place. Never in a plastic container or wrapping. Over time it may damage your quilt.

Quilts are made for years of enjoyment. Whether a throw or a king size bed. Let's help preserve those quilts for years to come.

Happy Quilting!

 

Anniversaries are special

 Celebrating our anniversary today. 

Not one, but two beautiful bouquets. From my sweetie :-)

What is important

 

 (source - Woman's World)

At the end of your life, what will you regret? What will really be important?

Baby Quilt

 Baby quilt in the making.

I used the Charm pack friendly pattern by Amy Smart from Diary of a Quilter.

The pattern is called Baby Lattice Quilt

I didn't have enough charms so I made my own :-)

            Can I get a Whoop Whoop!

GO! Baby

 I haven't used my GO! Baby in a while. But I found that it is a great way to add to a jelly roll when you need more strips. 

I've been working on a patriotic quilt, and needed more strips. So my GO! Baby worked it's magic.

And wa!la! 2 1/2" strips.

Nicely done :-)

Happy 4th

 

"Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12)

The dilemma about Irons

I've been trying to finish a baby quilt for a shower in couple of weeks. And wouldn't you know it, my iron gave out! 

Now I have had this iron for about 5 or 6 years. I have never put water in it, as I always spritz instead.  I ended up making a made dash to Big Box club and found the same iron.

I know there is a lot of discussion about irons. My preference is a Rowenta. I have had two and I loved them. My first one lasted over 15 years. The second one just about that long. But because they have gone up so much in price, and are not available in Big Box clubs anymore, I have gone back to Black and Decker. They used to be sturdy heavy irons that lasted a long long time. But as with everything now-a-days, they don't anymore. This Black and Decker worked just fine for me, until it just didn't work anymore. So I rather spend under $20 and buy one every few years.

Anyone have pros and cons with irons?