A Christmas Book review

 

Fa La La La Faking it by Teri Wilson is a delightful Christmas story.

Adaline Bishop loves to bake. she is also involved with training puppies as therapy dogs. When she visits her grandmother at the Senior center she stops by room 212. There isn't a single decoration in the room. Plus Mr. Martin is cranky, a real grinch.  But she pastes on a smile and tries to bring a little sunshine into the elderly mans day. As much as she tries, he growls at her to leave, 

Jace Martin has returned to Bluebonnet to care for his dying uncle. But when Adaline realizes who Jace is, she burns with fury.  The fifth grade comes marching back to her memory of how Jace had embarrassed her in front of the whole school.

This was a fun read. Enemies to lovers was a slow process with a fake relationship along the way. Jace tries to make up for what had happened years ago. I loved the characters and the puppies. There was  good clean dialogue. A cute entertaining holiday romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received via NetGalley. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Patriot Day

 

In the United States, Sept. 11 has become a day that haunts the nation of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Since the attacks, the day has been called Patriot Day or National Day of Service and Remembrance, and serves as a day to remember those who lost their lives. The day was passed by Congress on Oct. 25, 2001 and was signed into law by then President George. W. Bush. 

May we never forget.

New project

 Something new in the works!

                                       Sew and Tell

                                       NTT

                                      Midweek Makers

                                      Put Your Foot Dow

                                     Finished or not Friday

                                      Design wall Monday

Old becomes new

 Have you ever made a quilt using vintage sheets?

I've seen some really pretty quilts made up and have fallen in love with them.  Take a look at this one -

Anyone Can Quilt 

I found these two pillowcases recently.

Vintage sheets are getting harder and harder to find in our area. Maybe everyone else is falling in love with these soft lovely oldies. My biggest problem is I hate to cut them up!

Have a happy quilting day!

Miles for Smiles

 September is Miles for Pillowcase Smiles . An easy way to put a dent in your fabric stash. The goal this year is 40,000 pillowcases. There are lots of local drop off locations. Won't you help?

When I can't drum up inspiration, I make pillowcases. I know they will be used and maybe bring a smile to a sick child's face. If you need directions or a pattern,  go to Pillowcases. I have a tutorial on my sidebar.

Happy Quilting!

Let's bag it

Making bags can sometimes be challenging. Or they can be fun.

I've only made a few myself but there are lots of patterns online.

Here are a few for you to check out.

Art Girl

Best Fabric Store

Niesz Vintage Home

Sew Can She

Patchwork Posse

Fort Worth Sewing Studio

Noodlehead

Bee in My Bonnet

Noodle Head

American Patchwork and Quilting

Amy Latta Creations

Craftsy 

Have fun and Happy Quilting!

Recovered!

 What a week! No, no sewing going on this past week. I was busy recovering from Covid. It was a rough few days, and it left me feeling weak and tired. But after two weeks of confinement (one week caring for my hubby and then one week for me) I finally broke out and went with my daughter furniture hunting. 

One fun thing that happened was the delivery of my Fat Quarter Shop Sew Sampler box.

I only opened the box but it looks like a fun assortment. I love my Olfa rotary cutters and I look forward to using this one for tight quarters.

Thanks for hanging with me. I hope to get back to sewing and quilting. I need to make a baby quilt in the next couple of weeks. 

So Happy Quilting!

Are you creative?

 

I guess we all want to be creative in some way. Some people seem to have more talent and it just flows out of them. I read a blog post by Kathleen Tracey, Sentimental Quilter, that inspired me. You can read it here - "A Little Something Every Day."  What I loved about this transparent post was how she shared that she always wanted to be creative, but she just would play. She thought that she was not a creative person. A friend opened her eyes when he told her "Of course you're creative. You admire creative people and love creative things so much - you're just scared to try."

Oh wow, how true is that? How many of you are scared to try something? Failure rears it's very ugly head, especially when we seek the approval of others. So what does it mean to try your wings? What will it matter if you try something and it doesn't work?? What if it does work?

When you have something that is floating around in your head, how do you translate it? We are not all artists who can draw and paint and put what is in your head on paper. But yet, sometimes there is a little something that lingers.

Tell me what you think. Are you creative?

Here we go again.

Well, it has happened. My hubby got COVID, and then a week later I got it. We think he picked it up at work. He was totally miserable for a week. I came down with it last Friday. This variant is highly contagious. So I ended up taking care of him for the first 5 days and then he took care of me :-) Same symptoms, fever, cough, body aches, sneezing. It will take some time, but I think we are both on the mend. 

So grab your masks and stay safe.

Yummy Banana Bread

 Years ago a dear friend shared this Banana Bread recipe and it's been a long time favorite with my family.

The cast of characters -

 1 1/2 sticks Butter (melted)

2 cups sugar (cream together with butter)

Add 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well.

Alternate the following:1 1/2

3 cups flour, sifted

1 tsp salt

3 large RIPE bananas, mashed

1 tsp baking soda mixed with 1/4 cup buttermilk

Add 1 tsp vanilla

optional 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Pour into 2 greased and floured loaf pans

Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour or until center is firm and toothpick comes out clean.

This is the yummiest Banana bread I have ever tasted. So very moist. We cut into the first one and freeze the second. But it isn't long before the second one pops out of the freezer.

Enjoy!

                                                    Full Plate Thursday

                                                    Share Your Style

                                                    Saturday Sparks

Five is fine

 My sweet granddaughter turned five. Here she is with the quilt that  I made for her.

She started school this week. So there were a lot of firsts.

                                       Sew and Tell

                                       NTT

                                      Midweek Makers

                                      Put Your Foot Dow

                                     Finished or not Friday

                                      Design wall Monday

Snowman

 My quilting buddies have been working on Snowman table runners.

Aren't they adorable? I passed on this project because I have too much going on right now.  I hope to see these displayed on their Christmas tables.

Quilting day

It was fun to gather at my house to teach three ladies to quilt. Two newbies to sewing.

Starting to put the quilt top together.

And one very special little guest.

                                       Sew and Tell

                                       NTT

                                      Midweek Makers

                                      Put Your Foot Dow

                                     Finished or not Friday

                                      Design wall Monday

July Sew Sampler

 Wow it really did feel like Christmas in July. A wonderful selection.

Three 30's Playtime charm packs, a cute fabric bucket, a mini stash and store, patterns and foundation papers. What a haul!!!

Meddling with Mistletoe

 

Meddling with Mistletoe is a heat warming holiday story. We meet Whitney and Daniel as they come in contact at the Red Door Inn.

Whitney Garett is making pies to raise money for her tuition for culinary school. Just as she has everything prepared, her oven breaks down. She makes a deal with Marie, of the Red Door Inn. If she can use the oven in their kitchen, she will watch Marie's children. Marie agrees, but only if Whitney can make breakfast for her guests. Whiney is surprised, as the Inn is usually closed during the holidays. But she agrees. 

Daniel Franklin is Aretha's nephew. He is coming to PEI to help Aretha with the sale of her antique shop. He meets with Ruby, a representative for the company buying Aretha out. Aretha thinks Ruby and Daniel would make a good couple, as she thinks he is lonely. She strikes a deal with Whitney. If Whitney will help bring them together, Aretha with cover the rest of her tuition for culinary school. Whitney agrees although she doesn't like the matchmaking. She tries, but the more she is with Daniel, the more she likes him. 

This is such a sweet story. The pacing was good, dialogue, interaction between characters. An altogether delightful clean romance. I have read several of Ms Johnsons books, but this one by far is my favorite.

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

Baby quilt

 I am working on a baby quilt for a shower gift. It is for a boy.

Expected to arrive in November.

I'm using Diary of a Quilter pattern Lattice Baby Quilt. I made this pattern for another baby and I loved how it turned out.

AND I had a package arrive yesterday. 

My July sampler from the Fat Quarter Shop. And it is a really good one!

Are you organized?

 My sister in law has the most beautiful (and organized) sewing room.

And I love this quilt that hangs on the back of her sofa.

My sewing room is always in a constant state of chaos! What about you? Do you work in chaos or order? 

Uncondtional love

I met her when I was first married. She was my husband's aunt and what one might call, a real pistol. She was inquisitive, and honest. Boldly honest.

She and her husband never had any children, but as the "great" aunt, she mothered all of  her nieces and nephews. I can hardly remember a time when she did not light up a room she entered.

I lost my Mom when I was still in my twenties. Not having any siblings, it was a time that left me feeling very much alone. None of  my friends had lost parents. Yet here I was, young and newly married, feeling a deep sense of loss in my life.

Five months after my Mom passed away, this aunt lost her own 91 year old mother. Her loss drew us together like a magnet.  Three years later, when her own husband died, she showed her resilience during her time of deep loss. The bond between us grew even more.

What started as visits and spending time together, grew into a deep loving relationship. She became the "adopted" mother to me, and when my children came along, she became their "adopted" grandmother.  She came to every family event. Never failed to send birthday and anniversary cards. We enjoyed going to lunch or just out for ice cream. Shopping excursions became a fun day. At Christmas, my kids would decorate her whole house. For twenty five years, she was a fixture in our lives.

As her health began to fail, it became necessary to move her into an assisted living facility. My children and I helped her downsize from her home to a little apartment. Then came the day when she could no longer live alone. A caregiver was hired to tend to her needs. Visits became more difficult.

When a stoke finally left her with little strength, it broke my heart to see her struggle. Dementia started creeping in. But she never forgot us. Her eyes would light up and a smile would shine on her face whenever we came to visit.

Through all the years, the one thing that radiated within her, was her unconditional love. It wasn't just with our family, she loved and cared for everyone that came within her radar. She took meals to lonely widows, even when she was a widow herself. She visited anyone who was sick. She was a party girl, and loved being included with family and friends. Everyone loved her as much as she loved them. At times she would tell me she didn't think she was very pretty. But in my eyes, she was beautiful. Her smile alone was like a ray of sunshine.

In all the years we shared together, I only heard her speak once of a person who had hurt her. But she never withheld her love.

We don't always seek out close friendships with people older than our peers. But my life has been richer for having experienced this kindred spirit.  I learned so much from her and deeply miss our times together. She will be forever in my heart as an example of sharing unconditional love.

Birthday quilt

 I think the birthday quilt was a hit. 

I also made a pillowcase to compliment the quilt.

We celebrated by singing Happy Birthday and with cupcakes and ice cream. It was a fun day all around for a new 7 year old.

Once upon a time ....

 Do fairy tales come true?? Maybe sometimes they do. I know that in the providence of a loving God, I met a special man who has been the light and love of my life. We've walked together through the good times and the not so good. I've learned that genuine love has no expectations from those who are loved. Love is giving, not getting. That's what happily ever after is all about.

A simple idea

While visiting a friend several years ago I was a guest in her basement apartment. She has it decorated so beautifully. One of the things that stood out to me was how she uses her quilts around her home.

The vintage Singer stand at one time had a top on it.

My friend took the top off and had rods made to fit across the frame. She now uses it as a quilt rack.

Pretty clever huh? A simple idea made into a lovely display area :-)

Almost finished

 Working on a deadline. Birthday for #1 Grandson is this weekend. 

I found this cool panel when we were traveling in Texas two years ago. I wanted to make it for my grandson. Just have the binding to finish. I hope he likes it.

                                       Sew and Tell

                                       NTT

                                      Midweek Makers

                                      Put Your Foot Dow

                                     Finished or not Friday

                                      Design wall Monday

                                      Beauties Pageant 

                                     Off the Wall Friday

Strawberry/Blueberry Truffle

Want a dessert that will keep them coming for more? How about one that adds patriotic look.

My daughter found this Taste of Home recipe and it is certainly a winner.

DD added the blueberries, and it was not only pretty, it was delicious.

I won't copy the recipe for you here but will send  you to the Taste of Home link.

Enjoy!

                                                      Love Your Creativity 

Happy Independence Day

 

Independence Day, July 4th, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence.

Wishing you a Happy 4th!

Class Act

 Back in February I found this heart pattern on the Fat Quarter Shop website.

It turned out ok, but I was just not all that happy with it. The grays just aren't my thing. So I decided to class it up a bit

Now that's much better :-)

                                       Sew and Tell

                                       NTT

                                      Midweek Makers

                                      Put Your Foot Dow

                                     Finished or not Friday

                                      Design wall Monday

                                      Beauties Pageant 

                                     Off the Wall Friday

Before We Were Us

 Before We Were Us is a heartfelt story.

Lauren and Jonah find their way back to love after Lauren has a fall and suffers from a concussion where she loses her memory. She isn't sure she wants to remember because she can't stand the man she is told is her boyfriend. Jonah is struggling living with the way things were before Lauren's accident, which has totally changed everything. Lauren is not the women he knows, being rude and cold towards him. 

The story is in dual time. Before Lauren's fall and concussion and four months after. The book was a slow start but is a nice clean read. 

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

It's here!

 My June Sew Sampler arrived!! I'm telling you it's like getting a Christmas present every month.

This month I received a Honey Bun. I have never worked with a Honey Bun before, so I'll give it a try.

Happy Quilting!

Busy week

 But not quilting!  

I had an opportunity to teach a class of ladies who wanted to learn how to quilt. The only thing was....... none of them had ever sewn before! Only three had acquired sewing machines. A little bit of challenge... yes. But a good challenge. I walked them through what they would need to make a quilt, and about how to use a sewing machine. Their assignment was to go home and practice on their machines.

I did work on this panel using the Sidelights pattern.

I'm hoping to get the top finished this week. And maybe be able to quilt it soon after. I really like this pattern and will use another panel to make a summer themed one.  

                                       Sew and Tell

                                       NTT

                                      Midweek Makers

                                      Put Your Foot Dow

                                     Finished or not Friday

                                      Design wall Monday

                                      Beauties Pageant 

                                     Off the Wall Friday