Free Audiobooks - SYNC Week 3

These books are available May 29 - June 4,2014

CONFESSIONS OF A MURDER SUSPECT by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, Narrated by Emma Galvin (Hachette Audio)






THE MURDER AT THE VICARAGE by Agatha Christie, Narrated by Richard E. Grant (Harper Audio)

Thanks to SYNC for the use of all images.

Tangled Thursday - Circles all Around

 Last week I challenged my friends and readers, to use string 71 to create a tile.  It was the loopiness of it that appealed to me.  I have been travelling the net looking at a lot of Zentangle work and found myself most attracted to the drawings that were more open and spacious.  In this tile I am trying to incorporate that feeling.  (I still need to work on that).  Tangles used: Paradox, Citrus, Puff Border, Intersection, Cactus and Sprockets var. 

 Welcome to Tangled Thursday.  A few of my local and online friends have joined me in an occasional Zentangle challenge.  We'll take turns choosing a theme  and them post our drawings in about 2 weeks time.  All are welcome to join in the fun.  If you are new to Zentangles, then visit the website for a complete explanation and all sorts of online resources.  I'm also a big fan of TanglePatterns.com.

 i was having such fun with this string that I wanted to do it again.  After I pencilled in the string, I then used the pencil to lightly draw a Knightbridge grid across the entire area of the tile.  Staying consistent in the string, I filled alternating squares with various fills.  This is a favourite technique with me.

 I am the Diva, Challenge 169 was to use circles for our string.  I used two different size lids to create my string.  To fill it in, I only used tangles that included a circle.  Diamonds & Pearls, Satellites, Star Map, Sponge, Holding Hands, Eye Balls, Spotty, Hopscotch, Strircles, spinners and Tipple.

I have finished daughter's graduation drawing.  I showed it last week and explained my selection of tangles. I've added Warts and Wobbles at the far right of the rainbow, Intersection instead of a pot of gold, and some additional flowers called Joy.

Did you get a chance to tangle with string 71, Mister Linky is waiting below for a link to your post.

Needlework Tuesday - oh so close...

I have been working diligently on the salmon afghan for my sister and I thought I was finally at the end with all the strips sewn together, but alas, I need to do the outer border.  I'm on the first round and have two more of something called V-stitch.  I'm sure I've done it before, and should be able to pick it up quickly.  I am so looking forward to getting this finished and then packed up and mailed to her.  Not perfect timing with summer approaching, but the evenings can be quite cool at times.  I have several other items to put in the package, though I will have to leave out the chocolate since it might, will definitely melt, and might seep out of it's package.  Oh well, I suppose I could eat it and buy her more later when it's cooler.

Needlework Tuesday is a regular weekly post where I share the progress of my various needlework projects over the past week. I enjoy the encouragement that I receive from my readers and in return visit their blogs and cheer them on with theirs. You are welcome to grab the cute little mouse and create your own Needlework Tuesday post. Leave a comment with a link and I'll be sure to visit with you.

As one project comes to an end, time to start thinking of the next. Over the past few years I have placed a few orders with Elann.  They are a Canadian company with a wonderful selection of high quality wools and yarns.  Their prices are competitive with other online speciality retailers.
Where they excel is their customer service.  They send out regular emails and occasional very special offers.  i don't always read them closely as I don't place too many orders and usually my purchases are below the threshold price.  This time, I was over that magic number and qualified for the special.  I didn't realise this and subsequently didn't add it to my order.  Customer Service Rep Maggie, put my order on hold and sent me an email telling me about the special and asking what colour I wanted.  Wow, the special was three free balls of Ambrosia, 70% alpaca/20% silk/10%cashmere.  about a $40. value for free.

What did I order?  A yarn kit to make the "Color Affection" shawl by Veera at Rain Knitwear Designs.   Shown in the above photo is elann A-Series F01 pure superwash merino wool, four balls of each colour . It feels heavenly.

Daughter wanted "Cabled Bolero" by Norah Gaughan.  We ordered  13  50gram balls of elann A-Series A01 Pure 28 micron Punta Arenas Wool.  Not quite as soft as the above wool though I think it will make a terrific sweater for daughter.  We chose the slightly off white colour and it suits her beautifully.

Finally, the bonus.  Three 50gram balls in this sumptuous brown colour.  I have no plans for it at the moment as it was a surprise.   I hope that you'll visit the Elann site and if you do make a order, say hello to the wonderful Maggie for me.

Over the past while, I have told you about the quilt repair kit I am making for my daughter's voice coach.  It's done (with the exception of the label, waiting for more details).  As a surprise, I put together a practise piece for her.  I took the same motif and with some wee changes to the stem, made a pillow top.  The stem, leaves and the pale pink of the flower are basted on awaiting her practise stitches.  I have included all that she needs to hand quilt it, (minus the thread).  i wanted her to experience the work that her grandmothers did so she could have a complete feel for what they created.  The back of the pillow is included, though she'll have to purchase a pillow form.  I think it will look lovely on top of the quilt on her bed.

Once I finished working with all those lovely 1930's fabrics, I had to use them to make some fabric postcards.  they are so different from my usual fabric choices which made them even more fun to work with.  These are one inch squares on a very stiff fusible.  Next the embroidery with shiny thread.  Hopefully photos next week.

Did you get any stitching this past week or were you in the garden.  I did more weeding and managed to keep my hands clean.  Thanks for all the suggestions last week.  Using plastic gloves to line my fabric ones, and to use the 'Gloves in a Bottle' are ones that I am going to try.  i also need to search for the lava soap that was suggested.  I knew that if I asked, my readers would be able to help.  Thank-you.

Mr. Linky is waiting below for a link to your current needlework project.

Weekend Cooking - A Small Bit of Gardening

 Thankfully, I am a better cook than a gardener.  I have managed to keep several of my asparagus plants alive for 6 or 7 years.  Just enough to cut a few stems every second or third day.  Only two of us enjoy eating it, so I really don't need more.  I like to cut it up and saute it with other vegetables.  Then I can add it with eggs, or tomatoes or however else we are eating that day.

 Beside the asparagus is the rhubard.  It grows a big healthy clump each year.  While I do love the taste, the season often gets away from me and I find I under use it.  Perhaps it's because I have a variety that stays green instead of turning that cheerful red colour.  I just don't find the green very appealing.  My cousin just sent me a link for a rhurbarb strawberry sorbet which I am looking forward to trying.

We are at the very north edge of the growing zone for Redbud trees.  I have two and they seem to love my yard.  They both experienced some damage due to the massive ice storm in December, but they appear to be recovering nicely.

Some years, I can even manage to grow tulips.  Not every year, a few times, they have failed to erupt from the ground. This is the second year for these bulbs. 

Thanks for visiting with me for Weekend Cooking, a meme hosted by Beth Fish Reads.  You are invited to visit with her and leave a link to your current food related post.

Free Audiobooks - SYNC Week 2

 

Remember, these free audio books are only available May 22 - May 28, 2014.

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

 Not available in the UK or British Commonwealth

Oedipus the King by Sophocles

 

thanks to SYNC for the use of all images.

Tangled Thursday - Today, the Journey Begins Challenge.

I am a bit quite a bit late today with my post today.  Honest, I have a good reason.  About two months ago I messed up my knee at fencing, too many deep lunges, and have been going to physio.  Today I was in the midst of  editing my photos for my post and remembered that I wanted to take some recipes and a snack to the one of the staff members at that office.  By the time I was finished, it was time to leave.

The reason I wanted to mention the physio is that i have been working very diligently at doing my exercises and have seen dramatic improvements in the past month.  My knee is so much better that I am almost at the point I can run up stairs.

Believe it or not, my tangling works the same way.  When I don't pick up a pen for a while, I kinda lose the knack and need to do some refreshers.  Whereas, when I draw most every day, it keeps everything fresh in my mind and I can start right in on the good paper. Frequent tangling really does make a difference.  Not that I expect that I will go on a streak and tangle for a specified time every single day without break, but drawing once a week, just before I write this post, is not working for me either. Since I enjoy it, I should be drawing more often and perhaps I'll see results such as those I'm seeing with my physio.

This week's challenge was posed by Tami. (you can view the drawing at her blog) She sent us each the link to an image with the words "Today, the journey begins...".  Like me, she has children finishing school and to further challenges.  I've been working away at mine for a few days and it still needs some additional tangling, but here's what I have so far.

i packed lots of imagery into this drawing.  The footprints, getting larger represent childhood to adulthood.  i used Diva Dance inside as my daughter is something of a diva at time and it really does suit her personality.  In the rainbow, starting at the bottom: AAs' and Chemystry to represent schooling, Moving Day for all the moves she's yet to make in life, Heartrope speaks for it's self, Paris for the travels past and future, Knitting for the various hobbies she will enjoy through her life, Lace Curtains for the various households she'll establish and the homes they will become.  Since a little rain falls in all our lives, I've added Rain as drops (a few more yet to be added). And I have yet to add Warts &Wobble at the top of the rainbow, because we all know that life is full of both  of those.  At the base of the rainbow, no bucket of gold coins, rather I'll be adding Intersection.  a few others might sneak in before I'm finished.  I'll post the finished drawing next week on Thursday.

Welcome to Tangled Thursday.  A few of my local and online friends have joined me in an occasional Zentangle challenge.  We'll take turns choosing a theme  and them post our drawings in about 2 weeks time.  All are welcome to join in the fun.  If you are new to Zentangles, then visit the website for a complete explanation and all sorts of online resources.  I'm also a big fan of TanglePatterns.com.

This week's drawing required a lot of thought and pre-planning.  Finding the right tangles to use took the longest.  There are so many tangles available, but I wanted the right feelings.  Most of them are new to me.  I did use my pencil a few times to draw my arcs and the feet.  I added Rain late in the process as I couldn't figure out how to use it.  It was going to be an arc but that didn't seem right, that would be as though it was raining all the time, I just wanted drops here and there.

I needed to audition for the start of the rainbow, while Auraknot is pretty, it really didn't have a message, while Intersection represents the various crossroads and decisions daughter will have to make yet.

I am also submitting this for the Diva's Weekly Challenge 168.  We are to use Rain any way we chose.  I participated for the first time last week and found it very helpful to view all the other submissions, over 90.

 updated image.  I have added more rain that has fallen through the rainbow and been changed.  I think they are now more open and inviting.  Like one of those gentle rains that sends children outside to dance in the drops.

Here's my question, when you participate in a meme or challenge, do you go and view/visit all the other submissions and do you comment?   I viewed them all and left comments at most of them.  I can't do that every week.  Is there an online meme/challenge protocol?


Tangled Thursday's new challenge is to start with String 71 from Tanglepatterns.com and draw.  Use what ever tangles you wish, and whatever surface works for you.  Have fun and post your drawings on your blog and link back here on Thursday, May 29.

Needlework Tuesday - Dirty FIngers from Gardening

I've come up against a slight dilemma.  I actually want to do some gardening this year, but each time I do, I get dirt  worked into my fingers that doesn't want to scrub out.  While I want to do some weeding and planting, I don't want to transfer any dirt to my needlework projects.  Gardening gloves do help, as does scrubbing with a nail brush, but not quite enough when I need to work with white fabric.  Do you have a method that works for you such that you can enjoy both activities.

For the past few years, my local quilt guild has given blocks to our outgoing president.  This year we are making blue and white blocks.  This is by Judy Martin, called "Modern Star and Pinwheel" and is currently free on her blog.

 Needlework Tuesday is a regular weekly post where I share the progress of my various needlework projects over the past week. I enjoy the encouragement that I receive from my readers and in return visit their blogs and cheer them on with theirs. You are welcome to grab the cute little mouse and create your own Needlework Tuesday post. Leave a comment with a link and I'll be sure to visit with you.

 Recently I shared with you this fabric post card and the similar themed Zentangle drawing.  the quilt that inspired both of these, can be found at this post.   i have almost finished putting together a repair kit for Angela, but she needs a practice piece.  Since she does intend to use this quilt on her bed, I thought that a little toss pillow would be a lovely addition and a great way to practice her applique skills.

 

Have you currently put away your needlework in exchange for gardening time.  I so, what are you growning?  Those who are stitching are invited to visit Mr. Linky below and add a link to your current needlework post.  Either way, I always look forward to and enjoy your comments.

Free Audiobooks from SYNC - Week 1

  It's that time again, when SYNC brings you a summer of free audiobooks specifically for the teen audience, though you don't have to be a teen to listen.  You can sign up at SYNC and they will send you a reminder each week so that you don't miss any of the downloads. Otherwise, you are welcome to visit with me each Thursday for the download links.  Each set of books is only available for one week.  Note: some audiobooks may not be available to listeners in all countries. 

WARP: The Reluctant Assassin by Eoin Colfer

The Time Machine by HG Wells

Tangled Thursday - I am the Diva Challenge 167

This week I thought I would try a challenge from another group.  I am the Diva issues a weekly challenge.  This week she suggested a duotangle using only Wells and Punzel.  I have tried Punzel previously and had some difficulty with it .  What a better thing to be challenged with, than something I find difficult.

Since the tangle Punzel is of a linear nature, I wanted to use strings that had such a feature.   string 94 was my first attempt.  I like the results with the exception of the lines I used for the fill behind Punzel.  They clash with the lines of Wells.

Welcome to Tangled Thursday.  A few of my local and online friends have joined me in an occasional Zentangle challenge.  We'll take turns choosing a theme  and them post our drawings in about 2 weeks time.  All are welcome to join in the fun.  If you are new to Zentangles, then visit the website for a complete explanation and all sorts of online resources.  I'm also a big fan of TanglePatterns.com.

 My second tile uses string 103, which I have previously used and enjoyed.  I started with Punzel and really like the effect, but when I added Wells, it just looks all mushed together.

I cut Punzel out and used a glue stick to affix it to a new tile.

 added a two line aura to give it a bit of a breathing space.

 Finally added Wells. No background filling lines this time .  It still is too crowded and the Punzel gets lost.

Adding colour in a couple of spots does help, but it still is a bit overwhelming.  Oh well, it was a challenge and I have tried some new things and learned a bit more.

Tami, at Just One More Thing, has posted our challenge for next week.  This is a very timely one for those of us with family members readying for a new phase of their life adventure.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

We don't all lead the life we want to or are capable of.  For the past six years, Louisa Clark has been happly working at a small cafe.  When her job ends unexpectedly, she is forced out of her safe, comfortable existence and must find a new position to help support her family.

After a tiring search and several false starts, she settles in as the paid companion for Will Traynor, a recent quadriplegic.

Since the accident that put him in the wheelchair, Will can no longer live he life he envisioned for himself,  he is dependent on others for his every need.  Then the whirlwind, otherwise known as Louisa, cones into his life and upsets everything once again.

I started reading late one evening, and after only 60 pages, I was contemplating pulling an all nighter to finish the remaining 300+ pages.  It was only obligations the next morning that sent me to my bed.

Usually, I finish one book and immediately start another.  This time I haven't been able to. I have been pondering the choices that both Louisa and Will made.  Both had to make some very difficult choices with no right or wrong answers, just what they felt in their heart was the correct course.  It really has me thinking about choices I make every day, both the big and small ones.

I want to talk more about this book, though I feel it will give away too much.  I can say that we each need to consider why and for whom we are making our decisions.  It has to be right for you and not made out of fear or due to pressure from outsiders.

This truly is a story unlike others I have read.   It's not only a love story, but one of life itself.

Thanks to author Jojo Moyes for penning such a wonderful story that kept me captivated from beginning to end.

ps. before you start reading, ensure that your tissue box is close at hand, you'll be needing it frequently.

Also reviewed by:

Tracy at Pen and Paper

Thanks to Penguin Canada for use of the cover image.

Needlework Tuesday - In the Planning Stages

 Today has totally gotten away from me.  I started out with the best of intentions, but it went off track pretty quickly.  It has been unusually hot today,  27C (though it feels like 33C with humidity) and I wanted to go for my walk when it was cooler.  I did get in my walk and it was quite enjoyable.  After that, well, things didn't quite go as planned.

As much as I appreciate spontanaity, I am a planner.  I spend hours planning my needlework projects, I don't want surprises creeping up on my after I've purchased supplies and then spent un-told hours cutting and sewing.  As a result, huge numbers of hours spent planning.

Several years ago I purchased the book One-Block Wonders:One Fabric, One Shape, One-of-a- Kind Quilts by Maxine Rosenthal.  I pulled it off my shelf  at the beginning of May and am ready to start planning that quilt.

Needlework Tuesday is a regular weekly post where I share the progress of my various needlework projects over the past week. I enjoy the encouragement that I receive from my readers and in return visit their blogs and cheer them on with theirs. You are welcome to grab the cute little mouse and create your own Needlework Tuesday post. Leave a comment with a link and I'll be sure to visit with you.

 I have two fabrics that I am considering for this quilt, both of which I have sufficient pattern repeats.

 I posted this same question to my online guild and they are leaning toward the second, larger scale print.  What do you think? Please Leave a comment.

 Have you made one of these quilts?  Please leave a link to the photo in Mr. Linky at the end of this post.

A reader asked me what the difference is between a Stack and Whack Quilt and a One Block Wonder.  

Stack and Whack is a technique attributed to Bethany Reynolds.  Both quilts rely on pattern repeats, any where from six to eight, which are  cut and aligned on top of each other.  After the layers are pinned together, the pattern pieces are cut.   With Bethany's technigue, you add other fabrics to the block, with Maxine's design, you only use your theme fabric. 

Follow this link to see how One Block Wonder blocks were used to cover and armchair.

Not done with the planning.  My long awaited order of silk ribbon for embroidery on my stagnant crazy quilt block has arrived.  the colours ar wonderful.  At the very top is the 4mm white, then 4mm  and at the bottom the 7mm colours.

In the same order was a bundle of squares of silk duponi.  I am so looking forward to mixing these into some crazy quilt work.   These are both from RibbonSmyth.

Regardless of the project you are about to undertake, time spent planning is always time well spent.