Needlework Tuesday - LoneStar Quilt Top

 I had such grand plans for sewing this past week, and I got next to nothing accomplished.  Instead, I spent days laying on my sofa due to a miserable cold.  Not fun. Day 6 and I'm finally starting to feel like myself.

I finally managed to finish trimming all my Lone Star blocks. I used some colourful tape to mark the block size.

 The quarter inch tape helped me ensure that I have sufficient seam allowance to keep the points of the stars.

After trimming two sides, I flipped the ruler and trimmed the other two . I took my time and worked on each set of four, taking a break before moving on to the next.  i didn't want to make a mistake. 

 I chose one of the layouts from the pattern.  At this point it is sewn into six rows at are just under 60 inches long.  it still needs one border of the background fabric, and then I'll be ready to quilt it.

Now for something totally different.  Daughter and I have cut up this super cool sea lion fabric for a project for her.  Hope to have some photos for you soon.  This time, she is going to do more of the sewing (my fingers are crossed).

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.

 Mister Linky is waiting below for a link to your current needlework post.

The Travelers by Chris Pavone

Being paid to travel the world should be a dream job, but one small change in the arrangements and it could become a nightmare.  Will Rhodes is a travel writer and enjoys his many overseas assignments with Traveler magazine until he sits with Australian adventure writer Elle Hardwick at a function in France.  From the moment he meets her, until the conclusion of the novel, Will it thrown into a crazy world where he has to question the validity of everything he thought he knew before hand.

This is my kind of action story.  It all seems reasonable, as though Will really could be the fellow working from the next desk.  He does his job well, is likeable and Ifound myself cheering for him to climb out of this deep hole he's found himself in.  Each time I tried to put the book down, I would delay and and bargain for just one more chapter.

The best, and possibly worst thing about this plot, is how close it could be to reality and I'll never know.  After have read and loved Chris Pavone's debut novel The Expats, I knew that I'd be on the edge of my seat with The Travelers.

Also by Chris Pavone:

The Expats

Cover image courtesy Penguin Random House

It's Fireworks season

This past weekend we celebrated Victoria Day with a huge, private fireworks show run by hubby.  Fortunately, one of my friends has a farm to provide the backyard.  I recorded the entire show, but I think three videos is enough to you and idea of what we were thrilled by.

(the sound was removed from one of the videos by YouTube)

 

The Good Neighbors : Book 1 Kin by Holly Black

It's not easy being a teen, and it doesn't help when your parents start acting strange.  Three weeks ago, Rue Silver's mother disappeared and her father has withdrawn, sitting in front of the television for hours on end.  To top it all off, she has started seeing things, or rather beings, that should and can't possibly be there.  Fanciful and possibly magical creatures.

Rue's world has met up with the fairie realm and she has no idea how to deal with it.

When we meet Rue, she is wearing a longish, girlie dress and it lulled me into thinking that she was going to be a weak clingy girl.  She is nothing like that.  She is head strong and determined to find her mom and get her family back together no matter what it takes and who or what she has to overcome.

As with most graphic novels, this is a quick read, but it left me with so many questions that I wanted more right away.

The artwork by Ted Naifeh  is excellent.  His drawings fill in all sorts of details in the story line and emphasize the other worldiness of the fairie beings. His use of black and white had me looking at each panel with equal importance. 

Author Holly Black is well known for her earlier series The Spiderwick Chronicles.

Cover image courtesy Scholastic Books

SYNC Audio for Teens - Week 4

The next pairing of free audiobooks is now available.  For more information about this wonderful program, read my introductory post.  Remember, these are only available till June 1, 2016

Egg & Spoon by Gregory Maguire

I'm excited about this tale set in Tsarist Russia

Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

Needlework Tuesday - Connecting with designers

Sorry I am a day late with this post; it was so gorgeous outside on Tuesday, that I couldn't drag myself indoors.

Are you ever compelled to contact a designer whose pattern you are working with.  I have done this several times and each time have received a lovely and helpful response.  Most recently I contacted Kimberly Einmo.  I am making a quilt using a pattern from her book  Jelly Roll Quilt Magic and my blocks are all too small.  I measured the pieces, I measured my seam allowances, but my blocks are too small.  I checked on her website and read comments about the quilt, nothing mentioned about size.

Finally, I checked on Kimberly's blog for posts regarding that design.  Again, nothing about the block size and no one commented about having any challenges with that particular quilt.  I decided to leave a comment on one of her posts and hope that she would respond.  I didn't want to start trimming my blocks and find out later that I had made a mistake.

Kimberly responded to me in a very short while and wrote a lengthy response.  She explained that when she designed the quilt it worked out perfectly to the size specified in the pattern as did the blocks of her testers.However, since then she has made many of these quilts and taught dozens and classes and realised that most quilters blocks turned out the same size as mine.  She has since edited her pattern to indicate the smaller size.

Oh glory be. I am so relieved to find that my blocks are the correct size.  I now feel so much better and am able to continue with trimming them.  Next week I'll have photos of a block before and after trimming and hopefully even one of the quilt top.

I am so glad that I wrote Kimberly as I would have forever after been concerned that I had done something wrong,  It would have continued to bug me.  Now I know that she is a lovely and considerate woman and I'll feel comfortable using her other patterns and recommending her to other quilters.  She is also a teacher on Craftsy, and if you follow the link from her website, she currently offers a 50% reduction on her class prices.

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.

Now I am curious whether you write letters/emails to designers either to ask a question or to compliment them on their work?

Mister Linky is waiting below for a link to your current needlework post.

Cover image courtesy Kimberly Einmo. 

Smoke by Dan Vyleta

 This book imagines a world similar to ours, but one in which sin is noted by the offender's body emitting smoke.  The greater the sin, the darker and oilier the smoke.  Children are born into sin and smoke almost continuously.

Soon after enrolling at an elite boarding school, Thomas is befriended by Charlie, a future earl, who takes him under his wing and helps him to learn to control his smoke.  The both strive to avoid Julius, the school bully, who has never been seen to emit smoke.

I was fascinated by this storyline.  A visual manifestation of sin.  Soon we learned that it was not so clear cut and that there was more at play.  For instance, how could Julius bully other students, yet not smoke himself.  Were noblemen really that good; they never smoked publicly.

I really enjoyed the first half of the book while it remained focused on the boys.  Once it strayed into the adult realm, the storyline got mired in cloaked discussions of politics, faith and scientific investigations.  I found this confusing, not knowing who sided with whom and whether anyone was looking out for the interests of the general public.  As I reflect back, I still can't decide whether it was that I didn't understand what the adults were up to or that the story had veered from the boys that disappointed me more.

Why did smoke have to be good or evil, it seemed to me that it was simply a fact of life.  Once people with power found a way to make money from it, then it became like any other commodity regardless of the impact that it had on peoples lives and well being.  Even though I wasn't thrilled with the entire book, the idea of smoke has stuck with me and I keep pondering what life would be like if we smoked.

To learn more about author Dan Vyleta, visit his website.

Cover image courtesy DoubleDay Books.  Thanks to DoubleDay Books for providing me with an ebook for review purposes.

SYNC Audio for Teens - Week 3

 

The next pairing of free audiobooks is now available.  For more information about this wonderful program, read my introductory post.  Remember, these are only available till May 25, 2016

 

 100 Sideways Miles by Andrew Smith

 This Boy's Life - A Memoir by Tobias Wolff
Available in Canada, the United States and the Philippines

Needlework Tuesday - Check your skills

Recently, daughter needed and interview outfit. ( oh joy, the kids are growing up)  We found a lovely jacket, blouse and skirt that really reflected her.  One slight problem, the waist of the skirt was way too big.  She has an hour glass figure with a tiny waist.

Before purchasing the skirt, I checked it over carefully and determined that I could take it in.  It's a good thing I had paid attention in home economics and in the various sewing classes I had taken.  Even with my extensive sewing background, I did have a moments hesitation when I had to cut the fabric to enable pressing open a new seam.  we bought the clothing at H&M and I was impressed with the quality of the manufacturing.  The techniques used were superb.

It took me just over an hour to take in the waist a full two inches and no one can tell that I practically took the entire waist band off. She confidently wore her outfit to the interview, though we are still waiting to hear whether she is hired. (the skirt if actually more of a mustard colour)

You might be wondering why I am sharing this on my blog.  I've talked before about playing and practicing your craft, well now I am telling you to learn the skills.  I have often seen and helped people who are making an item and the instant they run into a challenge, they cry out for help.  They would hand me the troublesome item and ask me to fix it.  Instead of watching over my shoulder and learning how to correct what went wrong, they would  walk away and do something else.  Some fixes are easy, such as a twisted stitch in knitting, and others are complex, but they are all fixable if you have the skills.

Back to daughter.  She wants more skirts.  She attended sewing summer camp years ago and knows how to sew, but she needs to build her confidence.  This week I made her another skirt.  It was overwhelming to her to think about  making the entire garment.  Instead, I did the sewing and showed her the various steps.  All that's left to do is for her to do some hand stitching.  Next skirt, she'll do most of the sewing and I'll be watching over her shoulder and giving hints as required.

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.

Mister Linky is waiting below for a link to your current needlework post.

B is for Burglar - Kinsey Millhone #2 by Sue Grafton

It should have been easy, go to Florida, get the sister to sign the papers then return home and collect a a pay cheque.  of course it didn't turn out that way for Kinsey Millhone, Elaine Boldt was no where to be found.  Like a dog with a bone, she wasn't about to let go of this case until she got to the bottom of it.

I didn't expect to enjoy this mystery as much as I did. Kinsey is growing on me.  She's a hands on kind of gal with a wry sense of humor that appeals to me.  She's tenacious, but knows when to take a step back and let her target reveal himself or herself.

This is only the second book in a long series, though I suspect that at least a few of characters will make repeat appearances.  I rather like Rosie, owner of her favourite diner. I can imagine trying to order a meal there and being told by Rosie that she will bring me what I need to be eating, that I don't get any say.

I listened to the audio book as read by Mary Peiffer, 7 hours 42 minutes unabridged. Ms. Peiffer does a good job of reading both the male and female characters.  She really brings out Kinsey's blunt nature and sets a good pace without rushing.

I look forward to reading more of Kinsey's investigations.

Kinsey Millhone Series:

A is for Alibi

Cover image courtesy Books On Tape

SYNC Audiobooks for Teens - Week 2

The next pairing of free audiobooks is now available.  For more information about this wonderful program, read my introductory post.  Remember, these are only available till May 19, 2016.

Free this week:

 Divine Collision by Jim Gash
non-fiction

The Sin Eater's Daughter by Melinda Salisbury
Canada, USA and Mexico only

Needlework Tuesday - What I should be doing vs what I want to be doing

Which should get most of my attention: Digging out dandelions by the millions, or working on the lovely pink and purple strippy quilt?

 

Should I even have to ask this question?

 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.

 Mister Linky is waiting below for a link to either your recent needlework post or a post about your gardening efforts. (or photos of gardens you particularly enjoy)

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

How did Ove, a grumpy Swedish man, become dear to my heart in less than three hundred pages.  I have to mark it down to the brilliance of debut author Fredrik Backman.

When I first started reading this book, I thought the language seemed a bit stilted and unwelcoming, sort of like Ove himself.  I put it down to the author writing his native language and then the translator Henning Koch, himself a Swede, putting his own spin on the words.  After a few pages I grew used to the writing style and started to fall in love with the book and it's unique character.

Ove is a good man, he's worked hard all his life, is  true to his adored wife and diligent in meeting his own exacting standards.  He never got into the habit of cultivating friends as his wife provided all the company and companionship he ever thought he needed. 

His new neighbour Parvaneh didn't know this and wasn't about to be told she couldn't be his friend.  She didn't set out to totally disrupt Ove's life, but that's what happened with her simple neighbourly requests.   I loved watching her little intrusions into his orderly life and plans.  All the little nudges and tweaks resulting in cascade of change.

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book; I have heard so many good reviews and recommendations though nothing specific.  I'm glad I didn't let the awkward beginning scare me away as this was a most rewarding read that I would have been sorry to miss.  I really hope that there are lots of Parvaneh's out there knocking on their neighbour's doors.

Thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for use of the cover image.

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

This book made me mad, it made me cry, it made me want to hug my children and their friends.  This book made me want to say thank-you to those who see beyond the surface to the real person underneath.

Leonard is done, he wants the pain to end, he doesn't want to be here any more.  The emotional abuse he has suffered doesn't show on the outside, but he is hurting all the same.

This book looks at the damage we inflict on each other.  From bullies at school, to parents who are oblivious to the needs of their children.  Just because there aren't any cuts nor blood, it doesn't mean that there isn't hurt and Leonard is definitely hurting.

Forgive me, Leonard Peacock puts the reader inside the head of a boy who is depressed and doesn't know how to cope any longer.  Everything that he did came across as so very real. The bargaining with himself, doing things he thought would punish his mother, saying anything just to get by for another day, another hour, another minute.

The desperation, the cries for help were all there, would anyone notice.  At the same time, he puts up a solid front of being okay, of not showing weakness.  The book also looks at the support network for our children. Kids can reach out to parents, teachers, neighbours, even strangers on the street is they see the slightest glimmer of hope.

From the opening paragraphs I was hooked. I didn't want to put it down.  I listened to the audio book as read by Noah Galvin. unabridged - 6 hours 19 minutes.  It was an excellent choice as there were many times when the tears were flowing and I wouldn't have been able to continue as I couldn't wipe them away fast enough.

Forgive me, Leonard Peacock is a strong story and should be widely read in a group setting.  Parents reading it with their teens need to be open to discussing the situation and educating their family about depression and how to get help.

In Canada, call the Kids Help Line  toll free at 1-800-668-6868

Author Matthew Quick

Cover image courtesy Hachette Audio

SYNC Audiobooks for Teens (an other listeners)

 

It's that wonderful time of year when Sync offers two free audio books each week.  The program lasts for fifteen weeks this spring and summer, meaning 30 free audio books.  Some books may not be available in all regions.

Each Thursday, during the period of the program, a pair of audio books will be made available for one week.  You will need to download the free Overdrive App to access the audiobook files.  I highly recommend that you sign up for weekly email or text alerts so you don't miss any of the titles.  Of course, I would be posting weekly reminders as well and you can follow my blog by email.  The sign up is at the upper left of this page. 

Visit Sync for more details and a list of titles that will be available during the program.

This weeks titles: 

 The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial by Peter Goodchild

A full dramatic reading by L.A. Theatre Works.

Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Katie Coyle

Not available in all areas.

Needlework Tuesday - A looped up Tea Cosy

 It's rarely easy for me to stick with a plan, specially when there are new and interesting things being brought to my attention.  I did resist this past week and start on a project that I had been meaning to get to for over a year.  The balls of cotton kept getting moved around as I searched for other supplies.  Why didn't I just make the project and be done with all that moving.  I sat down one evening and started this tea cosy.  It has a unique stitch and chain pattern, leaving these stringy areas.

 Once the body is all stitched, then you loop the stringy parts through the previous colour and it makes a pretty design.  I followed the instructions and it left and open gap, shown to the left.  Hubby suggested that I twist the first set of stringys and then loop, shown on right. That fixed the gap.

 All of it looped up and waiting for a finishing row at the top to secure the loops.

The cosy was completed with a stylised flower on the top.  I had to add two rows of stitching around the bottom as my tea pot has a tall domed lid.  A few picots on the bottom edge fancy it up a week bit, and I do so like the bright pink.

The pattern is free from Yarnspirations and uses cotton yarn,

I couldn't stop when I was on a roll.  Over the winter I hosted a jelly roll swap with my local guild.  We traded pink, purple and grey strips 2 1/2 inches wide the width of the fabric.   I am using the Lonestar pattern from the book Jelly Roll Quilt Magic by Kimberly Enmo.   The first block went together nicely, though it's a wee bit small.  I haven't trimmed yet and will wait till I piece the other blocks.  Kimberly shows several settings, so no need to put the quarters together at this point.

I'd like to have this one all pieced and possibly quilted in time for my guild's final meeting of the season in early June.  I want to encourage the members to join the sway I am hoping to host in September.  I have something different in mind and I do think they will enjoy themselves.

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'll try and stay focused this week and finish something, but daughter is planning that I'll be sewing her a skirt (even though she knows how to sew and attended summer camp to learn proper techniques....).  When she was tiny, I made lots of clothing for her. As she got older, she got picky and it was harder to find patterns she liked, so I made her quilts instead.  Now she is getting an office job and needs appropriate clothing. It looks like it's going to be an interesting summer to say the least.

Do you sew clothing?

Mister Linky is waiting below.