Books, Hooks, Sticks, etc.: 2015

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Oh boy. . . . I almost missed another month

I don't know why I can't find the time to blog on a more regular basis. There have been things that I wanted to say (and show) but getting the computer out and set up and waiting for the modem just doesn't work with the way my life goes.

Well, I have lots to tell. . . . .so I will have to make sure I get those posts up later today (once I get my pictures taken).

So, keep a watch. . . . there will be more posts from me later.

In peace and pieces,

This content was originally posted on the quilt blog Books, Hooks, Sticks, etc. (www.bookshookssticksetc.blogspot.com). If you are reading this on any site other than the original or quilterblogs.com it is WITHOUT my permission and the content has been stolen.

Monday, November 30, 2015

Did not want to miss another month!

I hope Thanksgiving was a good one for anyone that might be reading this post.

Our "turkey day" was uneventful. . . . and, except for the newspaper, it was a "no commerce" day which I am hoping will be the new normal for me.

Black Friday was also a pretty low key event. . . . Mr. Books and I went to Shady Maple Smorgasbord in Pennsylvania for breakfast and then went to Green Dragon Flea Market in Ephrata, PA (it is only open on Fridays).

We were supposed to meet up with some camping buddies but we kept missing each other. . . . but it was a nice day. . . the weather was gorgeous and the crowds were not what they were last year so we actually got to see a lot of the vendors.

I am hoping to have some eye candy for you later in the week. . . . but this post will be boring with no pictures.

Have a great day,

In peace and pieces,

Monday, October 19, 2015

Sewing from Sunday

Mr. Books and I spent most of Sunday home. . . . so between housework and all the ordinary things done when we are home I was able to get some stitching done.

The first two blocks are for a block swap that I have been in since May. . . . each of us picked a color scheme or block design that we wanted.

This is for a gal in Wales that wanted black, white, gray and red.

This is for a gal in Australia that wanted blocks of flowers.

This block is for a lottery type block exchange. Those that signed up were given a piece of the print fabric and the only requirement was that the block had to be a 12" block.

I love the challenge fabric and if I did not have enough stash to fill a quilt shop I would try to find this. I think it would make a great Stack & Whack or 4 Patch Posy type quilt.

Our quilt guild held an all day sew-in at Historic Walnford and there is another link to information here on Saturday. . . . . and I was able to get the rest of the center of a scrappy bargello quilt done. I did not have my camera so I did not get a picture of that yet. . . . but I'm thinking I may wait on taking a picture until I have decided on the borders and get them on.

I have started a new project that is going to be a gift for Mr. Books. . . . but since I have only done 2 seams it didn't seem to be ready for "it's close-up". . . . but pictures will be coming of that as well.

In peace and pieces,

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Teal Mini Swap Blog Hop

Today is my day for the blog hop to talk about this wonderful program that Beth (the designer for EvaPaige Designs) has run for the past three years.

Teal is the color for Ovarian Cancer Awareness. . . .and October is the month.

Beth's program involves a payment for a piece of teal fabric AND a donation towards ovarian cancer research.

The blog posting for this years swap is located on Beth's Quilting Hottie Haven blog if you are interested in getting all of the details so that you can plan on taking part next year.

I have been in 2 of the 3 swaps (I was not able to participate in last years swap) and have been very pleased with the swaps that I have received.

Here is a picture of the swap that I received this year from Regina:

Unfortunately I did not take a picture of the mini quilt that I sent to Regina. . . . I was a little late in mailing it out and I could not locate my camera quickly so I felt it more important to get it mailed.

This is the mug rug that I received in the swap from 2013.

I could not find a picture of the mug rug that I sent out. . . . and checking back through my blog posts it seems that my camera was MIA then too!

Here is the listing of the other members of the blog hop. . . . have fun visiting them!

October 12 - Twelo Quilting and One Quilting Circle
October 13 - Susan Brehm and Books Hooks Sticks Etc (you are here!)
October 14 - Teachpany and Bobbin's Lullaby
October 15 - Splitting Stitches and Purple Leaf Quilts
October 16 - Blue Ribbon Sewing and Quilt Art by Megan

In peace and pieces,

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Secret Sewing that I have been doing. . . . . .

As I have mentioned previously. . . I have done some pattern testing for several people over the past couple of years.

I don't show what I have been doing until I either get the ok from the designer or see that they have posted my pictures of their designs on social media. I do that because I don't want to have any question as to who the designer was or where the pattern came from.

My last pattern testing was done for Eva Paige Designs . I saw that Beth posted pictures from her testers on Facebook yesterday so I am going to show the pictures of my quilt top here:

This first picture is as much of the top as I could get. . . . .Mr. Books was not around to hold the quilt so I put it on our bed. We have a full sized bed so that you get a better idea of how large the quilt is.

This is a picture to show how the borders were handled. The design you see is only on opposite corners. The remaining 2 corners are just the border fabric meeting.

Beth has not yet published the pattern but if you would like a quilt that has a lot of "wow" factor be on the look-out for this one. . . . . since she has not yet settled on a name for the pattern you may just want to stalk her site (link above and here).

If you like reading blogs that take a "slightly skewed" view of situations. . . and that make you laugh out loud. . . you may want to check out Beth's blog Quilting Hottie Haven and be sure to tell her that I sent you over.

There has been other secret sewing going on . . . . but I can't reveal those items just yet so you will have to wait.

Have a wonderful Tuesday,

In peace and pieces,

Monday, June 8, 2015

Santa Sack Sign-Ups are OPEN!!!!!

Do you love to swap?

Do you love Santa?

Can you handle a SIX month commitment?

Do you like to make things?

If so, you need to go see Cheryll and sign up for the 2015 version of the Santa Sack Swap (commonly known as the SSS)

June 1st was the beginning of the sign-ups. . . . and she has extended the deadline for a couple more days so that you can still join in on the fun.

I've participated for a couple of years and have been amazed at the creativity that my partners had.

In peace and pieces,

Wild, Wonderful West Virginia

Last week was spent on vacation in, as the title of this post would imply, West Virginia!

We stayed at a campground in Durbin (about an hour outside of Elkins) and, for the most part, just relaxed.

Before going we were not aware of some things. . . . . and they could have been "biggies" if we were a different type of people.

Thing #1

Cell phone service in the area does not exist.

No, it's not because of the mountains. . . . . . it is because of this:

Green Bank, WV

https://science.nrao.edu/facilities/gbt/

We could see the disk from miles away. . . . . but the actual location is Green Bank, West Virginia. Due to the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) having designated 13,000 square acres around Green Bank as being as close to "radio silence" as possible there are no cell phone towers to be seen.

As Mr. Books is attached to his phone for work 24/7 it was heavenly to have a vacation without getting work related calls all the time.

We did not tour the facility, but we did go through the exhibit hall and the information there was fascinating.

I could definitely recommend a visit if you are in the area. . . . especially if you are science minded.

Thing #2

Durbin is in the middle of "no where" ..... which is a "good thing", except when you are out of milk and it is after 6PM, LOL

It is an hour from Durbin to Elkins, it was about 40 minutes from Durbin to Cass, BUT, the mountains are beautiful and, oh my goodness, the stars have never shone as brightly as they did in the clear sky over our campground.

Please do not get me wrong. . . . we adored the small town of Durbin. Kinder's Market was well stocked with items, and Mr. Books was salivating just looking at the fresh meats that were available. We got to speak with several local shop owners (one of which is a transplanted Jersey girl!) and every one of them were very friendly and helpful.

We definitely would love to go back.

Thing #3

Everyone is very "laid back". Mind you, I do not consider Mr. Books or myself to be "big city" people. . . . . but there was still a bit of culture shock for us.

For instance, we do a lot of RVing. And we are used to paying a deposit when we make reservations to secure our spot. Back in April when I made the reservation for the campground we were at the owner said that a deposit was not necessary.

Since I wasn't used to that poor Mark got several phone calls during April and the end of May to make sure that we still had a spot at the campground.

Here is where the "laid back" comes in. . . . . when we arrived at the campground Mark (and So Be It --his dog) met us outside and walked us into our site. After we got the RV situated on the site we went to the office to make our payment (which is usual). . . .after firming up the last day of our visit Mark quoted a price and said that we could pay him any time before we left at the end of the week!

I have never had that experience before and we told him that we would pay him right then. . . .which he said was "ok, but necessary". That is laid back!

Thing #4

This has nothing at all to do with West Virginia, or any of the towns we visited. . . this has to do with Mr. Books and I. . . . . . we don't know how to relax without falling asleep! LOL

I kid you not. . . . . I packed a UFO to work on, some crochet work that has been hanging around too long, a knitted cowl that is way over due to get done, a book and 2 DVDs to watch (on top of the lap top and iPad).

I did get a couple of rows knitted on the cowl. . . . but basically, I slept. Talk about relaxing!

Must have been all that good mountain air. . . . . . . .

In peace and pieces,

Monday, May 11, 2015

If you are looking for a companion pet

If you are looking for a companion pet please be sure to read this article:

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/why-breeding-dogs-is-a-problem-even-if-the-breeder-is-reputable/

I have two rescues. . . . and will continue to recommend that people go to rescues and shelters instead of buying a pet. The animals you will find there were once cherished pets and they have much love to give.

In peace and pieces,

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Friday Night with Friends is this week!

It seems that the weeks are just flying by. . . . and again it seems that I have not been posting.

However, this Friday is once again Friday Night With Friends over at Stitching Cubby Hole. If you want to join the fun just head over there and sign up.

Last night I sewed some blocks for a display. . . . .since I can't find my USB cord for my camera (AGAIN!) I guess I will have to use Mr. Books' camera.

Hopefully there will be some eye candy here soon.

In peace and pieces,

Thursday, April 23, 2015

A poem for a dog. . . . . .

I did not write this poem (the author's name appears before the poem) but it says what I feel about companion animals, especially dogs:

The following beautiful poem comes from Penny Eims, animal lover and Examiner contributor.

I am a dog. I am a living, breathing animal. I feel pain, joy, love, fear and pleasure.

I am not a thing. If I am hit – I will bruise, I will bleed, I will break. I will feel pain. I am not a thing.

I am a dog. I enjoy playtime, walk time, but more than anything, I enjoy time with my pack – my family – my people. I want nothing more than to be by the side of my human. I want to sleep where you sleep and walk where you walk. I am a dog and I feel love…I crave companionship.

I enjoy the touch of a kind hand and the softness of a good bed. I want to be inside of the home with my family, not stuck on the end of a chain or alone in a kennel or fenced yard for hours on end. I was born to be a companion, not to live a life of solitude.

I get too cold and I get too hot. I experience hunger and thirst. I am a living creature, not a thing.

When you leave, I want to go with you. If I stay behind, I will eagerly await your return. I long for the sound of your voice. I will do most anything to please you. I live to be your treasured companion.

I am a dog. My actions are not dictated by money, greed, or hatred. I do not know prejudice. I live in the moment and am ruled by love and loyalty.

Do not mistake me for a mindless object. I can feel and I can think. I can experience more than physical pain, I can feel fear and joy. I can feel love and confusion. I have emotions. I understand perhaps more than you do. I am able to comprehend the words you speak to me, but you are not always able to understand me.

I am a dog. I am not able to care for myself without your help. If you choose to tie me up and refuse to feed me, I will starve. If you abandon me on a rural road, I will experience fear and loneliness. I will search for you and wonder why I have been left behind. I am not a piece of property to be dumped and forgotten.

If you choose to leave me at a shelter, I will be frightened and bewildered. I will watch for your return with every footfall that approaches my kennel run.

I am a dog – a living, breathing creature. If you choose to take me home, please provide me with the things that I need to keep me healthy and happy.

Provide me with good food, clean water, warm shelter and your love. Do not abandon me. Do not kick me. Do not dump me when your life gets too busy. Make a commitment to me for the entirety of my life, or do not take me home in the first place.

If you desert me, I do not have the means to care for myself. I am at the mercy of the kindness of people – if I fall into the wrong hands, my life will be ruined.

I will experience pain, fear and loneliness. If I wind up in an animal shelter, I have only my eyes to implore someone to save me, and my tail to show you that I am a friend. If that is not good enough, I will die.

I am a dog. I want to give and receive love. I want to live. I am not a thing. I am not a piece of property. Please do not discard me. Please treat me with kindness, love and respect. I promise to repay you with unconditional love for as long as I live.

In peace and pieces,

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Book Review --- Threads of Deceit ---- Publication Date Coming Soon!

Late last year I was asked if I would be interested in doing a review of a "cozy" murder mystery that would be published in April 2015.

Being the avid reader that I am I was more than happy to say "yes".

Since the book was not going to be published for several months I thought that I would wait to do my review until the publication date was closer. . . . . rather than doing the review in November, around the holidays, when attentions would be drawn to other things and perhaps not to reading.

DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation of any kind.

This book is the first in a new series called "Vineyard Quilt Mysteries".

Here is the information that I received from the publisher (Annie's Publishing):

Title: Threads of Deceit
Author: Jan Fields
Page Count: 224

Synopsis:

Starting a new life can be a real killer.

Former antiquities bounty hunter, Julie Ellis, is on the run, trying to stay one stiletto step ahead of her perilous past. She accepts a position as manager of the Quilt Haus Inn in Missouri wine country, thinking it the perfect place to keep a low profile and start on a new, less dangerous career path. It is—until Daniel Franklin walks through the front door and asks for a room. Daniel claims to be a historian overseeing the recovery operation of a famous sunken ship that he believes to be buried, of all places, in a nearby farm field. Though Julie finds the handsome historian’s story odd at best, news of the “treasure ship” spreads like wildfire through the small town of Straussberg, and Julie and her guests are soon caught up in the melee. The discovery of a dead body at the dig site makes it clear that someone else believes in Daniel’s theory too and doesn’t want the ship or its secrets unearthed. Never one to sit on the sidelines, Julie does a little digging around of her own, trying to unravel the mystery. But when frightening things start to happen at the inn, Julie can’t help but wonder … is the killer hiding right under her own roof?

The book was an easy read. . . . . most of my reading is done during my lunch hour at work and I easily covered 30 -35 pages per day. (Yes, I track the number of pages that I read. . . . it's kind of a challenge for myself.)

There are two authors, Mae Fox and Jan Fields, on the cover even though on the press release only Ms. Fields is listed.

I found the title of the series, Vineyard Quilt Mysteries, a little lacking since the "action" does not take place in a vineyard setting; quilting also is not a "main" part of the story.

The characters are interesting. . . .although it takes quite a while to get a good portion of the back story of the main characters. I found that frustrating since there was nothing to endear the characters to me for almost two-thirds of the book. Until then I was left wondering. . .ok, why is this important. . or. . why did that come up.

Once more of the details of the characters came out it made getting into the story much easier.

The ending was a bit expected. . . . . although some of the reasons for the outcome were unexpected.

There is a prologue that, in my opinion, is unnecessary. In fact, while reading the prologue I was put to mind of a completely different time period (Victorian England) instead of the modern day setting of the story. . . . .which was a bit confusing, especially in light of the missing back story for the characters.

Some of the syntax seemed a bit stilted. . . . whether that was caused by the dual authorship or some other reason I am not sure. However, where this occurred it created a section of reading where I found myself having to re-read the section in order to get back into the story.

All in all I enjoyed the book; and I would hope that more of the background of the main characters will come out in the remaining books of the series so that the characters become easier to understand.

DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation of any kind.

If you are interested in the book it can be pre-ordered through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I am sure it is available elsewhere also. Again, I get no compensation from Amazon or Barnes & Noble, I just provide the link for your convenience.

In peace and pieces,

Monday, February 9, 2015

We Support You blog hop. . . . today is my day to post. . . .

I believe the details surrounding this pattern was that Madame Samm designed it as a way to show support for a friend who was undergoing breast cancer treatment. She made a quilt for her friend; but those of us in the blog hop were given the opportunity to do anything that we wanted to.

Lately there has been some medical issues that have come up around me. . . . .a co-worker has been hospitalized for the removal of a brain tumor, a guild member (a breast cancer survivor) had some medical issues lately, and now my mother has a medical situation that will be addressed soon.

Cancer is one of those things that we all seem to be connected by. . . .one of my best friends had undergone breast cancer surgery before we had met, my brother-in-law died in 2013 from colon cancer after battling the illness for four years.

Here is the little wall hanging that I am making:

I've shown it to several friends at a quilt retreat that I was at recently and they all said that I should "bling it up" with beads and sequins and such. Their comments got me thinking and I want to get to the store to get some red and pink beads and such to see if I like the effect.

If it wasn't for their suggestions I would have been starting on the hand quilting of this little piece.

I am also thinking of making another little quilt, in applique and stitching to represent a belly dancer's bra. . . I think it would be a fun piece to make up.

It was an easy pattern to follow ---- and I may try doing the applique version by enlarging the pattern to make the pieces big enough for me to be comfortable (I am not the best person for applique, LOL).

It was wonderful to see the other projects that have resulted from Madame Samm's design talents. . . here is the full schedule so that you can go "back in time" to see what others have come up with.

We Support You Blog Hop Full Schedule

Jan 29^th

Life in The Scrapatch

Living With Purpose

What About Rheema?

Kwilt Krazy

Jan 30^th

Just Let Me Quilt

Stitch and Quilt

how arT you

Living My Dream

Feb 2^nd

Quiltscapes

Made By Me In Red

Ga's House

Sew Incredible Crazy

Feb 3^rd

My Quilting Journey

Creativity Amongst Chaos

Peanut's Patchwork

KaHolly

Feb 4^th

Kris Loves Fabric

Words & Stitches

Jane's Quilting

Tea Time Creations

Feb 5^th

Selina Quilts

Dutchess Crazy & Sane Quilting World

Moose Stash Quilting

Lovelli Quilts

Feb 6^th

I Piece 2 - Mary

Baa's Amazing Adventure

Quilted Delights

The Blended Blog

Feb 9^th

Stitchin By The Lake

Tea Leaf Quilts

Books, Hooks, Sticks, etc (this is where you are now)

Seams To Be Sew

Stitchen' My Life Away

Feb 10^th

^{Creatin' In the Sticks}

^{The Quilting Queen Online}

^{Everyone Deserves A Quilt}

^{The Quilted Cat}

Hill Valley Quilter

Feb 11^th

Buzzing and Bumbling

In Stitches and Seams

All thingz sewn

The Slow Quilter

Crayon Box Quilt Studio

Sew We Quilt

If you would like to have the pattern for your own use you can purchase it directly from Madame Samm for $12.00 via email at madamesamm@me.com.

In peace and pieces,

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Swapping that has been sent

I've taken part in a couple of swaps recently. . . . but due to delays by the USPS I was not able to publish the information until that I knew that the recipients had gotten their gifts.

The first swap was an Initial Heart swap that was hosted by Cheryll:

I sent to Terry in California the following gift:

The pouch with the embroidery is my version of a tutorial offered by Jenny of ELEFANTZ. Her tutorial can be found here.

Another swap that I was involved in was with the Monthly Doll Quilters program. This was the quilt for January. The monthly theme (which is optional) was "A Good Book" and I made the quilt below basted on "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". My partner, Dorian, said that her favorite color was blue. Since my favorite color is yellow it seemed like a perfect plan.

The quilt pattern is my version of a Grecian Key design. . . the yellows and blues all came from my scrap stash. It was fun trying to make all the pieces a different version of each color.

I machine pieced the quilt top and hand quilted it.

I did not take a picture of the back. . . but the label was about 1/2 of the back and I wrote the label with my own handwriting.

I have to take pictures of the items I received in both swaps. . . .but I'll leave that for another posting.

Now I plan on getting back to my sewing machine to work on a pincushion for a swap that I am in through the Quilted Angels Yahoo group.

Once that is done I will be finished with the swaps that I have signed up for. . . .and I think I will take the "extra" time I will have to work on my own projects so that I can get some things done.

In peace and pieces,