Please come see me at Stitching With Sherry V on blogspot.
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Sunday, January 2, 2022
Hello again blogging world!
Here we are at the start of 2022. . . and. looking at my blog it seems that I have lost 1 1/2 years!
It's not that I haven't been doing anything. . . .but getting downsized out of a job in March 2020, Covid forced hibernation, looking for a new job after 28 years, and starting a new position with a killer commute had whipped me to a point where I just could not bring myself to blog.
However, I am hoping that I can get back into the swing of things (hope Blogger hasn't changed too much) where I can start posting at least once a week.
I started working two mystery quilts yesterday. . . . need to get them finished so that I will have something to show here next week.
Until then,
Sherry
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.
Friday, July 17, 2020
So it has been six months, eh.....
I can't believe that it has been three six months since I last posted here. Time flies when you are on lockdown!
I have not been idle.......I was working in February and most of March. Then, through no fault of ours, our entire department was laid off, right about the time that the lockdown in NJ was happening.
It was not a total shock, the business world is changing and companies need to make decisions based on business. I took it as a sign that I have another adventure waiting for me on the other side of this Corona virus situation.
Once I was able to "practice retirement" I started working on projects that were UFOs for quite a while.
In this picture there is a scrap yarn ripple lap throw, a beige and yellow shawl and two black totes.
This is a block that I have decided to do from a rather old issue of Traditional Quiltworks. I tried to research it and I think it is from 1998. The only solids will be the red and blue in the center. Everything else will come from my scrap basket and be a print.
I also am a participant in The Violet Protest . I made five blocks in a checkerboard fashion in red and blue fabrics. My blocks have been received, but due to the virus the art installation has been delayed.
I have completed more items...but I will save those for the next post. I am hoping that it won’t take another six months!
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
I have not been idle.......I was working in February and most of March. Then, through no fault of ours, our entire department was laid off, right about the time that the lockdown in NJ was happening.
It was not a total shock, the business world is changing and companies need to make decisions based on business. I took it as a sign that I have another adventure waiting for me on the other side of this Corona virus situation.
Once I was able to "practice retirement" I started working on projects that were UFOs for quite a while.
In this picture there is a scrap yarn ripple lap throw, a beige and yellow shawl and two black totes.
This is a block that I have decided to do from a rather old issue of Traditional Quiltworks. I tried to research it and I think it is from 1998. The only solids will be the red and blue in the center. Everything else will come from my scrap basket and be a print.
I am still doing pattern testing. This is a small quilt design that I recently completed for Patterns by Jen.
I also am a participant in The Violet Protest . I made five blocks in a checkerboard fashion in red and blue fabrics. My blocks have been received, but due to the virus the art installation has been delayed.
I have completed more items...but I will save those for the next post. I am hoping that it won’t take another six months!
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Well, January was a bust, sort of. . . . .
So, here goes, I did NOTHING on my January OMG project, you remember, the crocheted tote bag. . . .
BUT, I did get quite a bit of sewing done in January. As well as a bit of downsizing from my craft supplies.
I completed a pattern test quilt top. . . but I can't show that yet since the pattern has not yet been released. It is from Patterns by Jen and I hope to be able to show it shortly.
I am working on sewing up from my scrap basket. . . I am doing framed squares, Square Dance blocks, and another block that uses up rectangles of fabric. . . .and have been creating quite a nice number of quilt blocks. Pictures to follow.
Our local Goodwill store was the recipient of FIVE copy paper boxes of quilt, crochet, cross stitch and knitting books that I have been trying to find good homes for. . . but I did not have any takers. . . so they have been set free for others to find. (I wish I had thought to get a picture, but they are gone now & so is that chance.)
The sad part. . . .that hardly put a dent in the amount of books & magazines that I still have to go through as part of my downsizing exercise!
So, my January OMG goal was a bust. . . . but I was not idle and that, I believe, is the important thing.
I hope to have better luck next month!
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
BUT, I did get quite a bit of sewing done in January. As well as a bit of downsizing from my craft supplies.
I completed a pattern test quilt top. . . but I can't show that yet since the pattern has not yet been released. It is from Patterns by Jen and I hope to be able to show it shortly.
I am working on sewing up from my scrap basket. . . I am doing framed squares, Square Dance blocks, and another block that uses up rectangles of fabric. . . .and have been creating quite a nice number of quilt blocks. Pictures to follow.
Our local Goodwill store was the recipient of FIVE copy paper boxes of quilt, crochet, cross stitch and knitting books that I have been trying to find good homes for. . . but I did not have any takers. . . so they have been set free for others to find. (I wish I had thought to get a picture, but they are gone now & so is that chance.)
The sad part. . . .that hardly put a dent in the amount of books & magazines that I still have to go through as part of my downsizing exercise!
So, my January OMG goal was a bust. . . . but I was not idle and that, I believe, is the important thing.
I hope to have better luck next month!
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
Thursday, January 2, 2020
January One Monthly Goal
Patty, over at Elm Street Quilts is once again hosting the One Monthly Goal program so that we can work towards clearing out our creative endeavors one project at a time.
The sign-ups are only open for a short period of time. . . . so be sure to go HERE to sign up.
I actually have 2 goals to work towards this month. . . . but since one is secret sewing I can't show that. . . at least not yet.
So, the January goal that I can show now is this:
Now, I know that that don't swatch my projects. . . .but the 4 skeins of yarn that they provided in the kit is no where near the amount that I will need to complete this project.
You might notice a different yarn in the first picture. . . . I picked up some yarn at Michael's that I thought would work. . . .but it is way too soft of a yarn to use. So I purchased more yarn from Bluprint so that I can complete the basket.
It will be pretty big when I am done with it. . . .and I am not quite sure what I will use it for, but I am liking it.
Hopefully by the end of the month I will be able to show the secret sewing so that there will be 2 projects completed.
Linking up with Elm Street Quilts.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
The sign-ups are only open for a short period of time. . . . so be sure to go HERE to sign up.
I actually have 2 goals to work towards this month. . . . but since one is secret sewing I can't show that. . . at least not yet.
So, the January goal that I can show now is this:
This is the beginning of a storage tote. It was a kit that I purchased from Craftsy/Bluprint. Here is a picture of the project:
Now, I know that that don't swatch my projects. . . .but the 4 skeins of yarn that they provided in the kit is no where near the amount that I will need to complete this project.
You might notice a different yarn in the first picture. . . . I picked up some yarn at Michael's that I thought would work. . . .but it is way too soft of a yarn to use. So I purchased more yarn from Bluprint so that I can complete the basket.
It will be pretty big when I am done with it. . . .and I am not quite sure what I will use it for, but I am liking it.
Hopefully by the end of the month I will be able to show the secret sewing so that there will be 2 projects completed.
Linking up with Elm Street Quilts.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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, December 30, 2019
Thoughts on the approaching year. . . . .
Well, it seems like just yesterday when we were welcoming in 2019. . . .but here is 2020 knocking on our doors.
I do not think that I am alone in wondering where this year has gone.
The past year was not a great one for me. . . there were so many "want to do's" that ended up not being done; so many "great ideas" that fell by the wayside; and things that just did not get thought about past the brainstorming session that they occurred in.
But, since blog posts are boring without pictures here is this years picture of our pup:
Mr. Books took her to PetSmart when I was sick so that we would not miss the yearly tradition.
I know that I accomplished things. . . I participated in the Hands 2 Help Challenge and I did get other sewing done. . . .but it just does not feel like I really did anything.
So, in hopes that the "reckoning" at the end of 2020 is a little more organized my plans are as follows:
A. Keep better track of the amount of time I spend in the sewing room.
I know that I cannot keep up with trying to track the amount of fabric I have used (been there, tried that), but I should be able to keep better track of the number of quilt blocks that I make. So that will be one goal.
B. Keep better track of the quilts that I complete.
I want to actually complete quilts. . . .not just make tops. This should be something that I can do relatively easily. Once the quilting, binding and labeling is done I can document it.
C. Try to maintain focus on my word of the year.
I have tried to do this for the past several years, but it has never "stuck" with me.
However, I have hope that this year will be different. . . .because there is a real push for Mr. Books and I do downsize our possessions.
So, based on that here is my:
Word of the Year: REDUCE
And by REDUCE I do not just mean to get rid of stuff that I don't enjoy, use or want. . . I mean to reduce the stress that is in my life, reduce the negativity that seeps in from outside sources (yup, I can't stand the news these days), reduce the wasted time of blindly watching television (but I can multi-task during favorite shows), and reduce the amount of wasted time on social media.
Heck, just by getting off of Facebook and games I should be able to get a lot of sewing done!
No major, earth shattering resolutions (that don't get kept anyway) but just some gentle reminders that we are only here for a limited time. . . . and I would rather be having fun while I am here.
Happy early New Year!
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
I do not think that I am alone in wondering where this year has gone.
The past year was not a great one for me. . . there were so many "want to do's" that ended up not being done; so many "great ideas" that fell by the wayside; and things that just did not get thought about past the brainstorming session that they occurred in.
But, since blog posts are boring without pictures here is this years picture of our pup:
Mr. Books took her to PetSmart when I was sick so that we would not miss the yearly tradition.
I know that I accomplished things. . . I participated in the Hands 2 Help Challenge and I did get other sewing done. . . .but it just does not feel like I really did anything.
So, in hopes that the "reckoning" at the end of 2020 is a little more organized my plans are as follows:
A. Keep better track of the amount of time I spend in the sewing room.
I know that I cannot keep up with trying to track the amount of fabric I have used (been there, tried that), but I should be able to keep better track of the number of quilt blocks that I make. So that will be one goal.
B. Keep better track of the quilts that I complete.
I want to actually complete quilts. . . .not just make tops. This should be something that I can do relatively easily. Once the quilting, binding and labeling is done I can document it.
C. Try to maintain focus on my word of the year.
I have tried to do this for the past several years, but it has never "stuck" with me.
However, I have hope that this year will be different. . . .because there is a real push for Mr. Books and I do downsize our possessions.
So, based on that here is my:
Word of the Year: REDUCE
And by REDUCE I do not just mean to get rid of stuff that I don't enjoy, use or want. . . I mean to reduce the stress that is in my life, reduce the negativity that seeps in from outside sources (yup, I can't stand the news these days), reduce the wasted time of blindly watching television (but I can multi-task during favorite shows), and reduce the amount of wasted time on social media.
Heck, just by getting off of Facebook and games I should be able to get a lot of sewing done!
No major, earth shattering resolutions (that don't get kept anyway) but just some gentle reminders that we are only here for a limited time. . . . and I would rather be having fun while I am here.
Happy early New Year!
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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, December 9, 2019
Let's talk about a busy quilt
One of my goals is to try to get some of the kits, UFO's, WIPs, etc. done.
So, even though I have half done projects all over the place I pulled out a kit that I bought and decided to work on it.
Here is the quilt top as completed in the kit:
This was a kit that I purchased from Craftsy (before Bluprint took over.) The fabrics are by Lily and Loom. I don't know how long I have had the kit so I am not sure if the fabrics are current, or even still available.
The colors are very pretty. . . . but this is just a very busy quilt. Based on the instructions in the kit there is no border. . . . but both Mr. Books and I think that a border is needed to try to "contain" the quilt. I'm thinking a dark gold might be good. . . but then perhaps a smaller border of gold and a larger border of a raspberry color might be good.
I will have to figure out the measurements and see if I want to purchase more fabric or hold off until I can start going through the fabric boxes in the basement to see if I can find something that will work.
The directions in the kit were very good. . . .there was a lot of cutting in the beginning but then it was "all sewing, all the time" until the quilt top was completed.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
So, even though I have half done projects all over the place I pulled out a kit that I bought and decided to work on it.
Here is the quilt top as completed in the kit:
The colors are very pretty. . . . but this is just a very busy quilt. Based on the instructions in the kit there is no border. . . . but both Mr. Books and I think that a border is needed to try to "contain" the quilt. I'm thinking a dark gold might be good. . . but then perhaps a smaller border of gold and a larger border of a raspberry color might be good.
I will have to figure out the measurements and see if I want to purchase more fabric or hold off until I can start going through the fabric boxes in the basement to see if I can find something that will work.
The directions in the kit were very good. . . .there was a lot of cutting in the beginning but then it was "all sewing, all the time" until the quilt top was completed.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Crocheted charity donation
Well, I don't know if anyone is still checking on my blog to see if I've posted; but since I like having this space as a place for me to show what I have been doing I am back.
This is a crocheted afghan that I had been working on over time. One of the Facebook groups that I belong to is collecting comfort items for use by one of the members police department when they get calls that involve young kids.
I sent this afghan out since it was not destined to be used for any other purpose.
It is a pattern of baby layette patterns. If memory serves there was this one in crochet and another in knit.
I have made the entire layette set a couple of times. . . .but have done the afghan many more times. . . except for having to be careful with the counting it is a very easy piece to make.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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, October 21, 2019
I am still here. . . . .
Wow! I cannot believe that I have not posted since June.
No excuses, except that I have been busy and really did not have all that much to talk about.
Well, I have "stuff" to talk about. . . . but it doesn't seem to be interesting enough to post out "into the world". . . . . .
I have fallen off most of my good intentions (like Christmas gifts, staying up to date on swaps, and downsizing the stuff in my life).
As soon as I have something interesting to post about, or just feel the need to check in again, I'll be back.
I have done quite a bit of reading so far this year. . . .check out the "Books Read" tab to see what I have picked up from the library.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
No excuses, except that I have been busy and really did not have all that much to talk about.
Well, I have "stuff" to talk about. . . . but it doesn't seem to be interesting enough to post out "into the world". . . . . .
I have fallen off most of my good intentions (like Christmas gifts, staying up to date on swaps, and downsizing the stuff in my life).
As soon as I have something interesting to post about, or just feel the need to check in again, I'll be back.
I have done quite a bit of reading so far this year. . . .check out the "Books Read" tab to see what I have picked up from the library.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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, June 24, 2019
I've dumped Ravelry
I am a political animal. I love politics, just hate politicians.
However, I do not try to ram my ideas, or ideals down anyone's throat.
Nor do I demand that they agree with me all the time. In fact, some of my opinions and stands have changed due to solid, intelligent discussions with people that have different views than I did.
That is the adult way to learn, grow and co-exist with others.
However, there are groups out there that seem to feel that everything is political and that their views are the only views that matter.
That is fine for them. . . . but that does not work for me.
Goodbye Ravelry. . . .sorry that you could not be inclusive of all views.
Comments have been turned off because. . . . well, it is my blog and I can do what I want.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
However, I do not try to ram my ideas, or ideals down anyone's throat.
Nor do I demand that they agree with me all the time. In fact, some of my opinions and stands have changed due to solid, intelligent discussions with people that have different views than I did.
That is the adult way to learn, grow and co-exist with others.
However, there are groups out there that seem to feel that everything is political and that their views are the only views that matter.
That is fine for them. . . . but that does not work for me.
Goodbye Ravelry. . . .sorry that you could not be inclusive of all views.
Comments have been turned off because. . . . well, it is my blog and I can do what I want.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Mid-year course correction
Here we are at the mid-point of the year and, as sometimes happens, changes need to be made.
I had wanted to concentrate on getting UFO's, WIP's and the like completed so that I could get on with other projects without the nagging guilt of all the unfinished items I was neglecting.
And I did pretty well with that.
But then, life happened.
Our gas meter, located in the basement, needs to be replaced. Which means that all of the boxes, bags & totes that I had in that area needed to be moved.
The only place to move them was around the quilting machine.
So, at this point, my long arm is out of commission.
Moving all that stuff revealed that I really have a problem. . . . .with books, pamphlets, magazines and loose paper:
That is a five shelf book case that was in the house when I bought it. So far I have cleared out an untold amount of magazines and loose papers from it.
Now I have to work on the books.
There are quilt books, crochet books, embroidery books, counted cross stitch books, etc. Any craft you might want to know about is probably there in that mess.
The boxes and totes that you see contain projects, fabric, sewing tools, etc. The wooden cabinet contains patterns, fabric, blocks, and sundry other items.
Since I need to keep that area open for the gas meter guy I am now going to focus on clearing out the books that I do not want. They are all in very good condition. . . .and many are out of print and hard to find.
My thought is to sell as much as I can and then decide what to do with the rest.
As for the fabric, I plan on getting it folded uniformly and pulling out the smaller pieces and start using my Accuquilt to get uniform sizes for scrap quilts.
The other area that I need to work on is this:
This cabinet was purchased from the same family that we got the cabinet in the first picture from.
It holds quite a collection of things:
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
I had wanted to concentrate on getting UFO's, WIP's and the like completed so that I could get on with other projects without the nagging guilt of all the unfinished items I was neglecting.
And I did pretty well with that.
But then, life happened.
Our gas meter, located in the basement, needs to be replaced. Which means that all of the boxes, bags & totes that I had in that area needed to be moved.
The only place to move them was around the quilting machine.
So, at this point, my long arm is out of commission.
Moving all that stuff revealed that I really have a problem. . . . .with books, pamphlets, magazines and loose paper:
That is a five shelf book case that was in the house when I bought it. So far I have cleared out an untold amount of magazines and loose papers from it.
Now I have to work on the books.
There are quilt books, crochet books, embroidery books, counted cross stitch books, etc. Any craft you might want to know about is probably there in that mess.
The boxes and totes that you see contain projects, fabric, sewing tools, etc. The wooden cabinet contains patterns, fabric, blocks, and sundry other items.
Since I need to keep that area open for the gas meter guy I am now going to focus on clearing out the books that I do not want. They are all in very good condition. . . .and many are out of print and hard to find.
My thought is to sell as much as I can and then decide what to do with the rest.
As for the fabric, I plan on getting it folded uniformly and pulling out the smaller pieces and start using my Accuquilt to get uniform sizes for scrap quilts.
The other area that I need to work on is this:
It holds quite a collection of things:
Thread and knitting needles
Yarn, crochet thread, pencils, leftover pieces of bindings
More yarn, a finishing kit for one of my UFO's.
I think the last two cabinet sections hold smaller bags of batting that have not yet been used.
Once I get through the bookshelf and the totes and all clearing this cabinet will be my next endeavor.
There is no way that I can use all of this stuff if I don't know what I have. . . . and if I am not interested in it anymore there is no reason to keep it.
Wish me luck!
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Are you up for a swap with a quick turn around?
Cheryll is hosting a swap, Christmas in July. You can find the details HERE.
She is an excellent swap hostess. . . I have been in several of her previous swaps and was very happy with them.
As she says on her announcement of the swap, the more the merrier, and the rules are not that daunting.
I hope that you will join us. . . . .
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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, May 20, 2019
A disturbing book
I have been keeping track of the books that I have read for many years. Eleven years, to be exact. Some of the books are listed on the left sidebar of my blog; the others are listed in the "Books Read" tab.
I read a large variety of books, true crime, mystery, young adult (Harry Potter for example), romance (just not Harlequin, I never got into those), historic fiction, historic non-fiction, and so on. . . . I read a lot about a lot of different things.
I just finished a book, Educated: a memoir, by Tara Westover.
I don't think I have ever been so disturbed by a book in my entire life.
I don't know if I could even recommend it to someone as being a book that they should read.
I have read true crime novels that detailed, in very graphic language, crimes that were committed. . . but even those books did not disturb me as much as this one did.
There are a couple of friends that I have that also like to read and I had told one of them about the book. . . . and when she asked me what disturbed me so much I really could not describe it. The closest I came to being able to explain the effect the book had on me was to say that I did not feel any emotion from the author.
Yes, she wrote that she cried, or felt pain, or anguish. . . . .but the way she wrote, using the words she chose, did not, at least to me, convey that there was any emotions going on it in the background.
It was also disconcerting that no one. . . .not a single person. . . (at least as she has written) ever tried to stop or intervene in what was happening in her family.
In reading this I felt like I was seeing the beginnings of a cult. . . . and you were either in or you were out. . . . and if you were in you could do anything because no one would say anything about it and the story would be told differently so often that no one would ever be able to tell what the "real truth" had been.
Completing the book was never in question; I have made a conscious decision to complete any book that I start no matter how poorly written, boring or nonsensical. If fact, there was a book "Secrets of the Temple" that was about the Federal Reserve and how they control money that took me 5 years to read because the macro- and micro-economics discussed were so dry, boring and hard to get through. But, there were a lot of other books that I read also during that time while I just kept plodding through it.
However, now that I have read it I wish that perhaps I hadn't.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
I read a large variety of books, true crime, mystery, young adult (Harry Potter for example), romance (just not Harlequin, I never got into those), historic fiction, historic non-fiction, and so on. . . . I read a lot about a lot of different things.
I just finished a book, Educated: a memoir, by Tara Westover.
I don't think I have ever been so disturbed by a book in my entire life.
I don't know if I could even recommend it to someone as being a book that they should read.
I have read true crime novels that detailed, in very graphic language, crimes that were committed. . . but even those books did not disturb me as much as this one did.
There are a couple of friends that I have that also like to read and I had told one of them about the book. . . . and when she asked me what disturbed me so much I really could not describe it. The closest I came to being able to explain the effect the book had on me was to say that I did not feel any emotion from the author.
Yes, she wrote that she cried, or felt pain, or anguish. . . . .but the way she wrote, using the words she chose, did not, at least to me, convey that there was any emotions going on it in the background.
It was also disconcerting that no one. . . .not a single person. . . (at least as she has written) ever tried to stop or intervene in what was happening in her family.
In reading this I felt like I was seeing the beginnings of a cult. . . . and you were either in or you were out. . . . and if you were in you could do anything because no one would say anything about it and the story would be told differently so often that no one would ever be able to tell what the "real truth" had been.
Completing the book was never in question; I have made a conscious decision to complete any book that I start no matter how poorly written, boring or nonsensical. If fact, there was a book "Secrets of the Temple" that was about the Federal Reserve and how they control money that took me 5 years to read because the macro- and micro-economics discussed were so dry, boring and hard to get through. But, there were a lot of other books that I read also during that time while I just kept plodding through it.
However, now that I have read it I wish that perhaps I hadn't.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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, May 6, 2019
Hands to Help Challenge 2019
My intentions were good to get at least 2 quilts done for Jack's Baskets during the H2H challenge.
Unfortunately, that won't be happening due to some electrical work that needs to be completed. . . . my quilting machine has been barricaded with furniture & what not that needs to be moved to allow work space.
However, I do have one quilt done. . . . I just need to get it in the mail:
Here it is completed. . . but you don't see the entire piece,
It should be going out in the mail this week.
The other quilt that I have done, just not quilted, is the same pattern but in more "boy" colors of red, blue, and green.
Since I am not sure when all the electrical will be completed I am not sure when I will be able to get any additional quilting done. . . . soon I hope because I have a *lot* of quilts for which I have cut the batting and just need to get the backing together.
Sarah, over at Confessions of a Fabric Addict, is the driving force for the challenge each year. You can catch up with what others are doing for the charities picked for this year by checking out this post.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
Unfortunately, that won't be happening due to some electrical work that needs to be completed. . . . my quilting machine has been barricaded with furniture & what not that needs to be moved to allow work space.
However, I do have one quilt done. . . . I just need to get it in the mail:
Here it is completed. . . but you don't see the entire piece,
So, here it is after the quilting was done, but before the binding was completed.
It should be going out in the mail this week.
The other quilt that I have done, just not quilted, is the same pattern but in more "boy" colors of red, blue, and green.
Since I am not sure when all the electrical will be completed I am not sure when I will be able to get any additional quilting done. . . . soon I hope because I have a *lot* of quilts for which I have cut the batting and just need to get the backing together.
Sarah, over at Confessions of a Fabric Addict, is the driving force for the challenge each year. You can catch up with what others are doing for the charities picked for this year by checking out this post.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
OMG (One Monthly Goal) for May
Patty at Elm Street Quilts is the hostess for the One Monthly Goal (OMG) program.
It is now time to link up for the May 2019 edition of:
Well, as my quilting machine has been barricaded due to some electrical work that needs to be done it appears that my May 2019 OMG has been decided for me. . . . .
I will be binding "The Beast".
I am hoping that Mr. Books made enough binding. . . . but we will see at it goes.
Luckily my sewing machine did not need to be hidden away so that I can get the binding sewn onto the front side of the quilt. After that it will be hand stitching to get the back side down.
Check out all the others who have committed to moving a project along here.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
It is now time to link up for the May 2019 edition of:
Well, as my quilting machine has been barricaded due to some electrical work that needs to be done it appears that my May 2019 OMG has been decided for me. . . . .
I will be binding "The Beast".
I am hoping that Mr. Books made enough binding. . . . but we will see at it goes.
Luckily my sewing machine did not need to be hidden away so that I can get the binding sewn onto the front side of the quilt. After that it will be hand stitching to get the back side down.
Check out all the others who have committed to moving a project along here.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
She was here. . . .and then she was gone. . . . .
Back in October 2018 we had our Bailey die. . . . and I was adamant that I did not want to get another dog.
Well, as things turned out, I was over-ruled.
The kennel that we use is connected with a rescue group. It is the same rescue group that we got our Casey from.
There was a "special needs" dog that was going to be getting released to them from an animal control department of a nearby township in November and, well, to make a long story a little shorter, Mr. Books said, "yes" in spite of my misgivings.
Bonnie had a severe, as in 2/3 of her body had been shaved due to matting and the skin underneath it was crusty and raw looking.
When I first saw her I was afraid to touch her.
Still, she came to live with us.
After consulting with our vet it seemed that she had severe food allergies, a yeast infection and canine MRSA. We got medication and limited ingredient food and she was on her way to a full recovery.
I won't show you the pictures of her "before" since they are not very pleasant, but here are two pictures of the "during".
Here she is "sitting pretty" for her daddy:
Here she is being attentive to me for her portrait
Two weeks ago she started having stomach issues. . . she was back to the vet and the blood work did not show any major problems so she was given some medications to help settle the stomach issues.
Two days ago she had several massive seizures and died.
We are shocked and dumbfounded. So is our vet. She made it through so many of the issues that had been her lot prior to our getting her only to have something go wrong in her brain.
She was such a sweet little dog. . . .and had such a cute little prance instead of a walk. . . that no matter how mad I was about anything just seeing her made me laugh.
We had her for only 5 short months. . . . but we will remember her always.
Sleep well sweet BonBon. . . we miss you.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
OMG (one monthly goal) for April. . . The Beast Has Been Slayed!
The **giant** quilt that Mr. Books made for his eldest grandson has been quilted!
Here is the front. . . it consists of all of the sports teams that he loves
The back is more team, and sports themed, fabrics
This quilt is huge. . . . but it has been quilted and now just awaits the binding so that it can be presented.
I am glad that it is finished! LOL
Be sure to check out all the other OMG's that have been completed in April over at Patty's blog, Elm Street Quilts.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
Thursday, April 25, 2019
I'm posting. . . . . just not here.
I did a post for the "1 Xmas Item a Month" blog. . . you can see it here:
https://1xmasitemamonth.blogspot.com/2019/04/april-gifts-completed.html
I will be posting later this month about my OMG (One Monthly Goal) for April. . .which has been accomplished (YAY me)! So keep tuned. . . . . .
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
https://1xmasitemamonth.blogspot.com/2019/04/april-gifts-completed.html
I will be posting later this month about my OMG (One Monthly Goal) for April. . .which has been accomplished (YAY me)! So keep tuned. . . . . .
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
Thursday, April 11, 2019
FAL (Finish A Long) Quarter #2 project listing
WOW! I can't believe that it is time to make a list for things that I hope to finish in the 2nd quarter.
Where is the time going??!!
Seeing as how I did not get everything from my 1st quarter list done there will be a lot of repeats.
Here goes with the list:
1. Complete a quilt that my husband pieced
I have not started the quilting on it because I have been a little under the weather. But I am hoping to get a good start on it on Saturday while he is "playing train".
2. My Four Patch Stacked Posy quilt
Here are a sample of some of the blocks.
They have all been sewn into rows.
But now the rows need to be put together so that I have a completed quilt top to quilt.
3. My birdhouse quilt
I am not sure how many quilt blocks I have done. . .but there is at least one that is completed:
And there are only 9 blocks in the quilt:
So I should be able to get this one done. . .I think.
These three projects should be enough to carry me through. . . there is still enough wiggle room if I decide to work on something else in between.
Check out Sarah's blog to see what other crafty people are planning on getting done this quarter.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
Thursday, April 4, 2019
April OMG (One Monthly Goal). . . .this is a biggie!
As a new month begins so does the opportunity to link up with like minded quilters to "get 'er done" through One Monthly Goal hosted by Elm Street Quilts.
For April I have a *big* project. . . quilting a quilt that Mr. Books has pieced.
I completely did not think of taking a picture of the quilt when we had it laid out to get the batting cut. . . but it was loaded onto the frame last night and is ready for the quilting to start.
I believe that this is the largest quilt that I have done on our frame. . . it will be interesting to see how long it will take me to quilt it. Just loading the batting and quilt top gave my back a work out and I could not start the quilting last night.
But even if I do one or two passes every couple of days there should be no problem getting this quilted by the end of the month.
Instead of being really ambitious with goals I think I will just stick with this one. . .and work on other things that might show up on next month's list.
You can find all the other projects that are being worked on this month by going here.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
For April I have a *big* project. . . quilting a quilt that Mr. Books has pieced.
I believe that this is the largest quilt that I have done on our frame. . . it will be interesting to see how long it will take me to quilt it. Just loading the batting and quilt top gave my back a work out and I could not start the quilting last night.
But even if I do one or two passes every couple of days there should be no problem getting this quilted by the end of the month.
Instead of being really ambitious with goals I think I will just stick with this one. . .and work on other things that might show up on next month's list.
You can find all the other projects that are being worked on this month by going here.
In peace and pieces,
Sherry
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.
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