Hey gang!!! How are we all doing today? I'm doing good and have sewing on the mind and wanted to share today. So I volunteered to be a Project of the Month (POM) leader this year on one of my groups (quiltingboard.com) and I'm so excited!!
I'm looking forward to sharing some neat projects that would make great gifts to give throughout the year. What a way to get an early jump on your holiday or special occasion needs? I'm looking to make a variety of projects using what I have on hand, swap for, gifted items or as a last resort - buy with coupon's from Joann's.
I'm trying to be good and use some of my scraps this year since my little house cleaning job for a friend has gone away. Was so bummed out when that happened but can a girl do? Well sewing is a good start. Lord knows I have a TON of UFO projects that I have started or inherited from others. Today I'll be showing you how to make this month's project, a reversible matching can wrap & snack mat from pre-quilted fabric. I was able to use left over pieces from other projects, including the binding to make this project; after about a half an hour of digging.
Here you can see what I came up with in the 1st two photos below.
You will need:
A Fat Quarter of Pre-Quilted fabric in you choice of print
One package of Packaged Double-folded Binding
One package of Sticky Velcro (some prefer the type you sew)
Basic sewing needs
Here is a picture of the end results.
First you need a template of the cozy wrap. I used one that I free handed. I know that you can find them in gas stations & other places that coffee is commonly sold on light-weight card board. So there is lots of ways to make a template. They are generally around 9" X 4" when completed.
This would be also the time to cut out the size snack mat that you desire. For this one I made it 10" X 13". Next you pin on the pre-made binding as seen below. You are now ready to sew.
Once you have the binding attached on both pieces, you are ready for the Velcro. Now I used the little squares that are 7/8" or 2.2 cm. You can use strips that are cut to your preferred length. When placing the Velcro on; you place the 2 "fuzzy" squares on the same side. One on each end, and then turn your cozy over and place the 2 "hooks" sides on each end. The permits the cozy to be completely reversible!
Now a couple of notes here: I had to hand sew my Velcro bits down by hand as my machine didn't like sewing them. If you wish this cozy to fit larger cups, bottles etc., you can add an extra couple inches in the center of your template. When you do that you can place the "fuzzy" Velcro horizontal on both sides before sewing it down.
Here are have are some pictures with the can all dressed up & ready to go.
And here we have an insulated travel mug modeling for us with both views.
Well there it is folks. I hope you enjoyed my little tutorial and I look forward to see some of your finished pieces. Next month I'm going show you how to make pretty mini quilt using free coloring pages. This is a great one to personalize for everyone from wee ones to our Elders. The snowman for this one came from the Nov./Dec. 2014 issue of the Michigan "Country Register" that is found for free in most LQS.
Thanks for stopping by. And remember, if you have an idea that you would like to share or have me make; be sure to reach out & contact me. I would love to have a volunteer each month to show us a wonderful gift to make later in the month too!! So come on and put your thinking caps on Y'all!! Until next time...
Toodles, Tricia
NOTE: This tutorial has a Copyright of 2015, by me - Tricia Morrison-Stork. This for your personal use only. Please be kind and do not reproduce or distribute my patterns or tutorials without my permission or without giving me credit for creating them. It's wrong & unfair to me when you do since I'm the one who took the time to make this available to my readers. Thank You for your honesty.
What is your favorite place and time to read? Under the warm sun on the beach? After the kids go to bed when the house is finally quiet? During the commute to work on public transportation? When the flakes start to gather, so does my need to read kick into over time. The stack of books go from the "To Read" pile to the "Write up the Review" pile grows at a some what heavier pace. Rather it be "real" books or "E-reader" books, to me it's all the same.
I seem to enjoy the days when on the those cold & winter-y days when the roads are covered in a blanket of fresh powder. I find that when there is no pressing need to be outside and the world is quiet, I want to do nothing more than to be a small part of it. Especially when I'm curled up under the blankets or sitting in the recliner next to a roaring fire with a cat or two on my lap. Just listening to those little noises that a home-y fire makes as it crackles; you'll find me quietly reading at some point. You might even see me with some ear buds to listen to some classical music. One never knows and that is the beauty of it. We each have our own little world when it comes to enjoying the written word.
This week in reviews I have another mixed bag of
goodies for you but wanted to try something a little different in my
format. At times, having a whole stack of books can be daunting; when
write up that many reviews all at one time. I can find myself struggling
to get them all written up. I'm going to try to do a couple books a posting but more frequent postings.
So I'll start you off with Esther Ehrlich's "Nest" throughRandom House Children's division/ & Wendy Lamb Books and published Sept. 9, 2014. Now remember that I receive an ARC from the publishing house for free in return for my honest opinion. So these are my thoughts and hold no baring on those who brought the book to press.
Description:
A heartfelt, deeply moving, and unforgettable middle grade debut about an irresistible girl, Chirp, and her family.
For fans of Jennifer Holm (Penny from Heaven, Turtle in Paradise),
a heartfelt and unforgettable middle-grade novel about an irresistible
girl and her family, tragic change, and the healing power of love and
friendship.
In 1972 home is a cozy nest on Cape Cod for eleven-year-old
Naomi "Chirp" Orenstein, her older sister, Rachel; her psychiatrist
father; and her dancer mother. But then Chirp's mom develops symptoms of
a serious disease, and everything changes.
Chirp finds comfort in watching her beloved wild birds. She also
finds a true friend in Joey, the mysterious boy who lives across the
street. Together they create their own private world and come up with
the perfect plan: Escape. Adventure. Discovery.
Esther Ehrlich's lyrical writing is honest, humorous, and deeply
affecting. Chirp and Joey will steal your heart. Long after you finish Nest, the spirit of Chirp and her loving family will stay with you.
It's been a while since I read something at a middle school level and sometimes I chose to do so to see how todays' authors are portraying difficult subject matters. This one reminds of some of the authors that I grew up reading. Like Beverly Clearly in the mid to late 70's.
I found that the main character, nicknamed; "Chirp" to be someone I could relate to in her interactions during a difficult time in the family. The author shows us the struggles "Chirp's" mother, a former dancer; now faces with her battle with MS. It shows us how she slides in to deep clinical depression so deep that she .... well ... she decides the struggle is too much for her to bear.
Even though this is a tough subject, the author opens up our eyes to the plight of dealing with this devastating journey each family member takes through out the book. We also see Chirp struggle her feelings about the things like peer pressure, friendships and a possible first "crush". There are hints of darkness when we read about Joey her neighbor that Chirp doesn't understand but she and Joey did find a small place in my heart as I read more about them.
These are normal every day things that one would possibly deal with in a typical middle schoolers life out side of the home. Ms. Esther has done a great job bringing us this rich but serious issue on a level that most middle-schooler could understand. Her language level is on their level but it didn't make it feel like she "dummied" down the language to make a point it was unappealing to an adult reader. I even got my 12 year son to read part of the book while he was here for the summer. Let me tell ya - that it wasn't a small feat all in it's self. He said it made him think. And Ms. Esther that is high praise indeed!! I give this a 4.5 stars out of 5 and a boy who wants to finish the book come this summer.
I received The Brickmaker’s Bride (Refined by Love #1) by Judith Miller this ARC in a "real" book form in exchange so that I could give an honest opinion of
the book. The following description was proved by Goodreads.com. Description: Yearning for a fresh
start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland
to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business
for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a
brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it's
Ewan who gets the business up and running again.
Ewan seeks help from
Laura, the former owner's daughter, and he feels a connection with her,
but she's being courted by another man--a lawyer with far more social
clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he'll focus on
making the brick-making operation enough of a success that he can become a
partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.
But
when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan's hard work may come to
naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something
surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks,
and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura's heart.
I positively enjoyed the book even though it plays on my emotions some and that includes some tear. I love the fact the author didn't make it feel like a TV sitcom, where every thing was all sunshine & rainbows; but it had a more realistic approach to it. I just think it is an easy read and a wonderful book!! It's storyline has a post - Civil War feel with some historical references in it.
It has a wonderful appeal to me as the main male character, Ewan & family come from Ireland. I have a soft spot for anything set in Ireland. Judith brings a range of emotions as we encounter each character in the book. The pace was steady and in a way educational too. Judith took the time to do her research on brick making in order to make us, the readers; understand the process that it takes to make good bricks and the down fall of making poor quality product.
We do see that we can pick our friends some times, but never our family as Ewan's aunt tends to be a harpy in the way she treats not Ewan, but her sister, her husband and even the Widow Woodfield. And then there is Hugh - the uncle who addicted to gambling and interested in finding a gaming table than actually doing what it takes to run the brick-making business. Even though he thinks like he knows all, a jack-of-all-trades so to speak. He occasionally shows guidance to Ewan at times when dealing with his aunt so you don't think he is a total jerk.
Unlike the supposed fiancée of Laura, Winston Hawkings; is only thinking of his self through out the book and his aspiration to have a political career. You can't help to do more than only dislike him as this was the way of thinking back in a time women were to seen - not heard. To never voice an opinion outside that of their male counterparts. Woman of gentle breeding was expected to marry up, volunteer in the right charities and be a follower. Unless in some cases far and few part, a mere girl was "allowed" to learn the family business like Laura who is strong, caring and more than capable to know and understand the skills that would be helpful to Ewan though out the book. Good for her for have a spine against the likes of Winston!!
As I stated that this book has the ability to have to you sorting you feelings after turning that the page. I look forward not only to the next book in this series (which is written by Beyond All Dreamsby Elizabeth Camden) but also that of Judith Miller. Thank you Judith for bringing us such wonderfully book. I would & a have recommended to others, including to my local library. I give this book a very solid 4.75 stars out of the normal 5 stars.
Now this where I'll end this week's reviews. I know that in the recent past there was 5 or even 6 books reviewed at one time but like I said earlier, I'm playing with the format a little. So I'm asking youto share your honest opinions with me:
Do you prefer less titles per a review with more postings? Or the older way of more with a weekly post?
Would you like to see a book give-a-way every now and again?
You really don't care and wish the reviews go away unless it is quilt/craft related?
This I hope brings me some much needed feedback as I want to bring only the best to my readers that I can offer. I know there are a TON of other blogs out there with so many more than my 75 followers to pick from.
I just don't know how to grow my followers so I turn to you guys for some thoughts. What makes other blogs that you follow more appealing? What would you like to see here? Come on with the comments and gentle critics. Until next time... Toodles, Tricia
We have been hit with snow & cold big time in the past week out here in the boonies of Mid-Michigan. And with all that measurable snow & bitter cold, there was hiding the perfect excuse to sew. I had set up a schedule of my week at the beginning of the year with the goal to myself to become more productive. I was wondering how it would work but knowing what I'm going to work on daily is refreshing.
I have been scrap cutting this week for several projects/challenges. I have all the bricks that I need for at least one quilt top and just have to trim out some more black & white pieces to make the little 4-patch blocks for this quilt. This one is for my Scrappy Quilt for 2015 Challenge. I'm going to have it completely finished by the end of the year.
So that mean to playing the large collection of scraps that I have gotten from various friends. This picture shows a shot of 2” squares that was part of a Christmas bag from Ms. C in Alanson, MI. They just needed to be sorted and added to the box of the other scraps that I have spent time sorting, ironing & cutting this all about weekend. And let me in on something - my back, legs & joints are really telling me that wasn’t the smart thing to do.
I have also been spending time using my evenings productively. I have been found working either my appliqué project or the cross-stitching projects. But last night I spent time unstitching some blue strip scraps that was cut away from a project that the owner stuck in the box. Most of these strips are in the 2” range so yup, you guessed it. Waste not, want not. Good towards the “nope not buying” theme. In for a penny in - for a pound of frugalness.
I'm taking part in a Pat Sloan challenge that is actually a 2-fold challenge. I'm sort of doing a rainbow challenge also with it, so I'm currently playing with blue scraps. You can see the little stack for 2” that I have started on my own. It doesn’t look like much but there was 50 pieces. As a good start for those “Hip …” blocks.
I'm also taking part in TQPM's "Over the Rainbow" challenge. They are doing the 1st block for free here. I love this magazine!! I received it as a gift & I'm totally hooked! There is a button on the right if you want to check it out. I even put some blues in there too. LOL.
If things go my way this week - I should have a finished quilt top by next week. Now if you remember, the goals for the UFO's is to have the tops done in order to remove it from the UFO list. It's thrilling to see the finish line so close in the near future. It's just a WOW!! moment and it has me thinking/looking for the next one already.
I have to get the second set of laser injections in my lower left hand side. I can’t wait!! The cold is really crippling me with pain but I’m trying to still stay on my sewing day-to-day schedule as a way to cope distract myself. Every stitch is like a mini victory. And sitting in front of the fire is the way to pass the time away. Just ask the Girls.
But then there is the whole play time thing too. There is always lots of things to play with or in. There are mice to fetch, moving lasers to chase and boxes to play in. As they prove here.
So you can see there is always things to do around here. Some way to past the time this cold & bitter start of the new year and the time of measurable snow. You never can tell what the camera can catch or what quilty goals can be met. So until next tme…
So here we are again with more notes of my recently read books and a very generous handful of assorted chocolates to inspire me. Well that’s all good and such but I find my mind wondering as I sit here thinking about what I’m posting, when a three letter question pops into my head with the subtleness of a 10’ neon sign flashes on & off. Distracting me in the private viewing that it is.
Why?
Why do I continue to write these reviews? I never know what people think of the books that I read. Maybe I should just drop them from this blog and strictly concentrate on just quilt and other needle arts. But truthfully I don’t think it would add any more followers to my numbers.
I do love reading and when I write up my reviews, I can only hope that someone somewhere has picked up a book because they saw on my blog; so I keep doing them even if I don’t ever hear back on what they -the reader - thought of the book. But I have digressed.
To start this weeks list I decided to start out with a holiday book by authorJoseph McCullough from Osprey Publishing with a publishing date that had it coming out on Oct. 21, 2014.
Description:
Every December 24th millions of children eagerly await a visit from a large, bearded man in a red suit. But where did Santa come from and how did he evolve into today's Jolly Old Saint Nick?
Well before the legendary poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' shaped the modern vision of Santa Claus riding a flying sleigh pulled by magical reindeer, his story actually began about seventeen hundred years ago in the Eastern Roman Empire. There, a young orphan named Nicholas became famous for using his inheritance to give gifts to the needy. In his most wildly-known story, he threw bags of gold over a wall into the house of a destitute merchant, so that the man would not be forced to sell his daughters into slavery. Eventually, this young and holy man became the Bishop of Myra and lived a life of faith and miracles, fighting injustice and protecting the weak. Even after his death, his miracles continued, and he is credited with saving sailors, healing the sick, and even raising the dead. In time, he became known as St. Nicholas the Wonder Worker.
In the numerous centuries since the passing of Saint Nicholas, his story has grown, developed, and been combined with numerous other legends. In the Netherlands, he became known as Sinterklaas, the old man who brought presents to children with the help of his assistant Zwarte Piet. In England, he became Father Christmas, the living embodiment of the holiday.
Fully illustrated with original color drawings, Santa Claus celebrates the story of his beginnings as a holy man in Ancient Rome, through his development in the Middle-Ages, to his current, likeness on advertisements, greeting cards, apparel and decorations - right down to real-life mall-based family photo op. It is a winding, magical tale filled with mystery and good will towards all men, sure to fill even the most jaded scrooges with a little bit of Christmas magic.
A portion of all of the profits from this book will be donated to help disadvantaged children throughout the world.
This book is considered to be children's non-fiction and is 44 pages long. The cover has a beautiful vintage-look, giving it a timeless approach that brings this bit of nostalgic feeling that would be a wonderful addition to any family’s collection. I actually enjoyed reading this one myself. I found it to be informative without droning on forever on a subject that most people could relate to. It has a nice flow about it, very knowledgeable, and the pictures are beautiful to look at. I would give this book and honest 4.5 out of 5 stars and would recommended to others, including to my 12 yr son. This one I received as an ARC from Net Gallery in exchange of my honest opinion. One must take my opinion with a grain of salt as it only my thoughts and has no bearing influence in the making of this book.
Next I picked this book from Net Gallery’s Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Titles. The book: Premier: A Love Story by Tracy Ewens and published Oct. 27, 2014.
Description: If only life were as simple as a good-looking guy and a great dress. Samantha “Sam” Cathner gave up needing Peter years ago, but now her theater needs his play. She knows how fairytales end once the house lights are up, so she steadies herself to work with the brilliant playwright who once broke her heart. Peter Everoad is back in Pasadena, the hometown he traded for the bright lights of New York as soon as he graduated. The Pasadena Playhouse, where his oldest friend and one time lover Sam works, is in financial trouble, they need him and his new play Looking In. Sam is flustered to reencounter this new version of Peter—as always, witty and smart, and now handsome and successful. But he’s still the jerk who crushed her happily-ever-after. She’s not going to let him waltz in and unsettle her carefully ordered life. But she’s drawn to him and intrigued by the autobiographical undertones of Looking In—is the Pasadena debutante “Sally” supposed to be her? Can Sam ever really trust Peter again, or will the demons that drove them apart the first time, tear them apart again?
I rather enjoyed this book it was a simple romance that showed us the different in young teenage love and that of grown up love in a venue that I haven’t come across before in my reading career before. I am glad to see that the author didn’t show as this pretty romance that is all “happy ever after” but had a more “real life” vibe to it. We got to see the the main characters had issues to work through that took years to get to deal with them. Not in the 30 minutes of less sitcom approach that I seen in other books. It was refreshing. I would recommend this books to others without hesitation as I gave it a strong 4 out of 5 stars.
This is another free ARC from Net Gallery as I said earlier and that reflects my honest opinion in exchange for reading it.
This next book I wish it had spent more time with either spell check or a few more editors. I’m referring to First Bite - BBW Paranormal Romance Erotica - Voluptuous Mates Series by London Bleau of Bleau Wilderness Press
Now there were so many grammar errors throughout this book that it made difficult to read. Things just didn’t gel properly from page to page, much less in the same paragraph. I will give the author some credit in making is main female character’s image more realistic in her build instead of going to what I call the a cookie cutter model that most writers will have their heroines in. And I will give credit for the gist of the storyline. But I wish London hadn’t tried to be like so many others authors out right now; by turning into a multi-book scenario. It just didn’t work for me. It was like watching a movie for 15 minutes and then management decides to pull the plug so they could make more money by forcing you to come back every couple of weeks. I truly hope that things are smoothed out by the time the second book heads to the prints. And with that I am working very hard to give this book 2 out of 5 stars. Yes I received this ARC from Net Gallery in exchange of my honest opinion. Even when it is this difficult to blunder through it. Please take my words with a grain of salt. You might decide that you liked the book if you read it.
Time for some Keri Arthur with her Memory Zero: The Spook Squad 1 from Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell
Description: MORTAL RECALL For Sam Ryan, life began at age fourteen. She has no memory of her parents or her childhood. In a decade of service with the State Police, Sam has exhausted the resources of the force searching for clues to her identity. But all mention of her family seems to have been deliberately wiped off the record. Everything changes the night Sam’s missing partner resurfaces as a vampire . . . and forces her to kill him in self-defense. Now Sam is charged with murder. Suspended from the force, and with no one left to trust, Sam accepts some unexpected help from Gabriel Stern, a shapeshifter who conceals startling secrets. While investigating the circumstances surrounding her partner’s strange behavior, Sam discovers that Gabriel’s been involved with a dangerous organization that’s planning a war on the human race. More immediate, someone is guarding the truth about Sam’s past—someone who’d rather see her dead than risk her knowing too much. To stay alive, Sam must unravel the threads of her past—and find out not only who she is but what she is.
Well friends let me tell you - if you don’t know already know it - Keri knocks it out of the park with this series!! I truly enjoy all of her books!! I haven’t found one that I didn’t and this won’t be on yuck list any time soon!! So when net Gallery offered me the chance to review this one I was all it with the speed of a hungry cheetah. We go down a fuzzy path as Sam can’t remember her past and Gabriel has her in knot’s as the story progresses. But don’t look for me to reveal all the good stuff – run and get your own fabulous copy to learn how things get along. This gets a hardy 5 out stars and a big thank you to Net Gallery for allowing me to share my thoughts on this awesome book that I recommend to EVERYONE as I’m off to stalk the libraries for the next installment!!
Did you love shoes? What about cupcakes? Are you asking yourself how the the two things come together? Well this story is the ticket!! Check out Love by Design by Evie Knight from ILwR Published was Jul 24, 2014.
Description: Rules are meant to be broken… only, he chooses which ones to break. Renowned, self-taught baker Tristan James has everything going for him. Great friends. Women. Business success. His ultimate goal is to host his own TV show. All is perfect… until Mandy walks into his life. Tristan fears she’ll make him unearth the secrets he keeps.
She plays by the rules. Amanda Roberts dreams of becoming a famous shoe designer, but her insecurities stand between her and her dream. She’s ready to give up when Tristan dares her to pursue her goal. Falling prey to his charms isn’t something she counts on, yet it’s unavoidable. As their dreams finally become a reality, they must choose between love or the opportunity of a lifetime.
I liked this book for it’s drooling capacity. It had me drooling over cupcakes, stiletto heels and the leading hunk. There was just so many things that a girl likes that are all wrapped up in between these two covers. It has a b…itchy boss and jerk for a friend slash partner who thinks he can take all the credit for the awesome shoe designs by stabbing Amanda in back on many fronts and then there is the whole tragic accident that opens a lot of eyes, including Tristan’s. Will we be served a sweet ending? You will get so engrossed that find yourself slowly licking the frosting off your own cupcakes!!! LOL. Grab you copy with a couple things to subdue your sweet tooth. I give this 4 out of 5 stars. Again I received a free ARC from Net Gallery in exchange for my honest opinion.
Well folks that is five books this week and I’ll put it to bed for now. But sure to know that I have more in the wings for another day. Hope to hear from you, so please leave me comment.
Well You won't believe but I already have a finish just days into the new year. I will be sharing a tutorial of it next week but here is a sneak peek.
Jan. Tut Sneak Peek
It’s the beginning of another year and there is so much to think about. I could make this whole long list of resolutions that I know that I can’t keep and it would be disappointed at the end of the year. So I won’t be doing that.
There are some things that I would like to accomplish over the next 12 months, but of course we know that life has a way of stepping in and throw a monkey wrench into things; thus making plans fly right out the window on us.
As I was enjoying some "adult" refreshment, I pulled out some paper & pencil.
A Little Nog Anyone?
Now That Has Some Kick To It!!
My intentions will be a short list each month. I already pulled out a few UFO’s to work on this year. Now I know that this just looks
Start two test patterns for TQPM (see button in sidebar).
Make my Project of the Month (POM) project for Jan. (done).
Make my POM for Feb.
Start working on my Scrappy Challenge Quilt.
Continue hand quilting my "Autumns Trails" wall hanging UFO.
Now I know that this just looks a short list, but I really do want to work on getting my UFO's made into completed tops this year. I know that I won't be able to have any quilted by year's end, but having the tops done would show some progress; giving me a sense of accomplishment. And as a quilter, having something to show for can come in a variety of ways.
So when I am at a point of having an empty floor hoop, I can grab one that needs to be sandwiched and baste; I can get right to it.
What I'm going to do is set up a schedule as to what I'll work on each day. This is something that me & Ms.D in Canada came up with together so that we could "sew together" as we live a good distance apart. It will look something like this:
"Make Blocks" Mondays.
"Make UFO Tops Happen" Tuesdays
"Tame the Scraps" during the day and add "UFO Cross-Stitching" in the evenings for Wednesdays.
"Any Hand Work" Thursdays
"Freebie" Fridays
"Scrap Clean-Up Saturday's" for 2 Rainbow Block Challenges
"Catch Up Sunday's"
Of course this is subjected to life - so we can trade days around or use Sunday to catch up. What you don't see here is what else I'll be doing on most evenings, which is hand quilting the project that is in my floor hoop. I plan to have a baby quilt in the hoop shortly once I get it prepped. It's kind of nice to have an idea what to work on daily as some times I find it hard to wrap my head around what to work on sometimes. I have even gone as far as putting it in my Quilter's Daily Journal that I received as a gift from Ms. C in my Not-So-Secret-Santa box. It looks like this:
A Gift From Ms. C in Alanson, MI
I love the big lines to add many notes for doctor appointments, quilter notes and tracking deadlines on projects. And there was so many pretty quilts on every other page to inspire me. You can have a peek of that here. I will use this in tandem with my new quilt journal that I keep. I'm on my 5th one and it started on Jan. 1st.
I have also been working my Celtic Wheel cross-stitch and have gotten the Samhain wedge completed.
Samhain Wedge
Speaking of Cross-stitch and other needle work,when the BC went home; my ex- MIL had dug out some over flowing boxes of old cross-stitch projects that was started or in the 'to-do" box to give me. She says she also believes that she might even have a couple partial bolts of cross-stitch cloth to add to the pile the next time I'm there. Wow I didn't even know they made bolts. She said it was some time ago. It will be interesting in dig through as it is mixed with some crewel work and possibly some Redwork too.
I recently had 2 teacup sets come to me as gifts my local friend Ms. D They have unusual patterns that just sings to my Celtic background. This one is a bagpiper with tartan ribbons. My research shows that this is a vintage set from the 1960's. It's maker's mark say it's Elizabethan China Cape Breton Island Tartan on the underside of the teacup. As you can see it is depicted with a bagpiper and tartan bows. I'm not sure how it got to Mid-Michigan, but I'm more than happy to add it to my collection. Next week I'll also see you the second one that came to visit.
Newest Addition For The Collection
Maker's Mark
The cats have also enjoyed the holidays as the BC came for a visit. Nosy Rosy was all about the BC as you can see.
Nosy Rosy & BC #1
Nosy Rosy & BC #2
Now don't think I'm ignoring Honey Bee, she had her own way of hanging out.
Belly Scratches From The Papa
Even More From The Momma
So that's it for the moment. Be sure to stop in next time for the POM that you got a sneak peek of and more pictures. And of course feel free to drop me a comment or two before you leave.
The snowman for this one came from the Nov./Dec. 2014
