My Reading List for Winter

Earlier blog I posted websites for great books, fiction and nonfiction-- I have my own list of books to read--some were gifts at Christmas; others are recommended by friends.

Starting at the top:

A re-read!  Have you ever done that?  Go back to refresh your memory

how a character came to life.  We really enjoy Lee Childs books about

Jack Reacher--we have seen Lee Childs three times in person and heard

his tales of how he became an author.

"Killing Floor" was the First Jack Reacher

"The Colors of All The Cattle", authored by Alexander McCall Smith--this is

the latest one in the series of the First Ladies Detective Agency--just a joy

to read.

"Blood in the Streets" by Dion Daia--we heard him speak on a talk

show (don't remember which one) but his first book sounds interesting--

first books can be good or can be bad--we'll give it a try--I share some

of my books with my spouse

"The Library Book" by Susan Orlean--In The Library Book, "Orlean chronicles the LAPL fire and its aftermath to showcase the larger, crucial role that libraries play in our lives; delves into the evolution of libraries across the country and around the world, from their humble beginnings as a metropolitan charitable initiative to their current status as a cornerstone of national identity; brings each department of the library to vivid life through on-the-ground reporting; studies arson and attempts to burn a copy of a book herself; reflects on her own experiences in libraries; and reexamines the case of Harry Peak, the blond-haired actor long suspected of setting fire to the LAPL more than thirty years ago."

Okay, this sounds intense--word wise--but I love libraries and thought this would be worth

trying.

"Luckenbach, Texas, Center of the Universe" by Becky Hondo Patterson--Oh, how I love 

Luckenbach!  There is everything in this town, Population 3.  We attend Cowboy Church on 

Sunday morning, in the afternoon, you can hear music.  

This book entails how Luckenbach became the Center of the Universe

I'm sorry to say "The Porcelain Thief"  by Huan Hsu is still sitting on my nightstand--

"In 1938, when the Japanese arrived in Huan Hsu’s great-great-grandfather Liu’s Yangtze River hometown of Xingang, Liu was forced to bury his valuables, including a vast collection of prized antique porcelain, and undertake a decades-long trek that would splinter the family over thousands of miles."

I think I should move it to the top of the list 

READ! READ! READ!

I love to read--guess I caught that bug when there was no TV during my day; just books or radio--where you had to use your imagination about the characters and the setting.

When I came across this article, I was fascinated!  Many of the authors listed were ones I had not read--

The Biggest Fictions Bestsellers of All Times

If you are a reader, you will be sucked into this world of

fiction books.

So many mysteries listed that I've never read--oh be still my heart!

Biggest nonfiction bestseller of the last 100 years

I might see y'all on the other side of January--after I've sunk my teeth into these listings of bestsellers--hope you can find something that will peak your interest!

Spin-in Roundup....................

For the past five days, about 100 spinners and 17 vendors have been 'cooped' up in this one big ballroom!  We can't seem to get anyone to leave during the day and most nights, there is commotion continuing in the room--There is laughter that begins in one section of the room and rolls to the other side...................There are skits of infamous people; lots of shared knowledge, tips, and of course fiber!  The door prizes are one of the highlights--even though they might be from last year's gift pile or a white elephant--we cherish each bag with the same joy!

Fiber! Fiber! Fiber!

There is fiber everywhere! I mean everywhere!

on our clothes, on the floor, on the tables!

Spinning Wheels are quiet for just a short while as we

declare lunch break--everyone must move from their present

position!

It is a festive week event--arrive Tuesday, leave Sunday!

Big hugs of Hello!  Sad hugs of good-bye!

Cars are loaded with their goodie purchases!

How will we ever make it to next January??

Victorian KAL

February brings us a Victorian Knit Along with our

leader, Franklin Habit.--well known knit designer and author.

 Franklin Habit leads his very first knit-along, using knowledge culled from his collection of 19th century knitting manuals, and Zitron Infinito.

The fun extends over four successive Fridays in February, beginning 2/1/2019. Along the way, there will be historic information and tips about knitting lace, including a look at how and why this design works.

Pat Sloan's Sew Along

 Finished for 2018!  From Pat Sloan "Merry and Bright"

Christmas blocks.

Her block instructions are simple and easy to follow.

She has two more 2019 quilt alongs

"A Flower Bouquet" began January 2 and runs

through May 15--she leaves each block on the website.

here is my version:

Third block--This series is out every Wednesday!

"Out of This World" is the other BOM

She is running this for several weeks

Both are very interesting blocks and it's 

a 'bite' at a time--you'll finish in

no time!

Below is my version of the block: 

There is no space fabric in my stash but I did

find a blueprint of old airplanes--just perfect

for out of this world technology!

So Many, So Little Time.....................

I should NOT be web surfing!!  I have enough to do on my list--then I come across these other interesting block of the months--That are not on the Kim's listing:

A real stash buster from A Quilting Life--2019 BOM

using half square triangles!  You can choose from 8" or 12" blocks for

this quilt challenge.  In January, you complete 3 blocks, 2 blocks

each month thereafter.

INterested in stitching?  Here is a cool free pattern

from Needle and Thread--love her work!

has added so many free hat patterns to her page!  She is a genius

in knitted hat construction!  Check out some of her fabulous designs

and knit away!

Join Pam Buda at Heartspun Quilts to make nine

patch blocks--just a few nine patches will become this

adorable quilt below--a scrap buster for sure!

This begins March 1

You can also join their 1880 club to exchange with

other quilters.

How about some woolwork?  Buttermilk Basin

is hosting a monthly free pattern for their mystery 

block of the month!

And if you are so inclined, please consider making a couple or more

house blocks that will go into quilts for California fire victims:

Check out Humble Quilts for further information.

It certainly has been a year of disasters--we as fiber folks like

to assist anyway we can..... give from your heart and hands!

Bucket List............

I don't make bucket lists--on paper that is!

I might have a bucket list in my head, but

it's not something I check off .

American Patchwork & Quilting has given us a 

bucket list for quilters.  This list will be updated with

each of their issues.  Here is a starter for you, if

you are so inclined....you can go to their website

for a printable list.

Good luck!!

1. Use acrylic or paper templates to piece a block.

2. Donate a pillowcase to charity. (Add it to our online counter: AllPeopleQuilt.com/donate.)

3. Organize your fabrics and scraps.

4. Change your needle/replace your rotary cutter blade/clean your machine.

5. Identify a problem area in your sewing space and find a solution.

6. Attend a quilt guild meeting in your area.

7. Sew accurately using foundation piecing.

8. For one week, set aside 20 minutes a day to sew.

9. Sew a quilt using only your scraps and stash.

10. Get topsy-turvy with curved piecing.

11. Take a quilting class (in person or online).

12. Read the pattern completely before starting the project.

13. Submit a reader tip to our magazine at apqtips@meredith.com.

14. Take your handwork to a surprising location.

15. Join a fun quilt-along.

16. Creatively piece your quilt backing.

17. Go on a quilt retreat.

18. Machine-sew a decorative stitch sample.

19. Label a quilt. (Don’t forget your name and the date!)

20. Take a picture/journal about each quilt you make this year.

21. Assemble a pincushion. (Cross this off with Wool Welcome by Roseann Meehan Kermes in the February issue.)

22. Sew a quilt for charity.

23. Meet your quilting hero (in person or online).

24. Make a quilt using only solids.

25. Slow down and hand-quilt.

26. Make a bed-size quilt, then snuggle under it.

27. Attend a national quilt show.

28. Read your sewing machine manual.

29. Change out all your quilts for a new season.

30. Visit a new quilt shop (with your best quilting buddies).

31. Try English paper piecing.

32. Explore a quilt museum.

33. Safely wash and store your quilts.

34. Finish a Christmas project before December.

35. Splurge on a quilting tool you’ve been eyeing.

36. Quilt your own project. (You can do it!)

37. Stay calm when you realize you’ve run out of bobbin thread while sewing.

38. Add a little (or a lot) of appliqué to a project. (Cross this off with Down to Earth by Deanne Eisenman in the February issue.)

39. Post a photo of a quilt you’re proud of on social media.

40. Learn a new embroidery stitch.

41. Go on a shop hop.

42. For a week, spend 3 minutes picking up your work space after each sewing session.

43. Teach someone to sew.

44. Finish a UFO.

45. Make a two-color quilt.

46. Take part in a block exchange or swap fabric with a friend. (Cross this off with Shared History by Jo Morton in the February issue.)

47. Alter a pattern to a size or colorway you like. (See color options in each issue for inspiration.)

48. Make a ________________________ quilt. (Fill in with a quilt you want to make.)

49. Make a ________________________ quilt. (Fill in with a quilt you want to make.)

50. Make a ________________________ quilt. (Fill in with a quilt you want to make.)

Just 357--That's All

Yes, all it takes is 357--3.5" blocks!

That's it!  Just 357!

Temecula Quilt Company will host

"Wild Goose Wednesday" beginning 

tomorrow--a sew along to create this 60"x75"

quilt.  The original quilt is titled

"Church Window Hexagon Variation

Maker Unknown | 1825 - 1875"

The above quilt was paper pieced but this quilt along

will be machine quilted.

I'm thinking that it could be a leader-ender project.

Graceful Words--Wool Work

I need some new banners for my hangers and then

this came along--

We are just starting this Stitch A Long. It is called “Graceful Words” and this is month #1. Pattern will be a FREE download for 30 days on the Wool Appliqué FB page only! Each month,  a FREE download. Kits are $14.99 per month plus shipping and handling. All wool, homespun backing and embellishments included! You can sign up for Auto-Ship on my website Calico Patch Designs

Another chance to use your stitching knowledge.

Head and Hands............................................and Maybe, Feet!

Coverings for Head, Hands and Feet--a theme for January.......... I love knitting!  I love to knit hats, FLG (Fingerless Gloves) and sometimes, I love knitting socks.  Well, give me a mystery knit and I'm sucker for sure.............

For the head, I'm knitting.................

Thistle Cap--Feministy designer  LIZ ABINANTE.

Thistle Cap is a unisex hat that is quick to knit and fun to wear – 
Sizes

• Infant (0–6 months), 16.5”/42cm circumference
• Toddler (6–18 months), 18.5”/47cm circumference
• Child / Women’s Small, 20”/51cm circumference
• Women’s Medium, 22”/56cm circumference
• Women’s Large / Men’s Small, 23”/58cm circumference
• Men’s Medium, 25”/63.5cm circumference
• Men’s Large, 26”/66cm circumference
• All sizes require less than 180 yards aran weight yarn.

The free version of the pattern includes one size (23”/58cm). Click here to download the free version (v1).

For the Hands.............

Shhhhhh--It's a mystery designered by Dots Dabbles--

(you can find this free pattern now on Ravelry, of course!)

unisex FLG featuring stranded colorwork--oh, boy--

I'm not so good with that element, but willing to try.

And for the feet............

Rye Light by Tin Can Knits

sizing	Baby (Toddler, Child, Adult S, M, L) Finished measurements (unstretched): Cuff: 5 (5.75, 6.5, 7.25, 8.25, 9)" around Leg (adjustable): 4 (6.5, 8, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5)" Foot (adjustable): 4 (6, 7.5, 9, 10, 11.25)"
materials	150 (175, 200, 250, 300, 350) yds in DK / worsted wt yarn (child, adult S, adult L samples shown in Plucky Sweater in 'nova', 'princess phone' and chocolate s'more')
gauge	22 sts and 30 rounds / 4" in stockinette stitch using larger needles
suggested needles	US #3 / 3.25mm dpns (or circ for magic loop) US #5 / 3.75mm dpns (or circ for magic loop) (or as required to meet gauge)
notes	SEE FULL TUTORIAL HERE Knit 'top-down', these socks are cast on at the cuff, then worked in the round to the heel. The heel is formed by working the heel flap back and forth in rows, then the heel turn is shaped by short rows which decrease and 'turn' the corner. Stitches are picked up along the sides of the heel flap, the work is joined into the round again, and the gusset is worked in decreasing rounds. The foot is worked in the round to the toe which is shaped decreases, then seamed closed using kitchener stitch (also known as grafting).

Let's Stitch........................

We are beginning a new year with a clean slate--

new challenges to face each day.

If you like to hand stitch, here is a perfect challenge for

you.

Allie Oops has begun a new Facebook group where she

features free (Yes, free!) designs.  Since Craftsy has been

sold, many of the designers are losing their creations and

have resorted to other means to get their work published.

Check out the Allie Oops Designs group on FB and join--

here you will find delightful designs to hand stitch.

I'm combining Allie's designs with another FB group--

TAST--Take A Stitch Tuesday--a new stitch is given

for you to use for your stitching--a learning process

as well.

Are You Bored? Have the Winter Blues?

If you are bored or have the winter blues,,,,,,,,here is the cure for just those symptoms!
Check out the 2019 Block of the Month Sew Alongs from Go-Go Kim's Blog

I think you'll find something here that will perk you up!

Look!  Two different Blocks of the Month from

Pat Sloan--

and this lovely stitchery project, that begins March 1

Whoa!  I'm so in love with this!  Stitching along as I learn--

I've also joined TAST group on FB--

a different stitch each week to learn.....

How can I be bored??!!

Agatha and Knitting

I've discovered Agatha on Ravelry--I tell you "I Love Ravelry!".

This Agatha is Agatha Christie and I'm a big fan.  This group on Ravelry is "Dangerous Death" and we are all Agatha fans!  And knitting!

This group reads a different Agatha mystery each month and each mystery has a moderator to lead the discussion.  January we are reading (listening) to "Death in the Clouds" from 1935.  I've found the book but we can also listen through Archive.org--so much fun.  What will I knit with "Death in the Clouds"? Previously, titled "Death in the Air"

I think this lace scarf will fit the title quite nicely--

The pattern is "Cloud Lace Scarf" by Lion Brand yarns

Happy New Year--

Here we go again--another year-- an opportunity for 365 challenges/adventures!  Do you make resolutions?  Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't--This year I plan to finish at least one UFO!  What a challenge!  Which UFO will it be?  A well aged one?  A fairly new one?

And then there are the new projects (hopefully, they won't become UFOs!)

Here is one I really want to Sew Along with in January...........to be ready for February--

This is a SAL on Quilts by Cheri--group on Facebook--Cheri recently passed away and most of her designs are in the files in this group--a great group!

Oh My Gosh--I've got this one to sew up too....................

Chain of Hearts Table Runner

And if I'm ambitious enough, I'll make one for each of my girls--

WOW!  Already I feel overwhelmed--

so much to do, so little time!!

How Will You Begin Your New Year????

I'm back!  Our holiday celebrations were super great!

Family, Lots of good food, Music, Wonderful gifts,

How will you spend today??

We had family visiting for 10 days so the house is

A mess, laundry has piled up, dirty dishes and 

lots of leftovers..............

But, all that can wait...

because, today, January 1, 2019, I'm

going to spin, spin, spin............

while I watch the parades and football games.

Because today is the first day of a new knit along,

Quilt along, Sew Along, Stitch Along--

I need to calm myself and spinning fiber

does just that........

Have yourself a good day--relax and enjoy!

Happiness to you!