Used Bookstores and LIbrary Finds

For many years, I would browse through used bookstores--

I could lose myself in the aisles of musty old paperbacks.

You could always find a bargain in those racks or

an author that is hard to find anyway else.

Now days, it's hard to find a used bookstore--

For a time, I used Paperback Swap--

it was a way to trade books with other readers--

lately, there are more "post" than "order" books

that I would like to read; still an option to begin there

on occasion. It's free to join and the sender pays the postage.

Recently, I walked into a local bookshop to look--just look.

I came across more from Mike Blakely.  My husband snatched

the latest from Mike

"A Sinister Splendor" out of my hands after we met the author;

he finished the book quickly--and recently spoke with Mike

about this book--I'm anxious to begin the journey through

the Mexican-America War-Mike does extensive research and

has won Spur Award several times.  He is also an excellent

songwriter and musician 

These three books I found at a library used book sale--

I enjoy John Sandford's characters; don't know anything

about "The Dress Lodger" but sounds interesting 

And one of my favorite authors, Nicholas Evans with

"The Divide"--maybe, it's a tear jerker? 

Happy reading!

My August Reading List...........

It's time to give you my August reading list--little late

Reading takes me places I'll never travel too;

it also gives me time to reflect on those places I've visited before

I've decided to read an oldie but goodie author--Robert B. Parker

I've read "Resolution"--western theme by Robert also--fast paced

and entertaining so I picked up two of his first Spenser books--

"Godwulf Manuscript" and "God Save The Child"--we'll see

how Spenser solves his cases--of course, I'm quite familiar with the

televised mysteries with Jesse Stone.

"The Shepherd's Life" by James Rebanks, a memoir, as well as family

portrait of his family and their lives as shepherds--interesting read

about Lake District of England--one place we loved to visit.

I've finished reading Alexander McCall Smith--"My Italian Bulldozer"

"The Department of Sensitive Crimes"--both delightful reads

Another visit to Big Bend, Texas through third book in series by Elizabeth

A Garcia's "Darker Than Black"--love, love this read!  

Two new books that were recommended:  "The Escape Room" by

Megan Goldin and "Girls Like Us" by Cristina Alger--both

are reported as page turners--can't wait to indulge it that fancy!

Tartans

I've been pursuing my book stash--do I keep or give away? There are many quilt books; knitting books; dyeing books; some sewing books; many weaving books and stitching books. I love my books!

 Sorting through them, I might place one on the give away pile and 15 minutes later,
 I'll put it back on the shelf.  The books I treasure the most are my tartan books--

These are books I researched when I was working on the family tartan--

I poured over every one I could get my hands on--

How does a tartan look?  What is the right tartan for the clan name?

How to weave a tartan?

I loved loved this book!  So warm and interesting to read!

I was weaving our family tartan for gifts--after some research,

I decided on Gunn Clan to weave--after all our name doesn't have

a specific tartan for their name--

that was--20 years ago--

this is now--just plug in Tartan authority for Handweavers and you get

all the information you want at your fingertips--you can even get

a full copy of Mary Black's tartan book online---too bad I'm not

weaving tartans anymore!

But, such a joy to look at the books and all the history available

now.  I could write a 'book' about my tartan adventures!

Enjoy a brief look at tartans!

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Crochet A Rinske Square.........................

Felted Button is offering this free crochet pattern for

Rinske Square-- Susan Carlson is outstanding colorist when it

comes to crocheting--just take a look at this

This is pattern you can purchase on her Etsy site.

Each week, Julie Yeager offers a different pattern from

unique designers--with instructions to complete a crochet

square--what a great learning experience.

Pool Noodle Sandwich

Pool Noodle Sandwiches--sounds interesting, doesn't it? No, I'm not eating those pool noodles but using them to sandwich my quilt tops with the backing and batting-- Never would have thought of this on my own--thank goodness, for youtube!! You can find everything on youtube--next, I'm looking up how to machine quilt my tops--not just stitch in the ditch either!!

There are several other videos that offer the same technique--each one is little different in how they use the noodles--one uses spray adhesive while the above one uses pins--straight and curved safety pins--give this a try and see how you like it!

Linen

As I am now on holiday, visiting the brown headed daughter in Colorado--it's her birthday week,  I won't be able to post while I'm traveling, I'm leaving you with some interesting information I found on Youtube--

This one is on linen. My chosen fabric to wear--whenever I shop I'm looking for linen garments--I know it wrinkles and needs to be ironed after washing and drying--but, it wears comfortably and will last for many seasons--always fashionable. Hope you will enjoy this video on how linen is processed. 

:Port Pillow

I've never thought about the use of a port pillow before--hopefully, I'll never need one--but so many people go through chemo or other infusion processes where a port is inserted to make it easier to administer meds.

Recently, we shopped for items that were needed at a local residents home for those who were going through treatment at the cancer hospital.  They live in these residences as long as they need--the community supplies food and other sundry items.

My hubby and I took our purchases over one morning and were greeted by one of the residents--she held the door for us as we brought in the supplies--she said she couldn't get over how generous the community was--I placed the items on the floor and turned around to see her in tears--she was so thankfully for our touch of assistance--with one big hug, we were one in her journey.

Our small show of help was a happiness to her. 

Just think, we take it for granted when we buckle up our seat belt--

no problem!  But, for those we have ports, that crossed belt can cause 

discomfort.

Here is a couple recipes that you can use to make a few pillows--I've even

thought it would be good for my comfort too, even though I don't have a port.

It takes just a few scraps of fabric, some stuffing, velcro, a stitch here and

there--

If you would like to knit or crochet one--here is another pattern.

Sometimes, ignorance is bliss--but sometimes, it will open your eyes!