“It’s for the Birds” Blog Hop (and a mystery giveaway!)

Ok, a few things you need to know…first, I love puns. I always tell my daughters that I never promised there would be good jokes, just a lot of them! Second, I recently found the most adorable Kiwi pattern over at Tartan Kiwi and third, I just happen to have two yards of New Zealand fabric left over from a Girl Scout Thinking Day. Throw those elements together with my love of WordPlay quilts and you get

My Kiwi Table Runner!

My oldest daughter has already claimed this one and it will go off to her college apartment to spend the summer while she works on campus.

Now, for the mystery giveaway…it’s a mystery because I’m not yet driving and won’t get to the quilt shop until tomorrow to pick up bird fabric!  So, sometime tomorrow, the 1/2 yard of bird fabric I’m giving away will post right about here.  In the meantime, step out on faith and leave me your favorite pun or funny saying and I’ll use Mr. Random to pick a winner at the end of the hop.  (I will ship internationally, by the way!) [Plans to get to the quilt shop are not going to materialize today but I've ordered my fabric and you can click here to see what it looks like! http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=8178514053488178&Store_id=499&page_id=23&Item_ID=60085]

Now, fly on over to see what all the other creative quilters have been up to…this has been such fun!  I want to send a big hug to our wonderful Madam Samm and to Mary for all their wonderful work and inspiration!

Here’s a list of the rest of today’s quilters…have a great time!

Tuesday, May 14

http://www.intheboondocks.blogspot.com

http://mychellem.blogspot.com

www.thimblemouseandspouse.blogspot.com

www.quiltingandsewingarts.com

http://Sewgratefulquilts.wordpress.com

www.aquiltingsheep.com

http://tricia-ramblingsofaquilter.blogspot.com

http://sewmanyyarns.blogspot.com

www.moosestashquilting.blogspot.com

http://bethstrand.wordpress.com (That’s me)

http://quiltoo.blogspot.com

http://teatimecreations.blogspot.ca/

http://secretlystitching.blogspot.gr/

 

A Wedding Finish for May

Last weekend, before I so ignobly tangled with yet another curb (and lost), I was privileged to serve as a bridesmaid for my dear friend, Connie, as she celebrated her wedding. Of course, the wedding of a dear friend requires a quilt and I had to hustle to finish this one! But finish I did, getting the binding on just before I had to leave to be at the church! It’s a little hard to see in the photo, but the fabric in the middle of the stars and on the borders is filled with “Wedding” words.

 There are things like “Love, Romance, I do, We do, Cherish, etc.” in all different fonts and sizes. I finished my stars with purple points and even added a special embroidered block with my dear friends’ initials and wedding date all encircled in a purple heart.  I used a filler design with hearts from Leah Day’s website (if you need a great quilting resource, check her out) and quilted it all over with purple Aurofil.  My dear friends were delighted and there’s nothing like the delight of someone I love to make a quilt shine for me! 

Well, due to some WordPress glitches, it’s taken me days to get the photos in this post so let me add my wishes that your Mother’s Day was a special day.  My family has been so incredibly helpful with yours truly crutching around all week and then they topped it off with an amazing dinner and no dishes for moi!  I’m counting my blessing this week in spite of my funny footwear!  I’ll be back tomorrow (God willing and the creek don’t rise, as my mom says) with a book review or two (one I LOVE) and tomorrow night I’ll be posting my “It’s for the Birds” hop post.  I can hardly wait to show you what I’ve done!

Happy quilting!

“Fortress of Mist” Continues the Series With No Decrease in the Action

When I finished the first book in Sigmund Brower’s “Merlin’s Immortals” series, I was eager for book two to arrive and it has not disappointed. “Fortress of Mist” picks up the story from “The Orphan King” and continues to run at a wonderful pace through a world laced with fantasy, intrigue and mystery. Thomas has come into his kingdom but his troubles are far from over. Now he must negotiate the murky world of politics, never knowing who to trust and who is on his side. As two opposing forces fight for his allegiance, this young king must tread carefully knowing that all he has fought for may be lost in one wrong decision.
“Fortress of Mist” delivers the second installment of Thomas’ story with deepening plot points and well-written storylines that will take you further into this ancient land and leave you, alas, waiting as I am for the next installment! I highly recommend this series for fantasy fans of middle school grades and upward to adults.
“Fortress of Mist” was provided to me by Waterbrook Press for this review as part of their Blogging for Books Program. The opinions, however, are entirely my own.

“The War Below” Will Have You on the Edge of Your Seat!

“The War Below” is a thrilling, intimate and extremely readable account of three American submarines during WWII. While the subject is pure fact, James Scott pulls the book together like a fast-paced fiction thriller. The men of the submarine crews come to life on the page through quotes, anecdotes and Scott’s skillful narrative. The book focuses on the exploits of three subs, Tang, Silversides, and Drum, all assigned to the Pacific. “The War Below” had me calling people from other rooms with a “You’ve got to hear this” or laughing out loud at some of the lighter sides of submarine life. Mostly, though, it gave me a new appreciation of how America’s submarine force contributed to the victory in the Pacific.
Whether you are a history buff, a fan of action movies, a student in need of a book for a report, or just someone looking for a great read…I give “The War Below” my highest possible endorsement. This is literary non-fiction at its absolute best! “The War Below” is scheduled for release on May 14, 2013. Do yourself a favor and order it now.
This book was provided to me by Simon & Schuster for this review. The opinions, however, are entirely my own!

“Unsinkable” Gets an” F” for Historical Accuracy

I love historical fiction and I love the stories of the Titanic. However, wherever history crosses paths with fiction, it is the author’s responsibility, especially when writing for a younger audience, to provide the most accurate possible portrayal of the time frame. “Unsinkable” is as riddled with holes as the actual Titanic. Major historical fiction faux pas litter the book…from the use of real-life people in places they never were to an inaccurate account of Captain Smith’s last actions. The author shows very little understanding of the social customs of the time including a reference to a first class passenger being forced to eat in second class due to tardiness. There are errors in period clothing and social moirés of the time. In addition, parents may object to how far the romance goes when one considers that the heroine is only 15. Let’s face it, love at first sight makes great reading and the Titanic as a backdrop requires that any romance moves quickly but “Unsinkable” seems to take the characters into far deeper emotional waters than suitable for a book aimed at “young readers.”
This is another one of those books that beg the question, “Where have all the editors gone?” I not only don’t recommend this book, but I think it needs to be pulled for a complete rewrite. “Unsinkable” is scheduled for release on May 21, 2013.
This book was provided to me by Strebor Books for this review. The opinions, however, are entirely my own.

It’s for the Birds is Coming!

The “It’s for the Birds” Blog Hop is Coming! It starts tomorrow which means for us on the West Coast that we can do some late night surfing (after 9 pm but, hey, that can feel pretty late some days!)  My day isn’t until next week but there’s lot of fun stuff coming.  Here’s a complete schedule of what’s coming up for the whole hop!

Tuesday, May 7

 

http://www.fiberbabble.com

http://Sewincrediblycrazy.blogspot.com

www.SquawkThat.com

http://Scrapatches.blogspot.com

http://Kwiltypleasures.blogspot.com

www.sowingstitches.blogspot.com

www.justquiltit.blogspot.com

http://krislovesfabric.blogspot.com

http://apassionforapplique.blogspot.com

http://dancingmoon-carla.blogspot.com

http://bumbleberrystitchn.wordpress.com

http://Sewandsowfarm.blogspot.com

http://Ipiece2-Mary.blogspot.com

http://sharon-dancingthruthreads.blogspot.com

http://www.iliketoquiltblog.blogspot.com/

http://catsnqlts2.blogspot.com

 

 

Wednesday, May 8

 

http://sunshinequilting.blogspot.com

http://feltfree-p.blogspot.no

http://busyascanbe.blogspot.com

http://quiltdoodledesigns.blogspot.com

http://buzzingandbumbling.blogspot.com

http://patchouli-moon-studio.blogspot.com

http://ecoughlindesigns.blogspot.com

http://mywhittleadventures.blogspot.com

http://SewMuch2Luv.blogspot.com

www.natilittlethings.blogspot.com

http://justletmequilt.blogspot.com

http://ncweekendquilter.blogspot.com

http://Selinaquilts.blogspot.com

http://saneandcrazy.blogspot.com

http://abis-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com

http://roseprairiequilts.blogspot.com

http://marlarockscrafts.blogspot.com

 

Thursday, May 9

 

http://englating.se/wp

http://lauraluvsloons.blogspot.com

http://marjoriesbusycorner.blogspot.ca

http://ruffhaven.blogspot.com

www.pigtalesandquilts.com

http://debbykratovilquilts.blogspot.com

http://why-knot-kwilt.blogspot.com

http://beaquilter.com

http://gwenbru.blogspot.com

http://pccrafty.blogspot.com

http://pumpkinpatchquilter.blogspot.com

http://sherry-blessingsfromournest.blogspot.com

http://zellerwear.blogspot.com

http://crafting365days.blogspot.com.au

http://charlottescreationsanew.blogspot.com

http://Janesquilting.blogspot.com

http://Ipiece2-Mary.blogspot.com   Robin Sheaffer

 

Friday, May 10

 

http://ssparrowinflight.blogspot.com

http://Hillvalleyquilter.blogspot.se

http://mcsqrd.blogspot.com

http://loveitsewit.blogspot.com

http://piecepeacenc.blogspot.com

http://grammieq.blogspot.com

http://meadowbrook-Kristen.blogspot.com

http://scrapbook-ChickADoodle.blogspot.com

www.craftyshenanigans.blogspot.co.uk

http://Stitchingbythebeach.blogspot.com

www.thebusybeequiltshop.blogspot.com

http://morestarsincomanche.blogspot.com

http://lesquilts.blogspot.ca

http://suebeesworld.blogspot.com

http://mtnmommy2.blogspot.com

www.thatlookslikeitneedsstitches.blogspot.com

http://www.freshcutquilts.com

 

 

Monday, May 13

 

http://www.quiltsmiles.blogspot.com

http://sewdarnquilt.blogspot.com

www.cindycraftycreations.blogspot.com

http://madebymeinred.blogspot.com

http://featheredneststudio.com

http://cmyprims.blogspot.com

http://ukcitycrafter.wordpress.com

www.gracieoliverarts.blogspot.com

http://quilterinthecloset.blogspot.com

http://quilttotheedge.blogspot.com

http://aroundthehomestead.blogspot.com

http://sewpeacetopeace.blogspot.com

www.caliquilter.com/blog/

http://pamela-kieffer.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Tuesday, May 14

 

http://www.intheboondocks.blogspot.com

http://mychellem.blogspot.com

www.thimblemouseandspouse.blogspot.com

www.quiltingandsewingarts.com

http://Sewgratefulquilts.wordpress.com

www.aquiltingsheep.com

http://tricia-ramblingsofaquilter.blogspot.com

http://sewmanyyarns.blogspot.com

www.moosestashquilting.blogspot.com

http://bethstrand.wordpress.com

http://quiltoo.blogspot.com

http://teatimecreations.blogspot.ca/

http://secretlystitching.blogspot.gr/

 

Wednesday, May 15

 

http://cariboucrossingchronicles.blogspot.ca

www.notionnanny.blogspot.com

http://crookedgulleyartquilts.blogspot.com

http://Karamino.blogspot.com

http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.com

www.sewmolliesue.com

http://devotedquilter.blogspot.com

http://mystitchin-n-stuff.blogspot.com

www.quiltscapesqs.com

http://kocanquilt.blogspot.com

http://createinthesticks.blogspot.com

http://quiltingwithterryandthecats.blogspot.com

http://Sewwequilt.com

 

May Goal Setting Post

Sorry this post is a little late but, as you can see, I’ve got some snazzy new footwear and accessories.  It was a simple mis-step, a curb where I didn’t think there was a curb and a sudden shooting pain that told me I was in trouble.  Thankfully, nothing is broken but it’s sure not a lot of fun right now.

Well, back to the quilting news.  Country Threads drew number 10 for the UFO of the month which happens to be my hand quilting project.  I doubt I’ll be able to finish it but now that I can’t get around much…who knows?

In the meantime, I’m setting the Quilt Without End batik quilt up as my Lovely Year of  Finishes goal.  It’s already got blocks and some are already partially sewn together.  If I can get it to a top, I’ll be a happy girl.  If I manage to machine quilt it, I’ll be ecstatic!  Well, that’s it from me today.  Wishing you a safe and happy quilting week…and beware of curbs!

“Through the Perilous Fight” is Exquisitely Researched and Beautifully Presented

In my opinion, the War of 1812 gets a bit lost in the modern presentation of American History and that is a shame. This pivotal conflict was a “make it or break it” point in our history as a nation and deserves to have a much better press agent than in the past! Well, the Ware of 1812 has found a champion in Steve Vogel with his book “Through the Perilous Fight, Six Weeks That Saved the Nation.”
This book is beautifully researched and presented with a wonderful, readable format. The figures from history seem to come back to life with Vogel’s skillful use of quotes from letters, diaries and other historical sources. The quotations nearly serve as dialogue and move the story forward briskly. Francis Scott Key and the birth of the national anthem are integral to the history but other fascinating characters receive their full measure of the reader’s attention.
“Through the Perilous Fight” is a must read for lovers of American History. It would also make a great addition to a course curriculum. Through the Perilous Fight is scheduled for release on May 7th, 2013.
This book was provided to me by Random House for this review. The opinions, however, are entirely my own!

“Invisible” is Touching and Thought Provoking

Ellyn nurtures others through her restaurant but berates herself privately for her extra weight. Sabina is hiding from her life, her family and herself. Twila is still living in the shadow of anorexia. Three women with hurts will find themselves drawn together as they discover ways to overcome their fears and see themselves as God sees them.
“Invisible” was a truly lovely read. As someone who struggles with weight, I was a little tentative about this book…what if it made me feel worse? Instead, I found the journey of these three characters to be tremendously uplifting and freeing. Ginny Yttrup does a terrific job of giving us intimate glimpses into the heart and mind of all the characters so that we feel we get to know each one. The only criticism I have in this book (and it is trivial) is that one character’s constant use of the word “gal” grated on me. Other than that tiny fly in the ointment, this book is terrific! I would highly recommend it whether you struggle with your weight or not. There is truly something for any woman in this book. The story is well-written, nicely paced and the dialogue is memorable and believable. The ending is uplifting and doesn’t necessarily take you where you think you may be going.
This book is also a great book to share with younger women of high school age and up. Perhaps with more books like this, we could raise a generation of women who can see their own unique beauty regardless of their size.
This book was provided for my by B&H Publishing Group for this review. The opinions, however, are entirely my own.

The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Moms (and we have a winner…finally!)

What a week! Ok, honestly, first let me say thank you to all the lovely people who commented on the mug rugs, I truly intended to answer every comment but life went, well, the way life often goes. On Saturday of last week, I enjoyed a true feast of wonderful company. First my dear niece stopped by on the way to California to have lunch (I made her favorite gluten-free chicken pot pie.) She only had a couple of hours to spare so I wasn’t going to miss her even though I was also hosting our Quilter’s Tea that same day. For the tea, I made scones, lemon bars, clotted cream and, of course, tea.  Thank goodness we had leftover chicken pot pie for dinner because I was done with cooking by the evening!  However, I wasn’t done with kitchen business.  I was out buying new pans when our younger daughter called to say she’d fallen off the highest pullup bar at the school and couldn’t lift her arm.  Her dad was a block away so he went to check to make sure it wasn’t dislocated.  Thankfully, it appeared in one piece.  It was still bothering her Sunday so we trotted off to Urgent Care.  They x-rayed it and told us it was fractured.  Then they told us it might not be.  They took x-rays of the other side.  She was already splinted up so they left the splint in place and sent us home with x-rays to see her regular doctor the next day.  Long story short…it was Wednesday before an orthopedic person could confirm that, “No, her arm wasn’t broken.”  We took off the splints and she danced out of there very happy!

Happy girl with two good arms!

All of which contributed to a slightly hectic week for yours truly.  Which brings me to the winner part of this post.  According to Random.org, comment number #24, Brenda,  is the winner.  I’ll be contacting her to get an address to send the fat quarters.

In the meantime, speaking of fat quarters, our tea theme was Africa and for the first time in years, we had a duplicate.  Not two but three people brought the giraffe print fabric!  It’s ok with me, though, I really loved it (and obviously so did my friends.)  Aren’t these lovely pretties?  The green one is a big panel with a lion on it and I’ve already got a quilt design swirling in my mind for these.

Well, that said, I’m off to do a bit of quilting today. If all goes anywhere near what I hope for, I may be showing you my Easy Street top by the end of the weekend.  Unfortunately, I’m regretting a little my decision not to remake my four-patches.  The whole thing looks a bit “mushy” in the colors but I still like it.  I’ll know more when I see it all together…maybe it needs some big applique on it?

Oh, and expect a slew of book reviews…did I mention I’m behind in a few things?

Happy quilting,

Beth