A Place to Keep Quotes

The other evening as I was browsing through blog posts,

I meandered over to see what Bonnie K at

Birds, Bees, Berries, and Blooms was up to.

I noticed a quote in her sidebar that caught my eye.

Then I sat and read each one.

I thought she needs a book like mine.

I have this darling little book that a friend made for me.

It's only about 2" X 3.5". 

When she gave it to me, I wondered what I would do with it.

An answer appeared within a week 

when I read a quote I liked.

I have a punch bowl on our coffee table in the living room.

It has little books in it that I change with the seasons.

I've tried removing the punch bowl and going with something else,

but I get in trouble.

There are a few folks who visit who evidently like the punch bowl.

So in the punch bowl I keep my little quote book.

Every so often when I read a quote that resonates,

I write it in the little book.

Since I'm not allowed to get rid of the punch bowl,

folks will have to fight over it when my time is through.

If you have a favorite quote, let me know.

Evidently, I'm not the only one who likes them.

A side note~ when we were without internet for nearly a month,

I did hop on another computer and looked at the blog.

Only about half - two thirds of the blogs I follow appear on the blog reading list.

I don't know why, if it's something I did or if it's blogger.

So even if you don't see your blog on the list, I may still be a follower.

Granny Miller has a New Book

Hey folks, guess what.

Granny Miller has a book.

"Granny Miller: A Mind to Homestead"

I was so thrilled to see this.

If you aren't familiar with her blog,

you can visit it here.

Katherine Grossman aka Granny Miller

shares old-time agrarian knowledge based on experience.

I was fortunate enough to read it via e-version shortly after

its release, and the hardcopy version is also available now.

This is the first in an upcoming series on the topic of homesteading.

Before we go any further, I just want to make clear:

I have never met Granny Miller.

I actually asked her permission to write this post recommending this book.

I've read it and would not be suggesting you read it 

if I didn't truly believe it was worthy. 

I am not being paid to write this.

There ~ now that that is clear.

I did write a review which you can read here.

The path to homesteading, self-sufficiency, and well being

is different for each of us.

We each have different views, needs, and desires leading us in multiple directions that would probably resemble a spider web if drawn on paper.

Take a look at the contents.

If any of those topics interest you, you won't be disappointed.

From cooking on a wood stove to sewing your own underwear,

the information is complete and well grounded.

If there is a topic you are after but don't see,

you might find it on her blog or in an upcoming volume. 

One thing I think is pretty special about blogville

is that we all do things just a little differently and are able to share those ways

while appreciating that others still do it differently.

And in the event that we need help and/or advise,

readers and fellow bloggers are an extremely valuable resource.

Being able to create a community through the internet is a gift indeed.

Take a look and keep well my friends.



PS (update) ~ if the link to her blog doesn't work, she might have taken it down.  I know she was having a few health concerns.  She takes it down if she can't manage it.  Let's send up a prayer for speedy recovery and look forward to her return. 

Book Review: A People and Their Quilts

I really try to be one of those~

'If you don't have anything nice to say,

don't say anything at all." 

That being said, if I say I think this is good, I really do:)

I have read & used plenty of shallow, unorganized, 

or low quality books and patterns, but

try to keep them to myself unless asked or

guiding someone who is new to the art.

Nothing is more discouraging than trying something

for the first time and not having quality &/or complete instructions. 

I happened across this over-sized book.

And I know better than to judge a book by its cover,

buuuut....

I was so taken with the woman on the cover (Opal,)

I checked it out.

I did read the book summary:)

It features people from & living in the Appalachia Mountains

and their connection to quilts.

It is not a pattern book, but some of

the antique quilts featured - 

that had no pattern,

are absolutely amazing.

This book was published in 1983 so some of the clothes

 that people are wearing are a bit of a flash-back.

One lady interviewed was 100 years old at that time,

which means she was born in the 1880's.

Hearing their stories is something we have no way

of acquiring today.

It was not only a good read from a quilter's point of view,

but from a humanitarian and historian point of view.

I am truly thankful for all I have.

I am certain that a good majority of the people interviewed

and featured are gone now & their quilts

passed to another generation.

A book well worth the read.

The author is/was the founder of the

Museum of Appalachia

which is mentioned several times throughout the book.

The museum has become a success as well.

If you live in that area, you might plan a day trip.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

For the Love of Lace

They say the first step is to admit it.

Okay, here goes.

I am addicted...to antique lace.

Am I alone in this?

I was at the local bargain counter and found a piece of wool.

I thought, "I will just look really quick at what else

there is."  In the 25 cent bin, 

I found this beautiful antique lace collar.

Oh, but it gets better.

I donate items there relatively frequently.

When I went to pay for the skirt and collar,

she said, "Oh, I'm not going to charge you for 

that little thing."  

Because, 25 cents was too much???

I thanked her immensely.

The pink ribbon ties must have been sewn on later.

I have a stack of vintage linens and laces up-stairs, 

down-stairs, lace here, lace there,  geesh.

Another fun piece - has a couple little spots - haven't tried to remove yet. 

 If you share this same addiction, there is

a wonderful little book you might enjoy.

It discusses the history of lace and the making

of it over the course of time.

Did you know that at one time lace was outlawed? 

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Vintage Photo & Wool Needle Book

My first one finished.

I have been playing, making things for me and haven't really been creating for the holiday shows yet.  I have done a few things, but I need to get crackin'.  I will be making a few more of these little needle books - a couple more with this image and a few with a little vintage angel image.  It took me longer to decide what embellishments I wanted than to actually put it together.  The others might have some slight variations, but will probably be extremely close in design.  Just had to share.  Have a beautiful weekend.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches



Diamonds in the Dust

*First, I would just like to say that I think my computer is being abducted by aliens.  We will see what happens when I try to make a post.

I hope everybody had a fantastic weekend.  I was lucky enough to get some stitching time in.  I love the folklore of having a spider in a crazy quilt so usually try to add one or more into the works.  By doing so, I have made various types and styles of spiders, but I have to say, "This just might be my favorite."  I can't even tell you where I got the charm.  I have been known to buy 'odd' garments at a yard sale etc. just for the buttons.  About a week ago, I ended up with about a measuring cup full of single earrings, odd pieces of jewelry, and 'imperfect' miscellaneous pieces for a dollar.  I was thrilled.  The folks running the sale were kinda looking at me funny.  There was an older fella there, and he asked what I was going to do with them.  I told him I like to make crazy quilts so I like to have little treasures on hand.  He smiled and said, "Crazy quilts huh."  We didn't get to chat as others were needing his attention, but I am just guessing he had a story. 

Friday, I went to a downsizing/moving sale and found this beauty. 

Now hang on a minute.  Look closer.  I gave 50 cents and look what I got.  I wasn't after the polyester gabradine with the stain or even the fashion statement of the 1960's elderly population.  It was this.

It took a matter of minutes to remove them from the dress, and I now have these beauties to use on some fun project.

A couple of other goodies I found at the same sale:

This recipe book has a copyright of 1882 & includes instructions like, "use a piece of butter or over the eggs pour the lot."  I was having a blast reading it.  Our language has certainly changed over the years.

The point of all of this is that 'junking' has become quite fashionable within recent years, and we are eager to dig into what appears to be... well - junk.  Maybe, we should do that more often with people.  It might only take a moment to offer a kind word, and our treasure might not be tangible, but it will be priceless.  Think about your friends.  How many of them were introduced to you, and how many began simply as strangers then a smile and hello were made?  Please don't mistake me - People are not junk, but there are millions of them around & isn't it just amazing when we pick one and turn them into a friend?

Until Next Time - Even Stitches & Many Smiles

P.S.  I didn't mean to tease you with only the picture of the spider.  I will show you the rest of the quilt when it is finished:)

Wool Crazy Quilt

Good Morning.  I hope you are all recovering from the wacky holiday week.  I am so happy; I finally found some crazy quilt blogs.  As I said to Pat from Pat Winter's Gatherings, "I knew I couldn't be the only crazy one."  I am nearly finished with one crazy that I thought would be simple, but has turned into quite the challenge - more about that one later.  The one I am anxious to continue on is the one in the bag.

Yes, this is the bag.  To give you an idea of the actual size, it is the bag for my printer (like anyone would pack around a printer???) 

I have the blocks made-up.  They are 14 or 16 inches square (can't remember off the top of my head.)  I made them using all wool, solid colors, recycled/upcycled garments.  I did dye a few of the pieces to get a little  more color variation.  I couldn't resist.  I started stitching on it.  My thing is that I don't use the same stitch on any two seams within the same block.  

 I know that one is smaller than the others:(

 Another thing I did when making these blocks, is use red in the center - represents the hearth of the home.  I like that.  I will be adding 'pictures' to the blocks, but that will be the last thing I do, because I will want to lay all the blocks out and see where the pictures need to be and decide just what kind of picture will need to be in that space:)  Just a me thing.  I have began my own journal of stitches in a real journal given to me to write down my inner most thoughts - stitches work!  I have a few crazy quilts to refer to and jot those stitches down as well as ones I come up with out of necessity.  There are a few books that I just cherish also.

'An Encyclopedia of Crazy Quilt Stitches and Motifs'  This is a great book for beginners.  It has a lot of the basics and I use it often to make sure I have the needle turned just right or just to remember something I should know. 

'Treasury of Crazy Quilt Stitches' is amazing!  This was my birthday present to myself a couple years ago.  Love it!

And 'Elegant Stitches' has a lot of embellishing for the finer side as well as ribbon embroidery and some stumpworkish sort of stitching.  This one is a little more advanced, but has great illustrations for making even basic stitches.  You could use this book from beginner to advanced stages of stitching.  Okay, so this really makes me want to go thread my needle.

So, until next time - happy stitches.

Free Tutorial Burlap & White Book Mark or Name Tag

Here I go again.  Just thought I would show you a little how to book mark out of burlap and white muslin.  First you will need to go get the piece of burlap you have hiding in a special place so it doesn't make the rest of your fabric smell funny.

Then cut a strip off the end.  It is important that you cut on the grain of the fabric staying between two specific fibers.  If this is tricky for you, try pulling one fiber from the edge.  This will give you a cutting path.  I cut mine two inches wide. I am making a book mark.  If you are making a name tag, you might want it just a tad wider (a nice name tag size is 2.5 X 4.5.)  I then cut 5.5 inches from the strip.  (I will be making more than one so I cut a whole long strip.)  I then cut a piece of iron-on interfacing about 1.5 X 5 inches and ironed that (steamer off) to the burlap.  Very Very Very important - make sure the shiny side is toward the fabric so it doesn't stick to your iron.  That would be bad.  The measurements I use leave about 1/4 inch all around to pull some of the fibers away for a 'fringy' look.  Heehee, I like that word.  I then did what I refer to as doodling with my needle.  I just made a couple little flowers.  I don't use patterns for little things like this, but you could draw a little flower, a cat, write a name, or just any ol' thing you are into.  Next, you will need to get your white muslin. 

Snip and tear from one corner, then from the same corner, snip and tear in the other direction so you end up with a freyed corner.

 I then lay the burlap piece on the white muslin and snipped and tore to make it just slightly larger than the burlap (about another 1/4 inch on all sides.)

 

 

Now you will need your wonder under or heat-n-bond which ever double sided adhesive you prefer.  Cut a piece just slightly larger than the interfacing you cut before stitching.  Iron it (shiny side down & no steam) on the burlap piece.  While you are at it, might as well iron the muslin piece.  Peal the paper off and  place the muslin on the burlap making sure it is centered both top to bottom and side to side.

Iron this from the back - you don't want to take a chance either cinging or snagging your embroidery on the front.  Also, the heat travels through muslin better than it does through burlap. 

And "Voila!"  There you have it.  If you are making name tags, simply hot glue a pin back to the back of the tag or use fun, big safety pin to pin them on.  It is almost easier to make several of these at one time and use the little assembly line technique rather than just one.  This one is going to a very nice lady I met in Prosser last weekend. 

Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
Hope you are having a fantastic weekend. 

Free Autograph Memory Book Tutorial

     I recently made one of these for a friend who is moving back from Hawaii and is on a bit of a road trip.  It turned out rather cute so I thought I would share.  You will need to begin by gathering a few items: small composition notebook (I got these 3 for a dollar at the Dollar Store,) enough fabric to cover one, a coordinating fabric, scissors, a way to measure, a button, and a glue stick. (and a cup of tea or coffee of course.)

  

Next cut fabric about 3/4 of an inch larger than the opened notebook all the way around.  If you have a one way fabric like I do, be sure to cut it so that the print is right-side up not sideways or upside-down.

Next is a very easy step.  Center the open book on the wrong side of the fabric.  Cut from the edge to the spine of the book at the top and the bottom.

Before you glue - make sure your fabric is right-side up!  Theeenn, glue the outer edge over the edge of the book.  Fold the corners like you are wrapping a present and glue the top and bottom edges over so it looks something like this----->

Now repeat for the back.

Next choose a coordinating color.  It can be a print, but I chose to go with the solid brown.

I had 1/3 of a yard of the brown so I tore off the selvage .  Snip the edge then tear it.

Save the skinny little strip for later - it's a secret right now.

Then measure from the spine over to the middle of the fabric that is folded and glued.  Snip and tear so it will fit just right like this --------->

Now do the same for the top and bottom.  Snipping and tearing - go ahead and get your aggravation out:)  Be sure it fits before you glue it down.

 

Slather it with glue even about a quarter of an inch onto the fabric, because the other fabric will be covering it.

Then center the fabric and finger press in place.

Here is where the secret little

strip comes into play. Glue the little

thing near the spine inside the back

cover.

Then glue the coordinating fabric inside the back cover just as you did for the inside of the front cover.

Now is an extremely fun part.  You get to play with buttons.  BUTTONS!  I love buttons - who doesn't?  Choose one that goes with your book.  The size really doesn't matter - have fun with it.

 Fold the skinny strip into the front cover and stitch the button onto the end.  This is your bookmark - just like in those beautiful old novels. 

Voila! And there you have it.  You could get much more elaborate, or just keep it simple.  I wrote a little message on the first page of the one I gave my friend to make it even more personal. 

 I do hope you enjoyed this little project.  Have a lovely afternoon.