A SINGLE THREAD

I was wondering what to write for my next entry.  Seems when I least expect it, the ideas creep in.  (Sometimes slowly!!  LOL)  I had a long 12 hour day at work and wanted to sew but didn't feel I had enough brain power left to concentrate on any new projects!  (I work at a bank and we've recently completed a LARGE software conversion that is still wreaking lots of havoc on those of us who work in the back rooms (accounting / loan operations / etc)  Anyway, I did have the energy to finish reading a great book I had started. 

The book I finished is from a series by Marie Bostwick.  I read the first just by chance.  A lady I know bought the first issue a few years back.  After reading it, she passed it on and many of us have now read it.  It's a QUILT based series but the author has such great characters. It doesn't center entirely on quilting and crafting.  You don't have to be a quilter to enjoy her characters and well told stories.  I feel as if I know the people in her books and I want to be part of their circle.  They are rich but realistic characters.  If any of you even like to read a little, you may want to check out Marie Bostwick.  Click on her name to go to her web page.  Right now she has some cool quilt pictures posted!!  She is on the road and has pictures from a quilt exhibit.  She posts in a blog like style but also has pages for her Reader Fans. 

The book series currently has 4 editions.  It starts with A SINGLE THREAD (click here for excerpt.)  Go to her website and find out more!  The book I just finished is THREADING THE NEEDLE (click here for excerpt.)  I really think she will continue this series too.  I sure hope so.  I love the characters. 

Have a great day!  Enjoy it doing what you love best!  Or simply sit down and enjoy a good read like I did!
Quiltpecan

More Bang For Your Buck .. In 10 Minutes!

Recently we posted a picture of a small bow tie wall hanging that Sydneykatt made for me.  The block can be done quickly with 5 squares.  You can find a tutorial for this dimensional bow tie block at this link:   Bear Creek Quilter Dimensional Bow tie Tutorial

Susan McNeil has a book that uses the same technique but gets a totally different result in how it looks.  On YouTube she has a tutorial for this block.  She makes it look totally different than the bow tie.  There are variations too so that you can get "more bang for your buck!!!"   Click on the following link to watch her tutorial:  Susan McNeil's 10 minute block

This link shows the 10 minute block plus a little more:  10 Minute Block and More

Hope you like these links.  I plan on trying Susan's technique soon!!!  Quiltpecan

This is book by Susan McNeil.  If you like the tutorial, check out the book!

Crappy Quilts???

Went to the library the other day and saw this quilt book on their rack of new arrivals.  The lady at the checkout desk told me their books arrive with the library bar code already attached.   You would think that whoever applies them could have at least shifted the barcode to the bottom.  Who wants to make CRAPPY quilts!!   LOL  Of course, it's a Better Homes and Gardens book and I knew the quilts wouldn't be CRAPPY!!

You might want to look for this book "SCRAPPY QUILTS" at your own library or order one for your home library.  It has some really neat ideas.  Nothing so challenging that I wouldn't be afraid to try.  But at the same time, it would push me past my comfort level which I need from time to time.  Sydneykatt is always awesome to push me past my limit.  Which is great because I try things I might not have and we always have fun trying and seeing the end results.

--Quiltpecan