Whatcha Reading Tuesday

I’m excited to be linking up with Judy’s “Whatcha Reading Tuesday” because right up there next to loving to sew, I also love to read.  You might have figured that out by my side bar…I have a reading list from Goodreads and another one from Shelfari posted there.  Overkill maybe… but oh well.

Just last night I finished reading “Navigating Early”, about 2 boys, Jack and Early, who venture out by themselves on the Appalachian Trail in search of the great black bear…and Early’s long lost brother.  They meet up with some interesting characters along the way.  Also, the mathematical pi (3.14) is an important part of the story.  …huh?? 

I decided to read it after finishing another one by Clare Vanderpool…

…Moon Over Manifest, which I really, really loved.  Both of the books are written for youth but are perfect for adult readers too. I shared Moon over Manifest with my book club and they liked it.  It made for a fun discussion that night.   Clare Vanderpool is a talented writer.

Like many of you, I am always looking for another good book. I hope to find some more great leads on Judy’s Tuesday links.

Go check it out (here) …and share what you are reading.  I’d love to know.

My applique tools

I haven’t been on my blog for a bit, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been sewing away.  I have four blocks appliqued for my Stars and Sprigs quilt… 

…and three more prepped.  My way of prepping things may not be “the way”  but it works for me.  Prepping is my least favorite part of the job…I like to get it all set and ready quickly so I can sit down with needle and thread.  And I work it out from there.  Kind of impatient that way.

I first learned to applique right after I was married…about 35 years ago… and loved it right away.  Since then I have learned a lot…especially from fellow bloggers the past few years.  There are some awesome ideas out there.  I’m thankful for them all. 

A while ago I found this little bag, a make-up bag or something like that.  It was ideal for what I needed.  It also had advertising so I sewed the sunflower ribbon on to hide it. 

Perfect portable size for keeping my applique stuff handy-dandy in one spot.

Inside I keep…

-My Clover Quilt Dome.  In the past I used a homemade felt booklet to hold needles and threads…it was always tangled no matter how careful I was.  This little device is awesome…it holds 10 threaded needles…nice and neat and no tangles!!

-Travel soap containers are perfect for threads.  I keep my favorite ones on bobbins and refill them when needed.  Then I always have a wide assortment with me.  And I use the plastic tubing pieces idea to keep them from unraveling.  Thanks again blog ladies!

-My little house needle book was also a blogger’s idea that I fell in love with and holds used needles…I like straw needles size 10 and sometimes 11. 

-I only need a little pincushion for those teeny tiny pins and also keep a tin with more pins and stick on thimble pads. 

-I use a white charcoal pencil for outlining and a lead pencil for light fabrics. 

-I love my sharp little scissors

-and my very comfortable thimble. 

-Last, but not least, a used film canister (can’t find those anymore can you?) to hold threads and clippings and keeps everything neat and tidy.  A miniature waste can!

These Stars and Sprigs blocks fit just right in my case with all my supplies and I’m ready to take it anywhere with me. 

And that way…I just might finish them.

2013 here I come!

Wow, December was such a whirlwind for me.  Lots of Christmas fun, of course, but no time at all for the sewing machine and rarely even time for the computer.  I notice I didn’t blog once for a whole month. 

But now it’s over and I’m really eager to spend time with needle and thread.

Mostly because this is what I got for Christmas!!  From Mr. Sunshine…who knows just what I like. (& because he’s really good at picking up hints)

I have 2 tubs full of fabric that have been stashed away for a day when a project like this one came along.  So excited to use them now!

I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to finish those awesome borders but I’m going to try.  And I do have great plans for the main body of the quilt irregardless.

 

And I haven’t forgotten my Double Wedding Ring (well I did in December but now I’m back).  I am so close to being done with those arcs. 

 

These are my two main projects for 2013. 

…or at least until something else comes along…

that’s how it always seems to go, isn’t it?