Welcome back! I've been busily and happily content in the studio lately. I've been playing in my scrap bins making RSC blocks - blues and greens so far...
I've also been re-writing and re-testing a few block patterns for the Little House Sampler Quilter Sew Along... All as I listen to audio books.
BTW, if you missed it, the first LH Sampler block pattern has been released! You can find it here. NOTE:: There has been a correction made to the log cabin frame pattern. I think I notified everyone that had downloaded the original (incorrect) pattern. The cutting instructions were off by 1/4" in length of 6 strips. No biggie... and you may not have noticed it. Thanks to Karen W. for catching that!
Before I ramble on about part of my week, let's take a look at the randomly selected feature for the week. Nancy at Grace & Peace Quilting shared two baby quilts that will be donated to a charity that provide a bundle of baby items to families in need with newborns. Both quilts have their beauty enhanced by her choice of quilting and the backings. Two families will certainly be blessed by receiving these quilts that are not only lovely but filled with her love and prayers. Be sure to take a side tour to her blog to see the closeup shots of the quilting, backings and bindings.
If you missed the fact that I decided to document my book journey by piecing one 9-patch block for each book read or listened to. In January I completed 8 books... I've included a few links to the previous books and my thoughts on them above.
Since I last shared... Breaking Free was a story of redemption... Maggie Roberts found herself in prison after a tragic accident killed her son. While serving her 10-year sentence, she had the opportunity to work with horses and found a renewed purpose in life.
Charlotte's Web... Short, sweet and familiar. I loved it!
The Things We Leave Unfinished was an interesting book focused on the risks we take for love, the scars too deep to heal and accepting endings that are unexpected.
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| I'm having such fun making each block to reflect the cover of the book |
I skipped a few portions because of "mature themes." Hahaha. That's what the description included! I felt like I was reading a harlequin romance novel! Overall, the sex scenes were "fluff" to the story and not necessary to the storyline.
Essentially, a book manuscript telling the love story and life story of the original author was left behind, unfinished, and another author was asked to finish it.
It reminded me of the various UFOs I have been given to finish. Most recently, the vintage rose quilt blocks. I could relate to the fact that to be most successful at finishing it (whatever "it" may be) in a way that would honor the original maker or writer, you need to get to know them in the best way that you can... Study previous work, ask family members about their personalities, their likes and dislikes, what were they knowledgeable in and what were their hobbies.
The ending certainly surprised me!
My next read was What You are Looking for is at the Library. The librarian had an uncanny knack of making book suggestions for patrons of the community library that were seemingly unrelated to what they had asked for. It was fun to follow the characters as they found the answers to what they were looking for in unexpected ways, and how their lives connected.
The most recent book was The War Outside.
This historical fiction takes place during WWII - one of my favorite historical periods to read about - and loosely based on actual events.
I have been aware of the fact that there were camps for Americans of Japanese descent. There was one not far from the town I grew up in. But this story takes place in Crystal City, TX and was a "family camp" for both Japanese and German Americans. (And Italians, but there were no Italian characters in this story.)
I was shocked to learn that the US Government had done the same thing they did to the American-Japanese citizens, to other nationalities. My Mom was unaware of it as well. I realized then that my story/life could have turned out very different had my paternal grandparents been among those sent to an internment camp.
Had that happened, they never would have been on the receiving end of the letters from former German POWs that worked on their farm... The very foundation of the Pieces from The Past Sew Along that I hosted in 2020. The likelihood of not ever meeting Dave... the likelihood that my parents would not have met and married... WOW! I recently made all of the stories from this sew along available again on the blog. :) More to come regarding that.
I realize this is a nightmare for some living in similar situations right now in the US. It saddens me... It breaks my heart, really. It also overwhelms me. What can I do to change their stories?
I can pray... That's what I can do... That's what I will do. I want to do a little more research into this topic. But right now, I need something a little lighter to listen to and enjoy. I've got a childhood classic and Newberry Medal winner ready to go! Caddie Woodlawn.
I've having a grand time selecting the fabrics from my stash for the blocks... digging through the stacks in search of the "perfect" piece for each cover. As I started The War Outside I had a fabric in mind for those two girls... And I may have squealed when I saw the scrap that I used for the barbed wire. LOL. I don't know if I'm gaining more joy out of all the books, or in making the block! Doesn't really matter... I am joy filled!
Thanks for tagging along with me on this Bookish Journal. And thanks for joining the Sew & Tell party.
I've got my long list of book suggestions from all of you in January, and I look forward to each one! Thanks!
Before you go... tell me...
What is bringing joy to your life lately?
Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!
Keep Piecing,
Melva
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