Recent Reading List

Yarn and books

With the holiday weekend coming up in the U.S., I thought I would share my most recent reads just in case someone was looking for a good book to take while traveling or enjoy post-turkey. In no particular order, this is what I have read since my last book list. Other lists can be found here (keep scrolling down!)

Yes Please by Amy Poehler - I loved this! Of course, I admit that I am biased because Amy and I were friends in college. Fangirl since 1989!

Moscow Rules by Daniel Silva - Still making my way through these Gabriel Allon thrillers and still loving them. I also read The Messenger and The Secret Servant, two other titles in this series.

One Plus One by Jojo Moyes - I enjoy books by this author. They are generally lighthearted (most of them) and fast reads with likeable characters. I also read Silver Bay.

The Dance of the Seagull by Andrea Camilleri - Reading this book, Treasure Hunt and Angelica's Smile all by the same author, was like rediscovering my old friend Inspector Montalbano. I tore through all three of these books quickly. These mysteries are set in Sicily and are best read in chronological order. I read the other books in the series in the summer of 2012.

City of Dragons by Kelli Stanley - Set in 1940 San Francisco with femal private investigator as the protagonist, this was a little slow to start for me, but I enjoyed the story.

Frog Music by Emma Donoghue - I know that many people enjoyed this book, but it was not one of my favorites. Not sure why.

The Headmaster's Wife by Thomas Christopher Greene - I did not know where this book was going until the end and I loved that.

The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin - Such a touching book. I really did not want it to end.

Now You See Me by Sharon Bolton - This is a mystery/thriller that is a little graphic and psychologically intense. I really liked the story, the characters are fantastic, but I had to read it during daylight hours instead of in bed at night. Once I finished that one, I moved on to Dead Scared which has the same main character and was equally as thrilling, but not as graphic as the first. I think these will be a series.

Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore - I adored this one. It's long and the story has many layers with an interesting cast of characters, most of which are multi-generational members of the same family.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion - My book club read this earlier in the fall and I thought it was a very enjoyable, fun read.

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty - The main character in this book had temporary amnesia and thinks that she is living 10 years earlier than she really is. It's a fun read, but had me thinking. My book group is reading this now and I am anxious to discuss this with them. I also read Big Little Lies and Three Wishes by the same author and they are fun and funny reads.

We Only Know So Much by Elizabeth Crane - This story about a multi-generational family with its fair share of problems is told from all their points of view. I liked it.

The Secret Place by Tana French - I adore this author's novels. This one is no exception. It's a mystery, surrounding a private girls' school in Dublin.

The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell - This is one I can't tell you much about or I might give something away. Just read it.

Cartwheel by Jennifer DuBois - This is the story of an American student living abroad who is charged with the murder of her roommate. The idea is based on a true story that was newsworthy a few years ago, but this book is not about that. Instead the author takes inspiration from real life and makes a story of her own.

And finally, I re-read Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt. I liked it just as much, if not more, than the first time.

 

Have you read anything lately that you would recommend? Let me know!

. . . . .

This post contains affiliate links, but I purchased all these books on my own. Of course, the opinions are all mine.

Books Comments
Bueller?

Work table

I sent a text to Jane the other night when she was late coming out of play rehearsal that just said, "Bueller?"

I imagine you all saying the same thing to me, wondering where I've been. I don't think I have ever gone a whole month without posting since I started this blog 8+ years ago.

Life is busy. And good. And sometimes a little messy. I'm in the thick of it.

Kate turned 13! And does not want her picture on the internet. Duly noted. We gave her an electric guitar and she was surprised. I do not think she expected it at all and I love that. She is coming into her own in a beautiful way. I am so impressed with the strong, smart, funny, confident, thoughtful person she is growing into. And I am now the mother of two teenagers. Talk about feeling old and young all at the same time. Fatty's birthday was yesterday (I won't mention his age. ;) ) and Jane's follows right after Thanksgiving. It's birthday season around here and I love it.

I'm also working on things that I cannot show you. That is not fun - for me or for you. It's some good stuff! I am trying to balance the work with some selfish sewing, but I'm coming to the point where that will no longer be possible. Still, there are two quilts and two quilt tops to photograph this weekend. And a whole post to write on Liberty feathers. You read that right - LIBERTY FEATHERS. Hang tight.

I am posting on instagram, mostly showing pictures of my food or my knitting. It's the first time I have picked up needles and yarn for over a year. Wouldn't you know it is just like riding a bike? The start was a little rough, but I am in such a groove at the moment and I remember why I love it. The cape grows row by row as I sneak a little knitting in while I wait in the carpool line, at night in front of the TV, while my sauce simmers on the stove. I'm nearing the end, having wound the second to last skein yesterday. I'm looking for some cute, teenage approved, easy hats to tackle next. Suggestions welcomed!

I'm reading. I've got a list to share. (It's coming, Teri, I promise!)

Going Ons Comments
The Beginnings of an Improv Proverbial Quilt

Catskills

Last Friday, I took a plane East to New York where I spent a craft weekend with Denyse Schmidt and Heather Ross in the Catskills. There was a small group of us (12? 13?) staying in a large house, laughing, making, eating, drinking, stitching, talking, making jam until Sunday afternoon. Everyone could work on whatever they wanted to explore. It took me awhile to decide what to take along, but in the end I decided on Denyse's Proverbial Quilt pattern.

Prov 1

I decided that I wanted a very scrappy looking quilt. I chose a bunch of low volume prints from my stash and decided that if there was ever a time to use all the Flea Market Fancy and Katie Jump Rope hanging around, it was for this. When I mentioned my plan to Denyse, she immediately said, "You can improv that pattern, you know."

Prov 2

And when Denyse tells me to improv, I do it.

Using the pattern as a guide, I sliced and diced my fabrics into strips. I rustled up some paper bags to pull the fabrics from so I wouldn't over think color and pattern and then I just sewed. The first few letters took some time to piece as some were a little short and others had to be cut down. But once I got the hang of it, it was liberating and fun.

Prov 3

Often when I am working in my studio, all by myself, with my head down and eyes focused on what is right in front of me, I get a little tunnel vision. Improv sewing opens me up creatively and making the beginnings of this quilt was enjoyable. It is so important for me to remember to play and have fun. This is what it is all about. And making letters improv style was challenging in the best way. I love wrapping my brain around these kinds of puzzles. Let me tell you, I was pretty damn proud of my "M".

Prov 4

I left the Catskills on Sunday afternoon with new friends, renewed enthusiasm and the beginnings of a VERY large quilt. It's going to take some time to get this one completed, especially with other projects that have firm deadlines on the horizon. Maybe I can a letter or two when I have time? Or a word a weekend? Regardless of when I finish, I am so excited about this quilt and all its possibilities.

Thanks you Heather and Denyse for a wonderful weekend. It was just what I needed.

Present Perfect Blog Tour

Present Perfect - jacket art

I'm excited to be participating in the blog tour for Betz White's newest book, Present Perfect! It's a great sewing book filled with a variety of projects perfect for gift giving. As we enter autumn and get closer to the holidays, this book will come in handy for all of your gift giving needs. It contains a wide variety of projects for everyone on your list - men, women, the home, babies and children!

Present perfect 1

When it came time to choose which project I wanted to make, there really wasn't a choice for me. I mean, how could I not choose the Hot Mitt House & Tea Towel set?!? I love how cute it is and how practical, too. Making and giving potholders as gifts is something I do often.  They are great scrap projects and are fast to put together.

Present perfect 3

Present perfect 2

The hot mitt was a quick sew. It took me about an hour from start to finish - awesome! The tea towel took about the same amount of time. I probably could have been faster had I made quicker decisions as to what fabrics to use! Regardless of my indecision, both projects don't take a lot of fabric so there isn't a big commitment material-wise which is great when you want to make a small gift. I also loved that I was able to use some scraps and treasured bits from my stash. You could get super creative with small variations to cover almost any conceivable holiday. How about a gingerbread house for Christmas or a spooky haunted house with a fussy cut ghost or witch in the window and door for Halloween. So fun!

 

 

To learn more about Present Perfect, check out Betz's fun trailer. You can also purchase your own copy through the Interweave store or on Amazon (affiliate link). For a look at other wonderful projects from the book, follow along on the blog tour.

Happy Home
1.  Sew Mama Sew – Make & Bake Apron excerpt – Mon, 10/6
2.  Stacy Sews – Falling Leaves Appliquéd Placemats – Tue, 10/7
3.  House on Hill Road – Hot Mitt House & Tea Towel Set – Wed, 10/8
4.  A Happy Stitch – Sweet Life Pillow – Thu, 10/9
 
Memorable Moments
5.  Sew Sweetness – Wool Courier Bag – Fri, 10/10
6.  Raspberry Sunshine – Gentlemen’s Travel Case – Mon, 10/13
7.  Pink Chalk Fabrics – Pasha Pleated Clutch – Tue, 10/14
8.  The Long Thread – Eye Candy Glasses Case – Wed, 10/15
9.  Made with Moxie – Cargo Tablet Sleeve – Send finished book – Thu, 10/16
10.  Bijou Lovely – Coffee Cash Coin Pouch – Fri, 10/17
 
New and Little
11.  Flax and Twine – Forest Friends Finger Puppets – Mon, 10/20
12.  Imagine Gnats – Bib, Rattle & Burp Baby Set – Tue, 10/21

 

Books Comments
Friday Stash Play

5 minutes.

10 to 15 fabrics in a cohesive palette all from my stash.

Myriad possibilities.

Friday stack 1003

Friday stack 1003b

Collection and Designer, clockwise from top left:

Hatbox by Alexia Abegg, Shelburne Falls by Denyse Schmidt, Unknown navy dot, DS Fabrics for JoAnn's (three prints in a row), Katie Jump Rope by Denise Schmidt, Geo Style by Kei Fabrics, Shelburne Falls by Denyse Schmidt, Hatbox by Alexia Abegg, Unkown navy gingham, Pezzy Print by American Jane Fabrics.

 

There is still time to enter the giveaway for Malka Dubrawsky's Creative Live class! I'll be drawing a winner on Sunday night. Have a great weekend!

Stash Play Comments
Ten Ways to Love Improvisational Quilting Giveaway

Eryn Pinwheel improv

My friend, Malka Dubrawsky, is getting ready to film a class on Creative Live called "Ten Ways to Love Improvisational Quilting." Are you familiar with Creative Live? It's a great platform to learn so many new creative things. You can watch classes for free while they are streaming the live filming - this allows you to participate from the comfort of your own home. You can post questions that the instructors answer and, because the classes also have a live in studio audience, you get the benefit of listening in on some discussion, too. And if you can't make the class while it is streaming, you can purchase it to watch when you have the time to devote to it. Cool, huh?

Demo windows variation window pillow

Malka's class is next week (October 8 and 9) and I am so excited to watch it. I have been a long-time admirer of her work and find it to be incredibly inspiring. I know that this class will be a treasure trove of good tips and a great jumping off point for my own work. Malka has an amazing eye for color and pattern and her approach to quilting is fresh and modern. And I'm doubly excited because I love improvisational quilting. There are so many ways to approach this fun technique and I'm looking forward to how Malka approaches it in her own work and how I can take what I learn and apply it to my work.

Liberty improv pieceing

As a little warm up yesterday, I decided I would do an hour of improvisational piecing. Looking around the studio for some raw materials, I found a small pile of narrow (1") Liberty scraps. I sewed strips in sets of three and then chopped them apart. I pulled a fat quarter of pink crossweave cotton from my stash and cut some random strips and started adding them. The first block got two strips of pink on adjacent sides. I really liked the way that looked, so I kept doing the same thing. When the hour was up, I stopped. I'm not sure where this is going (mini quilt, maybe?), or even if I will continue to do anything with it, but I walked away very pleased with what I had done. I especially like the idea of taking small, almost unusable pieces and combining them to make something with greater substance.

There is nothing that recharges my creative batteries like improvisational quilting. The freedom, the spontaneity, the quick decisions, the play  - all those things that happen when I am sewing fabric together without over-planning and over-thinking - are so freeing. I am continuously looking at quilting in a new light when I improv. It's inspiring when it's good AND when it's bad so regardless of the actual, tangible results, I always walk away with something good - a possibility, an idea, or, heck, even a quilt. Win-win.

I hope you take the opportunity to learn from Malka. Creative Live is generously offering a copy of Malka's class to one of my readers. To enter, please comment on this post before Sunday, October 5 at 5pm EST. I'd love to hear if you improv quilt and, if so, why. You can also follow along on the rest of the blog tour to hear more about how other quilters are inspired by improvisational piecing and quilting. Good luck!

9/30 Modern Sewciety

10/2 Fresh Modern Quilts

10/6 Cheryl Arkison

10/7 Wise Craft Handmade

Liberty Metro T-Shirt

Liberty tee 3

I made myself a new t-shirt over the weekend using this Liberty jersey that I picked up at Duckadilly Fabrics and some Riley Blake striped knit for the sleeves. The pattern is the Metro T-shirt by Liesl & Co. I've been on a knit sewing tear recently and I knew that this would come together quickly. I originally made it with long sleeves, but decided that they should be 3/4 length once I tried it on.

This is where the problems started.

I cut off the right sleeve approximately 7 inches from the cuff and check with all members of the family that this is indeed a good length. Confirmation given, I went upstairs and cut off the other sleeve the same way. I hemmed them both us using a double needle, hemmed the bottom of the shirt and topstitched around the neckline. Excited, I try on the t-shirt. Are you ready? The shirt had one short sleeve and one long sleeve.

I CUT OFF THE WRONG F-ING SLEEVE.

Oy. (Cue the tears and the disbelief at my incredibly stupid mistake.)

In the end, it all worked out ok. I had extra fabric for the second sleeve. I tore out all the serging stitches and did my best at reinserting the second sleeve correctly, although it was not nearly as neat as the first had been. In the end, it is good. And I've got a cute new tee, so there's that.

Nitty gritty: I made a size L, the same size I would buy off the rack. I think it fits well. I did not lengthen it like I normally do and it is plenty long. I used my sewing machine with a ball point needle and polyester thread. I serged the seams after sewing them instead of just using the serger. I did the hems and topstitching with a double needle because I just love how that looks.

Liberty tee 2

In the Sewing Room Comments
Friday Stash Play

5 minutes.

10 to 15 fabrics in a cohesive palette all from my stash.

Myriad possibilities.

Friday stash 926

Friday stash 926b

Left to right, Collection and Designer:

Pretty Potent by Anna Maria Horner, Flea Market Fancy by Denyse Schmidt, Backyard Garden by Cloud 9 for JoAnn's, True Colors by Anna Maria Horner (2 prints in a row), Juliana Horner for JoAnn's (collection name missing from the selvedge), Innocent Crush by Anna Maria Horner, Dowry by Anna Maria Horner, Sun Print Text by Alison Glass, Catnap by Lizzy House, Pearl Bracelet by Lizzy House, Color Me Happy by Vanessa Christenson, Quilts 1700- 2010 by Liberty for the V&A Museum, Geo Style by Kei Fabrics

(Please note: Because all of these fabrics are from my stash, some of them may be out of print.)

What I like about this group: Green! Blue! Those are my colors and I will never get tired of them. Also, there is a lot of movement in these fabrics. And shape repetition - circles, vines, leaves/petal shapes. That part happened organically - I was more concentrated on finding the right mix of colors and scale to round it out. But I do love the happy accidents when they happen.

Happy Friday. Enjoy the weekend.