Cobbled Court Quilt Series Continues....

I keep forgetting to share with you the next installment of the Cobbled Court book series by Marie Bostwick. The first book, A Single Thread was quite goo.

Lots of interesting characters with a serious plot-line. I love almost any story that includes quilts, fabric and/or a quilt shop. This series includes all these plus a close-knit group of quilters.

A Thread of Truth, which was released this Summer, continues with many of the same characters. Ms. Bostwick does a marvelous job introducing the topic of domestic violence in this book. Her characters grow and develop in the story. I particularly love her character of Howard, who has fabulous color-instincts. If you're looking for something to read this Summer, give yourself a treat with A Thread of Truth. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series. More information can be found on Ms. Bostwick's website.

Reading Maeve Binchy Books

Several weeks ago, I read the latest book by Maeve Binchy. Mrs. Binchy is an Irish author who writes contemporary stories set in Ireland especially the capital city of Dublin. She creates unique characters. Her stories are rich in detail, many plot lines and subtle humor. She is a masterful storyteller. When reading Heart and Soul, I realized that some of the characters in the story were characters from other Binchy books that I had read years ago. I recognized the characters, but couldn't remember the storyline or the book titles. That was all it took to interest me in rereading some of her titles. I did a bit of research and the best that I can tell, this series of books begins with the title, Evening Class.

(If I missed an earlier title that is connected with these titles, please let me know. I'll be happy to search for that one to read, too.) This title is set in Dublin and Italy. We are introduced to wonderful characters especially Aidan and Nora.

Tara Road is next. This was an early title in Oprah's Book Club. The story is entwined around couples and family life.

Perhaps, my favorite title is Scarlet Feather.

Twins Maud and Simon are so entertaining. Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather are wonderful, unique characters. Lots of food preparation, ridicule of the rich useless upper class and plain good escapist reading.

Quentins is a bit more serious. It's the book I'm currently reading.

Nights of Rain and Stars,

Whitethorn Woods and Heart & Soul. I have a stack of Binchy books on my night-stand. I'm looking forward to good Summer Reading.

A Good Read

 I belong to a book club. The club has been meeting every other month for over nine years. Most of the ladies were faculty members at an elementary school I worked at over 10 years ago. Most of the ladies are now retired from teaching  and absolutely loving retirement. Three or four of us are still in the classroom/library. This book, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is our book for this month. It was a wonderful read. The setting is  1940's in London and the Channel Islands. The book is a series of letters written from one character to the other. Quaint is a synonm that comes to mind. Humorous. Heart-breaking as they recall the German occupation of the Channel Islands and the plight of prisoners. I finished the book yesterday afternoon. Last night was a let-down. I wanted to read the next installment of happenings on Guernsey Island with Juliet, the main character. There is no more to read, but I'll get the audiobook from the public library. Maybe, listening (rereading) this one will satisfy my reading-soul.

Elm Creek Quilts

A new book for the weekend! I just picked up the new title in the Elm Creek Quilt series The Quilter's Kitchen from my public library. I went back to work on Wednesday after being home for six weeks recuperating from my hip surgery. I paced myself Wednesday and Thursday, but today was "too much fun" and I'm beat. My husband just left for his weekly high school football game (one of his passions). I'm going to eat left-overs, then head upstairs to read Quilter's Kitchen. This is one of my favorite ways to begin the weekend. I'll report back later this weekend. Take care!

Home Again

I can't believe that we've been home a week from our grueling trip to Louisiana. It just wasn't a Fun trip.  Dad and my MIL are each  in an assisted living home in different parts of South Louisiana. They have very limited mobility. Each has some ageing issues. It's so hard seeing our parents so alone. They want to stay in Louisiana, but there is so little family/friends around for them. I know our trip did them some good. Wish it wasn't so far to visit.

I had Homework when I returned home that I needed to do. Yes, teacher/librarians have homework in the Summer. I am scheduled for a "professional learning" (new term for staff development ) class next week. I had to read 4 middle grade novels and write questions for each book. The questions are for our annual Reader's Rally held in early Winter. I had four wonderful books.

 My favorite was The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. It's actually a fantasty/adventure series. Once our class meets, I'd like to read the others in the series. Percy Jackson discovers that his father is a Greek god. The human portrayls of the classic Greek gods was amusing. I loved that Area, god of war, was a biker on a Harley motorcycle. My favorite was probably Poseidon as a beach bum. My fourth and fifth graders who love fantasy will like this title.  I also enjoyed The Amazing Flight of Darius Frobisher.  I loved all the bicycles in this book.  

My son swims in a Summer swim league. The past two days we've been involved in swim meets. We've had wonderful thunderstorms to help our drought, but the storms made swimming difficult. It's made for lots of wet towels and laundry, packing ice chests with drinks and meals. Finally, the folks in charge had to call the  event off. Our event was at another neighborhood pool. It happened to be in the neighborhood that my principal, my boss, lives. I am so blessed to have this woman for a "boss" - for a friend. She spent a couple of hours with me in my car while we wait for the thunderstorms to end. 

We changed cell phone providers this week. Thankfully, we have a teenage computer geek at home. He is helping us "learn" our new phones. I think I can check for messages:)  It's been fun choosing new ring tones. I chose "Summon the Heroes" for my main ringtone. Of course, I've missed more calls because I can't remember that means to answer the telephone. We found a sound bite with the LSU Fight Song for my husband. My son, the passionate videogamer, is using snippets from his favorite videogame. Fun:)

After "lots of togetherness" on our trip, in the hotel, in the car, I jumped at the chance to attend a quilting class on Saturday. My hubby seem glad to have me gone, too.  Melisa, at Sweet Home, had a Stash Class. She provided the stash and taught us a new technique. It was sanity for me. It doesn't matter if I ever finish these blocks. It was fun being in a different quilting classroom. I met some new ladies. I was even pretty restrained around all the luscious fabrics. I do hear that she has the new Portugal line by April Cornel. Oh no.....  I still haven't use the Maypole fat quarters that I purchased at Quilt Market.

And The Winner Is.....

Sorry about the delay in my birthday give-away drawing. It's just been "crazy" busy here. In addition to a hectic schedule, we've had some computer issues. 

I put everyone's entries on a slip of paper. Put the

 paper in a bowl. I attempted to have Rusy, our Dachshund, do the honors, but he was more interested in the "

treat" I hid in the bowl. Finally, my son did the honors. Sue R. from North Winds Quilting in Maine is the winner. Sue, please send me your address. I'll get the package in the mail.

Thanks to everyone who helped me celebrate my birthday! I loved visiting your blogs. I loved seeing which quilting book/magazine/quilters that you chose for your favorite.

Happy Quilting!

Quilting Books

I'm discovering quilt books that are new to me, but are favorites of blogging friends. I've started a list of these titles.  I will have to look for them on  my next visit to the book or quilt store.

  Lori  in South Dakota posted two of her favorite quilts books. Two Color Quilts (a Better Homes and Garden Book) and Big Book of Best-Loved Quilt Patterns are her two favorites for inspiration.

Sweet P. at Coffee Time Quilt Studio chose a magazine as her favorite book for inspiration. The Stitchery issue of Australian Country Threads is her favorite.  She begins a new project within days of receiving an issue. 

There is still lots of time to enter the give-away. Post your favorite quilting book/magazine on your blog. If you've made a project from the book, post a picture to have an extra entry in the drawing. Post a comment in the comments section of my blog to complete the process.

After I posted the guidelines for the birthday give-away, I couldn't think of a quilt that I had finished from a book. I have several projects in plastic boxes with the book, fabric, notes etc.  ready for me to begin. I wasn't sure I had one that I had finished.  After several hours, I remembered that I had indeed completed two quilts from different books. The first one is from Blended Quilts by Marsha McCloskey. It is the first quilt that I ever completed. It is in Gingham Rose fabric by Moda. I just love that quilt. It is actually on the end of our bed right now.

The second quilt from a book (that I finished) is called Three Bean Salad. This quilt was made for my SIL Shelly. It is from the book Wild About Flowers by Leisure Arts Studio.

A Birthday Give-Away!

Jackie from the blog Canton Village Quilt Works is celebrating her birthday next Monday, June 23rd. (Happy Birthday, Jackie!) She has a fabulous give-away in honor of her birthday. Visit her blog to find out how to enter to win!

Jackie's birthday give-away hit a chord with me. Next Monday, June 23rd is my birthday, too. I love the idea of doing a birthday give-away. I was waiting until my 100th post to do a give-awy, but I've still a bit of time to go as this is only post number 60. With Jackie's approval (I e-mailed her), I also will celebrate with a birthday give-away. My give-away is not as BIG as her give-away. I have several "quilty" items that I would love to share with a lucky blog reader. I'll gather them up and post a picture later this week.

 To enter the drawing:

• Post a picture of a quilting book that you like on your blog. Give us the author and title.
•  If you have made a quilt from the book, posting a picture of your  quilt will give you a second entry for the drawing. 
• Leave me a note in the comments section that you have posted a quilting book and/or picture of your quilt on your blogg
• If you don't have a blog, please just leave the title, author, etc. in the comments section of my blog for a chance to win.

I'm a "book lady" or librarian. I love books. I love quilting books. It will be fun to see the different titles that are shared.

One of my favorite quilting books is Quilt-Lovers' Favorites Volume 6 by American Patchwork & Quilting Magazine. I have not yet made a quilt from this book. I plan on making the quilt Diamonds Are Forever by Sandy Gervais on page 45 in black and white fabrics. I have all the fabrics collected and the book. It is on my list of projects. :) Maybe soo.....

Finally...

It's a cold, rainy Tuesday evening here in Atlanta.Yesterday, it was like an early Spring day. Today, winter has returned to tell us who is the Boss. We had an early dinner of meatballs and spaghetti. Michael, our teeenage son, cooked dinner for the family tonight. Yes! All afternoon, I've been thinking it would be a perfect day to crawl back in bed, pull up the quilts and just read, read, read. I was about to head upstairs when I realized it wasn't even dark outside. So, I put in a little computer time and now it's dark :)  It's time for flannel p.j.'s,  a  puppy to warm my feet and my current book. I have finally begun reading The Kite Runner. Everyone I know has read it. They keep saying, "It's really good." I've checked it out of the library, only to have to return it without even beginning the book. I've paid several overdue fines for a book I haven't read. I finally broke down and purchased a copy. What a good story!!! It is really good. It is not the story that I thought it would be. It's about people - characters - not just a war story. I think I might finish it tonight that's if I don't fall asleep before I reach the end.

A Good Read

This weekend I indulged. I read something just for fun. I avoided my stack of "I need to read" books. A book that I reserved from our fabulous Public Library System (Gwinnett Public Library)  Knitting Bones by Monica Ferris was available. This is the latest title in a series of murder mysteries set in a Knitting/Needlecraft shop in Minneapolis. Now, I don't really knit, but everytime I read one of the books in this series, I want to knit my own socks. Goddy, one of the characters, knits his own white cotton socks. I love socks, especially novelty socks. I can just feel a pair of socks made with some of the luscious new yarns. I just might have to break down and take a knitting class at the shop in Lawrenceville, The Yarn Garden. Knitting Bones was a soothing, comfort book. This book has a crow in the storyline. Made me laugh and think of my quilting friends "The Crows." Betsy, the shop owner, has a cat which made me think of my friends, Gretchen and Karin and their cats.  It's a quick read. The first book in the series is Crewel World. Let me know what you think of the series if you give it a try.

Happy Reading!