Purses/Totes

I spent all last evening playing in my sewing room. I decided to make my own tote pattern. I've done this before but I tweaked it and changed a few things.

This is the first one I made. I think it looks very Springy.
I just love the tie closure!

There is also a pocket on the inside.

After I looked at it for a while, I thought: It would be a really cute purse if I only made the bottom portion.

So I did:

I once again love the little bow!

I used the contrasting fabric for the pocket this time.

These are now listed in my ebay store.

You can see the Spring bag here.

You can see the Creamy Orange bag here.

Blue and Yellow Sampler Quilt Completed

I participated in a Blue and Yellow Sampler Block Swap. I pieced the top before Christmas but just finally had the chance to hand-quilt it.

I put the binding on today and threw it in the washer. It's fresh from the dryer.

It measures approx. 45" X 60".

Another angle.

Showing the backing.

I've listed it in my ebay store. You can see it here or your can click on my store button on my sidebar.

100 Mile Fitness Challenge Progress Report Week 4

Week 4:
1/22/10- 1 mile: treadmill
1/23/10- 1 mile: treadmill
1/24/10- 0 miles
1/25/10- 1 mile: treadmill
1/26/10- 3 miles: Shimmy & treadmill
1/27/10- 1 mile: treadmill
1/28/10- 2 miles: exercise class
Weekly Total: 9 miles
Running total: 30 miles

Go here to see all my stats.

Book Review: "Sweetwater Gap" by Denise Hunter 10/10!

Product Description (from Amazon):
Josie Mitchell's sister Laurel thinks she's come home to pitch in with the apple harvest and save the family orchard. Her brother-in-law Nate thinks she's there to talk the overworked, very pregnant Laurel into finally selling the family business. The orchard's new manager Grady Mackenzie just thinks she's trouble with a capital T. They're all right . . . and all wrong. Because no one really knows what drove Josie from home in the first place. Why she's never come home before, even for her own father's funeral. Why she pushes herself so hard . . . and what she's running from. And nobody, not even Josie, is prepared for the surprising new fruit she'll find on her last trip home.

My overall feeling of the book:
It had been a really long time since I last stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to finish a book that I had started that same night. This book ended that dry spell. I couldn’t put it down!

My Favorite Character:
My favorite character was the heroine, Josie. She had so many struggles and inner turmoil and I so badly wanted things to turn around for her so that she could find happiness.

My Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene is actually a combination of two scenes. Those of us who live in small towns know that renting a movie for the evening is sometimes the highlight of a Friday night. Such was the case for Josie and Grady. They were hanging out and having a movie night, two Fridays in a row. The first week “Jaws” was rented and the second week “Sleepless in Seattle”, “Lake House” and “You’ve Got Mail” were the rentals. The reactions of Josie and Grady to the movies were what made these scenes my favorites. And the popcorn!

It Would Have Been Better If:
I would say if Josie hadn’t made a controversial decision based on her guilt and self-loathing in the first place but it actually made the ending all the sweeter. Therefore, I wouldn’t change anything.

I would recommend this book to:
Photographers, people who have dealt with depression and guilt, apple lovers, those who enjoy a good movie night, anyone who has a family legacy that they are trying to continue. If you’ve read Denise Hunter before or if you’ve never read a Denise Hunter book, this is a must read.

Rating:
10/10. One of the Best Books I’ve Ever Read!!

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
What’s In A Name Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge

To view my challenges, please see my sidebar.


This book has been posted in my ebay store. Click the button on my sidebar to go to my store.

My First Sale!!!

I am so excited!!! I had my first sale on my ebay store!!!

Can you tell I'm excited?

I sold one of this Valentine Apron. I still have 2 more listed of this design.

If you haven't yet, please go check out my store. Click the button at the top of my sidebar.

Thanks!

Reversible Coasters

I also made some reversible coasters this evening.

They are also in my store. Click the button on my sidebar to go there.

Fabric Postcards

I made some cute fabric postcards to add to my ebay store.

To go to my store, click the picture on my sidebard.

More Valentine Aprons and a St. Patty Apron too!

I've made 4 different Valentine patterns including the one posted last week.

And a St. Patty's Day Apron.

These aprons are listed on my ebay store: Colletta's Quilts Crafts and Books.

The Socks Had to Go

The first thing I usually do when I get home from anywhere is take off my shoes and socks. My feet were still cold when I got here so I left my socks on for a while.

I sat down at my sewing machine and tried to sew. I just couldn't do it! I can not sew with my socks on.

Anyone else have to "grip" the peddle with their toes in order to get comfortable at your sewing machine?

(BTW...Those are just some random socks I found on the internet. My actual socks are cute ankle socks with an argyle print.)

100 Mile Fitness Challege Week 3 Progress Report

This past weekend I hit the 2 week mark. This has continually been a bad point for me in maintaining motivation to exercise.

As you can see below, Saturday and Sunday were duds for me. The good thing is that I recognized it and due to this challenge, I overcame my slump.

If I hadn't been participating in this challenge, I fear that I would have really slacked and dwindled off to no excercise or sporadic exerise once again.

I've been walking 1 mile on the treadmill and on Thursdays going to exercise class with the church ladies for 30 minutes for 2 miles.

I plan to add a (don't laugh!) belling dancing exercise routine called Shimmy a couple days a week to try to rack up some more miles. Shimmy is on the Fitness Channel so I DVR it and then do it when I get a chance. I've done it before and its tons of fun! Everyone should try it!

Here's my weekly progress report.

Week 3:

1/15/10-1 mile
1/16/10- 0 miles
1/17/10- 0 miles
1/18/10- 1 mile
1/19/10- 1 mile
1/20/10- 1 mile
1/21/10- 2 miles
Weekly Total: 6 miles
Running Total: 21 miles

Only 79 miles to go!!

Click here to see my total stats. Click the picture above to see how everyone else is doing with the challenge.

My New Ebay Store!

Well, I took the plunge and opened an ebay store.

In order to continue being a Stay-At-Home-Mom, I need to try to supplement my husband's income. I think everyone knows how hard things are for a lot of people right now.

I enjoy quilting, crafting and reading. So what better way to try to bring in a few dollars than by using what I love.

The above link will take you directly to my store. If someone purchases something from me using my direct URL, I receive more profit and pay less fees.

I'm going to be fumbling around a little bit trying to figure out all the how-to's but I would appreciate any and all support that anyone is able to give.

Here goes nothin'!

NEW Ebay Listing: "Valentine Aprons"

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and will be here before we know it.


I have listed 2 of these cute aprons on ebay.

The straps on the neck and the waist are both adjustable so they will fit just about everyone.

Click here to see the listing.

I'll be listing more Valentine Aprons soon as well as St. Patty's Day Aprons.

Book Review: "A Lady Like Sarah" by Margaret Brownley

A Rocky Creek Romance

Product Description (from Amazon):
She's an outlaw; he's a preacher. Both are in need of a miracle.
Sarah Prescott has never known a respectable life. Just a hardscrabble childhood and brothers who taught her to shoot first and ask questions later.
Justin Wells left Boston in disgrace, heading out alone on the dusty trail to Texas. But when the once-respected clergyman encounters a feisty redhead in handcuffs with a dying U.S. Marshal at her side, their journey takes a dramatic turn.
His high society expectations and Sarah's outlaw habits clash from the start. With a price on her head and towing an orphaned baby rescued from the brink of starvation, Justin and Sarah make the difficult journey toward Rocky Creek. There, justice will be meted out. Perhaps--they hope--with a healthy portion of grace.
Filled with mishaps, laughs, and adventure, Margaret Brownley's inspiring romance will keep readers cheering for Sarah as she struggles to become a true lady.

My overall feeling of the book:
This was a good read. It had all the elements that I like in a Western romance. A tough girl, an honorable man, a mule, a goat and a baby. There was even a quilting bee I connected well with both main characters. I enjoyed the “inspirational” elements and morals while showing the human struggles to do what is right and maintain your faith through difficult times.

My Favorite Character:
My favorite character was Justin, the hero. He is a preacher that had to leave his ministry in Boston via the “Potipher’s Wife” method. He is struggling to find his place in a new land and is questioning his calling. Through it all he perseveres and maintains his faith and overcomes very realistic doubts and fears.

My Favorite Scene:
It was hard to pick a favorite scene but I finally chose the “quilting bee” scene. Go figure Justin wants to know the fastest way to have certain news spread to the whole community and is directed to the town’s quilting bee. Worked like a charm with nothing but the best of intentions of the fine ladies of the Rocky Creek Quilting Bee.

It Would Have Been Better If:
If Sarah had decided to go to Rocky Creek with Justin instead of heading off to find her brothers. It broke my heart when she left Elizabeth.

I would recommend this book to:
Tough girls with soft hearts, mothers, those who have been in trouble with the law, anyone who has had a “divine interruption”.

Rating:
8/10. Very Good

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
What’s In A Name Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
Christian Historical Fiction Challenge
Historical Fiction Challenge

To view my challenges, please see my sidebar.

Wish Granted at Paperbackswap!!

It is always exciting to have a book off my wishlist granted on Paperback swap. But this one is even more exciting because its been on my list for quite some time. I think at one time I was 82nd in line for it.

I can't wait to receive "The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper" by Kathleen Y'Barbo. Whoohoo!!

Book Review: "Becca By the Book" by Laura Jensen Walker

Getaway Girls Book 3

Product Description (from Amazon):Sales clerk, barista, telemarketer, sign waver … At twenty-five, free-spirited Becca Daniels is still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. What Becca doesn’t want to be is bored. She craves the rush of a new experience, whether it’s an extreme sport, a shocking hair color, or a new guy. That’s why she quit her bookstore job, used her last bit of credit to go skydiving, and broke her leg. And that’s why, grounded and grumpy, Becca bristles when teased by friends for being commitment-phobic. In response, Becca issues an outrageous wager—that she can sustain a three-month or twenty-five date relationship with the next guy who asks her out. When the guy turns out to be “churchy” Ben—definitely not Becca’s type—she gamely embarks on a hilarious series of dates that plunge her purple-haired, free-speaking, commitment-phobic self into the alien world of church potlucks and prayer meetings. This irrepressible Getaway Girl will have you cheering her on as she “suffers” through her dates, gains perspective on her life’s purpose, and ultimately begins her greatest adventure of all.

My overall feeling of the book:
I really enjoyed the first two Getaway Girls books and was really looking forward to reading more about Becca. Becca was the only non-Christian Getaway girl and I was looking forward to a good conversion story. I didn’t quite get everything that I wanted. It was still a very good book but I wish it wouldn’t have left me hanging. The book also wasn’t as “conservative” as I am so I had a few issues.

My Favorite Character:
My favorite character was Lucy. She wasn’t a main character and yet she had such an impact on the main characters of the story. I loved her attitude.

My Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene is when Becca breaks her ankle while skydiving and all the Getaway Girls come to her at the hospital immediately and take over caring for her. They work out a meal rotation and a driving schedule and show their support and love for Becca without a second thought.

It Would Have Been Better If:
The book had a sequel. I’ve always heard that sometimes one person will plant the seed (of faith) and another person/s has to water that seed. I want to know more about what happens with Becca and her seed being watered as suggested in the last few sentences of the book.

I would recommend this book to:
Those who have read the other Getaway Girls books, book lovers, thrill seekers, those who have ever had a broken leg/ankle/foot.

I do suggest reading the first two books in the series in order to get to know Becca’s character better before reading this book.

Rating:
7/10. Good

Click here to see this book on Amazon.

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Chick Lit Challenge

New Ebay Listing: Panda Baby Quilt

Here are the picture of my completed Panda Baby Quilt.

It is 31" X 38" and is hand-quilted.


I listed it on ebay. Click here to go see it.

New Listing on Ebay: Bookkeeper

Remember I made this cute book-clutch for a friend's birthday? I cut too many strips so I've decided to list the other 7 clutches on ebay.


To see my listing on Ebay, click here.

Book Review: "The Husband Tree" by Mary Connealy

Product Description (from Amazon):
Hit the trail into the Old West, where a tough lady rancher and a seemingly aimless wrangler attempt to avoid the matrimonial noose. When Belle Tanner hires Silas Harden to help her get her cattle to market, the last thing she’s looking for is romance. So why does she turn into jelly whenever he’s near? Silas wants nothing to do with women, but he can’t seem to resist the pull of love when it comes to Belle. Can they make it through this cattle drive without getting hitched? Or will they steer straight into a commitment neither one counted on?

My overall feeling of the book:
True of all Mary Connealy’s books, I loved it!!!! I couldn’t wait to read this book after I read Montana Rose. I enjoyed everything about it.

My Favorite Character:
Belle. She was everything I would expect of a lady rancher.

My Favorite Scene:
The first night Silas comes to Belle’s ranch and sits down to supper with her and the girls. The whole scene is hilarious but mostly his reaction is what cracked me up.

It Would Have Been Better If:
It never had to end!! I could read more and more about Belle and Silas. I’m looking forward to the third book in the series featuring Wade.

I would recommend this book to:
Everyone. Especially if you enjoy Mary Connealy books. DON”T miss this one. I do recommend reading “Montana Rose” first because a lot of Belle’s back story takes place in that book and you’ll “know” her a lot better.

Rating:
10/10. One of the best books I’ve ever read!

If you would like to purchase this book from Amazon click here.

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
Christian Historical Fiction Challenge
Historical Fiction Challenge

(See my challenge posts on my side bar.)

Friday Night Sew-in Report

After I got on the treadmill for 1 mile for my 100 Mile Fitness Challenge, I got in the shower and put my jammies on.

Then I settled in on the couch and watched a movie with the rest of the family.

How does this pertain to the Friday Night Sew-in? While watching the movie, I finished hand-quilting this oh-so-cute Panda Baby Quilt.

I still have to put the binding on and then I will post pictures of the finished quilt with close-ups.

I did take a break from quilting to have a yummy bowl of "Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough" ice cream.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Friday night of crafting!

Chair Aerobics with the Ladies

Our First Place 4 Health group at church is made up of ladies of all ages and health levels. Some have knee problems, some have back problems, etc.

We were talking about our exercise routines and I mentioned seeing exercise dvd's that you sit to do.

The ladies decided that they would like to have an "exercise night". The next day I went Amazon and ordered a dvd.

So, on Thursdays at 7pm we are meeting in the church social hall to exercise to "Chair Aerobics".

Tonight was our first exercise night and I gotta say that it is quite a workout. It was also a lot of fun! We laughed and laughed at ourselves.

Some of the ladies couldn't do everything and had to modify certain moves or follow the "easy demonstration lady". As I told everyone, any movement is better than none at all.

Hopefully, they will all come back next Thursday. I'll let you know!

Winner: 100th Post and New Year's Giveaway

Thank you everyone for partcipating and celebrating in my "100th Post Giveaway".

There were 47 comments for a total of 78 enteries. I used a random number generator at Mathgoodies.com to pick the winning entry. It picked entry #75....soooo...

The winner of "Bachelor's Puzzle" and 5 fat quarters is:

Karenfae at Karensquilting.com

I'll be sending an email for your address.

I hope this giveaway has inspired everyone to read and quilt.

Stay tuned for a giveway of "Sister's Choice" the second book in Judith Pella's series.

So You Think You Can Quilt

Brown Paper Packages is having a Quilting Contest. Doesn't that sound like such fun?

It is described as:

"A ten month contest, in which 10 contestants compete to become America's Favorite Quilter (or at least blogland's favorite quilter ;0)."

If you think you have the right stuff, go on over and see what you have to do to become a contestant.

I can't wait to start voting!

Book Review: "Talk of the Town" by Lisa Wingate

Product Description (from Amazon):
The show American Megastar is the hottest thing on television but its associate producer, Mandalay Florentino, is worried. She's just arrived in the tiny town of Daily, Texas, to arrange a surprise "reunion concert" for hometown finalist Amber Amberson. Only it turns out everyone in town seems to know the secret. And paparazzi are arriving. Word from Hollywood is that Amber has disappeared with a "bad boy" actor. Can anything go right in this tumbleweed town? Imagene Doll loves her town of Daily, Texas, but things are lonely without her beloved husband. Life seems dull. At least until that fancy-dressed woman pulls into town, looking terrified and glamorous all at once. Soon life's not the least bit boring as Imagene and the rest of Daily find themselves at the center of a media maelstrom--with a young girl's future on the line.

My overall feeling of the book:
It was really, really hard to get into this book and stay interested enough to finish reading it. I pushed through because I already had so much time invested in it. It took me forever to finish it and I was ready to move onto another book.

My Favorite Character:
I really didn’t have a favorite character.

My Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene was when Imagene Doll, an elderly lady, rode the rollar coaster for the very first time.

It Would Have Been Better If:
I didn’t like how the book flipped back and forth between the two women with each chapter. I would just start “feeling” what I was reading and then it was pulled away. It frustrated me.

Rating:
5/10. An “ok” book but don’t really recommend it.

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Chick Lit Challenge

Snowy Mountain of Andes Mints

I decided to bake a cake for Sunday night "Coffee Break" last week.

This is a yellow layer cake with fluffy icing. I sprinkled Andes Bits on top.

It was soooo good. My icing turned out exceptionally well and little chocolatey mint pieces on top turned it into a completely different creation than it would have been otherwise.

Now I'm thinking about those bits that are still in my baking cupboard. Give me strength!

My Thimble Hider

I was so pleasantly surprised yesterday to get a package all the way from Ireland. Lesley (aka "Lacelady) who is in my Internation Round Robin Group sent me this cute little thimble keeper. It is so adorable.

You squeeze the two ends to open it.

This is what I found inside.

Lesley, you made my day!

November/December Doll Quilt Received

Yesterday in the mail I got my doll quilt for the November/December Doll Quilt Swap. It was made by "Peace and Joy" and I love it!

It has been proudly displayed above my computer desk area in my sewing room. (Check out all those books to be read there!)

The January Doll Quilt swap has a theme of your "town, city, state, or country". I'll post the quilt I made for this month's partner after she receives it.

"Bookkeeper" for Jane's Birthday

A friend led me to this free pattern for a "Bookkeeper" at Moda Bake Shop. It is to keep the book you are currently reading safe and unharmed.

Around my house, this is a definite necessity. I've long ago stopped checking books out of the Library only to have blue crayon "art" found inside the pages.

A lovely, Christian, friend and fellow reader named Jane had a birthday on Wed, Jan 6th. So I decided to try out this pattern to give to her at Wednesday Prayer Meeting/Bible Study.

I love how it turned out! I have enough strips cut to make 7 more. (I didn't read the directions quite right. oops!)

The next one I make will be for ME!

I tweaked the pattern here and there to accomodate larger books. I also just used fabric from my stash and didn't add the applique.

This pattern could have so many uses. Let me know if you try it out.