Friday Catch-Up

It's been a little quiet on here lately. Life has just been busy. You know how it is, right? Christmas has just been and it's the lazy in-between week until new years... then you blink and it's the middle of April and you wonder, where has the year gone?

It's the middle of school holidays here and I must admit I always enjoy the slower mornings. I did work a few days this week, but if it's only me who needs to get ready and out the door, it's much quicker and easier. Speaking of work, we had a little bit of an Easter sale, so I bought some (more) fabric. I've such a weakness for spots, dots and a rainbow of colour.

At this stage, I have no plans for this fabric, so any suggestions would be welcome. I've not been very active on socials or blogs for the last little while so if anyone has seen a fabulous new project / BOM / QAL that you may be enjoying, I'd love to hear.

Last night, I finished crocheting the main part of my C2C rug. With the weather cooling down in the evenings, having a crochet project on my lap has been lovely.

My next step will be to weave in all of these ends and then decide if I add some sort of edging or just go with it as is. If I don't need to add edges, I can make a start on something new... so there's that ;-)

This past week, I've also finished a couple of books.

The Recovery Agent by Janet Evanovich was a fun and easy read.

I've read quite a few Evanovich books (the Stephanie Plum series) and The Recovery Agent introduces a new character (and new series). The story moves along quickly, is quite unrealistic and reminded me of old 1980's films like 'Romancing the Stone' or 'Indiana Jones'.

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This week, I also read 'Duck a L'Orange for Breakfast' written by Karina May, which I ABSOLUTELY enjoyed.

I actually gave it five stars on Goodreads, which is the biggest score I've given a book this year. It's set in Sydney with a great storyline. It moves along smoothly without a lot of boring backstory or flipping around between characters or years. It's a romance novel, but also a novel for those who love food.

Definitely recommend this one if you can get your hands on it. I borrowed the ebook from my local library (through the Libby app).

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For anyone interested in a technique-heavy book filled with photos and step by step images, Hand Quilting Techniques for Farmhouse Style by Carolyn Forsters is a fantastic resource.

This book begins with some history about quilts and the need for utility quilting. Definitions are accompanied with photos of old quilts (which I love). The author then covers techniques including basting, binding and choosing the materials a quilter would need to complete the project.

As someone who has been quilting for over 10 years, I discovered new-to-me techniques which I'm am looking forward to trying.

The last section of the book is dedicated to a number of simple projects to piece and practice the farmhouse style quilting.

All in all, a wonderful book and an excellent addition to the craft book library which we quilters all seem to have. Thanks to Landauer Publishing for the opportunity for access to the digital copy of this book and the opportunity to review it.

If anyone is interested to accessing books and providing your honest reviews, sign up with Net Galley.

10 comments

Anonymous4/14/23, 10:28 AM
Have you considered using a folded border (sometimes called a foldover border) on your beautiful C2C blanket? It works just like a quilt binding, and would cover all those ends without having to weave them it. Google will find instructions for you. Essentially, you work rounds of sc around the edge, increasing in the corners until you get the finished width you want, then work about the same number of rounds with corner decreases, and stitch down on the back side. Sorry I'm posting as Anonymous - Google won't let me log in. Dot
Anonymous4/14/23, 8:29 PM
Gorgeous new fabrics for your stash! I love those bright colours! Your crochet blanket is really pretty and a great way to use up your leftover yarn. Spring days with sunshine and warmth here. I’m looking forward to gardening season. Gail at the Cozy Quilter.
Allison4/15/23, 5:08 AM
I was lucky enough to go on a Sewcial Retreat with Carolyn Forster just last month. She brought along a fascinating collection of utility quilts and taught several piecing and quilting techniques. She is a great tutor.
LIttle Penguin Quilts4/15/23, 10:50 AM
That's a pretty rainbow of fabric! Those would be fun just to have in the stash and use here and there. Pretty crochet project, too!
Susan4/15/23, 12:01 PM
The book sounds interesting Anorina! I'd love to know more about the quilting techniques you discover and try out! And I've never met a spotted fabric I didn't love. Sorry, no suggestions on what you might make though!
Alycia~Quiltygirl4/20/23, 8:22 AM
Lovely new fabrics!!! I like the dots too!!!
and thanks for the book recommendations!!!
Chookyblue......5/3/23, 7:39 AM
LOL........those new fabrics match your crochet project.............lol..........