Spymistress

Soon to be released is Jennifer Chiaverini's twenty second novel, The Spymistress. I've read all her books starting with The Elm Creek series. I am now enjoying her latest works that are more specifically about the Civil War era which also includes Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker.
In all her books, she brings the characters to life in intriguing stories that show emotional frailties and growth, courage and creativity. In The Spymistress, she introduces us to the historic character, Elizabeth Van Lew who bravely "risked everything by caring for Union prisoners of war—and stealing Confederate secrets" (see Jennifer Chiaverini's website for more).
The story begins in Richmond, the state capitol of Virginia that is facing the shift of allegiance from the Lincoln White House to the Confederacy. "Lizzie" finds herself shocked by the changing views of those around her.  Division found even in her own family begins to reveal that she and those not agreeing with the change are becoming at risk. It sets the stage for her own courage and commitment to make history.
The reading is an enjoyable and thought provoking time of learning more about the early history in the United States and about the challenges met by the people of that time. It echoes in challenges that most of us are faced with at some time or another in dissonance found in life that calls for perceptiveness and decision.
Lizzie and her family, Eliza and the others are full personalities that tell a great story. Jennifer Chiaverini paints a complete and inviting picture that will draw you in quickly.
Links for where this great read can be found:
Amazon, IndieBound, and Barnes and Noble.

Enjoy!

 

 

  

Baby Quilt Finish

Another baby quilt completed. This is the one from a Bunny Hill design. I changed the applique designs using a free giraffe and elephant from Birch.

I fused the designs on with Misty Fuse that I bought awhile back from IHAN. This was my first time using it and found it perfect for this application. There is no stiffness from the product and it is well adhered. I thought long about how I wanted this to look and decided to just stitch a single line following the edge of the critters to applique them on.

Using the same elephant pattern and then a giraffe pattern from Bunny Hill, I made little stuffed animals filled with just poly-fill.

Next week is the baby shower for the new mama and I hope she likes them!

One more baby quilt on the list and then I'd better get started with Christmas!




 

it's almost Tuesday here

and since I almost forgot about the giveaway!
I thought I'd better get this post written and the recipient sent her book to read :-)
Barbara, I will be sending you an email for your snail address and will get this great read, Streak of Lightening in the mail to you. Congrats :-) and I hope you enjoy it!

I am still working on baby quilts here. The blue, white and grey one is a flimsy and is headed upstairs to be quilted. I did a different applique than was in the pattern but the rest is pretty much the same.

 

We probably have more hot days here ahead in California but I am getting excited about fall being just around the corner.  Great stitching weather :-)

A finish for Fall and a Giveaway

  Awhile back I was inspired by Anne at Cottons 'n Wool to order a back issue of Primitive Quilts and Project. In the Fall 2011 issue there is this quilt project that uses homespuns and wool. I finished this wall hanging earlier in the summer but finally got it on the wall today. It is actually two quilts...the background quilt is basically a frame for the smaller quilt that can be changed out for seasonal variety. Lisa Bongean is the designer and I believe she has other focus quilt designs to make for this. Crows and pumpkins are always a favorite with me.

Very fun to sew and I was able to use some of the delicious wool that I bought last year at PQIF (which is coming up again next month!).
I must say that I am really grateful for all the inspiration I find reading the quilters blogs. What an amazing community.
Also because of blogging, I have had the opportunity to review writings from some "quilty authors". I jumped at the chance to read an author that was new to me.
This is a new mystery written by Clare O'Donohue.  It is a short story or possibly a short novel that is available only as an e-book....except I don't have an e-reader so they were kind enough to send me a printed copy that now I can share with one of you:-)

Streak of Lightening is part of her Someday Quilts Mysteries.
"When Joe, the ill-tempered owner of Archer’s Rest’s only pizzeria, gets locked up overnight, it turns into a death sentence. Greg, Jesse’s most trusted deputy is accused of causing the death, and now his freedom is one the line. How will Nell, Jesse and the Someday Quilts ladies crack this inexplicable case?"
This was a fun read and I look forward to reading more of Clare's books...notably The Double Wedding Ring (a novel available at book stores, etc.)coming out at the end of this month.
So please leave me a comment (I love your comments :-)  and let me know if you would like to read this. I will select a winner next Tuesday. Please be sure you are not commenting as Anonymous or no-reply so that I can be sure to reply to your comment.