How would you describe a good day? I am not talking about those “once in a life-time days” when you were married, or your first child was born or you bought a home, but what makes an ordinary day feel really good? Two close friends answered that question with “playing in the dirt”; they are gardeners with beautiful green space around their home. Riding at least 30 miles on her bike would make a day great for another friend. Scouring for treasures in thrift stores and outlets is a perfect way to spend a day for some. Completing a list of chores before setting in a ball park watching the home team win with the temperature around 75 would be my husband’s idea of a good day. Each person’s definition of a “good day” is just a little different. And isn’t it wonderful we all have a different viewpoint. If we all thought a great day was a day spent on the lake in a sail boat, the lakes would be too crowded to enjoy.
Three factors make up a good day for me. One, my calendar needs to be empty, no errands or appointments and no dreaded “to do” tasks. Two, a planned quilting/piecing project that requires a bit of creativity with all the fabric on hand. And Three– a well written book that has been recorded. I discovered years ago I cannot sew without a book. I have tried and it just doesn’t work. Before Libby or Cloud Library (on-line libraries), audio books came on cassettes from the library. I would check out the maximum number of titles to insure I would always have something to which I could listen. I have waited to start sewing until I returned from the public library with an armload of cases.
The audio book can be fiction or non-fiction. I like mysteries, biographies, historical fiction and non-fiction, some classics and best sellers. I don’t like science fiction or fantasy. I like British cozy mysteries but I don’t like what I call Hallmark movie books.
I have two poor reading traits–if the passage is descriptive and the book is plot driven, I will skip huge selections to reach the action passages. With audio books, I must listen to it all to be certain I don’t lose the plot. I have discovered the value of hearing it all –for the most part–with audio books. Second, I have little self-control and often skip to the last chapter to find out what happens when I am only half way through the book. Not easy to do with audio books, so I just continue along not sure what will happen.
One “con” of audio books, especially from foreign authors, is keeping characters straight. I need to the see the visual spelling of a name to recognize it’s role in the plot. The cast in Henning Mankell’s Swedish mysteries was extremely difficult to keep straight.
Occasionally, an audio version of the book is recommended over the printed version. The audio version THE CALAMITY CLUB by Katheryn Stockett, the author of THE HELP, has been recommended over the printed version. THE DUTCH HOUSE narrated by Tom Hanks is a delightful listening experience. When I listen to an Australian novel, I want to hear an Aussie accent.
I use wireless headphones to hear above the sound of the sewing machine. And wireless ones allow me to move around to use the cutting table or ironing board without stopping or starting the book.
I have friends who watch TV while sewing but I catch myself stopping to watch the screen. I just get more done with audio only.
I borrow books from Libby and Cloud Library, extensions of the public local and state libraries.
I am too cheap to subscribe to Audible or any other subscription service. The price I pay for listening free, is that sometimes I must wait a long time to borrow a new release. Sometimes one must juggle loans. At times several titles I have requested months ago all become available within a short time period.
All of this is to say some of my best sewing, piecing and quilting happens when I am listening to an audio book. I will share my recommendations and I would like very much to hear what you have been reading or listening to lately.
Recommendations–
KIN by Tayari Jones, our latest book club selection. Wow, just Wow
A FAR-FLUNG LIFE by M.L. Stedman–Australian author who wrote THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS. I like novels in the out-back as much as British mysteries. In a former life, I must have lived on a million acre station in Western Australia 😉. This is compelling story how one incident can change everything.
THE CALAMITY CLUB by Katheryn Stockett –Over 600 pages I devoured in five days.
MY GRANDMOTHER ASKED ME TO TELL YOU SHE’S SORRY by Fredrik Backman. It took me a while to “get it” but then I never wanted it to end.
A few of my favorite authors–Jane Harper (mysteries set in Australia), Henning Mankell (his Wallander series), Chris Bohjalian- contemporary writer who vowed to never write the same novel twice, and of course—- Anne Quindlen, Ann Padgett, Anne Tyler, Lisa Jewell, Bill O’Reilly, Kate Quinn, Isabel Allende, Jacqueline Winspear…oh. I could go on and on so you tell me yours!
My conclusion is that I must live to 120 years to make all the quilts I want to make (and use up the fabric I have) and to read all the books that I have on my iPad and nightstand!
This week we didn’t many finished projects but several are almost finished so keep checking back.
Just wave your magic wand, and all your wishes will come true! Diane fashioned these star wands. Two grandmothers have already purchased some for two special girls
$5 each
Heather made a special trip to downtown to deliver this patriotic table topper. It measures 20″ x 22″. Perfect for a round table which can be difficult to decorate. $30
We had a special visitor this past Wednesday. Maddy accompanied her mother to quilting and was recruited to model this apron. The apron with its long ties can be worn by someone as petite as Maddy or someone much larger. It is lined and has two pockets trimmed in rick rack. $20
A zippered pouch with a carrying handle can be used so many ways. The mini charms used to create the coordinated patchwork is “Chance of Flowers” by Moda. It is lined. $30
Economy blocks in blue plaid are the background for this pup. The pup is appliquéd on the front.
I failed to recorded the measurements but it is large enough to serve a child for several years. I promise to post the dimensions next Wednesday. Some folks would label it a “boy” quilt…but if you like blue and you like puppies, this quilt is for you!
I have three large quilts to pick up from the long arm quilter, all needing to be hand bound. I am looking forward to many “good days”–sewing and listening to a recommended audio book!
Image from NY Times
Quilts, Etc. 