Books!

I am really a reader.  My favorite time of day is when I head to bed after a shower and read until I fall asleep.  These days it's more late than early, and it's nothing for me to look up and see it's 2:00 am.

Anyway, I've decided to keep a list of books I read over on the side bar and rate them from 1-5 stars.  I'm calling it books of 2015, but I've started it early.

I just read a book I loved and wanted it on the list!  The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber is so good!!  First, let me tell you that I don't like normal books.  Don't mention Debbie MaComber to me.  I can't get through them.  Books I like have to be different.  And this one sure is!

It's about a Christian missionary in the future who goes to another planet to minister to the race who have been found there.  I give it 5 stars!!!  And I don't give my stars lightly.

Let me add that I don't buy books anymore.  Ever since I discovered my library's ebook check out system, that is all I use.  I can have 15 at a time on hold and can check out about that many, but I never do.  I keep up with NPR Books on Facebook and read their reviews and recommendations.  I keep an eye on Book Riot, as well.  I often tell my husband how much money I've saved him, but maybe he'll believe me when he sees my list.

I thought we were going to do this on Judy's Patchwork Times, but I guess it fell by the wayside along with Comfort and Joy!!  (Still finishing up the border applique on that one!)

And....Christmas approaches

I have been manically shopping online since Thanksgiving. When you have 4 kids, 4 partners, and 7 grandkids, that's a lot of money, time, and effort to get ready. I'm a little bit excited as we are having our get together on the 27th, so I plan to be out and about picking up some last minute bargains on the 26th.

 Anyway, I've gotten busy today. I have two of these ugly panels for my 4 year olds who love Frozen. I mean LOVE!!!  I have them both sandwiched (my knees are killing me!!!!)  and they will be my first real product to use my  new Tiara II.  I really thought of them as practice, but while talking to my daughter today I realized this will probably be their favorite of all time quilt and will pull it out to show they children and it will look like crap!!  Well, such is life.  Better finished than perfect.

Speaking of the Tiara II, I have gotten a little better.  I am not using the stitch regulator, but have slowed it down to about 30% and I can get some decent meandering and following the lines.

I have come across my first project for after Christmas.  I bought these little (about 5x7) coin purses in Thailand years ago.  If you ever have a chance go.  The fabric, both silk and cotton, is amazing, even in the little markets.  Anyway, I used it when I traveled putting credit cards, foreign money, and American money in different pouches.  Well, guess you can see it's had it.  I liked it so much I just never moved back into my old billfold.

I found this one put back in a drawer that I thought was too  beat up once before.  Ha! Compared to the other it's brand new.

Well, I can't seem to find any on the internet to buy, but I did find this tutorial on making one, so, even though anything zippery makes me cringe, I think I'll give it a try after the holidays.  It is illustrated beautifully, so hopefully I can get it done!

Happy holiday finishing up to all.  I need to read  blogs to see what you all are doing.  I've been worn out from the shopping!!

Can't sew!!!

Must shop!!!!!!  Cyber Monday, my favorite shopping day of the year!!!!!  Woohoo!  (PS.  Yes, I ordered fabric!!!)