Snow in March, like today's storm after two glorious days of springlike weather, brings to mind stories from childhood, when my grandfather reminisced about the Blizzard of 1888. A snowy day like today also is a good one to contemplate quilting projects or work on some already underway.
Also, for some reading about the catastrophic Blizzards of 1888, first in the West and then on the east coast:
City of Snow: The Great Blizzard of 1888 by Linda Oatman High.
In All Its Fury: A History of the Blizzard of January 12, 1888 by W. H. O'Gara.
Blizzard! The 1888 Whiteout by Jacqueline A. Ball.
Blizzard!: The Storm That Changed America by Jim Murphy
More recent blizzards & storms:
One to Remember: The Relentless Blizzard of March 1966 by Douglas Ramsey
Northeast Snowstorms by Louis W. Uccellini
Fiction:
Lost in the Blinded Blizzard (Hank the Cowdog) by John R. Erickson
Monday, March 09, 2009
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Books About Daylight Saving Time & Spring
Discover facts and figures (the curious and the ordinary) about Spring and Daylight Saving Time
Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time by David Prerau
Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time by Michael Downing
Crafting Springtime Gifts: 25 Adorable Projects Featuring Bunnies, Chicks, Lambs & Other Springtime Favorites by Tone Finnanger
Time for Change: Setting Clocks Forward by One Hour Throughout the Year by Mayer Hillman
The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle
Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time by David Prerau
Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time by Michael Downing
Crafting Springtime Gifts: 25 Adorable Projects Featuring Bunnies, Chicks, Lambs & Other Springtime Favorites by Tone Finnanger
Time for Change: Setting Clocks Forward by One Hour Throughout the Year by Mayer Hillman
The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Books on Quilt and Fabric Dating and Preservation
Often quilters write me and ask, "How do I identify this quilt pattern? Do you know how to date a quilt? How can I find out the age of this fabric?"
I've researched some books you may find useful:
Clues in the Calico: A Guide to Indentifying and Dating Antique Quilts by Barbara Brackman
Vintage Quilts: Identifying, Collecting, Dating, Preserving and Valuing by Bobbie Aug, Sharon Newman, and Gerald E. Roy
Fabric Dating Kit: A Pocket Guide to Identifying Quilts & Other Textiles by Color, Fabric & Style by Cindy Brick
Dating Fabrics: A Color Guide 1800-1960 by Eileen Trestain
Dating Fabrics 2: A Color Guide 1950-2000 by Eileen Jahnke Trestain
Making History: Quilts and Fabric from 1890-1970 by Barbara Brackman
Vintage Fabrics Identification & Value Guide by Judith Gridley, Joan Reed Kiplinger, Jessie Gridley McClure
I've researched some books you may find useful:
Clues in the Calico: A Guide to Indentifying and Dating Antique Quilts by Barbara Brackman
Vintage Quilts: Identifying, Collecting, Dating, Preserving and Valuing by Bobbie Aug, Sharon Newman, and Gerald E. Roy
Fabric Dating Kit: A Pocket Guide to Identifying Quilts & Other Textiles by Color, Fabric & Style by Cindy Brick
Dating Fabrics: A Color Guide 1800-1960 by Eileen Trestain
Dating Fabrics 2: A Color Guide 1950-2000 by Eileen Jahnke Trestain
Making History: Quilts and Fabric from 1890-1970 by Barbara Brackman
Vintage Fabrics Identification & Value Guide by Judith Gridley, Joan Reed Kiplinger, Jessie Gridley McClure
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Quilters' Potpourri Blogger Featured in Anthology
Quilters' Potpourri blogger, Mary Emma Allen has stories featured in the new release, Eternally Yours, an anthology of poetry, light essays, devotions and meditations, edited by Mary Ellen Grisham and published by Xulon Press.
Featuring some of the best Christian writers on the Internet, this book represents work that has appeared in the Eternal Ink E-zine since it’s inception in 1999.
In addition, Mary gives presentations and teaches workshops at schools, libraries, writers’ conferences, and for other groups. Some of her talks include topics such as Alzheimer's and caregiving, quilt history and quiltmaking, New Hampshire history, and writing.
I was pleased when Ms. Grisham selected some of my stories for inclusion in this anthology. It's exciting to encourage and inspire others with my writing.
Featuring some of the best Christian writers on the Internet, this book represents work that has appeared in the Eternal Ink E-zine since it’s inception in 1999.
In addition, Mary gives presentations and teaches workshops at schools, libraries, writers’ conferences, and for other groups. Some of her talks include topics such as Alzheimer's and caregiving, quilt history and quiltmaking, New Hampshire history, and writing.
I was pleased when Ms. Grisham selected some of my stories for inclusion in this anthology. It's exciting to encourage and inspire others with my writing.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Quilting Bee Snack Ideas from the Food Bloggers
The Food Bloggers are a group of us who write about food, recipes and related topics. I hope you enjoy our selection this week. You'll find some of these ideas handy for family meals and others great for treats when your quilting group gets together.
A Homemade Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Use fresh or frozen fruit to make a midwinter healthy treat.
Busy Family Meals The best chocolate cookies Cyndi has ever had. Ever!
Butterfinger Buzz A review of Nestle's new caffeinated candy bar -- a twist on an old favorite!
Cooking Gadgets Cyndi has two Smith's Edge knife sharpeners to give away this weekend!
Mardi Gras Cocktail Recipe A delicious recipe for your Mardi Gras celebration
Quilled Pastry Hearts with Key Lime Curd You can make quilled hearts out of paper or get really creative and make them from frozen puff pastry.
School Lunch Variations Mary Emma at Country Kitchen chats about school lunches past and present and gives you a recipe for Mayonnaise Cake.
A Homemade Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Use fresh or frozen fruit to make a midwinter healthy treat.
Busy Family Meals The best chocolate cookies Cyndi has ever had. Ever!
Butterfinger Buzz A review of Nestle's new caffeinated candy bar -- a twist on an old favorite!
Cooking Gadgets Cyndi has two Smith's Edge knife sharpeners to give away this weekend!
Mardi Gras Cocktail Recipe A delicious recipe for your Mardi Gras celebration
Quilled Pastry Hearts with Key Lime Curd You can make quilled hearts out of paper or get really creative and make them from frozen puff pastry.
School Lunch Variations Mary Emma at Country Kitchen chats about school lunches past and present and gives you a recipe for Mayonnaise Cake.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Time Saving Tips for the Quilter
I often write about home businesses, since freelance writing often is considered one. I've also operated other businesses from our home, such as making quilts and related items.
So when Susan Gunelius invited me to write a guest post at her Women on Business blog gives, I provided 10 Tips On Finding Time for Your Home Business.
Hopefully these tips will be particularly helpful if you're balancing family and business.
Incidentally, writing guest posts is an enjoyable way for an author or quiltmaker to visit other blogs and web sites and make their presence known.
So when Susan Gunelius invited me to write a guest post at her Women on Business blog gives, I provided 10 Tips On Finding Time for Your Home Business.
Hopefully these tips will be particularly helpful if you're balancing family and business.
Incidentally, writing guest posts is an enjoyable way for an author or quiltmaker to visit other blogs and web sites and make their presence known.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day from Quilter's Potpourri
Happy Valentine's Day!
May this be a special day for you.
We have been enjoying Valentine's Day flowers, cards and candy. This was a fun day at school yesterday with the Valentine parties.
Today the children in our household are enjoying it, too.
I've been drinking Assam tea today while chatting with a friend about quilts and quiltmaking.
May this be a special day for you.
We have been enjoying Valentine's Day flowers, cards and candy. This was a fun day at school yesterday with the Valentine parties.
Today the children in our household are enjoying it, too.
I've been drinking Assam tea today while chatting with a friend about quilts and quiltmaking.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Quilters & Families Celebrate Valentine's Day
Do you and your family participate in Valentine's Day festivities?
This was a fun family day when I was a youngster because Mother made it so. She had been a school teacher and held parties for her students. Thus, she incorporated some of these ideas into festivities for my sister, two brothers and me, even though she was a busy farm wife.
- *Mother often decorated a cake with white frosting and red hearts. When we were old enough, sister and I did this for her.
- *She helped us children decorate a mail box for our cards. We had a family fun time making and addressing valentines for family members. When we were in school we had exchanges there, too.
- *Mother planned a special night meal for Valentine's Day, with the cake and fruit for dessert. There was only our family...four children, Mother, Father and the hired man...but we had a joyous time.
- *We made decorations to hang around the kitchen (the warmest room in our farmhouse during winter), and name cards for each place setting.
Suggestions:
The Night Before Valentine's Day (picture book)
Where Is Baby's Valentine (lift-a-flap book)
My Fuzzy Valentine (Sesame Street Board Book)
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (DVD)
What do you do for Valentine's Day at your house?
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Will Obama Limit What You Can Earn in Your Quilt Related Business?
As Obama proposes to limit the amount of money corporate executives can make, don't jump up and down with glee and cheer. This is only the first step to wage control, class envy and socialism in our country. It smacks of Hitlerism, Leninism, Stalinism, Castroism and other economic controls that dictators impose.
You think this may be good. Those big, bad executives are making more than I do, you think with jealousy. They're making too much money and receive too many perks, you say, for operating corporations that furnish jobs, products, and incentives to maintain the United States as a democracy, not a dictatorship.
What happens when there are wage and profit limits put on your quilting business? What happens when someone like Patricia Bolton, who founded the Quilting Arts business in her barn, reaches the level she has achieved through hard work, creativity and risk? Will she be penalized and told she can only achieve a certain level in income and profits? Will she be told that if she makes over a specific amount with her business, she'll have to give it to those who aren't willing to work but want to live on the dole?
Our country and economy will become a very unsuccessful one if incentives and opportunity for achievement and success are taken away from it's citizens.
You think this may be good. Those big, bad executives are making more than I do, you think with jealousy. They're making too much money and receive too many perks, you say, for operating corporations that furnish jobs, products, and incentives to maintain the United States as a democracy, not a dictatorship.
What happens when there are wage and profit limits put on your quilting business? What happens when someone like Patricia Bolton, who founded the Quilting Arts business in her barn, reaches the level she has achieved through hard work, creativity and risk? Will she be penalized and told she can only achieve a certain level in income and profits? Will she be told that if she makes over a specific amount with her business, she'll have to give it to those who aren't willing to work but want to live on the dole?
Our country and economy will become a very unsuccessful one if incentives and opportunity for achievement and success are taken away from it's citizens.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Treats & Tips from the Food Bloggers
The Food Bloggers are a group of bloggers who enjoy sharing their recipes or write blogs related to recipes, foods, health and nutrition, and cooking. They have some up with some more recipes that may help you create interesting meals.
Alphabet Cake Pan Personalize your birthday cake with an alphabet cake pan. Make their initials, or their age in cake!
Busy Family Meals Vindaloo sauce can be used to flavor meats, but we like it best as a vegetarian delight!
Chocolate Covered Buttercrunch Bars Chocolate and buttercrunch treats made with a surprise ingredient. Cooking Gadgets Space saving genius: collapsible colanders!
Horehound Drops A herbal home remedy for a sore throat or cough.
Old Woodenware Stirs Memories Mary Emma, at Country Kitchen, finds that old kitchen woodenware brings back memories of cooking in the farmhouse kitchen of childhood. Super Bowl Snack: Edamame "Hummus" A delicious thick dip made with edamame, tofu and avocado The Experts' Suggestions to Curb Nighttime Noshing Most of the registered dieticians and diet websites Jean found as she tries to curb her nightly noshing habit have pretty specific suggestions to help.
Have fun as you try these. Let me know if there is something you particularly enjoy.
Alphabet Cake Pan Personalize your birthday cake with an alphabet cake pan. Make their initials, or their age in cake!
Busy Family Meals Vindaloo sauce can be used to flavor meats, but we like it best as a vegetarian delight!
Chocolate Covered Buttercrunch Bars Chocolate and buttercrunch treats made with a surprise ingredient. Cooking Gadgets Space saving genius: collapsible colanders!
Horehound Drops A herbal home remedy for a sore throat or cough.
Old Woodenware Stirs Memories Mary Emma, at Country Kitchen, finds that old kitchen woodenware brings back memories of cooking in the farmhouse kitchen of childhood. Super Bowl Snack: Edamame "Hummus" A delicious thick dip made with edamame, tofu and avocado The Experts' Suggestions to Curb Nighttime Noshing Most of the registered dieticians and diet websites Jean found as she tries to curb her nightly noshing habit have pretty specific suggestions to help.
Have fun as you try these. Let me know if there is something you particularly enjoy.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Barbara Brackman's Fabrics with Obama Designs
With Obama now President, quilters have been going all out to make quilts and fabric art that reflect his term in office. Quilter, fabric designer and author, Barbara Brackman, has created fabric with his photo on it. Check out my post at Quilting and Patchwork for more details about these designs you can print onto fabric.
You'll also find a photo at Black Threads, from the Washington Post, of a lady attending an Open House and greeted by the the Obamas. She's wearing a shawl of Obama fabric.
You'll also find a photo at Black Threads, from the Washington Post, of a lady attending an Open House and greeted by the the Obamas. She's wearing a shawl of Obama fabric.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
More About Obama, Presidential & Patriotic Quilts
Check out another post at Quilting and Patchwork about Presidential and Patriotic Quilts brought about by the flurry of those made by quilters in recognition of the Obama Presidency and Inauguration.
Although a great deal is being made of this occasion, with special displays in Washington, DC and elsewhere, you will find that in days ago, there were quilts made in recognition of United States Presidents and patriotic occasions. The list of names is interesting, as evidenced by the post linked above.
Although a great deal is being made of this occasion, with special displays in Washington, DC and elsewhere, you will find that in days ago, there were quilts made in recognition of United States Presidents and patriotic occasions. The list of names is interesting, as evidenced by the post linked above.
Friday, January 16, 2009
The Quiltmaker's Gift and More
I'd read The Quiltmaker's Gift to children when I was subsitute teaching and mentioned it on my Quilting and Patchwork blog. A reader inquired where she might find fabric with the Quilter's Gift as a theme.
As I was researching her query (and I haven't found any fabric yet, but asked for other quilters' input), I discovered some books with quilt patterns that accompany the story book, called Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift and More Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift.
Another quilter read my post at Quilting and Patchwork today and said she checked out these quilt pattern books and discovered they are "must haves." She's going to get one as a gift for a friend, too.
As I was researching her query (and I haven't found any fabric yet, but asked for other quilters' input), I discovered some books with quilt patterns that accompany the story book, called Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift and More Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift.
Another quilter read my post at Quilting and Patchwork today and said she checked out these quilt pattern books and discovered they are "must haves." She's going to get one as a gift for a friend, too.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Quilting with an Obama Slant
Obama Quilts
Ever since the Obama campaign began, quilters have been making quilts and fabric art to commemorate the man to become President.
I've written more about this at my Quilting and Patchwork blog, Obama Quilts and Quilters All the Rage. You might like to stop by and check it out, along with the links to quilts to appear at displays commemorating the Inauguration.
Ever since the Obama campaign began, quilters have been making quilts and fabric art to commemorate the man to become President.
I've written more about this at my Quilting and Patchwork blog, Obama Quilts and Quilters All the Rage. You might like to stop by and check it out, along with the links to quilts to appear at displays commemorating the Inauguration.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Graveyard Quilts
The Uncommon Quilter by Jeanne Williamson, a book my daughter received for Christmas, contains some fascinating projects for adults and children. These little quilts employ a variety of techniques.
One I found of interest...and must try once the deep snow is melted here in New Hampshire...involves gravestone rubbings. I've written about it at Quilting and Patchwork in the post, Gravestone Rubbings for Fabric Art. As I explain here, you could experiment with many family history projects using some of Jeanne's techniques.
One I found of interest...and must try once the deep snow is melted here in New Hampshire...involves gravestone rubbings. I've written about it at Quilting and Patchwork in the post, Gravestone Rubbings for Fabric Art. As I explain here, you could experiment with many family history projects using some of Jeanne's techniques.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy New Year's from Quilters' Potpourri
May 2009 be a wonderful year for you.
It's cold (3 degrees F.) and windy here where I live.
But we're looking forward to a grand 2009.
What are your quilting expectations for the coming year?
It's cold (3 degrees F.) and windy here where I live.
But we're looking forward to a grand 2009.
What are your quilting expectations for the coming year?
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Will Print Quilting Magazines Disappear?
Eco-consciousness
Saving trees and deleting the energy intensive processes involved in turning trees into paper is termed as being "eco-friendly" or "eco-conscious." We're finding that more and more print publications are developing an online presense.
Some have an online edition as well as a print one. Others are discontinuing their print versions as they publish solely online.
My daughter found that her favorite quilting magazine has developed an online subscription which costs less than the print version. The publisher will be offering both, but one wonders for how long.
My husband received a notice from a magazine he subscribes to that starting with the February issue, it will only be available online. He can no longer receive a print issue. If he doesn't desire this, he can get a refund. However, he says, even though he prefers a print edition, he does need the magazine for the information it contains for keeping current in his business.
Which do you prefer? Have you found a way to download online magazines onto an electronic reader?
Saving trees and deleting the energy intensive processes involved in turning trees into paper is termed as being "eco-friendly" or "eco-conscious." We're finding that more and more print publications are developing an online presense.
Some have an online edition as well as a print one. Others are discontinuing their print versions as they publish solely online.
My daughter found that her favorite quilting magazine has developed an online subscription which costs less than the print version. The publisher will be offering both, but one wonders for how long.
My husband received a notice from a magazine he subscribes to that starting with the February issue, it will only be available online. He can no longer receive a print issue. If he doesn't desire this, he can get a refund. However, he says, even though he prefers a print edition, he does need the magazine for the information it contains for keeping current in his business.
Which do you prefer? Have you found a way to download online magazines onto an electronic reader?
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Check Out the Quilt Book Giveaway at Quilting and Patchwork
Giveaway
If you're a quilter or simply like giveaways, why not stop over at Quilting and Patchwork and participate in the Giveaway of a Mini Quilt Book.? It's in progress over there.
Perhaps you're not a quilter yourself, but know of someone who would enjoy this book by Patricia Mainardi.
If you're a quilter or simply like giveaways, why not stop over at Quilting and Patchwork and participate in the Giveaway of a Mini Quilt Book.? It's in progress over there.
Perhaps you're not a quilter yourself, but know of someone who would enjoy this book by Patricia Mainardi.
Friday, December 19, 2008
My Fav b5 Posts of the Week
Favorite Posts
Periodically b5 bloggers post their favorite posts of the week. I write three blogs at b5media, Alzheimer's Notes, Quilting and Patchwork, and One Book Two Book. (The latter I co-blog with Marcie Pickelsimer.)
Sometimes it's difficult to choose your very favorite for the week. However, here are the three for this week:
http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/...ilt-mysteries/ http://www.onebooktwobook.com/mary-e...storm-of-2008/http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/not-h...-nursing-home/
Periodically b5 bloggers post their favorite posts of the week. I write three blogs at b5media, Alzheimer's Notes, Quilting and Patchwork, and One Book Two Book. (The latter I co-blog with Marcie Pickelsimer.)
Sometimes it's difficult to choose your very favorite for the week. However, here are the three for this week:
http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/...ilt-mysteries/ http://www.onebooktwobook.com/mary-e...storm-of-2008/http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/not-h...-nursing-home/
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Enjoy Giveaways? Here Are Some With Gifts for the Youngsters in Your Life
One Book Two Book Giveaways
If you're a fan of giveaways, you'll find a series of them at a blog I co-author, One Book Two Book, running from Dec. 2-7.
Check out the rules and leave comments at the following links. You can enter any or all of the giveaways. These will make great Christmas gifts for youngsters, too. Enjoy!
Book Swim Giveaway
Readeez DVD Giveaway
Baby Can Read Giveaway
Wii Pop Star Guitar Giveaway
Fly Me To The Moon Giveaway
Giveaway - Celebrity Arthur Book from Speakaboos
Giveaway - Countdown to Bedtime Soundbooks
Giiveaway - ECO Baby Organic Playdough
Baby Potential Teacher Onesie Giveaway
Natural Pod Giveaway
RideMakerz Giveaway
Happy Green Bee Giveaway
Mead Writing Fundamentals Giveaway
If you're a fan of giveaways, you'll find a series of them at a blog I co-author, One Book Two Book, running from Dec. 2-7.
Check out the rules and leave comments at the following links. You can enter any or all of the giveaways. These will make great Christmas gifts for youngsters, too. Enjoy!
Book Swim Giveaway
Readeez DVD Giveaway
Baby Can Read Giveaway
Wii Pop Star Guitar Giveaway
Fly Me To The Moon Giveaway
Giveaway - Celebrity Arthur Book from Speakaboos
Giveaway - Countdown to Bedtime Soundbooks
Giiveaway - ECO Baby Organic Playdough
Baby Potential Teacher Onesie Giveaway
Natural Pod Giveaway
RideMakerz Giveaway
Happy Green Bee Giveaway
Mead Writing Fundamentals Giveaway
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