A Case For Smiles

A young man approached our quilt guild president and asked if we would be willing to help him with his Eagle Project.
His goal is to gather 300 pillowcases by the end of February to be donated for The Case of Smiles project sponsored by ConKerr Cancer.

In the last 2 weeks our members made 54 pillowcases that were presented to Ryan last night.
I love being part of experiences like this.
It renews my faith in mankind and the generous nature of community.

Our first admiration and support went to a young man learning leadership through the Boy Scouts of America.
Great program.
I remember the work and dedication our son Paul went through when he earned his Eagle a few years ago.
We were also very impressed with the cause Ryan selected for his project.
In 3 years ConKerr Cancer has provided 400,000 pillowcases to sick children in hospitals across the country.

"Our goal is to give bright cheery pillowcases to every seriously ill child in North America by 2015. We are also expanding Internationally with chapters in Canada and South Africa."

When I made my pillowcase for Ryan, I used the "tube method" I learned when I worked for Quilted Works in St. George, Utah. If you are looking for an easy pillowcase pattern, Barb Johnson (from Quilted Works) recently did a great tutorial over on Sew We Quilt.

Sonoma Rose

Imagine my delight when a publicist from Dutton/Penguin Group contacted me recently and asked if I would like to review a copy of the latest book from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini.
Oh, yes, I think I could do that!

I've taken notice of Jennifer's work over the years and have read most of her novels.
My family and friends often give me her books as a gift.
Sonoma Rose goes on sale February 21st, and will be the 19th book in the Elm Creek Quilt series.
Available on Jennifer's web site, and I also noticed it can be purchased as a Kindle edition on Amazon.com

Sonoma Rose is a historical fiction novel set in the 1920's in Sonoma County, California.
The story tells of "How one woman's courage and vision wrought true change, for her family and herself."
Intertwined with the rich history of wine country during prohibition, I found the book to be a real page turner.
My sister lives in nearby Napa Valley, surrounded by miles upon miles of exquisite wineries, and I enjoyed learning the history of survival for the land owners during those "dry" years.
Jennifer has been writing the Elm Creek Quilt Novels since 1999, and I have watched her mature as an author and writer with each book.
The New York Journal of Books has written "Jennifer Chiaverini's strength is not only writing strong female characters, but also placing them in interesting life and times."

Jennifer Chiaverini (pronounced Shev er ee nee) is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago. She lives with her husband and 2 sons in Madison, Wisconsin.
She is also a quilter, and author of 5 collections of quilt projects inspired by her novels.

A Bed Without A Quilt

"A Bed without a Quilt is like a Sky without Stars"

Photo from: Whatever

Mighty Bright Lighted Seam Ripper

My thanks to Stephanie Romney (stuph.from.steph) for her suggestion for a seam ripper.
I have now ordered what I think is a seam ripper with all the features I have been looking for.

Mighty Bright Lighted Seam Ripper has:

• LED light that lasts 100,000 hours
• 4X Magnifier
• Ergonomic handle
• Light weight
• $9.99

Once the seam ripper arrives, I will let you know if it really is as wonderful as it sounds.
You can find this product at
http://www.mightybright.com/Craft-Lights/Lighted-Seam-Ripper-with-Magnifier

Seam Rippers

Did you know that seam rippers can become dull?
Now that I think about it, it makes sense.
The small forked like crook serves like a little knife to cut your thread.
And if knives become dull, why not seam rippers?

I know YOU probably use this quilting gadget on very rare occasions, but my seam ripper has been almost like a best friend.
We've spent many a late night together over the years, just she and I.
Lets just say I've gotten more than my money's worth :)
I'm trying to break it to her softly, but the time has come for a parting of ways.
She has become DULL DULL DULL.

No big deal to just go out and buy a new seam ripper, right?
When I bought my last one there were simple choices like what color of plastic handle did I like best?
Welcome to the 21st Century!
I did a search for Best Seam Rippers on Amazon.com and had no idea there would be so many results.

Did you know there are seam rippers that come with a magnifying glass?
Nice feature!

Dritz offers one with a light and needle threader.
Oh, another nice feature!

There were multiple choices of colors, and sizes of seam rippers with Ergonomic handles.
This must be the new and exciting feature by the amount of selections.
Just how much continuous ripping does one have to do to merit an ergonomic handle?
(I'm just saying, maybe I'm not the only one who has stayed up late with their best friend)

Some seam rippers, like this one from Ultra that do not follow the traditional style.
The Ultra-Pro comes with a screw at the top, so the blades can be replaced.
Another nice feature!

And then, there are fancy- smancy seam rippers.
Gingher has an aluminum with chrome over nickle coated finish that comes complete in it's own velvet lined case.
For a mere $28
I can see it now at guild meetings and quilting retreats:
"MY seam ripper is nicer than YOUR seam ripper!"
*
Now I need to make a choice.
What kind of seam ripper do you use, and what would you recommend?