Knitting block by block

I am doing a review for the book Knitting Block by Block.

I must say I love this book. Keep in mind, this book is for the person who already knows how to knit. I am not one of those people. During the Superbowl, my friend taught me how to knit, so I plan to use these patterns in the future.

There are a lot of gorgeous pictures in this book, but the things I really love about it, are the patterns. Most knitting patterns I have looked at are only words, and quite confusing words at that. This book not only includes the words, but also diagrams of the pattern. It caters to both ways of learning.  Not many books do that.

I give this book 5 stars out of 5.

I received this book free from Blogging for Books in return for an honest review! The thoughts in this review are of my own!

Blogging for Books: Doctor Who: Silhouette

I have to tell you I am a huge fan of doctor who. When I saw this book on Blogging for Books, I jumped at the chance to read it.
It was a good book to read. The author had great imagery and I could feel like I was there. The problem for me, is that I have an idea in my mind how things should be with doctor who. It was hard for me to place my vision in this book. This really had nothing to do with the author and more to do with the actors who play in the show. It is difficult for an author to capture the characters just like the actors would.  In general I would like this book, if I was not such a huge fan of the show.
I also have to give a little FTC disclaimer. I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Your Family in Pictures review

This is the first book I have received from Blogging for books to review. When I first got it, I flipped though and quickly looked at the pictures. To be honest...I was not impressed. I know she wants to be artful, but there were several pictures that were out of focus and the lighting put the subject in the dark.

I decided I would give the book a chance though and sat down to actually read it. I have not fully finished it yet, but from what I have read, I am enjoying it. The author gives good advice from lighting to capturing your subject by surprise. I just wish the pictures matched the advice. I am looking forward to going out and trying to take some pictures of my family.

I also have to give a little FTC disclaimer. I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

What I've been working on

Okay I know I already posted a pic of Stella before, But this is what I have been working on. I would work on it a bit then get frustrated and leave it for a week, then work on it some more and get frustrated again.
Today I decided I really need to work on Stella. About a week or so ago I took the front plate of and got that all cleaned up. I tried to put the new belt on but it was still a bit long. Today I had cut it down some more and put the belt back on. The White's hand wheel rolls backwards, so I tried getting it started and every few turns it would get stuck and want to turn forwards. I could feel myself getting frustrated, but then I realized it was getting stuck where the staple was. I took my pliers and squeezed as hard as I could and then it began to turn forward a little better. I also realized I had to make sure the treadle was turning a full turn and not trying to drop back down. I think I got the hand of that. Then I realized I needed to oil the whole machine. Once I got the oil all in the places it needed to be, she ran like butter.
Now the only thing I need to learn is how to thread the machine and wind the bobbin. I have the manual, but I am a very visual learner and the manual is not very clear, so I am hoping to figure that out soon, then I can get treadling. I can't wait.

Design Wall Monday: My Birthday

 This is the quilt I have been working on for some time. It is my own design and was done before I acquired EQ7. There was a bit of trial and error but I am finally almost done. There are a few more seams and then I will have to put the border on then it will be ready for quilting.

 On a side note. Tomorrow is my birthday. This was my present. I'm so excited to start using it. The only parts it was missing was the belt, bobbin case and the bobbins. There is a machine repair place near me that repairs all types of machines. I was able to get all the parts I needed (new). To get new bobbin cases for this machine seemed like it was going to be impossible, but they had bought out a place that had all kinds of antique new stock. YAY! Anyway, it is a White Rotary. Does anyone know how to thread the belt through? It looks pretty easy, but I want to be sure before I measure and cut.
This is the head of the machine. The front looks pretty good, but the back is a bit worn. The needle goes up and down pretty well when you turn the wheel. I can't wait to get going.

Design Wall Monday: Jan 27th: Orca quilt

 I am so excited. I got hired to make a quilt for a woman across the country from me. She and I are both very excited about this. She was able to purchase all of the material and send it to me. I designed the quilt and we worked out exactly what she wanted. Here is a picture of the quilt design.






She was able to get the big orca pictures from Amazon, but the listing said they were 100% cotton. They are not. They are a silky poly material. I still will be able to work with them, but its going to take a bit of care.









Here is a close up of the fabric we picked. I think it is going to be a gorgeous quilt and I can't wait to get started. I need to finish a few things on a quilt I am making for my dad and then will begin this one. Sooo Excited.

Design Wall Monday: Skill Builder

It has been quite a while since I have posted on my design wall. I have been working on a skill builder with pileoffabric. I have gotten pretty far behind, but I am determined to catch up. If you'd like to see more design walls head on over to patchwork times.