Still Sewing Over Here

Hi friends! Thank you for your kind words of encouragement you have left me. Your comments brighten my day.
 
It has turned cold here. Frost every night. Shivering poodles every morning. I wish I could get a sweater on grumpy, old Murphy, but I may not have fingers left after the experience.

Here is the linen valance that I completed for the bathroom.

Does it look familiar? Yes, it is the same as the kitchen valance, just different dimensions. The scallop template for the kitchen did not work for the bathroom window. So I had fun figuring out the scallops two separate times!! NOT! It's done now though, and I am pleased.

I had the pink linen in my stash for years. So that is always nice and a benefit!

I am behind in telling you about the books I have listened to. Back before we moved, I finished listening to Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford. I have not been disappointed by one of Jamie Ford's books yet. This was not my favorite of his, but still good.
From the bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet comes a powerful novel, inspired by a true story, about a boy whose life is transformed at Seattle’s epic 1909 World’s Fair.

“An evocative, heartfelt, beautifully crafted story that shines a light on a fascinating, tragic bit of forgotten history.”—Kristin Hannah, author of The Nightingale

For twelve-year-old Ernest Young, a charity student at a boarding school, the chance to go to the World’s Fair feels like a gift. But only once he’s there, amid the exotic exhibits, fireworks, and Ferris wheels, does he discover that he is the one who is actually the prize. The half-Chinese orphan is astounded to learn he will be raffled off—a healthy boy “to a good home.”

The winning ticket belongs to the flamboyant madam of a high-class brothel, famous for educating her girls. There, Ernest becomes the new houseboy and befriends Maisie, the madam’s precocious daughter, and a bold scullery maid named Fahn. Their friendship and affection form the first real family Ernest has ever known—and against all odds, this new sporting life gives him the sense of home he’s always desired.

But as the grande dame succumbs to an occupational hazard and their world of finery begins to crumble, all three must grapple with hope, ambition, and first love.

Fifty years later, in the shadow of Seattle’s second World’s Fair, Ernest struggles to help his ailing wife reconcile who she once was with who she wanted to be, while trying to keep family secrets hidden from their grown-up daughters.

Against a rich backdrop of post-Victorian vice, suffrage, and celebration, Love and Other Consolations is an enchanting tale about innocence and devotion—in a world where everything, and everyone, is for sale.

I am finishing up the last valance I will be sewing for a while. A white linen one for the boys' room. Then it is on to a few cross stitch Christmas ornaments. I ordered a VERY special Riolis kit  from ABC stitch two and a half weeks ago. It should have been here by now!! I need want it very badly. It is for Madeleine for Christmas this year. I give the kids ornaments every year for St. Nick's. Brian called them yesterday and asked where the order is? After being on the phone for 13 minutes!!!, he was told the order is "on invoice". Um, what?  C'MON ABC STITCH LET'S GO!!!! Please ship it NOW!

I hope you have a super stitchtastic weekend my friends! Thank you for stopping by.

Stitching and praying,
Vickie