Review: Stitch Camp

Review: Stitch Camp post image

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First, the facts:

Title: Stitch Camp: 18 Craft Projects for Kids & Tweens

Authors: Nicole Blum and Catherine Newman

Published by: Storey Publishing, 2017

Pages: 196

Chapters:

1. Sew

  • Beanbag that is also a handwarmer
  • Felt envelope
  • T-Shirt Alchemy

2. Embroider

  • Mandala sampler
  • Art pillow
  • Scout badge

3. Felt

  • Arm warmers
  • Cut-and-sew mittens
  • Monster coin pouch

4. Knit

  • Phone sweater
  • I-Cord jump rope
  • Cord-slung backpack

5. Crochet

  • Beaded chain bracelet
  • Pencil roll
  • Hacked sack

6. Weave

  • Woven patch
  • Beaded key fob or necklace
  • Jar jacket
KS: Stitch Camp

The In-Depth Look:

This is a book I would have adored when I was younger–it’s filled with fiber arts projects for “kids and tweens.” The writers introduce it by saying, “When we started writing this book, it was called Fiber for Kids. We quickly enough realized that it sounded more like a breakfast cereal than a book–and not in a good way–so we renamed it. But fiber is still what this book is about.”

Sewing, knitting, crocheting, felting, embroidering, weaving. That pretty much hits all the “big” fiber related crafts, and even the ones not specified like quilting are kind of implied–it’s learning to wield a needle that is the first step, no matter what you aspire to make later on.

The how-to portions of each chapter are solid, filled with good instructions and useful illustrations on everything from sewing backstitch to knitting to creating a modified loom out of a piece of cardboard. Nothing is too advanced–this book is all about introducing new crafts, not about perfecting skills you might already have–but it does so with fun projects that are not intimidating. Weaving a keychain, sewing a beanbag … the projects are fun and playful–just like the youngsters who will be making them.

Seriously, this book and I would have spent a LOT of time together when I was ten. (Mom’s Girl Scout handbook from about 1950 just wasn’t the same.) The projects look fun, and if there’s anything that I can think of that would capture the interest of the next generation of crafters, that would be it.

Help spread the joy. If you have or know a young person who would enjoy exploring some of these radically old crafts (so old they’re new again), you should really take a look.

And me? It’s true I’m too old for this one, but I know just what I’m going to do with my review copy–a 9-year-old girl who loves books literally moved in next door two weeks ago, and this is the perfect welcome to the neighborhood gift!

Oh, and kudos for the perforated “handmade” gift tags printed into the back of the book to make sharing all these cheerful projects extra easy!

You can get your copy from your local shop or help support this site and order direct from Amazon!

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Storey Publishing. Thank you!

My Gush: Fun!

Veterans Day, November 11, 2017…

Thank you to all our veterans…

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This All Veterans Memorial is at the World War II Lookout Tower in Cape May, New Jersey

“This eternal flame honors not only the veterans of World Was II of the Cape May area but also all area veterans who have nobly carried forth the torch of defending our nation.”

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Thank you to all veterans for your service to our country.

 


Last Show of the Year!


Icelandic Association of DC Christmas Bazaar in Fairfax, VA.


Come see me!

Then after a break at the beach the Etsy shop will be 

ON FIRE.






Weekly Photo Challenge: Temporary…

Prompt: What says “temporary” to you.

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Fleeting stop for a seagull… even his tracks are temporary.

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https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/temporary/


Pattern Release: Chalk Hill Mitts

The Chalk Hill mitts are named for the Chalk Hill appellation in northeast corner of the Russion River AVA in Sonoma County. Primary varietals grown here include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

I know Chalk Hill best as my bike-leg nemesis for Barb’s Race in 2007, my first and only half-Ironman triathlon. (At the time, Barb’s Race was an all-women’s half-Ironman triathlon, run concurrently with the full Vineman, raising money for cancer support.) The Chalk Hill area is gorgeous, but, oh, going up that hill was hard! The downhill and ride back to the transition area was awesome, though!

Cabled stitch pattern is both charted and written.

Read about the Winery Knits collection here.

Sizes
Women’s Small (Large); to fit 6–7 (7–8)” / 15–18 (18–20.5) cm hand circumference

Finished Measurements
Palm circumference, unstretched (note the lace cable pattern is quite stretchy): 5.75 (6.5)” / 14 (16.5) cm

Yarn
Shalimar Paulie Fingering, 60% Merino Wool / 20% Camel / 10% Silk / 10% Cashmere goat, 420 yds / 115 g, 1 skein, shown in size Large in Buttermilk

Needles
US 1 (2.25 mm) needles, or size to obtain gauge, for working in the round
US 0 (2 mm) needles for ribbing, or one size smaller than needle to obtain gauge, for working in the round

Gauge
32 sts and 48 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in Stockinette Stitch
Cable pattern, unstretched: 2.25 (2.5)” / 5.5 (6.5) cm

Notions
yarn needle, waste yarn, 3 stitch markers

Skills
cabling, maintaining stitch patterns

Weekly Photo Challenge: Peek…

The prompt is: This week, share a peek of something — a photo that reveals just enough of your subject to get us interested. A tantalizing detail. An unusual perspective. Compel us to click through to your post to find out more!

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A peek at New York City and the Freedom Tower from Jersey City, New Jersey

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My daughter peeking at me from behind a lamppost.

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Peeking out of a lighthouse window on Martha’s Vineyard.

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https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/peek/


Buns of Fiber!

After years of waiting and wanting, I’ve got bunnies!

I brought home a brother and sister pair of French Angora rabbits in a color called “Chestnut Agouti” (that’s what their papers say anyway. They’re like a grey and tan).

They are the friendliest, snuggliest little buns, and the kids have named them “Gene and Louise”.

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Miss Louise. They very much like kale and carrots.

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I’m excited to plant a garden full of greens and herbs for them in the spring.

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Gene. He is super chill.  Right now I have them in a large dog crate (separated so they don’t breed!) while I await their more permanent hutch that is coming.

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I’m looking forward to having an adorable source of soft fiber. The kids are thrilled to have bunnies that love being cuddled and played with. Either way, they are a welcome farm addition, and I so hope they are happy here!


Tagged: Farm, Garden, Pets

Medical Insurance Are The Best During Medical Emergencies

Recent studies state that India’s Medical insurance premium is estimated to grow at around 20% of compound annual growth rate. The expansion of health insurance market in India is due to the elevated costs of medical treatments, operational & surgical costs, more complex nature of the disease and unexpected viral infection situations which have come in picture.

It has been figured that over 65 percent of people are covered under private insurance companies while the remaining 35 percent are protected by public insurance companies. When we take health insurance premium share into consideration, it’s the public insurers who acquire 60-65% of the stakes while private insurers are limited to mere 40% only. This throws upon a wide opportunity for private sector companies to introduce some well-planned system to focus the masses instead of just approaching the cream layer section of the society.

The success and sustainability of Medical insurance segment will depend upon the development of a strong policy framework, efficient management, and monitoring system. Insurance companies are now working on products that reimburse expenses made for OPD, pharmacy, and consultation. These expenses will be covered on a cashless basis as companies are now aware that customers genuinely feel the need for such a product. The facility will be offered in the hospitals that are a part of our network.

Experts say employer’s Medical insurance is generally more lenient with pre-existing conditions. They cover pre-existing conditions, which otherwise may not be covered under individual health policies. But once you quit the job, you will no longer be covered under the group policy and stand to lose out on the waiver of pre-existing disease waiting period.
Although, personal health policies have a waiting period of about 1 to 4 years but they can be designed as per your needs and requirements. It is to prevent from companies getting duped. There are insurance companies who offer several customized Medical insurance at affordable premium costs. All you need to do is work factors like income source, age & health condition, risk appetite, hereditary disorders, and then approach to customer service or online team for discussion. They will guide you through the right policy structure that will help you keep financially sound during health emergencies.

Health insurance companies are now finally opening their arms to embrace their policyholders. Today, insurers are offering policy coverage worth crore as sum assured, medical coverage facility worldwide. They offer reduced waiting period for pre-existing disease and cover for all ages.

The health-related expenses have become quite steep nowadays. Medical inflation costs are standing at around 15% to 20%. But private health insurance companies are delighted to meet the rising demand with improved policy benefits. However, policyholders also need to shell out little more money to enjoy the feature-rich benefits of the policies. Today, international Medical insurance, that earlier meant for premium customers only, is now being availed by families belonging to the middle-income group.

To get knowledge of the relevant information, you should visit the website of health insurance companies or comparison sites and check out what offer they have in their baskets. If not satisfied you can always meet up the agents and discuss the pros and cons of the policies. They will help you clarify the doubts. Never hide any pre-existing, habits like smoking, drinking or tobacco consumption else you might get shorter financial cover. Always remember that even if the healthcare policy displays a long list of benefits, it is not necessary that every benefit suits your needs. Choose the one which is relevant to your health situation and premium paying capacity.

Best Own Specialty Disability Insurance Cardiologist

The doctor disability shop is the one which acts as the insurance company. They work as an independent agency ad they have been working in this field since 15 years. They believe in only working with the doctors and dentists and they focus mainly on protecting the valuable assets of them. They protect the sets based on their ability to work and their own specialty. They work with the entire available carrier and make sure that their clients get the best value and product which they deserve to have. A proper analysis is done so that the clients receive the perfect product as per their needs.

Discounts

They have the right to offer some disability insurance discounts as well to the physicians based on the hospital affiliation and the professional association affiliation. They have proven track record of almost 15 to 50 % and they have been successful in saving their clients. Moreover, it is possible n the basis of the disability premiums for the life. They are always ready to help their client in any manner they can. They always help the clients by providing the necessary information to them as well.

Terms

Elimination period in this is known as the waiting period and it is the time when you have to be totally disabled before becoming eligible for the base monthly benefits. Usually the periods are of 90 days and you can choose a longer period but that is not needed and not recommended. The group plans and the plans that are offered through some association work in a different manner. The elimination period is the time which is the consecutive days of the disability before you start getting the disability benefits. There are some individual carriers who have some variation of the definition which give good protection more.

You will become fully eligible to receive the full monthly benefit no matter what you are earning in the field. There are only some carriers who offer such preferred definition for the disability. The base monthly benefits means that the amount that is paid under the policy terms every month when you are totally disabled and once your elimination period is satisfied. If you have a pure own occupation disability then you will be receiving this benefits of base amount till the disability policy exists. If a dentist or physician has limited their duties of the customary functions of the professionals and specific medical and dental specialist then your specialty will be considered as your occupation.

There is certain one which is guaranteed renewable only. It means that till you reach the age of 65 the policy cannot be canceled by you or the provider and no restrictions can be added to it by them. They also reserve the rights to change the premiums rates but the change will apply to all the policies. The premium will base on the issue age and the occupation. This option can be safe way to stay away from the high premiums of specialty disability insurance.

The Fortunate Ones by R.S. Grey

While today is Nanowrimo kick off, it is also the day that one of my favorite authors launches her new book. I am so proud to be able to share the details with you! Pick up your copy today. Reading a chapter of this book is my daily reward for reaching my word count.

What are you doing for yourself this November?

 

R.S. Grey’s next romantic comedy, THE FORTUNATE ONES, is available now! Read a sneak peek below and be sure to pick up your copy today!

 

 About THE FORTUNATE ONES

At Twin Oaks Country Club, there are the fortunate ones, and then there are the rest of us: the waiters, the caddies, the valets, and in my case, the cabana girls. Most days, I’m poolside in a pleated skirt, dishing out margaritas to tycoons and titans. It’s not exactly my dream job, but it does come with one perk…

James Ashwood.

He’s my silver lining in a custom black suit.

Besides being a legacy member at the club, he’s a tech mogul and Austin’s most eligible bachelor. Oh, and those dimples? Yeah, they make my stomach dip too.

On good days, I catch his sleek Porsche winding down the tree-lined drive. On better days, I steal a glimpse of his handsome profile as we pass in the hall. And on the absolute best day, I find him alone at the bar, looking for company.

“Come have a seat.”

Those four little words set me down a path I never could have imagined. Private planes, penthouse suites, and temptations around every corner make it impossible to keep my distance. His world feels decadent and wild—but overindulgence comes with a cost. Every kiss comes with strings. Every erotic encounter is a promise I’m not ready to keep.

When I pump the brakes, he hits the gas. James doesn’t want to go slow—he wants a commitment.

And the thing about the fortunate ones?

They’re used to getting what they want.

Add THE FORTUNATE ONES to your Goodreads list here!

Get your hands on THE FORTUNATE ONES now!

 

Get a Sneak Peek of THE FORTUNATE ONES:

“I missed you today,” he says, his heated gaze lingering on my body.

I step back, and he follows.

He looks like he’s cornering his prey.

“Apparently not enough to make it to dinner,” I point out icily.

“I called the restaurant and told them I’d be late. Didn’t they tell you?”

I cross my arms and glance away.

“Brooke.” He steps closer and gently lifts my chin, forcing me to look back at him. “Fight with me tomorrow.”

I narrow my eyes, angry with him for shelving this discussion so casually. To him, it doesn’t matter that I sat in that restaurant alone, looking like a fool for nearly two hours. He’s brushing off my anger, stepping closer and forcing his way past my defenses.

“I think I’d like to talk about it now.”

I catch the beginning of a smirk just before he leans in to kiss my cheek.

“Are you sure there isn’t anything you’d rather be doing right now?”

He uncrosses my arms and brings them up over his shoulders then steps closer, towering over me. My arms tighten around his neck, but still, I turn away, keeping my mouth from him. His breath hits my neck and he pulls me taut against his hard body, growing more impatient with every moment I try to resist.

“Brooke,” he whispers huskily.

My eyes flutter closed as he bends and presses a kiss to my cheek, my chin, then lower, tipping my head back so he can reach the smooth recess at the nape of my neck. I shiver and he groans, obviously aware of what his touch is doing to me.

 

 

About R.S. Grey

R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of thirteen novels, including THE FOXE & THE HOUND. She lives in Texas with her husband and two dogs, and can be found reading, binge-watching reality TV, or practicing yoga! Visit her at rsgrey.com

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