A Single Thread

[Kathryn]

The book is ready for me to pickup at the libary tomorrow. That was really fast considering I just requested it yesterday....

[Sheila]

Wow, I'll have to see how long it takes for mine to get here. The library shows it being transfered from a couple of towns over so I should get it by Monday at the latest. Nice job Kathryn of getting it listed as an official group read. It looks great! Don't you love the internet?

[Judy]

If any of you who want to read this book with the group that's forming and you have a Kindle, I can loan the book to you. If you've never borrowed a Kindle book, you have 14 days from the time I loan it to read it. You can only loan a book once, so if there's more than one person who wants to read it, it will be first come first, uh, get the book! :-)

[Sheila]

I've never done the loan the book thing but would love to try Judy. I've only had my Kindle for about a month so you will have to work me through it.

[Sandy]

I've been intrigued by the loaning thing too, but haven't tried it before. I'd be happy to loan out some of the books I've read--they're just sitting idle in my archives!

[Sheila]

I was wondering how you can tell whether a book is loanable Sandy I'm sure not all books can be loaned.

[Sandy]

When I looked at the loan library on Amazon, not all books were available as loaners. But I'm not sure if that includes person-to-person loans...?

[Sheila]

Sandy, where specifically is the loan library on Amazon? Is it under your account or managing your account or what? Thanks for your help.

[Sandy]

Sheila, here's a direct link (I hope) to the page with info about Kindle Lending. It does look like you can only loan the books that the publisher enables for loaning.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custome...

[Kathryn]

I just got home from the library with the book. It is so nice outside that I sat out on the patio in the sunshine and began the first few pages. On page 16 I came across this paragraph and new I was going to like this book:

"...I love quilting, the sheer geometry of it, the endless patterns and combinations that can be achieved by the arrangement and rearrangement of something as simple as a straight line. The order and precision of quilting appeals to that part of me that wants a refuge from life's chaos, while the unbounded possibilitys of color, fabric and finishing speak to the part of me that wants to live life surprised..."

Isn't that true, we want to live life surprised?

[Sandy]

Kathryn wrote: "I just got home from the library with the book. It is so nice outside that I sat out on the patio in the sunshine and began the first few pages. On page 16 I came across this paragraph and new I ..."

Loved that quote. Also captures the way I feel about quilting too!

[Tanya]

My town's library does not have it...Now I have to decide if I buy it used or request the library to get it from another library both options can take a while! I'll see if I can get it in time to read it :)

[Judy]

OK. Once again the messages from this thread were not sent to my e-mail. Dang!

First, to see if a book you own is loanable, you go to your list of books on the Amazon/Kindle site. Under the title is a "-" mark. Click on that and you get more info. A button will appear if the book is loanable. I think it also says if it's not loanable.

Sheila, send me your e-mail address to my e-mail address. I think that's what I need. You might give me your last name, too. I then just put your name in the lend place and you'll get a message that says the book is available for you. You then have 14 days, like I said before, to read it. At the end of the 14 days if you haven't deleted it from your list (which actually means you move it to your archives), you will get a message that says you can no longer read the book.

Here's my e-mail address:

quilts@collinscom.net

Judy

[Judy]

Sandy wrote: "Sheila, here's a direct link (I hope) to the page with info about Kindle Lending. It does look like you can only loan the books that the publisher enables for loaning.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/he..."

That is correct - only the ones the publishers OK.

[Nancy]

Started the morning bawling in bed then more bawling on treadmill (this creates an impressive illusion of a hard workout if you let the tears drip straight down your chin)- all while reading . Finished the book so my big nose and red eyes should clear up as the day progresses.

Yesterday, as I got into the meat of the book, I tried to cheat and find a name, any name (through squinty eyes so as not to get too much info) on the last two pages of the book but failed. Turns out the last page was a preview of her next book, so no wonder!

[Judy]

LOL Nancy! Yes, the first one is a tear-jerker all right! Glad you enjoyed it.

[Sheila]

I'm 1/2 way through and it already is a tear jerker.

[Kathryn]

I thought it was truly a good book. It started out fairly typical - husband leaves wife for younger woman, wife struggling to find her way, that's the theme of many books, but this one had a bit more depth to it. I was SO glad when Abigail told us "her story". And I really enjoyed the way it was written as if each character was talking to me when the chapter was about her.

Is everyone going to read the next one, A Thread of Truth?

The fourth in the series Threading the Needle is a giveawy here on goodreads. You've got until the end of the month to enter.

[Kathryn]

Another thing I thought was interesting that Evelyn taught Abigail, Liza, and Margot to hand piece versus my machine, yet at the shelter she was going to teach them to piece by machine.

[Judy]

But don't you think that's because 1) the women at the shelter are there for a limited amount of time and need everything ASAP and 2) the quilts the women made at the shelter were, for the most part, for their children. No one I know would give a baby quilt that was hand pieced.

[Kathryn]

You're probably right, it's just that speaking for myself and most of the ladies the come to our shop for a beginner's class they want a machine piecing class...

[Judy]

I think that's probably true in most shops, Kathryn; but don't Abigail, et al, do the hand piecing because they're making blocks for the pink quilt on the pink quilt day? (It's been a while since I read this book.)

[Nancy]

I'm planning on reading a Thread of Truth. I thought I'd give it a few days to replenish my emotional reserves though!

These things stood out for / resonated with me:

Abigail: having acquaintances over friends is so much easier, but less likely to make the world a better place.

Liza: Her rebellion and speechless, scowling, appalled glares to Abigail for the latter's hypocrisies painted a great picture of an artist

Margot: Loved Abigail's comment that optimism / faith are often mistaken for naivete. I also appreciated the theme of forgiveness initiated with Margot. Although I love great vengeance in novels, (Count of Monte Cristo pops loudly in my ear) forgiveness is probably one of the biggest, hardest themes in real life.

Evelyn: Author did a wonderful job giving reader an inkling into the challenges facing one with breast cancer.

Mary Dell: What incredible powers a forceful personality can wield!

[Kit]

Wow! :( I started crying in the Proloque! I'm on 141 and should finish tonite. This is soooooooooo good-brings up so much emotion and memories!! I love her writing so much (and the characters) that I put her other 3 books on hold at the library. In case anyone's interested-next 3 "A Thread of Truth," Thread so Thin," and Threading the Needle."

Two favorite quotes from book (so far)--pg 75, "...but buying fabric for a quilt involves much more than just an exchnge of money for goods; it is commitment of time, an act of love, the opening paragraph of a story." And, pg. ..."Since our great-great-grandmothers' time,quilters have always created community. Quilting is about getting together and helping each other, sharing life, cheering one another on through good times and bad."

My own grandmother used to talk about her quilting circles (with her sister-in-law--my grandfather had 7 brothers). It was always a great time to exchange ideas, fabric, pattern, discusse family issues, and just be "women."

My first quilt was hand sewn and tacked. In fact I still have my grandmother's tacked quilt-my mom made my youngest a tacked quilt when she married in 2003-one of the last quilts she did before her death. She had also started a quilt for my oldest that she was going to tack. So I will be finishing it this fall. Some of the qreatest gifts are the ones that are sewn from the "heart" with loving fingers!

[Kathryn]

Neither of my grandmother's quilted nor did my own mom. My sister and I are both surprised that we both like to quilt. It must be a buried DNA from somewhere. I do so love that she and I both share our passion for quilting.

[Sandy]

I'm reading Thread of Truth now and actually find it even more engaging than A Single Thread. Some of that may be that I've had more time with the characters now so they're even more fully fleshed out at this point. I am really appreciating the fact that Bostwick is willing to take on such real issues in her novels--and she does it very well. I did really appreciate the main theme of how strong, healthy, supportive relationships are what get you through.

Kit, the two quotations you listed were also marked in mine. I read that first one over a few times and let it soak in. That's something that non-quilters just don't understand, right? I was just telling someone tonight that buying new fabric is fun because, "It's just full of such possibilities!"

I learned to quilt from my mom and always thought it was just her and me in the family tree. After she passed away, I found antique quilts in one of her closets and discovered, through conversations with her sisters about where those quilts had come from, that I'm actually at least a 5th generation quilter. Boy, did that turn my head around! I definitely started taking my quiltmaking a lot more seriously now that I realize I'm the only one in my generation carrying it on. (And boy, do I treasure those family quilts. I'm humbled to be the repositor.)

[Kit]

Sadly, I think I will be the last quilter in my family. Everyone has passed on now. Out of 19 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren-I'm the only one. My youngest attempted one in college; but never finished. Now she has two young sons and is heading to Grad. school, so I doubt if she will start again anytime soon. I'm just hoping one of my girls will eventually pick it up. One of the great-grandchildren (my Aunt Sally) took all her quilts and patterns; but I don't think she's done much with them. She's said she want to continue her legacy--I'm praying!!!!

It was so much apart of my mother's generation-and seems like such a loss now. It was a wonderful way to connect with all of them!

I pick up the next two books today. Can't wait to start reading them! I like the ending of the story-I need to find a Charlie!

[Kit]

I found a book at the library on repairing quilts. Have any of you tried repairing or restoring old quilts. Some of my mother's oldest one's are starting to split and the binding is coming off. Hopefully, this book will help! If anyone has any suggestions, I'm open for anything!

[Nancy]

Kit, I'd be pretty surprised if you're the last quilter in your family. With 19 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, chances are your quilty gene is bound to pop up somewhere in one form or another.

My grandma's quilting and crocheting intrigued me as a child, but it wasn't til I was older that I had time to nurture and explore those latent interests. So although she never knew, her hobbies were like gifts to me.

Good luck on repairing your quilts!

[Kathryn]

I started quilting after my daughter was in high school and only because someone I worked with was a quilter and she was willing to teach me. I didn't take Home Ec in high school and had limited knowledge about sewing at all. So, you just never know when the bug will strike, but that little bug is pretty darn powerful.

Repairing quilts is truly a love of the craft and an art. We have a couple of ladies in our area that we go to for that type of expertise....

[Sheila]

I just finished A Single Thread and absolutely loved it. I've read several of the Elm Creek Quilters and Benni Harper books but this was my first Marie Bostwick novel. This was wonderful. I got kind of teared up several times. My best friend recently had a mastectomy so it was hard to read.

[Sheila]

Judy, Thanks so much for lending me the Kindle book, it should now be back on your Kindle. I really appreciated it.

[Kathryn]

Let's read the next one in the series in July, does that sound good?

[Judy]

Sheila, I so glad you enjoyed the book and that I was able to loan it to you! I think Bostwick is a great author!

As for repairing old quilts, the only thing I know, if you can't match the fabric to replace it, is to blind-stitch netting or toile over the shattered piece. I guess I'm assuming the fabric is shattered; it may not be. At any rate, I think it's OK if you can find vintage fabric to replace the binding.

[Kit]

I have all three of Bostwick's books-I think I'll try and read this all this weekend. (one is a 14 day book.) I love her writing style-easy to get lost in.

[Sheila]

What is a 14 day book Kit? Is that 14 day loan from the library?

[Judy]

Kit, maybe you mis-typed and already know this, but there are 4 books in Bostwick's Cobbled Court series. Threading the Needle just came out within the past week or so.

[Joy]

Just to be clear, A Single Thread is the 1st in this series? I've never read Bostwick before, but sounds like I would enjoy her books. Since I love the Elm Creek Quilters books I should give Bostwick a try. Will get the first one on my next Amazon order. I am almost finished (like by tomorrow) with The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, which I have really enjoyed. Anyone else read it? Not a "quilty" book, but a good one.

I need to read The Peach Keeper next for later June, and finish The Whiskey Rebels (about 1/3 way through) for my local July book group. But I think I can squeeze A Single Thread in there, too! Now that I think about it I may drop by HPB on my way home to see if they have a copy. That way I can get it in my stack . . . yes, STACK! :)

[Judy]

You've probably already left for the bookstore, Joy, but yes, A Single Thread is the first in the series.

As for your TBR stack, I think we all have them! LOL! Unfortunately, I have 2: one on my Kindle and the other in my studio in the bookcase. I keep thinking I'll quit buying books and read what I have, but that's probably not going to happen in this lifetime!

[Joy]

Ditto about not happening in this lifetime! My reading stacks are tantamount to my quilting stash. Aaaannnd, we probably shouldn't go there. One of my music students commented recently, "Oh my gosh, Ms. Joy, you're a hoarder!" Needless to say we had an intro lesson immediately on the value and necessity of building meaningful quilting "resources." I could not believe her comment. LOL

[Sandy]

Joy wrote: "Needless to say we had an intro lesson immediately on the value and necessity of building meaningful quilting "resources.""

Too funny.

You know, the thing I like best about my Kindle is not ending up with the stacks of books tipping over my nightstand the way I used to...on the other hand, though, it's hard to flip back a few pages to remind yourself of which character did what that set up the current situation you're reading about. Win some, lose some.

[Sheila]

I loved the hoarding comment Joy. I guess in reality most quilters are hoarders to some extent.

Sandy, I agree about the negative side of the Kindle but no one knows you are a book hoarder even if you have 1000 books in your archive. Who's to know, right?

[Nancy]

Joy, that hoarding comment was hilarious! I hope the student wasn't talking about music books! It'd be pretty boring to play the same music with no variety...

Fabric stashes: 1. Double as insulation, 2. Serve as personalized 401 Ks - buy now, use later. Seems like a WIN / WIN situation!

Re: it's hard to flip back a few pages to remind yourself of which character did what... - that's one of the really frustrating things about audiobooks. I get confused a lot - especially if characters names start with the same letter or have a similar syllable cadence.

[Judy]

Joy wrote: "You know, the thing I like best about my Kindle is not ending up with the stacks of books tipping over my nightstand the way I used to...on the other hand, though, it's hard to flip back a few pages to remind yourself of which character did what that set up the current situation you're reading about. "

Joy, while we don't have toppling stacks of books, we have pages of books. How many pages do you have? I have 10. I had it down to 9 until I bought 5 books today. As for searching, have discovered the "search" feature? I use it a lot. I can usually remember a word or a specific name. I search for that, read what I need to remind me of whatever, and use "back" to get back to where I was.

[Jaci]

Judy wrote: Joy, while we don't have toppling stacks of books, we have pages of books. How many pages do you have? I have 10. I had it down to 9 until I bought 5 books today. "

Well I was down to 10 pages of books on my Kindle too...until my Aunt Judy (see above) bought 5 new ones today. Guess that means I'm up to 11. Ah, if only I didn't have to work and I could read all day!! I would be in heaven!

[Judy]

FYI: Jaci and I share a Kindle account. It works out really well. We both like the same kinds of books, so whatever one buys the other will like. We can each download them to our Kindle. I think you can have 5 Kindles on an account.

[Joy]

OMG, Nancy ~ your logic about the fabric stashes as insulation and 401Ks is hilarious. My wonderful student comes tomorrow evening and I cannot wait to share these new concepts with her! BTW, this particular student is now 25 and doing student teaching with me this coming fall. Yes, we have been together MANY years! I started teaching her when she started 7th grade, she stayed with me until graduation. Then went off to college, got married, and this past spring came back wanting to student teach with me. I do love my students!

[Kit]

Spent the whole weekend locked away reading. Finished a "Thread of Truth" and "A Thread so Thin." I will start on "Threading the Needle." A 14-day book is a library book from the new shelf that you can only check out for 14 days-instead of the regular month.

I liked both of the above books. Won't give any spoilers!!!

The adult summer reading program is going on here--the grand prize is a "nook." I have about 40 books at the moment I'm trying to get thru--so I will probably disappear for days at a time!!!

[Kit]

Did get the book on restoration! It was helpful!! I know what I'll be doing on those cold, snowy nights.

[Kit]

Just finished "Threading the Needle." Wow-can't wait for the next book!!! I guess I'll be in "withdrawal" mode until then. I think each book gets better. I've really fallen in love with "New Bern's quilting circle." Wouldn't mind moving there! :) lol.