FORGET ME KNOT by Mary Marks

Martha Rose and her friends are planning a day of quilting with a new friend. They did not plan to find their new friend murdered. When one of the dead woman's quilts is stolen along with one of Martha's, she gets drawn farther into the mystery. Then, the dead woman's mother asks Martha to track down her daughter's quilts to see if they tell a story that explains what happened to her. Martha is compelled to keep digging until she can figure out what really happened.

This was a great mystery! Martha and her friends are likable, as is the detective/love interest. There were several possible solutions to the mystery to keep you guessing. I was able to figure out the solution, which is something that gives me great joy, but it wasn't "obvious." There were some cool things about different faith groups - funeral rites and things - that were interesting tidbits on top of the overall story. I am looking forward to sharing this one with my mystery-loving friends. And I am looking forward to reading more in this series!

4 out of 5 stars

* I received this book from the publisher, Kensington,  for free in the hope that I would review it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

MONDAY: The Name Quilt

Summary 
Sadie and her grandma enjoy a tradition when Sadie comes to visit - Sadie snuggles down for bed under the Name Quilt. Then she chooses a name and Grandma tells her a story about that person or about the scrap that was used to make that section of the quilt. 

A summer storm blows away the name quilt and Sadie is devastated by the loss. She feels so alone without the quilt. Grandma helps Sadie discover the stories they still hold in the hearts and together they begin to create a new Name Quilt.

Review

Our local library puts 40 or so picture books out on display in the children's section and I discovered The Name Quilt when I was wandering around the display. I loved the story and the themes covered in it - traditions, family, stories. Beautiful.



4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for: children 3rd grade and under, kids learning to quilt, families talking about stories or traditions 


Cautions: none

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Happy Valentine's Day!

THURSDAY: Encyclopedia of Classic Quilt Patterns

Yep, another quilting book! I have been searching for a book of patterns that I could look through and mark up based on quilts I would like to make some day. This book was FILLED with examples. Each example had a picture of a quilt, a pattern for the block pieces, fabric requirements and instructions for putting the block together. Some of my favorites are: Flower Reel, Hanover Tulip, Iris in My Garden, Pennsylvania Tulip, Tulip Treats and Wandering Star.

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THURSDAY: The Quilting Bible

One of my dreams is to make a quilt - in fact, I'd like to make one this year. So I am always looking for resources to help me figure out how to do it. This book is a great resource. It has clear explanations and great pictures covering everything from cutting shapes to putting the whole thing together.

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THURSDAY: The Quilter's Catalog

One of my goals for 2010 is to make a quilt. I have scoured our library for quilting books and I stumbled across this one. It is a gem for quilters! 

The Quilter's Catalog includes an interesting and extensive list of the history of quilting and resources for quilters - tools for hand or machine quilting, finishing machines, websites, books, software, etc. It also includes instructions for twelve quilting projects at varying levels of difficulty. 

I haven't checked out all of the websites and events it lists to see how accurate they still are since this book is two years old. In the current economy, some things might have combined their efforts or folded. Regardless, this book is overflowing with information. If you are interested in quilting, this is a terrific resource!

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