Reading Challenge + Giveaway!

Hello friends! Happy start of June! I just love the start of a new month so fresh with possibilities. 😍

My longtime blogging friend, Tarissa hosts an annual Louisa May Alcott reading challenge every June and being a reading enthusiast I just had to share the fun news with you all! The challenge begins today and it's so easy to join in the fun, and you can set your own reading goals for the month.

 

Tarrisa's blog, In The Bookcase is filled with her wonderful book reviews, resources of free books and book sites, giveaways and so much more! I have often found a new book to add to my reading list from her. The reading challenge is a wonderful way to explore the world of Louisa May Alcott's and her writings, from old favorites like Little Women to some many have never even heard of before.

This year Tarissa and I are collaborating and I'm giving away a set of two lovely corner bookmarks from my shop for those joining the challenge! I'm so excited! 😁 

Find these bookmarks in my shop here!

You can find all the details for the reading challenge and the giveaway on Tarrisa's blog. 

And be sure to take a look around her wonderful blog!

 

You do NOT need to enter the reading challenge to enter for the giveaway...however reading along will earn you extra points! 

There are so many stories Louisa wrote that most people have never read before...including myself. And if you have never read Little Women and only seen the films you MUST give it a try. 😘 This challenge is a wonderful way to get some of those classic reads checked off your list (and even add some new books to your to-read list)!

I hope you'll join us!

Happy Reading,

~Rachel~

P.S. - My reading choices for the challenge are two short stories: May Flowers and Marjorie's Three Gifts.

P.P.S ~ I managed to read only May Flowers in June, though I will still read Marjorie's Three Gifts this summer. May Flowers was a charming story and I really enjoyed it! A lovely short story of a group of young Boston girls who challenge each other to do good deeds through the long winter months ahead. Each girl's story of her efforts is than described in her own words of her successes and struggles along the way. I found it charming and inspiring and sweet. A wholesome reminder to be kind and share from our abundance in whatever way we are able to. :) 

Thank you Tarissa for inspiring us to read these beautiful classics!

Thanksgiving Giveaway!

I can hardly believe Thanksgiving is next week! 🦃And Christmas is not far behind (don't think about that right now. Lol). 😄

This year has been such a wonderful one for me, thanks in great part to all of you! It's been a blast creating new designs and items for the shop. Just imaging how much you all will love each new mug rug or corner bookmark makes me smile. I picture how you'll gift a mug rug to your bff, or a set of bookmarks to yourself for your favorite read and it makes me work harder to make it the best it can be! Filling your orders and getting to converse and "meet" with you is the best ever and makes my day every time!

That's why I want to give it forward with a giveaway! One winner will receive a pretty pumpkins galore mug rug AND a set of corner bookmarks in Autumn fabrics. These both have been best seller's this season.

The mug rug is 6 x 6 inches and is perfect for your favorite mug and a little snack on the side. My special washing instructions tag is sewn into the back and features a pretty leaf print (see more pics in my Etsy shop). The bookmarks won't bend your pages! These are 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches.

So hurry and head over to my Instagram shop page to enter!

You won't want to miss out.

Giveaway ends Saturday, November 23 at 7pm EST.

All Autumn products are marked down 30% off in the shop into December as well...I have one last pumpkin mug rug, a few corner bookmarks, and a couple table runners left. Don't miss out! 👍😉
And next week, don't miss out on the Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday specials and offers for Christmas - be sure you're following me on Facebook and Instagram!

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We are visiting with extended family this weekend; new baby to cuddle, my 97-year-old grandma, and family from out-of-town all together! Then we'll celebrate a nice day just my parents and siblings eating all our favorite foods and watching the Macy's parade and Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. We have a LOT to be grateful for this year and so many blessings I didn't expect. I hope between all the pie baking we can slow down and really appreciate them all and each other. 💕

I hope you all have a safe, wonderful, family-filled, food-stuffed, blessed...

...Happy Thanksgiving!
~Rachel~

Halloween Sale Week!

Fall is sadly, but surely, moving on very soon. Only one month left to go to enjoy the pumpkin spice, the changing leaves, and that bright orange. Thanksgiving and then Christmas will soon be here before we know it!

Etsy is having a "store-wide" sale this week for Halloween and I'm joining in with 30% off all my fall items in the shop! This is a great time to take advantage and grab up your favorite corner bookmarks or a new mug rug or table runner for the season before they are snatched up. AND they make fabulous gifts!

I have a few pumpkin mug rugs left and those fun football mug rugs for the guys (great Christmas gift!), and a few corner bookmarks in the shop. There are some beautiful and one-of-a-kind table runners as well (pictured is my Cascading Triangles runner).

I am slowly, but surely, adding Christmas to the shop. I have some pretty, sparkling corner bookmarks already listed! And the mug rugs and table runners are on the way! Keep an eye out and follow me on Instagram and my shop to get updates when they are available.

Gingerbread Man Corner Bookmarks Set

Happy Autumn!
~Rachel~

New Corner Bookmarks in the Shop!

I have a fun new item to share from the shop - Corner Bookmarks! 

These darling bookmarks are the perfect companion for your favorite book. I've been using them this week to mark my spot in a few stories I'm reading right now and I love how handy and easy to use these are. Plus they are so cute and pretty! :D

Country Hearts

Each corner bookmark is made from 2-3 fabric selections, with a piece of stabilizing interfacing between for stiffening to help it hold it's shape and stay in your book nicely, and then stitched around the edges. The bookmarks are 2-1/2 inches, with a sweet little triangle corner that fits neatly on the edge of your favorite book. 

Daffodils Bookmark

Aqua Dots

I've tested these out in both paperback and hardback books and they work really well for both! I was a bit worried about the corner pages of a book possibly getting bent, but I have had no trouble and I like these even better than a regular bookmark! :D

Coffee Bookmarks

Bookmarks come in a set of two for $3.50 with free shipping!

I have lot's of colorways available in the shop for different tastes and people. 

There are bookmarks for both men and women, and even kid-friendly bookmarks, as well.

These are going to make fabulous gifts for birthday's and party favors, teachers and librarians and of course your favorite reader's! :D Once you try them, you'll want to collect them all and give them out for every occasion to friends and family. (I've already made and given quite a few myself!)

Bookworm Corner Bookmarks

Set of 3 - $4.50

Free Shipping

Each set includes 1 large (3 inches) & 2 small (2 inches)

two sets available

 

The sizing of these is 1 large and 2 mini.

Each is a little bigger and smaller than my regular 2-1/2 inch sizes in the shop. 

These are great for children's books or the kid at heart! ;)

The mini size you can easily fit in a backback or purse "in case of emergencies". 

You never know when you'll need a bookmark! ;D

Head over to my Odds n Ends Quilt Shop to purchase new corner bookmarks and more!

These corner bookmarks are so much fun to use, I hope you all enjoy them! :D 

 ~Rachel~

Fall Decorating In the Kitchen & NEW Autumn Products

Autumn is almost here! I'm so excited, as it's my favorite season. I adore pumpkin spice everything to eat, the colors, the leaves changing, the holiday spirit beginning and the love and family atmosphere. My family was out and about yesterday and it was in the low 70's with a gorgeous breeze and we had a great walk together in the fresh air! 

Today I have some lovely new fall items in the shop to show you, as well as an easy tip for keeping your kitchen clutter free and decorated for Autumn this season (or any season). Let's go!

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 Does your kitchen table ever look like this? 

In our home, the kitchen table serves as a drop zone and work space for the entire family. This is where I quilt and create my products, cook our meals, where my dad leaves his work tools, and the family dumps off their belongings before and after work. We try to manage it, but clutter can pile up quickly with six people coming and going! 

My guess is your home probably looks like this, too, from time to time. So to keep the clutter from piling up, I have a solution for my own family and for yours too! A table runner is not only useful in the kitchen or dining room, but it also serves as a beautiful decoration and focal point. Best of all it becomes a clutter stopper! 

This is the Cascading Triangles Table Runner

Putting all the fall fabrics together reminds me of floating leaves through the air. I've quilted rows of leaves up and down the runner.
You can see additional images for this and all products in my shop.

Every home ought to have a cheerful, colorful table runner on the kitchen or dining room table. It adds so much character to a room! Table runner's keep clutter from piling up on empty surfaces and everyone loves sitting down to eat around the table together...it's so inviting! Plus they are such a beautiful and simple design feature to the home without any extra effort. And of course they are easily removable when ready to get to crafting, as I do. ;) The best part is you can use them year after year, season after season...and exchange them when you are ready for a different style.

Leafy quilted rows in burgundy thread

Autumn has SO much color and so many delights! I not only wanted fall on the table runner, but in a sweet little display to make it feel more homey. I purchased these decorations at Joann's and wood stained the signage with a sponge and acrylic paint we had on hand (no special expensive paints needed). The most expensive was the vase. I couldn't leave the store without it...it's perfect. ;D You can find seasonal items and inspiration anywhere! Place some colorful Autumn leaves from the backyard in a mason jar or wooden bowl. Display a few small pumpkins and gourds in different colors. Have fun with it! It doesn't have to be expensive and you can make it completely personal to your family and style.

I wanted to share another decorating option with this runner... so here is #2!

This display is made up of items from around my room. I don't remember where I found these adorable squirrels. I believe they may have once belonged to my grandmother. They sit on my bookcase near my woodland animal stories, usually. ;) The candle my mother bought me from the $1 store. And the fall decorations I purchased from Joann's for $2! It was so simple and inexpensive.

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Autumn in the Shop!

Now I have to share with you the charming new items in the shop for fall. I'm so excited to show these to you and I hope you love them as much as I have enjoyed making them. :D Besides Cascading Triangles, there are a few more lovelies for you all...

Scrappy Autumn Diamonds

*apple cake not included. Lol! ;D

When various fabrics are used together...that makes it scrappy! Luscious greens, sunny yellows, ruby reds, and some woodsy browns get together on this fun diamond design runner. The scrappy border adds an extra fun pop of Autumn. Simply quilted with some squiggles and bordered with a lovely burgundy red. It's a little bit country, a little bit fall...without being overstated.

I have to share this apple bundt cake with you all. I had my first fall cravings last week and baked up this really easy and scrumptious cake from a favorite blog, Cookies & Cups. I used red delicious apples...it's what we had on hand. I think the granny smith apples would have made it a bit tangier and less sweet. I was really looking forward to the brown butter frosting she uses in the recipe, but we were OUT of powdered sugar!?! The only thing I forgot to check on the list. Lol. But it was seriously amazing without it and fabulous on it's own. We loved it and ate it up!

The backing on this one is a favorite! And all of my products include my permanent sewn-in washing instructions tag for easy cleaning when needed.
You can see additional images for this and all products in my shop.

Football Mug Rug

Whether you are a football fanatic or just love football food, this mug rug is great all year round. And no matter which team you cheer for, you can have fun with this mug rug in neutral team colors and fun design. This is an excellent guy-friendly and kid-friendly gift!

*bowl of chili is also not included. But a must for fall, am I right? :D

You can use this as a mug rug with your favorite game-day beverage, or bring it out for football party snacking. That's what I did with this delicious chili. A family favorite recipe!

Most of my mug rugs are 6-1/1 x 10 inches, just big enough for your mug and a snack or two on the side. The backing is green and the quilting is straight and loopy stitches. You can see additional images for this and all products in my shop.

(If you'd like a large order of  3 or more football mug rugs, email me and I will set up a special order of them for you!).

Pumpkin Patch Mug Rug

"Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere. He's gotta pick this one. He's got to. I don't see how a pumpkin patch can be more sincere than this one. You can look around and there's not a sign of hypocrisy. Nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see."

~ Linus, The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown ~ 

Pumpkins are a classic favorite of fall. This mug rug has a scrappy feel to it brought out by the pumpkin applique and the border. Every time I look at this mug rug, I crave pumpkin pie and hot apple cider! Quilted with straight, loopy, and zig zag stitching. You can see additional images for this and all products in my shop.

Mother's Delight Wall Hanging - Autumn

My classic Mother's Delight wall hanging pattern in beautiful Autumn tones. The falling leaves and acorns accentuate the stunning star design. The tags are hung on a curtain rod, inexpensively purchased at any local home goods store such as Walmart. Wall hangings create a spectacular wall feature and decor piece for the home. They can hang neatly in hallways, bedrooms, above side tables...anywhere! With my design, you can easily exchange wall hangings out for the seasons and your tastes. 

*curtain rod not included...can be purchased inexpensively in any home goods store such as Walmart.

Quilted in woodgrain style to mimic the blowing of leaves in the wind!

You can see additional images for this and all products in my shop.

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There is still more to discover in the shop! 

I've added more of my best-selling Latte and Favorite Brew Mug Rugs, and there are more fall products as well. Plus everyday table runners, table toppers, and pillow covers!

Shop Now!

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Thank you so much for joining me today, and I hope you had as much fun as I did! I would love to hear how you are decorating for fall at your house... do you celebrate full-on Halloween first, or do you wait until September to decorate? What is your favorite fall decorating item you own? :D

Blessings all!
~Rachel~

Feature Friday: Mug Rugs

Mug Rugs have become all the rage in quilting in the last few years. They are small and a perfect companion for your favorite cup of tea or coffee! I've designed a few mug rugs for my Odds n Ends quilt shop this year.

I have a 20% off sale going on right now, so if you find something you like today, head over and grab it up! ;)

If you are uneducated in what a mug rug is, I shall inform you...a mug rug is simply this: a slightly larger coaster for your favorite beverage and a space for a snack on the side. Plus, they are SO darling and fun!!

I have a few different patterns available in my shop at the moment. I also have mugs available for the changing of the seasons - so be sure to stop by in a few weeks for Autumn mug rugs!

Austen Bookshelf Mug Rug

I adore this mug rug with it's vintage rose pink and cream fabrics and that touch of rick-rac along the "binding". This mug rug is the perfect thing for the literary lady or period drama-lover. A cup of tea is just the thing when reading or watching a Jane Austen story! Set your cup of tea down on this lovely Austen Bookshelf Mug Rug and sit back and let your imagination

"It is a truth universally acknowledged,that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." ~ Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

Buy Now

Bookworm Bookshelf Mug Rug

There is a happy little bookworm hiding among these books, but don't you worry...he's friendly! The playful fabrics are sure to make this a favorite mug rug to have with you during reading time. This colorful and charming bookshelf mug rug is a lovely gift for teachers, children, librarians, and the child-at-heart.

Buy Now

Latte Love Mug Rug

If you love coffee, you are going to latte love this mug rug! This style of mug rug is 9 inches, a bit shorter than my standard size, so it can fit neatly on a desk without being too big. At the moment, I have this Modern Swirl, as well as two Coffee toned color schemes. Each Latte Love mug rug is comes with a sweet heart applique on the cup, to show how much you love your coffee...or how much you love the coffee-drinker in your life!

Buy Now

Favorite Brew Mug Rug

Favorite Brew is a manlier version of my Latte Love mug rugs. Here you'll find gentlemanly fabrics and color tones for the coffee drinking male...or perhaps a lady who prefers less girly fabrics! ;) These are the same size and style, leaving off the cutesy heart applique. Brighten your favorite guy's workspace with a mug rug for his favorite cup of coffee!

Buy Now

I have a 20% off sale on all items going on now until Sunday (7/15) at 11:59 pm. 

Use code SUMMERLOVIN to get your discount!

Have a fabulous weekend!
~Rachel~

Summer Sale Starts Now!

Summer is in full swing! That means pool parties, BBQ's, picnics and family time! What's not to love? 

With all those people stopping by, you'll need something like this Retro Kitchen Table Runner to set the mood. I just adore that gingham, don't you? Or add some color to your walls with the Summer Burst Wall Hanging. Now is the time to grab up your favorites before the season changes! ;)

Use Code: SUMMERLOVIN at checkout to receive discount

Start Shopping!

I've had a good start to the summer. So far I've caught up on some business organizing (getting set for the busy fall and Christmas prep ahead! Ahh!). And we have had 2 birthday's, my parents anniversary, and the 4th of July all within the last few weeks. It's been busy! 

My mom, sister and I will be heading to New Jersey to visit with my mom's extended family the end of this month for some summer fun ourselves. I can't wait! We went last year and so enjoyed our time together.

What about you...any summer plans to travel or just kick back and relax? :D

Have a great week,

~Rachel~

Feature Friday: Mother's Delight Wall Hangings

Welcome to my Feature Friday! Every week I'll feature new items and products from my shop, new designs, and new patterns. And I might even show some sneak peaks! Get that, it's new and it'll be a blast - come and join me!

Today's feature is the Mother's Delight Wall hanging. 

My mom is one of my biggest supporters. She pushes me to try things and just go for it!
Mom encourages me, challenges me, believes in me, and always cares about me. And she loves everything I create, which is always a confidence booster for this perfectionist. ;) 

I've been making things for my mom forever and she gets almost one of everything I create for my shop. I can't help it, I know she'll love it! When I started quilting I created my first wall hanging especially for her, then made another, then another.

Below is a country style hanging with the year my parents married on it. I used block patterns from the Farmer's Wife book. Great designs in it! I have plans to adapt this one for the shop in the future!

When I opened my shop I wanted to design a wall hanging especially with my mom in mind to dedicate to her and all she means to me. The traditional Mother's Delight wall hanging is created with purples - my mom's favorite color! :D (sorry the colors are a bit "off" in this photo, I'm working on getting a better quality picture).

This original version of Mother's Delight is available here in the shop!

A wall hanging is a beautiful piece of art to showcase in your home. Each of my wall hangings has three hanging tabs at the top to easily slide onto a curtain rod, which you can purchase from any home store inexpensively. This way you can change out wall hangings seasonally! And all of my products include my permanent washing instructions tag on the back.



Now I have two NEW color schemes for you in the shop!
This is Summer Burst. Fresh, vibrant color full of the warmth of the summer sun. I think this has been my favorite to create so far. The colors are so cheery and the fabrics are sweet, but simple, and not too flashy.

I've quilted each section in a different way to add texture and highlight the colors. Bubbles, swirls, diamonds, and loops are just a few of the patterns. When the fabrics and pattern design are simple, that's when I play up the quilting! :D

Mother's Delight Country Scheme is filled with love! ;D Of course!
Beautiful country plaids and heart fabrics are showcased with navy, tan, and burgundy for that homey feel. Then I free-quilted this lovely wall hanging with wavy swirls all over. This version is wonderful year-round for certain.

Love those details!

Thanks for stopping by today for Feature Friday, and I hope you had some fun!
Be sure to stop by my Odds n Ends shop for table runners, mug rugs, these lovely wall hangings, seasonal decor and more! ;)

Don't forget to share on your favorite social media sites!

Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest!

Have a lovely weekend!
~Rachel~