~ Aug 2013~ Sew what... We've gotta find a way back! Part I!!

[DMGeurts]

No offense D~ but this made me laugh.

Tell me about it - I nearly choked on my water when I saw it.

Congrats on being an aunt to a new baby boy. I love your fabric choices and the colors are great. I was thinking that you might be able to make one of those covers that goes over the baby carrier/car seat. I found this tutorial at one point but I'm sure there are others out there: http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2010/04/car-seat-cover-aka-greeter-deterrent.html

I would love to do things like that - I'd really like to do a shopping cart cover too, but I am just not sure how that would work? Because they live in Europe, I have no idea if their car seats (or shopping carts) for that matter are like ours? I tried doing a google search for maybe a child's bike seat cover - because they get toted around on bikes straight from the hospital - I think (there were some really young ones on bikes when we were over there)... So, I am just really unsure of things like that. I was going to ask April - but she has so much going on in her life right now, I will wait a while.

I can see why the girls don't want to shorten the trip. More days in Disney = More fun but I'm sure you will figure it out.

I know... I just broke the news to Josh last night that if things go as they are currently planned - we will not be home until the Friday of Labor Day weekend... He was not happy about that. We always go to the lake for LDW. Not this year though, the girls will need that weekend to rest up for school.

Can't wait to see the launch bags. I'm sure the new bag you made will be a big hit and I'm sure the receiver will be pleasantly surprised when she opens her package.

I hope so! You might even see it when you are down there... What are your exact dates?

I've been busy making things for our trip and got to make a few t-shirts for me to wear. I realized when I was making the shirts that I was leaning toward pink to coordinate with my lanyard!

LOL I am glad to hear that you are going to use it. I wasn't sure if anyone would really use them? I loved mine when we were down there - it was really convenient...

Very cute baby blanket.

Thanks Tink - I loved the fabric too, but it's long out of print.

Took me a while to get caught up with your TR. It's a happening place! First of all, congratulations on the nephew on his way!!! Such fun. The flannel you picked is so cute. For me, it's harder to find cute things for a boy and still be boyish. Those are perfect.

Sorry about that Lois. I hope you are doing well.

Thanks! We are beyond excited for our new nephew - since he is our very first neice/nephew, and the girls' very first actual blood related first cousin.

I loved the fabric too... I am just so excited to be making a few things for him.

My week has gone fast as well. One of our DDs came on Monday and will be here until this coming Sunday. She's the one with a 4 month old and a soon to be 4 year old. We've been having lots of fun, but our DD has a cold and she shared it with me, so yesterday was a total jammies/movies/play with Charlotte day.

Awww... It wounds like you are all having an amzing bonding time - sorry it has to be through a cold though, I hope you all will be feeling better soon.

If you are planning to get rip insurance. Oh, I mean trip insurance, I would not get it with Disney. There are other trip insurances out there that are less expensive and cover more things. I have been reading up on it. I have always gotten it through Disney myself, but next trip I'm going to look into other companies. I'm sure there's all kinds of info right here on the DIS if you're interested. Someone suggested Googling trip insurance.

I wonder if our regular insurance Co. offers trip insurance? I will have to look into that.

I would hate to see you cut your trip short since you've got it all planned out. I do understand paying cash as you go. That, IMO, is the only way to go. But I think the free dining will come about for the last of August through September. I know you have to make plans as though it won't, but can you keep it as is until it gets to your pay off date to see if something comes up around then? I know you have your heart set on the royal rooms, but that would be a savings if you could bring yourself to do a regular room. Of course the location is so perfect...see, I can't even make my mind up and it's not my trip!!! Don't forget to check once in a while for pin codes. Also, if you know you're going back for the Sweet 16, you could check if there are AP holders discounts. I got a 40% off room rate with my AP for Sept of 2011. Here I am, spending more of your money!

I would hate to cut it all short too, but we have to do what we can afford to do, and I feel very lucky that we get to go at all in this economy.

I sure hope that FD will come - and I am really hoping for DDp and not QSDP to be free - but I will take what I can get, I guess.

That's the problem with the Royal Room - you can't beat that location. See, Disney thinks of everything when they plan these things out. LOL

The problem with the Sweet 16 trip, is that I am supposedly taking it with my BFF - but right now, she is not working, so I am not sure if she will be able to go? Then, I am not sure when we are going? If at all possible - I would like to try and go the following Aug again at the same time frame, so none of our girls would have to miss school. We were originally going to go in Oct... But I cringe at trying to figure out that mess again.

Glad you got your latest order in the mail. I'm sure the recipient will love it...whatever it is! Can't wait to see it! Sorry it was so slow at Target. I always hated those days too. We have been wanting to get to Target all week, but with being sick and the temps in single digits, we've sort of burrowed in.

I hope she loves it!

We are the same way - our temps have been in the negatives with crappy windchills, so we are totally burrowed in.

Hope you have a great weekend, sewing or whatever makes you happy!

Thanks Lois, I hope you do too!

I like that one so much more than the other one. It will be a breeze for you since you're used to quilting those straight lines. How DO you keep your lines so straight??? It will take more time, but the result will be fantastic. I may even have to do one or two of them!

I totally agree! I am really excited about it!

Quick thought....if you are going to do the chenille check out the tutorial BEFORE you wash the flannel....I have never made one, but the one I saw said to not wash the flannel first...it will make the chenille look so much better!

Crap - I've already washed it!

I did read the tutorial, and the only thing it said about not washing it, was that some people were getting bleeding from their flannel because it wasn't washed first - and it wrecked their quilts.

All caught up on your PTR again
The fabric you got looks great. And the blanket you found on the internet looks great as well. I like the technique that is used on the blanket looks really fun.
I wish you and your family a happy weekend

Hi Lillian!

Thanks - I think that blanket will be adorable too. I am very excited to get started on it - maybe next weekend?

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, as well.

I think I am only going to be using cash on trips to Disney now. After having our credit card compromised this summer I think it will be easier just to pay cash.

That is just so awful! And I can't believe that happened in Disney!

ISo happy that you are joining us that night

Thanks Michelle! I enjoy doing the launches - they are so fun... But I always worry that my stuff won't sell... It's a totally different market in the launches, and most of them don't know me or my items.

Ithat's most ADORABLE little baby boy blanket EVER!

I know - I just love the fabric and the colors and everything - it's soooo BOY!

I have to say that I'm not real crazy about the first blanket, but I love the chenille blanket. I've never done chenille myself, but it doesn't look like its all that complicated to do. Might take some time to sew all the straight lines though. The tutorial calls for cotton on the front, but you could still use your flannel print.

I agree - totally... I don't love that first blanket either - but I have never really done a quilt before, and that one looked quite easy.

I did order the cotton anyways... I have more of this darned fabric to last me a life time.

the first blanket doesn't have any stitching to hold the 2 pieces of fabric together other than the stitching on the rick rack. Not sure that will hold up all that well once its washed a few times. You can substitute any type of trim for the rick rack, including ribbon.

I was worried about that too... I was thinking I could "trace" around the little cars with my machine - but that would take a LONG time... Still something I am considering though. I did order some matching grossgrain ribbon, I just have no idea how to turn those corners with it??? Maybe sort of do them like quilt binding?

Congrats on being Auntie to a boy.

Thanks! We are soooo excited!

Congrats on having a DH who can help with the taxes (it's not that mine doesn't want to, he seems to have the touch of death when it comes to the IRS. He once had to pay an additional $200 for overpaying by 40 cents.)

OMG!!!! I had to read that one three times... That really sucks! But totally typical.

Looove the chenile baby quilt idea. I have a coworker who is due in May and if I want to actually give her something, I should start working on it.

If you do that quilt - I hope you will show me!

I always put the trip on our Disney card, but pay it off with monies set aside. DH always used to pay off his trips before going, so he has that history. & we always use cash during the actual trip, except for gas.

That makes sense. It's just so much cheaper for me to use my Target discount than it is to use a Disney card (which I don't have)...

I am slowly working sewing back into the routine with a long term project I've had going for about a year or so. Hopefully by Easter, I should be back on a regular sewing schedule.

I hope you are able to get back into it soon... I don't know what I would do with out that creative aspect in my life...

Coming from a creative family, Alli may not sew, but she definately has the creative touch with her photography. Among me and my 4 sisters we sew, bead, weave, knit, crochet, cross stitch, sculpt, sing, play various musical instruments and we're always picking up new ways to be creative. So if V sews and Alli takes the pictures, they'll be able to create a fabulous webstore!

WOW!!! Look at all the creative stuff you all do!!! AMAZING! Very true about the web store - LOL - I keep trying to get Alli to take some pics of my bags for me, but she has yet to do it.

And in the very wise words of RuthIE; Planning should not be stressful.

Very true.

What a fun blanket!! Looks really cute!!

Thanks Sandra - now if mine could just look like that one. LOL

**********************************************************

Yesterday... Well, I did LOTs of laundry. Fun...

I finished up my first launch set (it is not a bag, btw...) Then I started on a second launch set - I am a bit stumped on the applique to use with this one? So, I am not sure I will get it done, if I can't get past the applique portion.

Yesterday morning, I send a PM to my SIL to ask her if she minded if I made a few baby clothing items for the new little Mr. and she replied back that "they would be honored".... Awwww... Melt my heart! I was so excited!!! She didn't have any requests - she said I could make him whatever I wanted! YAY!!!!

So, I started out by making the little guy a pair of "puffy pants"... they are soooo cute and sooooo tiny! I couldn't even wait for my new fabric to come out of the wash - I had to find something upstairs that would work. LOL

These are totally reversible... And the pocket was my own addition - it wasn't part of the pattern. I just love these - and I cannot wait to make another pair in fleece.

The girls screamed when they saw them, because they are just sooo tiny and cute!

We had "pigs in a blanket" for dinner last night, then Josh and the girls went to a hockey game... Josh's cousin from Alaska is here for college - and his games are about 20 miles away from us - so they go whenever they can. I would love to go and see Matt... but I hate sitting there for hours to watch the games - so I just stayed home.

It was our neighbor's little boy's birthday yesterday - he turned 7, so they invited me over for cake and icecream... I stayed and visited for a while, but then I had to leave - there were only about 500 screaming boys in their house, and I had been fighting a headache all day.

Yesterday would have also been my Mom's 69th birthday... I really miss her, but she has been gone so many years now that it's just how it is. It's always a hard time, this time of year, because she died right before Christmas (the year I was 16) and we buried her on Christmas Eve day... Then her birthday comes at the end of Jan, and today - as a matter of fact - would have been my parent's 39th wedding anniversary. They were married the day after her birthday. So, once I get through this little bit of time, it gets easier. But to be honest - it does get easier each year. The saddest part for me now, is that it DOES get easier, and I feel guilty about that.

So, my neighbors always share their son's birthday cake with us - and I am always grateful that I get to eat some cake and icecream on my Mom's brithday.

Today... I plan to hopefully finish my other launch item. If I could just come up with an applique idea...

I also hope to start another pair of poofy pants... In fleece.

I plan to be out of my sewing room by Noon - my standard time on the weekends - so that I can enjoy some time with the family.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

D~

 

[NiniMorris]

I honestly have never had any trouble with flannel bleeding...but then again I do wash my flannel when I first get it because it doesn't 'feel' like flannel until it is washed.

Like I said...I have never made a chenille quilt...but I do like the look... and have thought about making one...just not sure I want to quilt it on my small machine. I am spoiled by my long arm.

I personally like the look of older more antique quilts...so I was my fabric and my flannel backing but not my batting. Then I wash before gifting. This makes the batting shrink at a different rate giving the whole quilt a puckered aged look.

Of course, having seen your quilting first hand, I know your quilting lines are nice and straight. I can't wait to see the finished product.


Nini

 

[Terkina]

The pants you made will be a lovely gift. They are so cute.

 

[LadyBeBop]

Yesterday would have also been my Mom's 69th birthday... I really miss her, but she has been gone so many years now that it's just how it is. It's always a hard time, this time of year, because she died right before Christmas (the year I was 16) and we buried her on Christmas Eve day... Then her birthday comes at the end of Jan, and today - as a matter of fact - would have been my parent's 39th wedding anniversary. They were married the day after her birthday.

Today is my Mom's birthday. She would have been 83. It's hard to believe this summer will be the 20th anniversary of her passing. It was right after our last big trip to Disney. I'm sure she held on until we came home. She saw the video, then passed the day after.

So, once I get through this little bit of time, it gets easier. But to be honest - it does get easier each year. The saddest part for me now, is that it DOES get easier, and I feel guilty about that.

Same here. I haven't been to the cemetary in years. It's about 45 minutes north of here. Very easy for my father, brother and sisters to get to. I'm the one who moved south while they stayed north. Or actually, I'm the one who moved home. We were all born in Northern Kentucky, then we moved to the Northern Cincinnati suburbs when I was five. They all stayed north, and I moved back to Kentucky.

 

[Iamthequeen]

The poofy pants are adorable. Lucky nephew!

I don't think it will matter that you washed the flannel before you make the chenille quilt.

If you are still going to do the first quilt, I would stitch around some of the cars - you don't need to do all of them, and the quilting can be a good 5 or 6 inches apart, especially since you won't have any batting. I would do the ribbon mitering the same as you would do for the binding on a quilt.

We've been having some of those same frigid temps here in southcentral Pennsylvania! Luckily though, its supposed to warm up some this coming week.

 

[DMGeurts]

Many, many, many months ago...

I was aked to sprinkle some Pixie Dust on a friend of mine... This was kind of a diffucult Pixie Dust, because she was already on my schedule with an order, and since my schedule is packed solid - I had no idea when I was going to squeeze her in, or for that matter, what I was going to make her.

OK, ok, I knew what I was going to make her... I just didn't know the theme. So, the good friend that I am - I had to be sneaky... being sneaky doesn't always work to my advantage - but this time it was perfect - I think?

I was able to tell a little white lie, and tell her "if I have time" what kind of bag would you like? So, she told me... And I was golden. This was MONTHS ago - like last summer months ago... I never mentioned a word about it again. And I just pretended to forget.

Her official slot wasn't until last week, but I actually began work on her order over my Christmas break - thankfully I did, because it was quite large.

My biggest fear was that she would bid on one of my auction bags... I had a plan in place for that - but since it didn't happen, it was all OK.

Anyways... I don't get a chance to do many Big Gives anymore. First there aren't that many, and second - my schedule is just so full that there is no time. So, this Pixie Dust just fell into place, and I couldn't have planned it any better.

I am going to post this is a few different posts, so I can seperate it out into my table of contents...

This first post is the actual Pixie Dust...

A Meg themed UPB with a Hades zipper pull:

D~ <--- Who thinks she fixed the white balance on her camera (but these photos were taken last week).

 

[DMGeurts]

Now, this is Callie's actual order...

She was such a good sport - she let me pick everything, then on top of that... She let me NOT show her pictures before I mailed it - so EVERYTHING was a total surprise to her... I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE surprises!!! Especially when I am the one giving them.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

And finally... The rest of her order...

Stitch!

D~

 

[Restrasz]

The things for Calli are wonderful.You have outdone yourself. Her "littles" will be the best dressed in the world, now she will have some special things for herself!

 

[sewmess]

Beautiful as ever. DH was very impressed with the Hades zipper pull.

January and June were tough for a few years after my dad died. More than November, when he died, and October - his birthday.

 

[nannye]

For those of you that don't know, my Dis friend (PoisonApplePrincess - Stephanie) introduced me to her mini-planner and I fell in love. It is just the most perfect thing to keep all of our plans organized in the park, and the size is just right.

All it is, is one of those cheapo $1.99 plastic photo albums that you can buy at Target, and you fill it up with all of your plans. For me, I build all of my templates in Photoshop, and print them at the Photo Lab as 4x6 prints... I think my whole planner last year, cost me under $7. And because it was so small, I just threw it in my UPB every day, and it worked like a charm! Because I printed it on 4x6 paper, it was quite durable, and the plastic pages kept it water proof... Loved it, and plan to do another one.

So... Last night, I sat down and made up my main calendar page. You will notice that it looks very similar to my March 2012 calendar page... Most of the photos for the backgrounds came from the internet or my camera, however, quite a few of the others (and the main balloon background) are photos I used with permission from an amazing photographer here on The Dis: Dznefreek - Jim is always so nice to let me use his photos for this purpose.

Anyways... Now, you will notice a lot of blank spots... This calendar will be revised again (and again) before we leave on our trip... I am just guessing on which ADRs we want on which days, as you all know, my ADR date isn't coming for another 6 weeks, so I still have time to iron it all out.

D~

D I spent all day trying to decide on our park plans touring plans made me nuts and trying to figure it all out. I got it all set up and I think I'm happy. I looked at your plans and had to laugh at this point we have 1 day in the same place! lol Epcot

 

[Terkina]

Lovely bag once again
Amazing how you made Megs expression. And the Hades zipper pull is amazing. Your so creative and amazing with your sewing machine.

The GAC Pouch looks amazing as well.

 

[cogero]

I adore the baby pants.

I love all the links to the baby things keep them coming because I am bookmarking them like I have time to make them

I love Callie's order. Callie is such a sweetie and I know she will flip over them.

 

[lovingeire]

I have been surfing the internet all morning for some more blanket ideas - and I came across this one, which I just adore...

Soooo....

Screech....

Change of plans...

http://coopcrafts.com/2011/06/10/cut-chenille-baby-blanket/

Tell me that this isn't the most ADORABLE little baby boy blanket EVER!

ACK!!! Gotta stop looking!

D~

I love this! I have all boys and often feel cheated by the lack of cute boy items out there! And I just saw the poofy pants....adorable!

Great job on the Meg UPB and GAC holders, although I am curious what GAC stands for! They're super cute!

 

[DMGeurts]

I honestly have never had any trouble with flannel bleeding...but then again I do wash my flannel when I first get it because it doesn't 'feel' like flannel until it is washed.

Like I said...I have never made a chenille quilt...but I do like the look... and have thought about making one...just not sure I want to quilt it on my small machine. I am spoiled by my long arm.

I personally like the look of older more antique quilts...so I was my fabric and my flannel backing but not my batting. Then I wash before gifting. This makes the batting shrink at a different rate giving the whole quilt a puckered aged look.

Of course, having seen your quilting first hand, I know your quilting lines are nice and straight. I can't wait to see the finished product.


Nini

Thanks for all the info Nini! Hopefully I can do it - I am a bit nervous because a baby quilt is a lot bigger than what I am used to sewing.

The pants you made will be a lovely gift. They are so cute.

Thanks Lillian!

Today is my Mom's birthday. She would have been 83. It's hard to believe this summer will be the 20th anniversary of her passing. It was right after our last big trip to Disney. I'm sure she held on until we came home. She saw the video, then passed the day after.



Same here. I haven't been to the cemetary in years. It's about 45 minutes north of here. Very easy for my father, brother and sisters to get to. I'm the one who moved south while they stayed north. Or actually, I'm the one who moved home. We were all born in Northern Kentucky, then we moved to the Northern Cincinnati suburbs when I was five. They all stayed north, and I moved back to Kentucky.

I am so sorry for your loss. I don't get to the cemetary very often either... My mom is buried in the family's home town - and the only time I really ever get there is during Christmas - of course - the cemetary is full of snow and snow drifts, so it's impossible to navigate.

The poofy pants are adorable. Lucky nephew!

I don't think it will matter that you washed the flannel before you make the chenille quilt.

If you are still going to do the first quilt, I would stitch around some of the cars - you don't need to do all of them, and the quilting can be a good 5 or 6 inches apart, especially since you won't have any batting. I would do the ribbon mitering the same as you would do for the binding on a quilt.

We've been having some of those same frigid temps here in southcentral Pennsylvania! Luckily though, its supposed to warm up some this coming week.

I have not decided if I am going to do the first flannel quilt or not? I am for sure doing the chenielle quilt, then I will see what I have after that.

Today we are in a winter storm watch - freezing rain. We are hunkered down.

The things for Calli are wonderful.You have outdone yourself. Her "littles" will be the best dressed in the world, now she will have some special things for herself!

THanks Ruth... Yah - she has the cutest littles ever! I was kind of excited to be making something just for her - I know her kids have some gorgeous outfits for Disney - but I didn't think she did much for herself, so I was really happy to be able to do it.

Beautiful as ever. DH was very impressed with the Hades zipper pull.

January and June were tough for a few years after my dad died. More than November, when he died, and October - his birthday.

Thanks Ruth... And Ruth's DH.

I don't think it's ever easy.

D I spent all day trying to decide on our park plans touring plans made me nuts and trying to figure it all out. I got it all set up and I think I'm happy. I looked at your plans and had to laugh at this point we have 1 day in the same place! lol Epcot

Well, hopefully we can do a mini-meet!

Lovely bag once again
Amazing how you made Megs expression. And the Hades zipper pull is amazing. Your so creative and amazing with your sewing machine.

The GAC Pouch looks amazing as well.

Thanks Lillian! I had so much fun making everything - I was just so worried that I wouldn't get it done on time.

I adore the baby pants.

I love all the links to the baby things keep them coming because I am bookmarking them like I have time to make them

I love Callie's order. Callie is such a sweetie and I know she will flip over them.

Thanks Chiara... I will try to keep the links coming. I think I am done for a little while. LOL

Yes, Callie received her order - and she loved it all.

**********************************************************

Yesterday was a good day... I finished up a second item for the Launch... So, now I will have two things in there. Yay! One boy - one girl... And they turned out REALLY CUTE! If I do say so myself.

Then, I forgot that my neighbors and I were meeting up for appetizers and drinks last night. I sent out a text that I was planning to wear my jammies, so then everyone decided it would be an "ugly pants party"... Oh - and I had nothing to make to bring, so I ran to town (in my ugly pants) to get some cheeses for fondue... It turned out really good. We had a lot of fun - as usual.

All in all, it was a very relaxing day at home.

Not sure what the plan is for today - we are in a winter storm watch with freezing rain - so I think we are all just staying home and being lazy.

I have no idea if I will go up to my sewing room or not? I will see how I feel.

I hope you all enjoy your Sunday!

D~

 

[tinkbell13]

Wow, just wow! That is one gorgeous bag! And some major pixie dust! I've been following Callie's PTR and she is so nice and loves all the BG items everyone sent, so it is really nice to see her get some love as well. I love the GACs too. I think the insides are just as pretty as the outsides too. I always love the fabrics you choose for your items.

Those puffy pants are too cute! I love the chenille blanket too. I may just have to make one of those for our neighbour who is due in April. And maybe a second one if our friends end up having another one. In fact, I better go back and bookmark that before I forget!

 

[magicalmoments4]

I just subscribed as I followed along with a previous TR But I have one quick question that I can not find the answer to !!! If I see something I like, is it possible to buy it? Right now, I'm putting off dinner trying to answer my own question !! You do amazing work and look forward to your creations!!!

 

[Luvchefmic]

Ugh
where the _ _ _ _ did i leave off on this PTR??? mind tell me??!?!

My feelings exactly and my hours at work for the next few weeks are changing from 11 pm-7:30 am to 7 pm-3:30 so already I don't know if I'm coming or going so have to catch up somehow

so just saying hi ! for now

 

[NiniMorris]

I just subscribed as I followed along with a previous TR But I have one quick question that I can not find the answer to !!! If I see something I like, is it possible to buy it? Right now, I'm putting off dinner trying to answer my own question !! You do amazing work and look forward to your creations!!!

The best answer to this is to either send her a pm...or to look for a facebook page. (but I can tell you I think she has a waiting list..)

Nini

 

[disneychic2]

Hope you made it through the winter storm okay. We were supposed to get an ice storm. Haven't looked outside yet...so don't know how bad it got. Went to bed at 9PM last night, plus had a 1/2 hour nap during the day. This cold is really hanging on!

Loved the baby pants you made! You gave them that special D~ flair, which totally made the cute factor soar! It is so amazing how tiny these things are, then when they wear them, they're swimming in them! At least for a short time. Have fun with the blanket!

Don't feel guilty about getting along better over your Mom's passing. It would be terrible to feel that agonizing devastation forever. Your Mom certainly wouldn't want you to feel that way! My brother died when he was 18 and I was 21. That was devastating to me as we were very close. I think of him often and wonder who he would have become, and there is an emptiness that remains, but the pain is not as sharp as it was, and I think that's God's way of helping you live your life to the fullest. I'm sorry this time of year is difficult for you and I hope you find comfort in spending time with your family. (I know you do!)

Your newest bag is beautiful and clever! So glad she loved it. Who wouldn't??? Glad you were able to get two sets done for the auction. Can I get to the auction through your Facebook page? You told me how to get to it a long time ago, but I didn't bookmark it. Silly me!

My DD and her family left yesterday, so it's pretty quiet around here. But I have lots to do since I didn't do any housework while they were here. I'm feeling sufficiently better to get some things done now. Oh joy! Oh! And I did finish the Forgotten Garden and loved it! Thanks for the recommendation. The next one by Kate Morton is Distant Hours. Have you read that one? Those were the only two my library had.