The Pleated Penny Pattern

A couple weeks ago, Shauna at Schwin & Schwin graciously offered her new Pleated Penny tunic and dress pattern for free for those who would be willing to test the pattern for her.  I have been admiring her patterns and jumped at the chance to help her out!  While I didn't get my sewing machine going fast enough to actually give her any feedback before she put the pattern in their shop, I still sewed it up and wanted to do a mini review here on my blog.

This pattern was easy to read and understand.  The pattern pieces were easy to cut out and understand how to construct which made for a quick sew.  The pictures included with the pattern instructions were very helpful and informative...you could tell they'd taken their time in photographing the different steps.  I finished the tunic in just about 2 hours including having to rip out a couple seams because I was distracted or wasn't paying close enough attention to what I was doing.  I already have some fabric lined up to sew into the dress version...just have to wash it!!  (Does anyone else find that is one of the steps that takes the longest to complete?! oy)  I'm sure there will be another Pleated Penny in Sapphira's closet soon!

Now for the finished product!!!

I opted for the tunic with no sash.  I thought the sash might be a bit cumbersome for my busy girl (sashes and ties don't stay tied very well with this one!)

I'm in love with these adorable box pleats!  I was a bit intimidated at first, but I was worried for no reason!  They were super simple!

 Button closure on each shoulder.

I used this pattern to sew up these knot shorts.  I need to make her another pair since these are a bit tight across the hips.

 A long scrap of fabric made for an easy bow! 

How can you not fall in love with this face!!  

Thanks again Shauna for a great opportunity!!

Book Review::Prophet (Books of the Infinite)

Close your eyes, Ela of Parne. Close your eyes and you will see.

Ela Roeh of Parne doesn't understand why her beloved Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet. She's undignified, bad tempered, and only seventeen--not to mention that no prophet of Parne has ever been a girl. Worst of all, as the elders often warn, if she agrees to become the Infinite's prophet, Ela knows she will die young.

Istgard has turned their back on me. See the evil they do.

Yet after experiencing His presence, she can't imagine living without Him. Determined to follow the Infinite's voice, Ela accepts the sacred vinewood branch and is sent to bring the Infinite's word to a nation torn apart by war. Here she meets Kien, a young Traceland ambassador determined to bring his own justice for his oppressed people. As they form an unlikely partnership, Ela must surrender to her destiny... and determine how to balance the leading of her heart with the leading of the Infinite.

Will you accept the branch and speak my will? Will you be my prophet?
 
 
Often Christian novels, especially fantasy genre, leave me bored and wanting more.  This was not the case however for this book.  The characters were interesting, the story was exciting and intrigued me from the first chapter.  I could feel Ela's emotions and see her visions through the author's writing.  I was reminded of old testament prophets as I read and appreciated how closely the theology followed the Bible's.  This is a fast-paced novel with a bit of humor and romance thrown in...it will appeal to a wide audience.  I'm excited to read the next book in the series.

Book Review::The Messenger by Siri Mitchell

Bethany House Publishers recently sent me The Messenger by Siri Mitchell to review.

About the book:

Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith 

...until her twin brother ran off and joined the army and ended up captured and in jail. Suddenly Hannah's world turns on end. She longs to bring her brother some measure of comfort in the squalid, frigid prison where he remains. But the Quakers believe they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. Can she sit by and do nothing while he suffers?

Jeremiah Jones has an enormous task before him. Responsibility for a spy ring is now his, and he desperately needs access to the men in prison, whom they are seeking to free. A possible solution is to garner a pass for Hannah. But while she is fine to the eye, she holds only disdain for him--and agreeing would mean disobeying those she loves and abandoning a bedrock of her faith. 

With skill and sensitivity, Mitchell tells a story of two unlikely heroes seeking God's voice, finding the courage to act, and discovering the powerful embrace of love.

I wasn't sure what I would think of this book since it had been a long time since I had read a historical fiction novel.  Lately I have been reading more fast paced books with a touch of science fiction, so reading this period piece took some getting used to.  While the first half of the book was a bit slow, I really enjoyed learning a bit about the Friends church during the Revolutionary war and was pleased to find out that the book was based on actual people and events.  About halfway through, the story really picked up and putting this book down was hard.  It was encouraging for me to read as Hannah struggled to find the difference between her religion and her relationship with God and I loved watching the partnership between Hannah and Jeremiah grow and change.  I have never read a Siri Mitchell book before, but would happily do so again in the future.

I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.