Oct. 31st by Brenda Gervais | Cross Stitch

Pattern: Oct. 31st

Designer: Brenda Gervais (With Thy Needle and Thread)

Fabric: 36 ct Legacy linen by Picture This Plus.

Threads: I used the called for threads. Weeks Dye Works - Straw, Tiger's Eye, Pecan, Palomino, Sage, Caper, Pelican Gray and Olive. Gentle Arts - Cinnamon, Woodrose, Walnut, Pumpkin Pie, Toasted Barley, Wood Trail, Toffee and Wheat Fields. Classic Colorworks - Eggshell and Perfect Piecrust. Classic Colorworks Belle Soie Silk - Limestone

She's finally finished! I absolutely love this one. I decided to frame it once it was finished. I took it to be professionally framed but the cost was going to be just over $100. I love her . . . but not that much! So I found a stock frame from Michael's and laced and framed her myself. I'm pleased with the results.

Changes

 I used 32 ct Iced Coffee linen by Fabric Flair. This is my first time using Fabric Flair and I liked it. I stitch in hand and it draped just right. Fabric Flair is a printed fabric and it is printed on one side only. The other side is just white.

I used all of the called for threads with the exception of Limestone (Belle Soie Silk). I substituted Caterpillar from Classic Colorworks.

I stitched one over two which is my choice on 32 ct. I like the rustic prim look and two over two is just too bulky for me.

The only change that I made to the pattern was to add stripes to the apron. I used Gentle Arts Pumpkin Pie and just backstitched the stripes in. My reasoning for this is to help the visual effect. With the called for fabric and the fabric I chose the apron is very close in coloring to the background fabric. It makes the witch's bosom look enormous. (Just glance at the picture and I think you'll see what I mean.) When I added the stripes it changed the perspective. I think it would also work to change background fabric color to one that contrasted with the apron color.

This is a nice sized piece. The frame I used was a 10 x 13. I also think that it would make a cute fall pillow. There aren't any specialty stitches so you could do it on 14 ct aida if that's what you prefer.

Enjoy the stitch!

Unscripted by Davis Bunn | Contemporary Fiction Review

Unscripted

Davis Bunn

Contemporary Fiction

Line producer Danny Byrd is well known in Hollywood for being someone who gets things done on time and under budget. But when his reputation takes a beating after his partner--and former best friend--makes off with their investors' money, Danny has but one chance to redeem himself and restore his ruined career.

LA lawyer Megan Pierce has sacrificed years of her life proving herself to impossible bosses, only to find herself disgusted at their snobbery and their specious business practices. When an opportunity to actually make a difference comes her way, she knows she has to grab it--even though she's not entirely clear what "it" is.

Danny and Megan are each other's best hope for redemption. What they never could have imagined was that they might also be each other's best hope for love.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

I've enjoyed reading books by Davis Bunn for years. His writing has been in different genres and I can always count on a good read when his name is on the cover. Unscripted is mostly in the contemporary fiction category but it also has hints of suspense and romance. 

The story centers around Danny Byrd who is a line producer in the film industry. Can I just insert in here that I had no idea what a line producer did? Now I do so I'm going to also count this as educational as well as entertaining. (It's my excuse for my reading habit and I'm sticking to it!) When the book opens we find Danny in the midst of a scandal that lands him in serious trouble ultimately leading to jail. 

As the story progresses Danny's life up to this point is unfolded for us. He's been through the wringer but along the way there have been pivotal people that shaped his beliefs in himself and others. One of those people is Megan Pierce. She's an attorney from LA that has been hired to represent Danny. 

There is an attraction between Danny and Megan right from the beginning. But they both feel like the timing is just wrong. The story that unfolds is that of redemption, overcoming, and acceptance. This turned out to be a beautiful story. It wasn't as heart pounding as some of Mr. Bunn's stories are but it was definitely worth the read. It is more of a glimpse into a life type of story than an escalating plot. 

If you are looking for a gentle read that is filled with real life troubles that are overcome with hope then this is the perfect book for you. If you're looking for an excuse remember that you can call it educational reading. It is a fascinating look into the inner workings of making a movie.

Other Reviews For This Author

The Domino Effect

The Sign Painter

The Turning

Strait of Hormuz

Unlimited

Book of Dreams

Connect With The Author

www.DavisBunn.com

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Disclosure Statement

I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.