February Book Challenge Stories to Stitch By
As promised…today I get to share a list of books that might work for you as you are selecting self help/self reflection/refocusing/inspirational reads that go with our challenge “Love Thyself” this month.
After the book list…I have some “Love Thyself” patterns you can stitch up this month as well.
But first…the books…these are all books I have read with in the past year that have given me differing combinations of fresh perspectives, hope, courage, direction, and ideas to experiment with.
So without further ado here is a list of suggestions:
The Path Made Clear by Oprah Winfrey: I listened to this last month…and plan on listening to it again soon. It is actually a collection of interviews with a variety of different people…all different and all interesting.
10% Happier by Dan Harris: I found this book so relatable. I’ve never been one for self help books…until recently. I found the book down to earth and funny…and the approach to just being 10% happier is something I can aim for.
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown: I couldn’t make a love yourself book list without including a Brene Brown book. Daring Greatly one of my favorites and is a short read…but The Gift of Imperfection and Braving the Wilderness are also fantastic.
Atomic Habits by James Clear: Ok…so this sounds like a book on a suggested read list for dudes in middle management…and maybe it is….but I LOVED it. Just loved it. The idea is tiny changes can make big differences and that is an idea I can get behind!
You are a Badass by Jen Sincero: I’ve talked about this book for years. I love it. I’ve listened to it half a dozen times and will probably listen to it a few more times. Below is a quote from the book…and it is just as relevant today as it was the first time I read it:
Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach: I was given this book in college…over 20 years ago. It is not a sit down and read book…it is a page a day for a year book. I read it in college, I read it as a newly wed school teacher, I read it as a young mom, and I just started reading it again. It is full of gems and nuggets of goodness.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: Fight fear. Embrace creativity. You can do it. A favorite read from last year.
Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven: This is the “dad book” on my list. I’m calling it my dad book because my dad is the one who recommended this book to me. It was his jam…and surprisingly it was my jam too. The premise is start the day off with a finished task and an accomplishment…making your bed. It’s a good premise and a short, enjoyable read.
Alright….so now that I’ve shared a short book list lets move on to some patterns!
Since the theme for this month is “Love Thyself” I have 3 patterns that feature hearts!
They are also easy sews…which is perfect if you are listening to your book!
With All My Heart PDF Pattern: This pattern is a FAST sew. Using oversized half square triangles and solid blocks this quilt comes together in a hurry and turns our darling every time.
You can find the PDF Pattern HERE.
Patchwork Heart PDF Quilt Pattern: This pattern lets you construct 9 different patchwork hearts and is perfect for either pre-cut squares or scrap busting. It also lends itself nicely to chain piecing which is great to do while listening to a book! You can find the pattern HERE.
The Heart Throw Quilt PDF Pattern: This quilt finishes up at a tiny 42″ x 36″ which makes it great for a throw, a baby quilt, or….a wall hanging for your sewing space! (And since we are focusing on loving ourselves this month making something just for you might just be a great idea!). You can find the pattern HERE.
So there you have it…our February Book Challenge: Stories to Stitch by…our monthly pairing of books and patterns.
Happy Reading and Happy Quilting!