Sirius Radio

Of course the new car came with Sirius radio. I have had a subscription to Sirius for a few years and really like it. When I was working and driving all over, Sirius was handy because I didn't have to keep searching for a station to listen to. I was afraid I would miss the local news and weather, but I'm good with getting that other ways now.

The free trial the new car gets you includes internet radio, so I've got that going on my laptop and phone, and can now listen while I sew. It used to get just too quiet tucked away in my little room. (That makes it sound pitiful. Like I'm locked away in a garret. Of course it's not like that at all. And considering the messes I make, it's probably good I'm not where too many people see my room.

So maybe now, you'll hear me quilting along, belting out a song with the Beatles on Sixties on 6!

Thanks,
Lin

New Stuff!

I have been getting some new stuff. Last month we replaced the washer and dryer and redid the laundry room. I must say the room looks gorgeous. (Can you say a laundry room is gorgeous? Well, it is.)

This month I got a new car. A beautiful Hyundai Sonata. It has all these cool bells and whistles that I'm trying to learn how to use.

It's Symphony Silver. I am really really really liking it!

I also got a new phone. Got a Galaxy S5. More bells and whistles to learn. Soon I will be replacing my computer too. Whew! Talk about bells and whistles overdrive!

Thanks,
Lin

Sewing

I would have said I don't enjoy paper-piecing. But I have been working on my Judy Niemeyer quilt top, and I really enjoy doing them. The blocks just go so fast, and they keep my mind occupied. That's good so I don't keep mulling over the things that bother me.

These are the pieces I did at my class last summer at NQA in Columbus, Ohio. The teacher, Karen Conley, put together a kit. Made it so much easier, she also cut the pieces, and put them into the correctly numbered baggies the way Judy directs. Judy's patterns are so well organized, she walks you thru every step. I appreciate that.

These are the start of the blocks I've been working on this week. I was holding off on this project. I thought I would work on it while we were in the trailer, but I just didn't do that much sewing this year while in Florida. So I'm getting back into it now. I am really enjoying watching the progress. Since it's all batiks, and most batiks are brightly colored, this is gonna be a wowser of a quilt!

Thanks,
Lin

March Bee Blocks

I got my March Bee Blocks finished. I'm so proud of myself. Afton Warrick asked for strawberry blocks. They were pretty easy to do. She asked for one all red and one all pink.So, guess what, that's what I did! I usually rebel against rules, but Afton didn't say it like it was a rule she asked nicely.

Here are my blocks:

Sure hope she likes them!

Thanks,
Lin

Shopping

After we got home, I purchased a number of things to finish the projects that are literally hanging around my house. I have flimsies hanging on the railing to my upstairs, in line for quilting.

Two will be backings  for the Ribbon Rings Quilts, and one for the nine-patch.

Thanks,
Lin

Quilt Guild

I want to share a quote from Kitty Wilkin of Night Quilter fame. I feel like this too. Without even meeting most of you, I feel like I know you. I feel like we're friends. I've recently had my one year blogiversary too, and I've made some good friends this way.

Thank you for that.


" Over the past year (can you believe I’ve only been blogging for one year!?) I have formed some fabulous friendships with quilty bloggers across the country and world. Even without having met a single one of you in person, I can say that I feel like I am a part of your lives, and you a part of mine. We have swapped ideas, we’ve offered each other encouragement and advice, we’ve shared fears and unexpected pains, all via the reading, commenting, and replying to blogs, Instagram posts, and other online communications. Sure, technology poses new challenges to the balance of life, but boy does it also enrich our lives and create unprecedented opportunities. I’ve said it before–you are my quilt guild. 


http://nightquilter.com/2015/02/25/quiltcon-2015-reflection-friends/

Kitty Wilkin"

Thanks,
Lin

Home a Lot Now

I should be home a lot more now, so can blog more frequently.

I finished a blue jean rag quilt for my daughter. She collected all their jeans, and I did all the work. Hmmmm... Some how this doesn't seem fair! I should have had her do the cutting. That was the hardest part. I did use the AccuQuilt to cut some of the 5" squares after I got it. And I used flannel charm squares.

I spent two evenings cutting the slits in the seam allowances. I'm glad I got a snippers just for that, because it was quite a job. I can just imagine what t would have been like with a regular scissors.

[Here's an interesting question: Is scissors a singular word, or plural? So you say, "The scissors were open" or "The scissors was open"? At least I think it's interesting. I'm a word freak.]

I washed and dried the jean quilt. So much lint!!! I took it outside and shook it out, had tons on my chair, on me, etc. Maybe the birds will use some for nesting materials? If I see any little birds with blue jeans on, I'll know, and will report it here.

I do like the way it has "bloomed." The ragginess looks almost like a ruffle.


And a Happy St. Patty's Day to you!

Thanks,
Lin

Not Much Sewing

I have not been doing much sewing at all on this trip. I usually spend every evening sewing at the table, but not this time. Mr. LQ and I have been playing Cribbage a good bit. Good to spend time together.

When I have been sewing, I've been putting together my jeans rag quilt for my daughter. She collected all the jeans for me, and asked very nicely. So I agreed. I am putting the last row on, and it won't go for me. I got so frustrated with it, I put it away that evening, and haven't gotten back to  it. It is nagging me tho.

I think I am being eaten up with fire ants, or something. I've had itchy legs, after walking across expanses of open areas. I did see some tiny critters crawling on me once. Now I'm putting Ben-Gay cream on the bites to take out the sting. Also works for mosquito bites. But you smell minty fresh for a long time after. And DON'T touch anywhere near your eyes!!!!

Thanks,
Lin

Tree Cutting

We were treated to first-row seats to a tree cutting. There was a 100 foot tall tree next to the trailer behind us. It had a rotten spot that they were afraid would make the tree fall on a trailer in a storm.

And you can see how close it is to the car port awning there.

I was glad the guy up in the tree had on a red shirt--made him easier to see! He's in his 60s (old, huh? Uh, NO), and we wondered if he's ever had a tree accident. We pulled up our ring side seats and enjoyed the show. I sure wouldn't want to clamber up there. The tree was shaking while he was doing some of the work. No thanks!

Thanks,
Lin

I'm Still Alive and Everything!

I just know you all were worried when I dropped out of blogging so vigorously. It's just that we're on vacation, and internet access has been spotty.

We're in Florida, and went to see the water twice. First on the Gulf side:

The water's quite calm, and warm! It was shallow for a very long way. Remarkable, to me, to be swimming in March! The joys of Florida.

A few days later we went to the Atlantic side:

The water is cold! Even the water in the tidal pools is cold. Nobody's in the water. We waded a bit, just to see.

So nice to have these options tho, isn't it?

Thanks,
Lin