Some Vegas Summer Fun

We took a little drive to Las Vegas.  Rather boring looking huh?

Well, that's okay it's only about a 4 1/2 hours. Hahaha

And in the town before Las Vegas they have this really cool Roller Coaster.

I've never ridden it - and never will. LOL

First thing in Vegas - Lunch.

We were lucky enough to have lunch with Elvis at the next table.

(Hehehe - I thought that was pretty cool!)

They were having a horse/cow cutting competition at our hotel, South Point. 

So we stopped and enjoyed it for a while.

We love spending time in the pool.  This is one pool, seen from our room.

Now, I'm going to show you some pictures of the Paris Hotel.

All the major hotels are so grand.  And the Paris doesn't disappoint.

The Bathroom: 

The sinks are all painted with little flowers. Soooo pretty.

As you walk into the casino - trees, sky, like a Parisian Blvd. 

Only with slot machines! And Wild Carpet.  

They have the lower parts of the Eiffel Towel coming down through the ceiling/sky.

Fake houses and lighted windows surround the place.

Fake - but enchanting.

Beautiful chandeliers are all over. 

I thought this little "outdoor" place that is really indoors looked so pretty.

  I would have loved to have a drink here and just people watch. 

Well - okay - so that's a bit of our Vegas trip.

I hope you enjoyed it. 

Nicey Linda

5 Reasons Why I have SO Many Projects

I realized I have just too many projects going at once. Hey - don't even give me that look - because the one thing I know about quilters is - most of you are in the same boat.

The projects I am currently working will illustrate my reasons.

Reason/excuse #1:  

Project was started years ago when I saw a pattern I liked, thinking I'll just do one block a month.

You and I know that's not really going to work (one block a month unless I'm in a class or online group) and now I'm sitting here with a half the blocks done. The other half in progress.

Reason/excuse #2

I felt I needed some hand work for when I'm sitting and watching TV.

You know, I wouldn't want to sit and do nothing - nor would I want to find something I already had in my closet.  So a new project was started.

The good thing is - I'm not in a hurry to finish.  And eventually it will get done.  Right ?  That is what we tell ourselves.

Reason/excuse #3

Oh My Gosh - Nephew is getting married and I have to give them something special (beside the cash gift) and wouldn't these dish towels be awesome?

That wedding is in early July so I have to start on them right away.

Reason/excuse #4

Okay no way could I resist this wall hanging while on vacation.

My reasoning is if I finish it up quickly, it doesn't count as a project.  (It's been hanging around now for 4 months.  That's not quick.)

Reason/excuse #5  

It's so easy.  It won't take any time at all.

My daughter had the cutest little blouse.  I can sew - so I'll make another one for her out of this cute/super adorable fabric.  This project has been planned for two summers. 

I'm sure I could go on and on.  What are some of your reasons for so many projects?

Happy Stitching,

Linda

Linking up with: Freshly Pieced

Turtles and JaneyMae

Okay - since I spent the money for the machine, I feel obligated to sew.

Hahaha

Well, that's one way to get a fire lit under me.

So I've been testing out my machine, sewing on my turtles.

So far so good. 

Warning: More Gushing about my machine.

I mentioned that the Skyline S5 has 170 stitches - and they are easy to find on this panel. Also I can wind a bobbin without unthreading my machine.  Yay.

Also it has better, brighter lighting.  See how nice this lighting is?

I have to try new (faster) ways of doing things, and I decided to just place the pattern on top and sew around it.  Of course I have to be careful not to sew on top the pattern.  So far, so good. 

I'm thinking of calling her JaneyMae.

So another nice thing about JaneyMae is the AUTO THREADER!

You know this is a must.  And it's so easy.

Happy Stitching,

Nicely Linda

It's New! It's Exciting! I Finally did it!

With the help of my hubby and lots of nagging er... encouragement from Sunny of Quilting Dreams, I finally bought a new Sewing Machine.

Here's my new love!  

Janome Skyline S5

I got up on Saturday morning and tried one more time to make up with my Babylock.  But she would have nothing to do with it.  There is just no way I can work with a machine that doesn't allow me to adjust the stitch type or re-set the length/width. I knew Sunny was right - I had to go buy a machine.

Well, I had spoken with Al's Sewing and Vacuum in Lancaster, Ca. previously and he had taken his time with me and explained the various machines over the phone.  We decided to drive to his place.  I'm so happy we went there.

  

I felt they were a fair and honest, Mom & Pop store.  Sue (the wife) sat down with me for over an hour going over the machine - telling me little hints and tricks.  I so appreciated all her info and the patience she had.  She was totally charming.

Do you mind if I gush over her just a bit?

Some of the features that I love on right on the front of the machine.

It also has a knee lift.  (I haven't used it yet) 

And best of all is the SMOOTH operation - especially the free motion quilting. I LOVE how easy it is.  No fuss, No muss. 

This was my first attempt of quilting on her at home - not the best design - but, those stitches are pretty smooth and nice.  And the back looks just as nice.

 I was going to say it has 101 stitches - but then I looked it up and it actually has 170! 

Now - I know people name their machines I haven't

named inanimate objects before.

I think I should start now - What do you think would be a good name?

Happy Stitching,

Nicey Linda

Cutest Bookmarks

What do you think?  Is this the cutest bookmark ever? 

I found it at a craft fair.  The gal who made it said it gave her something to do in the evenings.  I think I paid 25 cents. 
(Edited to answer Michelle - Yes these are cut from various boxes. She had all kinds of cereal, cookie, toys - just any box of light weight cardboard)  

I bought a couple more for the grandkids.

Troy loved his Star Wars and took it to bed that night with him.  Yes - because that's what a 5 year old would do with a bookmark.  Hahaha

So these are the things one finds themselves posting about when one does not have a sewing machine!  hahaha

Really, I can use my old one - I'm just making excuses. 

Hopefully, I'll be stitching again soon. 

Happy Stitching,

Nicey Linda