This last month I have been enjoying all the quilting I can. I took a Basic Quilting class to start, as it's been a long time since I've done any sewing. The instructors for all the classes I've taken are very low-key and flexible so even if I think I've made a big boo-boo they know how to fix it without tearing it completely apart. I like that ! Our first quilt was called "Sunshine". Southwest colors were my choice... we had two 8 hr sessions to finish and me being me couldn't settle on what everyone else was doing, so I added some pizzaz by including a cactus on one corner. It turned out great and is actually a favorite so far.
The next class was Applique....also known as the 'A' word. Most people stay away from this technique as it can be complicated. It couldn't have been easier ! Bettye is a world class instuctor and well-known in the quilting world and she showed us how to take the stress out of applique. I was surprised, when I went home to finish for the next class, how relaxing the hand appliquing was for me. Go figure. I will include more in my next work.
Paper Piecing is an art unto itself. It's difficult to describe the technique but I was sure it wasn't for me......Surprise.....Suprise ! It's actually easier than any of the others ! The ear of corn picture is paper pieced and the flower is appliqued.
Ok, now these were my Quilting Classes....then in between I enrolled at the Mohave Community College for computer classes. These are usually 4-5 hrs of instruction reguarding how to use your computer to it's full advantage ( like the kid's do !). It caters to us 'older' folks who don't use computers all the time. I learned how to navigate through Windows 7, how to organize my folders, take digital photo's, edit them and make a slide show presentation with sound out of selected pic's, AND how to make hardbound books from selected pic's. Whew !!! So, what do I do in my spare time, you ask ?
Norm's routine is to leave me off at either the library or the quilt shop and go over to the Island to do his 3.6 mile walk. (Or so he says). This week the college kids are here for Spring Break and they are PARTYING! You can see the kid's (wearing next to nothing) on one side of the canal whooping it up and the old guys on the other side drooling ! Were they ever that young and muscular, they ask....did the girls look like this back then ? Nobody can remember ! Ha
It's fun to watch the retirees, though. It reminds me of Jr High. The 'girls' are dressed in co-ordinating seer-sucker outfits or petal-pushers (not capris)and are found hanging out in their little groups. Hair is done perfectly and they giggle. The guys are all puffed out in preppy outfits (khaki shorts and golf shirts) or cut-offs and Tees. They're busy talking hot-rods and bikes (motor) , really important stuff ! We do go through another childhood......! Nothing is taken too seriously and "everybody lies" ! So much fun !!!!
The weather has been amazing ! I know you guys are tired of hearing Norm post that but it's true. We get a few days of wind here and there but the sun always comes out sometime during the day. LHC doesn't put street lights in the residentual areas...so at night the stars shine bright. We often take our chairs and sit out beside the coach watching the shooting stars....not too good at identifying any constellations, yet, but we found a book to help. Then it's off to bed.....we have to get up early to go have coffee with the "old farts" in the morning.
Life may be tough for retirees but I have to say, if you get the chance, become one !!
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