I teased you, in my last post, with mention of a new project that isn't a quilt. I'm learning a new instrument! This is my Christmas present:
My darling husband gave me a soprano ukulele! I've been intrigued with ukes for a while now, and thought that just maybe I could play one. I played violin when I was in elementary school, and never got any good at it. Then I found piano, and I've been happy with that ever since. I don't play really well, or often enough any more, but I love my piano. So I don't know know why I wanted the uke, but I'm so happy I have one! There is something about a ukulele that just makes people smile.
My DS The Kid plays guitar, but I couldn't wrap my fingers around that guitar neck and hold down a string. My hand fits the uke, and I'm getting a little better at doing the strings. I can now play the "Happy Birthday" song and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" - both veeeerrrry slowly! I'm not good at changing chords yet. But I'm managing to get in at least 30 minutes of practice a day, so am slowly making progress. It makes me happy. And I'd like to say a big "Thanks!" to the internets for on-line classes and help. It's just amazing how much is out there!
I have also started a new project, just for the retreat I'm going on. I'm taking one older project that needs some machine applique done on it. I find the process of machine applique very boring, so doing it in a group setting should help. My new project came from the latest issue of McCall's "America Loves Scrap Quilts" magazine.
I'm actually using the same colors of fabrics.
I've always loved turquoise and lime together, and also graphic black and white prints, so I shopped my stash for everything I need for this quilt! Yay! I may need more fabrics for borders or binding, but that will come later. I like this pattern so much I might even be able to do it like the pattern calls for! We'll see how I do with that. So, I've been furiously ironing and cutting fabric for a few days now. It's nice to cut into some yardage - I hardly ever do that anymore. Some of these fabrics are pretty old, although there are some newer ones in the mix too. And I'm even throwing in some of my hand-dyed fabrics. I find a new project so exciting!
Here are some potholders I made back before Thanksgiving, and I don't think I ever showed them on the blog. I haven't been using them since T-Day - I want them to stay nice for awhile! I made these with some 3 inch string blocks. These make me smile every time I see them.
I hope you have a fun weekend, and get to do some stitching! See ya on the other side!
Good for you learning a new instrument. I have always wanted to learn to play the piano. I played guitar in grade school but have forgotten a lot of the chords. Do you have calluses on your fingers yet?
ReplyDeleteThe quilt is going to be pretty, great colors!
I love relaxing by making potholders...Yours are lovely.. I never heard of America Loves Scrap Quilts!! And learning something new...Sounds so wonderful.
ReplyDeleteOoh LOVE your new ukulele! Congrats!! You'll have to do a video of you playing it. Love your fabrics you're using in that quilt, and your lovely potholders!
ReplyDeleteI love your colors in the split decision quilt. That will be SO pretty. Hope you are getting a ton done at the retreat! Music has never appealed to me, I tried learning instruments when I was younger, but nothing ever grabbed me. It was more torture. But I must say, the color of your ukulele really draws me in for a closer look at it!
ReplyDeleteVery nice color combos on the potholders and your new quilt project. You're very talented.
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