secret's out!....

Okay so it's not a secret anymore, and actually I haven't shown you my big Christmas gift yet either...still need to write that post. Sorry I didn't write back to you all and give it away. I thought sharing once was a better ta-da moment and I'm also begging forgiveness since writing back an answer to each and every one of you gals is just too hard on the arm. But never mind...the NEW TOY!!!Sorry it's just the stock picture. I wish I had thought to take a picture of it sitting in the table but I forgot and it's taking a nap on the floor right now while Bernie does piecing duty. Her name? I'd have to say I don't normally name the machines but Roadrunner? or Speedy Gonzales? come to mind. Actually I think I'll call her Daisy Mae.

I think the first thing I said to Kim on Friday was...This machine is AWESOME!!!! Kim knew it was coming, I had questions. After seeing the store link over at Beth's blog, I went and checked out the machines and decided that I just couldn't pass up no tax, no shipping. I called the place New Years Eve! and they shipped it the same day. Sometimes you just have to love the 3 hour time difference! I get her out last Thursday, I lifted her up and she did NOT FIT in my table opening!!! I was running around like a nut trying to find anything to cut that hole larger right then and there but nothing. SO hubby brought home the jigsaw from work and I finally got her in at 7pm. I was too tired by then, so Friday I spent the morning learning, doing bobbins, learning to thread and getting ready. By lunch I was ready to go!

I think I got this topper quilted in about 15 minutes! It only took 3 spurts to get her up to top speed. When you do hang on. Oh my stitches are no longer toe catchers. I'm getting used to her speed and how fast I can move my hands still, as evident in the next job. Now don't go hating on the snowman ladies. He fell on his sword for the cause! I tried Kim's tree swirls...badly. Yes he looks very goofy and I think I got one swirl perfect..ONE. Hubby was inhere watch the Andromeda Strain on instant Netflix and said good job!! I said thanks babe, but it was pretty much an accident. Admittedly I rushed in, did not do my drawing practice and hey...I'm fine with it. He's goofy and quilted, and even he has issues with that tiny bottom.I have to sew his binding and then quilt the border but I'll always remember him as the one who took one for the team! You have to Kim major props, that is one hard stitch to do well! I'll do a lot of practice before I try it again. Maybe if I leave off his eyes he won't see how badly he's quilted!! LOLOL!!!

** Hey, I forgot to say BIG thanks to everyone for the diet encouragement!! You gals are so great**