"Shake Down Cruise" by me.

I bought my first APQS Millie longarm machine in 2006, and didn't think I would ever change.  Then, as a rep, I felt I needed to have one that looked like what we were currently selling, so purchased a 2013 Millie.  Changes were pretty obvious to others, new on is white, old was grey.  Then come November 2023, I receive a call from my friend in Iowa and learn that the company is offering a deal to reps that was just too good to pass up!  So, goodbye to my 2013 machine, and welcome to my latest girl!  

Most people won't be able to see much difference between 2013 and 2023, but I can.  Since I didn't want to get to know my new baby on a customers quilt, I threw on a charity quilt top to play with and get to know my new girl a bit.

These blocks were simply "strings", pieces of fabric that were greater than 1" wide, and varying lengths.  I stitched them into bands, and then cut them to 6.5" because I have a ruler that size.I think plan A was to have a purple string quilt, but then it was really long and skinny.  Add some green blocks to the sides to build up the size.

Now take all those blocks and play in them.  Some rulers, free hand designs that I've never done before, ones that I've done many times but wanted to get the feel of how my new girl works. Really glad I took the time to do that, I've gone from feeling anxious and a bit of "why did I do this?!" to "Oh hey!  This is great!"