easy like a Sunday morning….

It’s a great Sunday morning…I have my coffee…and now I am ready to FINISH!

I have just downloaded a new Audiobook to listen to…click on the book photos below to view them….I finished “Educated” recently and It was also a very good book…very different than what I normally read…I wanted to read/listen to “An Anonymous Girl “but then found a book the authors wrote previous…so I will read that one first…

thumbnailI want you to know that I listen to books while stitching for a couple of reasons… the obvious reasons to read books…always learning new things, new places, different people and their religions, cultures and how their locations affect their lives and history is so “cool”- when it something your interested in.

But… let’s face it… the main reason is when you are absorbed in a good story, the time flies, and you want to keep listening and STITCHING…and the result is…your projects get done, finished..like one less UFO!!!!! So think about listening to books…TV is hard to watch unless it is something you have seen already… you miss so much by not paying attention all the time…because you are always looking at your project…

You know the place you used to go to check out a book, the Library,..well, I guess you can also get(check out) audiobooks at your library …to go in and ask for help…if some of you know how this is exactly done…let us know in the comments…but I know some quilters/stitchers do it.  I have an Audible subscription…and I love it…because as I travel around the country I need it…but one of these days when I am home I am going to visit the Library…soon.

Click on book photos to View

and now I am going to finishing big-stitch quilting…I will post a finished quilted pic…

Also…I will be doing a tutorial/video of big stitch quilting starting from the beginning…preparing the quilt top and so on…we are piecing the quilt and getting ready!  It is from a new flannel line! Farmhouse Flannels…what for those updates!

Have a great day my friends….Lisa

PS…I love my new computer…3 years makes a difference in technology/equipment!

82 responses to “easy like a Sunday morning….”

  1. annawinnie12 Avatar
    annawinnie12

    I love that you listen to books while you stitch. I do the same thing but I use the Libby app on my phone to borrow audio books from the library. all you need is a library card and you get the books for 14 days for free! Happy listening and stitching!

    Reply
  2. Lynn Tereshko Avatar
    Lynn Tereshko

    Hi

    What is that quilt. I love it!!!

    Lynn

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Reply
  3. Christine W Avatar
    Christine W

    I use Overdrive Media Console to listen to audiobooks and read e-books, downloaded free from the library. Listen on your computer, Tablet, or smartphone. Best part is never running out of books or having to leave the house in the winter when one lives in the an area with snow and ice! Happy stitching and quilting!

    Reply
  4. gladewhite Avatar
    gladewhite

    At your comment, I checked out “Educated” as a book on CD. Found myself involved with the story and couldn’t wait until the next time I was able to get out for a drive to work/home. Not for the fainthearted, but an excellent book! Thank you for getting me to get off ‘center’ and start audible ‘reading’. YES, you can get more done and enjoy it even more!

    Reply
  5. Paula Philpot Avatar
    Paula Philpot

    Lisa, I love all these posts you are doing. Love seeing what you are into. I listen to the TV while sewing and when quilting I listen to radio. Keep the posts coming. Paula in kY

    Reply
  6. Tacy Tucker Avatar
    Tacy Tucker

    Where can we find the “Farmhouse Flannel” line? (Or is it yet too new to find?)

    Reply
    1. Jakey Avatar
      Jakey

      Hi Lisa, beautiful quilt… I have yet to do big stitching, love the technique and can’t wait to see your video. Love the box for your tools too. I shall put the audio books on my must try list… as it is challenging to work with the tv on, even with my favorite oldies. Glad you are enjoying your Sunday! Hugs, Jakey

      Reply
  7. Brittany Voigt Avatar
    Brittany Voigt

    I always listen to audiobooks when I quilt as well!! Thank you for the book suggestion you gave last time; “Where the Crawdads Sing”. Such a great read! I’m just starting the book, “The Great Alone” which is supposed to be a very similar read to WTCS. Thanks again for sharing your favorite books with us!! Happy stitching!

    Reply
  8. Cindy h. Avatar
    Cindy h.

    What kind of frame do you have for hand quilting.

    Reply
  9. Kathleen McQuiggin Avatar
    Kathleen McQuiggin

    I look forward to your tutorial/video of big stitch quilting. Love the idea of listening to books while quilting.

    Reply
  10. Sjoukje Avatar
    Sjoukje

    I use both Libby and Audible and found the best way to listen is with a wireless headset. That way your machine doesn’t drown out the sound and the earbuds aren’t yanked out of your ears when you walk around the room. Loved The Great Alone, as well as Educated, and am about to start The Lost Girls of Paris.
    Happy listening, happy stitching.

    Reply
    1. Martha Avatar
      Martha

      Just seconding the utility of wireless headphones! I have a comfy noise-canceling set. Using Libby I put my phone in my pocket and can cruise around the house/ sewing room without missing a thing!.

      Reply
  11. Fran Bianchi Avatar
    Fran Bianchi

    Hi Lisa, just wanted to let you know that I’m enjoying your posts and glad you decided to post more often. I love big stitch quilting and the quilt on your frame. Simple, classic, warn and cozy. Perfect for a cold winter day, or night. I watch/listen to TV when I piece at the machine. I’ve downloaded tons of books to my iPad, but actually have to read them! Have a great Sunday everyone.

    Reply
  12. debragrove6104 Avatar
    debragrove6104

    Hi Lisa, I can’t wait to see your big stitch video tutorial! Thank you in advance for making it! What kind of a frame are you using? Listening to audiobooks while stitching sounds like a great idea! I seldom get to read because my little Shih Tzu always climbs on top of the book.

    Reply
    1. lisabongean Avatar
      lisabongean

      I’ve had this frame for 20 years and it is no longer made…It was from Pleasant Mountian frames.

      Reply
  13. crazywomanquilts Avatar
    crazywomanquilts

    At a recent quilt retreat we enjoyed talking about listening to audible books. Several friends also listen while using longarm machines. I enjoy free Recorded Books Digital via our state library system. Local librarian helped me get set up. Great reason to get or renew your library card – save your dollars for that new flannel!

    Reply
  14. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    Thank you for sharing the books you’re reading, I too like to listen while I’m sewing and driving. I’m listening to “Where the Crawdads Sing”, which Is a book I normally wouldn’t have chosen. It’s excellent and I’m really enjoying it, thanks.

    Reply
    1. Jackie Avatar
      Jackie

      Lisa, I took your advice and downloaded an app and book on my IPAD. I was skeptical but your post was so convincing. I enjoy Kristin Hannah books so I choose her new book as my Free book. You were right!!!! I find myself staying in my sewing room longer. TV was distracting and I found myself not sewing and making mistakes and not sewing. Thank you for your wonderful suggestion! I encourage others to try it. I will still pick up a book when traveling but having options is wonderful.

      Reply
  15. Kelli Avatar
    Kelli

    Love audio books for sewing! You can use overdrive app from your local library and everything is free! Easy to set up and you can Google it for instructions. I am NOT technically inclined and I figured it out so go for it!

    Reply
  16. Jan Snyder Avatar
    Jan Snyder

    Yes use your library card!!!! While you can go to the library and physically check out an audiobook, you can go online and check out an eAudiobook and download it to your device (phone, computer, tablet, etc.) You don’t have to leave the comfort of home, and you have an unlimited selection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, music at your fingertips! Go to your library url, log in with your card, and look for electronic resources. As a librarian (director for 13 libraries), I can vouch that this is a highly popular way for folks to read/listen to books today!

    Reply
  17. Carol Gepford Avatar
    Carol Gepford

    I absolutely love that quilt—I love flannel and I love homespun looks. Beautiful.

    Reply
  18. Lori5 Avatar
    Lori5

    Can’t wait to see the finished quilt. Makes me feel better about some of my unfinished quilts knowing you have some of those too. Enjoy your quilting and book.

    Reply
  19. Jacque Avatar
    Jacque

    I am looking forward to the video. I too love audio books from my library.

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Reply
  20. Jaxine Andersen Avatar
    Jaxine Andersen

    I have listened to 5 books over the past two weeks! Sometimes I have to stop the device if I need to read a pattern, or such, but then it’s right back on.
    I download my books exclusively from my local library or from the Seattle Public Library. Both have great selections.

    Reply
  21. Rosemary Avatar
    Rosemary

    I too listen to books while I stitch & sew – get the best of both worlds!

    Reply
  22. Mary Kinsey Avatar
    Mary Kinsey

    The Libby App allows you to electronically checkout ebooks and audible books once you have a library card from your local library. Of course your local library has to be a participant in the Libby program. The app lets you check that out. I’m deaf now so audible books do t work for me but I used to love the unabridged reading of the Outlander series and if the Brother Cadfael series of books.

    Reply
  23. DebMac Avatar
    DebMac

    As former library staff person, please go visit your library; they would love to see you! Most libraries will have an audio book section and you check out just like regular books. You can also order in audio books from other libraries and pick up and return at your home library. Libraries offer “Ebook” in several different platforms (Overdrive being one) but the procedure varies with each library so check with staff for help. Libraries also have quilt books (and they can be ordered in) and many offer programing that may be of interest to quilters. Libraries are a wonderful resource that is too often underused. And don’t forget to check out their used book sales!

    Reply
  24. Tina L Avatar
    Tina L

    Could you share the frame that you use for hand quilting? I’m so excited to watch your tutorials on this technique!!

    Reply
  25. Janet Houge Avatar
    Janet Houge

    Do you usually hand quilt? Love everything you do❤️

    Reply
  26. Reets Avatar
    Reets

    Haven’t read any of those . thank you. We have a bookmobile that comes to our little town, loaded books, audio books, movies etc. we can email her or order online anything we want. Most of us fill up two bags to keep her bookmobile numbers up! A Gentleman From Moscow, most recent favorite. Both book AND reader. Happy stitching . . Happy reading!

    Reply
  27. Kimberly Espinoza Avatar
    Kimberly Espinoza

    Thanks Lisa! I love your work!

    Reply
  28. Sandy Avatar
    Sandy

    Yes!! Books from the library and they are free!!! Leaves more money for fabric!!!

    Reply
  29. Kristy A Soard Avatar
    Kristy A Soard

    I listen to audio books alllllll the time. I get them all from my local library. I use the online card catalog to reserve my books and then every Monday my hubby picks them up for me. Or if you are able you can go into the library and peruse the audios they have on shelves. The online card catalog also lets you create a list of books for future holds. They also allow you to sign up for notifications of new books being purchased by the library and favorite authors…….I could go on forever about all the library offers. But now here is a very important fact….you need a way to listen to your audio books. I like them on CD, so I have a HOTT CD player………you must get one that has a resume function….so it holds your place in the book when you stop. Most do not have a resume function. You can get them electronically downloaded as well. So many options. All the money I save on not buying audio books can be spent on quilting supplies!

    Reply
  30. Pam H Avatar
    Pam H

    As long as you have a library card that’s not spired, you can most likely download and listen to books from your library. I do it thru an app called Libby. Educated is on my hold list. And that’s the issue with libraries, as opposed to Audible or Audio Books. Holds take months sometimes and you don’t have quite the control as to when things come and then you generally have 2 weeks. It works out for the most part. But I’m with you, Lisa! I love getting adsorbed in a good audiobook, while doing any type of stitching. It’s the best of both worlds, at the same time.

    Reply
  31. Pamela D Miller Avatar
    Pamela D Miller

    Happy Sunday Lisa,
    I am enjoying your posts. That is a beautiful quilt you are working on-I love the fabrics and the colors are so warm and cozy. Happy stitching! Pam in Alabama

    Reply
  32. Lilian Hansen Avatar
    Lilian Hansen

    Thanks you Lisa, for your inspirational and motivating letters.

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Reply
  33. Mary Andra Avatar
    Mary Andra

    Good morning Lisa,
    Looking forward to new flannels. I need a whole flannel quilt. I may even try hand big stitch quilting. Missing you 💞💞💞💞hugs

    Reply
  34. Rose Bullen Avatar
    Rose Bullen

    I’m an audio book reader/ listener too!
    Overdrive is the library app here in NC. And it works well. Audible is an Amazon app and you have to pay for the book but there is no wait lists. I go off to ” fort stitch” and don’t return for hours. Very relaxing and educational. Moon Garden will be done on time thanks tolistening and sewing. Love this idea!

    Reply
  35. lulu Avatar
    lulu

    Listening to books while doing other things not only is a wonderful distraction but you get a lot more “reading” in.

    Reply
  36. masonmarlene Avatar
    masonmarlene

    I just finished an audio book – based on a true story – “Every Breath You Take” by Ann Rule. I love that you shared the 3 books you read – I’m going to get Educated as soon as I can. That really got my interest. I agree, its great to listen while you sew – time flies and the work gets done.

    Reply
  37. Vickie Olsen Avatar
    Vickie Olsen

    Quilting looks great. What Baptist Fan templates are you using?

    Reply
    1. lisabongean Avatar
      lisabongean

      https://www.primitivegatherings.us/component/search/?search=Fan+template&searchwordsugg=&option=com_mijoshop&view=search

      Reply
  38. Martha C Avatar
    Martha C

    Lisa, I am an audiobook-listening quilter too, it is the perfect way to combine the 2 things I love to do, sew and read. 99.9% of my audiobooks come from the library, here’s how to do that. I’m in south Madison Wi. but I imagine it’s similar elsewhere. First, go to your library’s website. Look for a tab called Overdrive, this will take you to free audio and ebooks. Or, access this service from your phone, the free app is called Libby, and it taps into the same online resource. I have just finished listening to Dead Wake by Erik Larson and am currently listening to Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage murders and the origin of the FBI by David Grann. Before that, Cross Justice by J. Patterson. Having Libby means you can drive and listen too! You also have the option of placing holds on popular books.I haven’t paid for an audiobook in a very long time. Happy reading!

    Reply
  39. Robyn Avatar
    Robyn

    Love the big stitch quilting! Keep thinking I will try that some day…As for the library and audio books, or any books for that matter, there is an app called Overdrive. Most libraries are connected with it and it allows you to browse books, audio included as well…borrow them for two to three weeks…and read on kindle or a different reading app. Highly recommended. Most books come directly from Amazon, you can put new release books on hold…it’s a great app. You always have a complete library at your fingertips…

    Reply
  40. Katy Greenfield Avatar
    Katy Greenfield

    Our library is part of the virtual library. I can check out books to my kindle and they have audio books too.

    Reply
  41. Colleen Koski Avatar
    Colleen Koski

    I love audiobooks! They also help with cleaning chores and ironing. I download books from my library regularly. My library is now beginning to get a bigger selection.

    Reply
  42. Ginney Avatar
    Ginney

    You can download the Libby app for your phone or Ipad. Libby connects with your library and you can check out regular and audiobooks. I love Libby.

    Reply
  43. gijane279-Liz Avatar
    gijane279-Liz

    I love audio books and have been getting them from both my city and county library for years (lol even when they were on cassette tapes)… as mentioned by several others I now get mine thru a free app called Overdrive and Libby, you download the app (normally your library has a link to them) as long as you have a library card from a library you can download digital media (books or audible). I also listen to Podcasts, which are fantastic and you can listen to a wide range of subjects all you do is type in the podcast search engine what or whom your interested in and bam tons of things will pop up, listen and choose to follow the podcast or not…I follow my Pastor and Church that way I don’t miss anything. Now that we are traveling more it’s great to have a few things downloaded so you can just listen whenever you want…on the plane I pop in my headphones, in the car (lol don’t get me started on all the bells and whistles my new car has for being connected it makes me feel like I was driving Fred Flintstones car before) I listen thru the car radio! I love new technology where it helps my life!

    Reply
  44. kaywelch Avatar
    kaywelch

    I use two libraries for audio books. One uses Libby, and the other has 2 different programs. Every library has choices for the programs they use. I also enjoy listening to books while I sew/quilt/craft. I have discovered many new authors. The service is normally free of charge, and I can borrow books even when I travel. It’s almost as good as chocolate.

    Reply
  45. Edi Avatar
    Edi

    I love audio books as well. Typically i borrow books on cds because i hate the radio and listen in the car everywhere i go.

    Reply
  46. Jan Avatar
    Jan

    It was a 30 minute drive to work & as soon as books on cd were offered at thelibrary I was listening while driving. Use to read all the time until I went thru chemo then lost the concentration. A 2 page newspaper article was too long so once again the cd books. It’s been 10 years & just recently borrowed a book from the library again. Our system is great as I said in a previous post they offer so many free classes from tots to teens to adults, from crafts, to poker or bridge to exercise or gardening. But the 1 thing you, Lisa, are going to be showing us soon is the Big Stitch video & I for 1 am looking forward to that video. Thanks. Enjoy your books.

    Reply
  47. Vikki W Avatar
    Vikki W

    Lisa, you must make a visit to your local library to find out what downloading and streaming services they offer and they are free! Here is Wisconsin, everyone has access to Overdrive; however, I feel the Libby app is easier and faster to navigate (Libby is a new app for Overdrive). Also, my Arrowhead Library System is connected to Hoopla, which is fantastic!! And just maybe your Winnefox system may have access too. If you can find the time to visit your local library, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. I’m currently watching “Why Quilts Matter” a 9-part series on the Create channel of PBS.

    Reply
  48. Donna Pedersen Avatar
    Donna Pedersen

    So excited about your big stitch video! I learn so much from your posts!! Have a great day!!

    Reply
  49. quiltinggrammyof2 Avatar
    quiltinggrammyof2

    Do you sale the baptist fan templates. Would love to purchase if you do. If not could you direct me where I could find the ones you hand quilt with. I also hand quilt. Please advise

    On Sun, Feb 17, 2019, 9:33 AM Lisa Bongean’s Web Blog lisabongean posted: “It’s a great Sunday morning…I have my coffee…and > now I am ready to FINISH! I have just downloaded a new Audiobook to listen > to…click on the book photos below to view them….I finished “Educated” > recently and It was also a very good book…very dif” >

    Reply
  50. quiltinggrammyof2 Avatar
    quiltinggrammyof2

    Never mind I bought them from primitive gatherings with needles.

    Reply
  51. Diana Avatar
    Diana

    Lisa, do you block your quilts? If so how do you do it.
    I shop at your CA store, and your hanging quilts are so straight and beautiful….
    Maybe, you could give us a tutorial someday….

    Reply
  52. Martha Avatar
    Martha

    I drive 2 hours on Mondays and again on Thursdays to take care of grandchildren. I download my books from our county library, as well as from Audible. With the library, I go online to make my selection, check it out and download it. It’s simple. Books that aren’t available through the library, I can generally find through Audible. It’s great and makes the time go much faster.

    Reply
  53. see mary quilt Avatar
    see mary quilt

    Hooray for all of this Library love. As a librarian I encourage everyone to check out your local library. I imagine most will still have audiobooks on CD, some will have Playaways (an audiobook on a portable MP3 device) and many will now be providing ebooks and eaudiobooks via a variety of platforms – download and go! I am actually spending a lot of time in my craft room and need to get some audiobooks to listen to. LOL! Beautiful quilt. What a fun way to spend a Sunday.

    Reply
  54. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    I’m so longing forward to a big stitch video
    also what quilting frame are you using?

    Reply
    1. lisabongean Avatar
      lisabongean

      It is. Pleasant Mountian frame… I’ve had it for 20 years

      Reply
  55. Marla Jorgensen Avatar
    Marla Jorgensen

    Love the quilt you are working on. Can you give us the name of the pattern? The quilting frame you are using is really neat. What brand is it? Thank you!!

    Reply
  56. Tracey Zigo Avatar
    Tracey Zigo

    I am always listening to an audiobook while sewing. I download them from the library, free and I can keep them for 2 weeks – although it never takes anywhere near that long to “read” one. I do have to hit pause if the directions in the pattern require my full attention. 🙂

    Reply
  57. Jan Scherbinski Avatar
    Jan Scherbinski

    I’m glad you are going to do a video on big stitch quilting. I tried it and didn’t like the way it looked.

    Reply
  58. lovesiamese Avatar
    lovesiamese

    Love the quilt you are quilting !

    Get Outlook for iOS

    ________________________________

    Reply
  59. Barbara Nelson Avatar
    Barbara Nelson

    Lisa, Do you use Kindle or audible?
    Barb Nelson

    Reply
    1. lisabongean Avatar
      lisabongean

      Audible

      Reply
    2. Ellie Avatar
      Ellie

      Lisa, super excited for the big stitch quilting video!!! So appreciate all the helpful “how to” videos you provide us…they are priceless! Part of the many reasons I will always support you and your wonderful shop! A huge thank you!

      Reply
  60. Barbara Nelson Avatar
    Barbara Nelson

    Big stitch quilting is a blast. Lisa taught me and I love it. So be sure to watch her video. It will have tricks and tips…I got the quilting frame from a girl who purchased a long arm. It was really inexpensive because it was taking up her space. Just start asking around. You will be surprised.

    Reply
  61. Carol Kuse Avatar
    Carol Kuse

    Yes libraries check out audio-books of all kinds. Please visit your local library, It may just surprise you with all it does now.

    Reply
  62. Susan Reed Avatar
    Susan Reed

    Lisa, I was an Audible subscriber for 4 years until someone told me about SCRIBD. Half the price and UNLIMITED audio books!! Not the credit system. Have already listened to 4 books this month. Check it out!

    Reply
  63. Nabce Allen Avatar
    Nabce Allen

    Audible is the best. Kindle with whisper sync is good too. Try all the John Grishams and Maria Clark’s. Great listens!!! Oh going to miss the Rome Trip. My dad just passed away. Can’t t go on cruise now. Have a great time for me!!!

    Reply
  64. Patricia A. Adams Avatar
    Patricia A. Adams

    Love your Sunday morning routine. Sounds like my Sunday listening to gospel hymns and crocheting baby blanketss and sipping coffee. I have been big stitching for over 20yrs in my borders on quilts. It is so effective and simple and quick. Will enjoy your tutorials. Thanks for all your ideas.

    Reply
  65. Barbara Ahlf Avatar
    Barbara Ahlf

    Love the quilt you are working on. Where did you find the plastic fan templates you are using? I like that way the big stitches look on this quilt. You do beautiful work on every project you make.

    Reply
  66. Abbie Avatar
    Abbie

    I enjoy Audible, too. I’ve listened to “The Wife Between Us”. You will like it. Thanks for your book suggestions! Try “The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell”. Happy stitching!

    Reply
  67. Denise Avatar
    Denise

    Ohhh I can’t wsit for the Big Stitch video/tutorial💕

    Reply
  68. Kathy Avatar
    Kathy

    I’m very anxious to see a tutorial/video on big stitch quilting. Thank you so much for doing one! Love the big stitch quilting on this quilt!

    Reply
  69. Ellie Avatar
    Ellie

    So excited to see the big stitch video. Love all your “how to ” videos…they are priceless! Appreciate your many talents and your willingness to share! That is why I support you and your wonderful shop. A huge thank you!

    Reply
  70. Lonnie Avatar
    Lonnie

    Love the qlt. I do big stitch about 90% of the time. Easier on my hands and so fast!

    I listen to books a lot. I use our local library….register, download etc.
    Libraries use Overdrive, Hoopla, and Libby software. Libby is the most
    user friendly but you might need one of the others too…depends on your
    library.
    Easy peasey but you may need to wait for the new releases just like
    checking out a book but I can always find something good while waiting.
    Happy listening!
    Lonnie

    Reply
  71. Judy Vaughn Avatar
    Judy Vaughn

    I check out audiobooks all the time from my library. You go to the website for your library. They will have a selection for books. You have to enter your library card number. You then specify audiobooks and choose all or just what’s available now. You can put books on hold if they are already checked out. They will notify you by email when the book becomes available.

    Reply
  72. Cathy Clark Avatar
    Cathy Clark

    Beautiful quilt love the colors in the new fabrics. FYI Goodwill, Salvation Army, & Resale Book Shops also carry audiobooks.

    Reply
  73. Debbie Jenkin Avatar
    Debbie Jenkin

    Lisa, how many balls of Valdani perle cotton would you use when quilting a quilt using the big stitch? Do you have a preferred batting?

    Reply
    1. lisabongean Avatar
      lisabongean

      2-3 depending on the size …. Hobbs 80/20

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Like What You're Reading? Subscribe!

Sign up below to get notified by email as soon as I post!

Continue Reading

%d