Kindle book review: Quilts Their Story and How to Make Them

I am an experienced quilter, who enjoys creating quilts and is interested in the history of quilt making. This book contains no illustrations or instructions on making quilts. However, it contains a very detailed and interesting history of quilts and quilt making. I learned a lot of small new details that I did not know before and enjoyed reading this book very much.

The book was written n 1915 and starts with a brief explanation of quilt making. Then it starts its journey into the history of quilt making. The roots of quilting and weaving are dated back by their appearance in ancient art work. For example, the images of a loom appear in 2650 B.C. The old piece of patchwork can be found in a Museum of cairo and dates to 960 B.C.

The book traces the appearance of patchwork during Trojan War, Middle Ages, Renaissance. Appliqué makes it appearance in Florence (described as cut work). There a very lengthy chapter on history of quilts in America, which I found very interesting. There is an interesting chapter on quilt block names. I never gave the block names much thought but the author organized them by themes such as political, religion, sky. and it gave me a fresh new way to think about the blocks I know and love.

I found the book educational and enjoyable. Great trip into history!


You can find "Quilts : Their Story and How to Make Them" on Amazon by following this link


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Instapark® Cervical Neck Traction.

I have a variety of spinal issues, and my neck often hurts when I work long hours in front of the computer. Cervical Neck traction provides a way to stretch your neck and that offers some temporary relief. I found it to be fairly comfortable and it fit me well. I am attaching a collage of 4 photo that I will be referencing in this review.

Cervical Neck Traction has three air chambers that are be filled with air with a provided bulb pump. The chambers go all around your neck. The front of the traction has 2 strong Velcro straps to tighten the device around your neck. It has a lot of flexibility to fit necks of different sizes. Photo #1 and Photo #2 show the closure. The traction device I received is black (not blue like the stock photo) and I prefer the black color.

It is made out of soft velour material that feels nice against your neck. However, as you can see in the photos it attracts a lot of dust. I took the photos after two weeks of using the Instapark neck traction, leaving it in my room without a baggy when not in use. From now on I will be keeping it in a plastic bag. I noticed that some reviews mention bad smell. Luckily, my traction device does not have this problem.

The height of the traction depends on how much air you put in the air chambers. It took me 150 pumps to inflate it to 6" height shown in the photos (Photo#2 and photo#4 have the pillow next to a ruler). This is a fairly low level of stretching. Once you inflate the chambers you need to lock the knob on the pump turning it clockwise. The first time I inflated the device I forgot to do it, and it slowly deflated. Since it takes quite a few pumps to get it to the right inflation level, I do the initial inflation while it is not on my neck (about 150 pumps to the inflation level shown in the photo), then put it on, adjust the Velcro closures, and then pump up more air in switching hands when they get tired from pumping. Neck problems are commonly associated with tingling in the hands/fingers, so consider the need to pump a lot as your determine if this device will work well for your use.

I found Instapack traction device quite comfortable. I am planning to take it on my upcoming air travel. I think it will be much more comfortable than a travel pillow. For use in the airplane I would pump it up less than I do for stretching, but it would provide support in all directions, not just in the back like a travel pillow.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: Soundfly SD WMA/MP3 Player Car Fm Transmitter for SD Card, USB Stick, Mp3 Players. Audio books in the car

My main use for Soundfly FM Transmitter is to listen to audio books while I drive. Other than the quality of the sound the feature that is most important to me is the ability to restart listening where I left off. This player does an excellent job in this respect with the feature called "bookmark". Soundfly fit my car (Honda CRV) perfectly. The sound quality is excellent.

I am attaching a collage of four photos that I will be referencing in this review.

Soundfly has three options for audio input: USB stick, SD card, and stereo headphone jack to which any device such as phone or MP3 player can be connected. The USB port is located at the bottom of the device, SD card slot and stereo jack ports are located on the sides. In my photos you see the usage of USB stick. Photos #1, #2, #3 show the transmitter working in the side console compartment. Photo #4 show the transmitter in the outlet below the dash. Both positions generated equally good sound. I found the side console more convenient for several reasons: (1) I don't see the USB stick flashing out of the corner of my eye (2) it is out of sight (3) it is always out of the direct sun light.

The remote control is small and thin. I mostly use it to bookmark my place in the book before I turn off the car. Photo #3 shows the screen displaying "SAV" when you hit the bookmark button on the remote. I keep the remote in the cup holder in the central console. I can easily control the transmitter from the sitting position where the transmitter is slightly behind me in the side compartment.

Inserting the plug into the outlet requires a bit of fussing mostly due to the position of the outlets in my car. For that reason I keep the unit plugged in most of the time. It starts playing as soon as I start the car even if I turned off the unit with the remote during the previous ride. When you turn the unit off without unplugging the speakers generate an unpleasant hiss, so I normally switch the radio to another station before I turn off the receiver via remote.

To find vacant FM stations in my area I used a web site "radio-locator (dot) com/cgi-bin/vacant" where you can enter your zip code and get a list of stations to try. This web site ranks vacant stations as "best", "great" and "good". Their suggestions worked well for me, the third station on their best list gave me the best sound quality. You can save vacant stations in the transmitter's memory, and change stations if needed using the remote.

The only minor issue I have with the transmitter is that when I set the volume to its max on the transmitter it is still a bit too low at my regular volume setting on the radio. I need to turn up the sound on the radio to get it to my normal listening range. This means I need to remember to turn the volume down before I switch to the radio options otherwise my ears get blasted.

Overall I am very pleased. This is my second FM transmitter. Years ago I bought a really cheap FM transmitter that would disconnect and start generating hiss on bumps in the road. It was so annoying that dismissed the FM transmitter as a good option for the car. Well, I guess you get what you paid for. This transmitter has not lost the transmission on the same ride that the old transmitter could not handle. I wish this was the unit I tried a few years ago, I would have been enjoying audio books in the car all these years.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Sensodyne Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth / prevent hot and cold sensativity

I never had any issues with my teeth until about 2 months ago I developed sensitivity to hot and cold foods. The teeth on one side of my mouth would hurt when I ate something that was cold or hot. I could not pin point any particular tooth that caused the pain. The pain stopped when I stopped eating. When this sensitivity did not go away in a few weeks I went to see my dentist who probed my teeth with various torture devices and told me that I have no cavities, cracks, or exposed gums. He said that the problem is likely caused by teeth grinding and is often helped by Sensodyne toothpaste. He gave me a sample toothpaste to see if it will help.

My dentist explained that the toothpaste works by filling in dentinal tubules that communicate with nerves in the teeth. When the tubules are exposed they conduct cold or hot temperatures to the nerves and it is perceived as pain by the tooth nerves. The toothpaste temporary fills the tubules and prevents the sensitivity. This process is not immediate, he said it will take approximately 1 to 2 weeks. It is not permanent so if the toothpaste helps one needs to use it every day once a day (he recommended to use before going to sleep at night).

I noticed the sensitivity to hot and cold significantly diminished in about 4 days and ordered this order of Sensodyne toothpaste.

This toothpaste contains Fluoride and tooth whitening. Unfortunately for me it has a strong minty flavor. I don't like mint flavor and has been using a non-mint toothpaste Tom's of Maine Orange Mango but because it really help the sensitivity I now use Sensodyne in the evening, and Orange Mango in the morning. The toothpaste generates a nice foam (not too much and not too little) and has a pleasant feel to it. And if you like mint flavor you will like how it taste, not only what it does.

The price on Amazon is very good, I compared it to Costco for the size price packaging and Amazon price is better. I am attaching the photo which shows the packaging and toothpaste itself on a toothbrush.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.



Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Replacement battery Black & Decker PS120 Fire Storm 9.6-Volt Hour NiCad Pod Style Battery

The battery on my 15 year old Black and Decker cordless drill (bought in 1997) stopped holding a charge. I still use this drill when I need to use 1/2 inch drill bit because my newer lighter drill does not take the 3/8 chuck needed for 1/2 inch drill. So instead of buying a new big drill I decided to try a new battery. I was not sure if the replacement battery will work in such an old drill, but it did.

The new battery is slightly larger than the old drill (see photos of the two batteries side by side under customer photos) but it fit my old drill just fine. So good to have the old power back!

I was pleased that I was able to save some money by replacing a battery rather than the entire drill. Under customer photos I am including a photo which shows the old drill as well as both batteries side by side.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Side by side comparison of SONY and Wasabi NPFW50 battery pack for Sony NEX-5N

Sony NEX-5N loves batteries, it drains them pretty fast. It uses the battery very quickly when it is plugged into the computer for file transfer. On a typical shooting day for me I use two batteries, on a good shooting day I use three. So I have a large collection of batteries that I travel with, as well as both car and AC recharger.

I found that the best battery (and by that I mean price/performance ratio) is Wasabi pack Sony NPFW50 Rechargeable Battery Pack. I charged both batteries side by side they took approximately the same amount of time to charge. When I use them they both work for approximately the same amount of time. I have used both types of batteries for 7 months now on rotational basis and I am equally satisfied with them. However, Wasabi battery pack is a great deal by comparison to an OEM battery. For less money that one OEM battery Wasabi pack includes two batteries, a recharger, a car charger and European plug converter.

Note: Sony has a special chip in every battery. When a new SONY camera comes out older batteries labeled NP-FW50 (from SONY or third party) they are chipped for different versions and do not work. The older version of NP-FW50 compatible batteries do not work in SONY NEX-5N. When buying any SONY battery one has to check that the offering lists SONY NEX-5N on the compatibility list (i.e. we cannot rely on the battery number alone). I learned this from personal experience and talking (well, complaining) to the manufacturer.

You can find Wasabi battery on Amazon by following this link.


You can find SONY battery on Amazon by following this link.


Star evaluation is based on price/performance

Ali Julia review ★★★★★ (for Wasabi)
Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆ (for SONY)

Book review: Holiday Boutique Knitting by Mary Jean Daigneault

I have been knitting since I was 5 years old. One of the joys of the holidays for me has always been to create gifts for my loved ones that are not store-bought but are uniquely mine. I made sweaters, socks, hats and scarves each year - this book gave me a bunch of new ideas! This book is great for generating unique ideas for holiday gifts and decorations that are knit.

The project I decided to start with is Vine runner, which looks like a long branch with flowers and leaves. My plan for it to hang holiday cards from it by hanging them from the vine using ribbons. I always like to display Christmas cards I receive and coming up with a new way to display them is going to be a lot of fun. The instructions were clear, detailed, and easy to follow. At the end of the book there were templates for the leaves.

The next project I just started making is a knitted wreath. The book contains 4 versions of different wreaths. The instruction look pretty easy and all four wreath look very nice and unique. I think they are going to make excellent presents.

On my wish list is the project that the book starts with: the cutest fuzzy snowman and snowwoman. They are adorable and I want to make them to sit in a window in the winter.

Below I am including the complete table of content so you can see if there are other projects that might be of interest beside the three I have highlighted above.

Christmas Decor
1.Mr. & Mrs. Snow
2.Vine Runner Decor
3.Design Tip: Decorating the Christmas Tree
4.Angel
5.Tree Skirt
6.Advent Calendar/Card Holder
7.Ball Decor: Sizes 2"-5"
8.Design Tip: Displays

Stockings
1.Designer Tip: Stockings
2.Vine Stocking
3.Ribbed Stocking
4.Designer Tip: Balance and Composition
5.Designer Tip: Texture and Balance

Home Decor
1.Dot Pillow
2.Towel Buddy
3.Rose Candle Decor
4.Pompom Wreath
5.Squiggle Wreath
6.Cable Wreath
7.Fuzzy Wreath

Evergreen Trees
1.Ruffle Tree
2.Winged Bough Tree
3.Bobble Tree

Apparel
1.Wraps
2.Elegant Wrap
3.Furry Wrap
4.Evening Bag

Beanie and Stocking Cap
1.Stocking Cap
2.Beanie

I received a copy of this book for review purposes and really enjoyed it. I would say that the book is aimed at intermediate level knitter, with several project being easily done by a beginning knitter. Making holiday decor is a good way to start knitting, even if you make a mistake it is not critical, the items will still look good.

YOu can find "Holiday Boutique Knitting" on Amazon by following this link


Ali Julia review ★★★★★