New Camera!

My new camera came today and I was thrilled. He even gave the battery and charger with it, so I was happy. Then I realized it didn't have a card, not so thrilled, especially when I saw the prices. But, I did have my old camera and yes, it is the same kind of card, so I have a memory card. Now I am all set and took some practice shots. But wait, how do I get the photos in, no computer cord, ugh. But, luckily my minolta uses the same size cord too, so I could put them in. Found out my Mac is too old to upload any software to use it. So I hooked it up to my Dell and it went right in without any drivers, but I prefer to use my mac since that has photoshop. Guess a new Macbook is on my wish list;)

The camera is really complicated, way too many buttons, but I was able to download a pdf manual. It is also heavy, so I will probably have to use a tripod to get good photos indoors, all my shots came out blurry. I also don't see a flash, no idea where that is, have a feeling I have to buy one to mount on top. But for free, I am not complaining, will just have to save up for extras.

I stole this photo off the web, this is what it looks like, reall

y large double lens, which adds to the weight. I couldn't even figure out where the zoom was, guess I have a lot of reading to do;)

I definitely won't be taking this out in the kayak, glad I got the pocket waterproof camera. I think I need to make a sling pocket for it, so when I go hiking at the sanctuaries, I can carry it without the band choking my neck.

This is the best photo I could get today. It is an older piece that I have in the house. The sun has been fading the edge. I did have to put it through photoshop, but I got better and more true colors and this was on a low setting. At least now, you can see more detail and the patterns of the wool, so I hope I can figure this out and get some better shots of my pieces.

Today I worked more on my hexagons, hand stitching the inside of each hexagon, but on the outer edges now, so hopefully I will have it done tomorrow.

Quilt Album Winner!

I hope you enjoyed my review and learning more about Quilt Album.
Even if you do not have one of your own, it is good to write down your quilt information in a notebook, so you will have that for future reference or when you get your own copy.

I want to thank Pat Sloan for letting me have the chance to review the program and give someone a chance to win their own copy.
So, without further ado, the lucky winner is #22, Terry of Terry's Treasures! Congratulations to Terry and I hope you enjoy your copy and enjoy documenting your quilts. Please email and I will send you the details on how to download your copy.

Noah's Ark Progress!

I have been working on finishing my Noah's Ark and still working.
I did an outline stitch in black around the appliques and adding some embellishments as I go and will finish those off next.
Once I get the border on, then I will decide if I want to add more, I was thinking of adding a stitchery saying going through the empty spots, but will have to figure that one out, then decide.

Hard to take a photo with flash at night and hard to get it all in one, without being too small, so I have three shots, some better than others, I am a bit shaky tonight;)

This is the middle section, I got a bit carried away with my monkeys, lol. Noah now has a tool box and Mrs. Noah is bringing in supplies. I think I might add some strands of yarn for the sitting goose, needs something underneath her.



I gave the zebras some manes and added some new critters to the right.



And to the left, more new critters and finishes, details needed on some. I was told today that my good camera should be here on monday, so I hope i can get better indoor shots with the new one. This will be going over a double door, so higher up and I wanted more color and things that pop out, so it shows when it gets placed on the wall. Plus I am just silly lately;)

The giveaway, in the last posting, ends tomorrow, so you still have a chance to enter. Now I will make sure I get the information as I make my quilts so I can fill it into my Quilt Album.

Quilt Album Review and Giveaway!

One of the biggest questions asked by quilt lovers is: "Who made it, when did they make it and what pattern did they use?". Well now there is a program for quilters and textile artists to document their creations along with the important details about the quilt called Quilt Album. Another bonus, it can be used on Windows or the Mac operating system.

Not only can you document your own quilts, but you can also add photos from quilts that you have seen at shows or in magazines, to use as reference or inspiration. How many times have you seen a quilt you like and then forgotten where you had found it or who designed the pattern. Now you will always have that information, at the click of a button.

Quilt Album not only documents your quilt, but you can also print out the pages to make your own album, that you can share with others. There are also features that allow you to make cards, labels, business cards and address labels.

Quilt Album comes in two ways, as a cd or you can choose an instant download. I used the instant download and I was amazed at how fast the download was and easy to install. It is so easy, that I never had to read the manual. I was able to add quilts and information just by filling in the required information.

The window is self explanatory, all of the features are viewable in one window. You can load photos from your picture folder and fill in the information. I do not have all the information on some of my quilts, so I just added what I could remember. It also stores your personal information so that you do not have to fill your name in, each time.



When you have filled in the details about your quilts, you can open up the quilt summary page to see all of your quilts at a glance. This page can be printed out and used as an index for your album. You can sort your quilts and in my case, I used categories. This way I could have my quilts and other textile pieces in their own categories, for easier searching.



I used photos that I had available but it is good to make sure you use quality photos. Taking a photo of your quilt on a wall is best, especially if you want to make them into cards or labels. On the other hand, placing the quilt in a setting, works beautifully for holiday cards.

I really like the card feature, especially since I never have a note card when I need one. Now I can just make my own and have them ready to send with gifts. When making a card, you choose from your selection of quilts and choose what information you want to show, on the back of the card. You can also change the fonts to make them larger, or use a fun font, like I did with the kitty card.



I printed out two sets, one for a Christmas card and one for a general card. I used my designs on these two examples with an idea in mind. I think it would be fun to send cards from my designs and insert the pattern inside the card. And since you can use the program for any type of craft, it is something any textile artist could use. And for those of us who sell our pieces, it is an excellent way to keep track of what you made, and who bought it.

I used basic card stock, but you can use any card stock that works with your printer. Imagine the possibilities with specialty card stocks that are available now. Once the information is filled out and a quilt selected, it is only a matter of hitting the print button, no special settings were needed.



This program is so easy, it is ridiculous, I keep thinking I am missing something. But it really is that easy and if you need help, you can download the PDF manual which is nicely formatted and easy to follow. It also includes hints and tips for photographing your quilts and printing.

If you would like to learn more about Quilt Album you can visit their website, view a video and sign up for their newsletter. You can also visit them on Facebook where they have random giveaways for their followers. A special Thank you to Pat Sloan for giving me the chance to review Quilt Album.

The generous folks at Quilt Album will give one lucky visitor a free copy of Quilt Album. Here is your chance to have your own copy of Quilt Album and document your quilts. Just leave a comment about what features you like about the program and/or how you would use it for your art work. Leave a comment on this post only and on Saturday, Spetember 10th, I will draw a name from the comments.

Free Cross Stitch: Witch on the Moon

I wanted to make something for my wonderful visitors, who have put up with my paddling pictures all week and for all the good wishes you have sent me. I meant to make it smaller, need to remember how to use my program again, so I hope this is ok and you enjoy it. It is 139 x 130, done in 14 count, so you can make it smaller by using 18 count or higher. I added color so it would be easier to see, but not something I would actually use, lol.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday weekend and hopefully I will get out for one more easy paddle tomorrow, before the rains come. Don't forget to come back on Tuesday night for a review and a giveaway!

Sick of the Sea?

Today we went to Ninigret park, which sits on a salt water pond. On the opposite banks is a barrier beach and the ocean.
It was high tide so we could paddle around the inlets, without having to worry about hitting bottom.

This was from our start point. Another beautiful day, sunny with a cool breeze.



We stayed on one half of the pond, since I didn't want to go to the breakers when low tide hit and have to paddle against that, to get back out. Even half the pond was quite the paddle, since we stuck to the shores, we put in a few miles today. This is from one end of the pond, looking back to where we started. Way, way off in the distance, past the last bend in the farthest distance.



Once on the barrier side we could stop at one of the sandy spots that connect to the ocean side. It is too much to drag the boats down the path, so Bill watched the boats so I could walk to the dunes and get a few shots. It was so beautiful and I really wanted to just sit on the beach for a few hours;)



Unfortunately I fell into the water when I went to get out of my boat. My legs were tired and weak today, so I got drenched in the pond. Today I was glad my camera was waterproof, since it went in with me, lol. I think my body is trying to tell me something, but am I listening? Nooooooooooo

Here is another view, going down the beach, it goes on for miles and there is a state campground at the end for trailers only. I would love to be able to spend a weekend, camping on the beach. I hope you have enjoyed my week in the kayak and in a few days I will be getting back to my daily routine and finish up some projects and starting new ones.

Rivers and Oceans!

Today we paddled down Narrow river and into the entrance to the bay and the ocean beyond.
We of course stopped at the beach on the point and just looked at the ocean, I am not up to ocean paddling and I need a better kayak for that;)

It was a beautiful day, but warmer than I thought, so another tired night, but that is good.
I want to take advantage of having fun paddling, while Bill is home, so not much sewing and I will be postponing the review until Tuesday. Not only can you hear about a wonderful quilt program, but get a chance to win your own copy.

Coming out of the river area towards the outlet to the bay.
Lots of birds were enjoying the weather, I am sure they are glad the storm is over, too.



I found a friend. He seems to know the sound of a potato chip bag opening;)



We went out at high tide and within the hour, the tide started going out and it was fast. I was standing in the water up to my waist and then felt a drop and the water was at my hips. The water rushes so fast in this area, that everyone was having fun drifting from one end to the other shallows. Out boat was up to the water when we came in, the ones on the far left.



This is looking out to the entrance or exit, depending on which way you are going;) Keep going and you are in the Atlantic Ocean.



A look down the beach, the main beach is at the far end. Lots of people enjoying walking out to this area, but not too many, so it is a great place to sit and relax.



My version of Footprints in the Sand;)



Coming back was tougher, the tide was going out and we were going in. I decided to head straight back instead of paddling in the coves, my body was letting me know, enough was enough. I think this house has seen it's day.