Sunday, December 02, 2007

Playing with my toys


Today, I stuck with a self-imposed schedule and studied Paint Shop Pro for ONE hour! See? I learned how to put text over a photo! LOL And unfortunately, I didn't notice the one rebel block until I took the photo. How did that happen? Can you find it?

This is my current project - a combination of ideas from various locations. I am determined to keep the scrappy approach to this, but the border (below) is a bit of a gamble. While the interior of the quilt is all lights/darks, the border is mediums/darks. My original plan to use more darks/lights (upper part of below photo) was just too distracting, so I opted for mediums/darks. I am confident that the machine quilting will blend the border colors, and I'll still move some of them around for more even color distribution -- it needs more greens and tans - less pinks. My machine quilting friend Anita Allen of Prairie Creations has already been contacted.

I am using up more of my stash, although the inner border forest green was purchased. The outer border must be this width to bring it to queen-size, and then I will finally have a new quilt on my bed. Those blog questions about "What's on YOUR bed?" ... made me want something new.


Incidentally, Corel Paint Shop Pro X is an amazing program, and I paid less than $30.00 on the Internet -- it is an older edition. I'm also diddling around with blending photos with fabric. Today, I learned how to collage, enlarge, rotate, all kinds of special effects, colors, media types, print or blend the photo with fabric. This is one of the toys I plan to learn better, starting in January. Hey, I need more time to learn all this new fun stuff!

20 comments:

  1. Nope can't find it but the quilt is beautiful.

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  2. Nope, me either, and I gave it a serious effort!

    It's stunning!

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  3. Hi Elaine! I had just pulled up your blog to get your email addy....was getting worried about you, and was going to send a 'checking on you' email. :> Imagine my delight when I saw a post for today!! :D Now I know you're fine. Love your new project...that 'rogue' block is your Amish humility block. LOL

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  4. OK - I give up. I've gone over every last block that I can see, and I blew it up and still don't see it. So -- next time you're playing with PSP maybe you can stick an arrow on it? LOL -- It's a knockout btw - I love love love it!

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  5. I sure can't find the runaway block -- but I can say this one is a WOW!

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  6. No chance! I can't find your humility block either! The top is looking wonderful! And I love that scrappy border :o)

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  7. That block must be well hidden because nobody can find it! The border looks great. I really like Corel Draw too but it's a steep learning curve.

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  8. I think the border looks great on the quilt, Elaine. What is it about it that you aren't sure of? From what I can tell from the photo the color looks perfect!

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  9. I can't find it either! :-) I love the border and I agree that this quilt will look fabulous with heavy quilting.

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  10. It's like trying to find Waldo (from Where's Waldo) and I can't find your mistake...must be well hidden. Great looking quilt!

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  11. I love the scrappiness and secondary design going on. I did find your "twisted" block but only after much looking and squinting at that secondary design. I love quilts with a little extra personality! ;-) I have my share. Can't wait to see it with borders and quilting. Please share again.

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  12. I love this one- even if all that work makes me a tad dizzy! Great job! Couldn't find the one gone wrong.

    Glad you enjoyed the tutorial on the Bay of Fundy! It was a lovely place! Take care and happy peicing!

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  13. ^ That was me!! Apparently, I am him on my computer and me on his!!! I'll have to iron that out! The joy of living with children who are more computer savy that I!

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  14. The quilt is so pretty. I love the contrasts. Good luck learning the new computer programs and have fun!

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  15. I'll join the ranks. I couldn't find the block until you pointed it out. I use an older version of CorelDraw for vector drawings. I use Adobe Photoshop 6.0 for all my photo work. I'm proud of you for learning a photo package. Keep it up!

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  16. OK, that's just a challenge to me...I looked block by block until I found it but trust me it didn't jump out at me.

    I'm having fun playing with Photoshop Elements although it's a little frustrating at times to know what I want to do and not be able to find the right way to do it in THIS particular program.

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  17. I am thinking I need a new program for working with photos. I need to check that one out. Your quilt is turning out great! Really a beauty! Save the humility block!

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  18. I'm with you there! I've got a bunch of "fun" stuff I need time to learn. EQ is another thing for my imminent retirement. I've now got EQ6 and I have yet to really learn any of them!

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  19. Elaine, this is gorgeous! I can't find your rebel, so he must be the final 'umph' as is this quilt needed it! It is wonderful

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