Coverstitching and Serging

I just spent (dare I admit it) over 2.5 hours remembering how to switch my serger from a regular Serge stitch to a Coverstitch. Previously, I've only coverstitched in classes and that was well over three years hence. While I still have the manual, it's a little tough when for each of the 13 steps, you have to try to figure out which switch/cover/thing they are telling you to move.

When I finally got it working, I wasn't *thrilled* with the results, but was glad to get the hem done. Then, I thought it would be oh-so-simple to return my serger to it's former serging state. Sadly, after five re-threadings, I sent my friend home (without her dresses sleeves finished) and told her I'd keep working on it. :P

The good news here is that I cleared off (most) of my sewing room surfaces AND got my hands on fabric again. I always love the hum of a machine with the feel of fibers slipping through my fingers... and once I get a taste of it, I remember how therapeutic it is for me and find myself returning to the fabric and machines.

Watercolor & Transportation

Just about done with that watercolor... I finally choose to paint the quilt with color-scheme number 2, which was my 2nd choice, but many of your 1st choice.


All that's left is to ink it... and decide if it will have a face (like my trademark smiley) or a blank face, like Suzy Toronto's style.

What do you think, blank face or smiley face?

[Does anyone else get nervous at this point in a project? When it comes to inking it and finishing it off?]

In other news, with my prospective internship, I needed a vehicle to drive for 5 weeks, and my Geology Professor today offered to let me borrow his extra car. "Whoo-hoo!" for blessings coming from unexpected sources!!! :D

Yum!

While running around on Halloween taking photos, I came across this...


...and, no. I didn't eat one. Actually, I was so busy gathering possible photos for the paper that I didn't even *think* to eat one! <=-o

I love the color and forms on this photo... it's actually my desktop background these days. ;)

Adobe Photoshop Skills - Photomerge & Collage

Today I learned how to create a panoramic image (using Photomerge). This image was made (very easily) using 11 images.


I thought this would lend itself to a web banner. My cousin wants to create a blog, so I threw some text on it that might suit her.


I also made a true "collage", though I realize I've been picking up the skills used in this all semester.


Although Jack wanted to see more of himself, so I made another version...


What do you think? Which do you like?

I loved making both sets!

Photojournalism - FRONT PAGE

Today one of my photos made it on the front page, above fold, in color, with credits! YEAH!!!

I woke Tom and Frank up screaming (with joy) and jumping up and down.

The photo is of two siblings casting their ballots at yesterday's election... it's certainly not the artistic or portraiture style I've done in the past, but it's what the newspaper editor wants/needs.


In July, I set the following Photojournalism Goals:

1. Get published in the local paper(s).
2. Get on the front page of the paper.
3. Participate in training at the paper.
4. Get an assignment from the paper (to go photograph a certain event).
5. Have written articles published (with or without photos).
6. Get paid.

As of today, I have accomplished the first three... in the past seven weeks, fourteen photos have been published... that's two per week, which I think is pretty darn great!!!

Photojournalism - PTO Fall Carnival

I was published again today (albeit without credit or being named). Here are the photos from the PTO Fall Carnival last Thursday that made it to print:

School Carnival

MAGIC SHOW - Adam Ranger dazzles students at the Elementary School Carnival Oct. 22 at the Events Complex with his magical mysteries.

FISHING FOR FUN - Kaylin, age 7, was one of many children who joyfully took home dozens of donated goldfish at the Fall Carnival for the Elementary School's PTO.

ALL SMILES - Kortney, age 7, enjoys the show in her fancy attire.

Today was great because there was a thumbnail of Kortney on PAGE ONE!!! So, I made it on the front page, even though it was just a thumbnail. Next... get "above the fold" WITH photographic credit! ;)

Making a Mermaid Tail

I just saw this wonderful little tutorial on making a mermaid tail and had to share.

Photo from Elegant Bloggery

It's times like these that I wish we had a daughter!

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5:53pm - HEY!!! I *JUST* realized I could make the boys MerMAN fins!


Give them a pitch fork and crown so they could be "King Triton".


In the background, I hear Tom saying "it was at that point, Your Honor, I was forced to kill her..."