Monday, November 03, 2008

Late to the Party

I really enjoyed seeing Calamity Kim's Halloween movies, so I thought I'd show you mine.

One movie is missing. I managed to break Shaun of the Dead yesterday as I wrestled it out of its packaging. boohoo! I don't care about high definition this or that, I just want indestructable DVDs. I broke Terminator earlier this year. Don't know my own strength.

I didn't even watch any of these this year. I've been continuing on the Buffy kick. Buffy's award at the end of The Prom episode made me cry.

I want to show you the fabric I picked out for the Peace and Plenty quilt for my mom and dad. Now if Lily would just get out of the way...

This quilt will be a mix of hand-dyes and commercial prints. Not sure all of these will get used, but it helps to have an assortment to choose from.

Enough contrast?
On a completely different topic, I'm thinking of switching to a Mac computer. I've never actually used one, but lots of things about it appeal to me. I don't have any PC programs that I really use, except for Upwords and I'll still be able to do that easily. Anybody made the switch and hated it? Any words of advice?

34 comments:

antique quilter said...

switching to a mac was the best thing I ever did
I love it
I cant use eq on it but thats ok.
I plan on buying CS4 so that will give me the ablitiy to draft all my own patterns anyway.
I LOVE the service you get at the MAC store , I have taken classes and they are great.
email me if you want more info
Kathie

Hilda said...

I'm finding myself in need of a new computer as well. I found this great article in Popular Mechanics, http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/reviews/4258725.html
I know I don't want Windows Vista--besides having to buy new versions of software, my daughter's geek boyfriend says that Vista is the Devil! Finding a new system with WinXP is nearly impossible, and though I could partition the HD for a dual boot, it seems like a lot of trouble to go to for a new computer.
Hilda

Clare said...

Breaking DVD's is one of my great fears. Why do they make them so difficult to get out of the box!

I like the oranges and purples together.

Can't help you on the Apple front, but a Mac has got to be better than the dreaded Vista. What does your Sweetie think?

Do you think it's going to ever stop raining (sigh).

Twisted Quilts said...

I love your choice of fabric. For some reason for the last year or so orange is my favorite color. I even painted my kitchen orange and put up some Georgia O'Keefe prints. She uses a lot of orange and purple together.

My computer geek son was totally against Macs but now he has changed his mind. I told him I would not know how to use it and he says it is very intuitive.

Unknown said...

My kids keep telling me to switch to a Mac and step into the light of a new day. LOL BTW, I have Vista and it does have some odd quirks. Like the screen going black for a moment, like it's blinking. Kind of unnerving.

Love the colors you've chosen for the Peace and Plenty quilt. Why do the animals always have to insert themselves into any photo?

Anonymous said...

I'm interested in switching to a Mac, too, although financially it will be a few years down the road. Fortunately, I do not have to struggle with Vista!

I love the fabrics for your quilt (and your cat!), but the black and white photo makes me think you need a little more variety in value. You have maybe 5 or 6 darks, one light, and whole bunch of midrange fabrics. If you can work in any more lighter fabrics, it might be a good idea. You don't have to use them in large quantities, just the occasional blip of light here and there to keep the eye moving. Whatever you choose, I'm sure it will be a gorgeous quilt! I like the Peace and Plenty block - I used it for a wedding quilt a few year ago.

Donna said...

the fabrics you've chosen for "peace" are warm and comfy looking... draw me into a sense of sitting by the fireside wrapped up...

THe only reasons I can find for not switching to a MAC is 1)the cost 2) you can't easily get peices replaced -- and I tend to upgrade by changing peices not the whole thing and 3) I have a number of computer programs and old files I owuldn't be able to convert for a MAC without a lot more investment...

The Calico Cat said...

1. I love my MAC!
2. While you may not have enough value contrast, I find it to be a bit overrated...

Kelli said...

I am a long time Mac user but use PCs at work. While Macs are typically more expensive, they are far superior/user-friendly machines. Great customer service and value. BTW, Vista is the devil.

Well worth the switch IMHO. ~ksp

Cathi said...

I made the switch to a Mac at the beginning of the year and absolutely love it. There is not one single thing I miss about a PC. It was the threat of having to upgrade to Vista that made me take the jump -- and I'm so glad I did.

Quiltdivajulie said...

I bought my Mac laptop in June and have never looked back. When we rearranged the office at home this past two weeks, the PC went away. Woo hoo!!! (Still have Electric Quilt and Family Tree Maker on DH's PC as they are not supported by Mac - archived they are). Have to use a PC at work all day - but that is "their" fault and not mine...

Go for it ~ and if you get stuck, ask away. Lots of us out here have probably already encountered whatever newbie issues you might have (they're few and far between).

LOVE the colors for the next quilt ~ incredibly warm and rich.

Anonymous said...

those are some scary, movies! although beetlejuice always makes me sing.

I love buffy. it's a deep dark secret. I'm in the final season so I'm sort of sad. I cried a lot during the fifth season, and the sixth...and the seventh..

Anonymous said...

i love my mac. i've had one since 1997 and would never go back. it is very user-friendly and can support many programs. i say, go for it.

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

Love my mac. I've never had anything other... no virsuses! thats the best part ot MACs their software seesm to really do a good job...

If you take a LOT of photos, like I do, go for the MOST MEMORY, or look in to an external hard drive just to store photos. As they eat memory up like crazy...

Go to a mac store if possible. Service is exceptional(in store & on phone), and they run free classes on learning how to use the programs...

Colleen and Jason said...

I've been using macs since I was 12... well, then, in 1983 it was an Apple IIe. I had one foray with a PC but it was an unhappy time. I love love love them and have yet to say, boy, I can't do X and I can't live without X. EQ is the only thing I've said I can't do, but I live without and all is fine.

By the way, saw this recently and wanted to share:
http://www.dsquilts.com/co_lazygal.html

mikawendy said...

I love Macs! I use one for work. I like that it crashes much less often. If a program freezes up, it doesn't freeze the whole rest of the computer. It also seems less prone to viruses.

jude said...

i have used both and except for a somewhat more pretty presentation the only advantage is some ease in handling huge graphics files. i know many people who say they crash more and many people who swear by them. i personally see no real difference except the design and the price. i use a very high end sony vaio pc. always my first choice.

Holly said...

We started out with a Mac and will be going back to one as soon as we can justify buying a new computer. Never shoulda left.

Anonymous said...

Love the colors of the fabrics you selected!

I love my Mac too. I got one this summer because a computer-nerd nephew convinced me you don't need to be real concerned about viruses with Apple products. Besides the user-friendly aspects of Mac and the cuteness factor, I also love that I can walk into an Apple Store and talk to a tech anytime, or set up an appointment at the "Genius Bar." The Apple geniuses are so brainy and they are also cute, and I've found their customer service to be superb as well. And all the classes they offer...including one for people switching over. Plus there is a very good, thick book you can pick up, "Switching to the Mac, Leopard Edition." It is extremely well-written and funny too.

I use a PC at work. I put up with it. But I love my Mac I really love it. Best!

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

My daughter changed over to a Mac after her son got one and she tried it. She has advised me to get it for my next one too, says it is easy to learn.

I don't think you have to be too concerned with value changes when you want a nice warm combination. Maybe you just need a few more purples, dark greens to balance the oranges (oposites on color wheel).

Anonymous said...

From what I've seen of your other work, I think you'll be happier with a little more contrast-either more bright golds or some light backgrounds with those colors printed on them (or woven into), but that's just my opinion. The blended look can be quite nice, too. It all depends what you're after. . .
Lois

Kristin Shields said...

Beautiful colors! I think you might need some more lights if you want to make letters.

Kristin L said...

Love the kitty guarding the movies. Young Frankenstein is a classic any time of year! Looks like you could use a dark dark and a few lighter golds for your plenty quilt, unless you're looking for a subdued mood. I've met quite a few people who have switched from PC to Mac and none have hated it. My hubby preached the gospel of Mac and open source programs to classmates this summer and has had at least four converts. (http://www.blog.artlaflamme.com/?p=1011) He himself switched from mooching off my Mac to his own full time one last year. I of course have been one of the faithful since the beginning -- they are stable, intuitive, and darned stylish.

Cher said...

my week of using a mac laptop was frustrating, so I can't help you out-sounds like most folks are happy with their macs. Great colors-I too thought a few more lights might be good.

Susan Lenz said...

Hi!
It seems like FOREVER since I've had the chance to read blogs and leave comments. Just last Sunday I returned from the six week artist residency on Westport Island in Maine. During this time I had to deal with dial-up service and my own broadband connection (which wasn't very fast compared to high speed). Thus, I never got a chance to thank you for commenting. It really meant a lot to hear words of support and encouragement. Being around a group of highly education, totally articulate, and absolutely professional artist can be a bit daunting. The support of cyber friends was fantastic. Thanks again!
Susan
PS I LOVE the PEACE!

Mama Spark said...

I use my Mac every day and I love it! We have a PC at home and I MUCH prefer my Mac. I do most of my computing from my Mac at work. Just Do It!!

black bear cabin said...

We are all mac junkies in this house, and i LOVE mine!!! Of course, i rcvd my degree in computer imaging...and everything in that field is done on a mac, so what can i say...its all i know :) But they are incredibly user friendly!
your fabric choices are gorgeous...i look forward to watching your progress on that.
as for your movies....i have a very similar collection...though my favorite in the bunch is Sleepy Hollow!

Susan said...

After 20 years with PCs -- for which I had to keep a geek on retainer -- last year I bought a Mac. I would never go back. Virtually problem-free.

Lynda said...

What a shame about Shaun of the Dead! That film is so funny, especially when they are trying to kill the zombies by throwing records at them! My son has a Mac which he loves, but I have no opinion (for once!)

jacquie said...

i adore my mac...been a mac girl for 5 years...buy the apple care...it's worth every penny. i have teens in the house and with a pc we had viruses and spyware and the black screen of death...with my mac...not ONE problem. it was worth every stinkin penny i spent!

Tanya said...

The colors are SOOO great for that Peace quilt! I wish I was sitting beside you just touching all that wonderful fabric! And giving a pet to Lily too!

BetsyE said...

I switched to Mac about 1 year ago and I've never been sorry. It was a little frustrating at first... things were so much easier than Windows, I couldn't always figure it out! :-) I have EQ6 on my Mac because I have Windows on my Mac too (that actually made the switch easier), but that's the only thing I use the Windows side for.

Love the fabric. While it doesn't have a lot of value contrast in the b&w pic, it's really rich in color... I think it would be great!

Marianne said...

Entering a bit late in the discussion, but had to put my two cents' worth in, I've had my MacBook Pro for 16 months now and it is the best thing I ever did. I look back and wonder how I could stand that Microsoft crap! Mac is so user friendly and just so logical me being rather non-techie! I say go for it. You won't be disappointed.

Katie said...

I'm just catching up with blog reading.

YES! Switch to a Mac. :-) All the headaches that are inherent in Windows will go away.