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Tuesday, April 14, 2015

First Day With My New Shoes


Whenever I trip or stumble,
I always cover up my embarrassment with a sheepish grin
and say, "First day with my new shoes."

My laptop finally went to live in laptop heaven.
I haven't even been taking pictures 
since I had nothing to import them onto.

It took me a long time to choose a new laptop
because so much has changed 
and to say I was overwhelmed is putting it mildly.

I am not techno-savvy by any stretch of the imagination,
therefore, it has taken me all this time to gain the confidence 
to even open the lid!

So, this is my "first post with my new laptop".

Since I wasn't on the internet,
I was at the machine.
I finished and sent a quilt off to Natalia Bonner at Piece N Quilt
to be custom machine quilted.
I know, I know, you're thinking why didn't I do it myself!
Afterall, I have a new Janome, right?


I think it's obvious from this sneak preview 
that I swiped from Natalia's FB page
that I made a right choice.  I still have a lot of practicing to do before
I tackle a major project and produce anything that looks like this!

I was a little productive throughout the long winter months.
I made my sweet, little friend a special library bag
that I saw on Pinterest.


She's in preschool and goes to the library
once a week.  She loves her library books, 
and she loves to keep her possessions organized in bags,
(she's all girl!)
so how could I resist?
This might be a better look.


Couldn't send Avery a gift without slipping something into the mail
for her darling little sister!


Another finish was this
 quick quilt for Crafty Daughter.


It's a large twin to replace the one I made 
for her HS graduation 20 years ago.
She loved it to death and it finally had to be retired.
She picked out the pattern and the fabrics and I got right to work.
When we are together during the winter months,
she picks out most of my fabrics!
It's so refreshing.

By the way,
I did get new shoes! More exacting, sneakers.


Not the most attractive,
but I'm a walker and needed a sturdy, well made product.
They're kind of clunky, but I haven't had an embarrassing mis-step yet!
The big test will come when I get to Maine
and do some marathon spring birding!
I'm almost there.  Arrived in Massachusetts on Saturday,
and will be heading up in a week or two.

My new computer?
I'm not liking it too much,
but I know I'll get used to it.

Have a great day!
Thanks for stopping by.



37 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Congrats on the new computer.. I love your quilts and the cute library bag. The little one posing with her new bag is adorable.. Happy Birding, have a great new week!

TexWisGirl said...

well, your first post with it was a success. love the book bags! and happy walking in those shoes!

Lynn said...

I love the bags. I need to look for that, now that we have a little one again, and a huge reader at that, we need a library bag. It's always those pesky board books that go missing. Bright cheery quilt!

Sheila said...

So good to see you post , sorry to hear about the computer but at least it gave you extra time to create all these wonderful projects , the bags are adorable and the quilt so colourful and happy . Love the new shoes , my kind of shoes , comfy and supportive ! Looking forward to seeing you next month . Hugs Sheila

Paula, the quilter said...

So what computer did you get?

Fiona said...

You will be a whizz on your new computer in no time.... love your makes.. they are all wonderful... and so fun to see sneaks of the quilting happening.... happy travelling and getting those sturdy shoes ready for birding...
Hugz

Sondra said...

Beautiful work girl!! I dread the day I have to buy a new laptop...*knocking on good wood* It would be so hard to get used to...I still use Win 8 I think...lol and just an old flip top phone..so IM in for trouble when Im forced to move up or move on!

hetty said...

Great first post on your new computer. The book bags look fantastic. Happy travels. Those shoes look very comfortable!

Linda Reeder said...

Those shoes were made for walking!
I'd say you did very well on your first post with your new laptop.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I wondered why you hadn't been blogging :) good luck with the new computer - love your quilting/bags - have fun watching for birds!

grammie g said...

Hey Girl.... Well I guess I can send you my phone number then. I kind of forgot to do that.
You do some wonderful quilting....got more patients then I have. With that kind of patients you have that computer mastered in no time.
Nice "Happy Feet"!!!

Grace

Unknown said...

Good morning dear Karen!
The bags are so adorable and the quilt is so fantastic and colorful! For the walk are this shoes perfect - Enjoy!
Hugs, Deborah

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Lucky you ...fantastic projects x

Doris Rice, The Quilting Queen said...

The bags are perfect and nice quilt too. Change is always hard, at least for me. My son talked me into getting a Mac about a year ago and I hated it at first but now I love it and wouldn't go back to those other brands for nothing.

Vickie said...

Finally I know what to say when I TRIP ! The bags for the little girls are so sweet and nice, I bet they are thrilled....especially the one that loves the library....not many kids do these days so kudos to her parents ! Love your daughters new quilt too. Doesn't it lift your spirit when you see that someone uses your quilty gifts !

Linda said...

We get so used to things and then they change and it takes a while to get the old brain to go in a different direction. It will be old hat before long. Love the library bags. Sooo cute! And the quilt you made for your daughter is wonderful. Love the colours! And of course you know I love your original design quilt. I hope you will bring it along next time we meet. I need to see it in person! You are almost back home! Yay!

Simone de Klerk said...

Your work is always so beautiful, Karen! And you made lots of people happy with your creations!
I've had a new laptop for a while now thinking it would make my life easier. Nothing is less true )-:
Enjoy your new shoes!

Simone de Klerk said...

PS: love your new banner with quote!

Montanagirl said...

Hi there - LOVE those bags: very nice! I also like your new shoes. What kind of computer did you get? One that runs "Windows" or an iMac? Just curious.

DeniseinVA said...

Your quilting is incredible!!! Love the bags and I also took note of your new walking shoes. I really need a good pair of walking shoes. That's a real sweet photo of your little friend :)

Allie said...

I hate tripping, or falling - usually land on my face first. I'll have to remember your line. Ugh to a new laptop - I wish you much luck with it! I hate learning new technology, lol! I LOVE those book bags, oh my gosh what a great idea. The quilt is wonderful - so bright and cheery!!!

Carrie P. said...

The book bag is such a cute idea.
I know you will get used to your computer and your new shoes. I like them. Continue to have safe travels.

Judy said...

Best wishes on learning how to use your new computer! What awesome book bags-having a love of reading is such a great thing. Nice shoes, they look like they would be just the thing for hiking and birding :-)

FlourishingPalms said...

Hi Karen! Love your shoes. "Practical," and that's what counts. Those tote bags are adorable! And what little girl wouldn't like either of them. Gosh, I'd be showing off my library books... if I ever read a "real" book anymore. Maybe now that you have a new computer, you'll be reading that way too. Hope the learning curve isn't too awful. I bet you're finding a whole new world of technology has opened up to you. Safe travels. Enjoy being home again! (Bet you kiss that Janome!)

Bob Bushell said...

Lovely bags, and a shame you didn't get on with your computer, still, you will probably be later.

StitchinByTheLake said...

Two adorable bags! blessings, marlene

Binsa said...

Hi Karen, enjoyed catching up with what you have been up to. Like your sturdy shoes. Regards, Lyn

Karen Ackva said...

You are doing a fantastic job with your new laptop and computer skills. Think about it this way, they may be your new shoes, but you are walking in them everyday and don't just put them away in the closet. Great idea with the library book bag. I might have to make a few! ;-)
Hugs, Karen

Michelle said...

I absolutely love the library bag!

Lesley said...

Hope the learning curve for the new laptop is getting smaller! Love the library bag and the turtle bag. What a smart way to use selvedges! And your daughter's quilt is beautiful...bet she loves it!

Lorna McMahon said...

Yay for new shoes and a new laptop! Glad you are able to post again. Avery's new book bag and the one made for her little sister are both adorable! Love the crosshatch quilting. And that new quilt made for your daughter is super sweet.

Dave said...

Sharp shoes!

Julia D @ Jada's Quilting Adventures said...

Love the library bag! So cute! And such a good idea :) I love all your projects! And the quilting by Natalia is gorgeous! Thanks for showing me so many beautiful creations :)

Val's Quilting Studio said...

Avery's bag is adorable. Returning the visit and glad I did!! Lots of fun posts to check out. val from myplvl.blogspot.com

Kathie Brown said...

Karen, I need a new computer as well and am resisting for the same reason you are! I hope you two become friends soon! I wish they would quit changing so many things!

Unknown said...

Those library bags are very sweet!

Lynette said...

I would love to have one of my tops quilted by Natalia. I see having things quilted by internationally-known quilters to be in the exact same vein as collecting works of art. I got some tops done by 4 names 2 or 3 years ago. Won't have money to do more that way for a year or 2, but I know I'll collect some more. :) The fun thing is, they appreciate in value like art does, too, as the quilters accrue awards. I have 2 done by Margaret Solomon, and they just jumped again in value with her name. Don't ever apologize for collecting other quilters' work even though you can do it yourself. It's a great idea if you can afford it!