#67 - Say Cheese!

I have been wanting a new camera for quite a while now. Nothing was wrong with the camera I had. It is a Nikon Coolpix point & shoot camera. I just wanted something with more features, a better zoom and higher quality photos and video. I am not and will never be the next great photographer. I didn't see the need in getting a DSLR with all the lenses and stuff to carry around. I am one that if I get something that there are optional accessories then I want the accessories even if I don't need them. So, it was better for me to pick a camera that didn't have all the fancy accessories. 

Enter the Nikon D5100.  

"The D5100 is a high-performance D-SLR designed to stimulate your creative side and help you create still images and movies like no other. The swing-out vari-angle monitor combines with the camera's D-movie function to enable unique shots from any angle. Still images or movies can be shot using a special effect to add a sense of magic. High Dynamic Range imaging lets you capture exquisitely detailed stills of high-contrast scenes. The perfect way to capture your view of the world, this camera was made with freedom of expression in mind."

Doesn't it sound all important? Well, thanks to Josh and Christmas 2012 it is now mine. :) 

#67 Done.

#61 - Trial and Error

I got my embroidery machine for Christmas 2011. It sat for 9 months with me being intimidated by the embroidery functions of the machine. I loved it as a sewing machine, but was just too scared to try the embroidery part. Of course I had spent money purchasing patterns to embroider, purchased embroidery thread & stabilizers and yet fear overtook me.

Finally about September or October I got up the nerve, gritted my teeth and did some sample embroidery on some scrap white fabric. Ok, I think I've got this. Why was I scared? Piece of cake....

With my new found confidence I committed to doing some embroidery for some people for Christmas gifts. The anxiety came back. What if I mess up the item they purchased? What if they don 't like it? What if What if What if.... I might spontaneously combust!

So in typical Debbie fashion, I committed to doing something that was not just a simple design but basically 12 images into one design. What was I thinking? I did some research with my bff Google. I learned that the best thing to do with such scenarios is to use some digitizing software to combine the images into one. By doing that the images will be lined up properly, make it look better, easier to embroider, and therefore less stressful. Oh if it was that easy... I must have downloaded 6 different software demos before I found one that was written for me. After wanting to scream and losing sleep I had the first file ready to go.

Once again I was nervous so I did a sample on my trusty white fabric. It looked awesome! I was in the clear. All smooth sailing from here. No No... Not so quick. Of course it couldn't just go smoothly for me. On the last letter of the name, my needle broke. I replaced the needle and tried to get it going again only for it to cram the dress down into the machine, tearing a hole in the dress. Depression has officially set in. Now I have to find another dress. Ugh! After driving to two different Old Navy stores in Charlotte, I found one 5T dress. It was a different color but it was my only choice. I felt horrible.

Back home I now have the replacement and now the pressure is even greater than ever. I now know that not only has my machine failed me on one dress but I have the only 5T to be found in my hands. What if something happens to this one? AAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Breathe!  So I doubled up on the stabilizer, took a deep breath and tried again. Success!!!

So after the first dress catastrophe, I successfully embroidered 2 dresses, 5 hand towels and 2 stockings. I think I can officially say I have learned from trial and error. I have confidence that I know what I am doing.... Doesn't mean I won't be a nervous wreck next time I go to embroider something. :)

#61 off the list