Today has been one of those days where I did get some things accomplished but I also feel like I have spent too much time sitting at the computer!! With the new camera that I got for Christmas a program for the computer was included which lets you deal with your photos in a different way. You can take panorama shots and stitch them together on the computer making say 4 shots of the lake into one photo. First I had problems installing and ended up doing it all over again – then to figure out how to use it!! I can type, do email, do my blog ect., but I haven’t any idea how most programs work 
I tried this one but will need Mike to help me understand how to use it better.)
this is 4 photos of the lake "stitched" together in to one photo. It really didn't turn out right as part of the railing in this photo is curved and it isn't! Also you can see streaks of dark color where the photo's are stitched together - not bad for a first try I guess. This will need some work 
Now other than wandering out to the lake to take these photos I first went to the fitness center and got in some exercise which I needed after eating too many Christmas cookies recently Before going to the fitness center I did get out my four patches and got to work.
a string of 50 4 patches put together
a box of 4 patches (100 of them) 50 more are waiting on the cutting table for squaring up, some are done more are waiting in line. The empty box from the 12 pack of Ramen noodles came in very handy - I needed a place to store these until I use them - I think this box will handle 315 or whatever that number was pretty well.
more strips waiting to be put together.
I do find that putting the camera on the setting for close ups of flowers ect. works great for close ups of fabric. The color is really clear and these photos aren’t as out of focus as some of my old ones with the old camera. I will have to keep practicing on that.
December 29th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Karen, You’ll have to thank your husband from all of us out in blog land for giving you that new camera. Now we will get to see crisp and beautiful photos of your quilts (in progress and otherwise) and the nature in your area. That was a great gift! And WOW that’s a lot of 4-patches!!!!
December 29th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
CONGRATS on your new camera Karen! I guess it takes time to learn all its features. My digital camera has a fixed lense, which is hopless. Whatever I try I never get sharp enough close-ups.
Have to pester hubby for a new and better camera too! 
) I still love my old Canon EOS camera, and use it regular. The disadvantage is it takes time to finish a film and to develop too…
December 30th, 2009 at 6:50 am
Congratulations on figuring how to use those features on your new camera!
Looks like your new quilt is going to be huge!!!
happy sewing!
Miriam´s last blog ..Merry Christmas.
December 30th, 2009 at 8:51 am
The camera takes lovely pictures, even with the bent railing, it give the photo some character IMHO LOL. WOW that is a looooong chain of patches, I don’t envy you having to square them up
)
Crispy
December 30th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Mike just told me that with panorama shots it is normal to have some curves in the photo – weird.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
I also received a new camera for Christmas and am enamored with it. It is definitely a step up from my previous. The quality of the photos is wonderful. I love the panoramic shot, even though the railing is curved. Looks like your are making progress on your 4 patches.
Jackie´s last blog ..Signs of Progress
December 30th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Karen, we had about an inch of snow last night (Wed PM/Thur AM). Woke up to white, but it melted by 2 PM today. How big will your “yo-yo” quilt be? Thanks, Joyce.
December 31st, 2009 at 8:48 am
Looks like you’re marching along with the 4 patches!
Love the vista shot…really great looking even with the stripey “dark clouds”!
I should use the flower setting more often…I forget about it!
Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year!
Miri´s last blog ..Millenium Yo-Yo Quilt Finish!