Over the Kitchen Counter: Angie's Place for Cooking and Crafts

hp Sprocket instant pocket printer review

I have been researching the hp Sprocket mini printer for a while and finally gave in and purchased it. This is a super fun pocket-size printer that instantly prints 2x3" photos using ZINK zero Ink printing technology. That ZINK feature is pretty much what sold me on this buy. NO INK! Because I am a Happy Planner and scrapbooker, I really wanted to be able to add small photos to my pages to help remember special, and perhaps even more importantly, everyday, moments. I tried using my regular printer to get those pics but a) I needed to wait until I had enough to fill an entire photo paper page, and b) my regular printer SUCKS ink and it was costing a fortune (and inconvenience) every time I printed. I didn't do this more that 3 times before I realized I needed a different approach. My source for printing regular photos only offers mini prints in a collage of 4 of the same so that wasn't cost effective, and certainly not convenient.

The HP sprocket is exactly what I was looking for. Instant prints, one at a time, right at home, no waiting, and with no ink. It cost about $160 for the printer and the packets of paper are about $25, making each photo about $0.50. To be honest, I am a gadget/electronic girl to begin with so the more I watched videos of this little guy in action, the more I convinced myself it was worth every penny. I am not disappointed!

My very first print was a little streaky but after that, they have been really good! The reviews are mostly favourable and I am having so much fun using the sprocket. It is so tiny and light, fits in the palm of your hand, and is really sleek (I got the white one with rose gold). It is so simple to set up and use and the app offers SO MANY fun features! It is really cool to be able to completely edit your pics right on your phone and add borders, text, fun filters, etc. I could play for hours! There is instant gratification to be able to print a photo immediately to include in your planner page right away. 

You can save your edited photos to your phone, share them on all the social media platforms, and even add them to a print queue to print later. You can print directly from those social media sites directly as well so that is super fast and convenient if you're willing to sign in and share data with HP. You can print on the go, enable mobile printing from other apps, and even create custom stickers from your own drawings. One feature I'm quite excited to try is the tile printing option. You can print out different configurations of a photo and then assemble them to create a large tiled mosaic print.

There is a photobooth mode and even a way to scan photos and link them to relive memories through more images and videos from the same day or location. Again, if you are willing to share your info and photos, there are available magic frames and hidden treasures, themes and seasonal additions that can allow for augmented reality experiences! That gets a little too weird for me but could be fun!

I am thrilled so far with this purchase and love printing my photos in just the right size for my planner. There are some instances when I can print a quick pic to represent an everyday activity that I probably wouldn't otherwise print (our weekend bike route, a picnic lunch, or picking veggies in the garden, etc.) and it's nice to be able to remember those moments along with the big birthdays or vacations.

I have even changed the way I'm going to scrapbook and memory keep because of the sprocket and can't wait to share what system I have put together!

Home Videos to DVDs

I was very organized when the kids were little and I would film them often using an 8mm camera. Immediately, I would transfer them onto VHS tapes so they would be easy to pop into the machine and watch. Fast-forward 18 years or so and we are on our last working VCR/tv combo! With the move imminent and feelings of nostalgia, AND seeing a sign in my copy store that they provide a DVD transfer service, I knew it was time to get this long-neglected task done. Such precious memories are too valuable to leave to chance (VHS tape breaking, no player in existence left on Earth, fire, etc.) and deserve to be protected.

I did the first batch of 16 with #5 missing because when I went to re-wind the tape (oh boy, remember when you had to 'be kind and rewind', lol!!!???) and check it was working I suddenly had a very big Al Roker telling me what the weather was going to be for that day in 1993! That particular year was copied over with the Today Show. Bummer, but it was really interesting to watch the news in hindsight! It is not an inexpensive process so even though I had a few more to have transferred, I started with 16.

When I got them back I checked the first CD. It was so funny to see ourselves at the beginning of our marriage in our first home. Now, 24 years and 4 houses later, here we are and re-living those early days is so amazing. To witness life as new parents of a darling daughter, and later a set of boy/girl twins, you realize you did pretty well. What a flurry of energy!! Of course, I filmed the babies' arrivals, holidays and celebrations, sports and school events, and visits to special places. But, more importantly, I made sure to record the mundane. The kids frolicking in the sprinkler, the interactions with grand parents, eating meals and just playing with toys or splashing in the bath. Those are the most heartwarming to watch and my kids are able to actually see what they were like. There were so many sweet moments between us and the siblings...kisses and tickles, laughing and dancing. I captured some of the squabbles too, (one twin was a biter!), stolen balls, eye patch from a thrown one, and the like. I filmed each house too (originally to prove the condition we'd left it in for each new buyer) which may seem boring but is a wonderful keepsake when looking back. I will do it for this house too.

We were a little melancholy to realize just how long we've been in this particular home and how young our kids were. I filmed as we drove down the road for the first time to show them the house and back then it was a new neighbourhood with tiny trees and open fields. Oh, how things have changed!

As I wax nostalgic for the years gone by I look forward to the next phase in our lives. I tell this tale to encourage you to gather and preserve your home videos and photos and to cherish those representations of your past. My children have joined us each night they are home to work through the CDs and remember their childhood. There was one disc copied from a tape my siblings and I made for our parents long ago. It contained mostly old home film from the 50s and 60s when my brothers were young and it is absolutely fascinating for me to see. The outfits, cars, and homes are so cool (especially now that I'm into vintage machines and adore period shows like MadMen) but seeing my mother and father as young parents themselves, pretty much doing the exact things we did (swimming, hockey, Christmas morning, visiting family) it was just one of those 'Circle of Life' moments. There is only about 30 seconds of footage of me (projector slides and a busy life took over for the movie camera) but it is wonderful to see my sister and me skipping around and playing in the sand. I know how much I enjoyed seeing those 30 seconds and happy I could give my kids HOURS of footage for them to experience.

EQ7 Progress: Lessons

While my hand-quilting is frustrating me, learning EQ7 (Electric Quilt) has been a blast!  As I mentioned, I'm working through the supplied lessons in order to understand what the software is capable of and how to use the features.

The lessons are divided into six categories, including quilts, EasyDraw, Printing, images, blocks, and applique - with several exercises in each to complete.  They really are an excellent teaching tool and I can tell they are designed to make you repeatedly use key functions until they become second nature.  You don't actually have to sew anything but all the projects are saved in the 'sketchbook' for later use if wanted.

So far, I love the program.  I'm not sure how much drawing and designing I will do from scratch because there are over 500 blocks and patterns built right into the program and I can't imagine I'd have to re-invent the wheel with all of those available.  There are over 5,000 fabrics in the library, including Gail Kessler's Dimples line (kind of cool for me since I met her and have the swatch chart).  Using the various tools is pretty intuitive, once you know what's there and how they work.  I'm sure it's a virtual playground for a true designer!  I feel like an impostor designer adding fabrics and blocks to imaginary quilts!  With all the colours, fabrics, borders, embroidery, applique, blocks, layouts, sizes, photos, etc. at your fingertips, the possibilities are endless.

I am almost through all the lessons and then I will switch to the manual and print off more specific instructions for the things I want to do, like create labels, plan a photo quilt, and import my own fabrics.  I think the fun will really begin for me then!  This is truly an exciting piece of software and I would totally recommend it for anyone who enjoys producing custom quilts.

Electric Quilt

There's nothing like diving right in, huh?  I just purchased EQ7 - the Electric Quilt software.  I may be overwhelming myself since I'm still adjusting to even using my Mac, but I figured I could learn the new software as I go and I might as well start now and figure out both together.

I'm relieved that everything installed correctly and is activated.  That's step 1!  There are work-at-your-own-pace lessons that teach you the basics of the program so I plan on starting there.  I've read that it is very powerful software and there is a learning curve.  I'm so excited by all the potential for designing it offers and I look forward to learning all it can do.  I emailed the company with questions several times and I'm certainly impressed with their quick replies and customer service.  I think that is a positive sign!

I'm not in any rush to produce an actual quilt so I don't feel pressured.  I am going to play around with the program, maybe scan and import some of my fabric stash (a very cool feature being able to view the quilts you create using your own fabric), and perhaps make a label for my Downton Abbey quilt.  I certainly have enough purchased patterns and quilts from my library of books on my to-do list to keep me busy. I'm confident that the software I bought will be useful in the future as my interests and skills (and desire to customize) develop.

Do any of you have and use EQ7; I'm open to any reviews and comments.  I'm kind of hoping for a quiet winter so I can work on all this fun stuff!

HELLO!

Just dropping in via my ipad to say hello and give you an update. I'm picking up my computers today now that my data migration from PC to Mac is done. I'm very excited about the new system and can't wait to get back to work. I already have a few things to share with you when I'm connected again - some new fabric, an awesome beauty tool, a pasta recipe, and my review of an AMAZING new Craftsy class. It has me so pumped to get going basting my DWR quilt. I found a room to baste it in, I just have to get that backing pieced first. If I could find five minutes to be at home, that would be helpful. I have to travel to get to the nearest Apple store and my kids are away at school in opposite directions. It's all worth the time and driving, especially when I proudly watched my daughter make her Teacher's College oath!

The Big Switch!

Well, we are empty nesters (for the school year, anyway!) once again and kid #3 is moved and settled. We are feeling pretty proud of ourselves to have three kids in university and we survived transporting them and all their stuff.  We are getting too old to be the movers though!

With that all taken care of I have decided to make the big (HUGE, for me) leap from PC to Mac.  I have been pondering this for years and the time finally feels right to do it.  I am kind of terrified and worried about all the PC programs I will have to leave behind (e.g. Embird, for my embroidery) but am hopeful that I can make the switch without too many headaches.

I've done quite a bit of homework and since I am already comfortable with Apple products (iphone, ipad, ipod) I am not too concerned about the learning curve.  Techie stuff, gadgets, and new hardware are my thing anyway so I am much more excited than anxious.  We even threw in Apple tv so hubby will have some fun too!

One of the reasons I have chosen to do this transition now is because I really want to get the quilting software EQ7.  It seems like the most fabulous tool, allowing you to design your own quilts, print patterns, audition one's own fabrics, create labels, ...the list goes on and on!  I am beyond thrilled at the prospect of so much unlimited design potential and think it is going to be a phenomenal help - it does all the math for you and even tells you how much yardage you'll need!!!!  Eeeeek!!!

I have my fingers crossed that not much will change in terms of the way I do things on this blog.  If you notice me gone for a few days in the coming weeks (hopefully not longer than that or something is scarily amiss!), it is probably just a hiccough in the process.  I have paid for support and have three Apple-loving/pushing kids to help.  Now, this post came full circle, didn't it?  I still need those children as much as they still need me!

If you have any input regarding the change from PC to Mac, I welcome all advice!  If you use EQ7, please let me know how you like it and if there's anything I should know before I buy!!!  Please leave a comment - I love to hear from you!!!

Computer Tension & Tension Tension

Two weeks ago my computer was attacked while I was visiting a quilting board to look up information about my Horizon 7700.  While I was sewing the LCD screen started flickering and I wanted to see if others had the same issue.  The virus left me with no computer for 4 days and although my service tech has since removed the virus, I'm still having headaches.  My laser printer drivers are not working and now all my USB ports are dead so I am unable to upload any new material.

With my Horizon acting up and my computer limited, it has been a worrisome couple of weeks.  Add to that some major issues I had with my quilting set-up.  With my three quilt tops ready to be quilted I decided to start with the Secret Garden quilt because I knew which pantograph I wanted to use.  I loaded the three layers on my Grace frame.  My machine (1600P) had just been serviced and everything was in place.  I did some test stitching and things looked good.  However, the quilting session did not go well.  It made me feel like all the progress and skill I've achieved over the last year was completely wiped out.  I was so frustrated and disappointed.

The first row of stitches I sewed were in a straight line across the top of the quilt to allow me to pull up the quilt top evenly.  When I looked underneath, the bobbin thread was hanging in deep loops!  I proceeded to adjust and fiddle, doing test pass after pass, using scrap fabric along the top of the quilt back and batting.  I got some improvement but when I went to do my first row of pantograph quilting, it was just unacceptable.  After spending the morning loading the quilt and the afternoon trying to get the tension right, I got so frustrated I abandoned the whole thing.  The stress of fighting with that machine to get and maintain good tension and the limitations of the quilting field take all the fun out of the experience.  I felt completely defeated.

I unpinned the quilt top and it was such a mess.  In my attempts to get things right I had quilted about 5 rows of stitching, along with many areas of loop-de-loops and meanders.  It took me about 4 hours to unpick it all, which I had to do because I inadvertently used up too many inches in the backing fabric, making it too small for my quilt top.  Thank goodness for the Seam Fix ripper, which was a huge help in getting all the stitches out.  I love that thing!

I got my husband to break down the frame as much as possible and push it out of the way (it's too long to store anywhere in our house).  I took off the machine and brought back my folding tables.  I couldn't even spray baste my quilts to prepare for the Horizon because the garage is full of mud, dirt, and clumps of salty, icy snow from the winter.  Can you sense my disheartened state of mind???  I felt so frustrated because I WANTED to quilt a pantograph on this particular quilt.  I WANT to have the option of doing free-motion stand-up quilting because it's so fun, I'm getting good at it, and it's so nice not to have to fight the quilt under the sewing machine on a table.  I also enjoy the option of using rulers.  The frame set-up offers a different quilting experience than stitching on a regular sewing machine.  Plus, I spent a (relatively) big chunk of money on the setup - the 1600P is a beautiful machine and off the frame I get gorgeous stitches and it flies!  That machine is a heavy piece of machinery and it is fast!

After settling down and doing my research, I realized that I will not be able to afford a long-arm machine for quite a long time.  I also HATE to give up and the next day I re-assembled my Grace frame, loaded up my quilt AGAIN, and tried once more.  I was able to finish my Secret Garden quilt with the pantograph I wanted and the 1600, frame, and I are all friends again.  I guess I lost my patience and was at a low point of tolerance when I gave up.  I should have just taken a break!

I will share my photos when I can upload to my computer again.  At least I have one problem sorted...

i-pad

Given my new obsession with Steve Jobs and Apple, I was very excited to receive an i-pad for Christmas.  Obviously, the device needs no introduction but since it's new to me, I have had fun discovering what I can do on it and loading it up with the apps I want.  It seems like a giant i-pod to me and it's much easier for me to see and read on it with the larger screen!  (Man, I'm getting old!)

I ordered a case for it (hasn't arrived yet) and while I don't think I'll be carrying it around in my purse, the i-pad is IDEAL for me in my sewing room.  Since I have taken so many excellent Craftsy classes and don't have a laptop, I can now watch the lessons on the i-pad, right next to my sewing machine.  It will be much more convenient to have it beside me with the instructor's guidance as I stitch.  My desktop computer is in another room and my i-phone is too small to see!

Now that I have a true appreciation for the beautiful craftsmanship of Apple products I am very smitten with my new device!  My hubby thinks I have been drawn into the Apple cult!