. . ."How I Spent My Summer Vacation"...
The Introduction
...What do you do when you're a frustrated artist, at least half of your work is digital (someday I'll have to blog those pics), and you've had on-going computer issues since April? Well, if you're me, you put everything else aside and quilt a cover for your Macbook! I'll tell you all about this, but first I must do some gratuitous venting. Sorry. Bear with me, please, it's therapeutic...I think...at least for me....and there are some great pics at the end of this post......
Part One--The Plague
First, the PC that runs Photoshop fell victim to an ugly piece of malware which tanked everything but my files, and would have also stolen my identity if I hadn't outsmarted it and disabled the laptop's wifi. The virus (which actually is a package of multiple viruses that rename themselves constantly) didn't like that I did this, so it crashed necessary things like my printer, Wacom tablet and mouse, and then corrupted the device that installs the drivers.
To shorten a long story, I kissed my Macbook, who (yes, it's a who, not a what), being loyal and virus-free, would lead me back to the promised land of artwork. But first, I would have to call Adobe for a X-platform Photoshop upgrade, or buy new software for the Mac. Upgrade, here I come...
Part Two--The Software
Adobe said, "Sure, but first you must remove all components from your PC, destroy the software you have now, and sign our legal document attesting to the destruction of the software--in blood--yada, yada yada.., and fax it to us." So I did. After a week of hearing nothing, I contacted Adobe who said my fax had "gone missing". They need a new blood-soaked document. So, as suggested, I emailed it as an attachment to the address they gave me. After a week of hearing nothing, I contacted Adobe who said my email had "gone missing, would I send another blood-soaked document, please, this time, through the support portal." OK, I can do that, and I did. Hooray! They got it. But now, I have to wait--maybe 4-6 weeks--for the department that reviews and authenticates such documents to--you guessed it--review and authenticate it. I'm waiting...........and waiting...........still waiting........
Part Three--The Mac
There is a reason that Macs are silver and/or white. It's because they are heavenly bodies. My Macbook has sat beside me, even without Photoshop, and consoled me through all the on-going issues with PC hell and hackers. So I thought, "You protect and enshrine heavenly things, don't you?" Well, there are some awsome-er than life cases and covers for Macbooks, many very artistic, and all quite expensive. I figured that while I waited for my software, I could easily design something stunning and functional for my little white apple, and whip it up in a heart-beat.
Part Four--The Cover
This is what it looks like when it's open. Detail pics of the front closure and sides are below.
When I'm stressed, crocheting unwinds me. I quilted the top-bottom-flap portions of my cover and crocheted the sides. Partly for therapy, partly for function. The sides act as vents if the book is still warm when it's put away. 
Epilogue
I've been spending more time lately with obligatory artwork than with the things I'm inspired to do. At some point, I'm going to have to draw the line, especially since I'm not a weekend crafter who does this for a hobby. With that said, soul-searching is in the works to get me back to my chosen work, which is mixed-media, journal pages, hand-bound books, digital artwork, assemblages, and daily blogging! In the meantime, I've been off-and-on without internet service, as have 10% of the subscribers in the valley, due to a screw-up by !@# cable compay. So please bear with me. I promise to return.......
Right now I am:
Out the door to the library
Reading back issues of "Wired" magazine
Watching nightly marathons of NCIS
Setting up my Facebook (connect to me as a friend!)
Glad my kids get a summer break so we can enjoy more time together!
Have a great day, everyone! I've missed you all!
The cover is gorgeous! I'd want to take care of my baby Mac if I had one too!
Posted by: Nancy | June 14, 2009 at 04:02 PM
WOW ~ I wish I knew how to crochet! I would LOVE to do it. I attempted to teach myself once and it was just KNOT for me! Your laptop cover is a awesome! You have a ton of talent in those fingers Chixlette! =)
Posted by: Tammy | June 14, 2009 at 04:47 PM
Wow, this is absolutely gorgeous! You did such a nice job, and I LOVELOVELOVE the inside fabric! I'm getting a laptop next month and you have inspired me to create something beautiful to house it. Wonderful!
Posted by: Lisa Mallette | June 14, 2009 at 04:51 PM
It's wonderful! I just love every part.
Hugs,
Autumn Clark
Posted by: Autumn Clark | June 15, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Very impressive cover! The crocheted sides is a genius idea. I will be glad to see you back on line, artiphying my heart every day!
Posted by: Lisa | June 16, 2009 at 09:52 AM
barbara-i love it! beautiful, functional what more could a girl ask for. :)
ps-thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog. :)
Posted by: jessica loughrey | June 24, 2011 at 05:44 PM
the cover's gorgeous and i love the crochet. (i just noticed the comment that you left on my blog about the journal i had made with the cover out of the same fabric, thanks for vistiting and commenting! :)i made a quilted sunglasses case out of the fabric too.
Posted by: Jessica | April 04, 2013 at 10:33 AM