Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House Chapter 4 - Simplicity Creative Group

Checker Distributor
62 Anniversary Open House
Chapter 4
Simplicity Creative Group

You may have noticed or will notice that during the Checker Open House I took photos of the banner for each demonstrator or presentation....with this one exceptions....Simplicity Creative Group.  Sooo....I was forced to cut and paste one here....and as you can clearly see....I don't know how to remove unwanted objects ....so just pretend you don't see that red hair in this photo!!!  Thank you kindly :)

Many of you recognize this as the Simplicity Bias Tape Maker Machine.  I have one and have really enjoyed using it because I no longer burn my fingers and because I like to do things I consider boring a little more effortlessly.  The Simplicity Bias Tape Maker Machine was introduced at Spring Quilt Market 2009 and since then several new tips have been added.  The one you see above is the Quilt Binding Tip for 2 1/2 inch strips.    I saw and touched the 1/4 inch tip that will be coming and I was very good and did not slip it into my pocket....and for the first time....I didn't even think about it...LOL.  I must be recovering from my fantasy kleptomania!!

Honestly it is Mimi Shimp's job to be introducing the Simplicity products....but as you can clearly see....I got so excited to be able to touch it that I stood right in front of Mimi.  She is so petite that you can't even see her behind me because I'm the  larger version of petite:)  I'm sorry Mimi....please forgive my childlike exuberance....it happens sometimes.

You may recall my previous post about the Deluxe SideWinder Bobbin Winder.  Several people have commented that they want to know if it will work with their machines.  The answer is YES, YES, YES....Mimi Shimp, Product Manager, has not found a bobbin yet that will not work.  Long Arm Machines, Embroidery Machines and Sewing Machines....the answer is YES. 

• Interchangeable bobbin spindles to fit all makes and models of sewing, embroidery and long arm quilting machines.
• Interchangeable bobbin spindles accommodate bobbins for all makes and models of sewing, embroidery and long arm machines.
• Winds thread from small spools to cones that hold as much as 12,000 yards.
• Two storage compartments in the lid to hold bobbins or spools of thread.
• Offers a telescoping guide that adjusts to different heights of thread spools.
• Enjoy a thread cutter, bobbin fill control and a speed control knob.
• Adjust the tension knob to accommodate a variety of thread weights.
• Compact size makes it easy to store or pack for travel
• For household use only
• Universal adapter included (which means it can be used outside the US!!!-wooo hooo...I can hear that coming from my customers in AU and NZ :)
• 90 day limited warranty against manufacturer's defects

Oh but did I mention....you can get yours here at IHAN :)  I'll even autograph the box if you like!!! ROFL

Moving right along.....this is Mimi Shimp demonstrating the Rotary Cutting Machine by Simplicity.  It was also introduced at the Spring Quilt Market 2009.

Simplicity later released an Extension Table that can be added to support your fabric as you move it through the machine.  It also has  interchangeable blades, small and large wave,  that are  that are available.

Here you can see that I was using the Rotary Cutting Machine with the small wave blade to cut some fabric.
  
Fall Quilt Market 2010 brought the Simplicity Deluxe Rotary Cutting/Embossing Machine.  You may recall my previous post from Fall Quilt Market.  And just for the record, I did politely ask Mimi if I could use the Simplicity machines because it is one thing to watch them being used and quite another to use them myself.  I want to feel and see how the machines work and not necessarily have to purchase one of every machine I want to discuss here on the IHAN blog.

You can see, they have also made a Deluxe Extension Table that is available.  It is very helpful because it extends the bed of the Deluxe Rotary Cutting/Embossing Machine.  Here you can see me moving the fabric through the machine.  It is important to keep your hands both in front of the fabric and behind the fabric to keep it even as you move it through the machine.

This is clearly the WRONG way to do it. You don't take your eyes off your cutting surface and you need one hand behind the fabric and one in front!!!  Silly me, what was I thinking?

When you don't keep your hands in front and behind the machine....you get crooked cuts and that my friends is referred to as "Operator Error."  There is a learning curve to using both Rotary Cutting Machines but honestly it only took me a few minutes when I first used one (way back in 2009:).

The Deluxe Rotary Cutting/Embossing Machine has many new features.  First the obvious one is that it also embosses and you will see some examples of that below.

The other additions to the Deluxe model include:

• 
  
  Speed control that allows you to control the speed at which you would like to cut.
• 
  
  A LED light that illuminates the cutting / embossing surface.
• 
  
  It includes the tools for removing the blade and adjusting the pressure for the blades. (the blades are rotary-meaning round....not sharp.  The machine cuts using pressure not the traditional razor sharp blades)
• 
  
  A longer cord for the foot pedal.
• 
  
  It cuts paper or fabric 1/4 inch to 6 inches.
• Optional embossing rolls

The embossing rolls and optional decorative rotary cutting blades are sold separately- just like Barbie's accessories....remember that?  Always sold seperately...LOL.  (I think when you get married there should be a "sold separately clause" that states-"this version of the wife does not include a clean house and interesting meals or constant attractive company"-all of those things are sold separately and come at a very high price!!!)

These are some examples of what can be done with the Embossing Rolls:

 

This what the Embossing Rolls look like up close.  I did not notice the measurements on any of the packaging so I used this quarter to give you an idea of their size.

 

Mimi was wearing the Winding Buddy around her neck and I was teasing her about her necklace.  The Winding Buddies are actually use for the Bias Tape Maker Machine and the Winder Machine by Simplicity.  While they are made for these machines....you might find me wearing one with licorice or a fruit roll up wound in it so I'd have easy access.

Smiles,

Kelly