Simplicity Deluxe SideWinder

Deluxe SideWinder by Simplicity -Bobbin Winder

Let me just tell you why I love my "job."  I got an order for a Deluxe SideWinder a few weeks ago and then the customer e-mailed me immediately to tell me she had read on a chat board that this SideWinder did not work with the bobbins she uses.  She wanted to know if I knew for sure whether it would work with her bobbins. 

 

I already knew that there was an extensive list of bobbins that had been tested with the Deluxe SideWinder but I did not know about this bobbin in particular.  I suggested she send it to me and I'd test it.  We figured it was cheaper than her sending the Bobbin Winder back if indeed it did not work like the chat board writer had suggested.  Her bobbin is pictured above....it worked perfectly.  Guess I'm a Myth Buster too!! 

So I figured, why not take this opportunity to show others what I do here at IHAN.  I test notions to be sure they work like they are advertised to work and decide if I want to write about them or not. 

After winding my customers bobbin a light bulb went off....hey....you could post about this.  So of course I had to wind another bobbin...some of us are slower thinkers than others :)

See how nicely it winds bobbins.....and tons of bobbins too.  What makes it Deluxe you might ask?  Not only does it wind bobbins for sewing machines, embroidery machines and long arm quilting machines....it also will wind thread from smaller spools to cones (up to 12,000 yards.....how handy is that?  Very cool indeed...if I don't say so myself)  It has a tension adjustment for the different thread weights.  See the little white circular disk to the left of my bobbin?  That is the dial that lets you decide how much thread you want on your bobbin and it has a speed control, fancy that!! 

I like the way those folks at Simplicity Creative Group think.   I'm guessing at Spring Market in Salt Lake City they'll show us even more ways to use the Deluxe SideWinder.....because they are always thinking.

I can think of so many different reasons to use this machine and since it is my blog....I think I'll just tell ya!

Share thread with a friend-you can wind off some thread from those zillion yard cones to share with a beginning quilter or just send some to a blogging friend so they can built their thread stash too.  You can wind off a large sample of your threads and put them into the bobbin doughnut (Bobbinsaver-I love to call them doughnuts) to carry with hand stitching projects.  Not only are they great for travel....but when you go shopping for fabric how nice would it be to pull a calorie free doughnut (Bobbinsaver)out of your bag to make sure you have the right color thread before you get back home?  For those of you who teach classes.....you can wind off thread onto plastic bobbins to give to your students....or if you sell kits.....make your own thread kits the same way.

I bet you never thought of these great ideas did ya?  If you did....Good On Ya Mate :)

So if you are like many others who like to always have plenty of full bobbins to work with....the Simplicity Deluxe SideWinder may just be the ticket for you too!

How many other stores can you shop with that will do this for you and let you know the results to save you money?  Just another good reason to shop at IHAN and feel free to tell your friends too....all one zillion of them :)

Oh I work so hard....I think I'll take a break now.....

Smiles,

Kelly

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                                                                                                                                                                      

Deluxe Rotary Cutting & Embossing Machine and Deluxe Side Winder by Simplicity Creative Group

Back to Spring Quilt Market News!!

Simplicity Creative Group has TWO new machines.  The Deluxe Rotary Cutting and Embossing Machine and the Deluxe Side Winder.

Hi Miss Mimi :)  This is Mimi Shimp and she is the Product Manager at Simplicity Creative.   You've seen Mimi here before on the IHAN blog and you'll see her again I'm sure.  I enjoy seeing Mimi at Quilt Market and getting a friendly hello and a warm hug. 

This is the NEW Deluxe Rotary Cutting and Embossing Machine by Simplicity.  I got to see it up close and personal and it is way cool! 

You can cuts strips of paper and fabric from 1/4 to 6 inches. This machine is truly Deluxe!!  It has all of the following:

•  A knob that allows you to control the speed of the machine.
• A clear cutting guide bar.
• Light turns on when machine is running and illuminates the cutting/embossing area.
• Embossing disks slip on and off as easy as the blades.
• Separate power and foot pedal cords.
• Special tool included to adjust blade pressure.  

The Deluxe Rotary Cutting and Embossing Machine  is perfect for Quilters, Scrap booking enthusiasts and those who enjoy Paper Crafting. Make your own Jelly Rolls!  You want wider strips for boarders or binding? You can adjust the width and have custom fabric strips, squares, and rectangles with ease.

I remember seeing a Side Winder for the first time.  The small ones that first came out.  For the life of me I could not figure out why someone would want one.  Then I began quilting and now doing some free motion quilting and I'm telling you I now know the value of a Side Winder! 

  

Simplicity Creative Group really has outdone themselves with the new Deluxe Side Winder.  First let me tell you it comes with a Universal Plug.  That means it will work worldwide!!!  Isn't' that great?  I wish all appliances came with a Universal Plug don't you?  Here are the other excellent features the Deluxe Side Winder has:

• 
  
  Interchangeable bobbin spindles to fit all makes and models of sewing, embroidery and long arm quilting machines.
• 
  
  Winds spools to cones up to 12,000 yards.
• 
  
  Has 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.

Now that I've tried my hand at long arm quilting and I see how many bobbins you go through, I'm thinking the Deluxe Side Winder is a great invention!!  I don't have an Embroidery Machine but I know several people who do have them and they are always winding their bobbins too. 

Keep your eyes out for the Great Banana Quilt Challenge coming in 2011.  As soon as there is more information available I'll be sure to post it. 

Thank you Simplicity for continuing to work to bring the rest of us great notions to make sewing and quilting more enjoyable!!  Oh yeah, thank you too for being so wise to have Mimi working for you!!!  IHAN loves great people to work with and learn from :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Day 14 of 30 Day GIVEAWAY Simpli-EZ Rulers by Simplicity Creative

IHAN's 30 Days of Giveaways

Anniversary Celebration

Day 13 Giveaway

Simplicity Studio Rulers 

by Simplicity Creative Group 

For a quilter this looks like the flood gates of Quilt Heaven has opened up and dropped out some incredible rulers!!!  And....it did.  When the Simplicity Creative Group told me they were sending one of each of the Studio Line Rulers.....I asked them to dial 911 and send the fire department to pick me up off the floor.  I could not believe it until they arrived here at IHAN headquarters.  It is soooo tempting to keep them all for myself....but I have not given in to the Quilt She Devil that lurks within me....I will be giving these all away to very...did I say very....I mean incredibly lucky IHAN blog readers. 

Lets begin by showing you each of these beautiful rulers:

Simpli-EZ Bias Ruler  - Cut bias strips quickly and easily from fat quarters or 1/2 yard cut of fabric. Cut perfect bias strips from 1/4in wide to 2 1/2in wide.

Simpli-EZ Piping Wizard - Cut perfect seam allowances after covering piping cord. Use with multiple sizes of cording and seam allowance. Always a perfect seam allowance. Great for working with piping for quilts, garments and craft projects.

Simpli-EZ Flip n Set Ruler - Cut triangles to setting blocks on point. Folds open to cut triangles for 4in to 16in blocks. No math to figure. Also use to square corners on quilts.

Simpli-EZ Tri-Mate Ruler - Ideal for use with rotary cutter. Cuts triangles 4 times as long as they are tall. Cuts triangles with finished heights from 1/2in - 3in.

4.5" Easy Angle Anniversary Edition Ruler - Celebrating 20 years of Easy Angle with Sharon Hultgren. Cuts half square triangles from 1in to 4 1/2in. Built in seam allowance - no math to figure. Cut triangles from straight strips quickly and efficiently.

    
Simpli-EZ 30 degree Triangle Ruler - For Dresden Plates and Fans. Eliminates need for center applique. Can be finished with curved edges or points. Many sizes on one tool. Use even size strips.

                              
Simpli-EZ 45 degree Triangle Ruler - Great for use with Kaleidoscope quilts. Many sizes on one tool.

 

Simpli-EZ Double Wedding Ring Ruler - Cut three different units with one tool-centers, melons, and squares. Inside curves are cut easily as outside curves. A and B units can be cut from strips or squares.

Simpli-EZ Pineapple Ruler - Make Pineapple blocks with no math, no trapezoids, no stress. Make blocks in almost unlimited range of sizes. Make both traditional and non-traditional Pineapple blocks. Makes log cabin, album style, and many other quilt blocks quickly and easily.

Simpli-EZ 4.5in x 4.5in Square Ruler  - Marked in black for right handed users and red for left handed users. Numbers read correctly ANY way the ruler is turned. 1/4in markings. 45 lines for centering when squaring up blocks. Useful for cutting squares and trimming blocks to size.

Simpli-EZ 6.5in x 6.5in Square Ruler - Marked in black for right handed users and red for left handed users. Numbers read correctly ANY way the ruler is turned. 1/4in markings. 45 lines for centering when squaring up blocks. Useful for cutting squares and trimming blocks to size.

 Simpli-EZ 9.5in x 9.5in Square Ruler - Marked in black for right handed users and red for left handed users. Numbers read correctly ANY way the ruler is turned. 1/4in markings. 45 lines for centering when squaring up blocks. Useful for cutting squares and trimming blocks to size.

 Simpli-EZ 12.5in x 12.5in Square Ruler - Marked in black for right handed users and red for left handed users. Numbers read correctly ANY way the ruler is turned. 1/4in markings. 45 lines for centering when squaring up blocks. Useful for cutting squares and trimming blocks to size.

        
Simpli-EZ Rule 6.5in x 12.5in - Marked in black for right handed users and red for left handed users. Numbers read correctly ANY way the ruler is turned. 1/8in and 1/4in markings. 45 and 60 degree markings. Large numbers foe easy reading.

 Simpli-EZ Rule 6.5in x 24in - Marked in black for right handed users and red for left handed users. Numbers read correctly ANY way the ruler is turned. 1/8in and 1/4in markings. 45 and 60 degree markings. Large numbers foe easy reading.

Simpli-EZ Jelly Roll Ruler - Ruler size is 5in x 10in, perfect for cutting 10in Layer Cake into Jelly Rolls, Honey Buns, and Charm Packs.


I could write a review on these rulers....but Mom Gadget has already done it for me.  Click here to read their reviews on the Simplicity Studio Rulers and see their excellent photos of how to use the rulers successfully.
 
Some really great things about the Simplicity Rulers are:

• numbers are easy to read (Bold black for right handed users and bright red for left handed quilters
• black lines are solid and mark the ½” lines both horizontally and vertically
• edges are marked at 1/8″ intervals with a short hash mark and at 1/4″ intervals a longer hash mark
• each ruler is made of clear 1/8” thick sturdy acrylic and has a hole to hang on a hook or peg board

For this giveaway you will need to leave a comment telling us why you want to win one of these wonderful rulers.  Feel free to leave your own reviews if you own one or more of these rulers.

There are 16 Rulers here to be given away. Four will be put into the Grand Prize Drawing so we will draw 12 names for this giveaway.
 
Thank you Simplicity Creative Group for allowing IHAN to give away such wonderful rulers for our First Anniversary Celebration!!!

Please read over the Anniversary Giveaway Guidelines to learn about more chances to win during the 30 Days of Giveaways.

Simpli-Smiles,
Kelly