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Showing posts with label Spring Quilt Market 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring Quilt Market 2010. Show all posts

Friday, July 9, 2010

Blooming Possibilities by Abbey Lane Quilts at Spring Quilt Market 2010

I had to walk into this booth and look at everything, up close, over and over.  Blooming Possibilities was one of those "something for me" books that I bought while at Quilt Market. 
Janice Liljenquist (above) and Marcea Owen are the owners of Abbey Lane Quilts and Blooming Possibilities is their first book.  What a great first book!!  I just had to have it so I bought it for myself.  Sorry, no giveaways on this one folks :(
One of the projects in Blooming Possibilities is the hat that Janice is wearing. I absolutely loved the hat and the gorgeous flower on the side. Perfect for any occasion really (ok, not a funeral...I knew that is what you were thinking....but if the person loved flowers you could.).




Look at these "Blooming" flower pins.  I think they are so much fun.  I got a bright yellow one and wore it at Market.  I also wore it yesterday on a black V-neck t-shirt.  It looked great and I had several people comment on how nice it looked.  Later in the day, Zach pulled on it to see what it was and broke it.  A needle and thread will put'er right back where she belongs!

Here are more photos of their booth.  I'm so glad they said I could take photos!!!  Their booth won an award for "Best Merchandising" at Spring Quilt Market.  You can see why too.  Everything was interesting and uncomplicated by "other" distracting decorations.  When you have fun stuff you can just put it out there and you don't really need to add all the other jazz some folks feel they need.  I'm into the "show me what you got" type displays. You can see more photos of their award winning booth on their blog, Abbey Lane Quilts dot blogspot dot com.
 
Look at that dress.  A plain dress turned into a great dress with three pins.  You know I love the flowers on the shoes and the wall hanging.  Now I'm not saying you should wear the dress, hat and shoes on the same day here!!!  Unless you are one of "those" who can pull off anything (then I hate you and so do a zillion others...lol)  I would love to have those flowers on the wall in my entry way.  I guess I have some work to do ay?
This is the Abbey Bag.  It is a pin cushion and scrap bag.  You know how I love pin cushions and this big flower is just so inviting.  I'd be tickled to pull it out at a stitch-in or a retreat and just snip and pin while it sat next to ME on the table.  Isn't it funny how the littlest things in life make ya smile?
The Abbey Bag pattern and the Blooming Possibilities are available at IHAN.  Adding more Abbey Lane Patterns to the website is on my to-do list that is a mile long.  So if there is a pattern you are interested in you can e-mail me or contact Abbey Lane Quilts.

Hope you had fun....I know I did and looking at these photos brings back some great memories.  More to come so stay tuned for the next edition of "Spring Quilt Market 2010" through the IHAN eyes.

Blooming Smiles,
Kelly 

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

St. Louis Stars by Toby Lischko at Spring Quilt Market 2010

EDITED 6/29/10 2:00 PM

IHAN blogifers meet Toby Lischko, Toby, meet the IHAN bligifers :)

This is Toby's new book, St. Louis STARS.  She was showing me her book and template set and we were talking at the QuiltWoman booth. 

 


Toby is a Quilt Teacher, Pattern Maker, Award Winning Quilter so when you read her book and look at her instructions you can quickly see she knows how to explain each step so that students can understand how to repeat the process and be successful in making their quilts and other projects. 
EDIT : Apparently I have not been clear in my post.  The template shown above is only one in her set of templates for her book: St. Louis Stars.  The templates below are completely separate and do not relate to her book.  They are some new and very useful templates she has designed.  I hope that helps clear things up a bit.  As soon as I get some more photos of the templates for her St. Louis Stars book, I'll add them above.  Thanks!!

Toby gave me a set of her new templates,  Cutting Corners while at Quilt Market.  I was very excited because I watched her demo and I knew this was something I could repeat without having to be reminded what I was doing.  (Not to say instructions are not helpful.....but there was an intuitive process that I could see)  

So I decide to get them out to review them for the IHAN blog and I know you are going to laugh at me.....but some of you may relate to my insanity (if you don't - keep it to yourself because NO ONE likes a perfect person :)  .

I take them out of the package and head downstairs to photograph a demo.  I get out the instructions and actually read them....all.....can you believe that?  Then I get some scrap fabric out to use for the demo.  I turn on the iron, get the fabric ironed and ready to go.  I turn around to my cutting table and realize there is paper on the back of the templates.  Dang, do I want to take off the paper just to do a demo and then the person who wins them won't get a brand new set?  Then it dawns on me.....why on GGE (Gods Green Earth) would I even do this when Toby did a full demo of all the templates at Quilt Market and I took photos already.  So, I decided to leave the paper on and show you what one lucky IHAN blog reader will receive.

These templates work great for Square in a Square blocks, Flying Geese blocks, Star Sashing, and strips with triangles on the ends or unusual sash effects, Bowtie blocks, Snowball blocks as well as Bindings and Borders.  You won't need to draw those lines on the back of your squares if you use the Cutting Corners Templates.
Here is a glimpse of how easy the directions are to follow.  If I can follow them.....trust me.....you can follow them.  I'm a visual learner and between the easy to understand directions and the pictures it really is very simple.

So here you go.....instead of me taking time to do the exact same thing Toby did.....here are the photos I took while at Quilt Market:



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Toby has more samples on her blog, just click here.  What I found to be very helpful with these templates are the flat edges that help to match the correct edge.  There is no guess work with those little triangle tips.  Although I'm good with math I don't like to have to "think" or "calculate" my way through a pattern.  When I have to do that I tend to make silly mistakes.  These templates help avoid the typical math calculations because you just use the strip sizes in the directions for your project and you use the correct template.  If you are anything like me, you will need to put the other templates away because I am always picking up the an adjacent ruler or template and cutting something that not on the step I was on.   I'm not a lame brain.....but I do have ADD and it does make it a challenge to break down things into small manageable steps that go quickly.

Yes I did use my rotary cutter to cut some strips and begin to use the templates without tearing off the paper.  They do work exactly as described.....and I guarantee you there will be many more uses for these templates once you begin expanding your ideas with other projects.

Currently the Cutting Corners Template Set is only available at  Toby's site Gateway Quilts & Stuff.  However, on very lucky IHAN blog reader will be able to win this very nice set I have here on my desk.  If you would like it to be you, leave a comment on this post telling me how often you think you will use them, what project you will use them for AND promise me you will use them and not just enter to be winning another set of templates.....these are just too good to be added to "the collection" and you do know what I'm talking about!!! :)
Giveaway Closed
The deadline for entering......let me see.....what is this week looking like?......Hmmmmm......how about I say only the first 30 comments count, you can only leave a comment once.....it must include the information requested above......and as soon as we hit 30....I close it and do the drawing?  Good idea?  I thought so too :)  NOTE: I have to be able to contact you.....some of you don't know it but you are no-reply bloggers....I can't contact a no-reply blogger.  So if you are not sure, leave an anonymous comment and be sure to put your name and e-mail address in the comment.  It makes me sad to not count all the entries for a giveaway.

Good luck to the first Thirty who read this post. 

Smiles,
Kelly
PS....Thank you to everyone who continues to say I'm so generous.  Generosity is a quality I possess.....but keep in mind, I have a store, http://www.ihavea-notion.com/ and you can't exactly walk in my door and get a demo....so I can share in photos those demos and then I get the pleasure of giving away the gifts that the extremely generous and talented folks give me to tell you all about.  If I kept them all......it would be a crime and I'd have more than one person can possibly use.....so be sure to thank the folks who provide the lovely gifts too.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Robert Kaufman and Hemma Eye Candy From Spring Quilt Market 2010

A little self explanatory eye candy to gaze upon while I'm finishing another fun post that includes another giveaway!!  Stay tuned :)





I'll be back later to finish the other post....hope you had fun looking at these lovely items....see you soon.

Smiles,
Kelly

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Quilt in A Day - Eleanor Burns at Spring Quilt Market 2010

Edited 6/29/10
Lady Eleanor Burns Schoolhouse Presentation Spring Quilt Market 2010

Lady Eleanor is sporting an apron inspired by her new book, Quilt Blocks on American Barns.  You have to know if Lady Eleanor is talking there will be smiles, laughter and everyone will have a great time!! 
This is a beautiful example that was held up for showcase how beautiful the patterns are from Quilt Blocks on American Barns.  This particular quilt was made by Patricia Knoechel and was quilted by Annie Potter, long arm quilter.  The lavender and green really appeals to me. Edit: I applogize for the misspelling of the machine
quilter for Lavender Fields.  The correct spelling is Amie Potter.  Thanks to who ever sent the comment!!


Diana Edgemon made this quilt in warm natural tones from the Kansas Troubles Fabric line. 
Lady Eleanor continues to talk while a crazed Farmer rifles through her belongings.  What fun would a Schoolhouse on Barn Quilt Blocks be without the entire cast right?
I like the energy of the colors unfortunately I did not get the name of the person who made this quilt.  It can be difficult to take photos with one hand and write with the other! 
You know I resonate with this quilt, "The Funny Farm"  made by Sue Peters.  I think this might just explain some of the following photos too. 
Eleanor continues to talk and says something about when Pigs Fly and then came a Flying Pig right up the isle....what a hoot.
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Then came a crazy man being chased by an attendant from the local "home of the mentally otherly abled."
I have no idea how this fella managed to escape while still wearing a straight jacket.  Yes, that is a straight jacket for those of you who have never seen one...LOL.
I think they need to use more restraints next time....perhaps his shoe laces should be tied together so he could not run so fast.
After Schoolhouse I was walking down the hall and the Quilt In A Day Clan were gathered chatting.  I asked for a photo and they all smiled.  What a fun loving group. 
Then they insisted I get into the photo.....I was reluctant to stand with such a clan....but I thought I would do them a favor :)  Snickers.

On the Market Floor I stopped by the Quilt In A Day booth several times but Lady Eleanor and Prince Orion were always working.  I decided I would just go ahead and shoot some pix. 

Twice As Nice Plus More is the pattern you are looking at on the back wall.  It includes instructions for 3 quilts.  I just love the scalloped edges on the border below.   They used the Scallops, Vines, & Waves Template by Quilt In A Day.  My mood feels lighter just looking at this quilt again. 
Orion and Eleanor were kind enough to give me this incredible gift pictured below.  You can imagine my surprise and gratitude.
 It includes an Autographed copy of Quilt Blocks on American Barns, a very fun tote bag and project bag,  a pin with a photo of Eleanor, a package of "On Eleanor's Farm" pre-printed fusible web that includes 6 Chickens and 6 Roosters, and a package of "Quilt Blocks on American Barns" fusible web, non-woven fusible interfacing and templates that includes Windmills, Chickens and Roosters, Gambrel Barn Silos, Gothic Barn Roofs, "American Barns" text and half rectangle template.

Quilt Blocks on American Barns has excellent photos and instructions for completing each project.   There are stories of some of the barns Eleanor visited and lots of great pictures too.

Here is a close-up of the pin.....isn't it great? I think so too

You all know that when people give me things I typically have a hard time not giving it away on my blog.....it just seems like the right thing for me to do.  So, I'm going to give all of you an opportunity to win this gift package that includes everything you see above in the photo.  Well.....almost everything......
 
That pin jumped from the photo onto my camera strap and it won't come off.  I'm so terribly sorry to say that it will NOT be included in the giveaway.  I'm really sorry. (fiction.....the part about being sorry ) 

Leave a comment on this post telling me why you want to win this great collection and you have to promise you will make a Barn Quilt or wall hanging.  Non-reply bloggers and anonymous posts will not be counted unless your e-mail address is included in the comment.  The drawing will be done by random number generator on the 4th of July.

Smiles,
Kelly

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Patsy Thompson Designs at Spring Quilt Market 2010 in Minneapolis

Hi Patsy!!! I was thrilled to see Patsy Thompson at Spring Quilt Market in Minneapolis.  She lives locally here but I had only met her one other time in person.  I'll put our first meeting in the foot notes of this post...it is too funny not to share.  Patsy had a end booth so when you walked up all you could see was her beautiful quilts being displayed and a big TV screen playing one of her DVD's.  I have to say, I don't know why anyone would bother looking at her DVD when a Diva of Free Motion Quilting is sitting right there with her machine!!!  I prefer the real thing....and that is what I got :)


Patsy got to work showing me first hand how she creates her signature feathers.  I had a bit of a time getting the right angle to take the pix so you'all could see too....after all I want you right next to me seeing the same thing I'm seeing. 

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Zip, Zip, Zip.....see....that's all you need to do.....besides practice fearlessly!!
These are photo's of the booth, Patsy Thompson Designs.  I say it is Patsy's but really Patsy has her partner in crime with her.  His name is Ernie and he is the fortunate man that is married to Patsy and vise verse I'm sure.  Earnie is the talent behind the camera for all those incredible DVD's and he is just as pleasant and interesting as Patsy.  Funny how that works isn't it?  Wonderful people marrying other wonderful people....you gotta love that.

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The photos above are the real life quilts that are featured in Patsy's work.  Can you imagine my absolute pleasure and joy when Patsy and Earnie agreed to let me help them pack up after the show.  Here they thought I was being nice.....nope!!!  I wanted to touch all those beautiful quilts and see them up close.  I got to take down all those lovely quilts and roll them up.  Talk about a gift....and they thought I was doing them a favor....go figure!! 
Oh, how ever did that red bag get there on the floor?  Hmmmm.....I wonder if Patsy has noticed anything missing.  See, she does not know my antics.....that truly I'm the Quilt Market "Ocean's 11 Type Girl."  You all thought it was Julia Roberts who was the Ocean's 11 Girl....but I'm just the "older" Oceans 11 Woman!!! If they haven't noticed yet, that Fish Quilt hangs in my livingroom.....or does it?  I'll have to run look...lol.
This is Patsy's new book, "Feather Adventures!"


Patsy was a hand quilter for 25 years before she started doing free motion quilting on her machine.  Since she had made so many feathers by hand she thought it might be natural to interchange the motions for machine quilting.  NOPE....didn't happen.  After struggling for so long she was about to give up.....and then it happened.  She was able to make a feather.....can you imagine where quilting journey may have gone if she had not persevered?  A perfect example of having the desire but not the skill.  I know for sure the desire is the fuel that will get you and anyone else to their destination.  No guarantees that you'll be a Diva like Patsy.....but I'm guessing most of us would be thrilled to just be able to make ourselves happy with our work. 

"Feather Adventures" is a book about her journey and it is full of some of the most beautiful close up photos of her work.  This substantial book has 137 pages (12' x 9" by 1/2" deep) of excellent information and incredible photos.  It includes:

  • General Advice

  • Tools of the Trade

  • Anatomy of a Feather

  • Types of Feathers

  • Tracing the Spine Guideline

  • Stitching the Basic Freeform Feather

  • Perils and Pitfalls

  • Feathers Flowing from Feathers

  • Feathers Flowing from Other Structures
And that is just the first chapter!!!  Weather you are a beginner that has never stitched a feather (that would be me) or you have already made feathers and want to branch out with your creativity....this book is the book for you. And you all know I don't say that if it is not true right? RIGHT!! 



Oh, and did I mention the first person to order the book from IHAN gets this autographed copy?  I just did, so if you want it....click here and order away :)  You may also want to check out her new DVD, Free Motion Fun with Feathers! Volume 4 .  You can click here to see all of Patsy Thompson Design DVD's.  Patsy writes a great blog and hosts fun giveaways so you may want to put her blog in your reader.  

The winner of the Autographed Quilt Life Magazine is MarciaCongratulations Marcia.  I chickened out and used the Random Number Generator and it selected number 1 who happened to be Marcia.  There is no way I could have chosen from that list.....I loved the comments which only reinforces for me why I love to write the IHAN blog.  Thank you everyone for being such an important part of this journey.  You may not realize how important it is for me to have this part of my life....it has given me brighter days, laughter, joy and a part of myself back that had been dormant for some time.

Grateful Smiles,
Kelly

Post Note:  I was standing near Patsy and had no idea who she was.  I heard her talking about going to Market so I asked if she had luggage tags.  She said not really so I suggested she go to my blog for a free tutorial for bag tags.  She asked what my blog was so I told her.  She said, "You are Kelly Jackson? You don't look anything like your picture."  I laughed and said I get that all the time.  I should post a "regular day" photo of me and a "cleaned up" version of myself.....two different people really.

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