When I walked outside to get this box I saw the label and my heart rate sky rocketed. If you live in a 4 state radius of IHAN I'm sure you heard me screaming when I saw this on my doorstep....I scared the co-workers....poor guys.
Do you see those words....yes those....the one's that read...Tim Holtz and VAGABOND by Sizzix!!! On my front porch no less. All I could think was, feet don't fail me now. I ran into the house and the kids wanted to know why I was all excited (they are home from school due to the weather and snow here in OH)
My co-worker standing next to me while I cut the tape on the box.....
Waldo's Granddaughter, Clair, and my Co-Worker Zach were standing at my feet......they had to see what I was screaming about.
Look at this....even the cardboard box ROCKS.
This is exactly what you see when you open the box.....the stickers are to embellish your Vagabond any way you like.
Oh look, it comes with a luggage tag....somehow an IHAN card made it right into the slot even before I un-clipped the Vagabond. I wasted no time marking this one as MINE....and I'm a darn good aim too....just for the record.
I clicked the button and the Vagabond suitcase opened right up.
It comes with standard cutting pads, a Solo Platform and a Shim........my heart is pounding as I'm typing just recalling all these things that just happened a few minutes ago.....
Typically I clean up before I shoot pix....not today folks....sorry for the mess but I was just too excited to share this with everyone....so pretend you don't see the mess, ok! Promise?
This is not a Sizzix warehouse...but I am happy to say I am fortunate to own the Big Shot Pro on the far right, the Vagabond, and the Big Shot in the background. The Big Shot Express belongs to a customer in PA who asked me to give it a test run for her. Within the last 24 hours I've had the incredible pleasure of cutting lots of applique shapes without even turning the handle.....sounds lazy right? Think about it though.....when you need to cut hundreds of blocks or applique shapes your arms and shoulders get tired (mine do anyway) so it is wonderful to have one that you plug in and it just zips on through. Many quilters have problems with Arthur (Arthritis) so the Big Shot Express and Vagabond are the ticket to cutting lots of pieces at one time and quickly too.
I'm going to quickly show you the machines so you can see which one's I'm talking about and the size differences.
This is my Big Shot Pro...I tape the photo from the package onto my dies so I can quickly glance and know which is which.
This is the Vagabond....can you say OH YEAH BABY? This machine will make all other cutting systems dial 911.....no kidding no joke and you have my word....you will flip too.
This is theBig Shot Express with a Sizzix Snowman Die. I was extremely pleased when I tested my friends Big Shot Express. Since it does not belong to me I did not attempt to run 12 layers of fabric through it but I did cut 6 layers with ease.
I know I'm excited and my post may not be as clear as I would like it to be so I'll just tell you that both the Vagabond and The Big Shot Express are electric. The Big Shot and the Big Shot Pro are manual.
This is my Big Shot, it does not come with my little friend who sits on mine...he makes me smile and I appreciate all the smiles I have in the dark months of winter.
The Vagabond has a little side compartment to hold the electric cord.....and when I looked away for just a minute.....
A stowaway jumped in. See.....he is even happy to be close to my new Vagabond.
So, now is the time for the big test. You know I'm not cutting up any fabric....not scraps....nope....I'm funny like that. So I took a 100% cotton pillowcase cover that I bought at a factory sale for 25 cents and yes....I'll cut that up. Will I cut one layer with the new Vagabond? Two? Three? Four? Heck no....the very first time I put fabric through this baby I used........
TWELVE layers.....why? Because I heard this baby works like a dream and it cuts chip board....if it cuts chipboard (which is very dense cardboard) you know it will cut 12 layers of fabric. Keep in mind I have not read the instructions and have no idea how many layers are recommended....but I did watch the YouTube video for the Vagabond and I knew I had to give it a spin. I did not use the new cutting pads that came with it....I have to keep those pretty for awhile, I used the one's I use with my other Sizzix machines so you can see the pads are used.
I simply put the Sizzix Ornaments Die with 12 layers of fabric between the cutting mats and pushed the button. The Vagabond is very quiet and within literally 3 seconds or less ( I didn't time it but I can if you want me to :) the die came through to the other side.....how did the test work?
Like a charm!!! All 12 layers....cut through without one little string hanging....not one I tell ya. Now you know why I'm so dog gone excited.....this machine cuts like BUTTAH and it is sooth, fast and sturdy!
Look at all these perfect little ornaments.....24 in all ....in seconds. Can you even begin to imagine how quickly you can cut applique shapes? Blocks? Circles? Triangles? Dresden Plates? I know many of you are like me and I can't keep going or we'll all need medical attention.
Look at this....12 deep....smooth....real smooth.
That is 12 layers and I'm still looking at that stack of fabric.....I can hardly believe it....this is absolutely amazing to me...perfect....and I have one....please don't wake me up if this is a dream....I'll shoot ya.
When Mr. McSteamy gets home from work and the boys get settled down....I'm going to video tape me cutting this exact same thing again....so you can see it and hear it for yourself. If you can't wait you can always call me and I can hold the phone next to the machine so you can hear how quiet it is....you won't believe it either.
Last night I used the Big Shot Express to make the Tea Towel from my last post. The entire thing took me 20 minutes. I wanted to test the machine and I also wanted to make something useful so I used my "real" fabric. There are so many dies for applique that your head may spin....so hang on tight before you click on any of the links here.
If you want to see the YouTube video before I make the IHAN Vagabond video...here it is:
I've had these questions asked so many times that I'll post the answers here. If you have any more questions please e-mail me don't ask them in the comments. I'm on a vacation from replying to comments....but never e-mails....so if you want met to reply...send a e-mail or call me. The contact info is on the front of the IHAN website.
Ok...I hope this all makes sense....I feel like I hit the Quilting Lottery....good thing I was not in a towel when the Fed Ex Driver came...LOL.
I put this little gift together yesterday....in 20 minutes it was done. Talk about the perfect holiday gift...I guess because I've always loved holiday guest towels and kitchen towels (when I was a kid I always thought only rich people had these sorts of things). I used a spanky machine to make it with some really spanky dies too. More on that later....but if you want to see the spanky dies...click here...drool away :)
Smiles,
Kelly
FYI...I am still not replying to comments...please, please, please forgive me. If you want to chat...call me or e-mail me (numbers and addy posted on the front of my website).
Because I have not finished my Spring Quilt Market Reviews and then I went to Fall Quilt Market in Houston. What can I say? I need more time and lots more energy!!
Liz and Ruth are great fun and I love the vest Ruth wore to Spring Quilt Market. Check out the back of her vest below.
How cool is she? Not only a great looking vest but a fun advertisement and demonstration for Image Transferring. I chased her down the hall yelling, "Hey Fabric Embellishing Girl"....no kidding. Clearly I have no shame. I could not remember her name ....that happens to me all the time.
Ruth and Liz presented at School House and we had a opportunity to see many of their techniques in their samples. They have a big sample book of their techniques and the book is very inspiring. Below you will see a collage of some of their pages. I didn't think the collage showed enough detail so I also included some of the individual photos below those.
Unfortunately I was not able to take their classes but Ruth and Liz were kind enough to send me home with a kit to try myself. Kind and generous ladies for sure!!!
Fabric Embellishing, The Basics & Beyond was co-authored by Ruth Chandler, Liz Kettle, Heather Thomas and Lauren Vlcek. This book (as well as the next one) are hardcover but made with the spiral bindings inside which really makes it easy to read along while you are working. There lots of photos that help teach the techniques that are described....which include this long list of great techniques:
Textiva
Cocoons & Rods
Burning
Paper Collage
Weaving
Embroidery
Devore
Stamping
Angelina
Discharge Dyeing
Couching
Tyvek
Crazy Quilting
Metal
Image Transfer
Beading
Needle Felting
Rusting
Lutradur
Foiling
Isn't this just an incredible list? I'm sooooo glad they did not call me and ask for help with writing this book.....it would still be in pencil form and no where near the printers. These girls are clear in their instructions and really share tons of information....an excellent reference book and a great gift too!!
In this photo Liz is sharing some the techniques in book Threads. Below is a photograph of one of the projects that was shown.
Debbie and Liz cover so many ways to use thread in your creating. I never looked at thread in so may ways before. This book offers an in-depth coverage of thread as paint, quilting, texture, ornament, structure and embellishment. The photos are a great part of the book for me. Without the excellent photos, I probably would not really have a full appreciation for all the techniques.
If you want some in-depth information to further your creativity I highly recommend both of these books!
Would you love win a copy of Threads The Basics & Beyond? Here is your chance. Just leave a comment on this post telling me what interests you most about the book. The winner will be announced on Wed. December 15th.
Smiles,
Kelly
PS....I most likely will not be replying to all the comments as I have made a commitment to myself to get some sewing done too :)
I'm in Heaven....Kelly Heaven.....oh...Heaven.....and of course there are monks chanting in the background....:) If I put music on my blog it bothers some folks....so you'll just have to get your imaginative juices working this morning/afternoon.....
I'm just appreciative that Brandon has such a good sense of humor and Liza had her back turned because otherwise....I'm certain I could have been jailed in Houston.
The energy these colors. along with the designs just speak to my inner "Wild Mo Jo".....and I don't think I really knew I had an inner "Wild Mo Jo" until I first saw their booth a few years ago.
I could have parked a lawn chair in front of this quilt and book and stayed there for three days with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.
Kaffe enjoying his needlework.
I thought Kaffe was kind to even bother to look up for a photo. After all, he had been on a plane most of the night (or so I was told.....maybe he really thinks I'm a nutcase and can't stand me taking his photo....who knows?)
Since this is my blog and I can take creative liberties.....I"m going to name this piece,
"Peaks of Enlightenment." How do you like that? :)
I'm calling this one......"Amber Waves of Joy"
I like "Cornered Energy" for this one.
"Wheels of the Ruby Dharma"....I like that title...do you?
This I call, "Where is Waldo?"....LMAO
(if you don't know what the acronym stands for....please don't look it up)
"Water Falling on Bliss"
"BAM"
"BAM, BAM and AHHHH"
These are just the titles I've given these photos. I love these Westminster Fabrics and the designers are very inspiring to me.
These Rowan Threads were in the Westminster Booth just down the isle. Can you believe I did not even attempt a heist? Me either!!!
I was thinking while writing this post.......
........Ever notice that when someone/several some one's work resonates with you....it is actually just reflecting something on the inside waiting to get out?
The IHAN world in which I live can be fun on afternoons such as this one. Prior to seeing any of these folks work I knew I liked color but I think it was buried deep inside me. I realize I need some color in my world/home. I don't typically work with colors etc because of self doubt. My uncle was a very successful designer and he had wonderful taste. He was held up as the measure for taste and style....if he liked it....it was "divine" (said in such a grandiose manner too). Apparently I internalized the message that only "designers" have taste and I certainly am not an artist or a designer so I have honestly never explored much until recently. I've never taken an art class relied on a color wheel to tell me if things "worked" together or not.
Fear color no more!!! This photo was taken a few minutes ago in my kitchen. Like the color? I can tell you it sure beats what was there before....just ask "Waldo."
Since the website drama I have had to slow down quite a bit. I burned the candle at both ends for too long and now I'm in the rest and recover mode. Which is a blessing honestly, because it has given me the opportunity to make some things that I have wanted and needed to make. I absolutely love being able to Google the word Tutorial followed by almost any other word I can think of ....and.... up pops someone's kind gift to others. For that, I am greatful :)
A must see tutorial is over at the Sew To Speak Blog. I learned about it from the Quiltycat Blog this morning. It really grabbed my eye.
Bee Tree Designs Blog has another one that is excellent. I typically print off the designs and use them with some extra wool felt or other fabrics when I want a portable project. I love hand stitching so I keep a file of those too.
An excellent drawstring bag tutorial is posted on Happy Things blog. I made two of these recently and I think this tutorial ROCKS.
Oh and did I mention the MJ's Bag Tag Tutorial right here on the IHAN blog? These make great teacher gifts, family gifts, anyone gifts because they don't have to be used just on luggage. I make smaller ones and put on the boys lunch boxes, camera bags, computer bags etc.
My last reminder about the Electric Quilt Tutorial that is free too!!! Click here and get yourself some free lessons and have some fun too. (This is a secret....so don't tell anyone....if my memory serves me correctly....on Facebook I saw a post that read someone somewhere in Southern California is doing a giveaway and it is related to this tutorial....I have learned that nothing gets quilters rocking faster than a fabric giveaway:...and you did not hear it from me!)
More soon!
