Sample Spree Thursday Night at Quilt Market

A Movie Star!!! Eleanor Burns was at Sample Spree in her beautiful boa signing books. Isn't she beautiful...what a great smile and boa.

Quilt Market is for business owners, designers, artists, longarm quilters and people associated with the quilting industry to meet and introduce their products, share information and take orders.


On Thursday night they have something called, "Sample Spree." The sample spree, from what I could gather, is to offer shop owners an opportunity to purchase fabrics and notions that have not yet been released for show in their shops or websites. Hence, Sample Spree.


After my last class at School House with Andover Fabrics I headed straight down to Sample Spree. I had been told by Internet friends that the folks line up early. The sale was to be 8-10 pm. It was just 6pm when I went to get in line. I was so surprised to see a huge line of two hours in advance. You have to remember this is my first Quilt Market. I could not believe people were actually lined up to PAY for things they could order from their home computers in just a few weeks....and some things that are already available. But I'm going with the flow here. We all patiently waited in line and chatted with one another. I really enjoyed that the most. I loved talking with people and learning about their lives and interests.


So the doors open and to my surprise they opened doors in the middle of the line as well. I guess that was a good decision on their part to avoid a stampede and having people rushed to the ER. I felt like I was at one of those soccer games you hear about on TV when people get trampled.


Just inside the door that I entered through, were the Andover Fabrics folks and then the MODA group. People were literally 3 and 4 deep and handing fabrics over their heads to other gals standing directly behind them. It was PANDEBALONIUM (if you are a follower of this blog you will know this word).

I asked the Andover guy how they know people are actually paying for all those fabrics they are passing overhead. He said, "I always trust a Quilter." That Andover guy says all the right things :) It is true....I've never been cheated by a quilter (knocking on wood) and I have found they are happier giving you something than taking something.

This was the line ahead of me.

This was the line behind me.

I loved this gals jacket. I was expecting to see more clothing created by quilting artists and designers. I only saw a handful of specialty clothing being worn. That was a big surprise to me.


Edyta Sitar was there with her husband signing books as well. I thought I was married to the best guy in the world. I guess Edyta must have gotten in the same husband gene pool as I did. He was right there helping, smiling and chatting in his friendly manner.

I ran into Katie and Mary from Needles Quilt Shop in Wellsboro, PA. Those are some seasoned gals....very wise. They strolled in after the rush and were just looking around. In the future....I'm following their lead!!!

Smiles,

Kelly

P.S....I went to bed last night at 9:30 and got up at 9:30 this morning. After a busy week with the family and being worn out by 4 days of walking and talking....I needed some rest.

Quilt Market Chapter 2

Misty Fuse and Transdoodle were two products that I had never heard of prior to going to the Quilt Market. I met a gal who was demonstrating how to use Transdoodle and Misty Fuse. I know I have her business card somewhere but I can't find it in this pile of paper I brought home from Market. I put these two items with the book I got about Fabric Art Collage because I really think all these products go wonderfully together.

Misty Fuse is a very thin/sheer paperless fusible that is great for all weights of fabrics (yes she said all and I saw it work). There is no extra weight from the fusible because it is so thin. I felt two pieces of cotton that had been fused and I could not feel the fusible web at all. It was not stiff or bulky. There is no added adhesive like some of the other brands so it does not gum up your needle or your scissors. I was so convinced that I bought several patterns that are applique. I plan to do a applique wall hanging for my kitchen and I'm going to use the machine applique technique. I saw some work that you absolutely could not tell was needle turn because the fuse was so thin and the stitches so invisible.

Moving on to Transdoodle. You can click on the link above to see a demonstration. I got so excited because I always mess up transferring designs. This product is a transfer paper that does not stain and is not waxy. You can re-use it over and over. It has a chalky color and will not set into your fabric. It rubs off. So if I want to transfer a pattern to black weavers cloth for Punchneedle. I just trace over the pattern with a layer of Transdoodle between my pattern and fabric and Wah-Lah....the design is there. It is like chalk carbon paper. You know I got a tube of this stuff.

The book, Fabric Art Collage by Rebekah Meier, was given by Checker Distributors and Rebekah signed each copy. I thought Misty Fuse and Transdoodle were perfect items to be used with Rebekah's book. I had watched Rebekah use another brand of fusible to bond tissue paper (gift tissue) and paper napkins together to make a paper fabric. I think the Misty Fuse would work wonderfully because it is so thin/sheer. It would not show through the work.

The rolls of white canvas is "Multi-Purpose Cloth" by Roc-Ion. This cloth feels like a canvas. It makes beautiful Floorcloths, Placemats, Wall Hangings and a variety of other items. This stuff feels sturdy yet flexible enough to sew through.

So you can take your Transdoodle to transfer your pattern and then use the Misty Fuse to fuse your papers or fabrics and then apply them to the Multi-Purpose cloth and you have an incredible wall hanging, floorcloth, bag, lamp shade, window shade, banner, sign, book cover, table runner or any other great thing you can think of.

I'm not being paid by any of these folks although I think I should be asking for some cash for advertisement. Big, no Huge Cash.....large denominations unmarked!!! I really think these are all great products and you have my word on that. No BS here.....that stands for Bologna Sandwich by the way :)

Sorry for the long post....but I had to tell you all about the great stuff I saw.

Smiles,

Kelly

Toledo Needle Arts Guild Meeting

I just have to take a little break from the Quilt Market news to share what I saw tonight at the TNAG Meeting. I am a new member of this Guild. I love the needle arts and boy did I see some beautiful work tonight.

The first Biscornu* was stitched and assembled by Christine Hampshire. The pattern is (edited 5/21/09 8:03 AM) “Floral Fifteen: A 15-Sided Biscornu by Just Nan". It is a 15 sided Biscornu pin cushion. When she showed it I was speechless (that is difficult to achieve for me). It was so beautiful I could never imagine putting pins in it. I think I would buy a special glass dome to put it under. Christine said she changed threads quite a few times and that if she knew how much it involved from the beginning she may not have attempted making this one. I'm sooooo glad she did not know and did indeed finish it. I took several pictures to show the many sides and just how beautiful the stitching is. I figured you would all enjoy looking too.

Last but certainly not least, was another beautiful Biscornu that Ann Rorarius had finished and shared with me tonight. The design is by Lilian Kok. Ann also made a smaller one as seen in the picture. I really like the color and the pattern of these Biscornu.

I am so thrilled that Ann let me take a picture to share with everyone. I don't know about you but I always am inspired when I see beautiful pieces like this one. I think it helps further the needle arts and pass on traditions to younger generations.

Biscornu this is a new word for me so I will keep saying/typing it over and over just for fun. It sounds so cool....pronounced "Bis Cor New" if you are inexperienced with this word like me.

*The word biscornu (sometimes written biscournu) is derived from a French adjective, meaning skewed, quirky, or irregular. My husband, ever the linguist, tells me that it literally means "two horned." Many English speakers, especially those from the Southern United States, think that biscornu is a cognate of the word biscuit. Well, it is similar in shape and size to a hand-pressed biscuit! Regardless, biscornu are basically made from two embroidered squares sewn together on point; the corner of one square meets the middle of the other as the two pieces are whip-stitched together and stuffed, creating the a quirky, skewed pillow. Additionally, many are finished off with a button in the center of the design top and bottom. (copied from http://prettyimpressivestuff.com/biscornu.htm)

Smiles,

Kelly

(I think I'll tell my children they are acting like a Biscornu and see what they say. Or instead of saying hello to someone tomorrow I'll greet them with, "Biscornu" and see how they respond. Ok so I'm goofy....who is goofier....me for saying it....or you for reading it?)

P.S. On The Topic of Olfa

I forgot a detail. On the Olfa Circle Maker....you put the fabric on your cutting mat. Then you put the center needle/point on the cutter on the fabric. You turn the knob with one hand to make the circles. So you are thinking.....my wrist can not turn in a full circle (mine either :). So, the made the handle to go backwards like a socket wrench and then you just keep going. Sorry I forgot to add that. I thought about it while driving today.

If you make yoyo's or want to make a circle quilt or wall hanging or quilt it would be very cool. It cuts circles from 1 7/8 to 8 1/2. Great for penny rugs too. I'm guessing when the blade gets dull you could use it for paper crafts too.

OK...I'm done bragging on those Olfa folks. I think they should send me an Olfa gift basket to give away on my blog....don't you!!!!

Smiles,
Kelly

Olfa At Quilt Market

Perhaps by now you may have noticed that I don't like to be told that something works easily and simply when in truth the item is a waste of money or a pain in the booty to use. I was pleasantly surprised at the Olfa demonstration booth.

The ruler in the top corner of this picture was the Olfa giveaway. Tell me I was not appreciative to try a ruler I don't own.

The Compass Circle Cutter was there on the table. I asked to try it and the gal invited me behind the counter to try it. On the very first attempt I made a beautiful circle....no errors. She showed me where the cap is stored when you take it off the sharp tip and how to retract the blade. I also learned how to replace the blade and I have to say it was easy and safe. I was able to make a variety of sizes with this simple tool. I am convinced that this is actually a valuable tool and it is what they say it is.

The Chenille Cutter demonstrated. It was very simple and the design helps preserve the life of the blade.

This is Olfa's Angle Ruler. I asked why the half circle was printed on it. I figured it would help cut circles somehow. Wrong!!! It is to help you visually see the angles. Someone very smart works at Olfa and it isn't me.

The friendly gal who was willing to take her time to show me the items and answer all my questions. Great gal to have at a booth....I hope she got paid extra because she was really helpful.

I will admit that prior to going to Quilt Market my preference for rotary cutters and blades has always been Olfa. However, I must admit I was very impressed with their other tools and have not problem recommending them to you.

I know you were all hoping they unloaded 500 blades on me so we could all share. But they did not....not this time anyway :) But if they ever do....I'll be glad to share!!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Quilt Market Chapter One

Cedar Canyon gave a wonderful lecture on Paintstiks on Fabric. I loved the lecture and made sure I was able to get to their booth to see their demonstrations. I will post a full post just on their Paintstiks because it was so cool. I felt like a little kid when someone else won the gift package. I wanted to jump up and down and say, "No Fair." You'll be pleased to know I did not give in to my impulses :) But I have to admit.....I really wanted that entire set and will be buying it soon. Paintsticks will be added to my store in the next few days. I am convinced these sticks will really make some fun additions to my art quilting.

I was walking up the hall looking for a classroom when who did I run into? Guess....nope, that is one guess, nope-not Elvis, that is two, three....Oprah....no not Oprah.....
Nancy Ziemen and here is a picture to prove it!!! She just walked out of a classroom and there she was smack dab in front of me. So I asked to take her picture and she was happy to let me take a picture and someone suggested I get in the photo too!!! Movie Stars....oh yea!

This is not a very good picture of either one of us. I handed my camera to a stranger and I think the pix came out a little blurry. We both are very good looking gals in real life....honestly! :)

Marinda Stewart had recently published a book, "Punchneedle The Complete Guide." She gave a lecture and showed many of her pieces. I was so excited because I just love Punchneedle. I put my business card into the basket and was hoping they would call my name. Guess What??? I won a fresh signed copy of Marinda's book. I had goosebumps. I'm sorry I won't be giving this book away on my blog. I must admit....I feel very selfish with certain things and this is one of them. I will loan it however, if you are local :)

Presencia gave a class on their threads and flosses. The gal giving the class was very knowledgeable and that made the talk interesting. Presencia gave everyone who attended some thread.

I also won when they pulled my business card out of the bag....and I got a spool of purple floss.

Brewer brochure that gave information about classes offered by Brewer throughout the day. I even got to meet the lady that developed the brochure. Very smart gal!!

I went to Brewer's Fabric Freedom Kits class and saw their holiday lines for 2009. Everyone got a Charm Pack for attending. I was lucky enough to be given a 10 inch layer cake as well!!! Woo Hooo....

Brewer also showed their Silk line and some quilts and purses made from silk. They were lush. I even got a sample of the silk as a gift. I thought the silks were beautiful but I know with two little boys it will be a very long time before I make a quilt from silk.

I mentioned to one of the Gal's from Brewer that I've been back ordered on some thread that was supposed to be shipped and was not shipped, she offered me several spools of thread. How nice was that? I have found the folks at Brewer Distributors to be so helpful when I call. I mentioned that to some of the Brewer Personnel and they were very pleased that I told them about the girls who were so kind and helpful. Very nice folks over there.

This picture is actually of three tote bags that Andover Fabrics gave away with their lectures. Inside was a brochure of their newest fabrics and a CD with all of their new fabrics that can be downloaded to Electric Quilt software. How cool is that? Very smart folks over there at Andover.

Andover Fabrics had several classes throughout the day. Their rooms were full and overflowing. I have to say those folks had a ball telling about their fabrics and patterns. Their designers were there as well. They really made everyone smile and laugh out loud several times. I will post about their new fabrics in one post because I took a bunch of pictures.

I have to really pace myself girls. I took so many pictures you would have thought I was a magazine photographer or something. I guess I used my camera as sort of my external memory card. I knew I would forget all that I saw so I took pictures to remind myself. I expect soon I will be taking photographs of the streets I pass so I can find my way back home!!!

I realize some of these pictures are out of order but I've had one heck of a day yesterday. This is the best I can do for today....stay tuned....I guarantee lots and lots and lots of goodies and great things to share....because....I Have A Notion :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Ahhhhh Home Again

I'm home from Quilt Market safe and sound. I think I have months of stories to tell. I hope 265 pictures will be enough for you girls. I walked and talked (and accepted freebies) for 4 straight days. So, after some rest I will begin telling my stories and showing all the very cool things we found and saw. We all learned about so many new products that we were unfamiliar with and even shared some tips with others. Talk about freebies....we brought home enough to share with all the blog world (small exaggeration there). I'm going to begin contests and giveaways....including things that have to do with some pretty big names in the sewing world....stay tuned....you won't be disappointed, I promise.

Smiles,
Kelly

My First Pieces of Punchneedle Embroidery

Punchneedle embroidery is very relaxing for me. These are some practice samples I've done. When I first started I was interested in just punching anything to get the hang of using the needle. I started with a Ultra Punch and now I punch with just the needles of the Super Luxo Needles. I really like the feel of just using the tips.

As you can see, this is unfinished but you can see the progress I made from one to the next.

I really like this pattern. My technique and understand has improved since this was done. I will punch it again using different colors and vary the height of the threads (project 576,438, 129).

If you are new to Punchneedle or would like to try Punchneedle....don't be afraid to experiment...just jump in and start practicing. Before too long your technique will improve and you'll enjoy the relaxation of Punchneedle embroidery. You can use any thread that will go through the needle (told to me by my "Starr" punchneedle teacher). I have used sewing thread and rayon threads too. So when you see those spools of thread at rummage sales or garage sales....scoop it up for a dime and start punching.

Smiles,

Kelly

Freebies

Can you say, "Free?" I like to see what people are doing and what they are giving away. This blog lists lots of giveaways so stop by and check it out.

I'm hoping the Quilt Market has some freebies too!!! That is where I am right now....(posted in advance) so I'm hoping they have something fun to bring home and giveaway on my blog.

I love seeing what other people win too. I have never won on a blog but I've seen some really beautiful things and I always smile. I think most of us have the best hearts and really enjoy seeing other people happy with what we make.

Smiles,
Kelly

I'm in Pittsburgh

I have time for one quick post. I'm alive and well in Pittsburgh. I arrived at 1:00 yesterday and spent my afternoon in the Schoolhouse classes. These were offered by many different companies and individuals. I learned quite a bit and even got some pix of celebrities...I can't wait to download my pix.

I won a book, "Punchneedle The Complete Guide" by Marinda Stewart. I so thoroughly enjoyed her lecture and seeing her work. I had goosebumps when they called my name to win a book. Marinda signed it too!!! I had a hard time not hugging her to say thanks for this really cool book that was just released from the printer.

There were some other giveaways and freebies that I were given to me. I was thinking about a post Market Blog Giveaway.....that would be fun....to share a bit-o-de-market with others.

I stayed with my husband's Aunt last night here in Pittsburgh. She has a lovely apartment in a very pretty part of town. Aunt Linda is a quilter/artist so you know I'm in heaven :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Can you say, Accessorized?

Remember those back packs for Quilt Market that Mary Jane made? Well, she just could not stop until every last scrap was gone. She made a camera bag and a Kleenex holder to go with her back pack and name badge. I can't wait to see if she embellished her underwear with the salvage edges. Perhaps a toe ring? Covered button earrings? Imagine what all we could do with those little scraps of fiber remaining.

If I had brought my sewing machine with me I could have made myself a cool little camera bag too. I need one of those little tiny machines....hand held from the infomercials.....then I could sew up fun things over lunch.

Smiles,
Kelly

Oh Boy!!!

Oh Boy.....this is a picture of me in July of 2006. I had just returned from the Ribbon Outlet in PA. I could not believe the prices. $6.00 bought an entire bag of ribbon. Who needs one bag? How about several bags and enough ribbon to wrap a lifetimes worth of gifts or make a zillion hair bows :)
I'm hoping this does not happen at the Quilt Market Sample Spree tonight. I'm leaving in a few hours for Pittsburgh. I went to bed early last night and thought I would pack this morning. I set the alarm for 5am....but a storm woke me up at 3:30 and then I was wide awake.....so I'm up and running.

I bought a new camera last night. I got one that is more compact but still has a good zoom....for all those pix I'm going to upload when I get back!!!

Smiles,
Kelly

EQ6 Is Very Cool

I don't know about you but I'm one of those people who has a hard time with visualizing how certain fabrics will look made into different quilts. Often I avoid cutting into my fabric stash favorites because I don't want the finished product to come out wonky. Or because I did not realize they colors would have played better if I had separated them. I can scan in my fabrics and play with them to see how they will look in quilt patterns before I ever cut a piece of my "good stuff."

The EQ6 is for those of us with impaired visualization or I actually think it has something to do with seeing in 3D and engineers do this really well (I studied this stuff so long ago that is all I remember....all that money on my education and I can't remember...guess that is what Google is for!!!) and many other people who want to see and print what they are making. You can go to the EQ6 website and check out the various tools this software offers. I really liked this video on designing quilts .
I think their site offers quit a bit of information so if you are new to quilting or an advanced quilter you will probably see or learn something on their site. However you will not learn much from me about the workings of the brain....mine is mushy today :)

Smiles,
Kelly
P.S. Did you see the price: $149.00? My price is $109.00 that is 40 more dollars for fabric girls :)

Three, Two, One...and we will have lift off Huston

Well Huston, we have three days until lift off. We hope the weather is good for the launch and the sky's are clear. Destination: Planet Pittsburgh for Quilt Market.

I have been planning my clothes for the trip so I will be comfortable and able to walk for three days without sore feet. What do astronauts pack so they will be comfortable for their longer trips? Better call Huston I guess. Anyone have their web addy so I can enquire about the comfort of those diapers that you can ware for several days. Geez....I will hate to have to stop looking to go to the ladies room. I need NASA Diapers....if anyone has a connection please dial me right away!!! Do you think there is a tutorial on making Space Diapers on the web?

This is the Badge Holder we designed (I did the first name badge holder and decided it needed a wallet on the reverse side to hold money and ID etc. Mary Jane took right off and made some with really neat wallets on the back to match the backpacks she has made). I think we are going to be very spanky in Pittsburgh.

This is the area we will put our Badges in so we are permitted entrance into the Convention Area. These are sort of like the official tags the "Officials at Big Concerts" wear to go behind the scenes....but this will be much more fun. (it says unknown....but we really know who we are...don't worry....honestly we will be fine out of town by ourselves without knowing our names....what is most important is that we recognize one another right? :)

I will be sporting the backpack on the left....so if you go and you spot me....you can say Howdy!!

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day. I was greeted in bed with breakfast from my two boys. They were so excited and I got lots of kisses. They also made me gifts and got me a rose bush too. I felt really special. Then we went to my Mother's house (she is out of town for a month) and my husband, sister, nephews, brother and I did all the yard work and bush trimming and a few tree removals. It was a wonderful day and we all enjoyed ourselves. I just pray we can all walk tomorrow :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Happy Mother's Day

Please note the following was not written by me....I am sharing it from an e-mail I received. It refers to God....please substitute what ever is comfortable for you, Mohammad, Buddha, Mother Nature, Grandma, Mother Goose....what ever you like....it is not intended to alienate anyone or their beliefs.

A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?'

God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.

'The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.'

God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'

Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?'

God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.'

'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?'

God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.'

'Who will protect me?'

God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.

''But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.'

God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.'

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked,

'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.

'God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.'

I loved this and wanted to share it with all Mom's today. Smiles, Kelly

Dear Jane Quilts, Supplies and Tutorials

It seems everywhere I look I see more and more blocks from the Dear Jane series. I know Anya, Hills Creek Quilter , has been working on beautiful blocks for a long time and she posts her beautiful blocks on her blog. She has a slide show of her first one hundred blocks. She is using batiks and I just love them.

I found tutorials for the Dear Jane blocks by Anina from That Quilt Blogspot and they are great pictures for the tutorials. You will love the freezer paper she uses for paper piecing.

For those of you who are working on Dear Jane quilts or would like to start I have put a Dear Jane Supplies category on my website. The rulers, freezer paper to put through your printer, the Dear Jane book and the CD-Rom are all available at the lowest prices I have found on the web. You will also find some really great snips for cutting small applique pieces. You can't go wrong with I Have A Notion.

Tomorrow is Zach's 5th Birthday Party!!!! I can't believe my baby is going to be 5 (officially on Monday....and his sister is going to be 20....two born on the 11th of May).

Smiles,
Kelly

Who in the world would have thought.....

that people from all over the world have looked at my blog. I've only been blogging for a few months and I have had visits from the following countries:

Brazil, Belgium, Japan, Turkey, Macedonia, Hungry, India, Finland, Iceland, Switzerland, Singapore, Croatia, Venezuela, Iceland, Greece, Mexico, China, Spain, Russian Federation, Italy, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, France, Norway, Netherlands, Philippines, South Africa, Sweden, Israel and the United States.

People in 30 countries now know I exist as a person. This is amazing to me. Now I know you are there too. I feel like a top secret CIA person typing all these countries and I'm just a stitching enthusiast. I think I have stage fright now.....I'm being noticed.....ok...just kidding about the stage fright thing. I'm so thrilled that each and every one of you has stopped to read my blog. Thank you!!! I've had a total of 2736 visitors.....and I'm so glad I don't have to get each of you a cup of coffee and a sandwich :)

Guess I better get some baking done. If this keeps up, we'll need some cookies and coffee. I wonder if there is virtual cookie and coffee scent that can be transmitted through our speakers instead of sound....hmmmm....guess I better Google that one.

Please feel free to leave your comments so I can Hi personally and thank you for stopping by. If you have a blog or see things that interest you, please feel free to e-mail me as well. I enjoy seeing all parts of the world and things that interest other stitchers.

Smiles,

Kelly

More Beautiful Back Packs and Taglets

Mary Jane is on a roll. She has made two more back packs and she said she is making two more. I think these are so fun and I can't wait to wear one at the Quilt Market. I think Amy Butler will be very pleased....I would be :)

Way to go Mary Jane!!!

This little creation is my new Bag Tag....he is very small so I'm calling him my Bag Taglet. I got the idea from a business card my husband brought home from Best Buy. The card was the same size as this Bag Tag and the same shape. Since my larger tags are the same shape.....it struck a cord....how about smaller tags! As you can see...I'm extremely bright :)

Here is the Taglet next to a regular size Bag Tag. I think they are so cute and would be great on diaper bags and on the kids back packs and lunch boxes for school. I also think they would be great for identification when going to a Zoo or an Amusement park. Just fill it out and put it through one of their belt loops or shoe strings (perhaps a little smaller for shoes). You could put your cell phone number on it so if the child gets separated from you someone could call you on your phone. I always think about these sort of things because I have two little fellas.

Speaking of little fellas...Zach turns 5 on Tuesday. We are having his birthday party on Sat with a Scooby Doo theme. I still need to come up with games. Guess I better get busy on Google....unless any of you have any great ideas you want to share with me....PLEASE :)

By the way, I have added a new category on my website. You can now shop for "Dear Jane" books and supplies all in one category.

Smiles,

Kelly

Win Fat Quarters and Thread

Hey girls...thought you might want to know that there is a wonderful giveaway on the Mothers Cupboard. Check it out.

Smiles,
Kelly

"Calling All Critics" Follow Up

OK Gals.....these were the responses I received for the Love/Hate sewing notions and organizers. You may recall I have already posted mine in a previous post titled, "Calling All Critics".


"One of my favorite notions/quit tools is my Fons and Porters ergonomic seam ripper. I love the big easy to grip handle!" Susan http://hangingonbyaneedleandthread.blogspot.com/

Susan, I took this pix from another site...I hope I got the right one. I love your signature in your comments and on the e-mail. I've decided to put mine where ever I want it and if someone thinks I'm ignorant for doing so.....I'll just have to be ignorant :)


Shelly bought this rotary blade sharpener and says she can not get it to work correctly. I posted this to see if anyone else has bought one and if they have any tips or ideas. The jury is out as to weather these rotary sharpeners really work. So if you know of one that does...please do tell us all!!! Shelly said, " Here is the link for the particular sharpener I bought. I got mine from an online quilt shop so paid the higher price."

http://www.tooltron.com/productpages/crafttools/supplies/orbital_blade_sharpener.htm

"This will be a very interesting thread. I may not be doing something right if others have had good success with theirs...I could use some tips."

Shelley madmecyr@myfairpoint.net

Well Shelley....I hope we get some answers....if not I'm going to Quilt Market in Pittsburgh on the 15th of May and I'll try to find someone who is selling them and can demo one for me.


Mary Jane added this : "I think my favorite tool is the brass stiletto. I use it to un-sew as a seam ripper, pull out corners, hold seams as they go under the pressure foot, aide when ironing narrow folds and have even used it to pick out hickory nuts meats.
It is very strong and the point does not wear down, have had one for many years and it is still like new.

In fact, I have two...one at the sewing machine area and one by my nesting corner in the great room.

I really like the paper punch, it makes either 3/4 inch or one inch hexagons for doing English paper piecing that I use in making the Bosom Pin Cushions. The secret to English paper piecing is having an accurate foundation to sew your fabric around."

Mary Jane, Kelly's vintage friend from Pennsylvania

Mary Jane, you are not vintage......you are aged to perfection :)

Lastly, Behany Frerichs, posted her best and worst on her blog and you can just click on her name and it will take you right to the pictures!!! How easy is that?

Feel free to share your comments with all of us who are waiting to hear what tools or organizers you like or don't and if you have used a rotary sharpener with success.

Smiles,
Kelly

Wonky Wonky Wonky

I think I'm suffering from a mysterious condition. I'm not quite focused or sharp the last few days. Perhaps I should not have sat down at the sewing machine in this condition. But I did.

My goal was to make a MP3 Player holder for my Sister's birthday gift. I'm using a tutorial from Rebecca at Sew, Mamma, Sew . Now, please don't hold Rebecca nor her directions responsible for what I have done.

XQXGXRXZZZ I just realized I uploaded the pictures backwards...I'll be right back after I change those pictures to the correct order. See....I'm not all here....Mindy and Mork have stolen my brain.

I'm back from Ork....pictures were deleted and re-done. Am I the only one that is floating in outer space? I don't ever recall being so dis-con-bob-ulated.

So...picture one you will see that I layered the fabric incorrectly and what was to be the lining...is inside out.

Picture 2...you will notice the elastic that I was supposed to sew on the edge so it would be facing outward when it was flipped....is on the inside....

WONKY, WONKY, WONKY

OK....then I started over and chose a different fabric for the lining. Much better results this time (I don't think it had anything to do with changing the fabric....but you never know).

Here it is now....but you might notice....the elastic is a bit long.....

This is the button I made to go with the bag. I did punchneedle and then used a covered button. Well....the button does not work at all with the large loop and I needed to fill in the background. Live and learn.

I'm so glad my Sister will be satisfied knowing I made it. I will find another button....but I really wanted to make a punchneedle button cover....perhaps I'll do another one.....who knows.

Mork and Mindy are doing well if you were wondering. They are talking about building an addition for me to live in once I've completely lost my mind :) If you don't know who Mork and Mindy are.....well....I guess you can Google them!!!

Smiles,

Wonky Kelly

To Market To Market To Buy a Fat Pig

Home Again Home Again Jiggidy Jig. To Market To Market To Buy a Fat Hog, Home Again Home Again Giggidy Jog. That is the a great To Market song.....but I may just have one better!!!

To Market To Market To Buy Lots Of Fat Quarters, Home Again Home Again To Become A Better Hoarder.

We are getting ready to head off to Quilt Market in Pittsburgh PA here soon and we must have bags to carry our booty. These are back packs Mary Jane made for us to take to market. I think they are so cool....don't you? This is her own design. She quilted the bottom of the bags (difficult to tell by these pix) and she added a separate zipped pocket for our belongings.

I am taking my camera to share all the exciting news and photos of what I see. This will be my first visit to the Quilt Market and I'm hoping it will be very informative. I see all the things in catalogs and on the websites.....but it is a whole different ball game getting to feel and use the items.

I'm hoping to get some more Love/Hate e-mails about the notions and gadgets that you love and/or hate so I can include them in my post. I will be putting it together in the next day or two so please e-mail me with your list.

Smiles,

Kelly