Creative Grids Long Arm Quilting Templates by Pat Barry at Spring Quilt Market 2010

One of my goals while in Minneapolis at the Spring Quilt Market was to learn more about Long Arm Quilting.  I even thought I would approach a Long Arm Quilt Machine and take a test drive....that never happened.  What I did accomplish however was learning about the Creative Grids Long Arm Quilt Templates that were designed by Pat Barry.  Pat was so incredibly friendly and kind while she took her time to educate me about the Creative Grids Long Arm Quilting Templates that she has designed.

These are the Sweet Set Curve System that comes in a variety of sizes.  There are two curve heights has  1″ and 1 ½″. Each height has four widths or repeats to choose from.

These are the Creative Grids Concentric Shape Templates shown here.  I have seen all of these templates but never really had an appreciation for them until Pat took the time to educate me.  I thought she did an excellent job of explaining the importance of these templates and their benefits for Long Arm Quilters.  Previously I had been very intimidated by Long Arm Quilters and felt like I just did not have enough base information to form an educated question. 

Pat demonstrated how these templates work:

The templates are a set.  One side is the Placement Guide and the other is the Machine Guide.

You can see here how they are lined up.  Pat's website, Pat Barry Quilts dot com, has excellent instructions for the exact how to use the templates written out and here is the Creative Grids video.  She also has a Patented Size Chart for the Sweet Set Templates to determine which width you need for a perfect corner-to-corner border fit when choosing a Template.  All of the Sweet Set Templates are on the IHAN website along with links to the videos and the Patented Size Chart.

Pat is pointing to the chart to help me understand how it is all accomplished. Honestly I was so impressed that I actually thought I could follow the instructions and understand what she was talking about.  Quit laughing....my mind goes blank when I'm intimidated and then I find it very difficult to understand when people speak to me.  At least I'm continent when intimidated!!

Here Pat was demonstrating how the Concentric Circles Template works. 

Here you can see how nice and thick (1/4") and sturdy the Templates are.  The needle on the hopping foot goes through the opening so you can just move in and out of the circle.  Interesting isn't it?  It was/is to me because I had no idea how these things worked

I thought the Sweet Set Concentric Hearts was neat because it comes with the "key to your heart."  The key actually fits nicely into the bottom of the Template so the hopping foot can go around the outside smoothly. 

The "key to your heart" is also a very useful tool in and of itself because it is a 1/4" guide as well. Check this out, you can put a marking pen/pencil into the circle and move it around any template for a perfect addition of a 1/4". 

This is the Creative Grids Quilt Machine Stipple Stitcher also designed by Pat Barry (quite the designer wouldn't you say? )

I really liked how Pat was able to move the hopping foot around with the Template instead of the "handle bars."  I get intimidated by the "handle bars" and I thought this would allow for much finer work and accuracy.

These were some of the stitches Pat recommended for beginners when they are learning to do Long Arm Quilting.  I would call my self a "peri-beginner"  ROFL.

  

While reading Pat's website I saw this and thought it was very informative: Why Sweet Set Templates are the best.  What a great way to explain the Templates and share with others what is unique about them.  I wish every product came with a sheet like this one.  Don't you?

Pat will be teaching some classes in September 2010.  Click here to check out her schedule.

Thank you Pat for taking your valuable time to educate me!!!  Pat gave me some extra "key to your heart" templates which add a perfect 1/4 inch!!!  I'll enclose one free in any Creative Grids Rulers or Creative Grids Template purchase until they are gone....thanks to Pat :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Win Blooming Possibilities - Another Giveaway

I'm sorry I was not parting with my Blooming Possibilities that I blogged about on July 9th....I know there were lots of comments on how cool the flowers, hat and bag was/is.

So I thought I would tip you off to a big Giveaway on the Abbey Lane Blog for a chance to win  Blooming Possibilities, the hat pictured below and a flower!!! 

Click here to hop over to their blog for an opportunity to win :)

Smiles,

Kelly

SCHNIBBLES times two by Carrie Nelson Giveaway

SCHNIBBLES times two by Carrie Nelson

Autographed book giveaway winner:

I only wish I knew how to copy a page and enter the photo here.  I don't so I'll just tell you I entered 1 and 83 and hit generate on the Random dot org page and it came up with # 31.  So I went to the comments and scrolled down to #31 and what did I see?  I still can't believe it....it was this comment:

Happy Cottage Quilter said... 31

I was so blown away when you told me that Carrie knew about my little blog :-) She is such a sweetie. And I do not yet have Carrie's new book, so I would LOVE to own an autographed copy! Because I love Schnibbles :-)

It was meant to be....Joslyn the books is in the mail!!!  Wow....now I need this kind of vibes for the Silhouette Cutter being given away on Little Birdie Secrets!!!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to read the blog and leave a comment.  So many more giveaways to come....stay tuned.

Smiles,
Kelly

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 

Little Birdie Secrets....Shhhh it's a Secret! or is It?

The real problem with Little Birdie Secrets.....is not too many of us can keep a secret.  I know I can't....especially when it comes to creative tools.  Take a deep breath and get yourself a box of Kleenex.  You are going to need it because although I'm tempting you to enter for this giveaway.....all my psychic energy is vibrating at high intensity right now and I'm drawing this SILHOUTTE Digital Cutting Tool to me.....via energy waves.  I feel the vibes.....there is no penetrable source that could keep me away from this prize....not even KRYPTONITE!!!

I'm not even going to post any photos of the incredible things this baby makes....you'll have to click here to see what the Little Birdie Says about this.....and besides.....I really don't want to call the National Weather Service and announce the flash flood that will be arriving with all those tears.  Sorry Gals.....you know when I want something....NOTHING gets in my way :)

My true spirit shinith through :)
Evil and Wicked Smiles,
Kelly

Carrie Nelson, author of SCHNIBBLES times two was at Spring Quilt Market 2010

IHAN blogifers meet Carrie Nelson, Carrie I'm pleased to introduce you to the IHAN blogifers.
 (IHAN stands for I Have A Notion and blogifers are those who read this blog...some folks have asked :)

Carrie is the author of SCHNIBBLES times two (published by Martingale & Company) and the owner of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.   As you can see here she had a large stack of books to autograph and I certainly was not going to miss meeting her and getting an autographed  book to offer to a lucky IHAN blogifer either.   She was more than happy to autograph a book and asked each person a bit about themselves.  I have to say she was very friendly and full of life, a pleasure to meet and visit with.  My friend, Jocelyn, Happy Cottage Quilter blog, loves Schnibbles.  I already knew she had the book so I asked Carrie to autograph a Brewer Sewing and Quilting gift booklet and she did....how nice is that?  Very!  She even knew about Jocelyn's blog.  Cool isn't it?  Such a small world. 

I was going to write a review of Carrie's book, SCHNNIBLES times two, but I don't have to.  Darlene, SewCalGal blog has done all the work for me.  She did such a nice job....

The definition of a Schnibble, provided by Carrie: The word Schnibble means a scrap, small bits of cloth, or leftover bits of fabric! So, by the definition I would think that anyone that loves scraps is a Scnibble quilter. Carrie, is just an inspirational Schnibbler that has designed many wonderful quilts using beautiful schnibbles. And, in this book, she makes it very easy by giving you the choice of using 5" charm squares or 10" layer cake squares (or cut your own).

Carrie has a fun writing style, that unlike some quilt books, is far from being dry. Well, she does encourage the reader to think "cake mix", as she walks you thru the basics of "How to Bake a Layer Cake Quilt".

See what I mean?  She does such a nice job reviewing books and products that I get lazy :)  Darlene's post is a complete review with lots more information so you need to click on her link (or here) to check it out.

While reading Meet and Greet on Carries website I read this:

In trying to think about what I would tell you about "Carrie the Quilter", it would be this – I don't know any more about making quilts than you do. I have never made a perfect quilt, although I definitely aspire to do so one day. I have my preferred methods to do things but I don't think they are the "best way" – the method I use is simply the "way that works best for me". Nor am I an "expert" quilter, I have just managed to figure out how to work around my bad habits.

I have a great deal of respect for Carrie and others who are "real" when they share what they know.  "Real People Rock"!!!

If you would like the opportunity to own an autographed copy of SCHNIBBLES times two please leave a comment on this post telling us why you would like to own this book.  Remember to leave your e-mail address on your post if you are unsure if you are a no-reply blogger.  I skip over those comments and many people have lost their opportunity to win a great gift because there was no way to contact them.  Comments for this giveaway will close on Friday July 9, 2010 at the end of the day.

Thanks to everyone who made this giveaway and post possible : Carrie Nelson, Brewer Sewing and Quilting Supplies, Martingale & Company, Darlene Simmons and last but not least....my fingers for typing the post :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Quilt Poetry at Spring Quilt Market 2010

IHAN blogifers meet Jane Spolar of Quilt Poetry.  After you see these photos below you will know why I was so drawn to Quilt Poetry.  "Quilts are poetry in fabric" according to Jane.....and I just so happen to agree with her:)

I really enjoyed meeting Jane.  She is a soft spoken woman who is amazingly talented. 

Can you believe this is a panel?  I could not either.  These are perfect for those who don't want to do the A word (applique).  What a great wall hanging!

Jane has a new fabric line, Bliss,  created for Northcott Silks!!!   I'm not kidding....it is so beautiful you must click on the link to see it.  I don't have time to get permission right now to gently borrow their photos so you'll have to click on the highlighted text and that will take you right to the fabric line.

Quilt Poetry also offers a line of Patterns.  So if Applique is not for you.....you must check these out!!!

Smiles,
Kelly

Quilt Blocks on American Barns by Eleanor Burns Giveaway Winner

Quilt Blocks on American Barns Gift Package Giveaway

Thank you Lady Eleanor and Prince Orion (Quilt In A Day) for giving me this lovely gift package!!! 

One lucky person won this Gift Package which includes:

an Autographed copy of Quilt Blocks on American Barns, a very fun tote bag and project bag, , 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.

And who is that lucky IHAN blog reader?

 Quiltingnana is the winner.  Please e-mail me with your name and address and I'll ship your prize to you tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone who left a comment!!!  I appreciate your reading and commenting on the IHAN blog.  Stay tuned for more giveaways coming your way very soon :)

Smiles,
Kelly

This Is My Brain

This is my brain......

This is my brain on fireworks.....

Oh how this brain loves fireworks......

I'll leave you with one of my favorite 4th of July stories.....a few years ago when Aaron was probably just 3 we went to the fireworks here in town....sat on top of the big hill behind the elementary school with lots of other families......and when the grand finale ended.....there was complete silence.....Aaron jumps up and screams as loudly has he could...."Happy Birthday Jesus"
I almost rolled down that big hill laughing.  All he knew was this was one really big event and for it to be this big it must be someones  birthday.....I'll never for get it.

May you be with those you enjoy the most and appreciating the things you love today.

Smiles,
Kelly

Tutto - Machine on Wheels - Spring Quilt Market 2010

I am frequently surprised when I say Tutto Bag in a conversation and the person asks what a Tutto bag is.  For some reason I think everyone who sews or quilts and has ever taken their machine on a retreat or on a trip knows about  Tutto bags.  I'm not exactly sure why that is, I think because when I first started taking quilt classes it seemed like everyone had one.  When you go to Quilt Market , Shows, and Seminars many of the folks use them to carry the brochures they gather, purchases, and their extra shoes in them.  So, for those of you who don't know what a Tutto bag is.....here they are:

They are Sewing Machine, Serger, and Machine Embroidery travel bags.  They come a variety of fun colors and they are very sturdy yet light weight.  They have 4 wheels on the bottom, open from the top or side, have a variety of pockets on the inside and outside and they fold to 3" so they can be easily stored.

These are the Machine Embroidery Bags.  They are padded and have inside straps to keep your embroidery modules secure.  There is a front compartment that has built-in organizer pockets for your supplies.  They can be carried by their strap or they stack on top of Tutto Machine On Wheels or Tutto Serger On Wheels bags.

This is a Serger bag stacked on a Machine on Wheels Tutto bag. 

You can see here some are wider than others.  The come in Medium, Large, XL and XXL for those new Bernina 830's.  To see all the measurements, sizes, and colors available click here.

These are so popular right now they are on back order most everywhere.  Everyone who has bought the new Bernina 830 that I know has bought one and some have had to wait a few months to get them (some colors are just that popular).

So, now you know what a Tutto Bag is!!!  Unfortunately I was not given one to give away on my blog...LOL.    But I was aloud to touch, photograph, and drool on them!!  All Tutto Bags are available at IHAN at a very nice savings.  If you don't see one listed and you want to order it, just e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com and I'll get it for you.  Being a one person shop makes it tough to juggle all the balls.....so sometimes I just let them fall and rely on the good ole e-mail system :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Winner of "Oodles of Doodles" Wall Hanging Fabric Kit

The winner of the giveaway gets the kit below to make the wall hanging above made from Ricky Tims new fabric line, "Oodles of Doodles" with Red Rooster Fabrics.  "Oodles of Doodles" does not ship to stores until September/October....so the winner is one VERY LUCKY IHAN BLOG READER!! :)

Without further ado......STORMY DAYS.......you ARE the winner :) 

Please e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com with your complete name and address. My sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to leave a comment and tolerate the mystery of the loss of photos the first day. No worries for those who did not win today.....because my box of goodies is still overflowing....stay tuned :)

Just a reminder, have you gotten your comment posted for the "Quilt Blocks on American Barns" giveaway?  See the upper right hand side of my blog and click on it to enter to win this incredible gift package compliments of Lady Eleanor Burns and Quilt In A Day.

Smiles,

Kelly