Sizzix and Westminster Fabrics introduced Quilting By Design at Spring Quilt Market 2010

I had heard about the Sizzix and Westminster Fabrics Quilting By Design prior to going to Spring Quilt Market.  I had them on my list of must see New Notions. 

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I wanted to see first hand how this new Big Shot Pro worked.  This is Denzel Quick and he was demonstrating the  Big Shot Pro when I walked up.  This die cutting machine reportedly will cut through paper, card-stock,  fabric, balsam wood, and tin.  I was told it would cut through most anything of this sort because it has a beveled edge on the blades.  I've seen it cut through paper, card-stock and fabric but not the others.  I didn't have a tin can handy...LOL.

Denzel folded the fabric over the long dies and then ran them through the Big Shot Pro.  This machine requires a pair of plastic resin cutting pads, one on top and one beneath the die.  Essentially the die is sandwiched between the two cutting pads with the fabric on top of the die.

Below you can see the "sandwich."

The wall of Dies were great eye candy for sure!!   Sorry about the flash, but at least you get an idea right?

They were embossing fabric and making rubber stamps using the Big Shot and the Big Shot Pro too.

This is the embossed fabric sample that I saw being made and below you can see the back side where the card-stock was attached.  You would not be able to remove the paper because the fabric would not hold the shape.....it is the paper backing that allows the embossing to hold.  I think this would be great for art projects where they would never be washed. 

Above is a rubber stamp made with adhesive backed rubber.  I think that is really neat that you can make rubber stamps too.

The wreath above and the garland below were made by folding the fabric accordion style prior to running it through the Big Shot Machine.  Oh did that give me some ideas....how about you? 

 

While at Market I noticed that when the fabric was removed from the dies there were small strands of fabric still attached.  I thought it was because the dies they were using had been used so much that perhaps they were dull.  However, I found the same thing to be true when I was using the Big Shot Machine while I was recently at Checker Distributors.  I sent an e-mail to the gal who I met from Sizzix and inquired.  She told me that using a piece of paper on top of the fabric will help eliminate that problem.  So I went back to Checker Distributors with more fabric and three different weights of paper to do an IHAN test.

Here you can see what I humorously call a hanging chad.  I guess a hanging chad is better than a dangling participle ay?  LOL

You can see the paper cut through each time.  No problems there.

 

However, even with the paper I still had hexagons with strings attached to one another.  The threads can be snipped of course but I was assuming I would get a clean cut every time.  That did not happen.

I also had the fabric get stuck in the hexagon die like you see here.   I'm not sure if this was operator error and I used paper that was too heavy. 

When I saw this pretty applique die I just had to try it out.  The folks at Checker Distributors are so kind and they let me open it to give it a test drive.  Since I had gotten a hanging chad with the hexagon die I thought perhaps I would with this die as well.

 

But as you see, I did not have any problems at all.  The fabric cut clean the first time through.  I have to say IHAN tests are not scientific as I'm no "expert" unless you consider the fact that I do travel around to try all the latest and greatest Notions so I will have a clue as to how to use them and how they work.  Other than the hanging threads I was very pleased with how the Big Shot performed.

The only other die I saw used was the 2 1/2 inch strip die that cut the "jelly roll" strips.  I would love to try all the dies but I don't have access to all of them without purchasing them.  One thing for sure, if I find anyone doing demos that has all the dies, I'll be there.  I love playing  "Consumer Reports" in the Notions department...LOL. 

When I learn more about the Sizzix Big Shot and Big Shot Pro and Dies I'll be sure to post again.

Smiles from the little shot here at IHAN,

Kelly

Double Diamond Ruler Demo at Spring Quilt Market 2010

This is a photo of Kim Templin the designer of the Double Diamond Ruler and the CEO of IHAN .  Don't we look spanky in our Double Diamonds?  : )

 

I had some amends to make to Kim for a oversight during the IHAN Anniversary Celebration.  Kim was so kind to send me a Double Diamond Ruler and all three of her patterns to giveaway during the 32 Days of Giveaways.  Can you believe I missed giving them away?  When I saw them I was mortified beyond words.  Thankfully Kim was busy traveling during that time and did not have time to notice....phew!!  I e-mailed her and told her what happened and she said no worries.  Thank you Kim for your understanding.  still can't believe I did that. 

When I caught up with Kim at Quilt Market in Minneapolis she smiled when she saw my camera strap.  I was proud as punch that I used her Double Diamond Ruler (one I bought not the donated one...lol) to make my camera strap. 

I thought I would share some photos of Kim demonstrating how to use the Double Diamond Ruler.

You need a background fabric, contrast fabric and a main fabric.

You fuse the contrast and the main fabric together.  I used Mistyfuse on my camera strap.  You can see she folded it in half and used the Double Diamond Ruler to cut the fabric (pictured on the left).

If you are a visual person and prefer a video , just click here and you can see Kim's video demonstration.

This is Kim's Diamond Wine Wall Hanging/ Table Topper pattern,

Veggie Table Runner pattern,

 

and her Desert Diamonds Wall Hanging/ Table Topper pattern.

The Double Diamond Ruler comes with two rulers.  One is 1.5" and the other is 3.5".  It also includes a free pattern for making an eye glass case.  Kim has other free patterns on her website, Bright-Quilting-Notions dot com.  One very lucky IHAN blog reader will win the Double Diamond Ruler (autographed of course) and all three of Kim's patterns.

If you would like the opportunity to win all of these incredible gifts, please leave a comment on this post answering any one of the following :

Why would you like to win?

Share something cute a child has said or done lately

Share a great joke

Share a quilting tip

Or anything you find interesting recently

How is that for a change up?  The comments will close Thursday July 15th at the end of the day. 

Thank you Kim for giving me this great set to share with my blog readers!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Abbey Lane Giveaway is NOW Posted

Oh yeah baby.....they got their post up last night and they are having a doozy of a giveaway going on.  Click here for your opportunity to win Blooming Possibilities and lots more fun stuff.

Smiles,
Kelly

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