Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House - Creative Grids Rulers

Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House

Chapter 11

Creative Grids Rulers
Creations Sew Clever

By Design Quilting

Saginaw Street Quilts

The Quilt Company PA
Penny Haren . com

The Quilt Branch

I'd like to introduce you to "Hyper-Post Blogging" by IHAN.  In order to finish the Checker Distributors Open House Posts I have to Hyper-Post.  So strap on your seat belts, get a beverage or go to the bathroom now, turn off the telephones and close all windows and doors....we must stay focused!! :)

Pat Barry, By Design Quilting, gave Long Arm Quilting demonstrations throughout the day.  I have posted about Pat here.

Pat has designed several.  Long Arm Quilting Templates and I wrote about them in the post referenced above.

Rita Fishel, Creations Sew Clever, has designed the Creative Grids Charming Strip Stashbuster Ruler 23in x 5in.  Rita demonstrated her ruler during the Open House. 

                                                   

Creative Grids Charming Strip Stashbuster Ruler 23in x 5in

 Penny Haren writes the  Checker Distributors Newsletter and she wrote a great description for the Stashbuster Ruler:

Rita Fishel, our favorite Creative Grid demonstrator and guru, has created a ruler that is 5? wide and 23? long. A line is drawn the length of the ruler at 2 1/2?. One end even includes the markings necessary to square-up the half-square triangles made from them!

The math just works. If you trim half-square triangles made from 5? squares to 4 1/2?, they can be sewn with the 2 1/2? strips and incorporated into the same quilt! Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together!    (copied from the Checker Newsletter with previous permission of Penny Haren)

Karen Montgomery, The Quilt Company, PA., gave a presentation and demonstrations at the Checker Open House. I really enjoyed Karen's presentation and her practical approach to business and designing.  She has a new Creative Grids Ruler coming out soon.  Karen said she did not want a "one hit wonder" when she was designing her ruler.  I'm with her, I want to be able to use a ruler for a multitude of things so I'm not storing a huge range of rulers in my sewing area.  (I like the way she things....frugal like me). 

Karen gave several demonstrations of the Quick Trim Ruler throughout the day.

All of these blocks above can be made using Karen's ruler.    But wait, there's more!!!  LOL....it also makes circles

IHAN has some of The Quilt Company's Patterns and there are more being added.  We will have the Quick Trim Ruler just as soon as it is available.

Karla Alexander, Saginaw Street Quilts, is also a Creative Grids Ruler designer.  Karla also spent the day demonstrating her rulers. 

This is Karla's Peace Quilt Pattern.  I just loved it.

Below are the rulers Karla has designed and some of here Quilt Patterns for Saginaw St. Quilt Company are here and more are being added.

Creative Grids Curves For Rectangles 6in x 24in Ruler

Creative Grids Curves For Squares 6in x 24in Ruler

Creative Grids Straight Out Of Line 6in x 10in Ruler

Creative Grids Curved Slotted 11in x 15in Ruler

 Penny Haren worked tirelessly during the Checker Open House.  I don't think I saw her sit down once.  She demonstrated her Pieced Applique Technique using  Square It Up and Fussy Cut rulers.  Penny's technique eliminates the need to inset points and curves for very challenging quilt blocks.  If you have steered away from applique in the past, you must check out Penny's books that teach her techniques.  If you can get to one of her classes, don't miss it.  I did and I'm looking forward to taking it another time.  I heard it was great.

 

 Penny Haren's Pieced Applique

Penny Haren's Pieced Applique More Blocks and Projects

Penny Haren's Pieced Applique Weekend Projects

I have already posted here about The Quilt Branch and the House Ruler.  Please refer to that post for more information :)

 

The Creative Grids website has the best videos demonstrating all of their rulers.  Just Click Here and you can see these rulers demonstrated. 

I'm sorry for leaving out so many details....but I'd be a very long time posting everything.  I put plenty of links in the post so if you have more questions or want more information you can find it easily.

Smiles,
Kelly

The Quilted Lizard at Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Celebration

Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House

Chapter 10

The Quilted Lizard - Karen Eckmeier

Talk about a fun surprise at Checker's Open House.  I got to meet Karen Eckmeier and learn about her books and patterns.  I was only vaguely familiar with Karen's work prior to meeting her.  I absolutely and thoroughly enjoyed seeing her quilts and watching her demo.  What a talented woman

The two wall hangings on the bottom of her demo table are examples from her book, Happy Villages.   

I wish this photo was clearer but you can see this is definitely a Happy Village.  My girlfriend Rosemary is in the middle of working on this project from Karen's book.  I can't wait to see how it turns out. 

This book, Happy Villages , is so cool.  They pages are full of great photos and instructions of how to create the village of your dreams.  Although Karen gives the reader guidance on  12 variations (seasonal, international, whimsical, etc) after you begin to learn the process your imagination is the only limit.  Definitely a fun project when you don't want to sew since it is all fusible applique.

Accidental Landscapes is another one of Karen's books. 

 

Discover the secrets of creating a fabric landscape accidentally using Karen's layering and topstitching technique.

• You'll find out how to capture the feeling of a scene in simple layers
• create a landscape based on a favorite photo, postcard, color palette, memory or vacation
• surprise yourself with lively, exciting compositions
• adopt the same easy techniques for gorgeous curved borders

My eyes kept going back to this quilt that is featured in Layered Waves.   I really like the free form lines in this "Layered Log Cabin."  First I like colors and that always grabs my eye. I also really like the non-traditional way of doing a traditional pattern. 

Isn't this close up so much fun....see that little guy in the center of the block....now that is fun :) 

 Karen also has a new pattern series that is now available too!

"Circle of Friends" Series

Circle of Friends - Goofy Ghosts

Circle of Friends - Silly Snowmen

Circle of Friends - Fabulous Flamingo's 7

Aren't these patterns just plain fun?  And interesting? And colorful? 

As you can see, my eyes were completely full after leaving Checker's Open House.  I still have more photos but I think I'm going to make a photo album of the photos with descriptions so we can get to the giveaways!!  Everyone loves a fun giveaway, right?

Smiles,

Kelly

Win GO! Fabric Cutter by Accuquilt? Who, Where, When?

That is exactly the question everyone is asking...The Who is Tonya and the Where is Tonya's Sewing Room Blog and the When September 9th!!!  Run, don't walk over to Tonya's blog and make sure you leave a comment to be entered to win a GO! Fabric Cutter.....you'll be glad you did :)

Smiles,
Kelly
Take a personal note: Kelly made an error....Gene caught it....Tanya's name is really Tonya and I changed the link to the correct post.  Everything is good to go now :) I apologize Tonya....and Thanks Gene....my favorite editor.
Re-smiles K

Patsy Thompson Free Motion Quilt Extraordinaire at Checker 62 Anniversary Open House

Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House

Chapter 9 (but who's counting?)

Patsy Thompson Free Motion Quilter Extraordinaire

 

Patsy Thompson and her husband and partner Ernie were at Checker's Open House.  I always enjoy seeing Patsy and Ernie and watching Patsy free motion quilt is AMAZING!!!  It seems to come naturally to Patsy as she just moves that fabric under the needle with such grace.  But you know what?  It didn't come naturally to Patsy!!  She was a hand quilter for 25 years before she tried free motion quilting.  She was unsuccessful at making free motion feathers even after she practiced and practiced.  Then one day, it happened, Patsy was able to make a free motion feather and she has not stopped since.  I'll let you read the rest of Patsy's story in her new book, Feather Adventures! Volume One. 

Patsy was just swooping and looping like Ginger Rogers on the dance floor!!  (Notice the Bendable Bright Light?  Doesn't it just illuminate everything wonderfully?  I love mine.

 

Patsy uses a bendable ruler to mark her registration points so her flowers are spaced at consistent intervals. 

Just look at the quilting....absolutely beautiful.

 This is her Sassy Quick Tote Bag Pattern. 

 

And this beauty is from another new book written by Patsy, Hyperquilting.  It is the cover photo.

I'm not sure Patsy and Ernie even had time to eat lunch or have a drink.....when they weren't talking to guests she was autographing books.  Speaking of Autographed books....IHAN has some Autographed books available!!!  Just click on the links below and on the check out page be sure to write in the message area: Autographed copy. 

Hyperquilting

Feather Adventures! Volume 1 

Can you imagine publishing two books and a new DVD?  Well that is exactly what Patsy and Ernie have done.

 

A 2 Disk Set no less.....Free Motion Fun With Feathers Volume 4. 

I am sooooo glad Patsy did not give up and that all of her efforts to make a free motion feather have laid the ground work for her DVD's and books.  Can you imagine if she had given up?   I believe you too can accomplish amazing things when you don't give up!!! 

Smiles,

Kelly

IHAN Needle Exchange Program

If you are anything like me you have used the same brand sewing machine needle for most of your sewing life.  Prior to being given a sample of a Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Sewing Machine Needle I had never even considered changing needle brands nor could I remember why I started using the brand I was using in the first place.  Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Needles are all I use now.

The Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Sewing Machine Needles are Guaranteed to last 5-8 times longer than regular needles!!!  That got my attention because I'm into saving money :)  They come in 4 sizes:

#70/10 - These are wonderful needles for sewing with very fine thread.

#80/12 - These are great for piecing and quilting with fine threads.

#90/14- These are great when you are using medium weight threads.

#100/16- You would use these when you are sewing with 30 wt threads and heavier.

You know me, I can't keep a good thing to myself.  I wanted to offer everyone a chance to try a Superior Sewing Machine Needle.   I said to myself, self -How can I arrange to offer everyone a Free Superior Sewing Machine Needle? Then it hit me, host a "Needle Exchange Program" here at IHAN.  After all, I have heard many of you refer to yourselves as "quilt addicts" and "notions junkies" so it makes perfect sense to exchange your needles for you!!  So I contacted Bob Purcell at Superior Threads and asked if he would supply the needles to me for the program.  He agreed and IHAN now has needles just waiting to be exchanged.

What are you waiting for?  You have nothing to loose and have lots of money to save along with the pleasure of using a sewing machine needle that is easy to thread and moves through your fabric like buttah.  No kidding!!

Click here to participate in the IHAN Needle Exchange Program

Smiles,
Kelly

Eleanor Burns at Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House

Eleanor Burns presented Quilt Blocks on American Barns during the Checker Open House.  I think I took no less than 285 photos of Quilt In A Day Quilts and Lady Eleanor during her presentation.  I wanted to capture something that is impossible to capture without a video camera.  Even if I had taken a video of the presentation it would definitely not come close to the experience of being with Lady Eleanor while she shares her quilts and stories.  Being the CEO of IHAN, I made an executive decision - I"m not going to  show you every photo instead I am sharing this:

IHAN's interpretation of Lady Eleanor's style and grace as she invites others to join in the dance with fabric and thread to create warmth and beauty that will continue to inspire future generations to Join In The Dance.

(Note: Some of the photos are less than clear but there is no mistaking the joy Lady Eleanor shared with us that day. Music is by Karl Anthony)

Thank you Lady Eleanor for sharing your gifts with us.

Smiles,
Kelly

 

Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House Patterns by Annie

Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House
Patterns by Annie
Chapter 6....I think!?!

Annie Unrein from Patterns by Annie was at the Checker Open House.  Annie uses Texture Magic in several of her patterns and I'm telling you, the Texture Magic really makes her designs pop.  Check out Hoot and Annie below.  The Texture Magic really gives those cute little owls some pizazz.

You may remember during IHAN's Anniversary Celebration 32 Days of Giveaways, Annie contributed her pattern for the All Occasion Baskets below.  Photos do no justice for the Texture Magic because when I'm looking at the items close up they really are exceptional.   Honestly I can't imagine anyone seeing the All Occasion Baskets in person and not walking right up to them and saying how neat they are.  In the photo you can see the cute fabrics and the fun ric-rac but they are charming in person.  You'll have to trust me on this!!!  (Which better not be too hard to do after all this time.....and if it is....you better turn yourself in to the IHAN comment police!)

I thought this ring pillow would be a wonderful hand made contribution to a family wedding.  The pattern
Happily Ever After also includes the pattern for the flower girl basket.

 

This is Annie's most recent pattern, Jewelry Travel Case.   I took lots of pictures so you can see all the great details.

 

 

She used Texture Magic on the outside fabric.  Look how nice this travel jewelry case is.  There is a place for everything including the pocket to hold any pendants that are on necklaces so they don't get wound around one another.  I was thinking what a nice gift these would make for gals in my life.  I know I would use it and so would my girls.  What about those holiday gift exchanges with guild members or teachers and bus drivers?  You know I've got to get busy because this is definitely a gift people will really appreciate even if they don't sew or like quilting. 

Don't you love brain storming late at night when you just need something done and you want to make it happen faster?  I've had some pretty good ideas that have come to me at the last minute and always late at night when my normal defences are asleep.  Annie had one of those experiences with gathering ruffles for this Flower Power dress and purse pattern.  

Isn't this precious?  I love the purse below.  I am hoping for grand daughters or grand nieces to dress in these beautiful outfits.

Below is Annie's the Ah Ha discovery....the old way of gathering ruffles is to stitch along the edge and draw up the threads and move them around until you get just the right amount of ruffle that you wanted. 

 

Check out what Annie discovered.....if you put a small strip of Texture Magic along the edge and apply a little steam.....you get perfect ruffles.  The more steam, the more ruffles....because the Texture Magic draws up the fabric.  Thank you Annie for taking us out of the "dark ages of old fashioned ruffling!!!"...LOL

Here is the front!!!  Looks good doesn't it?  I thought so too.  I love it when these sort of Ah Ha moments happen.

By the way-
After re-reading my post it sounds like I'm doing an advertisement for Texture Magic....which in one sense I guess I am.  You need to know these reviews are unsolicited and I write about what I experience and learn from my travels.  I write what I'm inspired to write and no one pays me to write reviews (but if they would like to....feel free :)  I've read comments on chat boards from time to time saying things like, "well of course she says that....she is selling it."  I hope by now all IHAN blog readers know and understand that I love what I do and I'm just reporting what I've learned and experienced.  If you shop in my store, IHAN, of course I make money.  You may notice by the prices that for the work I do I don't make a lot of money.  I write my blog for the pure joy of sharing my adventures with others who are interested in the same things.  While I appreciate your business I hope you also know I would not write about products that I don't feel are worth the investment.  If you have any questions about products...just e-mail and ask...people do that all the time. 

Now that I've said that....keep your eyes open for the Superior Needle Exchange Program post....coming soon to an IHAN blog near you :)

Smiles,

Kelly