Lake House Retreat Photos :)

Here is the Lake House where we had our retreat this past weekend.  The front of the house has lots of windows so all you can see....well....I'll just show you....

Isn't this a beautiful view?  The lake beyond the trees is at Hills Creek State Park in Wellsboro, PA.  The trees and the snow just brush my soul.

After arriving at the Lake House and unpacking my things I ran into town to see Mary and Katie at Needles Quilt Shop.  Mary was gone but I had a great visit with Katie and Kathy.  They have the most beautiful collection of batik fabrics that I've ever seen.  I buy all my batik fabrics when I visit Needles.  I need to take a pix of what I bought there....soon :)

 Then I ran over to The Native Bagel because they had WiFi.  I know my website is having problems with the credit card check out so I thought I should check to see if it was fixed yet.

When I approach the counter to order a cup of coffee, what do I see but this sign:

 Thankfully I was not charged 21.50 for my coffee!!!

Back at the Lake House now.  Here is Leona and her beautiful quilt.

I really liked the fabrics Leona chose for this quilt. 

Here is another of Leona's quilts.  My eyes go buggy ever time I see this bargello pattern.

Marge was working on an needle turn applique block.  I really like her marking method.  She marks the pattern on some cheap interfacing as shown below and bastes it to the top of her block.

She can then just flip up the interfacing to check for placement without marking on her block. 

 This is Phyllis or as I affectionately call her, Philly.  I didn't get a pix of Ruby....but Ruby is Philly's faithful companion who loves to snuggle up with her.  Ruby is a lap dog and she sleeps curled up with Phyllis....so darn sweet.

This is my dear friend Kay.  She was working on some English Paper Piecing.  This will be her dresser scarf when she is done.  I thought that was a great idea. 

Bev is also working on some needle turn applique.  Oh, did I mention, this is an Applique Group?  Oh....well it is :)  These gals are part of our Tuesday group who meet once a week to stitch together. (Even though I now live in OH I still feel like I am a part of the group....I call almost every Tuesday to find out what the gals are doing.)

This is Joyce's beautiful quilt that she has made for her son.  Some water leaked on it and the dye from the blue batik came through onto the backing.  Does anyone have any sure fire ways to clean it before she uses some Color Catcher? 

I can't believe the weekend flew by.  If finished my quilt top and I'll blog about that soon.  I also have more pictures to post but I want to join Mary Jane in the living room for the Golden Globes :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Quick Update

Shhhh.....can you hear that?  Yes that....I think those are Angels singing and I'm in heaven!!!  I'm having a ball and I thought I would share that with everyone :)  I'm taking pictures but I'm using a borrowed computer so I'll post some tomorrow night when I get into town. Oh....can you believe they invited a masseuse to come out to the lake house and we all got a massage. Heaven....I'm in heaven....do da do da day :)



Kay and Sheila are here and they are holding up.  They were both very moved by all the kind notes and cards they have received.  They wanted me to tell everyone THANK YOU!   We all think they are being very courageous by coming to the retreat with us girls.


Smiles,
Kelly

Fab Five by Abey Lane Quilts Giveaway Winner

Fab Five by Abbey Lane Quilts is about to have a new home!!!  The good news is, I remembered to do the drawing without Gene reminding me.  How is that for progress?  The bad news is I forgot to leave a comment so I could not be entered into the giveaway...dang. 

Can you believe there were 97 comments?  We are schmokin' with the comments folks.  If I had 97 copies I'd give everyone a copy.....however I only have one.  I visited the Random Number Generator dot org and the magic genie over there came up with #82 who is:

H2Ogirl

So, H2Ogirl, please e-mail me with your full name and address and I'll get your book in the mail to you.  I've decided to give folks 3 days to reply.  If after 3 days I don't get an e-mail from H2Ogirl, I'll draw another name. 

I think with all the energy everyone seems to have for giveaways these days I'll just go ahead and post another one soon.  I will be leaving in the morning for PA to visit with my dear friends there.  I have printed all the kind comments people left for my friend Kay who lost her last surviving child tragically.  I've received several cards here at the house and I will take them along with me to pass along.   All of you who took the time to leave a comment for her or mail a card, just know it will absolutely touch Kay's heart.  May we all find comfort for our darkest hours.

Friday through Sunday I will be having the extra pleasurable opportunity to sew with my girlfriends at the Lake House (that is where IHAN started).  A retreat....oh yes....I'm feeling braggadocios....do da do da do da day!!!  I'm excited can you tell?

Smiles,
Kelly

CutRite Bind Up Demo - Perfect Mitered Bindings Every Time

  People tell me all the time that they have a hard time mitering their binding and they mess it up.  I know if I can do it, trust me, almost everyone else can do it to....because I'm just a middle of the road talented type quilter/sewing. 

I'm going to show you how I do it with the CutRite Bind Up.  I used a permanent marker and wrote the directions pretty much so it would be easy to follow along.  If I was one of those spanky young quilt bloggers I'd have fancy typewriting over the photo....clearly you get the "old fashion" version here at IHAN :)

Here are the ends of your binding....you have left tails unsewn from the edge of your quilt.  You bring the tails together to the point where you want/need them to meet.

Then you press them exactly where they meet.  Can you see I have the Left tail folded back and the Right tail folded back and I'm pressing the fabric right where they meet?  If you can't see this....blink a few times and then open your eyes again or go get your reading glasses!

When I open the Left tail you can see that there is a crease in the center where I had pressed my binding but also there on the Left as well.  I put arrows pointing to where the fabric was ironed and creased.  Although my black lines are not very straight, I'm certain you get the drift.

 

Now this is where you take your CutRite Bind Up  and place it over the tail with the L for Left facing upward just like the photo above.  Where the two creases meet you center the ruler right where they two creases meet.

You then do the same thing on the Right tail but notice the direction of the Right tail and the template.  The R is facing to the Right.  Again you line up the ruler over the center where the creases meet and cut the fabric along that line.

Then you take the CutRite Bind Up and match the notches to the ends of each tail clipping off each tip.

With right sides of the fabric together, they will now both meet up exactly as they need to.  You sew a 1/4 inch seam from one end to the other.

And Wahhhhh Lahhhhh, "Magic Mitered Binding" all done.  Now you just fold it over and stitch it to the quilt and you are now ready to hand stitch down your binding.  I know, I know....some of you cringe at hand stitching the binding on.  That is my favorite part as it gives me some time to separate from my project as it is coming to an end....my closure ritual.

This is what the CutRite Bind Up Ruler  looks like without my funky handwriting all over the fabric.  Pretty darn neat ay?  I think so too.  I bet you'll never guess where you can get one either....yes....you guessed it...IHAN....dang you are one smart cookie today.  Guess some of us have  neurons that are re-firing again.

A couple reminders before I close.

1.  The FabShop is having a Shop Hop.  You might want to consider joining them because there are lots of great prizes being given away.  IHAN is participating so you will have to find the bunny at IHAN too.  There is also a weekly special throughout the month of January for the hop.  The specials are listed on the front page of IHAN each week.

2. Tomorrow night, Jan 12th (not the 13th like I wrote) is the deadline to get into the drawing for the Fab Five book by Abbey Lane Quilts.

I hope you are having a great day and have found several somethings to smile about and be grateful for.

Smiles,

Kelly

DISCLAIMER:  I work alone and until Oprah or Gail loan me some of their staff, I'm the only editor there is.  I write all of the posts and because they are my words I don't see most of the mistakes.  I do use spell check but often times those mistakes are not caught.  So if you find mistakes that are blatant....like dates or something that is not clear....feel free to e-mail me and let me know.  The rest is minor and just pretend you don't see it.  I'll be sure to return the favor :)

Abbey Lane Giveaway Update and MORE :)

Some of you may have noticed that I did not include a deadline for the giveaway.  I guess there were fewer neurons firing than I thought were firing.  Those darn synapses are just not what they used to be....ROFL :)

Lets say Wednesday, January 13th is the deadline.  I'll decide some time that day....I'm not telling you when....just some random time I'll run the ole RNG and come up with a number and post it. (unless of course Gene e-mails me and tells me to draw now...giggles)

I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed reading all these comments.  Thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable that is for sure.  I've been working my way down the list replying to everyone.  I can't thank you enough for all the kind words and the comradery.

By the way....I have a bone to pick with some of you....I love you comments but if you are a non-reply blogger I can't even reply to you.  SOOOO lets just nip that in the bud today....what do you say?

•  go to https://www.google.com/accounts/ManageAccount
•  click on Blogger Settings
•   be sure the box for "Show my email address" is checked.
•  click Save Profile

 Lastly....I just have to say....some of us sound pretty bad....we are all into "Fast and Easy"....hmmmm.  Guess we tripped into that one.  I'm thinking there could be better words these folks could choose for their quilt books...LOL :)

 

Smiles,

Kelly

 

Abbey Lane Quilts - Houston Quilt Market 2010

I may have a neuron firing now....at least I think I have one...LOL.  I have to say I loved every comment I received on the subject.  I know I'm not alone and I must say I have felt very connected to those who leave comments.  What a joy to have such great support. 

You would be shocked to see how many books and other fun things I have here next to my desk to give away.....so I'm getting on with it. 

Do you recognize these faces?  The gals from Abbey Lane Quilts,  Janice Liljenquist and Marcea Owen.  You may recall this post when I introduced their first book, Blooming Possibilities.  They have another book out and this time they autographed one for me to give away to one very lucky IHAN blog reader.

This is Janice at Market holding a copy of their new book,  Fab Five; Fun, Fast & Flirty.   There are 2 patterns in this book of basic quilts.  They have added 5 seasonal appliques that are really fun.  To see these quilts just click here.  I think they are cheerful and the applique patterns in the book are printed on the nice heavy paper pull out from the center of the book. 

With the energy I've had lately, anything that says fast and easy is up my alley, how about you?  Please don't ask me about the quadratic formula today....typically I can compute very fast....but not lately.....my get up and go....got up and went...LOL. 

If you would like to be the lucky new owner of this autographed copy of Fab Five; Fun Fast & Flirty then leave me a comment on this post.  If you are a zombie too.....you can just admit it and that is good for a comment.  No contortionist activities in January right?  Right!  If you are feeling perky, please leave a perky comment so the rest of us can enjoy the energy boost :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Are you tired too?

Or is it just me?  Sorry for not posting....I have tons of great material to talk about....but I need a brain cell in which to engage in communication and typing!!!  I think I'll go take a nap and see if I awake with neurons firing....stay tuned :)

ZZZZ Smiles,
Kelly

Rob Appell - Endangered Species Quilt Project

Rob Appell  and  Michael Miller Fabrics
Endangered Species Quilt Project

Quilt Market 2009 and 2010

This is a recent photo of Rob I took at Quilt Market in Houston in October, 2010.  I had met Rob a year earlier in Houston and was absolutely floored by his work.  His energy reminded me of Wade, my neighbor's son, who I also admire.

A little about The Endangered Species Quilt Project:

Michael Miller Fabrics and Rob Appell have teamed up for the Endangered Species Quilt Project.  Rob designed each quilt using Fairy Frost Fabric from the Michael Miller Collection.  Three dollars from the sale of every pattern goes to help support these animals and the people who care for them.  To date they have raised 7150.00!!  Great Job Rob :)


Photos I took while in Houston 2009 and 2010:

Green Sea Turtle (taken 2010)

Bengal Tiger (taken 2009)

 

Giant Panda (taken 2009)

Blue Iguana (taken 2010)

 

Scarlet Macaw (taken 2009)
 

Rockhopper Penguin (taken 2009)

Red Eyed Tree Frog (taken 2009)

Brown Pelican (taken 2009)

Howler Monkey (taken 2010)

 

Red Wolf  (taken2009)

This is where the "story" begins:

While chatting with Rob in 2009 I could not help but see the connection he had with the animals he was using in his quilts.  How could someone bring these animals to life and portray their energy using only fabric and thread?  Energetically I could see he had a connection and I was just taken back by his gift to translate those images with thread and fabric.

Rob shared that had been working in his Mother's Quilt Store, The Cotton Ball in Moro Bay, California.  He has made some Machine Embroidery Designs and has drawn his inspiration from Tattoos.  Well, of course I thought that was cool, new and interesting.  Being comfortable using materials that are traditionally thought of as being for "older women" was also interesting. Perhaps the energy I was seeing/feeling in Rob was congruent with how I saw the animals...sort of wild, a bit carefree, easy to move about, comfortable being in his own skin, and adventurous.

Look at this close up I took of the Red Wolf-  See the eyes?

Now, look below at Rob's eyes....

 

The energy is there....a bit wild, carefree, adventurous, and comfortable.

This is a bad/fuzzy photo of Rob and myself.  I was definitely in my bliss.....learning about an interesting person and hearing about his experiences....what fun.

Look at the difference a year makes! 

I see more confidence and that same fierce creative spirit don't you?

Rob sells his patterns as well as fabric kits to complete the designs.  You can visit him here on his website and here on his blog.

You know I stopped and did a double take when I saw this Aurifil Thread Collection...."So Cool, IT'S HOT!"  Rob Appell has an Aurifil Thread Collection...I want one too! 

So there you have it....you can be a skateboarding ocean loving surfer who loves to draw and put out some incredible quilt patterns that benefit endangered species too....see what an impact we can all have when we have the courage to be ourselves and use our talents....

Rob teaches and lectures too.  You gotta check out Rob's Twizzleman Project.  I absolutely love these quilts.  These are the "Mad Scientist" Quilts that experiment with color and shape.  Dang Cool Dude! 

Oh....I almost forgot this exciting new subject:  Rob's new book, Making Waves....Adventures of a Surf Quilter!!!  Impressive....just like I said earlier :)

Thank you Rob Appell for sharing your valuable time with me and sharing a bit of your story....I thoroughly enjoyed it and wish you all the success you wish for yourself.

Smiles,
Kelly

Simplicity Deluxe SideWinder

Deluxe SideWinder by Simplicity -Bobbin Winder

Let me just tell you why I love my "job."  I got an order for a Deluxe SideWinder a few weeks ago and then the customer e-mailed me immediately to tell me she had read on a chat board that this SideWinder did not work with the bobbins she uses.  She wanted to know if I knew for sure whether it would work with her bobbins. 

 

I already knew that there was an extensive list of bobbins that had been tested with the Deluxe SideWinder but I did not know about this bobbin in particular.  I suggested she send it to me and I'd test it.  We figured it was cheaper than her sending the Bobbin Winder back if indeed it did not work like the chat board writer had suggested.  Her bobbin is pictured above....it worked perfectly.  Guess I'm a Myth Buster too!! 

So I figured, why not take this opportunity to show others what I do here at IHAN.  I test notions to be sure they work like they are advertised to work and decide if I want to write about them or not. 

After winding my customers bobbin a light bulb went off....hey....you could post about this.  So of course I had to wind another bobbin...some of us are slower thinkers than others :)

See how nicely it winds bobbins.....and tons of bobbins too.  What makes it Deluxe you might ask?  Not only does it wind bobbins for sewing machines, embroidery machines and long arm quilting machines....it also will wind thread from smaller spools to cones (up to 12,000 yards.....how handy is that?  Very cool indeed...if I don't say so myself)  It has a tension adjustment for the different thread weights.  See the little white circular disk to the left of my bobbin?  That is the dial that lets you decide how much thread you want on your bobbin and it has a speed control, fancy that!! 

I like the way those folks at Simplicity Creative Group think.   I'm guessing at Spring Market in Salt Lake City they'll show us even more ways to use the Deluxe SideWinder.....because they are always thinking.

I can think of so many different reasons to use this machine and since it is my blog....I think I'll just tell ya!

Share thread with a friend-you can wind off some thread from those zillion yard cones to share with a beginning quilter or just send some to a blogging friend so they can built their thread stash too.  You can wind off a large sample of your threads and put them into the bobbin doughnut (Bobbinsaver-I love to call them doughnuts) to carry with hand stitching projects.  Not only are they great for travel....but when you go shopping for fabric how nice would it be to pull a calorie free doughnut (Bobbinsaver)out of your bag to make sure you have the right color thread before you get back home?  For those of you who teach classes.....you can wind off thread onto plastic bobbins to give to your students....or if you sell kits.....make your own thread kits the same way.

I bet you never thought of these great ideas did ya?  If you did....Good On Ya Mate :)

So if you are like many others who like to always have plenty of full bobbins to work with....the Simplicity Deluxe SideWinder may just be the ticket for you too!

How many other stores can you shop with that will do this for you and let you know the results to save you money?  Just another good reason to shop at IHAN and feel free to tell your friends too....all one zillion of them :)

Oh I work so hard....I think I'll take a break now.....

Smiles,

Kelly