PA, What A Wonderful Place

Ok, I admit it....I was not fishing while I was away.  I took a overdue trip to see some of my dear friends.  There is no other place on this earth I can go and have more than 10 people show up to have lunch with me.  These gals are part of my Tuesday Stitching Group in PA....and I miss most all of the Tuesdays because I'm now in OH.  I don't miss the chance to gather with them while in PA.  I won't go through the names....these gals all know who they are and how special they are to me.  There are more PA friends who are not in these pixs...but they too know who they are...unless they've forgotten....that does happen to us once in awhile...LOL.

 I had to get a close of up of this Yo-Yo jacket Joyce was wearing.  It is absolutely fabulous!!! 

She did not make it....although she has made other amazing quilts and jackets.

After lunch we went to NY to visit a new friend.  I took pictures along the way because it is so beautiful in PA and NY....breath taking mountains and skies.

This is Barbra and I had the most amazing experience meeting her.  Barbara is 83 and I'm telling you she moves faster than most 40 year olds and she has wonderful stories and quilts that she shared with MJ and I.

I had the best fortune of being able to buy Barbara's Singer Featherweight ....and boy aren't they purdy?  Both of them!!

I've been wanting a Featherweight for some time now so you know I was thrilled to get one is such beautiful condition....and a lovely case too!  If you have never sewn with a Featherweight and wonder what the hype is all about....I like them because they are #1 Beautiful #2 are lightweight and nice to take to workshops and  #3 because they sew one dog-gone good straight stitch...consistent and even. It does not sew anything other than a straight stitch....and typically I use that the most.

Barbara has some vintage quilts and she was full of fun stories about these quilts.  They were not labeled so she has taken a photo and typed in the person's name and all the info she had and put them on the back of each quilt.  I thought that was genius!!!

This is a very fragile crazy quilt....and the stitching is out of this world.

The quilt below is also a vintage quilt....and it sure was fun to look at.

Below is the backing....the vintage fabric really grabbed me.

 Barbara also showed us some of her daughter's amazing pouches and mouse pads.

Kim has an Etsy Shop and she makes Mouse Pads, Coasters, Trivets and what you see above are really cool re-usable Lunch Bags and Snack Bags.  Kim also makes Pouches for cosmetics etc.  They are all lined and re-usable....now that is really cool.

This next picture is absolutely precious.  One of Barbara's grandchildren made this as a gift....now tell me if a child made this for you that you would not melt.  I think it is an excellent idea and I'm thinking of re-using the idea!!!

Changing topics now..... I went to a VFW one night and I was very moved by the table in the front of the restaurant. 

They have reserved a dinner table for the POW and MIA's...what a powerful reminder.

I took a photo of the letter on the table...I hope you can read it.

Ok, now on to yet another topic all together.  While visiting another eating establishment (no I did not eat out the entire time...but it sure looks that way doesn't it?")  These cracked me up and I thought some of you might enjoy them too.

Giggles and Smiles,

Kelly

"DEPLOY That Fabric" Blog Tour Day 3

Day 3 "DEPLOY That Fabric" Blog Tour
*Edited to include other tour participants 10/1/11

Jen Eskridge, Reanna Lily Designs, has written this wonderful book, "DEPLOY That Fabric" and you will have a chance to win not only her book but also a Camo-Quilt Eco Messenger Bag  right here at the IHAN blog :)

Jen is the mother of three beautiful children and her husband, Rob, was in the US Air Force for 10 years and currently he is on active duty in the KS Air National Guard. 

Jen says her main purpose in writing this book is to honor the service members who are fighting for our freedoms both at home and abroad. She is also into up-cycling, using and remembering the men and women who have served in the US Military.

                

What a wonderful way to remember and honor our service personnel....don't you think?  I love the quilt pictured above and the neat purse as well.  Not only are there these projects...but there are lots more..... a total of 23 projects including totes, quilts, Christmas decor, baby items, and fashion accessories.  

"DEPLOY That Fabric," has been written very well...in my opinion!!  Jen shows you how to deconstruct a uniform into flat pieces of fabric, how to choose other fabrics that coordinate with the military uniforms, lots of sewing tips too.  She does make a point to say that you better ask first, before you sneak into a closet and get an old uniform...excellent advise!  Can you imagine sneaking into the closet of a trained Military person?  You could get yourself into a heap of trouble...yikes!

There are great photos and diagrams with clear instructions for making each of the projects.  You know me....when I say that.....it is a big deal...because I can hardly follow written directions!  I was so inspired I put together these fabrics below:

 

As usual, I didn't get time to finish the Grocery Tote, a project from "DEPLOY That Fabric."  I'm used to doing my projects in several different sewing sessions :)

Would you like to win a copy of "DEPLOY That Fabric" and a Camo Quilt -Eco Messenger Bag?  You must be a blog follower and leave a comment on this blog post telling us why you want to win these great prizes.  (USA ONLY for physical book, international winners can receive an eBook.) In order to give everyone an opportunity to win I'll choose a winner on Oct. 15, 2011.

I posted all of the other blogs on the tour here...or you can check out Stash Books blog.


THANK YOU Jen and Stash Books for this wonderful opportunity!

Smiles,

Kelly

DEPLOY THAT FABRIC HOP & The All Male Review

Deploy That Fabric Blog Tour

Jen Eskridge, Reanna Lily Designs, has written a very cool book, "DEPLOY That Fabric" and IHAN is fortunate enough to be included in the blog hop which starts TODAY!!!

With each stop along the tour, you’ll have a chance to read the review as well as WIN PRIZES! You can win a copy of "DEPLOY That Fabric" and a Camo Eco Messenger Bag (pictured above) at each stop along the way. You can swing by the shops early and subscribe to their blog rss feed, so you won’t miss your chance to win!


Oct 1st Fat Quarter Shop
Oct 2nd Sew Mama Sew
Oct 3rd I Have A Notion (IHAN)
Oct 4th Lilac Lane
Oct 5th CampFollowerBags
Oct 6th Fat Quarterly
Oct 7th Tall Grass Prairie
Oct 8th My Bragg Bag
Oct 9th Quilt Dad
Oct 10th Quilt Story
Oct 11th Gen X Quilters
Oct 12th Amy’s Creative Side
Oct 13th Keepsake Quilting Blog
Oct 14th True-Up

I look forward to my post day on Monday!!!

Now on to the All Male Review

I know what most of you are thinking....and shame on ya!!   I'm talking about Male Quilters here :)

Pigtales and Quilts is hosting a Male Quilt Show from Oct. 1-15, 2011 and it includes these wonderful Male Quilters:
1.  Giles Turnbull
2.  Wayne Kollinger
3.  Charlie Scott
4.  Glenn Dragone
5.  My friend Gene Black!!!
6.  Lane Wilhite
7.  Jeff Rutherford
8.  There is still space for any other men who would like to participate :)   

There are lots of giveaways going on too....so get your booty over to Thearica's blog, Pigtales and Quilts and check out this fun event.

Smiles,
Kelly

Marcia Derse Studio Tour- Oh Baby Baby

*Edited 10/3/11 to include the name of Carolyn Griffin's pattern, Crossroads...see below.

I'm so backed up in my blogging I'm embarrassed...but what can a girl do?  I'm working toward more balance in my life and that may mean delays...guess it is time I accept I'm not super human!!

Back on Sept. 15th I had the privilege of going to Marsha Derse's studio and her home.  Marcia is a  fascinating person.  Her "artistic" process seems to mirror her creativity and willingness to play and stay open to that creative process.    

 Here Marcia is in her studio giving us a demonstration of how she creates/plays with paints and inks.
(the faces are blocked because I didn't get  permission to photograph them and I don't have time to call everyone today :)

 These are some of her toys that she plays with....yes that is bubble wrap over a piece of wood.

Marcia took some "ready to dye fabric" and used a paint brush to cover the fabric with paint.  She then  put her finger through the paint to create the grid...then wiped off the excess with a paper towel.

Next she used a plastic spoon to spread the second coat of paint.

The first layer shows under the second....very cool ay?  There are many more steps of course, I just wanted to show you the basic process so you could see how she creates such beautiful fabrics. 

Marcia is a re-purposer....a green gal....a bargain hunter....and a garage/estate sale enthusiast.  Many of her tools and fun things in her home and studio come from her "green-ness"...for lack of a better word...LOL.

This is Marcia's studio inside her home.  Check out the wall between two side windows...those are fabrics she has made.   I think every one's eyes were glued to the wall when they entered. 

 Marcia is holding up a photo-shopped picture of her mother Gerta.  All of her lines of fabric are dedicated to her mother and they have a tag that includes a photo of Gerta and Marcia's fabrics.  Absolutely wonderful and so creative.  The clothes on the line are Marcia's fabrics.

Ok, this cabinet is to dye for....I'm telling you my mouth waters when I see those fabrics stacked so beautifully in that lovely cabinet.  Each fabric is a sample of  Marcia's dyed fabrics.  Marcia said at one time she used to catalogue the fabrics and dying process.  Now she isn't into the science of it....and she just gives herself freedom to play.  Don't you just love that?

This just so happens to be one of * Carolyn Griffin's quilt patterns,  Crossroads.   (make sure to check back...Carolyn is a great model in an upcoming blog post :)

This next quilt looks like a doozy to piece doesn't it?  Guess what?  It's not pieced!  It is two panels put together with sashing and a border.  Now that's what I call a "quilt in a day"!!!  Yes, I did buy them...and lots of other fabrics...I couldn't help myself.  You'd think I would have some restraint because she only lives about 20 minutes from me....but nooooooo.....guess I some issues (join the club right?).

Two long tables fill the center of Marcia's studio loaded with pre-cuts....and I think I touched every single one...no kidding :)

On one of her walls, she has bolts of her fabrics.  Wonder if she locks her doors?  Do ya think I should sneak back over and hide in the bushes?  Geez....I would.... but I'm not really into prison food :)

While walking through Marcia's home, I filled my heart with lots of beauty and playfulness that I see as Marcia's style.  To respect Marcia's privacy, I'm only going to show you some of the things I saw.

 I just love this picture....read the caption below the photo ...well....below!

I

 More of Marcia's work displayed in her house.  Don't you just love the color and designs?  I know I do.

 These are pieces that are on a stairwell.....it's like being in a very hip museum.

I received so many gifts that day.  Not only was I invited to this wonderful tour but I was able to spend time with several wonderful women and Taylor and Lola got to join us (my sister and niece).  I felt delight in my stomach because Marcia's process is so open and free....she seems to give herself permission to play and see what happens.  What an enormous gift for me....I typically don't allow myself those freedoms and I am always saying "I'm not an artist."  After reflecting later in the week I can see my talents differently.  I am a very creative person and I love to be playful....and I've not given myself permission to enjoy my gifts because I was hung up on the word "artist."  Permission to play and see what happens....an amazing gift...Thank you Marcia!   (check out Jean's 3-part blog post on Marcia studio tour....we were both there.....it is an excellent read)

 While in PA "fishing" I made what Jean calls a "Derse Purse" (pattern is actually called Carmel)  MJ set me up well with her Bernina 820....talk about sewing in high style....I felt like a gal about town!

I marked a basket weave design on the front and back ...I used the Sewline Air Erasable Roller Ball Fabric Pen....a funny story about that at the end.

And here is my "Derse Purse"....I'm in love with it.  I even walk more proud when I'm carrying it.  I learned so many things while making this purse.  MJ and I thought the pockets were flat on the inside and would not be open enough to hold the things I carry and remove them easily.  So I made the pockets on the other inner panel extra long and sewed puckers into the bottom so the pockets would provide more room.

See how the back is flat and the side facing you is more open?  That's so I can put my camera in one side and my lipstick bag in another and my glasses...a pen...etc.  Then I added the little loop (lower right corner) and my cell phone clips into my purse....no more searching through the bottom of my purse.

Now the funny story about the Sewline Fabric Pen:

I used some long white paper to draw out my pocket design.  I laid all the things that I wanted pockets for on the paper and drew around them.  Smart ay?  LOL  Since I had used the Sewline Fabric Pen to mark the basket weave design on the outside of the bag it was laying right there on the table.  I used that pen to draw out my design.  The next morning I looked everywhere for the pattern I had drawn.  I could not find it anywhere.  I picked up the long white papers I had laid on the chair and no design.  Well I was so tired of looking and I was complaining to MJ about being absent minded when it dawned on me.....the ink disappeared....just like it is supposed to.  I laughed my butt off.    I know I've blogged about how much I like the Sewline Fabric Pen....you won't believe it unless you use it....it is really all that and three bags of Frito's!

Smiles,
Kelly

Raise Your E-Notion IQ-Hugo's Amazing Tape Product Review

It is Wednesday!!  The best part is 1. I know it is Wednesday, 2. I'm back from fishing and I have lots of non fish stories :) and 3. I'm a little more rested than I was before I left for my "Fishing Trip."

Do you know about Hugo's Amazing Tape?  I have known about Hugo's Amazing Tape for quite a long time but never really considered buying it...until Patsy Thompson (Patsy Thompson Designs) loaned me some of her threads.  She had her spools covered (keeps the dust out too) with Hugo's Amazing Tape. 

When I brought her threads home with me I fell in love with the tape she had around the spools.  I knew I had to have more Hugo's Amazing Tape.  It keeps your threads from tangling and those loose tails from being annoying.  (I know you know what I'm talking about...LOL)  You can also use it for marking seam allowances on your sewing machine....no more adhesive on the plate or table.

 Here is a photo of the one inch clear tape on a spool of my thread.  What is "Amazing" about Hugo's Amazing Tape is that it is reusable and it sticks to itself without adhesive and best yet....it is self clinging too.

There are hundreds of uses...here are a few examples:

 I hate messy cords....Hugo's Amazing Tape to the rescue!!  I wrap all cords so they don't get tangled and especially my camera cords.  When I travel I can 't seem to find the cord to the right camera so I tape them around the camera before I put them in my camera bag!!! 

Who wants adhesive glue on your fabrics?  Yikes!!  If you have a stack of fat quarters that you are storing or taking with you....wrap some Hugo's Amazing Tape around it and you are good to go.

How about using Hugo's Amazing Tape for playing cards, game pieces, storing things in the freezer (yes it works in the freezer), holding your sugar and flower bags closed, keeping the lids on liquids when you travel (cosmetics etc), perfect for holding things together so they don't get separated when you move or travel, keeping all threads, ropes, cords, fishing line, cut fabric strips, patterns,etc. together.    My skin is very sensitive and the typical adhesive on band-aids can irritate my skin.....you can use Hugo's Amazing Tape over gauze and wrap it around your owie too :) ....I hope you don't have any owies!  OK, you get the idea. 

Reusable....that is huge to me because I'm all into re-purposing and reusing what ever I can.  After you are finished using it on one thing.....you can use it again on something else.  The piece you cut not long enough?  No worries....just cut another strip and it will hold to the first piece extending it's length.

Hugo's Amazing Tape is available in the following widths:

                            1/2" x 50 clear             1" x 50 clear           2" x 50clear

                                                                  

                 2 3/8" x 50 clear                                1" x 50 blue

If you use Hugo's Amazing Tape please leave a comment below and tell me the uses you have found for the tape.

Many thanks to those who have been very patient with me replying to emails and blog comments.  I took a much needed break and I never once forgot about the kind comments and emails I  have received.

Big Fishy Smiles,
Kelly

Putting My Fishing Pole Down

But just for a second.   There is so much material for blog posts but I promised myself I would take a much needed break and visit with my quilting girlfriends here in PA. 

The Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild (I am a member) has volunteered to make place mats for the Meals On Wheels Program.  Before our meeting on Monday night Mary Jane and I whipped up these place mats.  Nothing fancy...just functional.

These are Debbie Mum panels that were once calendars.  Who needs a cloth calendar from 2000?

 

 

This place mat was made from left over blocks Mary Jane had left over from a quilt.  I disassembled them and sewed the blocks together and put the border on them.  I think it is cool to use up blocks like these.  Notice they were not my blocks...I don't have many left over blocks....I make just enough for my quilts....I'm too lazy to make extra blocks.

I hope all is well with you....I'll be in PA until Monday.  If I get time I'll check back in before then.

Smiles,

Kelly

Gone Fishing

I am going to be out of town for a week.  I will be blogging and filling orders to the best of my ability.  I'm available by cell and e-mail.  My phone number is on the front of my website at the bottom.

I so desperately need to get away with my girlfriends and sew....I know you all understand!!!

Big Ole Happy Smiles,
Kelly