IHAN CEO Goes To 2nd Grade

You know when you have "arrived" in mommy life when you are invited to give a talk at your child's school.  A rare and savored moment when my son was so proud and pleased that it was "his" mommy talking to the entire 2nd grade class.  Remember those days?

The kids are reading a book about a quilt so I was invited to come and talk about quilts today.  I literally had 10 minutes to set up and 10 minutes to take down ....that is why the quilts are piled on the table.

I brought my current sewing machine and an older model (made before I was born...good to know I was not the oldest in the room :)  I was thinking that children who come from families who don't sew might not have ever had the opportunity to see a sewing machine.  There were several who raised their hands when I asked if this was the first time they had seen a sewing machine. 

 I started by showing them a quilt made by Mr. McSteamy's Grandmother (who will be 100 in 2 weeks).

This is a mug rug (one of you will recognize it, it was a gift : ) that I sent around for kids to touch.  The loved seeing such a "small quilt."  I told them that people from all over the world swap these and fabric postcards too. 

Of course I had to get my pitch in for recycling.  I showed them a feed sack dress and shared how it was recycled from feed sacks.....just in case they thought recycling is a new invention.

 

Nanny, Rick's Grandma, made this one and gave it to Rick and I for our wedding.  She was 89 when she made this and it is hand appliqued.  Could we all be so lucky?  I sure hope so.....especially since I have projects to keep me busy until I'm 124 years old.

Aaron was beaming when I showed this "Crayon" quilt.  I made it for him when he was a baby.

Then just 18 very short months later came Zach so he got a panel quilt....nursing one and two in diapers does not leave much time for piecing....know what I mean?  It has a lot of hand embroidery and trapunto.  (I made it while living in PA.  Took it to Needles to show the girls and they said, "I love your trapunto."  I said, "No that is not trapunto....I stuffed it."  ROFL....I had no idea what trapunto even was...gotta love it.)

 

My only sampler quilt, "Many Hands."  I thought it would be a good one to show all the variety of blocks.

This was not even washed....it was taken straight off the sofa and put into a box and to the school....nice ay?

Of course I had to show them some Hawaiian applique.  I explained the difference between hand stitching, needle turn applique and machine applique.  These were needle turn applique and hand quilted....by none other than MJ...Thanks again, and again, and again!

 

My signature quilt, "Crossroads."  Given to me by MJ...she had all my PA friends sign it when I moved away.  I cherish this piece.  The kids liked that you could "write" on your quilts.  Hope they don't go home and start autographing without permission....yikes.

Thankfully, my friend Diane, loaned me some quilts to take with me as well.  Believe it or not I don't really have any "fun" kid quilts.  I need to get that on my list.  Diane shared these with me and the kids absolutely loved them.  This Halloween one was done with machine embroidery so that was cool to be able to show them that as well.

This quilt was just way toooooo coool!  The kids were pointing and talking....Thank You Diane!!!

These two are Diane's stained glass quilts.  One of the kids said, "hey, they have that at my church."    I need to Google "possession" again....because if I remember correctly.....possession is 9/10ths of the law isn't it? 

This was the show stopper.  All at once the room went, "ooooooohhhhhhhhh" and they smiled.  I loved it...Thanks again Diane :)

Another one of Diane's quilts, a photo quilt. Neat for the children to see you can use photos on quilts.

Of course I took my, "Red Eyed Tree Frog" made by Susan Brubaker Knapp.  It was a fun  to see the kids eyes light up.  Who could not love this tree frog?  (my ears are plugged....and I'm humming loudly..I love frogs)

Waldo's grand daughter made this one.  Maddy made this using fabric swatches and she tied the centers.  The kids were interested in a quilt made by another kid.....hmmmmm....I gotta get my co-workers busy quilting too.

Of course I loved showing this table runner made in Kenya at Amani Ya Juu.  What fun being able to share a little of Africa with them today.

Then on to India.....still not quilted...."Passing the Sacred Orb."  Hey, a wild hair may just grab me and it will be done in no time.....oh yeah baby.

This was the insane part.  When I was asked to come and talk about quilting I opened my big mouth and said I thought it would be cool if the kids could make a paper quilt.  That was when it was just Aaron's class....then it was all of the 2nd graders....106 of them.  So, it went from a paper quilt...to one block!  We cut a zillion little pieces of scrapbook paper and put them into envelopes....a little block kit for each child.  I showed them how they could use their pencil or marker to do the stitching.  Note to self.....cutting a zillion little pieces of paper and counting them into kits takes a lot of time....next time....let them color in a quilt made on my EQ 7 Software!!! 

Speaking of the Electric Quilt Company, I phoned them yesterday to see if they had ever presented to children before and did they have any recommendations.  (Ya gotta go to the experts!!).  They were so kind to e-mail me a little demo so I could show the kids that quilting has gone high tech and you can design quilts on the computer (fascinating to this middle aged mind).  McSteamy came home for lunch and helped me pack up the van and off I went to the school.  Guess what was not in the van?  Yep....my laptop.  He figured I did not need it (he had didn't know what I had planned).  But....I'm ready to go next time :)  Thank You Penny and everyone at EQ who helped me out!  They rock....but IHAN blog readers already knew that, right?  Right!

Well....sheepishly I share this pix......my new Tutto Machine on Wheels Bag....was delivered the day before yesterday but I did not open it because I've been sick.  So this morning, I figure if I'm taking Martha to school....she needs her Mercedes to ride in....so I put baby Martha into her new Mercedes and off we went.  Dang....I love this Tutto Machine on Wheels.  Wanna know why I did not pick that pretty Red, Lime or Purple?  Yes you do....don't act like you don't care....ok, so you don't care....just let me tell ya anyway....come on please...... because everything I have gets dirty...this won't show the dirt so quickly. 

Thanks for listening :) 

Smiles,

Kelly

One World One Heart Winner

I visited the friendly Random dot Org and number 62 came up.....so the winner of the Ricky Tims Rhapsody Tote Bag  is.....

......Gail from Gail's Card Cafe.

Send me your address Gail and I'll get your tote bag out to you tomorrow.  Thank you to everyone who participated in the One World One Heart Blog Hop.  Unfortunately I did not have much time to hop but I have saved every comment so I can go back and visit soon.

Smiles,
Kelly

Flip Flop Quilt Blocks by Kathie Alyce

I had the good fortune of meeting Kathie Alyce in Minneapolis at Spring Quilt Market last year.  Now she has a book on the AQS Bestsellers list and it is for the pattern I loved, The Flip Flop Block.  Isn't that exciting?  I'm so happy for Kathie.

Here are some pix I took at market of her booth.

This is Kathie demonstrating her template for a shop owner.  I really liked the fabrics she chose for the quilts she used in her booth.  They were bright, fun and contemporary.

 

 

Flip Flop Block Quilts by Kathie Alyce

Flip Flop Block Template

I'm not surprised one bit that her book is on the AQS Bestsellers list.  Not that I'm some sort of wizard, but sometimes I see things that just grab me and I think....folks are going to like that.....and I'm thinking they do!!!  Good to know I'm not alone :)

Guess what? 

If you are you are a lucky IHAN blog follower.....you are going to get a chance to win the autographed pattern, The Flip Flop Block by Kathie Alyce and her template.  The best thing about this pattern is that the skill level reads: EVERYONE.  Now we're talking.....nothing so technical that ya can't make a quilt even when you are having a wild hair day and the Quilt Priest is out of the office.  Gotta love that!

Shhhhh....don't tell everyone.....this is for followers only.  This is one of the great benefits of being an IHAN blog follower.....you have lots more opportunities for winning great prizes :)

I have kept this pattern and template safe here next to my desk in my "went to market" fun prizes to give away.  It has not been touched until today to take this photo.....and I can't wait to see who the lucky winner will be and what beautiful quilt they will make. 

Just leave me a comment on this post for your chance.  I'll do the random number generator thing on Monday, February 21st.  No need to get overly excited and leave 20 comments...one will do.  If you are that excited you can also buy the book and template ....I have hyper linked them in this post :)  If you win, hey.....you can be nice and give it to me.....oh did I just write that?  I meant to say....give it to your dearest friend.....can't blame me can ya?

Smiles,

Kelly

Belated Valentines Post and Wicked Free Motion Quilting the IHAN Way

This was my Valentines Day picture and greeting. A little late but what is a sick girl to do?  Rest!  That is what I've been doing. Went to Dr. today and I got an Rx so I'll be on the mend soon. Thanks for all the nice thoughts and advise....always fun to read comments....even when I'm sick :)

Apparently I was starting to feel ill on Sunday night because this is what I wrote on Sunday night:

I'm not sure weather I'm loosing my mind, I'm channeling a wild spirited quilter from another life, having a spiritual experience, or if it is just peri-menopause.

Nothing, I mean nothing is easy these days. I have been struggling with everything....I'm frequently frustrated and feeling like nothing is going "my way." You know, "my way" is "the way" of course....especially when I've feeling like this. So whats up you ask? Let me tell ya!

I want to finish the "Passing the Orb" quilt...I sit down to work on it and I immediately start disliking what I'm doing...I feel like a naughty spirited quilter has taken over my hands and it just goes here and there....honestly a mess. So I stop working on it.

I'm going to do some photos for my Valentines post and I look for my camera.  Battery is dead (naturally).  Meantime I can't find the charger to my camera battery. I look everywhere...nope can't find it. Mr. McSteamy finds it on top of the dryer. Now, can you please tell me what in the heck my camera battery charger is doing on top of the dryer? I don't know either.

(you have to imagine this wild hair is red...screaming red...lol)

I get this wild hair that I'm not going to sit here and take this any longer....I'm going to quilt something if it is the last thing I do. So I pull out a panel I found a year ago and start sandwiching it ....what is going to be the backing....heck I don't care....at this point I'd pull off the curtains on the kitchen window and use those (if I had any on my kitchen window). I run across some light pink fabric that has some sort of strange mis- dye...what ever....who cares....then to find the batting. The roll of batting is in my bedroom closet....that would require climbing two sets of stairs. No way....I'm going to have some fun quilting if it kills me. I dig out a bag of nasty polyester junk (yes there is some junk on the market....I'm not sure why or how it gets there...but I was given some and I stuck it in with some other things.)

So, now I need to baste the thing right? I have only a few choices....Mistyfuse, hand basting, my Pinmoors (that are currently in the "Passing the Orb" quilt.....oh yes....there is that basting gun I have in my inventory, QuilTak. Never tried one....what the heck....rip open the package and begin basting...don't read the directions....just bang away with this little gun like thing. Oh it was so much fun....who knew how easy and fast these little babies are....I'm thinking it might be my most fun new discovery...lol.

I'm going to start using these little things for all sorts of crazy stuff....perhaps even using them to hem a pair of pants....attach all sorts of things that need attaching....I've gone QuilTak crazy!!!  Oh this is too much fun.

The panel is now basted and I know I'm going to run into the same issue....free motion quilting problems....so what have I decided to do?  Call this my "wicked free motion quilting session"....what ever happens.....happens!!   You also have my permission to get wicked with your quilting as well!  We can ask for absolution from the "Quilt Priest" and then go our way piecefully afterwards.

And she is off to the races......

Nice and Wicked!!!  All messy....crossing over lines...who cares....I feel like the Road Runner and the Coyote is chasing me....and then I speed up so he never catches me.....oh yeah....loving this wicked wild hair that I've got......

Ok, that was Sunday night, now this morning after being on the sofa for over 36 hours, I decided I need to have some more "wicked free motion quilting".  I put this mug rug together....my first.

 

Ahhhhh, some TAZO "Calm" tea.....do you think it has worked?  Think this wild hair has subsided?  I don't' know either.....but hey....I had some fun and got something accomplished. 

That pretty much captures the past 48 hours....aren't you glad you don't live with me?  ROFL

Smiles,
Kelly

Valentine Specials at IHAN

I planned a fun post today, but that is not to be.  I have a sore throat to beat the band and I'm headed back to the sofa.  A girl has to do what a girl has to do....and I'm sure you'll still have a wonderful day :)

I did put together a Valentines, One Day Only, special...click here for the details :)  or there....where ever....back to the sofa.

EDIT:  PS...Patsy and Ernie are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary....go wish them a Happy Anniversary....they are offering folks a chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate to celebrate....how nice is that?  Lovely people...........so hop on over...click here...can you tell I'm sick...too lazy to do the other stuff like pix etc.

Ouchie Smiles,
Kelly

I Won A Scentsy Warmer

Every now and again I am lucky enough to win a blog giveaway and the story behind this win is a funny one.

Quiltingranny blog was doing a Scentsy Giveaway sponsored by Jenn Burton, a Scentsy Consultant Director. 

Quiltingranny invited me to leave a comment on her blog and I essentially said, thanks but no thanks because my boys might play with the candle.  She took her time to let me know there is no flame or candle.  How nice was that?  She could have just kept on moving....but no...she took the extra step and look at me now!!! 

I actually won and I got to choose which Scentsy Warmer I wanted.  I choose the Enchanted Mid-Size Scentsy Warmer.  I also got to choose a  Scentsy Bar  and I choose French Lavender and I tell you I love being able to smell it all the way upstairs.

I have to say I don't think I would have considered purchasing anything like this but now that I have one, it is a real luxury to be able to smell such a lovely scent all day long (or when ever I turn it on).  I need to treat myself to nice things like this more often.  I also think it is a great gift for those who you want to spoil a little bit.

Thank You Quiltingranny for taking your time to e-mail me and to Jen Burton for hosting the Giveaway and sending me such a lovely prize....I'm completely thrilled!

Smiles,

Kelly

Quick Strips, Circles, Hearts, Triangles, Diamonds, Hexagons and Squares for Quilters

This is somewhat of a follow up from yesterdays post about Fabric Cutters.  As I said, I get lots of e-mails and phone calls about which Fabric Cutter is the best etc.  Typically the first thing I ask is, "What are you planning to do with it?" 

I know for myself I first became interested in buying a Fabric Cutter when I participated in Karen's I-Spy Block Exchange.  I cut so may 5 x 5 or 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch blocks (I can't even remember now) with the same ruler.  I'm a pretty particular person (just ask MJ) when it comes to cutting.  There were so many different size blocks when I was finished I was frustrated and disgusted.  Because the blocks were going to be swapped, I certainly did not want to be the one swapper that gave blocks that you could not have a 1/4 inch seam allowance and still come out with the same size block as the rest of the swappers.  So I bought an AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutter.  All my blocks were exact and that was huge for me. 

So, what is it that draws you to a Fabric Cutter?  Is it your hands?  If you have pain in your hands or are unable to use a rotary cutter safely or easily then you may find a Fabric Cutter a great way to continue doing the hobby that you love for a very long time.  If it is your hands....are you going to be able to comfortably turn the handle on a Fabric Cutter?  Are you wanting to cut a few layers at a time or do you want to cut more than 6 at one time?  Is it time you want to save?  Are you planning on making kits where you will be using your cutter more than a few times per month?  Are you mainly cutting blocks, strips, circles, triangles or do you love applique and want to be able to cut some fun designs that are almost impossible without a Fabric Cutter? 

Not everyone needs a Fabric Cutter!!!  Viral advertising in the quilting world has had a bit of a backlash lately and some people are tired of even hearing about these products.  My position is, the more information you have the better you are at making a decision about if you need one and if so, which one is best for your particular needs.  No need to keep up with the Jones folks....keep the joy of quilting in focus and use the tools you need to achieve these ends and you will have just what YOU need and not what someone else needs or has.  (Don't I sound like a Mom?....yikes, I thought that would never happen to me...never say never ay?)

If you use a rotary cutter without pain or discomfort I think you need to know about the following templates for cutting shapes.  They are a wonderful alternative to dies that can be expensive.

Cutting Circles

Circles and More Ruler designed by Lacy Hill

I own this ruler and it is a great ruler.  It is the perfect everyday 4" x 18" ruler with an added bonus of holes every ½" in the center to quickly mark circles up to 34" in diameter with ease. It can also help mark scallops on quilt borders!  You will need a marking pencil or tool that will fit into the holes.  A Gel Pen works great for me. 

The Circles and More Ruler has ⅛" and ¼" marks along the edges with ½" dotted lines and 1" solid lines so that it's not too cluttered! It also has a 30º and a 45º angle for reference along with the circle holes.

With a little math and pre-planning the ruler can help you mark beautiful scallops on the borders of your quilts. Three-quarters of a circle for the corners and half circles placed in between.  

 Cut Around Mini

You fold your fabric into quarters with the folded corner facing the bottom of the template and cut circles from 2 to 8 inches.  You will need a 28mm rotary cutter to cut with this ruler. 

 Cut Around Tool Midi

Use the same as above but you get circles from 4 to 12 inches.  You will also need to use a 28mm rotary cutter.

 Cut Around Tool

Again, works like the ones above but you will get circles from 6 to 17 inches and it requires a 45mm rotary cutter.

Easy Circle Cut Ruler

Cuts circles from 2-10 inches and requires a 18mm rotary cutter.

Cutting Hearts

If you cut a lot of hearts this template would be a great alternative to using a Fabric Cutting die.

 Easy Hearts Acrylic Template

You can cut 5 sizes of hearts from 4 1/4 x 4 inch hearts to 10 1/2 x 11 1/2 " hearts using the EZ 18mm Rotary Cutter.

Cutting or Marking Scallops

I think these are neat for cutting or marking scallops:

Scallop Radial Ruler 2in to 5in - Mini

You can use this on any size projects like quilts, clothing, place mats, napkins, children's clothing....and lots more things once you get your creative juices flowing.  They are great for marking quilting or applique lines too.   The Arc's length is 2", 3", 4" and 5".  The templates are made from 1/8 " acrylic and the lines are easy to read in black (unless of course you are using black fabric....that makes it a little more difficult).

Scallop Radial Rule 6in to 10in - Large

This one works the same and the one mentioned above it has Arc lengths of  6", 7", 8", 9" and 10".

Cutting Strips, Blocks, Rectangles, Diamonds,

Hexagons  and Triangles

Exact Eighths Ruler

You can cut multiple strips quickly and accurately in all increments of 3/8in and 7/8in. These eighth inch increments are used for popular quilt blocks, such as half-square triangles and flying geese blocks.  I layer up my fabric and don't have a problem getting my cuts accurate.

Quarter Cut Template

Use as traditional quilting rulers or cut in slots. Use cutting slots to safely cut multiple strips quickly and accurately. Turn the ruler after strips are cut to complete squares, triangles, diamonds and hexagons. Cutting slots great for cutting perfect fringe. Right or left handed use.

Shape Cut for Strips/Block Template

Cut multiple strips from 1/2in up to 12in, 1/2in increments. Save time on repetitive cuts for strip quilting. Turn Shape Cut after strips are cut to complete squares, triangles, diamonds or chevrons with ease.  I use this one when I cut strips for my coil bowls.  I fold my fabric in layers and put the ruler on top and get to cutting....no problems with accuracy here :)

Shape Cut Plus

The Shape Cut Plus is 12"x 18" and  there is a 1/4" line that will let you cut in 1/4" as well as 1/2" increments. Just cut strips, then turn for complete squares, triangles, diamonds, chevrons and hexagons. You can even cut several layers of fabric at one time. The slots will hold your cutter in place, so it can't shift.

To view a demo video click here. 

                                                    

Shape Cut Pro

The Shape Cut Pro has rotary cutting slots in 2 1/2in increments to easily cut strips and squares. Perfect for creating your own 2 1/2in jellyrolls and 5in charm squares. Extra large 20in x 23in grid allows you to quickly cut full width of fabric.

Shape Cut Sprint

This ruler allows cuts in multiples of 2-1/2in, so 5in charm squares and 10in layer cake blocks can also be cut quickly and accurately. Works perfectly with pre-purchased jelly roll fabrics, fat quarters, or any fabric a Quilter may have in their stash.

Perfect Half-Square and Quarter-Square Triangles

The ruler has a guide to mark the sewing and cutting line. Center your square on the 45-degree marking and square up the finished block. Piece two half- squares together to make perfect quarter-square triangle.

Diamond Cut

This template is great for cutting 60 degree diamonds.  You can cut 1in to 6in diamonds in 1/4in increments without measuring. Simply place slotted ruler on fabric strip and cut in the slots.

So, how many of you learned something from this post?  Did you know about all these rulers/templates that are relatively inexpensive compared to cutting dies for Fabric Cutting Systems?  They are also easier to store and you probably already own a good rotary cutter and mat right?  I'm not trying to talk anyone out of buying something they may want and or need....however I like to know my options before I invest.

Smiles,

Kelly