Half Square Triangles...Do they scare you?

An Angel has visited the IHAN blog and the photos now appear before your very eyes.  THANK YOU Angel....I so needed you....gigantic hugs to you!!

Bias edges and weird half square triangles....not my cup of tea at all.  I have  avoided those like the
plague.   Do you do that too?  Blocks that wobble or are off kilter make me nuts when I'm trying to get a pattern to work out.  

I have discovered a way to make half square triangles and quarter square triangles that are a breeze.  The Square Me Up Ruler (SMUP) by Elisa Wilson at Elisa's Backporch Designs does the trick pretty darn easily if I don't say so myself.  The Square Me Up Ruler was designed to be used with 10" and 5" fabric squares to make half-square triangles.

For this demo I used this Life's A Hoot Layer Cake by ADORNit .  I folded one 10" square in half and finger pressed the crease in the middle.

After opening it back up I could see the crease and I lined up the SMUP withe the center line on the fold.

Then I marked the outside of the ruler on the wrong side of the fabric.  I used my new Sewline Air Erasable Pen too.  It makes a nice fine line....oh yeah....dark enough for this 47 year old chick-e-poo to still see it.

Nice line isn't it?  I have to admit, the older I get the darker I need the lines and the brighter I need the lights.

Next I took that block and placed it with right sides together on another 10" piece of my layer cake fabric.  Then I stitched on both sides of the line (1/4 " away).

Here you can see I have right sides together...and I stitched 1/4 inch away on both sides of the line.

This is a close up so you can see that I'm not just lying....I actually stitched a pretty good 1/4' away from the line didn't I?

Then, I put the SMUP back on the block and cut on the line.

Then it looked just like this.  Well, honestly....it didn't look like this....I had the 1/2 square triangles in a messy pile.  I took the time to straighten them up for the photo.  Didn't want you thinking your messy pile was messy and mine was neat and cute :)

Then I took another ruler and cut the remaining square into quarters as well.  I don't like to press seams on blocks because mine typically either stretch out or one side lays over the other.  So, I got smart and took my "roll-e tool" and rolled them to the one side before I set my iron on top of them to heat set the seam.

Mary Jane gave me my "Roll-e Tool" back in 09....I had her autograph it.  For those of you who can be as naive as me....this is not a sewing tool per se'.  I think it is for wall paper seams or something like that.  I'd be the one doing a Google search for "Roll-e Tool" and becoming very frustrated when it did not show up...LOL (I only wish I were kidding)

I ended up with 8 very nice 4 1/2" blocks....aint' they purdy?

Believe it or not I've had this Square Me Up Ruler since October 2010 when I met Elisa Wilson at Fall Quilt Market in Houston.  It's true.....I've known about it and it has sat right here in my Quilt Market file  next to my desk.  Will someone please tell me why it takes me so long to get the the good stuff? 

Here are some photos I took of Elisa's booth in Houston.

The quilt on the back wall is Fan Dance.  I think it is very unique and I like the colors Elisa choose.

Afternoon Delight is the quilt hanging behind Elisa's books, Crazy Curves Continues and The Melon Block.

And this pretty face belongs to Elisa Wilson, the wise woman who designed the Square Me Up Ruler.  The Christmas Tree she is holding was made from small half-square triangles using the SMUP.  If you want to see her video demos (they are excellent) you can click here.  There are a few on Elisa's Blog so be sure to scroll down to see each of them.

Elisa has a variety of  patterns that use some of her other templates and the arc on the SMUP is very handy for squaring those up too.  Can you believe I sat on this information since October?  What is wrong with me anyway? 

Speaking of Quilt Market....Spring Quilt Market is right around the corner in May.  I still have not committed to going for several reasons.  First, it falls on Zachary's birthday and I feel conflicted about being away for his 7th birthday.  Second, I can't believe how many more photos and great products I still have to share from Fall Quilt Market....do I dare go and take even more photos and feel guilty when I don't get to all of them right away?   

I know what Molly and Jake think...."ahhhh this cold tile floor feels great to take a nap on."

Smiles,

Kelly

Pennies from Heaven Winner Announced

And the Random Number Generator came up with 30. 

Sam said... 30

Hi Kelly thanks again for parting with such gorgeous 'stuff'. Wednesday is my birthday, so I have to win and I am just getting into applique so this would be a lovely birthday surprise. Sam sdownes@oceanbroadband.net


April 1, 2011 11:54 PM

Well Sam....I guess it was meant to be...a Birthday Gift for you!  What a great way to celebrate...winning a great book :)  Please send me your address and I'll get your book out to you asap.  E-mail: IHaveANotion@yahoo.com.

On to the subject of photos, Picasa and Blogger.  I don't think I can express my appreciation for all the supportive comments....your comments and thoughts have been sooooo kind.  THANK YOU!!  I've started having symptoms of menopause (probably on time since I'm 47) and my frustration tolerance is not what it used to be.  My energy is fading faster than it did previously as well.   Oh and did I mention fading memory....yep....that too.  So you can imagine how much I appreciate all the kind thoughts and comments I've gotten.   Ya think I should make an art quilt symbolizing menopause?  Haphazard piecing with missing sections for when ya need to throw off the covers because of an energy surge (had those while pregnant but not very often now) and then the beauty and confidence aging brings....that would be a fun quilt challenge wouldn't it?

Smiles,

Kelly

Gifts, Blocks and Puppies

Can you believe this?  It is a hair clip with the IHAN colors and theme.  My girlfriend, Starr, made this and sent it to me.  She is a wonderful punchneedle artist and she designed this and sent it to me for my birthday.

And this bracelet too.  Aren't they beautiful?  Her finishing work is amazing....there is not one clue as to how she got the punchneedle adhered to the bracelet or the hair clip.  Amazing!!

Picasa and Blogger are still arguing so this post is sort of short. 

Below is a block I made for a special gal in PA.  I used the AccuQuilt Rose of Sharon Die to cut the flowers.  Truthfully, I made this block twice.  The first time I used Steam a Seam Lite and with three layers of fabric the flower felt like cardboard.  Then I used Mistyfuse and the flower was much more flexible.  The flower looked flat to me...like it was missing something.  So I drew a circle on some weavers cloth and used my punchneedle to make the center.  After I stitched it to the block I could see the edges so I did a embroidery stitch around the center to hide the place where I joined it.  A friend suggested a little bead to look like a drop of water. 

So what do you think?  Be honest....afterall....I asked for your opinion.

"See how good we are Mommy....we sit so pretty."  Ya think they wanted a little puppy treat?  I thought so too...so they each got one. 

Anyone know when Picasa and Blogger are going to make up and be friends again?

Smiles,
Kelly

Golden Quilter Awards Announced

Head over to SewCalGal's blog and see the winners of the Golden Quilter Awards.  Lots of congratulations are in store.   Many of you may not know that SewCalGal hosts this Award Program and gathers sponsors for prizes.  Let me tell you....there is a ton of work involved.  While you are there reading who won....take a minute to leave a note of gratitude if you are so moved.

I was very proud to be nominated.  IHAN is a peanut size business next to many of the others who are nominated....to be nominated was a surprise and a great compliment in and of itself.  Thank you to whom ever nominated IHAN the kindness is always appreciated :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Pennies from Heaven by Gretchen Gibbons - Book Review & Giveaway

If you like applique, wool and/or wool felt you will really enjoy Gretchen Gibbons' book, Pennies from Heaven.  All ten blocks are beautiful together or separately. 

The patterns were clear and directions understandable for me.  The photos are a treasure in and of themselves.  I must have looked at each photo 4 or 5 times since I've had this book.  Honestly, I'm having a hard time thinking about parting with it.  I'm not sure if Martingale Publishers knew what they were doing when the let me review their books.  I am not writing my reviews very fast....the longer it takes the longer I enjoy the book...I'm so bad.  I guess I need my own copy ay? 

It was no surprise to me when I read the introduction to Pennies from Heaven that Gretchen loves colorful, sort of funky and fun penny rugs. Her designs just grabbed my eye from the first time I saw the book.  The patterns can be used for anything from a quilt, to a wall hanging, table runner, pillow, clothing embellishment, dresser scarf...and lots more places when you let your creativity out to play.

If you love fun colorful applique designs leave me a comment on this post for your chance to win a copy of Gretchen Gibbons Pennies from Heaven.  A winner will be announced on Wed, April 6.

Smiles,
Kelly

What does the Mayor of Toledo have to do with Hot Dogs and Quilting?

Repost with Photos....Hopefully!!!

IHAN of course!  Oh what a weekend we had....come along...I'll show you......

Pam, my friend since my first college class, is here visiting for a week. She is a world traveler and when she travels with her husband they really, really, really....see it all...every play, major league game, exhibit...etc. etc. etc. How do you entertain a gal like this? You take her to the International Festival at Erie Street Market.

Look at these beautiful ladies and their dresses. Tell me you would not love to wear one of these dresses? (Ok guys....use your imagination....suits for the fellas). They danced with confidence and pride. Very impressive young ladies indeed. I was thinking, "Quilt Pattern" while looking at their dresses.

There in the center is the  Mayor of Toledo, Mayor Bell and he  was having a great time too.  What a great opportunity for everyone to come together and share some good fun.

Then off for a Hungarian Hot Dog....where else but Tony Packo's?

Aaron and Pam

Who could forget MASH?  Klinger in his dresses, Hot Lips Houlihan and Hawkeye?   The good ole' days of TV (now I really sound old don't I?)  Klinger was always talking about Tony Packo's....so of course we had to go and visit.

I chased a waitress with a tray because I had never seen this before....a chili sundae? I'm not thinking this will do much for PMS, but certainly would be good for the guys with a beer after a baseball game

Some Famous Buns were here in Toledo

The names are hard to read so from top left to bottom right :

Jamie Farr, Danny Thomas, Jerry Lewis, Jim Nabors, President Obama and Vice President Biden, Soupy Sales, and Robert Kennedy Jr. There were too many to take pix of all of them.

I just wondered who had the job of carrying the briefcase with "the signature bun" up to the famous person and asking for an autograph. The manager said most everyone has come into Tony Packo's and signed their bun there....but Barack Obama and Joe Biden were running for office when they autographed their "buns" at their campaign headquarters.
Doesn't that sound like a job for me? Keeping a straight face while asking for my buns to be autographed....yes I'd enjoy that....the job title: Bun Ambassador of Toledo.

These were hanging in the gift shop.....I loved them both and could not decide.....just too funny

Now on to the quilting part of the weekend.....

Pam, Waldo and I joined some friends at The Quilt Foundry in Maumee for an open sew.  I brought my Punctuation Quilt Kit to work on.  Of couse I left the pattern at home...talk about frustrated.  Then I decided to just "fly by the seat of my pants" and keep going...

I cut strips and sewed the alphabet blocks to the strips and pressed them open....

Pam asked how I managed to iron things without burning my fingers....so I introduced her to a Sixth Finger Stiletto.     Ever use one?  I love them because they hold things nicely in place when stitching and ironing and takes the risk of injury out of the equation.

Now comes confession time....and before I even get started....I must blame Lisa Spalding, owner of the Quilt Foundry, Maumee, OH.  Yes....the purchase of this fabric below is all her fault. 

Fabric with cards usually looks like poker or some casino type thing....but check out this fabric.....how on GGE was I supposed to resist?  I could not....especially since when we get together with family we always play cards.  I can see a wonderful tablecloth and possibly some coasters made from this fabric....and yes....it is Lisa's fault.  That is my story and I'm sticking to it.

The Puppy Chronicles

Jake and Molly after a long play....and then ....

 my little "puppy" laid down to rest too.

  Waldo came over for a visit .....and she did not see the puppy barrier in the kitchen doorway....

Waldo now looks like she has been "Batiked".....OUCHIE. The good news is she has been checked out and is doing fine. I think she was sneaking over to snatch some of my stash.....and got her comeuppance!! Don't you try it....you'll get your comeuppance too!!

Hope you had a great weekend and all is well with you and yours.

Smiles,

Kelly

Oh The Joys of Ignorance :)

(random beautiful photo I've taken)

I've heard Ignorance is Bliss....I beg to differ with them. I find it frustrating!!! So what to do? Make lemonade first. Boil some water....pace the floor....pace some more....then just let go and remember...we are not in charge anyway. Control is an illusion....so I'm not going there. I'll take a chill pill....sit back....and breathe.

While I'm doing my Zen thing...just know there is stuff going on in the background to get me back up and running in a pleasant non-frustrating fashion.  Meantime...I'm taking my girlfriend back to the airport after a wonderful weeks visit.

Ommmmm  ....Ommmmmm....Ommmmmm

Scents of Incense burning.....deep breaths.....

Smiles,
Kelly

Blogger ....Looking at other options

Hi everyone...just thought I'd let you know that I see there are no photos...there is apparently a problem with Blogger and Picasa right now.  I'm looking into other options....and I'll be back soon.

Smiles,
Kelly

Life at IHAN

Believe it or not, I really have been working....honest....but not on posting to my blog.  I've been a little distracted...if you can imagine such a thing.

Oh but first....I have to share what the lovely mail service delivered to me this week...not to IHAN but to Kelly Jackson.  Woo hoo....some very fun buttons and a Snap Bag.  Thanks for the prezzies ladies....the love is appreciated :)  And speaking of Love....well.....this is what is happening around here lately:

We fight, tussle, bite tails and paws....

and bones too

then we bite Daddy's ears....

and Mommy's thumb and hair.....

then we colapse....sleep...wake up and do it all over again :)

I'm behind on my reviews....I know....but can you blame me?  And best of all.....I'm headed over to a local quilt shop, The Quilt Foundry, to stitch with friends today....hurray.  My friend (since my first class in college), Pam , is here visiting from OK and we are going to be creating some fun stuff today....I'll share more later. 

What and where ever you are today....I hope you are well and have something to smile about.  If not....call me....we'll talk!

Hugs,

Kelly

Embellishing With Thread

I only wish I could claim this project as mine....it is not.  This is Jean's project and she is a friend and guild member.  She loves thread, quite possibly more than I do.  Jean came over on Sunday afternoon to look at some thread for her wall hanging below.  This is her original design, isn't it cool? 

She is couching some Dazzle (WonderFil Threads) around these feathers.  But....she doesn't just choose one thread....nope....Jean is excellent at choosing a variety of threads to work into her designs.

Look at the Razzle Dazzle (Superior Threads)* she has used to outline some of these feathers.

 

I had loaned Jean some of my threads and look at the sampler she made

 before putting the thread into her design.  I think this is a great idea and I'm going to take some time to do the same for myself.  I like the way Jean has tested them and then written down the weight and brand.  I know it will be time consuming....but I know for myself that there are plenty of times I'm brain dead and don't feel like doing much....but this I could do.

While I'm on the subject of thread....you may or may not have noticed that I have added another brand of thread to the IHAN shop....WonderFil Threads.  Why?  As with everything...there is a story.  It involves a panicked woman and a great person, Patsy Thompson.  I was panicked when I was attempting to quilt "Passing the Sacred Orb" so I e-mailed Patsy begging for suggestions (thank God she likes me :)  I did not want the quilting to stand out because I did not want it to interfere with the fabrics designs.  I know, I know...use invisible thread.  Been there, done that.  Every invisible thread I used had a shine to it and looked misplaced on the matte fabrics.

Patsy to the rescue....she said she has used Invisifil by Wonderfil Threads.  To make along story short....it is wonderful for quilting (I also use it for hand applique).  The Invisifil is so fine that it lays quietly on the fabric.

IHAN now carries the Invisifil ...great assortments too.

Check out how fine it is.....

 

This is Invisifil, right,  next to 50 wt cotton, left.  Doesn't the cotton look like rope next to the Invisifil? 

Thank you Patsy for introducing me to another great product!  You can regularly check to see what has been added to IHAN by clicking on the New Items tab on the IHAN website.

Smiles,

Kelly

New Co-Workers

I'd like to introduce you to our newest family members....

Miss Molly

Tough Guy Jake

and just like other siblings....they love to tussle with one another.

Well....rest assured I did not cage my children.....they climbed into the crate with Molly and Jake and began snapping photos of their own.  I only wish I had thought of this sooner....little boys with puppies in a cage....now this could potentially mean some "free time".....LOL.

The kids first mess....I wish you all could have seen Mr. McSteamy's face when Molly knocked over this plant.  Way to good for words. 

On Saturday, Mr. McSteamy was determined we were going to have a dog....and that was the way it was going to be!!!  So, we all loaded in the van and he began to drive....and drive....and drive.  Once we visited the family who had 8 puppies....it was all over...the deal was sealed.  We were having a puppy.  Then, I said...."how are you going to separate this little girl from her siblings?"  Well, along came Jake to keep Molly company and now each of the IHAN co-workers....have a co-worker too :)

Since it was Mr. McSteamy's determination that brought the puppies to our home....I suggested he might consider puppy-proofing the kitchen.  Then the plant went over....I tried so hard not to giggle.

Initially their names were Bonnie and Clyde....but after spending a few days with their sweet little furry little faces....Molly and Jake seemed to fit a little better.  If you'll allow me a little brag.....they already go to the door when they have to go potty.  Can you believe it?  Now, I'm not saying they don't have little accidents.....I'm just saying they know to go to the door to go outside. 

Smiles,

Kelly

Cast Your Ballots Folks

If you have not already gone over to SewCalGals' Golden Quilter Awards and cast your vote for your favorite

Designer
Teacher/Instructor
Author
Quilt Shop- Brick and Mortar
Quilt Shop- Virtual aka On-Line Shop
Best Long Arm Quilter
Most Innovative Physical Product
Most Innovative Software Product
Most influential person in the world of quilting to-date, aka "Lifetime Achievement"
Best Quilt Retreat

Now is the time to do it....yes now....otherwise you may forget....or if you are like me....will go to do it and find out the voting has been closed because I waited to long.



Not that any of us need any prizes to participate in the fun....but.....there are lots of lovely gifts that will be given out to those who vote.

Smiles,
Kelly

I'm Rich!!!

Thank you to everyone who continues to wish me a Happy Birthday!  It has been another wonderful day...I got breakfast in bed this morning :)   Aaron and Zach made special cards and brought them to me in bed.  Believe it or not, I actually got a check for a million dollars.  Yes sir'e Bob....Aaron told his Dad he wanted a check ....to give to his Mommy for her birthday.  When Rick asked what amount to write it for...Aaron said, "One Million Dollars!"  So I'm one very rich woman today!!!

Time to reduce prices even more for the last two days of "Kelly's Birthday Sale" at IHAN.  The sale ends tomorrow so if you want to check out the deals...you better go fast.

I've changed my blogger comments to block anonymous commenter's.  If you don't see your comment published you can e-mail me and I'll check on it for you.  I changed it again after one brave soul decided to write, "You are full of yourself, aren't you?"  Ya gotta love those folks.  I immediately thought to myself, "who in the HE double hockey sticks else would I be full of?  If  I were not filled with myself I'd either be possessed or psychotic."  Clearly the person doesn't know me if they were intended to say I'm arrogant or self centered.  I hope this person has stopped reading my blog and finds more of themselves soon...right after their cranial anal inversion :)

Smiles,
Kelly