Days as Chapters

When you see all these photos you are going to think, "No wonder you are so darn tired girl....gets some rest why don't ya!"  Truth is I have been resting and although there are a lot of pix here....those were only snippets of my day.

Last Thursday I met my friend Starr for lunch.  I've needed some girlfriend time and I always enjoy Starr's company and her amazing creativity.  People think I'm a gadget person....truthfully I'm not...I'm more of the gadget critic....however Starr IS the Gadget Queen of the Universe!!  She has darn near all of them and knows how to work them....which blows my mind. 

Starr has an IPAD and she has been telling me about flipboard.  I told her I had no clue as to what she was referring to and she would have to show me.  When we met for lunch she brought along her new toy...she's only had it for two weeks....and she can operate all these aps...amazing isn't it?

She was tickled to show me she has IHAN on the Flipboard...can you see it there in the center?  That is my blog at a touch...can you believe that?  Technology is amazing to me.

Next Starr shows me how she can just use her finger to browse the pages of my blog.  Dang, my blog looks better on an IPAD than it does on my computer....what is up with that?

Do you wanna know what the best part was?  Her new IPAD bag....she made and designed it herself :)

The amazing,  creative and talented Starr holding up her punchneedle IPAD bag.  I'm in love with it.  I don't think there is anything Starr can't make in punchneedle and it always comes out terrific.

 I had to do close ups so you could see all the details....can you believe this?

 Look at the curly red hair...it looks real....and the sheep...the apples....absolutely amazing.

Check out the sun....and the change in colors of thread to make the face....all the color changes that add texture. 

Look at the crystals for eyes in the snake...scary snake ay?  Starr has a facebook page, Punchneedle and Me...go over and check it out.  Soon she will have an Etsy shop too.

 Friday there was a Stitch-In at The Quilt Foundry in Maumee and I had arranged with some girlfriends to stitch together there.  Naturally I was excited because I don't get much time away to stitch.  When I woke up on Friday I was so exhausted I had to go back to bed and sleep....missing the entire morning stitching with my girlfriends.  Boooo hoooooo.  I tell ya, I was not happy.  At least when I did arrive I enjoyed their company and the time I spent stitching. 

That night The Foundry had a Lasagna Dinner Party, click here for more photo's on their Facebook Page. I dare any quilt shop to match the fun those gals had on Friday night.  I've never seen anything quite like it....honestly.  We were served dinner, Lasagna, Salad, Bread (the garlic butter was awesome) and a chocolate cake with a mouse center.  After dinner everyone brought out their jelly rolls and began making a Lasagna Quilt....photo below.

I worked on my Hugs and Kisses quilt by Jaybird Quilts because I didn't want to start another project.  Most everyone finished their quilt top that night. 

AND

Anyone who wanted to get "Party Toes" could get a pedicure or manicure for just 15.00. 

AND

Check out these frosty machines....wanna know what was in there?  On the right was margaritas and on the left were mudslides....can you believe that one?  Yes-sir-ee-Bob....frosty drinks for anyone who wanted them.  They were not supplied by shop but rather a couple who wanted to share some fun with the rest of us.  Of course rides were offered to anyone who needed one....I made it home just fine :)

Check out the fun Party Toes

Saturday, May 21st...Claire's Day in Maumee, OH.

 Claire's Day is held in honor of Claire Lynsey Rubini, who died suddenly July 6, 2000.  Claire loved to read and her family honors her memory with an amazing gathering of children's book authors and many other sponsors to encourage children to read.   

 Brad and Julie Rubini

 These are photos of Claire....she would be so proud to know how many children's lives she has touched because she loved to read.

Zach received a CARE Award on Saturday.  We are very proud of his reading efforts.

Claire Ackerman, Zach's reading teacher, with Zach at the awards ceremony. 

Sunday, May 22

If you are still with me and have not fallen asleep.....thanks for reading and sharing the last few days with us.

Did you notice the IHAN blog face lift?  It will be transferred to the IHAN shop soon as well.  I'd like your opinion...please tell me what you think.  Honest feedback only please :)

Smiles,

Kelly

A Quarter Inch Allowance ... Sounds Simple Doesn't It?

A Quarter Inch always sounds so easy....but how about when you have the actual size of your design and you just want the exact same pattern 1/4 inch larger or smaller? 

See the red fabric from the Cub Scout Banner I recently made?  You have no idea what it took me to get the white inner boarder.  I transferred the design to a piece of Print N Fuse and adhered that to the red fabric.  That made cutting out the red fabric a breeze (not to mention it was then fusible :).  I went to my copier and attempted to reduce the image using a variety of percentages but every time I cut it out....it was not smaller unilaterally.  I just wanted the white to be 1/4 inch smaller. 

I dug and dug and found my 1/4 wheel and drew around the pattern on the inside of the pattern and this is as close as I could get....not perfect...but it worked.

Yesterday the mail arrived and what did I find?  A package with several "Seam Allowance Guides" from Hollie.  Hollie is from Australia and she had e-mailed me asking if I would review her new Seam Allowance Guides....sounded interesting so I said yes.  Then I promptly forgot about it until the mail yesterday. 

I found them to be very neat....and quite helpful....or would have been when I was attempting the impossible with the white fabric above.

The guides are magnetic and stick to your scissors.  The little black ring is adjustable so you can actually cut (inner or outer) allowances to the measurement you choose. 

To demonstrate, I grabbed one of my newest Applique Books, The Ultimate Applique Guidebook (which is excellent....I have a few other favorites too).  I copied a page and cut out a leaf to show you how this works.  I used a glue pen....I like both the Fons & Porter and the Sewline Glue Pens.

I put a little of the glue pen on the paper template I cut out and attached it to a piece of green fabric I had folded.  This way I'll get 4 green leaves I can hand applique down.  If you were going to fuse them down you would not need the seam allowance.

Here I have the Seam Allowance Guide attached to my Karen Kay Buckley Perfect Scissors (yes they are perfect :) so I can cut 4 leaves out at one time with a 1/4 inch seam allowance to turn under.  Cool ay?

Of course they fit on several of my other scissors too.  The Yellow one is for blades with a sloping edge and the Green is for non-sloping scissors.  They don't work on my rotary cutters....I tried that already....you know I try almost everything...LOL.

I've attached  their You Tube Video you can see it in action.


On another topic all together, I want to thank everyone for their supportive comments and phone calls.  I did have more blood work done and I'm going to see a compounding pharmacist tonight to see if there is anything they can recommend.  I've also made some necessary dietary changes too.  I promise to return the favor of positive energy and prayers when you need them :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Chronicles of a CrAzEE Person

I've decided the most appropriate title for the last few weeks is "Chronicles of a CrAzEE Person."  I'm going to be 100% upfront.....I've entered Peri-Menopause and my life has been turned upside down.  Many days I don't have the energy required to do some of the most simple things and I frequently fluctuate between frustrated, sad and angry.  I know, I know....this is part of life....I get that....and Yes I've had my blood work done and I'm seeing the Dr. today at 2:00.  Please just know I'm doing the very best I can do and I'll post when I'm up to it.  I always appreciate prayers and positive thoughts and energy sent my way.

I love this blog and writing it has been such a highlight in my life in the past few years....I'm very grateful for all the wonderful people it has brought  into my life.  Speaking of wonderful people, Spring Quilt Market was this past week and this is the first Market I've missed since starting IHAN.  With Zach's birthday and both boys having Cub Scout Cross Over I just could not imagine going to Salt Lake.  While I have really enjoyed learning about all the latest and greatest Notions and Designs.....you know what I missed most?  I missed seeing some lovely people and I thought of them often this past week.  More about that later.

Ok, so here is Zach on his actual birthday, May 11th.  We celebrated with him a little bit and then on Sunday his friends were invited for a Pokemon Party.

Aaron and Zach....standing next to one another, Momma says, smile I'd like to take a photo of the two of you....and this is the faces I got.....priceless.

Every night last week I worked on the Cub Scout Den Banner for Zach's Tiger group.  (Husband nominated me for this one....guess that is only fair because I'm always saying, "Rick'ell do it.")  Being forced to use my embroidery machine for the first time I attempted to embroidery the boys names to be put on the banner....no go....not yet.  We were supposed to leave for Camp Pioneer on Saturday morning but I was still working on the banner so I told Rick I'd meet them there later in the day.  I spent my entire day until 3:00 working on the banner....now once you see the banner you are going to ask....what took you so long?.....but I'll give more details in a separate blog post.

Arriving at Camp Pioneer..... I see we have Lake Front Property....for the first time in my life....how cool....I'm feeling wealthy (not). 

 I open the tent flap.....Rick was bailing water into a bread bag and a water bottle ...

Aaron proudly takes the water and empties it right out front of the tent....into the Lake!!!  Did ya see those soaking wet sleeping bags? 

I'm thinking to myself....keep smiling....that is all you can do right now....change them into dry clothes and smile....after all that is what good memories are made of....

This is Zach's Den with their banner....the top is finished.

You can't see that each letter is outlined and the background is free motion quilted.

There is a zipper to zip on the next banner...Tiger's.  It is not finished because I wanted the boys to decide if they wanted to write their names on it or have them embroidered.....they decided on both.  I'll post more when the entire banner is finished.

Mr. Proud as Peas is now a Bear Cub.  Zach will get his Wolf neckerchief and badge when he meets with his den again.  The ceremony went on but in a abbreviated version so everyone could pack up and head out before dark.

 When I opened the tent I was amazed by the flood.....look at the big puddle on top of the tent....

a close up pix shows the steady flow of water....impressive!!  LOL

Sunday was the Pokemon Party......the boys got to decorate their own cupcakes and ice cream sundaes.....that was wild to watch....candy, chocolate sauce and whip cream everywhere.

The gift opening FRENZIE!!!  I could not even see what Zach was opening because of the huddle. 

Everyone had a good time.....then Mommy and Daddy rested....and boy did we ever need it!

Smiles,

Kelly

No, I'm not Hiding :)

I know it seems like forever since I've posted, I've been so busy I don't know weather to scratch my watch or wind my butt....honestly.  Yesterday was Zach's 7th Birthday.

Lots of planning and preparations for a Pokemon Birthday party for a few of his friends on Sunday.  What do I know about Pokemon?  Nothing....I've been doing my research....I'm so grateful for Google :)

I've also been preparing for the Cub Scout Cross Over on Saturday and below is a little Tiger I've been working on for the flag.  Researching good scissors has always been fun....and while cutting out this little orange Tiger....I was extremely grateful I own some of the best applique scissors on the market. 

Oh and you know what else is a life saver?  Robert Kaufman's Boy Scout Fabric line.    I am telling you, Robert Kaufman Fabrics totally Rocks!!!!  Check out how neat the fabrics are that I get to make the flag with.....aren't these just so perfect? I will post photos of the flag when it is done.

Yesterday a package arrived in the mail, Girls World by Jennifer Paganelli.  I won an on-line class and this book with patterns from SewCalGal's blog a few weeks ago.  Now I have something Girlie to look forward to after the Cub Scout Flag is finished :)

Part of my brain is in Salt Lake City today.  Today is Schoolhouse and you know how much I love to run from room to room seeing all the new designs and getting a sneak peak at all the latest gadgets.  I am missing some of my friends who are there....and sad I won't be seeing them.....at the same time  I also know a Momma can't be missing her son's 7th birthday and Cub Scout Crossover....if she can at all help it....and thankfully I can....but I'm still thinking about Spring Quilt Market.

Smiles,
Kelly

JAYBIRD QUILTS Goes to Market....This is so exciting :)

It is so much fun to watch your blog buddies take off.  I had the great fortune of meeting Julie Herman, JAYBIRD QUILTS, over a year ago.  I had noticed I was getting quite a few orders and they were originating from Julie's blog.  I e-mailed her to thank her for her kindness in mentioning my little shop and she was just so sweet.  I admired the quilt-a- longs that Julie was doing and found her patterns to be fun and energetic.  (Side Note: when I first visited Julies' blog I was struck by her photo.  Here was a young earthy looking woman with a creative light emanating from her....no make-up or pretense...just this is me and this is what I do kind of energy.  When I see that in a young person, it always gets my attention.)  We kept in touch and I had the good fortune of meeting her in person while at Market in Houston last Fall.   

I walked into a Robert Kaufman sponsored Schoolhouse presentation and who was operating the camera?  None other than the this beautiful young earthy woman, Julie Herman.  I walked over and hugged her....I was so happy to be able to meet her in person and thank her for her kindness.  While Julie was taking photographs and videotaping I was taking photos of her.  One of the attendees asked me if she was my daughter.  My first thought was....Oh geez....I guess I am old....and my second was....no, but I sure would be proud if she were. 

During the Schoolhouse presentation Julie had an opportunity to show one of her quilts.  This is Julie showing her quilt pattern, Dot Party.

Oh I wish this photo had come out better....but you can see how happy I was to be able to visit with Julie....she was lots of fun too.

This week, Julie will be heading to Salt Lake City for the Spring Quilt Market.  Not only will she be there....she is also having her own booth.  Isn't that so exciting?  I am so happy for her....I could just squeal.  Not only does Julie have a full time day job, she also works full time in the evenings designing and making quilts.  I know so many young people who complain there are no jobs and talk about how nothing is working out....then here is Julie working her booty off and making a name for herself.....Way2GO Julie....you ROCK BIG IHAN SOCKS :)

I'm sad that I won't be in Salt Lake to take photos and watch her have a grand time.....but I'll be thinking of her and knowing that others will see her great energy and fun spirit and enjoy her designs.  I thought I would do a little Pre-Spring Market review of the quilts that will be hanging in Julies booth.

Carnival

 Fast Forward

Firecracker

Unwind

  

Dance Floor Lap Quilt

Chopsticks is one of Julie's latest patterns that is not available just yet.  When I saw it on her blog I immediately sent the link to Waldo because she has been looking for a great pattern for all the aboriginal fabrics she has been collecting.  Guess what?  The fabric looks great....I'll have to wait until the pattern is available and Waldo gets is going....I'll beg her for photos :)

Hugs & Kisses

When I first saw Hugs & Kisses, I instantly thought about the Hoffman Bali Pops I have in my stash.  I have no idea why I bought them other than they were so beautiful I knew I'd find something....and now I have found the perfect pattern for my Bali Pops :)

I've been playing with my blocks on my design wall looking for the perfect background fabric for the diamond centers.  I've not completely decided yet....but don't those Bali Pops look great in Julie's Hugs & Kisses Pattern?

 Creative Grids Lazy Angle Ruler by Joan Hawley, Lazy Girl Designs,  is used for making the blocks for Hugs & Kisses.    

You know if Joan Hawley designed it....then I can use it.  Everything Joan does is done the "Lazy Way" and that is just how I like it!  The other thing is, I can use my new Lazy Angle Ruler for so many other blocks too....I don't feel like I've wasted my money on a one time whirley (you know I'm frugal!!).  I think I spied some "Littles"  Joan has ready for Spring Market and the patterns use the same ruler...cool beans. 

You know you can't loose when Joan and Julie collaborate....both wonderful women and I wish them nothing but success in Salt Lake City....Go Get-em' Girls!!! ( and send along plenty of photos of all your fun...pretty please :)

Smiles,
Kelly