Quilt Market 2011 - 6 Quick Points Rulers and Jillily Studio

Veteran's Day:  My sincere appreciation goes out to each and every person who has served their country and their family members for all the sacrifices that each and every one of you have made.

Busy day here at IHAN...sorry this post is up so late in the day.  If it ya really want to know...I've been working on it all day between everything else I do :) 

 Who else but the Queen of the IHAN Nation with Janet Platt from Quick Points Rulers.  Yes, she is the genius behind those amazing Quick Points Rulers and now the Scallop Rulers too.  Janet is one smart cookie .... there is no other way these rulers would have been thought of...they are really great tools in my book.

Before I go further, I'd be terribly remiss if I didn't introduce you to Brian, Janet's really fun and helpful husband!  Ya always got to point out the great ones!

Quick Points Ruler Booth, Houston 2011

The photos are out of order...but you probably would not know unless you were following me around....I think there was only one person with me...Karin....so pretend you know all about the out of order photos, OK?

Janet's School House presentation was excellent!  One of the things I really like about Janet and Brian's presentations is that they actually use the rulers right in front of you.  No pre-made samples that lead you to believe it is so easy.

(This is surely one of the things I notice while at Market or Shows: I am always making sure the person is actually using the tool right there in front of me...so I can see if there is anything that may be dificult for me to do when I get home.   I don't like those demo's where everything has been pre-made and you are shown just the samples.  How do I know it really works or if when I get home, I'll be so frustrated that I don't ever use the product.  If they are not actually cutting/stitching/ironing etc. I ask if I can do it...I have to be sure it is what it says it is and will do what it is advertised to do.)

 This sample board shows you exactly what you can make with the Quick Points Ruler and the Scallop Ruler.    I should probably tell ya that Janet also has the Teflon Pushers that help make your scallops smooth when you turn them right side out.

 This is Janet showing every one how she just used the Scallop Ruler and is turning it right side out.

This is a beautiful table topper Janet has made.  Not only is it fun...but check out the scallop edges....so much cheer was added with that one addition.

 If you look closely here, you will see the flowers were made with the Scallop Ruler and the trim on the outside is too. 

Want some deep scallops?  Check out this really great apron Janet made.  I just love that apron.

 If I'm not mistaken, this is another apron...could be pillow case...sometimes I forget...what ever it really is....the scallop separates those fabrics beautifully.

 Ok, I do know this is another apron...LOL :)

 Halloween Treat Bags anyone?  You know that Ghastlies one is way too much fun.  There are so many Ghastlies Fans now!

This is a baby quilt...the scallops are turned inward...neat isn't it?

Back to Janet's booth now. 

Believe it or not, when I got to the Quick Points Ruler booth, Janet was out shopping.  David was sitting and pressing all the prairie points he would manage.  Ya gotta love a husband who will sit and demo for you while you are out shopping!!

Now, on to Jillily Studio Booth

 When I visited the first time Jill was not there so I took my photos and came back later for the demo's.

This is a demo of Jill's Appli-Glue.  There were a few excellent points about the Appli-Glue that I thought folks would want to know about.  First, it is acid free and water soluble.  The dry Appli-Glue will even dissolve when soaked in water.  I really liked the tip on the glue bottle.  The tip is tapered so when you stop squeezing the bottle, the glue gets pulled back into the bottle and doesn't dry in the tip.  I have had that happen with other glues and I really don't like that one little bit. 

Above you can see the tiny dots of glue being used...they stick very nicely to the next leave and to the background fabric too.  If you are in need of some new applique glue...I definitely recommend the Appli-Glue.

These are Jill's Poke-A-Dots.  Can you guess what they are for?  The gal in her booth asked me that when I walked up and I immediately replied, " they are finger thimbles".  I guess a lot of folks don't know what they are.  (On a personal note...ya gotta love that they are red :).   They have adhesive on the back and you  put it on the tip of your finger when you are doing hand stitching.  You use that finger to push your needle through the fabric.  They have a textured surface which makes it really nice for pulling a needle through fabric too.  Have you ever had  a dog-of-a-time pulling your needle through (be honest)?  The Poke-A-Dots grip very well and makes it much easier to pull that needle though.  They can be used over and over again because of the quality adhesive that is on the back.  I typically park it back on the paper and use them over and over again.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!  I'll be gone tomorrow to the Machine Embroidery Guild to demo all my Sizzix Cutters.  You know I won't pre-cut that fabric before I go....I'll have it ready to go and I'll let them cut the fabric so they can see how nicely the Sizzix Fabric Cutters work!

Smiles,
Kelly

Floriani Comes to I Have A Notion (Quilt Market 2011 5th edition)

Hooping of a different sort!! :)

If you love Machine Embroidery then you are going to absolutely love Floriani Embroidery. 

IHAN is now a distributor for Floriani Embroidery Threads, Stabilizers and Designs.  I know what you are thinking....yep..."how is she going to fit all of that into her "warehouse?"  Was I right?  For many of you have visited you know just what I'm talking about.  For the record, I don't plan on knocking out any walls...just yet!

All of the inventory is on it's way to IHAN and I'm so excited I can hardly stand it.  Everyone I know who is into Machine Embroidery tells me Floriani  is the Mercedes/Lincoln of Machine Embroidery Threads, Stabilizers and Designs. 

Check out these beautiful Halloween towels....come visit next Oct. 31st and you'll see these hanging in my kitchen and bathroom :)

 Most of you know I'm a newbie to Machine Embroidery and I have a lovely friend who has loaned me one smart Embroidery Machine.  The first one I bought is so old I can't get the technology to make it work.  Beware....when I say ME is addictive....I'm telling you the honest truth. 

Oh yeah....time to Hula Hula Hula....skip to my Lou and all those fun feelings...because I will have 24 hour access to all this thread....I feel like I have helium in my veins!

Oh yeah....then reality hits...I have to load all these products to my website.  Holey Schmokin' do I have a lot to do between this minute and when the doorbell rings.  I better get movin'.

Colorful Smiles,
Kelly

Quilt Market 2011 - 4 Famore Cutlery

I'm guessing no one has ever seen anyone use a hula hoop while at Quilt Market....until now :)

Oh yes, that would be me....using a hula hoop for the first time in my adult life.  I bet you are wondering why in the world I was hula hooping ...right?

It is all Mikki's fault!  Yes....completely true :)  Mikki has taken up belly dancing and hula hooping and when she was telling me about it I asked her to bring one to Houston with her.  I really wanted to see what she was talking about.

Mikki gave me a quick lesson and I was off and hooping.  It took me a minute or two to get the hang of it....but then....I was rocking that hoop.  Mikki was a little frustrated ...she said it took her two lessons to keep the hoop up for as long as I had kept it up.  All I can say is....I don't seem to be a natural with Free Motion Quilting so it's a darn good thing I am a natural at somethin'!!

You all know the story of my meeting Brint, the Scissor Man.  I lusted after his apron...but not anymore.  I had hatched a plan to TOP the Scissor Man's Apron.  If I wasn't going to have his, I was going to have one of my own...and it was going to be even better.  (There Brint...take that...Bat Man Pow sound effect ..listen closely...you'll hear it.)

 I made my own and when Brint was not looking I stood at a distance with my finger pointed directly at him and waited until he looked my way.  When he looked my way, in a loud voice I said, "I soooo Own You!" 

That got his attention and fast. 

Here is proof Brint was de-throaned....and I have to say...he took it well.

Not only did I get to wear my apron on the front....I got to wear his on the back.  Now, I'm one bad mamma jamma!!!

Below is a better pix of the front of my apron....yes, I was in the bathroom ( if Superman has his telephone booth....IHAN has her bathroom...LOL).

"Kelly Scissor Fiend

Queen of the IHAN Nation

(self appointed of course!)"

I used Artist Transfer Paper to make the label.  I put the ATC through my printer then ironed it to a piece of white Kona cotton.  I made several button holes and tabs to hold my scissor extenders with scissors attached.  The biggest reason Brint was de-throaned was because "MY" apron has all the bells and whistles that his doesn't have.  If you look closely, the top right of my apron has a metal name tag I covered with my business card. Then I used earth magnets to hold my Stiletto and my Famore Seam Rip.  I bet you are wondering how I managed to not cut myself or poke myself with all those scissors, right?  I put clear tubing over the tips of all the sharps so I couldn't get poked.  (ohhhh eeee I'm a smarteeee pantssss...giggles).  Brints don't have a protector on his...nor does he have his fine tip tweezers on his apron.  I re purposed my Bernina Bobbin holder and attached that to a zip line do-hickey (it is the tube to the right of center...my tweezers are in there).  I had more scissors than are shown here....but you get the idea.

I found some new scissors made by Famore while I was there...I'll be adding them to my website later today.

I really liked these small scissors and they were darn sharp too.

Brint kept his sense of humor through out his de-throaning process....I just had to leave him with his "simple" Scissor Man apron.  I'm just so darn nice aren't I?   (evil grins)

Fiendly Smiles,

Kelly

PS.....IHAN has select Sizzix Applique Dies on sale 60% off...winter and holiday themes included...only while supplies last.

David Butler's Parson Gray and Amy Butler Design

I know Ladies come first...I wasn't raised under a bridge ya know.  However, today...I'm starting with the Gentleman first....you'll just have to forgive me :)

David Butler (yes, Amy Butler's husband) has a new line of fabric, Parson Gray Curious Nature.  If you have not heard of it yet....it is certainly time you did.     

I took this first photo in David's School House lecture at Quilt Market. 

Because the lights were dim the fabrics didn't show up very well.  Soooo...I just so happened to trip into David's Face Book Page and I copied this photo so you can see the colors better.  I'd click on the link and look around...definitely.

David was so busy talking to folks it was hard to snap of good pix of him. I did get some photos of his booth.....no easy task that is for sure.

There is absolutely no question that David is an extremely talented and a multifaceted artist. Weather he is designing graphics, labels, logos, fabrics or singing (his band...Black Owls) ...."he's got it all goin' on."

I was able to get a photo of Amy and David together in front of the Parson Gray booth :)

These two people have wonderful energy, individually and  together.   

It was no easier to get a photo of Amy in her booth.  However, I did get lots of pix of the booth....and it was glorious.

I know, lighting is not that great for my pix...but David was too busy to inquire about photography tips.

Just look...gaze upon the beauty that is Lark.  Just click on the word "Lark" and it will take you to a Amy's description of her inspiration for this new fabric line.  (I'm thinking Audrey Hepburn would have had a sincere appreciation for Lark.  It has modern depth and speaks of the deep inner beauty, grace and style that brings Audrey Hepburn to mind.) 

Clearly the wall in Amy's booth really captured my attention.  I think I stood looking at the wall for quite some time.

There was/is an energy about Amy and David Butler...I feel it every time I've been in their presence.  I'll make an attempt to describe what I feel...I'm not sure how well it will translate into words:

A true inner grace...a respect for one another and for the creative process...I see it as a translucent golden light emanating from them (together and separately).  They have a receptiveness that is warm, curious, passionate, sensitive with  quiet exuberance.  There is a purity of purpose and modesty I feel in Amy.  David seems to have a boundless curiosity for exploring and expressing his inner voice.  I think they are both gentle and bold beings with the curage to follow their inner voices.  

I think that just about covers it....ya get the feeling I like them?

Appreciative Smiles,

Kelly

We have a Winner!

One very lucky IHAN blog reader has won all three of these great books compliments of IHAN and  Martingale/That Patchwork Place.    Here is what the winner receives :)

Creative Mixed Media by Sherrill Kahn is a fabulous book if you are interested in learning more and improving your skills with painting, printing, Stitching, Stamping and Embellishing fabrics....and really any medium...after all it is Creative Mixed Media :)

Double Take, Quilts With That Hopscotch Twist by Heather Willms and Elissa Willms is another fun book with 16 different projects. Each project is rated Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced...very helpful if you are new to quilting to start with a pattern you know you will be successful with.

AND Make Your Bed by Leslee Evans. What I love about this book is it takes the pressure off of me to re-decorate a bedroom. No need to make full size quilts for your beds....nope....you can make some beautiful quilted bed runners, pillows and pillow shams and have a whole new look in your bedroom.

The winner is upstateLisa

upstateLisa said...

Great prize! I am always interested to see the latest mixed media stuff! Or you could see if they have one of those things on Star Trek so you could beam me up and I could look for myself!

Congratulations Lisa!!  Please send me your full name and address to Kelly@IHaveANotion.com .  You have until Wed to claim your prize...or another lucky person's name will be drawn.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.

Smiles,

Kelly

Clydes Workshop - What A Treat!!

Organizing the Quilt Market photos sure is a process.  I'm getting much better though...I don't take nearly as many photos and now I just sort into larger groupings.  While I'm doing all of that I wanted to tell you about a lovely gift I received and a little story about how this all played out.

The story first!!! :)

Since IHAN is mine....I pick and choose which notions, books, patterns etc. that I want to review.  I get lots of requests to review these things and often I turn people down if I'm not interested or don't have the time.  An IHAN blog follower had sent me a few e-mails telling me about a shelf she had purchased and how much she loved it and wanted me to review the shelf on a blog post.   I politely declined as these shelves are custom made and went on about my way.  She felt so strongly about her "Quilting Shelf" she had one sent to me as a gift.  Once I opened it, I knew instantly why she wanted me to review it...you wanna' talk about QUALITY Craftsmanship and a terrific "Quilting Shelf"....it all makes perfect sense now!!

I'm very proud to introduce all of you to Clyde's Workshop and what I call "Clyde's Quilting Shelf".

My sewing area has grid wall against cement blocks so I could not hang this beautiful "Quilting Shelf" yet....but I'm now willing to rearrange all my do dah because of this one really beautiful shelf.  Mr. McSteamy and I are holding it up here...don't want to hang it in the family room....but you get the idea.

Just look at the quality of Clyde's work....the wood is absolutely beautiful and his craftsmanship is top notch.  This is definitely not a glued-together-mass-produced shelf made of pressed wood....this baby is solid and has a fine furniture finish (I'm sure there is a proper term for that).

The  dimensions of the shelf  is 22" x 7 7/8" and is 6" high. Under the shelf are 7 hooks to hang scissors or notions so they are handy....AND

The top has 14  grooves to hold your rulers.  These grooves were not just done with a quick router or a saw blade....they've been sanded smooth and the shelf has lovely rounded corners.  There were no short-cuts taken on this baby.

Under the ruler holder is a door and when you open it....you have 17" x 2 3/4" x 5 1/2" of   space to store threads, awls, thimbles and any other notion you want to put in there. 

When I say Clyde did not cut corners (he rounded them....ok...little pun for ya)

......this includes the quality of the magnetic gizmo he has mounted to hold the door close. 

The hangers for mounting on the wall are on a 16 inch center so that works well if you want to put the hanger in the studs in the wall. 

I took this photo to show you he has used wooden dowels to hold the wood.....just like I told ya...Excellent Workmanship!!! 

Clyde and I spoke about IHAN selling his "Quilting Shelves."  Basically I told him they are top notch and I thought he should make all the profits from his work.  I'd be nuts to not want to sell them for him...however....Clyde has invested years into his craft - not to mention the money to buy the tools, drive to get the wood and supplies etc....so I want him to be the beneficiary of  labors.  I sure hope folks go visit his new website and order directly from him.  (wait until you see his prices....I would not sell them for less than double his price...amazing quality and price.  Bet you are darn thrilled that I'm not selling them now ay?

The shelves also come in Cherry, Mahogany, Red Oak and Maple....and if you can believe this....there is no price difference between the wood you choose.  Unbelievable...I'm telling ya.  Since he makes them himself, I'd get over there quick if you wanted one for the holidays or to give as a gift....I'm certainly there will be a waiting list soon.

Go visit Clyde and tell him Kelly from I Have A Notion says HI :)

THANK YOU Jeanne for introducing me to Clyde for my beautiful "Quilting Shelf"...I will treasure it always!

Very happy smiles,
Kelly