Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House Patterns by Annie

Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House
Patterns by Annie
Chapter 6....I think!?!

Annie Unrein from Patterns by Annie was at the Checker Open House.  Annie uses Texture Magic in several of her patterns and I'm telling you, the Texture Magic really makes her designs pop.  Check out Hoot and Annie below.  The Texture Magic really gives those cute little owls some pizazz.

You may remember during IHAN's Anniversary Celebration 32 Days of Giveaways, Annie contributed her pattern for the All Occasion Baskets below.  Photos do no justice for the Texture Magic because when I'm looking at the items close up they really are exceptional.   Honestly I can't imagine anyone seeing the All Occasion Baskets in person and not walking right up to them and saying how neat they are.  In the photo you can see the cute fabrics and the fun ric-rac but they are charming in person.  You'll have to trust me on this!!!  (Which better not be too hard to do after all this time.....and if it is....you better turn yourself in to the IHAN comment police!)

I thought this ring pillow would be a wonderful hand made contribution to a family wedding.  The pattern
Happily Ever After also includes the pattern for the flower girl basket.

 

This is Annie's most recent pattern, Jewelry Travel Case.   I took lots of pictures so you can see all the great details.

 

 

She used Texture Magic on the outside fabric.  Look how nice this travel jewelry case is.  There is a place for everything including the pocket to hold any pendants that are on necklaces so they don't get wound around one another.  I was thinking what a nice gift these would make for gals in my life.  I know I would use it and so would my girls.  What about those holiday gift exchanges with guild members or teachers and bus drivers?  You know I've got to get busy because this is definitely a gift people will really appreciate even if they don't sew or like quilting. 

Don't you love brain storming late at night when you just need something done and you want to make it happen faster?  I've had some pretty good ideas that have come to me at the last minute and always late at night when my normal defences are asleep.  Annie had one of those experiences with gathering ruffles for this Flower Power dress and purse pattern.  

Isn't this precious?  I love the purse below.  I am hoping for grand daughters or grand nieces to dress in these beautiful outfits.

Below is Annie's the Ah Ha discovery....the old way of gathering ruffles is to stitch along the edge and draw up the threads and move them around until you get just the right amount of ruffle that you wanted. 

 

Check out what Annie discovered.....if you put a small strip of Texture Magic along the edge and apply a little steam.....you get perfect ruffles.  The more steam, the more ruffles....because the Texture Magic draws up the fabric.  Thank you Annie for taking us out of the "dark ages of old fashioned ruffling!!!"...LOL

Here is the front!!!  Looks good doesn't it?  I thought so too.  I love it when these sort of Ah Ha moments happen.

By the way-
After re-reading my post it sounds like I'm doing an advertisement for Texture Magic....which in one sense I guess I am.  You need to know these reviews are unsolicited and I write about what I experience and learn from my travels.  I write what I'm inspired to write and no one pays me to write reviews (but if they would like to....feel free :)  I've read comments on chat boards from time to time saying things like, "well of course she says that....she is selling it."  I hope by now all IHAN blog readers know and understand that I love what I do and I'm just reporting what I've learned and experienced.  If you shop in my store, IHAN, of course I make money.  You may notice by the prices that for the work I do I don't make a lot of money.  I write my blog for the pure joy of sharing my adventures with others who are interested in the same things.  While I appreciate your business I hope you also know I would not write about products that I don't feel are worth the investment.  If you have any questions about products...just e-mail and ask...people do that all the time. 

Now that I've said that....keep your eyes open for the Superior Needle Exchange Program post....coming soon to an IHAN blog near you :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Great Giveaways In Blog ville, land, town, acres...:) Edited!!!

Edited 12:30 9/1/10

Ryan from RyanWalshQuilts is giving away a notion of sorts....hmmmm....can you guess what it might be?  Don't just check out his giveaway....that is interesting....but if you miss reading his blog.....then you've missed out on something more valuable and he gives it away free 24/7 :)


EDITED 12:30 as apparently I have been in LaLa Land....did you know that Julie from JayBirdQuilts is also having a GO! Fabric Cutter by AccuQuilt giveaway?  Two chances ....two....and I'm sure there are more I just have not been sneaking around looking.  Julie's blog is a "IHAN DO NOT MISS BLOG"....if you are not following Julie's blog.....I think you will be glad you did because she is always coming up with fun new creative ways to quilt and sew.

Pat from the Silver Thimble Company is having a lovely giveaway. I recognize that brand of thread and that beautiful layer cake.....and of course the other notions too....but who would be surprised by that?  I'm a notions kind of gal!!!  Love the giveaway, thanks Pat!!

Oh and did I mention.....

The gal from a very interesting blog is also having a giveaway.  You should definitely check it out and become a follower of her blog.....and while you are at it....you should definitely check out her store and buy one of everything soon :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Winner of the 2 Martins In A Nest Headband

The winner of the headband from 2 Martins In A Nest is Deanna!!! Please send me your address and I'll get it into the mail.

Smiles,

Kelly

Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House Chapter 6

Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House
Chapter 6....how many more chapters?

The Quilt Branch

This is Susan Knapp from The Quilt Branch.  She and Mary Jane Mattingly are the designers of  the Creative Girds House Ruler 9-1/2in x 12in and authors of three books.   Susan demonstrated how to get all of these angles with just one ruler.

 

I'm a visual person so this chart did more to explain the value of this ruler than any demonstration could have.  Although I enjoyed watching the demonstration, this photo says it all for me.  I left out the photos I took of Susan doing the demonstration because I think this chart is more than explanatory, don't you?

The quilt on the left is from Susan and Mary Jane's book Six Halves Makes A Whole Sampler and the one on the right is Six Halves Makes A Whole Lot More.  I'm sorry about the easel in the foreground....somehow I just wasn't able to jump over the counter and move it....but you know I would have :)

 

This quilt is on the cover of  Six Halves Makes A Whole Lot More. Here's more inspiration for using one or two of those great those great roll-ups of 6 half-yard cuts. Six new projects each using 6 half-yard cuts. There are instructions for five five quilts and a set of place mats included, plus extras.

 

Six Halves Make a Whole Sampler 
Start with six half yard cuts of fabric - 2 mediums and 4 darks - add background and sashing fabrics and you will create an heirloom 62" x72" quilt. Complete instructions for using the the Creative Grids House Ruler are included to make it easy to cut out future quilts too. Patterns for using the blocks for a table runner or tote are also included. Designed by Susan Knapp and Mary Jane Mattingly

For a free pattern stop over to The Quilt Branch website!!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Lazy Girl Designs at Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House

Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House
Chapter 5
Lazy Girl Designs

This is Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl Designs.  Joan is a fabulous purse designer and she has a bag suited for everyone's taste and needs.  I only wish I could come up with that many designs all different, interesting and functional.  I'm thinking she might consider changing her business name from Lazy Girl Designs to "The Hard Working Gal Formerly Known as The Lazy Girl Designer." 

The purse at the top of this photo is the Margo Handbag.  The small wallet up front is the Wonder Wallet and the taller one in the back to the left of the photo is the Maggie Pattern.  The wallet I carry is the Wonder Wallet pattern and I'm telling you I need to make a new one and fast.  (Mine is very dirty...that's why I never mentioned it to Joan when I saw her....imagine my embarrassment if she had seen that filthy wallet....yikes....she doesn't know lazy!)

 

Joan's latest pattern is the Lily Pocket Purse and it is only available for pre-order.  The patterns are expected to be released early October.   There is an excellent photo of the inside of this purse on Joan's blog....just click here to see what I'm talking about :)

 

I love the fun print on this Margo Handbag.  Just change the fabric and you have a great purse for the fall and winter too.    That is what I love about carrying a handmade purse....being able to make another one in a different fabric for myself or as a gift. 

I love the name of this bag, the Whimsy Bag.  I just like the word....Whimsy....Whimsy....Whimsy....

You may have known Joan has designed all of these incredible patterns and so many more....honestly....so many more....but did you know she wrote a quilting book too?  I didn't until recently...check this out:

Lazy And Lovin' It

Joan makes 24 different Lazy Angle Blocks and uses them to make more than 230 block combinations....and she still keeps calling it Lazy.    So if you are truly lazy, like me, then you can use the Lazy Angle Ruler to make your cutting so much faster and accurate....she has again done all the work for us. 

Hmmmm....do you think the Lazy refers to me? Us?  Yikes....I can speak for myself....indeed I am lazy and I don't want or need to re-create the wheel, television, Internet or anything else....I'm so lazy there would be none of those inventions if it were left up to me!!!

Don't forget about the Giveaways....don't know about them?  They are posted in Chapter 3.

Smiles,

Kelly

Taking A Minute to Smile Here

I'm working, I'm working....honestly....and yes the photos are coming.  If you have not enjoyed a little smile today....you may want to see this cartoon posted on the Seasonal Cottage Blog.   I could so identify with the tape dispenser....feeling a little out of place sometimes....but loved none the less...LOL

Smiles,
Kelly

Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House Chapter 4 - Simplicity Creative Group

Checker Distributor
62 Anniversary Open House
Chapter 4
Simplicity Creative Group

You may have noticed or will notice that during the Checker Open House I took photos of the banner for each demonstrator or presentation....with this one exceptions....Simplicity Creative Group.  Sooo....I was forced to cut and paste one here....and as you can clearly see....I don't know how to remove unwanted objects ....so just pretend you don't see that red hair in this photo!!!  Thank you kindly :)

Many of you recognize this as the Simplicity Bias Tape Maker Machine.  I have one and have really enjoyed using it because I no longer burn my fingers and because I like to do things I consider boring a little more effortlessly.  The Simplicity Bias Tape Maker Machine was introduced at Spring Quilt Market 2009 and since then several new tips have been added.  The one you see above is the Quilt Binding Tip for 2 1/2 inch strips.    I saw and touched the 1/4 inch tip that will be coming and I was very good and did not slip it into my pocket....and for the first time....I didn't even think about it...LOL.  I must be recovering from my fantasy kleptomania!!

Honestly it is Mimi Shimp's job to be introducing the Simplicity products....but as you can clearly see....I got so excited to be able to touch it that I stood right in front of Mimi.  She is so petite that you can't even see her behind me because I'm the  larger version of petite:)  I'm sorry Mimi....please forgive my childlike exuberance....it happens sometimes.

You may recall my previous post about the Deluxe SideWinder Bobbin Winder.  Several people have commented that they want to know if it will work with their machines.  The answer is YES, YES, YES....Mimi Shimp, Product Manager, has not found a bobbin yet that will not work.  Long Arm Machines, Embroidery Machines and Sewing Machines....the answer is YES. 

• Interchangeable bobbin spindles to fit all makes and models of sewing, embroidery and long arm quilting machines.
• Interchangeable bobbin spindles accommodate bobbins for all makes and models of sewing, embroidery and long arm machines.
• Winds thread from small spools to cones that hold as much as 12,000 yards.
• Two storage compartments in the lid to hold bobbins or spools of thread.
• Offers a telescoping guide that adjusts to different heights of thread spools.
• Enjoy a thread cutter, bobbin fill control and a speed control knob.
• Adjust the tension knob to accommodate a variety of thread weights.
• Compact size makes it easy to store or pack for travel
• For household use only
• Universal adapter included (which means it can be used outside the US!!!-wooo hooo...I can hear that coming from my customers in AU and NZ :)
• 90 day limited warranty against manufacturer's defects

Oh but did I mention....you can get yours here at IHAN :)  I'll even autograph the box if you like!!! ROFL

Moving right along.....this is Mimi Shimp demonstrating the Rotary Cutting Machine by Simplicity.  It was also introduced at the Spring Quilt Market 2009.

Simplicity later released an Extension Table that can be added to support your fabric as you move it through the machine.  It also has  interchangeable blades, small and large wave,  that are  that are available.

Here you can see that I was using the Rotary Cutting Machine with the small wave blade to cut some fabric.
  
Fall Quilt Market 2010 brought the Simplicity Deluxe Rotary Cutting/Embossing Machine.  You may recall my previous post from Fall Quilt Market.  And just for the record, I did politely ask Mimi if I could use the Simplicity machines because it is one thing to watch them being used and quite another to use them myself.  I want to feel and see how the machines work and not necessarily have to purchase one of every machine I want to discuss here on the IHAN blog.

You can see, they have also made a Deluxe Extension Table that is available.  It is very helpful because it extends the bed of the Deluxe Rotary Cutting/Embossing Machine.  Here you can see me moving the fabric through the machine.  It is important to keep your hands both in front of the fabric and behind the fabric to keep it even as you move it through the machine.

This is clearly the WRONG way to do it. You don't take your eyes off your cutting surface and you need one hand behind the fabric and one in front!!!  Silly me, what was I thinking?

When you don't keep your hands in front and behind the machine....you get crooked cuts and that my friends is referred to as "Operator Error."  There is a learning curve to using both Rotary Cutting Machines but honestly it only took me a few minutes when I first used one (way back in 2009:).

The Deluxe Rotary Cutting/Embossing Machine has many new features.  First the obvious one is that it also embosses and you will see some examples of that below.

The other additions to the Deluxe model include:

• 
  
  Speed control that allows you to control the speed at which you would like to cut.
• 
  
  A LED light that illuminates the cutting / embossing surface.
• 
  
  It includes the tools for removing the blade and adjusting the pressure for the blades. (the blades are rotary-meaning round....not sharp.  The machine cuts using pressure not the traditional razor sharp blades)
• 
  
  A longer cord for the foot pedal.
• 
  
  It cuts paper or fabric 1/4 inch to 6 inches.
• Optional embossing rolls

The embossing rolls and optional decorative rotary cutting blades are sold separately- just like Barbie's accessories....remember that?  Always sold seperately...LOL.  (I think when you get married there should be a "sold separately clause" that states-"this version of the wife does not include a clean house and interesting meals or constant attractive company"-all of those things are sold separately and come at a very high price!!!)

These are some examples of what can be done with the Embossing Rolls:

 

This what the Embossing Rolls look like up close.  I did not notice the measurements on any of the packaging so I used this quarter to give you an idea of their size.

 

Mimi was wearing the Winding Buddy around her neck and I was teasing her about her necklace.  The Winding Buddies are actually use for the Bias Tape Maker Machine and the Winder Machine by Simplicity.  While they are made for these machines....you might find me wearing one with licorice or a fruit roll up wound in it so I'd have easy access.

Smiles,

Kelly                                                                                                                                                                      

Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House Chapter 3 point 5

This post does not qualify for an entire chapter so it will be referred to as Chapter 3 point 5 :)

Another lunatic has ambushed one of the demonstrators and commandeered their tools.  I'll definitely share more about Simplicity's Deluxe Bobbin Winder but I could not resist posting this photo as a "bookmark" to hold my place as I continue to put together posts for the Open House.  Remember last year when I commandeered the vacuum?  It just happens....somehow that crazy Red Head just shows up and you never know what is going to happen after that.

I know each of my posts are like entire magazine articles or mini movies....but once you look at the photos I ask you....which one's would you leave out?  See, I obviously am not a good editor so my posts are lengthy and have a zillion photos.  How else could I make you feel like you were with me? 

More soon....I do have to take a few hours to do the life thing :)

Smiles,

Kelly