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Kimberly Einmo and Spring Quilt Market 2010

I can't think of a more appropriate giveaway after posting about MODA then Kimberly Einmo's book Jelly Roll Quilts & More.    I had the pleasure of meeting Kimberly in Minneapolis for Spring Quilt Market and yes, she is as friendly as she appears to be.  :)

 

Kimberly's book, Jelly Roll Quilts & More , provides excellent instructions and lots of tips. Her writing style is easy and relaxed; almost like a friend is sitting next to you telling you what to do next.  You won't be wondering what to do with your MODA Jelly Rolls or the 2 1/2 inch strips you cut with your GO! or Big Shot Fabric Cutters after reading this book.  The "& More" means you also will be using your layer cakes, charm squares, etc too.

August 2010- American Patchwork and Quilting

There may be a new review of Jelly Roll Quilts & More but the most recent I am aware of is in the August 2010 American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine.  If you have the magazine run get it and if you don't, run buy or borrow it. 

Oprah made the big mistake of not listing to me and she had to try the Reliable V50 herself before she believed it was as good as I said it was.  Apparently Better Homes and Gardens is the same.....I could have told them about Kimberly's book too!!  LOL  (Some days that IHAN chick is just full of herself isn't she?  Geez....:)

 

This is one of Kimberly's quilts, Half Hearted, from her book.  This is an "Easy" level pattern....cheerful and fun isn't it?  

Kimberly not only autographed a copy of Jelly Roll Quilts & More to be given away to a very lucky IHAN blog reader.....but she also included one of her Easy Heart Templates too!  Do I hear  three cheers for Kimberly?  I thought so :)

Easy Hearts Acrylic Template

Jelly Roll Quilts & More

So if you would like to be the lucky IHAN blog reader to win the book and template, leave a comment on this post.  If you have made one of Kimberly's patterns or taken one of her classes I'd love for you to leave a comment about your experience as well.  The winner will be drawn Wednesday September 29th .

Smiles,

Kelly

New GO! Fabric Cutter Dies by AccuQuilt NOW AVAILABLE

Save Now on the New GO! Fabric Cutter Dies by AccuQuilt

GO! Double Wedding Ring Die

NOW AVAILABLE

GO! Rob Peter to Pay Paul (2-Die Set) 

NOW AVAILABLE

GO! Dresden Plate Combo-

NOW AVAILABLE

GO! Rob Peter To Pay Paul 2-die Set

NOW AVAILABLE

GO! 3.5" Drunkards Path

NOW AVAILABLE

GO! Winding Ways

NOW AVAILABLE

  

 GO! Overall Sam-

NOW AVAILABLE

GO! Sunbonnet Sue

NOW AVAILABLE

Coming mid- November 2010 Sarah Vedeler Sparkle Dies-

The lovely stars, snow flakes, trees and diamonds used in this pattern will soon be available as GO! Fabric Cutting Dies :) 

Save at IHAN and get your new GO! Fabric Cutting Dies (also compatible with the Sizzix Big Shot and Big Shot Pro).

MODA - United Notions and Spring Quilt Market 2010

Mark Dunn, Owner and President of MODA Fabrics, is in IHAN's experience a WYSIWYG  person.   For those of you who don't know what WYSIWYG stands for, it means What You See Is What You Get and is pronounced Wizzy-Wig. 

 

Mark Dunn, Houston 2009

Please keep in mind that in the large world of Quilting and Needle Arts IHAN is a peanut , probably a half of a peanut....a tiny little company.  Although I purchase items from MODA and United Notions most certainly there is no reason for Mark Dunn to even take the time to talk to such a tiny entity as IHAN.  But you know what?  Mark Dunn never asked who I was when I asked if he would take a break from his work and autograph an insert for one of his products.  He promptly stopped what he was doing, smiled and pulled out his pen.  Warm and friendly each and every time I've had the pleasure of being in his presence.  I'm thinking that just might be part of the secret to his success.....being present, open and friendly. 

Did I mention generous?  Yes, Generosity just happens to be one of Mark Dunn's characteristics.  Again, I want to remind you I've done no real research on Mark Dunn.....I've never been to a MODA/United Notions warehouse ..... I'm just sharing what I know from my experiences at the last three Quilt Markets.

Mark Dunn hosts an MODA Dinner at Quilt Market.  This event is an opportunity for Mark and MODA to show their appreciation to their customers, designers, authors, etc.  People typically arrive early and all the tables are taken and there is standing room only.  The meals have been very good and the company excellent.

Mark is welcoming his guests in Minneapolis to the MODA Dinner. I thought he looked like he was at the Academy Awards and you know what, I feel like I've been invited to a red carpet event too. 

After Mark welcomed everyone I approached him to get some more photos and thank him personally for putting on such a lovely event.  He didn't brush me off or rush away to be with "more important people."  Mark stopped to chat with me.  He asked how the meal was and if I thought people were enjoying themselves.  If I knew him a little better I would have hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. 

Although the food was very good.....the best part of the entire event is having the opportunity to meet new people and see some Royalty too!!!

You know I was not going to miss taking these girls pictures. Look out Broadway.....here comes Holly Hickman and Erin Lawler. They both work for MODA and I absolutely loved their dress and spunkiness.

Didn't take much to get these very fun girls to strike a pose. 

Dessert anyone?  You would have to be in a cave someplace to not know about the MODA Bakeshop.  Interestingly enough.....we did not eat MODA chocolate for dessert.....and to tell you the truth....I'm glad because at my age....I might have a tough time digesting this MODA chocolate :)

Oh and there were other very sweet things everywhere I looked......

Like this angel...she was so precious my camera jumped off of my chest and took a photo of her all by itself (wee bit of truth stretching here).

Rebekah Hache and her 3 month old daughter Shiloh having a ball at the MODA Dinner.

After dinner the DJ starts playing the music and believe it or not.....folks hit the dance floor.  Mind you, most of us have been on our feet non-stop for at least 2 days but when the music starts, everyone forgets their feet and heads out to the floor for some fun.

 

IHAN snapped this photo in Houston 2009 at the MODA Dinner.  Who do you think that is in the Red Sweater and Skirt?  None other than Lady Eleanor with  Prince Orion to the right.  That guy can really bust a move.   This was my first experience dancing with Royalty and I have to say, I sure could get used to it :) 

While chatting with folks at the MODA Dinner in Minneapolis I glanced over by a wall and could not believe my eyes.  An unattended bag.....there was not a person within 10 to 15 feet of this bag up against the wall.

IHAN was sooooooooo goooooooood, all I did was photograph the LOOT.  This was before EQ 7 was released and within my reach was not One but Two unattended Electric Quilt 7 Software.  My heart pounded rapidly.....I contemplated the heist.....then I remembered my lady-like manners and just took the photo and left the lovely Tutto on Wheels with the TWO packages of EQ Software sitting quietly against the wall.  Man if that does not get me into heaven.....nothin will!!

What a wonderful evening and a great opportunity to be with some impressive people.

Grateful Smiles,

Kelly

Expecting?

Expecting? 

Interesting word....Webster says it is to : Wait, Stay, and to be pregnant.

I spoke with an AccuQuilt employee today and inquired ....should I be making ruffled bloomers or boxers?

I thought that just might tweak a tiny response....nope.....nadda.....nunca.....jamas.....darn it anyhow!!! There is not tricking the information out of them.  I guess it is time to send in Maxwell Smart to spy on them.....or strategically place IHAN in the bushes near the AccuQuilt Headquarters.......I think it may be time to call upon my Jason Bourne skills and get the job done.

And IHAN would....but we are doing a bit of our own Expecting.  Yes, it is true....I've had a midwife here at IHAN Headquarters this evening.  What exactly is in the incubator I can not disclose.  Please don't be alarmed or get too overly-optimistic......but hopeful when the birth takes place....I'll be willing to take photographs and share......if not.....you may have to get some of your own Jason Bourne skills and camp out in the IHAN bushes....LOL.

Ah-Hee....Hoooo- deep breath Smiles,

Kelly

Cheryl Phillips at Spring Quilt Market 2010

Chapter 2, The GOOD

Cheryl Phillips, Designer

Mr. Wonderful Husband and Partner to Cheryl, Gary Phillips.

If you did not read the previous post, you really need to at least read the first part about Cheryl and Gary Phillips.  

Mrs. Rosemary had returned from the Hospital and was sitting at a table when she met Cheryl and Gary Phillips.  As I mentioned previously, they had just flown in for Market.  The three of them were talking when I arrived at the table with Mrs. Rosemary's wheelchair. 

Have you ever been in the right place at the right time with all the right people?  This was one of those times.  Cheryl and Gary were tired from their travels and Mrs. Rosemary was exhausted (and on pain meds) and I was exhilarated and exhausted.  Cheryl and Gary had offered to meet Mrs. Rosemary at the door the following morning and accompany her -push her wheelchair so she could experience Quilt Market. They spent at least 2 days with Mrs. Rosemary while IHAN sprinted around Market getting the skinny on the latest and greatest to share with you.  (See how long it has taken me to get all of this written?  Yes, there is lots more....super duper karooper-looper speed rocket postings are needed to finish before Houston.)

Later in the weekend I had some time to sit and talk with Cheryl and Gary.  They are very interesting and outgoing people.  Cheryl was telling me that her rulers are based on Fibonacci Numbers.  Fib-In Whoski Numbers?  I had never heard this term and I studied lots of math in my college years.  She had my attention for sure.

Here are some of Cheryl's patterns:

Banded Agate

Moroccan Tile

                                                   

The Swirl

Quilts Without Corners Encore

Of course I was fascinated by Cheryl's patterns and her tools.  To see more click here.    I think Cheryl's designs are interesting and would be so much fun to do as a group project.  Wouldn't it be great to get together with a group of quilting friends and everyone make The Swirl out of different fabrics?  Especially since there is a group at one of my guilds who have been doing quite a bit of their own fabric dying. 

Cheryl's website is definitely worth the visit.  She also has some pattern updates to check out.

Not only did Cheryl and Gary share their experiences, energy-pushing Rosemary around for more than 2 days but they also shared several patterns for IHAN to give away here on the blog!!!!  Three cheers for Phillips Designs :)

If you would like to be one of the lucky ones, just leave a comment here on this post.  IHAN will be giving away one of each of the patterns above and an Autographed copy of Quilts Without Corners Encore!!!

Thank you Cheryl and Gary for being so kind and loving to Mrs. Rosemary.  Your kindness allowed me to run like a crazy person and keep working.  Mrs. Rosemary had such a wonderful time she is almost packed and ready to hit Houston on both feet....walking not running :)

Smiles,

Kelly

PS.  I will draw for winners on Monday Sept. 27, 2010....and if you don't see them posted....e-mail me please and remind me...LOL.

The GOOD, The BAD, The UGLY, The BEAUTIUL and The FUNNY from Spring Quilt Market, Minneapolis 2010

I'll start with the GOOD

Somehow when you are doing what you are supposed to be doing in life everything just happens around you that supports life, healing and kindness.

Cheryl and Gary Phillips had just gotten off a plane after making a last minute decision to "just come to Quilt Market."  Cheryl is a designer and has had a booth at shows in the past. 

Cheryl Phillips, Designer

Gary Phillips, Wonderful Husband and Partner to Cheryl (definitely what I consider to be a GOOD Man!!)

More GOOD folks.  Can you imagine this type of treatment?  This is what we experienced everywhere we went in Minneapolis.  Why?  Well, as usual....there is a story.....

The UGLY-  See this bench/table?  The only reason you are now seeing this is because I took a photo of it.  This was in the hallway at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  Look how close that table is to the corner.  If you were walking around the corner the edge of this table is out of your peripheral vision.   Just after the first Schoolhouse class Rosemary took a nasty fall as she rounded the corner.  I had heard there were at least two others that had fallen over similar tables as well.  (I took this photo and yes....I moved it way back out of the way so no one else would fall over this one.....perhaps misplaced tables but not this one). 

The BEAUTIFUL Mrs Rosemary returning from the ER and her new mode of transportation.  I was told there were no wheelchairs available as they were all spoken for.....Hmmmmm....did they just tell IHAN that one of her employees had fallen over their furniture and they had nothing to ensure their guests comfort?  Big/Huge/Enormous mistake.  They very soon saw the error of their ways and somehow found an available chair for the BEAUTIFUL Mrs. Rosemary for the rest of the weekend.  It might be because I had complimented the gentleman manager on his physique and eluded to the fact that he may find himself carrying Mrs. Rosemary for the entire weekend if he could not grow/build/find a wheelchair in the next 20 minutes.  Yes I was feeling very feisty.   Sad to say this is all true.

Yes, more UGLY.  This was the BEAUTIFUL Mrs. Rosemary's knee after returning from the ER.   We were incredibly thankful that her knee was not broken.  But she was in quite a bit of pain and had to use a wheelchair for the remainder of her first Quilt Market Experience.

 The FUNNY- This is a photo of the BEAUTIFUL Mrs. Rosemary as she had gotten dressed for bed.  I had no idea she was such a wild woman.....check out her jammies!!!!  But she was so tired and out of it from the day that she had re-attached her name tag to her jammies and got into bed.  I laughed so hard I almost fell out of my bed when I looked over and saw her with a name tag on her pajamas.   I just had to take a picture. 

I will end this post here.  Chapter 2 will be about the wonderful people you meet when you are in the flow of life.

Smiles,
Kelly

Follow Up on IHAN Product Review for Sizzix/Westminster Big Shot, Big Shot Pro and Big Shot Express

Since my  last post I've received several e-mails asking lots of questions.  Instead of answering each person I'm going to write a post and do my best to answer everyone's questions.  I'm sure there will be more over time, feel free to either leave a comment or e-mail IHAN. (IHaveANotion@yahoo.com)

1.  Which do I like better, my GO! Fabric Cutter by AccuQuilt or my Big Shot by Sizzix/Westminster?

I like them both and I don't think one is better than the other, just different.  I tried to point out the differences I noticed in my previous post : size, weight, storage, effectiveness, tips etc. 

2.  Why did you buy the Big Shot if you already have a GO! Fabric Cutter?

Because that is what I do....I test sewing, quilting and needle art notions and supplies and report my experience here on the IHAN blog.  I probably own 20 plus pair of scissors....many different manufactures....do they all cut?  Yes.  Why do I have so many pair.....because many are different and are good for specific projects, I like to have them at my sewing area and in project bags....and because I love scissors.  Yes, Brint - The Scissor Man- still loves me even though I own scissors made by others. 

I might consider bringing my Big Shot to a stitch-in because it is smaller.  By the time I've taken my machine and all my other necessary supplies I'm not likely to bring the GO! Fabric Cutter.  Just my way of doing things.  Everybody has their way of doing things and that needs to be taken into account here. 

4. Are Sizzix/Westminster and AccuQuilt coming out with more dies?

I was told that there will be 16 new Sizzix Dies in October (probably won't be available until Jan. 2011...in my experience).   My best guess is they will be shown in Houston for Quilt Market and they will take orders for shipping in the new year.  After all, that is what Market is intended for, shop owners to purchase for the next season.  I just happen to be impatient and when I see it, I want it and I want it right then and there....LOL.

I know AccuQuilt is coming out with some great new dies soon as well.  Click here to see the latest (and there is one that is not listed here too....oh the suspense is building!!) I'm very excited and can't wait to get the Dresden Plate and the 3.5" Drunkards Path. 

3.  Are the dies from both companies interchangeable?

The GO! Dies are slimmer than the Sizzix Dies so by themselves they will not go through my Big Shot Machine.  However, you can see below,  I made a shim and then put the GO! Hearts Die through the Big Shot and it worked just fine. Let me explain a bit further: the Sizzix acrylic cutting mat was on the bottom of the sandwich, then my personally made shim (3 pieces of slim hard cardboard taped together) the GO! Hearts Die and on top I used the GO! Cutting Mat.  I found with the shim I had made I could not get the Sizzix acrylic mat to fit through the machine.   

( I could have taken more or better photos-but I just didn't and it is late and night when I do my posts typically and I'm just too ready to go to bed to be re-taking all the pix so they look "professional.")

Then I tried a Sizzix Die with the GO! Fabric Cutting Machine.  It did go through the machine but look at the cutting mat bowing up in the air.  It was a very tight fit and the cutting mat curled up because of the pressure.  I was very cautious because I obviously did not want to break my GO! Fabric Cutter!!!  I have to say I would not likely do this again because there is not really enough clearance to continue doing this without serious risk of breaking my GO! Fabric Cutter.  

 

That was my experience.  I have been told by Sizzix that the Big Shot, Big Shot Pro and the Big Shot Express will all take the GO! Dies (keep in mind the width of some of the GO! Dies clearly would not fit into the Big Shot or Big Shot Express...they are just too wide....the narrower ones work just fine.  The wider GO! Dies will fit into the Big Shot Pro because of it's wider bed).  I have not tried them all myself, just the GO! Hearts Die with the Big Shot and then the Sizzix Bigz Sunflower and Poinsettia Petals Die in the GO! Fabric Cutter).  I have been told by Sizzix that their machines work with the GO! and Studio Dies but that their Dies do not work in the GO! Fabric Cutter.  I don't own a Studio Fabric Cutter nor any of those Dies so I can not personally say I've done it or have seen it done. 

The Sizzix website says that the Big Shot, Big Shot Pro and Big Shot Express works with every Sizzix Die ever made.  So I'm concluding that really opens up the applique shapes quite a bit and would include the Sizzix Alphabet Dies as well. 

There are also differences in how each machine is made and the materials used(metal, plastic, rubber etc.) in making each of the machines.  I don't plan on going into all those details.  If you are interested in that information I would suggest you contact each company and inquire.

The GO! Dies come with a free pattern printed on the packaging and there were no patterns on the Sizzix Dies Packaging that I purchased.  Both companies Dies did have instructions for use and tips for use printed on their packaging which I found very helpful.  They also print their warranty information in the product manuals.

Warranty Comparison:
According to the AccuQuilt website the Studio Fabric Cutting Machine comes with a Lifetime warranty. 
The GO! Fabric Cutter Machine have a One Year Limited Warranty .   The warranty says if you experience a manufacturing defect within one year of purchase, AccuQuilt will repair or replace the cutter at no charge.  It also says to return the cutter to the place you purchased it.

 

As a consumer, you would have to return your GO! Fabric Cutter  or GO! Dies to the place where you purchased they are defective. If you purchased your GO! Fabric Cutting Machine from an on-line store like IHAN, their warranty says you would have to return it to that store and thus you would have to pay the shipping to return it.  I see this as an obvious drawback because if there is a manufactures defect and you have already paid once to have it shipped to you, I would not want to pay again to get a replacement.  On my part, I don't want to have to pay shipping back to a distributor and be charged again to have a replacement sent to me and then I would have to send it to my customer.   

I did have a situation where a customer paid to send their defective GO! Die back to me for replacement.  I compensated the customer for their shipping expenses.  I contacted AccuQuilt and they were very accommodating in getting my customer's defective die replaced without further expenses being incurred by myself or my customer which I greatly appreciated.  

According to the Sizzix website the Big Shot Express has a One Year Limited Warranty  and the Big Shot has a 3 year Limited Warranty.  The Big Shot Pro has a 5 Year Limited Warranty.  The photo below is of the manual that was enclosed when I purchased the Big Shot.



The Sizzix Warranty indicates that you contact the Sizzix Customer Relations and they will pay for the return and replacement of your product.  That is only the case if they determine there was a manufactures defect.  If Sizzix finds that you have misused the machine or used it commercially the customer will be responsible for the return postage. 

As a consumer and as a business owner, I must say I prefer the Sizzix Warranty.  I own the Big Shot and the warranty is 3 yrs vs the 1 year I have on my GO! Fabric Cutting Machine. 

Note: The warranties take effect from the date of purchase so save your receipt!!  I typically keep my boxes too just in case I need to send something back to a company so I can safely package it for shipping. 
That is what I know today.  When I learn more, I'll let you know.

Smiles,
Kelly

My Morning - Enjoying a bit of YouTube - AGT Style :)

(Title of post edited 9/18/10 -I changed it because I did not get back to posting my review and I did not want people to be misled by the title.)

Good morning blog world.  I've had a wonderful morning so far.  Even though I should have gone back to bed to sleep two more hours (to get a total of 7) I mistakenly clicked on something that took me to the America's Got Talent Finale videos.  Oh my word.....needless to say I've spent over an hour thoroughly enjoying myself.  Michael Grimm and Prince Poppycock have my hearts.  I adore their passion and courage.  I can not forget to include the frat guys in Defying Gravity either- completely entertaining and innovative....a real pleasure to watch indeed. 

I must say singing is something I do only when alone or in a group of folks who are certifiably deaf and this is not a joke- just ask Rick!!!  After listening to Michael Grimm sing Janis Joplin's Bobby McGee....tears came down my face.  I didn't think anyone on earth could do Janis that well....and he most certainly did.  Remember when Natalie Cole sang with a video of Nat King Cole in the background....that is what I thought when I saw Michael Grimm singing Me And Bobby McGee.  He needs to be singing and a video of Janis Joplin singing.....oh I can dream.

If I could wish one thing for both Michael Grimm and Prince Poppycock....I would wish that they maintain their personal centers and not allow money and fame to take their passion....or any piece of them.  The money and fame is really more like rain on the windshield .....brush it aside....use it to get the things you need and your family may need.....but simply put it aside....and continue to allow their authenticity to move and guide them.

If you have no idea who I am even referring to.....then just google the names and it will all be revealed.  For this post, I'm not putting in links, photos, etc. 

How I got on this topic in the first place.....I was sidetracked when going to my e-mail.....LOL....when I opened my e-mail this morning I had several e-mails wanting more information about the Sizzix/Westminster Quilting By Design Big Shot, Big Shot Pro and Big Shot Express.  Instead of answering all of those e-mails, I'm going to write a post to answer all those questions.  But first, if you don't mind....I think I would like a cup of coffee :)

and re-play Michael Grimm singing Bobby McGee :)  Oh yeah baby!!

Joyful Smiles,
Kelly