Pine Needles Home of McKenna Ryan's Quilt Designs

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House - Chapter 3

McKenna Ryan (Pine Needles) and her daughter were at Checker's Open House on Monday. I had no idea I had already made on of her patterns. Fish Tales is my first picture applique wall hanging. I love fish so when I saw this pattern I just had to make one for myself.

These designs appear to be difficult to make at first glance. McKenna has made an easy to follow tutorial to show how to cut and place each piece. I took photos of each step to share with you. I hope you enjoy seeing the tutorial....cuz it took me a long time to re-size the photos and upload them :)

Back On The Farm Set

This is The Applique Pressing Sheet. She puts it over the pattern so you can see through it to place your pieces by the number on them. Then you press them down and they do not stick to the applique sheet.

McKenna has some Beautiful threads out through YLI. She told me she generally uses Invisible Nylon Thread from Sew Art International (1500 yds .004mm) when she stitches the applique in place. I'm going to get some and try it in my Bernina. I've always had a hard time getting it to work in my machine....I'm willing to give it another try :)

These are just a tiny sample of what Pine Needles offers. I will be adding more McKenna Ryan patterns to my store.....soon....just need a few more minutes in each day :) If there is a particular pattern you would like and I don't have it on the I Have A Notion website, you can just e-mail me and I'll get it on there.

Smiles,

Kelly

Penny Haren and Creative Grids Rulers

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House Chapter 2

Good Morning...and evening to everyone on the other side of the globe :) I can't believe how much I saw in just one day. I think I better write several posts while everyone is still sleeping. Aaron's goes to First Grade today!!! Zach starts Kindergarten Monday!!! So many exciting things happening....but back to the topic right?

Penny Haren was there showing and signing her most recent book, Pieced Applique Weekend Projects. Penny designed the Square It Up and Fussy Cut Rulers for Creative Grids. I really like the rulers Penny has designed because they make getting the exact repeat in fabric you want so easy. After watching Penny demonstrate her rulers at the last show, I came home and ordered some for myself. That is a big compliment in my book.....I see lots of notions and accessories....but I typically don't come home and start ordering for myself.

Creative Grids 6 1/2in Triangle Square It Up Or Fussy Cut Ruler

Penny's takes the mystery out of making intricate blocks. She starts with basic foundations blocks and turns them into eye popping blocks. The one I really loved is the red and green block with the yo-yo's around the outside. It actually looks like someone has a light shining on it.

I "borrowed" this photo of Penny because it is "perfect." The fans were blowing Penny's hair every which way when I was taking her picture. Now....to make a silly point....do you think Penny looks any better "perfect" than she does "in the moment?" Me either...Penny your spirit and joy in what you are doing shows through even when your hair is blowing every which way and your lipstick has worn off.

Smiles,
Kelly

Simplicity Creative Group and Mimi Shimp

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House

Chapter One: Mimi Shimp from Simplicity Creative Group

Mimi was demonstrating the Bias Tape Maker Machine and the Rotary Cutting Machine by Simplicity. My first picture is proof that the tips are in!!!! I heard from two sources that I should have mine in a week. That is the good/Great news. The not so good news....for me anyway....is that they are releasing them in two phases. The first phase will be the 3/8" Single Fold Tip, 1/2' Single Fold Tip and the 3/4" Single Fold Tip. The second phase will be the 1 1/4" Single Fold, 2 1/4" Quilt Binding Tip and the 2 1/2" Quilt Binding Tip. The last three are due out in the Fall of 09. With Quilt Market being Oct. 10-12th....I'm guessing that is what they mean...but again....that is just my guess.


Feel the excitement? I asked someone to fake a heart attack so I could grab the tips and run....but they would not cooperate. Uncooperative people stink!!!

Pictures of the tips and their release times.

Replacement Rotary Cutting Blades

for the Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine

A little birdie told me there will be a 12 x 16" table made of ABS (white plastic for us non-engineering folks) to go with the Rotary Cutting Machine by Simplicity. That is due out in late Fall. I'm guessing Late Fall translates to Holiday time. I'll keep my eyes peeled. Guess I need a spy in China looking in that factory. Anyone reading have a family member or friend living close to the manufacturers for Simplicity in China? Please let me know....I'll send them a pair of high powered binoculars to see inside the windows. Everyone needs a spy....or several spy's right?

EZ Jelly Roll Ruler by Simplicity

I think this was pretty smart of Kimberly Einmo to design a ruler for Simplicity that goes with all the pre-cut fabrics being distributed today. It makes cutting jelly rolls, layer cakes, honey buns, crescent rolls....everything but my belly roll .....a bit more simple. Kimberly will have a book out in January through AQS. I'll keep my eyes open for that one too.
Simpli-EZ Double Wedding Ring Ruler

This ruler set was designed by Darlene Zimmerman for Simplicity. I have never made a Double Wedding Ring Quilt (even though my daughter just got married in July...shame on me). I have always thought they were too difficult and I just did not want to get in that deep without having Mary Jane attached to my hip. This ruler may have just set Mary Jane free....possibly....but not for long....I always need Mary Jane for lots of other trouble.

I took lots of photos so you could see the process. I hope the photos show how the steps for cutting the fabrics are made a bit more manageable. It certainly seemed to me to be less complicated using this process.

Thank you Mimi for showing me how this ruler worked. I loved chatting with you and learning so much. I appreciate you caring about my customers and answering all my questions....and trying a few of my ideas.

Sew U See, it can be done. That is copy written by the way.....don't ya just love my phrases?

I had a lot of fun yesterday and learned quite a bit. I'll be publishing more chapters soon. My in-laws are here and I have already been away long enough.

Simple Smiles (I could not avoid that...even though it is korney),

Kelly

Checker 61st Anniversary Open House Aug. 24

Before I get started with who was there (probably a multi-part series) let me say a few things about the 61st Anniversary Open House held at Checker Distributors this past Sunday and Monday.

I felt like I was going to Disney when I pulled into Checker parking lot. There were 3 or 4 folks with flags waving us into our parking spots. Everyone smiles and were cheerful out there. I was welcomed and promptly offered coffee and cookies. Mind you it is 8AM but you know me.....sugar and caffeine is my favorite "rocket fuel." There were lots of staff available to help with almost everything. Lunch was excellent: BBQ pork & chicken, green beans, salad, coleslaw, cake and cold and hot beverages. I'm sure that was a ton of work and I really appreciate their effort (especially because I'm a peanut size business compared to many of those other folks there).
Ok....now I've been nice....here is my complaint. You may remember the last open house I attended. If you don't....you can read about it HERE.

Apparently Checker have some strange company policy about dress code??!!?? At least that is what they were saying when I asked about the men is short shorts and serving Margaritas. I left before 3:00PM so for all I know those were served (they were probably just waiting for me to leave) Now, I did see some men in shorts and I took this picture as proof.

But....hmmmm.....mmmmm....aaaa ummmm...what do you think? Are these short enough ladies?

I'm just thinking at conferences that are attended mainly by men there are usually some sort of pretty ladies around or some restaurant they are taken too because the girls are pretty. I'm just saying.....you all know there are more ladies than men in attendance.....I'd just like some entertainment....do you think we live on fabric and notions alone (shhhh don't mention the cookies)?

It's nice to be a peanut....I then have time to blog and have fun...LOL.

Naughty Smiles,

Kelly...I'll be right back to post about the really good stuff as soon as I get my co-workers down for their naps :)

5th Annual Levis Commons Fine Art Fair & Rain Drop Studio

Yesterday we took my in-laws to the 5th Annual Levis Commons Fine Art Fair (Perrysburg, OH). There were over 100 artists and their work included jewelry, ceramics, painting, glass, photography, fiber and more.We live just 3 miles from Levis so it was convenient and fun. There was an art tent for children provided by the Perrysburg Area Arts Council. We all had a great time.

Three years ago I saw Brenda Klein's work at the Levis Commons Fine Art Fair. I will never forget that day. It was only the second time in my life (up until that point...now it's been 3 times) that art has brought tears to my eyes. Brenda is a textile artist and she uses nature as her inspiration.

Brenda Klein Rain Drop Studios

These photos do no real justice to Brenda's talent and the beauty of her pictures. I remember seeing her work for the first time and just standing and staring at it......it really grabs me somewhere that I can't even hardly describe.... beyond verbal translation. That is really something for me....I'm rarely speechless, ay?

I hope you have enjoyed these poor quality photos of her amazing work. To get a better look....click on the highlighted links to her website. You won't be sorry you did....I promise :)

Brenda....this is for you!!!

Speechless Smiles,

Kelly

Ellen Highsmith Silver & De Ja Vu

"Wildlife" by Ellen Highsmith Silver

Today I was surfing the Internet and De Ja Vu hit when I was reading this from the Fab Shop News website. I knew I recognized the quilt in the picture but could not recall from where.

I had recently visited Ellen Highsmith Silver's website when I was bloging about "FloorQuilts" and I saw her quilt, "Wildlife." I flipped back to her site and sure enough....it was her quilt. Guess I'm not going crazy after all!!! Ellen does amazing applique and this quilt is beautiful.

If anyone is headed to New York or lives near this exhibition might be lost of fun to see. It is scheduled to run Sept. 22 through Nov. 14th at the Williams Club (24 East 39th Street). According to the FabShopNewsNotes there will be 63 quilts hanging in most of the public spaces on the first two floors and in the basement. You can see the quilts everyday (M-Sunday) from 8am to 8 pm. The exhibition is being organized by the City Quilter.

If you go let me know....I'd like to see some photos. I don't think I'll get there....but ya just never know :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Amy Butler Spanky Name Badge Challenge

Who is in? The deadline is nearing to enter the challenge. I want as many US folks who want to participate to e-mail me so you get a chance at some wonderful prizes. Don't know what I'm talking about....you've been snoozing. Time for some caffeine and a cold washcloth on the face. Awake now....ok....hop on over and leave me your e-mail saying you are in. If you still don't know what I'm talking about....click here....some folks need to be spoon fed :) LOL

Smiles,
Kelly

A Clean House in Two Hours?

How do you get your house clean in 2 hours? Better yet, how do you get your house clean in 2 hours while you are laying on the sofa with a sinus headache?


You remind your husband his parents will be arriving tomorrow!!! Oh yea baby....I was on the sofa with a bad sinus headache and he ran around this house like a vicious tornado. Grandma and Grandpa arrive this afternoon and the laundry is caught up, the guest bedroom that was previously filled with tools from Rick's bathroom project is now empty (my bedroom however is now full of tools :) and the kitchen floor has been mopped.


I got so excited by watching Rick clean that I actually got up off the sofa and cleaned the carpet in the family room. Romance takes on many forms over the years doesn't it!!!

While his parents are here I'm going to have a discussion with them about their family genes. I have long suspected there is a liar somewhere in their family line. I finally have proof. See Aaron's offspring.....they have noses like Pinocchio ....it must have come from Rick's side of the family....don't you think?

I think I'll talk with Grandpa about the genetic issue....Grandma might think I'm serious at first!!! Those poor folks....can you imagine having me as a Daughter-In-Law?

Naughty Smiles,

Kelly

Bias Tape Maker Machine By Simplicity Update

The excitement is building for the release of the new tips for the Bias Tape Maker Machine by Simplicity (69.99 on Sale NOW). I have ordered lots of tips in each of the sizes. Just as soon as I have those hot little babies in my hands I will post it on my blog and website.

Smiles,

Kelly