The Quilted Lizard at Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Celebration

Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House

Chapter 10

The Quilted Lizard - Karen Eckmeier

Talk about a fun surprise at Checker's Open House.  I got to meet Karen Eckmeier and learn about her books and patterns.  I was only vaguely familiar with Karen's work prior to meeting her.  I absolutely and thoroughly enjoyed seeing her quilts and watching her demo.  What a talented woman

The two wall hangings on the bottom of her demo table are examples from her book, Happy Villages.   

I wish this photo was clearer but you can see this is definitely a Happy Village.  My girlfriend Rosemary is in the middle of working on this project from Karen's book.  I can't wait to see how it turns out. 

This book, Happy Villages , is so cool.  They pages are full of great photos and instructions of how to create the village of your dreams.  Although Karen gives the reader guidance on  12 variations (seasonal, international, whimsical, etc) after you begin to learn the process your imagination is the only limit.  Definitely a fun project when you don't want to sew since it is all fusible applique.

Accidental Landscapes is another one of Karen's books. 

 

Discover the secrets of creating a fabric landscape accidentally using Karen's layering and topstitching technique.

• You'll find out how to capture the feeling of a scene in simple layers
• create a landscape based on a favorite photo, postcard, color palette, memory or vacation
• surprise yourself with lively, exciting compositions
• adopt the same easy techniques for gorgeous curved borders

My eyes kept going back to this quilt that is featured in Layered Waves.   I really like the free form lines in this "Layered Log Cabin."  First I like colors and that always grabs my eye. I also really like the non-traditional way of doing a traditional pattern. 

Isn't this close up so much fun....see that little guy in the center of the block....now that is fun :) 

 Karen also has a new pattern series that is now available too!

"Circle of Friends" Series

Circle of Friends - Goofy Ghosts

Circle of Friends - Silly Snowmen

Circle of Friends - Fabulous Flamingo's 7

Aren't these patterns just plain fun?  And interesting? And colorful? 

As you can see, my eyes were completely full after leaving Checker's Open House.  I still have more photos but I think I'm going to make a photo album of the photos with descriptions so we can get to the giveaways!!  Everyone loves a fun giveaway, right?

Smiles,

Kelly

Win GO! Fabric Cutter by Accuquilt? Who, Where, When?

That is exactly the question everyone is asking...The Who is Tonya and the Where is Tonya's Sewing Room Blog and the When September 9th!!!  Run, don't walk over to Tonya's blog and make sure you leave a comment to be entered to win a GO! Fabric Cutter.....you'll be glad you did :)

Smiles,
Kelly
Take a personal note: Kelly made an error....Gene caught it....Tanya's name is really Tonya and I changed the link to the correct post.  Everything is good to go now :) I apologize Tonya....and Thanks Gene....my favorite editor.
Re-smiles K

Patsy Thompson Free Motion Quilt Extraordinaire at Checker 62 Anniversary Open House

Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House

Chapter 9 (but who's counting?)

Patsy Thompson Free Motion Quilter Extraordinaire

 

Patsy Thompson and her husband and partner Ernie were at Checker's Open House.  I always enjoy seeing Patsy and Ernie and watching Patsy free motion quilt is AMAZING!!!  It seems to come naturally to Patsy as she just moves that fabric under the needle with such grace.  But you know what?  It didn't come naturally to Patsy!!  She was a hand quilter for 25 years before she tried free motion quilting.  She was unsuccessful at making free motion feathers even after she practiced and practiced.  Then one day, it happened, Patsy was able to make a free motion feather and she has not stopped since.  I'll let you read the rest of Patsy's story in her new book, Feather Adventures! Volume One. 

Patsy was just swooping and looping like Ginger Rogers on the dance floor!!  (Notice the Bendable Bright Light?  Doesn't it just illuminate everything wonderfully?  I love mine.

 

Patsy uses a bendable ruler to mark her registration points so her flowers are spaced at consistent intervals. 

Just look at the quilting....absolutely beautiful.

 This is her Sassy Quick Tote Bag Pattern. 

 

And this beauty is from another new book written by Patsy, Hyperquilting.  It is the cover photo.

I'm not sure Patsy and Ernie even had time to eat lunch or have a drink.....when they weren't talking to guests she was autographing books.  Speaking of Autographed books....IHAN has some Autographed books available!!!  Just click on the links below and on the check out page be sure to write in the message area: Autographed copy. 

Hyperquilting

Feather Adventures! Volume 1 

Can you imagine publishing two books and a new DVD?  Well that is exactly what Patsy and Ernie have done.

 

A 2 Disk Set no less.....Free Motion Fun With Feathers Volume 4. 

I am sooooo glad Patsy did not give up and that all of her efforts to make a free motion feather have laid the ground work for her DVD's and books.  Can you imagine if she had given up?   I believe you too can accomplish amazing things when you don't give up!!! 

Smiles,

Kelly

IHAN Needle Exchange Program

If you are anything like me you have used the same brand sewing machine needle for most of your sewing life.  Prior to being given a sample of a Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Sewing Machine Needle I had never even considered changing needle brands nor could I remember why I started using the brand I was using in the first place.  Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Needles are all I use now.

The Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Sewing Machine Needles are Guaranteed to last 5-8 times longer than regular needles!!!  That got my attention because I'm into saving money :)  They come in 4 sizes:

#70/10 - These are wonderful needles for sewing with very fine thread.

#80/12 - These are great for piecing and quilting with fine threads.

#90/14- These are great when you are using medium weight threads.

#100/16- You would use these when you are sewing with 30 wt threads and heavier.

You know me, I can't keep a good thing to myself.  I wanted to offer everyone a chance to try a Superior Sewing Machine Needle.   I said to myself, self -How can I arrange to offer everyone a Free Superior Sewing Machine Needle? Then it hit me, host a "Needle Exchange Program" here at IHAN.  After all, I have heard many of you refer to yourselves as "quilt addicts" and "notions junkies" so it makes perfect sense to exchange your needles for you!!  So I contacted Bob Purcell at Superior Threads and asked if he would supply the needles to me for the program.  He agreed and IHAN now has needles just waiting to be exchanged.

What are you waiting for?  You have nothing to loose and have lots of money to save along with the pleasure of using a sewing machine needle that is easy to thread and moves through your fabric like buttah.  No kidding!!

Click here to participate in the IHAN Needle Exchange Program

Smiles,
Kelly

Eleanor Burns at Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House

Eleanor Burns presented Quilt Blocks on American Barns during the Checker Open House.  I think I took no less than 285 photos of Quilt In A Day Quilts and Lady Eleanor during her presentation.  I wanted to capture something that is impossible to capture without a video camera.  Even if I had taken a video of the presentation it would definitely not come close to the experience of being with Lady Eleanor while she shares her quilts and stories.  Being the CEO of IHAN, I made an executive decision - I"m not going to  show you every photo instead I am sharing this:

IHAN's interpretation of Lady Eleanor's style and grace as she invites others to join in the dance with fabric and thread to create warmth and beauty that will continue to inspire future generations to Join In The Dance.

(Note: Some of the photos are less than clear but there is no mistaking the joy Lady Eleanor shared with us that day. Music is by Karl Anthony)

Thank you Lady Eleanor for sharing your gifts with us.

Smiles,
Kelly

 

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