Friday, November 14, 2014
Last Day- Patsy Thompson Designs Blog Hop
The feature blogger today on the Patsy Thompson Blog Hop is SewCalGal. Have you been over to see her work and read the great ideas and information she has shared? If not...just click HERE.
Be sure to stop by each of the 5 blogs that are participating and leave a comment so you will be eligible to win a downloadable design from Patsy Thompson Designs.
Patsy has posted several great tutorials and shared some of her beautiful work on her blog as well so be sure to hope over there....or just click HERE.
I want to take this opportunity to say
Patsy Thompson wonderfully gifted teacher, freemotion quilter and hyperquilter, machine embroidery designer, and award wining quilt artist. Unless you have taken a class with Patsy or watched one of her DVD's....you can not really appreciate the gift Patsy has for teaching and sharing her joy and enthusiasm for quilting and machine embroidery.
Ernie Bode (Mr. Patsy Thompson...giggles) If you have not seen the beautiful sewing notions Ernie makes you can see them HERE and HERE. The quality is top notch and I guarantee you'll be thrilled with his craftsmanship.)
Gene Black Quilter, Artist and Weaver in Alabama. If you don't follow Gene's blog or watch his YouTube Videos....you are really missing out on a fun loving creative mans adventure in quilting, art and weaving....not to mention cooking, baking, soap making and sooooo much more.
Marjorie from Blue Feather Quilt Studio who by the way is also a great machine embroidery digitizer and quilter. Here works is lovely and you can find it HERE.
The very creative, talented, brave....this girl takes risks and reaches far outside her comfort zone to learn quilting and sewing techniques. I admire her greatly....the wonderful Jean from Jean Creates
And last but certainly not least....the ever so dedicated, information providing, quilting industry supporting super hero....SewCalGal.
I'll post the links to the blog posts one last time here just to make your reading journey a bit easier.
Have a wonderful weekend and best of luck to all of you in the drawings on each blog!
Smiles,
Kelly
Be sure to stop by each of the 5 blogs that are participating and leave a comment so you will be eligible to win a downloadable design from Patsy Thompson Designs.
Patsy has posted several great tutorials and shared some of her beautiful work on her blog as well so be sure to hope over there....or just click HERE.
I want to take this opportunity to say
Thank You
to 6 truly interesting, kind, talented and creative people who have made this past week possible:Patsy Thompson wonderfully gifted teacher, freemotion quilter and hyperquilter, machine embroidery designer, and award wining quilt artist. Unless you have taken a class with Patsy or watched one of her DVD's....you can not really appreciate the gift Patsy has for teaching and sharing her joy and enthusiasm for quilting and machine embroidery.
Ernie Bode (Mr. Patsy Thompson...giggles) If you have not seen the beautiful sewing notions Ernie makes you can see them HERE and HERE. The quality is top notch and I guarantee you'll be thrilled with his craftsmanship.)
Gene Black Quilter, Artist and Weaver in Alabama. If you don't follow Gene's blog or watch his YouTube Videos....you are really missing out on a fun loving creative mans adventure in quilting, art and weaving....not to mention cooking, baking, soap making and sooooo much more.
Marjorie from Blue Feather Quilt Studio who by the way is also a great machine embroidery digitizer and quilter. Here works is lovely and you can find it HERE.
The very creative, talented, brave....this girl takes risks and reaches far outside her comfort zone to learn quilting and sewing techniques. I admire her greatly....the wonderful Jean from Jean Creates
And last but certainly not least....the ever so dedicated, information providing, quilting industry supporting super hero....SewCalGal.
I'll post the links to the blog posts one last time here just to make your reading journey a bit easier.
I Have A Notion Blog November 10th
Gene Black November 11th (you are here)
Marjorie's Quilting Bee November 12
Jean Creates November 13
SewCalGal November 14
Have a wonderful weekend and best of luck to all of you in the drawings on each blog!
Smiles,
Kelly
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
More Patsy Thompson Designs-Guest Post by my friend, Diane
Hopefully you have visited Gene's Blog and Marjorie's Blog to see what amazing creations they have made with Patsy Thompson Designs. Make sure to leave the appropriate comments so you can be eligible to win a downloadable design from Patsy's website. If you are a no-reply blogger, you can't be contacted if you win so make sure to include your e-mail address.
Today I have a guest blogger who has used Patsy's design Tulip Quartet Block to make a Tulip Tote Bag. To be clear, this post is not part of the Patsy Thompson Design Blog Hop....I just wanted to give Diane an opportunity to share her thoughts and project.
Today I have a guest blogger who has used Patsy's design Tulip Quartet Block to make a Tulip Tote Bag. To be clear, this post is not part of the Patsy Thompson Design Blog Hop....I just wanted to give Diane an opportunity to share her thoughts and project.
Hi,
I'm Diane and I'm a Patsy Thompson fan! Not long ago our embroidery
guild scheduled a class with Patsy to learn her technique for multiple
hooping. We made a beautiful wreath design on our embroidery machines.
Patsy uses a 'crosshair' design for multiple hooping, and I can tell
you that really works for perfect placement in multiple hoopings. And
get this - the crosshair design is FREE on Patsy's website under
'Education' and then 'Machine Embroidery'. I have used the crosshair
design in other projects as well. Patsy's tutorials on the website are
so detailed and user friendly, and fun to watch! Patsy is a natural and
her love of all things sewing/quilting/embroidery is evident in all she
does.
Patsy has an eye for color that is enviable. 'Happy' just radiates from all she creates. Besides being extremely talented and creative, she is wonderful as well. If you have the opportunity, take a class from her! If you want to create something you will really love, try her designs and projects. Watching these designs stitch out is mesmerizing and the finished product is something you will love. I've also had the opportunity take a class with Patsy for her free motion quilting technique and I learned so much and had such a great time. Patsy is a true pioneer in all she masters and her love of sharing her knowledge is present in all her videos and classes.
Diane
Thank you Diane for sharing your experience and insights with those of us who enjoy machine embroidery and quilting!
"Tulip Tote Bag" by Patsy Thompson Designs
Front View
"Tulip Tote Bag" by Patsy Thompson Designs
Back View
I've had the pleasure of making her tulip totebag as well.
Literally every time I take it out in public women admire it and ask me
where I got it or how they can make one. I love it for the beautiful
embroidery work and the bright, happy colors.
Close up photos of Tulip Quartet Block
Patsy has an eye for color that is enviable. 'Happy' just radiates from all she creates. Besides being extremely talented and creative, she is wonderful as well. If you have the opportunity, take a class from her! If you want to create something you will really love, try her designs and projects. Watching these designs stitch out is mesmerizing and the finished product is something you will love. I've also had the opportunity take a class with Patsy for her free motion quilting technique and I learned so much and had such a great time. Patsy is a true pioneer in all she masters and her love of sharing her knowledge is present in all her videos and classes.
Diane
Thank you Diane for sharing your experience and insights with those of us who enjoy machine embroidery and quilting!
Be sure to stop by Jean Creates Blog tomorrow to see what she has made for the Patsy Thompson Designs Blog Hop.
I Have A Notion Blog November 10th
Gene Black November 11th (you are here)
Marjorie's Quilting Bee November 12
Jean Creates November 13
SewCalGal November 14
Smiles,
Kelly
Monday, November 10, 2014
Kicking Off the Patsy Thompson Designs Blog Hop
Happy Monday to ya and welcome to day 1 of the Patsy Thompson Designs Blog Hop.
Patsy has been so generous providing all of us who are participating in the hop designs to stitch out. AND....there will be one winner chosen from each blog this week to select a downloadable machine embroidery design from Patsy Thompson Designs as well!!!! How exciting is that? Being an admirer of Patsy's work for years now, I have always wanted to be able to achieve a feathered wreath (one that actually looks like a feathered wreath and not a lopsided loopy mess). My choice was a no brainer.... I choose the Majestic Feathered Wreath 1 & 2.
Perfect beautiful wreaths....yep.....I can now achieve the same results using my embroidery machine.
Earlier this year I visited Jinny Beyer's Studio and purchased some beautiful border fabric and a coordinating green fabric. Our kitchen is green and I thought the border print below would make a lovely table runner.
How many blocks did I make? Twelve....yes...twelve! Why? I could not stop and I loved playing with different thread combinations. And....well....there were those two blocks that I cut into while trimming the batting for a trapunto block (we wont' talk about that). Patsy's designs are so much fun to play with and they are digitized very well.
Trapunto takes Patsy's wreathes into another realm all together. They just pop right off of the piece squares. The stabilizer and thread I used was by Floriani.
After stitching the blocks on 9 1/2 inch black fabric I decided that the blocks were too large proportionally given the border I wanted to use. Given I own so many rulers I knew I was bound to have the perfect one for the job....and I was right.
This Creative Grids 8 1/2" Fussy Cut Ruler was just the ticket! I just laid the ruler over the top of my blocks and centered it over my design and rotary cut away the excess. I'm one who hates fiddling with rulers so this made my job uber easy.
See...nice and uniform 8 1/2" blocks. Then I needed a ruler to cut the triangles I set in around the squares. Yep...had one of those too :)
I have no clue as to how I acquired this ruler...but I sure was glad I had it because it made cutting those triangles and corners a breeze. You can find one HERE.
Back to those amazing Wreaths!!!
The border fabric on the side was approximately 3 inches wide. Somehow the border seemed too thin. If I used the wider border print it might take the focus off the Feathered Wreaths.
What about using the wider border just on the ends? That looks pretty good....or so I think.
Next I need backing, batting and a binding.
I got as far as cutting the batting and had the thought.....What about making this table runner reversible? Since the Feathered Wreaths are so much fun to make I thought I could make one identical to this one using different fabrics and colors and have two table runners in one. I have not decided just yet. The quilting will be fun because I'm going to outline the Wreaths and they will pop even more.Speaking of popping...check out these close ups:
You can really see that I used 2 layers of wool batting.
There will be many more of Patsy's designs in my future :) Would you like to see them in your future too? Just leave a comment on this blog post telling me which of Patsy's designs you like best...you can find them by clicking HERE. Did you know Patsy has recently added Pre-Cut Applique Shapes too? You can see all of them HERE.
Would you like 5 extra chances to win? Sign up for Patsy Thompson Designs Newsletter by clicking HERE.
Best of luck to everyone and be sure to stop at each of the blogs to increase your chances of winning.
Gene Black An Alabama Artist and Quilter Blog 11/11/14
Marjorie’s Quilting Bee Blog 11/12/14
Jean Creates Blog 11/13/14
Sew Cal Gal Blog 11/14/15
a Rafflecopter giveawayBig Ole Giant Majestic Smiles,
Kelly
Friday, November 7, 2014
Monday is the Day!!! Patsy Thompson Designs Blog Hop
I just wanted to remind everyone, Monday starts the Patsy Thompson Designs Blog Hop :)
I Have A Notion Blog November 10th
It all starts here on Monday. The schedule for the week is below. Patsy has generously offered a giveaway everyday, one per blog!!! The prize is any downloadable digitized pattern or design on Patsy Thompson Designs Website.
I Have A Notion Blog November 10th
Gene Black an Alabama Artist and Quilter November 11th
Marjorie's Quilting Bee November 12
Jean Creates November 13
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Winner Announced and Why I Choose Nov. 4th to End the Giveaway
Happy Birthday my sweet boy!
Today is Aaron's 12th Birthday! I can hardly believe my baby is 12 years old. I thought it would be fun to do a giveaway on his birthday.
I know I promised to post more photos of the kids doing more creative activities....however....the life of this woman is so hectic that I'm lucky I got this posted today! Hope you understand....if not....find a box of kleenex and let it all out.
Smiles,
Kelly
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Brittany Maynard-May you dance in heaven with my dear friend and loved ones
Brittany Maynard has ended her life according to the news. If you don't know who she was, Google her name. I followed her story and was amazed by Brittany's courage and strength.
I'm not interested in a debate nor judgement. I know pain, I know loss and I know what is right for me is right for me. What was right of Brittany Maynard was to end her life with dignity and at at a time that was right for her under those circumstances. May angles have escorted you to heaven Brittany, and I pray you are the light in the morning sky.
My condolences to your family as the loss of a loved one is immeasurable.
You may not agree or like what is written here....but know....the only thing that separates us as humans is our judgement of one another.
Yep....still a quilting blog....not advocating others follow Brittany's path.....but I feel I understand her path and can completely respect this young beautiful woman's decision.
Just know, I'd stand by you too....even if you choose differently because I've always been about love and respect....even where there are differences.
Tearful Smiles,
Kelly
I'm not interested in a debate nor judgement. I know pain, I know loss and I know what is right for me is right for me. What was right of Brittany Maynard was to end her life with dignity and at at a time that was right for her under those circumstances. May angles have escorted you to heaven Brittany, and I pray you are the light in the morning sky.
My condolences to your family as the loss of a loved one is immeasurable.
You may not agree or like what is written here....but know....the only thing that separates us as humans is our judgement of one another.
Yep....still a quilting blog....not advocating others follow Brittany's path.....but I feel I understand her path and can completely respect this young beautiful woman's decision.
Just know, I'd stand by you too....even if you choose differently because I've always been about love and respect....even where there are differences.
Tearful Smiles,
Kelly
Friday, October 31, 2014
Happy Halloween and It's All About Kids Blog Hop
BOO! Happy Halloween from the very large child that lives inside of me to the child that lives inside you!
Isn't Halloween all about the kids? It is in my life because I was never a big fan of Halloween but my children love, love, love dressing up and begging for candy.
Just a reminder that the "It's All About The Kids" Blog Hop has been happening all week long. There are lots of prizes and tutorials for having fun and inspiring all of us to continue to create with the children in our lives.
I had hoped to get the time to post more creative projects I've done with my children over the years but the day has gotten away from me and it is now time to help the boys dress for Halloween.
Make sure and visit each one of these blogs and have fun!
Have a wonderful and safe evening!
Scary Smiles,
Kelly
Isn't Halloween all about the kids? It is in my life because I was never a big fan of Halloween but my children love, love, love dressing up and begging for candy.
Just a reminder that the "It's All About The Kids" Blog Hop has been happening all week long. There are lots of prizes and tutorials for having fun and inspiring all of us to continue to create with the children in our lives.
I had hoped to get the time to post more creative projects I've done with my children over the years but the day has gotten away from me and it is now time to help the boys dress for Halloween.
Make sure and visit each one of these blogs and have fun!
Monday, October 27th
SewCalGal - Event kick off
Tuesday, October 28th
Wednesday, October 29th
SewCalGal
Thursday, October 30th
Friday, October 31st
Jacquelynne Steves, The Art of Home
What's Coming Next?
Have a wonderful and safe evening!
Scary Smiles,
Kelly
Thursday, October 30, 2014
It's All About The Kids- Day 4
Thank you SewCalGal for including me in the "It's All About Kid's Blog Hop." This has been a lot of fun to hop around and read the wonderful posts. If you have not been out hopping, may I suggest you get your fingers clicking....there are lots of ideas and prizes too.
When I first became a Mom 15 years ago my favorite thing was showing my daughters how to make boxes using chipboard and art paper. Then we made beaded Christmas ornaments for gift giving and of course there was scrap booking and sewing back then too.
Fast forward a few years and we added two boys to the IHAN clan. Sewing these simple aprons helped keep food and art supplies off of the kids clothing.
After you have cut your fabric ,serge or zig zag the edges. If you prefer, you can cut your fabric 1/2 inch larger on all sides and fold over twice to give a finished edge instead of using a serger or using a zig zag stitch on the edge. Above you can see I have serged the edges of this very cute fabric.
Next I turn the bottom edge up 1/4 inch pressing as I go. Do the same for the sides and then fold down the top 1" and press.
Last is the angled arm/side and I turn that edge under 1 1/4" and press. This will create a casing that the cording will go through.
I begin by sewing along the bottom followed by the sides. Since I've turned the fabric under a 1/4" I just stitch along the edge using my 1/4" foot as shown above.
When I finish the sides and the neck, I take the cording and lay it under the fabric casing I have made.
Since this is for a gift, I embroidered the child's name on the apron. You can use denim, duck cloth, or any other fabric of your choosing and embellish as desired. Pockets are fun for supplies and provide a great hiding place for sticky treasures.
Here are some other aprons I have cut out and have ready to go when I need a quick gift.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
We appreciate your stopping by, please continue to visit those bloggers who are participating in the hop. The links to their posts are below.
When I first became a Mom 15 years ago my favorite thing was showing my daughters how to make boxes using chipboard and art paper. Then we made beaded Christmas ornaments for gift giving and of course there was scrap booking and sewing back then too.
Fast forward a few years and we added two boys to the IHAN clan. Sewing these simple aprons helped keep food and art supplies off of the kids clothing.
Aaron was 3 years old in this photo and he is wearing an apron I made by laminating cotton fabric. The iron on vinyl comes in a Glossy and Matte finish. The laminated aprons were perfect because I could just wipe them off. We used them as "big boy bibs" when the boys thought they were too big for regular bibs.
Zach at 18 months old standing on a chair in the kitchen helping Mommy make some cookies. Where does the time go?
These aprons were made for my "Gentleman Diners." The boys always got the sweetest comments when we went out for dinner and I would put on their "big boy bibs."
These simple little aprons are so easy to make, your kids can even make them for themselves and as gifts. The best part is they last for years because they are adjustable. My boys wore their aprons for art until they were in 2nd grade.
I've taken photos for a tutorial and Mr. McSteamy created a PDF illustrating the process. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to send me an e-mail at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com and I'd be happy to explain anything that is not clear for you.
Supplies list:
1/2 yard of fabric
27-30 inches of macrame cording (or a cording / rope of your choosing)
Start by cutting your fabric to the dimensions given in the PDF below. Feel free to change the measurements and get creative with embellishments, pockets and machine embroidery.
Next I turn the bottom edge up 1/4 inch pressing as I go. Do the same for the sides and then fold down the top 1" and press.
Last is the angled arm/side and I turn that edge under 1 1/4" and press. This will create a casing that the cording will go through.
When I finish the sides and the neck, I take the cording and lay it under the fabric casing I have made.
Then I fold the fabric over the cording and stitch along the edge.
This step keeps me from having to thread the cording through the casing when I'm finished. I tie a knot at the end of my cording because I use macrame cording and it will fray. Since this is for a gift, I embroidered the child's name on the apron. You can use denim, duck cloth, or any other fabric of your choosing and embellish as desired. Pockets are fun for supplies and provide a great hiding place for sticky treasures.
Here are some other aprons I have cut out and have ready to go when I need a quick gift.
Now for the giveaway!
One lucky person will win a pre-cut apron from the fabrics of their choice pictured above, cording and 2 yards of Iron on Vinyl in the Glossy finish.a Rafflecopter giveaway
We appreciate your stopping by, please continue to visit those bloggers who are participating in the hop. The links to their posts are below.
Monday, October 27th
SewCalGal - Event kick off
Tuesday, October 28th
Wednesday, October 29thSewCalGal
Thursday, October 30thSewCalGal
Friday, October 31stSewCalGal
SewCalGalJacquelynne Steves, The Art of HomeWendy Sheppard/Ivory Spring
Happy Hopping!
Smiles,
Kelly
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