Friday, December 30, 2011

UFO = Unfinished Fabric Object

Did you finish a UFO this year?  How long did it take you to finish it?  What it makes it so hard to finish some projects and not others?  If you finished one, post a photo. you can send it to my facebook page and I can post it if it doesn't post for you.  I really want to hear about it. 

My unfinished Fabric object of the year is a stained glass quilted wall hanging of the nativity. It consists of three seperate wallhangings. I will post it as soon as I fiqure out where to hang it.    The reason why it took so long to finish?  I kept getting side track by projects my children and grandchildren wanted me to do for them.  Such a sense of accomplishment.  It is so beautifully stunning.

Your Turn....

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Quilting 101: Great Hints

Many of us are self taught quilters, or at least we started out that way.  I had my share of mistakes along the way, that's when I decided I wanted to get rid of bad habits and take lessons to improve my quilting.
That was  8 years ago and many many quilts and classes.  I thought a great way to ring in the New Year would be to share important, often overlooked tips with you.

Our First installment, covers your fabric.  I seldom wash my fabric unless it is color fast, in which case I make sure I wash all the fabric... like colors together.Many people like to snip a triangle off the corners of fabric to prevent raveling.  I like to serge my raw edge, before I had a serger I would zig zag it.  It certainly makes it slick to remove from the washer and press, you will want to use some sort of sizing when pressing.  It makes your fabric crisp and easy to work with.  If you don't prepare your fabric in some way, you will likely be trying to detangle the threads from your fabric.

If you are using the fabric for backing, be sure to rip and not cut the fabric, it is the best way to square your backing.  Keep your backing in one piece if you only need one seam.  Make a snip and then rip only one of the salvages off.   Snip and rip both ends off of fabric so it rips all the way across width of fabric on both ends.  Now you should have 3 sides ripped.  Take both ends and butt them up to each other right sides together making sure that fabric is not twisted.  sew down salvage side of fabric to create seam.  Stop about 6 inches short of fabric fold.  Snip on fold and then rip across width of fabric.  Continue to sew down  the seam.  You will now have a backing that is perfectly square.  Rip off remaining salvages.
This is the best way to get a square backing if you only need to piece one seam.
Let me know if you like this technique.... remember to set seam and then press it open.

Have a great Day!

Sunday, December 25, 2011


Quilters Anonymous January Schedule
Kelly Pederson Hanson certified instructor

It’s a Block Party, come and join us as we create a block a month.  At the end of the year you will have a beautiful quilt. Starting January 12, 7pm to 9 pm, $25. Monthly fee for class plus materials and book (Victory Quilts by Eleanor Burns)

Beginner quilting

Come learn all the basics of quilting from choosing your fabrics to sewing your binding.  $25.  Plus cost of supplies and book. Books used “Your First Quilt Book, (or it should be). Class Begins January 19 7pm to 9pm 

UFO

Come and sew on a project that you need to finish.  Kelly will be available to help with any problems or questions that arise.  January 26, 6:30 to 8:30pm, $25 fee

Limited space.  Call to reserve your spot today 393-6262 if there is enough interest, day classes will be available as well.

Heres a new twist on the twelve days of christmas

On the twelfth day of christmas, my true love sent to me,
twelve prewound bobbins
eleven scissors snipping
ten yards for backing
nine ladies sewing
eight maids a mending
seven simple patterns
six micron pens
Five Spools of Thread
Four size 12 needles
three rotary blades
two pressing sheets
and a seam ripper with ergonamic grip.

Merry Christmas!  Check tomorrow when the january class schedule will be posted.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Eleven Pipers Piping

Merry Christmas.  short and sweet, Today focus on Faith, Family and Friends.  Have a Safe and Merry christmas.  I'd love to see photos of your family get together, post them here or on facebook for me. 
Rejoice In His Birth! 

last one...
_________ ________ ________
eleven pipers piping, ten lords a leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking,
seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying,
Five Golden Rings,
four calling birds, three french hens, two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree. 

Friday, December 23, 2011

Ten Yards of Fabric..

The count down is nearly done, Christmas eve is upon us.  Where did 2011 go?  I have all my children back home and the house is abuzz with excitement.  Time to put away the quilting and spend time with loved ones.  Take time to remember past Christmas when loved ones who are no longer with us left their imprints on our hearts.

Before we open gifts, we like to read the christmas story to everyone.  We sit around a room and give thanks for God's Only Son, Our Lord and Savior.  Even if you have pain and suffering this Christmas, you can still find something to be thankful for.  Would post a special Christmas memory?  I would love to hear it.

Therese, you are so funny.  I think we should get together and rewrite the 12 days of christmas... what do you think?  we will post it on the 26th.  but for now,
On the eleveth day of christmas my true love sent to me
___________ __________ _____________

Ten Lords a Leaping, Nine Ladies Dancing, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming,
six geese a laying,
Five Golden Rings
four calling birds, three french hens, two turtle doves
and a partridge in a pear tree.

Now lets get posting, I really want to hear from you.


Thursday, December 22, 2011

nine ladies quilting, eight maid a mending...

Three days til Christmas and still no snow!  Hard to believe, I can't remember a Christmas without snow in Duluth.  Still, It is a wonderful time of the year.  Our baby birds are coming home to nest, with visions of finals done, dance in their heads.  The stocking finally quilted are hung by the chimney with care, in hope that my steam a seam soon will be here.  With Dave at the Barn and I at my long arm, not soon to settle down by the fire and warmth.  When what to our wondering eyes should we see?  but carloads of house guests with faces of glee.  We arrive at the door with arms open wide!  Merry Christmas to all stay safe and warm inside.

too funny, I had to give my try at a christmas poem.  I hope you enjoyed it.  A special thanks goes out to Theresa and Deb. Deb you have been so good at sharing your stories, I love to hear what others are up to.  Theresa, good job at changing up the twelve days to suit our trade... loved it... put a smile on my face.

Here is another quick and easy holiday gift,  table runners.  take a rectangle and iron it out.  You choose the size you want it to be.  choose a color for a border, cut it 2 1/2 inch wide strips by width of fabric.
next measure the length of the rectangle through the middle of fabric, cut the 2 1/2 inch piece to fit ( cut 2) sew onto sides of rectangle.  press seam to darker fabric.  Now measure through center of width of fabric.  Cut 2 1/2 inch strips to this size.  (cut 2)  sew on to ends of rectangle.  If you desire, applique onto the rectangle using steam a seam double stick fusible web.  now grab a piece of batting and backings, stitch in the ditch to quilt or free motion, its up to you.  sew on binding, if you are in a real hurry you can fold back over to front and machine sew.  and here is a great christmas gift, guaranteed to be treasured. If you do make one, please snap a photo and post so others can see.

On the tenth day of christmas my true love gave to me
___________ _________ _ _________
nine ladies quilting, eight maids a mending, seven swans a stitching, six geese a cutting,
Five Golden Rings.
four calling birds, three french hens, two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

have a peaceful day, remember to post your answer.




Wednesday, December 21, 2011

eight maids a milking.....

Happy Winter Solstice!  Did you know today was the first day of Hanukkah?  and only 4 days til Christmas!  So much going on and everyone is so busy.  Don't forget that this is the time to celebrate and spend time with family.  Try not to get bogged down with the commercialism of the season.  Take time to be still and really appreciate your family.  Maybe take a trip to bentleyville.

Here is a hint for bindings.  What do you do with the extra binding after you finish off a quilt?  stick it in a bag, these scraps will make a fun binding for an art quilt, child or baby quilt, or scrappy quilt.   You will find that you can even mix flannels with cottons.  You could also iron the seam out of it and make a strip quilt.

Great job again Deb, I really thought more people knew the twelve days of christmas.
just in case I forgot to mention, I do have a prize for the person that answers this question, as well as the people who post.  I will be posting the January class schedule on Dec 26, so don't forget to check the blog!  So here we go,
On the ninth day of christmas my true love gave to me
__________ __________ __________
eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
Five Golden Rings
four calling birds, three french hens, two turtle dove
and a partride in a pear tree.

What did you get your true love for christmas?  


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Seven swans a swimming.Six geese a laying....

Hmmm, guess I stumped a few of you, no comments for the answer yesterday. 
As I was thinking what I should post today, I thought about how rapidly christmas is approaching. 
I always have last minute shopping to do, but in the wee hours of the morning I don't always feel
like hitting the stores.  Here are a few ideas for gifts for your loved ones.  Do you have a piece of fabric that you really like?  do a little free motion on it and put it in a frame.  It makes a great gift and you may be surprised at the reaction you will get from your loved one.  I recieved one like this from Angie Hayworth years ago and it sits in my sewing room in its frame, I really treasure it.

Another great idea is make a pin cushion.  You can use your scraps or choose a special fabric.  You can find numerous patterns on freepatterns.com   include some pins with the cushion, can we ever really have enough pins? 

Last but not least, every quilter is in constant need of rotary blade and needles.  A quick run to your local fabric store, and waalaa, a perfect christmas gift.  Its always a good idea to look around for the best prices.  Micheals often has a 40% off coupon, Hancock currently has a 40% off coupon, and often times walmart is very reasonably priced.

On the eighth day of christmas, my true love gave to me
_______________ ______________________ __ _______________________

seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
Five Golden Rings
four calling birds, three french hens, two turtle dove. 
and a partridge in a pear tree.

Can you think of any other great gift ideas?  post and share, we love to hear from you.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Five Golden Rings.....

Great job Deb on posting.  Christmas is a time for giving, and there are so many people out there in need.  It might be your neighbor, one of your child's friends, a stranger in a nursing home or hospital, or even some one without a home.  What can you do this season to influence someone's life?

I have a few quilts around the house, I think I will head to the nursing home and find an elder who hasn't had a visitor in a while and gift them a quilt and sit and chat for a bit.  I love to invite people to my home who are transplants, no family in the area, so they don't have to spend the holidays alone.
Have you ever been blessed  by a meal being brought to your home?  time to pay it forward.  Just a thought on this wonderful season.

seeing I missed posting yesterday you now have two answers to submit, lets see if they come from two different people.
on the seventh day of christmas my true love sent to me...
__________ __ _________________
On the sixth day of christmas my true love sent to me...
_____________ ___ ___________
Five  golden rings!
four calling birds, three french hens two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

With less than a week left before christmas, count your blessings... and post some of them.


Saturday, December 17, 2011

great treat idea for the holidays

Today as I was baking cookies, I thought a great idea would be to make lots of square and triangle shaped cookies, different sizes too.  Then when you decorate them frost all the small squares one color, all the small triangles another color, all small squares another color.  Large squares one color, large triangles another color, and so on.  Then when you arrange them on the plate, arrange them in the pattern of a quilt.
I think this is a fun idea, I don't know if anyone else ever thought of it, but I'm sharing it with you.  I think we will call it tasty quilt cookies.  post photos on my blog if you do this.

Thanks for participating in the question every day. I'd love to thank you by name but I only have your web name.  so today s question is  on the fifth day of christmas my true love sent to me
____________ _________________ __________

four calling birds, three french hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

One week  til christmas, are you done with your shopping?  If not, what do you have left?
tell me about your favorite christmas tradition.
thought I would post my 4 generation photo.  My daughter Amy and her daughter Gabby,
my mother, me and my grand daughter audrey.  ( also Amy's daughter)
It's not often that you can capture this kind of photo.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Free motion isn't a dance move...

I have heard so many of you wanting to start experimenting with free motion on your domestic machines and yet you don't know where to begin.  A great idea is keep a sketch pad handy, actually keep them all over the house and in the car.  If they are strategically placed in the house, you are more likely to pick them up and start doodling designs.  If you aren't sure what to doodle, you may want to pick up some books by Deloa Jones or numerous other freemotion quilters. We start the doodle process first to get the muscle memory in place.

Once you have doodled and feel comfortable with your design, now you can begin to practice on your machine.  The first thing you will want to do, prepare some fabric sandwiches.  The way I like to do this is cut 9x12 inch rectangles of fabric.  Cut some batting approximately 1 to 2 inches larger than fabric rectangles.  Place batting between two pieces of fabric, wrong side of fabric to batting. 
You can safety pin corners to keep fabric from shifting.  Next lower feed dogs on your machine.  If your feed dogs do not lower, you can put a piece of template over the feed dogs and masking tape around it. 
If your stitches are too long, you are going too fast.  If they are too short, you aren't going fast enough.
It is also a great idea to purchase a pair of gloves, it just seems to make the movement much smoother.

So this is the way to get started.  Its always a great idea to take classes.  There are alot of great instructors on the circuit, watch as the quilt shows start to pop up again.  If you have any other questions, leave a comment and I will get back to you. 

Good job on the answer yesterday, so today is:
On the fourth day of christmas my true love sent to me
__________ __________________ ___________
three french hens
two turtle doves
and a partridge in a pear tree.
9 days til Christmas... and only 8 shopping days. 
Marry Christmas and Happy Quilting!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Two Turtle Doves

Today is question and answer day!  If you have a question, ask it.  If you have an answer, post it.  Do You know a good quilt retreat recipe?   share it.  I hope you all participate, it will be fun to get this mojo going.  If you share a recipe, I will too.  so lets go.

Yesterday's answer was two turtle doves.  On the third day of christmas my true love sent to me,
_______ _________ ______
two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

post answer in comments.
Merry Christmas, 10 days left... only 9 shopping days left.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

A Partidge in a Pear Tree....

I spent much of the last two days constructing a gift for my nephew. I'm sorry to say that it was 4 years
in the making.  He chose pattern and the fabric 4 years ago, and there it sat on my cutting table for probably 6 months.  Untouched, I moved it to a plastic container for my "things I need to get done".
I couldn't understand why I just didn't do it, until last night.  You see, my father passed away 3years ago.
Josh was very close to his papa, and papa adored Josh. When my dad passed, I asked mom for some of his shirts.  I have now made 6 quilts from his clothing, I sort of feel like Jesus with the fish and loaves.  Remember how he multiplied them when he had to feed thousands?  Same with this fabric, it seems to multiply.  As I was making this gift, I started putting away some of the fabric that was chosen and replacing it with papas shirt fabric.  Enough said, you be the judge, comment on what you think.
Here it is, and if you know Josh, this is a surprise for him. I don't think he thought it would ever get made.
I can hardly wait to see the look on his face.

I was a little disappointed yesterday, no one tried to get the question answered.  On the first day of christmas my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree.  on the second day of christmas, my true love      
gave to me _____ ________ _________. 11 Days to Christmas!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Christmas Gift Ideas, quick and easy

I woke this morning to an ice rink out my front door.  Rather than go out and brave the weather, I decided it was a great day for christmas gifts.  Here is a simple applique' of a reindeer to brighten your kitchen...
 simply applique' to a kitchen or bathroom towel, or a wall hanging...maybe on a christmas stocking.  This project will take less than an hour, no matter your skill level, and will be enjoyed for years to come.
If you are interested in this pattern, let me know.  I have many patterns and kits on hand.  I also have patterns for penguins, snowmen, santa, chickens and turkeys.  The pattern is a design by "Wooden Bear"

You can purchase the kits for holiday gifts for that special quilter in your life, or make it to gift.  Just another holiday idea with only 12 days to christmas.

So here is a quiz for you, each day leading up to christmas, post what the gift from my true love is.
comment and post... On the first day of christmas my true love gave to me
__ __________ ___ ___

________ _______.

Monday, December 12, 2011

The True meaning of Christmas..

I have been amazed at the continued giving that is associated with quilters.  We huddle around tables with our sewing machines buzzing making quilts our families and friends may never see. Many of the quilts will go to project linus, others to quilts of valor, while many others will be donated to various fund raisers and charities or people in need.  Yes, quilters are a rare breed.  Hearts too big for their bodies.  Often you will find finger that are ridden with arthritis, crooked and painful, yet working tirelessly to finish a gift they will never be thanked for.  No one will be able to put a face to the quilt, selflessly and sacrificially done to do our part in a broken world.  To send off to a soldier or their family, a victim of a fire, a cancer patient, a gift of love.

My dear friend Therese Jordan is one of those selfless quilters.  You will find her always lending a helping hand.  Recently I had the pleasure of quilting a work of art that she had designed.  It was to be donated to a sled dog race in Massachusetts.   She is a champion of quilting for quilts of valor, project linus and many other charities.  I was so impressed with this work of art I thought I would display it on the blog and if she was kind enough to post a comment tell you a bit about it.  If you are interested in donating to one of the charities listed above, contact me and I can help you get started.  If you are a new quilter, this is great practice.

A special Thank You to all of you quilters who give your
time so willingly.  13 Days to Christmas!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Commenting 101

It has come to my attention that many of you have been unable to post to my blog.  Here is a crash course.  you will post your comment, under the comment box is a text that says comment as and there is a box with a drop down arrow. the drop down arrow has live journel, wordpress,typepad, aim, open id, and google as choices.  You need to have an account with one of these and sign in, in order to post on my blog.  then press post comment after you have signed in.  Also, you can go down below my profile and join my blog, just press join blog and you will get all the updates and info as they come out.  Did you know I give private lessons in my lake home for a very reasonable rate?  I have projects you can purchased already kit up?  and you will find out about future group classes as well as helpful hints and ideas.  Join now!  there is no fee to join my blog and no obligation.  Have a great day, and leave a comment so I know that you followed the directions.

Gifts to warm the heart...

I have been really blessed this last week.  Two very special women finished very special christmas gifts
and I was fortunate enough to be a part of it.

 Carol Goodman, a 70 year old grandmother, desperately wanted to have a tshirt quilt made for her granddaughter who just left for college.  We had a consultation and her eyes filled with tears.  She told me it was too expensive for her.  It took only a few seconds for me to tell her that we should have her make it under my guidance, greatly reducing the price.  She jumped at it. ( that was 8 weeks ago. )
Yesterday we delivered her finished project, all quilted and ready to be a gift that will warm that young girls heart for years to come. The greatest part of it all?  Carol feels she was given the greatest gift, she was able to fulfill a wish of her granddaughter and now Carol has a skill that she will use over and over again.  This is a fun story, it goes to show, you are never to old to start something new.  Carol was a great student and she assures me she will be back for more punishment under my guise.  LOL

A friend called this week to see if I could quilt a tshirt quilt for her.  It hadn't been made yet, so I asked if she was going to stabilize it.  I asked her to call me.  Long story short, we got together on Wednesday and started from scratch, cutting up the shirts, stabilizing with shape flex, pressing and sewings.  Waalaa... 10 hours later we were looking at a magnificient quilt that jackie had made.  It is always great to fullfill a dream for a customer, its even better the joy you feel when seeing their sense of accomplishment.  The Back of this quilt was as pretty as the front.  Her daughter will not only be surprise by deeply touched by her moms sentiments.  I knew this young lady as she grew up with my son, it wwas truly an honor to be a part of creating this gift. 

So you see,  its never too late, you're never too old, and it is great therapy to make something for someone else.  Your blessing will be great and the joy infinite.  So if you know someone who would
benefit from some private lessons, a gift certificate to your local quilt instructor is a great gift, or a fabric store.  My children alway love when I make them their gifts, They get to wrap my love around them all year.  Kind of like security blankets for adult. LOL 


Have a great day!  Remember not to spend too much time out shopping, time with family is much better spent.  Merry Christmas, 14 day and counting.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

A gift to treasure....

18 days until Christmas.  I thought you may like another christmas story.  Two years ago I took all the lists and bought gifts for my family. I was quite content that I had done a great job.  I had made a quilt that hung in our quilt shop as a sample of the pattern that was given out that year during the northern lights shop hop.  It was a beautiful quilt that I wasn't quite sure who to give to.  Christmas Eve came and I was sitting by the tree with my youngest son, Tyler.  He was telling me how proud he was to have me for his mom and how much he appreciated each quilt I had given him.  This is odd coming from a teenage boy, especially one who owned numerous quilts.  Tyler treasured each quilt, reason being, he knew each quilt held part of me.  It was then I realized who this special quilt should be given to, someone who would treasure it.  Tyler went away to college this year and he brought that quilt with him.  It touches my heart to know he is snuggling up with it,  Is there a special story you would like to share?  please post it, I would love to hear it.  By the way, did you know that Christmas means Mass (Celebration ) of Christ ( annointed)?
Thats right, we are celebrating the birthday of the messiah!  Now, take a moment to comment on your story.

All I want for Christmas.....

Can you believe it?  Only 19 days left until christmas.  Where did 2011 go?  If your house is like mine, you are busy getting lists and checking them twice.  One year I neglected to check mine twice and my middle son was left with a back yard snow board.  I was sure I had bought him more than a snow board, and it wasn't a fancy one either, just one for the back yard hill.  We were handing out the gifts under the tree and there Ian sat, with nothing in his pile.  It was then I remembered we had the snow board in the trunk for him.  He looked around at his sibling and they all had pile of gifts.  What was the difference between Ian and his 4 siblings?  Ian is a bright young man who has always had simple needs and has always been giving.  When I had asked for his list, he only stated he wanted a snow board for the neighborhood hills, the others lists were much longer.  When he got his snow board, his eyes lit up and he was filled with true christmas joy.  You see for him it wasn't about the gifts, it was about the reason for this wonderful holiday season.  So don't stress on the gifts, lets focus on time with family, remembering why we celebrate this holiday.  A Babe was born in a manager, a humble beginning for a King.
Merry Christmas

Friday, November 25, 2011

Black Friday is finally behind us, lets look ahead!

Funny, when I signed on today I noticed that my last post had to do with black friday and now here it is.
I have been slighty under the weather, and I am anxious to get back on track talking about the things that impassion us.

Today is the official kick off of the christmas season.  Early tomorrow, we will head out and cut down our christmas tree and bring it home for the entire family to decorate.  We decorate ours with homemade ornaments from my children and myself.  They are not ornate, nor exquisite, but they are indeed priceless.
Some of them dating back to the early 1980's, all have been tenderly preserved.

My request today... take a photo of your tree and post it on my blog, I'd love to see them as would all of my fellow bloggers.  So lets go and get those trees decorated.  I am excited to see what posts.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Black Friday? Glitzy Quilt day!!!

Many shoppers love black friday, all quilter love glitzy quilt day!  What is glitzy quilt day?  It is any day you desire and will always put a smile on your face.  As quilters we love to embellish. Add a bit of dazzle thread, a little swarovski crystal, a bit of glitter thread and you have just begun glitzing up your masterpiece.

We are giving such a class, or shall I say 2 in 1, this saturday November 19.  Consider coming on this adventure in embellishing with us.  Falling leaves is the morning class and Let it snow is the afternoon class.  We have limited opening left, to ensure a spot and get more information call 218-393-6262.  Please call today, you'll be happy you did.  




Sunday, November 13, 2011

Perfect gifts for the holidays..

There are only a few openings left for class on November 19.  Have your husband include the class in an early christmas gift.  We will have special holiday handtowel, table runner, table topper kits available for quick and easy gifts to make for christmas.
Purchase extra class kits to make or give that special friend or family member.

You will have so much fun as Norma teaches you techniques that will open up a whole new world of potential for you.  "Falling Leaves" is her newest creation.  Be the first to experience this class.  Created on her own rust dyed fabric, made with many mediums of embellishment, you won't want to pass this by.

Kelly will teach you new techniques with thread, applique and free motion quilting.  You will surprise yourself.  This piece is a stunning 21x21 inch wallhanging.  If you are really ambitious, Kelly will show you how to make it into a lap quilt.

These classes are perfect for beginner , advanced or intermediate quilters.  A fun day of quilting and
socializing on Island Lake.  Lunch and kits provide at the very low cost of $100.  Don't pass this by,
call and reserve your spot today!  contact Kelly Hanson  218-393-6262   or email her @ kphanson@northlc.com.  

Hope to see you there!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

What notion can you not live without?

I recently was asked what notion I could not live without.  My answer was my needle threader, both the machine threader and the hand needle threader.  My eyes are often so tired I waste too much time trying to thread the needle, but not any longer.  A relatively small investment and time is saved, as is my sanity.  Now I would love to hear what your favorite notion is. The thing you depend on the most and couldn't live without.  Just comment in the comment section, and while you are at it, press on follow so you can join my blog and always be on top of whats new.I'm waiting to hear from you!

Kelly Hanson Fabriholic Extrodinar   LOL


Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Hunting season is upon us....what special fabric have you been hunting for?

We all have been in that position, haven't we?  We either have that special fabric we love, or we have run out of an important fabric that we are currently using in our quilt.  No Worry!! Today we start the official opening of fabric hunting season.  It doesn't matter if it is blaze orange or pastel floral.  If you need a fabric take a photo of it, post it on my blog, and we will do our best to help you find it.

A small reminder that you should hurry and register for the day long classes on November 19.
"falling leaves"  taught by Norma Reihm and" Let it Snow"  taught by Kelly Hanson.
8:30-5     kits and lunch included in price.  $100 for a day of quiltsational fun!  email or call to
reserve your spot.  kphanson@Northlc.com  or  218-393-6262

lets post those photos!!!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

It's finally Here! Hurry and Reserve your spot!!!


Its finally here! 

We are offering our very first “2 in 1” Class November 19th.  There will be two classes in one day with two instructors. 

Morning class will be with Norma Riehm   8:30-12:00  http://quiltingisafineart.blogspot.com

Falling Leaves

Have a fun morning making an 8X10 fiber layered, embellished wall hanging using Norma’s layering techniques, and learning some simple fun machine quilting designs.

Your work of art will be uniquely your own.  Kit will be provided.



Afternoon class will be with Kelly Pederson Hanson  12:30- 4:00   
http://kellyfabriholic.blogspot.com/


Let it Snow

Create your own snow globe wall hanging to celebrate the winter season. You will learn applique as well as use ribbons and crystals to embellish your creation.  We will discuss proper techniques for borders. Perfect gift for the holidays.

Kit will be provided.


We will have an extra hour from 4:00- 5:00 for extra work time.  Bring your suits and relax in the hot tub and enjoy the lake if your projects are completed.

Cost for a full day of productive fun $100.  Class size is limited.  Contact Kelly to reserve your spot.  218-393-6262  or kphanson@northlc.com

Supply list:

Free motion foot also known as darning foot

Sewing machine, and standard supplies   (scissors, pins, rotary cutter, small sharp pointy fabric scissors for cutting out applique pieces)

Quilting gloves (optional)

If you need extra light bring a small ott light

90/14 machine quilting needle

Dark brown thread, preferably aurifil, mettler , or gutterman. Please prewind 1 bobbin of brown thread..

Superior monofilament or invisible thread.  1 spool

Medium tone evergreen thread. Please refer above to brand of thread. Please prewind 1 bobbin of green thread

Cheater glasses, you might need them for beading.

Save the date  Saturday November 19,2011 from 8:30 to 5.  A light lunch will be provided. 

Fall back into your favorite quilting chair

Wow! is it already that time of the year?  The men are out hunting, some of the ladies too.  Early this morning we set the clocks back and hour...or at least some of us did. Why not take that extra hour and finish an UFO? or read a favorite pattern?  maybe invite a friend over for a little hand work?

 Yes, it is that time of the year again.  Lets kick off the official quilting season in style, I'm actually going to try some new thread techniques.  Let me know what you are going to do... we"ll
share it on the blog and give our sister and brother quilters new ideas.. post photos if you have them.  On your mark, get set, GO!

Friday, November 4, 2011

I don't want to surf the waves of my borders!!!

Do you ever wonder why your borders on your quilt are wavy? 
Do you just cut a very long strip and apply it on your quilt and cut off the excess?
Do you square up your blocks as you go so they are the same size? 
Do you cut your sashing into wof strips and sew them on and cut as you go?
If you find yourself having problems, I have a solution for you.
First.  always square up your blocks before constructing your quilt.  If you
are working with the same size blocks, you will be less likely to have problems
with a square quilt.When you place the sashing on your quilt you should be sure to measure through the center of your blocks for correct measurement.

                                                     
Do the same when you place your borders on    
and you will find your quilt will be square.
the trick is measuring through the most stable part of your quilt... which is alway the center. 
*never cut a long piece and apply as you go, you will end up with a quilt with dimples and puckers
and possibly have to redo for the quilter.  Now, go out and play in the sun... its beautiful out on the lake
today.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Planning new classes.

"Falling Leaves"
heres a teaser of a class we are offering November 19
more information to follow.