HenandChicks

Busy Elves

Heidi Kaisand — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 08:14:30 GMT

From 6 a.m. to into the wee hours this morning, my guests were busy sewing, eating, and shopping. Teresa said it was like a rhythem--sew, eat, shop, sew, eat, shop. And, every one seemed to fall into it just fine. We awoke to a skiff of snow on the ground and chilly temperatures, but nothing to worry about. Santa had been good to us and brought our family tradition of Christmas bread for morning and Grandma's chicken and biscuts for supper. We decorated cookies and opened (and stole) gifts in a friendly gift game. Colleen demonstrated how to make a cell phone bag at 11:45 p.m. Yes, p.m. It's now nearly 7 a.m. and only three of us are up and sewing. Where are the rest? I do hear some stirring in the room above us. I better get busy, as I have binding to put on a quilt this morning.

Pictures of the day:

Holiday Happiness Gets Rolling

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:12:31 GMT

The weather might be brisk outside, but inside the sewing machines are humming, the irons are steaming, and giggling quilters surround me. We've had a fun day of sewing and getting to know each other. Here's just a few of the photos I've taken!

I think I'm moving fast enough

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:08:45 GMT

If everything seems under control, then you're just not moving fast enough.
Mario Andretti (1940- )
Race Car Driver

When I saw this quote, I knew it was for me. Each day I waffe between trying to be under control and being out of control. But, I love the rush that I get from that. Does that sound crazy? Well it's been crazy around here since I returned from Houston. There's been kisses and hugs and lots of playing with dolls and tractors, laundry, dishes, e-mail galore, the start of an on-line workshop (more on that later), and most importantly sewing and other preparations for today.

By 10:30 a.m. my guests will be arriving...what am I doing sitting here! The to-do list is long. I don't think it's under control. Better run. Watch for pictures and posts from the retreat.

Winding Down

Heidi Kaisand — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 06:51:43 GMT

My trip to Houston is coming to a close. Today is the last day of International Quilt Festival and I'm on a 7:40 p.m. flight headed home tonight. My bags are FULL. The extra boxes that seemed to get filled are ready to put on the truck headed back to the factory. I'm ready to hug my family. But, as always it's been fun to see old friends and meet new ones. I've looked at beautiful quilts, including the DAR collection. Wow!

I've got several photos still to share.

This is a bundle of cherry fabrics that my friend Sandra from Baton Rouge left for me. What a sweet heart she is. She knows I love cherries. I know it's hard to see the prints when it's all bundled up. But, you can just feel how cheery those cherries are going to be when I open this.

I had to go back to visit Mary Flanagan again. Aren't these colors of wool fun? And happy.

Because it's fall and the show ran over Halloween, we saw lots of pumpkin themed garments. When I saw this pumpkin bag I thought it was one of the more original ideas I had seen. Becky Harkey of Paris, AR, said it is her original design. How clever. Look at the detail in the handle.

There were costumes everywhere, including in the APQS booth. Cheryl Uribe and Marilyn Badger had special hats for the day! I wish I looked that good in a hat.

I loved watching Marilyn sell the machines while wearing the hat. What talent she has.

I have a few more photos to share and some info about a great new magazine I found, but I will write my final Festival entries from my wonderful home office.

That Glazed Look

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00:50 GMT

International Quilt Festival opened officially at 5 p.m. last night for members and at 7 p.m. for the public. The lines were long, the walking was brisk, and the energy was high. Then came that glazed look. You know, the look that you're looking but not seeing. Like you've seen so much color and pattern that you just can't look at any more. The walking was slower, the energy was slow. It was time to go home.

Well, I don't want you getting that glazed over look on my blog, so I'm not going to show quilt related photos today. Something different. Something to make you smile. Well, it made me smile. On Tuesday, Pat Sloan and I went ~~shopping~~ researching. We were saying that we would have loved to have had our friend Roseann with us. (Roseann had to leave after Market and go home an man the shop.) But we knew she was with us in spirit when we came up behind the Spam mobile. Yes, a Spam mobile. All the way from Minnesota, where Roseann lives. Visit the Spam web site...it's a hoot.

And, I loved this art work at our favorite Houston Mexican restaurant--Chuy's. It's made from beer and pop cans and other metal.

Luscious Colors and Patterns

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:58:19 GMT

Wool is so fun to shop for. Deep reach colors, wonderful texture. And, who could resist this wall of wool! Mary Flanagan had a beautiful booth at Market, and she'll be at Festival, too! I can't wait to go back to see what she pulls out for Festival.

I love running into blogging friends like Mary Lou, Pam, and Elizabeth. No pictures to prove it, but there were hugs! Still other blogging friends found themselves the object of my photograph.

Like Renee Plain of Liberty Star. Her booth was so sweet.

And Holly Holderman from Lake House. Let her introduce you to Rick and Rack, her pet dogs!

Cindy Taylor Oates had this yummy display!

Cupcakes are such the rage! So when Pat Sloan and I were doing some serious research on our day off on Tuesday, we couldn't resist stopping here!

Crave Cupcakes is in Uptown Houston and has shelves of yummy cakes to purchase and eat. I got the cinnamon spiced cake with vanilla cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Worth every bite!! Probably good thing I don't live closer.

We were almost back to the hotel when we saw a street median with topiaries. So we had to make a u-turn and check that out. These are all available at River Oaks Plant House at 3401 Westheimer in Houston. Worth a visit if you're in town.

My favorite--the dancing bears!

We're off to open up Quilt Festival tonight!

Mix and Match

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:55:19 GMT

Quilt Market officially ended last night. It was a whirlwind of three days and I have lots more photos to share. But, I first must tell you about the Tina Turner concert. Yes, Tina Turner. Some of my quilting peeps asked if I wanted to go. How could I turn that down. And, WOW! Is she an entertainer or what. The costumes...the music. Those legs! I'll be rolling, rolling, rolling down the river the rest of the week.

Back to the sites of Quilt Market.

Bonnie Sullivan of All Through the Night has such a wonderful line of flannel that looks like wool. And, how could I not love the cherries on this quilt. I also had to get the pattern for her new framed samplers.

I wish I was better at making objects. These are right up my ally.

The Buggy Barn girls were not in their booth, but husband Ron was! And, this was what he was wearing.

Ron is also going to have his own fabric line and some patterns. I can't wait, as I have a little boy that is going to love it! Check out those trucks.

In August 2007 I was a guest speaker at the Buggy Barn event they do. It was so fun for so many reasons. One of those reasons was that I met Virginia Cole. Her work was hanging in the show and I was immediately drawn into her combinations of quilts and vintage pieces she includes. We chatted and exchanged cards. I've visited her website a few times. I was thrilled to see her featured in the pages of Mary Engelbreit a few issues back. So I was thrilled to see Virginia at Market.

Karla Eisenach has been in the quilting/creative business for years. I've always enjoyed her work. In the last few years she's also been in the scrapbooking world. At this market she was showcasing personallized fabric labels. I LOVE them!! I asked if she'd help me make Hen and Chicks fabric labels. Oh, the fun I could have.

Besides seeing all of this wonderful stuff, I'm also seeing lots of friends. Jane Sassaman has such beautiful fabrics and wonderful designs. Her booth was cheerful!

I'm always in search of the perfect bag. I bought this pattern from Lila Tueller Designs. I think it could be just the right size...not to small...not to big.

More photos of Market tomorrow! I'm off now to go some serious research around the city of Houston. I'll keep you posted on that, too!!

Little Girl Jackpot

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:51:50 GMT

Quilts are everywhere at International Quilt Market. The colors are beautiful. The designs are fresh. I love seeing all my friends. I've been taking tons of pictures and will start today with just a few of the new, young designers that are including girl dress patterns in their lines. I wonder why I'm so drawn to them!!!

This is Jess Goldman from Rigby, Idaho. Her company is Bananafana. Don't you think the girls will be adorable in this princess outfit?

This new hib design had wonderful fabrics with Michael Miller. Patty Young is the designer and her fabric collection is AndaLucia.

She didn't have a pattern for this dress yet, but she said she would in the future!

Chelsea Andersen started designing clothes when her oldest daughter was 18 months. I told her I had the cutest twin 18-month girls that would look awesome in her patterns! Her company is Pink Fig patterns.

And between the cherry fabric in her Farmer's Market line and these patterns from Portabellopixie--I am in love!

Houston, Here I come!

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:47:46 GMT

My flight takes off in three hours. Masterpiece quilts, new fabrics and patterns, and old friends. And, of course a shopping frenzy. Watch for posts from both International Quilt Market and Quilt Festival over the next 10 days. And, if you're coming to Houston, be sure to stop by and say hello at the APQS booth.

My Super Hero

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:44:42 GMT

I have one favorite little boy in the world and his name is Henry Jack. He's four. He loves pre-school. "Mom, I wish every day was a school day." He loves tractors. Green of course. He loves dually trucks. He told me on Friday while we were shopping that we need a Ford truck that is red with dually wheels. He's learning to count. He's learning his alphabet. He could eat spaghetti every night. He is sitting on my lap as I type this (up a little early). And, he loves to be Superman. Each day we put it on and have fun. On Sunday, he showed Grandma McNutt, too.

2008 Fall Fest is in the record books

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:41:47 GMT

Saturday, October 18, is now in the record books, rather than on my to-do list. Co-chair Arlene Snider and I have been working on this for weeks. When we awoke Saturday morning the fog was so thick we could hardly see the front of our cars. I'm sure it hurt attendance, but we still had fun!

We tried something different this year by having crafting demonstrations. I made these posters using my Creative Memories software.

We had fun learning how easy making a scrapbook page is from Darla.

And, my blogging friend Deb Bale came and showed us how to make these adorable pincushions. Great way to use up scraps and misc. embellishments you have laying around.

I demoed how to make yo-yos using the clover tools! Everyone was amazed at how quick I was able to make one. I don't have pictures of Carey showing us how to make a cute card in 9 minutes. But, I was so impressed!

I also got some Christmas shopping down, so that was good! This week I'm focused on getting ready for International Quilt Market and Festival. More on that later.

AQS in Des Moines was a winner!

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:27:49 GMT

To say that I'm exhausted today would be an understatement. I haven't worked a quilt show in several months, so I'm out of shape! Looking at beautiful quilts, researching the show for new patterns and fabric, talking to friends...it's a hard job. Oh, and I did have to work, too. I wanted to share a few highlights from this past week.

Here are Tony O'Tool and JoAnn Hoffman putting the finishing touches on the APQS booth before the show opened Wednesday morning.

We were all thrilled to have two of our favorite APQS quilters--Claudia Clark Myers and Marilyn Badger --take top honors at the show, winning Best Longarm Quilt with their original design Dragon Breath. This show-stopper was first appliqued by Claudia in the four corners with a few pieces, then machine-quilted by Marilyn, then hand-painted by Claudia.

Here's the entire quilt with Claudia, left, and Marilyn.

This is center of the quilt, which is entirely painted.

I love how the paint shimmers.

When you look at the back of the quilt you can get an idea of what the quilting looks like.

And, APQS Director of Education Dawn Cavanaugh machine quilted a ribbon winner that was appliqued by Amy Leonard. Here's Dawn and the quilt.

Look at the detail of this quilt!

At shows I love making new friends and seeing old ones. My quilting friends from Marshalltown made the trip to the show on Friday. From left, Deb, Karen, Carolyn, me, and Carolyn. We of course, let out a roar, when Karen noted that we had three ghosts, a witch, and a pumpkin with the colors we were wearing!

Two of my new friends are Carol Lindquist, left, and Jessica Vetor, right. They are members of the Keepsake Quilters Guild and are practically neighbors living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. I could tell immediately that we would get along just fine...they both had a good sense of humor! And, Jessica has a 5-year-old boy that loves John Deere tractors. I think we'll have to plan on a play date for the boys, so us moms can talk quilting.

One of the highlights of the week was that I spoke to a bus group from Minnesota. Our evening event was held at Living History Farms, where their beautiful quilt collection was on display. The caterer set up a lovely display and the food was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S. After their supper, they joined me for my own family quilt history story. We laughed and chatted about quilts for the rest of the evening. It was delightful.

Now I must recover quickly, as in less than two weeks I'll be in Houston, Texas, for the International Fall Market and Festival!

Trip down Memory Lane

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:19:39 GMT

In an effort to organize all of my photos, I bought Memory Manager from Creative Memories--and I LOVE it! So, today, as the girls are napping and Henry is in the field with Dad, I'm working in the program. I've had all sorts of old photos scanned at my favorite photo store in Des Moines. Now I'm transferring what is written on the backs of the photos to the journaling boxes in Memory Manager.

Well, I came across this photo and it was just too appropriate not to share. My last blog entry was about making my neice's 9th birthday happy. This photo is of my brother, her father, on his 9th birthday as he sees what Mom and Dad got him--a mini bike! Happy Birthday to you, too, Matt!

Gifts are so fun to give and to receive

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:15:52 GMT

I've always loved giving people gifts that make them happy. And, I think I accomplished that yesterday! My niece Megan is about to turn 9 years old and is in third grade. She and her family live out near Corning, New York. You may have seen some of the sewing that Megan has done in the past, but I wanted to open the doors of a bigger sewing world to her. I bought her a sewing machine!! My parents were driving out to visit, so they got the job of hauling the sewing machine and the excitement of seeing her open it up. Doesn't this say it all?

She called last night to thank me. I just wish I was there to help her sew. And, won't it be fun to get her hooked on fabric...and all of the wonderful patterns she can make. And, I've already googled a quilt shop 3 miles from their house that is a Viking dealer and will be a great resource, I'm sure.

Then there was the gift I gave myself yesterday that brought tears of happiness to my eyes when I saw this image. (I know, I cry easily.)

This was taken with my brand-new, very exciting Canon camera. I can't remember all of the numbers and letters that follow...10x or s or i or something! That's so not important. But, it's the photos I can take with it that are! I was in the car with the window rolled down and Henry was at least 30 feet from me. I told him I had to practice using my new camera (my anniversary gift) so to turn around and smile.

It's like one of those VISA commericals.

Sewing machine: $150
Camera: $450
Smiles: priceless

And, I've already sold my Nikon to a friend that has never had a digital camera. She stopped by this morning on her way to a golf meet to get the camera. I can't wait to see what she does with it.

I also found a great new blog that had a wonderful entry about gift giving...don't miss it!

Football legends

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:13:00 GMT

Last night Henry got to go to his second UNI football game in Cedar Falls, Iowa. And, I think when Jeff crawled in bed he said they won. One of our good friends' son, Brett, is a senior and is on the football team. We went to a game earlier in September with the entire family, but last night just Jeff and Henry went with Brett's parents, Al and Jo.

I can't wait to hear Henry talk about the game this morning. Brett is already an idol. Henry even named one of our bulls after him! When you see Brett's size compared to Henry you can image what Henry must think.

Last night Henry got to wear his new t-shirt with Brett's number (73) on it. Jeff said Henry talked all the way home. I only can image as Henry grows up and looks back at this football games, how legendary they will seem. It's about an hour drive and I know it was after 11 p.m. when Jeff got in bed. He'll be one tired boy this morning. Good thing he can sleep in a little. I am going to feed the kids at home this morning before taking them to daycare. (Note: so much for sleeping in...its 6:15 a.m. and Henry just popped into my office to see what I was doing. The day has begun.)

The Key to Success

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:10:21 GMT

In church on Sunday (September 28), the minister was talking about substance and style. One of his examples was that we marry for style (a man often marries a woman because she's beautiful), rather than for substance (organized, practical, or similiar less exciting traits). After the service I noted to his wife that the key to a successful marriage had nothing to do with style or substance, but rather your willingness to receive implements for your wedding anniversary. I went on to explain that today (September 28) was our 17th wedding anniversary and that I had received a 5-bottom plow from my husband. This will go well with the many tractors and other pieces of farm equipment that I've received over the years.

It has been pointed out to me that Jeff was really thinking of me with this gift. If he'd gotten a 2-bottom plow it would have taken him longer to plow. So, with the 5-bottom he'll be home faster!

Do you think that a Cannon DSL camera would be a nice gift for Jeff? He doesn't really like taking pictures or having his picture taken, but I think I might use it from time to time.

Come One, Come All to Fall Fest

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:05:12 GMT

I'm so excited to be helping with our local Fall Fest in Union at the South Hardin Recreation Area. It's an annual fundraiser for our non-profit organization. Last year I was a vendor, showcasing some of my hand made goodies. This year I'm helping organize it. We're going to try something different this year and have some demonstrations. Do you have any suggestions of what the demos could be? Or have you seen a great demonstration lately that I could re-create?

Here's the promotion poster I made on my Creative Memories Story Book Creator Plus software.

Hope you can all make it on October 18!

A Little of this and that

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:02:41 GMT

We've had some absolutely beautiful days in Iowa this past couple of weeks. I love fall! We've been doing so many things that I just had to share a few recent pictures.

Fall means it is time to work cattle. I used to be much more involved with this, but right now I take care of the girls and Henry is helping Dad. On Saturday morning, Jeff, our friend Al, and Henry worked the first group of cows and calves for the season. It was a cool, damp morning, and I just thought a coffee cake would taste good to them. So when it came out of the oven I loaded up the girls and headed to the South Place. When I got out of the car, Henry immediately said "can I see my sisters." Well, of course you can! He ran over and climbed up to say hello. That's Virginia in the window. Goldie is on the other side.

The girls love to wear sunglasses and they love to carry bags around. This is Virginia in pink shades, carrying a lovely frog in her bag. This goes on for 10-15 minutes at a time. It just cracks me up. And, she gets such a serious look on her face. Does this mean she's going to be a great shopper?

Aunt Janet has gotten her pumpkins out of the field to sell for the season. I've made one trip on the way home from church to get these for the wheel barrow. I'll take the kids back to get more!

I keep extra blankets in the car and they usually are sitting between the girls in the middle seat. On Saturday on my way home from Des Moines, Goldie decided to take the blanket and play peek-a-boo. It was hilarious. It entertained her for quite a while. And, you have to love that she's also holding her shoes.

And, last for today, a picture of one of our two new additions to the family. This is Charlotte. Her brother Sammy is yellow and also has moved in with us. In just 10 days we've gone from two kittens that were so scared they hid in our garage...to two kittens that are so fun that they are waiting by the back door for us. They don't seem to be too bothered by Goldie's screaming or her desire to pull their tails. And, Winnie, our 80 pound yellow lab is so scared of them she won't even come out in the garage with us. They will be living outside and in the garage, but we've been taking this slow so they will stick around. Charlotte loves to have her belly rubbed. She'll just flop on my lap and let me rub and rub.

Have a great day!

And....action

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 10:58:17 GMT

I promised yesterday I would show you some photos of the Fons and Porter web class video taping. The video taping process involves lots of equipment. We set-up in our Des Moines, Iowa, APQS showroom. Much easier to bring camera equipment to the long-arm machines than the other way around.

The video team of Andrea and Neal, picked this amazing quilt for us to work in front of. It's pieced and quilted by the APQS Director of Education Dawn Cavanaugh. It has these amazing sunflowers on it. If you look closely in the gray part of the quilt behind me you can see some of the quilting.

So despite the fact that from a distance our showroom looks like a jumbled mess of equipment, what you'll see on the web will be clean and simple!

Video Taping Stress

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 10:55:36 GMT

Every week is busy for me, but with a scheduled video taping on Thursday, September 18, it seems my whole world has been focused on Thursday, September 18. Well, it's Friday and the taping is over! Whoo-Hoo! I survived. Now I just have to go to work and finish quilting my project to send to Fons and Porter magazine. We celebrated last night by going to Conrad for BCLUW Homecoming free walking tacos and parade. It was a beautiful evening and a great way to end the day!

I'll upload some photos shortly, but I can tell you that it gets really hot under the lights when you're standing there for several hours. At one point sweat was running down my forehead...but luckily we had to stop tape for a minute. At least I got done before the lumberyard truck brought roofing supplies. The noise was so loud they had to wait to start taping Dawn Cavanaugh, APQS Director of Education. I felt really bad.

Off to work to quilt! Have a great day.