HenandChicks

Bob, Bob, Bobbin Along

Heidi Kaisand — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:12:00 GMT

Hen & Chicks Studio is so lucky to be hosting teacher Dawn Cavanaugh for a workshop. This workshop is for domestic machines. Call the store at 641-366-3336 and get the class supply list.

Red Bag Club Event for May 2013

Heidi Kaisand — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:48:20 GMT

Are you a Red Bag Club member at Hen & Chicks Studio? If so, then stop in this week and get your FREE fat quarter. And, if you're not a member yet, it's easy to become one--either buy the bag for $10 or spend $50 and get the bag for FREE! Once a member, there are no renewal fees--just something special every month for you!

New Class on the Schedule at Hen & Chicks Studio

Heidi Kaisand — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:21:26 GMT

Intro to Bobbin Work

Teacher: Dawn Cavanaugh
Friday, May 3 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Hen & Chicks Studio

Students will create a bobbin work stitch sampler during class that will help them learn the basics of bobbin work, including:

*proper needle selection

*how to make necessary machine adjustments to top and bobbin tension

*selecting decorative stitches suitable for bobbin work

*how to wind bobbins with different fibers

*selecting threads and fibers that work well in the bobbin

*stabilizing the fabric for bobbin work.

Students should have a working knowledge of their sewing machine, including understanding how to thread their machine, wind a bobbin, change a needle, and drop the feed dogs. It is helpful to know if you are able to slow your bobbin winder speed down (check your manual before coming to class).

Call the store at 641-366-3336 to sign up now for $20 and get the complete supply list.

Stitching with Style

Heidi Kaisand — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:25:00 GMT

Janet Brandt is a wonderful person. I've know her since 1994 when I first met her at Quilt America in Indianapolis. I immediately loved her work. Over the years I was able to feature many of her creations in the pages of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine. Now as a shop owner, I love being able to bring her unique style and wealth of inspiration to Hen & Chicks Studio to share with our customers.

I describe Janet as a creative genius. And, I think just being in the same room with her rubs off on us! In class this past Saturday, I loved seeing how she inspired the students to be so creative. Check out some of the work of the students. Hats off to them for their hard work!

Creative Stimulation at it's Best

Heidi Kaisand — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 01:31:13 GMT

On Friday and Saturday, Hen & Chicks Studio hosted Janet Brandt from Indianapolis, Indiana. We started on Friday night with a free make-and-take where the stitching was done on paper.

Even with this simple process the creativity from those who participated dazzled us!

On Saturday, Janet lead a group of happy stitchers through the paces of stitching on wool.

There was cutting...and then the stitching began.

It was fun looking at everyone's combination of colors.

Watch for another blog showing the creative results of the student's work. And mark your calendar for September 2014 when Janet will be returning to Hen & Chicks Studio.

PERFECT Party

Heidi Kaisand — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 01:18:49 GMT

When I met Jan of Sassy Stitches several years ago on the Great Iowa Tractor Ride, we talked about her business of making doll clothes. We've also run into her at the Iowa State Fair where she sells her beautifully-made clothes in Pioneer Hall. When the girls got the 18" American Girl dolls for Christmas this past year, I knew we were going to have to enlist Jan's services for their birthday party this year.

This past Saturday our planning came together for the perfect tea party for Goldie, Virginia and their friends and dolls. I couldn't resist sharing photos.

There was story telling, coloring, preparing for the fashion show...

Virginia and Marie Claire

Goldie and Caroline

the big girls...

the little girls...

The tea party.

Sisters...Virginia, left, and Goldie having a great time!

Then we had the party with grandparents and great aunt.

My parents with the kids...love it!

A birthday for the scrapbooks!

My girls are 6!

Heidi Kaisand — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:12:08 GMT

Goldie, left, and Virginia turn 6 today! Joy and happiness fill our house.

Over the years, I've tried to take pictures of me holding them or being with them to show how much they are growing. Here's a picture taken this morning before school.

We love you Goldie and Virginia.

Sales are springing up everywhere!

Heidi Kaisand — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 20:44:08 GMT

Get up to 75% off Craftsy's online crafting classes through Monday April 8. Use this special link, and you'll directly support Hen & Chicks Studio. Plus, you'll receive a follow-up email with a $5 coupon back to our shop for all your class supplies!

And, if you're a Red Bag Club member, this next week will be the perfect opportunity to pick up some wonderful fabrics at Hen & Chicks Studio. Not a Red Bag club member yet? Just ask how you can become one.

And, here's one last opportunity--it's not a sale, but a chance to help Hen & Chicks Studio! We've put in our wish for a $5,000 grant with Intuit and your vote could help us win! Visit this link daily through May 12 and vote for Hen & Chicks Studio.

Create Gifts from Your Pictures

Heidi Kaisand — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:08:02 GMT

Giving a gift that you've created is so much fun! And, this month at Creative Memories, you can do just that and save money at the same time! So, what would your mother like? Maybe a mouse pad for her computer. And, Dad? A coffee cup of course. It's simple, just find the product you like, choose a pre-designed template, upload your picture and go!

If you need help, just let me know! heidi@heidikaisand.com

Hop, Hop, Hop

Heidi Kaisand — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 04:56:00 GMT

Wishing everyone a wonderful Easter.

Virginia, left, Easter Bunny, and Goldie.

Set Your Table in Style

Heidi Kaisand — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:07:16 GMT

Table runners are a great way to try a new technique, use up fabric scraps, and change your decor. At Hen & Chicks Studio we have lots of table runner patterns and continually are making them using the latest fabrics. Some of them are even available to purchase on our on-line shopping cart.

Here are just a few --

Amazing Creative Memories Sale

Heidi Kaisand — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 02:13:53 GMT

When I'm creating scrapbook pages in my Creative Memories program StoryBook Creator I often start with a Click and Fill page. Every element can be changed, so I can easily customize to my liking. Well, all of these great digial products are on sale through March 28! Visit my Creative Memories web site and check out the great deals for yourself. And, if you're near Hen & Chicks Studio, mark your calendar for Saturday, April 27 when I can show you how to use these programs to be SUPER creative! Call the store and rsvp.

Some examples of what I've recently done with Click and Fill pages are:

An Amazing Teacher!

Heidi Kaisand — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:08:28 GMT

Janet Brandt returns to Hen & Chicks Studio to teach wool applique and embroidery. She's an amazingly patient teacher and will inspire you to be creative. Janet can take a simple, traditional embroidery stitch and show you how to spice it up in your next project. Sign up now for this upcoming class at Hen & Chicks Studio.

The Fab 5

Heidi Kaisand — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 16:19:44 GMT

That's the Kaisand family--loved it when a volunteer on the USS Midway offered to take a photo of our family with my camera! Yes, you can! It's not very often that I'm in the photo or that all five of us are. So, I love this.

The kids waiting to go aboard the USS Midway.

Henry and the Clover...he wants to take this picture to his next Clover Kids meeting!

And, the ladies performing during the USO show were looking very patriotic and sparkly!

Simply Stunning

Heidi Kaisand — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:18:42 GMT

The simple Log Cabin block is a wonderful backdrop to the incredible machine-quilting done by Kelly Van Vliet. Thank you Kelly for making it look SOOOOO amazing. This king-size bed quilt has been in progress for several months and is now ready to head to San Diego for its final destination at the annual AASV Foundation fundraiser next Monday night. I hope the new owner enjoys it as much as the hen and her chicks have enjoyed making it!

Sledding Happiness

Heidi Kaisand — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 01:46:07 GMT

I think the pictures tell all...

happiness...

It's time to Learn Something!

Heidi Kaisand — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:06:43 GMT

Hen & Chicks Studio has lots of opportunities to learn something new. Whether you want to learn a new technique, like applique--

Or work with a new material, like wool....

Or try an on-line class, through Craftsy...

What do you want to try? Call Hen & Chicks Studio at 641-366-3336 or email heidi@heidikaisand.com and let us know how we can help you learn something new today.

Sweet things...

Heidi Kaisand — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:03:00 GMT

This week will be filled with many sweet things...

including a sweet sale at Hen & Chicks Studio.

And, then there are the sweet things we make to eat...and the sweet things that help me make them!

And, there are our sweet friends...

Life is sweet...enjoy it!

Moving on to a New Home

Heidi Kaisand — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 22:41:10 GMT

Tomorrow I'll be dropping off this quilt at the Iowa Pork Producers for them to use in an upcoming raffle. It was a fun quilt to make. I thought long-arm quilter Kelly VanVliet added lots of texture to the quilt. Who ever ends up with this should really enjoy it.

Just have fun!

Heidi Kaisand — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:23:59 GMT

There are those photos that just make me smile and this is one of them. I'm working on some scrapbooking projects this morning and came across this photo from Christmas and just have to share. The grandkids were decorating Christmas pops for some entertainment (we've done other type of gingerbread house decorating in the past).

Have a happy day!